TW: Cyberpunk (IC)

[Thelonius]

This is link to game's wiki (http://twcp.wikispaces.com/PC).

World Map

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/5295/totalwarcyberpunk.png


Rules:

Assets, Liquidity & Investment

Assets

This stat represents the net worth of your Corporation or strength of you political cause. It increases or decreases, based on the world events and player's actions. Assets also support your faction's stats. The more Assets you have the more your stats can grow.

Assets can be increased more quickly by performing investments, but you may risk losing your investment.

Liquidity

This stat shows, how much of the Assets you can spend on Investments per turn.

Investments

a. You can Invest in your stats increasing them.

Example: Spend 3 to hire more security

b. You can Invest to increase your Assets. Investments can bring good returns or fail, losing you money/power.

Example: Invest 4 in mining operations in Syberia.

c. You can perform actions, that don't require any actual investment of resources. For example, convince government, they need you bad enough to bury that murdered reporter investigation. However, those will depend heavily on the circumstances and seldom would provide the same return as good investments.

Stats & Investments

I'd like to give an example, of how I would see the following two actions:

Investment 3, PI [1] + (Bribe a US Senator to introduce legislation harmful to competition)

Two rough looking man enter the US Senator's office, open a suitcase with money in it and tell him to pass a bill to hurt Corporation XX.

Result: Senator may accept the bribe (chances, not good, USA Politics Stat is lowly +, but it's Law is ++++), refuse it, suspecting it's a police operation, demand double the amount, take the money and do nothing or call the police and press.

Investment 3, PI [1] +++++ (Bribe a US Senator to introduce legislation harmful to competition)
Espionage [1] +++ (Cover the tracks)

''Hey Bill, how's wife and kids? Are we up to that golf game on Tuesday? Excellent, I'll see there. Say, you wife's sister has that foundation, so I was wondering, if she'd like to receive a donation from Untraceable Inc.. And that bill in the Congress, about providing the war veterans and orphan children, can you attach a rider on zoning rights to it. Perfect, just perfect.''

Result: Deal is done and at a discount, as your political lobbyist knows the Senator and how much to offer him.

Reading Messages (!):

You need to spend (1) of Espionage to read messages of another faction for an entire turn, if that faction has lower Espionage, then you.

If you have lower Espionage, you can spend (1) per message, after which you will receive information about it from GM (which may be incomplete or incorrect).

You also need to spend [1] of sufficiently high espionage to crack private servers in VI-Net. You'll be able to read them, until a message is posted, that password was changed.

Hiding Stats & Morale

Espionage can be used to hide your assets.

You don't need to hide some actions. If you are bribing a US Senator, you don't need to use Espionage. But there is a low chance some newspaper may catch a drift of it and if somebody decides to investigate, he'll easily find proof of corruption.

Morale

You can use Morale (1) to send people you really trust to do various tasks. This can provide a safty net, if things go wrong. Any task, that involves suicidal risks or very questionable things, would require spending Morale.

Territory:

You need to have presence in the nation or a deal with organization to provide you resources. The lack of such would impose a penalty on many of you actions.
H.Q.: Your organization's headquarters are located her. It's an enemy territory for anybody else.

Major Office: Your organization receives no penalties for acting in the region. You also have bonus, when you act against organizations with Contacts or no presence at all. Organization of lesser presence would often have problems getting support in acting against you.

Minor Office:
Your organization receives no penalties for acting in the region.

Contacts: Your organization can act without penalties in the region, as long as you keep your contacts satisfied. Minor actions may not require anything, while more risky or expensive projects might require payment of fees or promise of favours.

No Presence: most of your actions receive penalties. A high quality stat may be enough to overcome them and still succeed.

Research:

You need to do 3 things for research:

1. Set the project scope from + to +++++. This will determine how ambitious you plans are. The ++++ and +++++ projects are you shooting for the stars - they'll be highly expensive and difficult to complete.
If you don't set scope, I'll set it myself, based on your description.

2. Assign Investment (X) and Stats (usually Research, but sometimes other Stats can be useful). If you think something will make research go smoother, mention it. Usually researching stuff related to your chosen Markets is easier.

3. Once the research is complete, you need to decide, how you are planning to apply it. For example, a military technology won't provide a big bonus to the small Rent-A-Cop security force, but would greatly boost a proper PMC forces.

Actions & EoTs

If you want anything done during the turn, you need to post that action in IC Thread. Actions sent via PM won't be executed, until the EoT.

In the EoT, when you spend Assets, I'd like you to write ''Investment X'', and when you assign Stats, ''Military [X]''.

I think in this game it would be easier to structure the EoT around actions:

1. Organize Protest in Rome and Make it Turn Violent.

Investment 3 (There is no reason for people to raise, so you need to invest your Assets into riling up people).
Morale [4] (The leaders of the protest are your man, making sure, things go the way you need them to go.)
Espionage [3] (Have somebody wearing police uniforms shoot at the protesters.)

2. ...

[Thelonius]

Turn 1

North America

Weather Forecast: Winter is Coming

The climatologists agree the upcoming winter is going to hit Canada harder, then ever. The government is building up surplus of food, rushing to finish the heat isolation for the living blocks and backup generators. The first Cold Fusion Reactor is going to go online in Toronto by the end of the month.

Countdown to USA Elections (3 Turns)

The independent candidate Adrian Crawley gave a speech in South Caroline, on the government regulation of the Military Grade Augmentation. He called attention to the second amendment in the U.S. constitution and accused Washington of denying the Augmentations to the population out of fear, for armed rebellion against tyranny. He finished his speech saying, ''I've got nothing against the guns, as long as they are sold to the American people and not to our so-called ''allies'' in foreign nations''. The speech was met with considerable success, especially in the secessionist states, such as California, Texas, Iowa and Nebraska.

The democratic candidate Jeremy Lewis has complained the Crawley's cheap populism is stealing his votes, allowing an easy victory for the Republican Perry Stanford.

Mass Kidnapping in Mexico

A private, high security school in Mexico was targeted by suspected Cartel affiliated criminals. Thirty children of the government officials were taken, twelve were executed on the spot. This is next step in the ongoing war between the Mexican government and the Cartels. Mexican president Enrique Alvarez swore retribution on the brutal criminals, no matter the cost.

NB-Tech: Cure for SRS Discovered

A new company NB-Tech has announced it has developed a cure for the SRS, the Sudden Rejection Syndrom, that has afflicted the recipients of the augmented technology. The cure is expected to hit the stores in three months, after the last of medical trials are over.

South America

Enviromentalists Ringing Warning Bells

Several prominent environmentalist organizations have blown a whistle on the practices of Brazilian and WAFEZ corporations, that have greatly polluted the region, after the government relaxation of oversight. They presented the report, that indicated extinction of several native species and permanent contamination of land and air. A class action suit by more thirty thousand people was brought to the courts to seek redress for the damages from poor environmental conditions in Brazil. Graham & Hart representing the sued corporations remains optimistic about the outcome of the trial.

Talking Puppies Scandal

Another scandal involving corporations was brought up, this time by the animal rights activists. It appears the P&K Foundation has subcontracted Genesis Inc, a leading bio-engineering Brazilian company, to work on enhancement of the animals communication ability. The animal activists claim, this goal was achieved by cruel and unusual experiments on dogs and present video images, shot from the lab, where several animals are producing speech-like sounds with chirurgically altered vocal chords.

The P&K denies knowledge of any immoral experiments and that their agreement with Genesis Inc. was, that no harm was to be done to the animals.

Fighting in Venezuela

A new power struggle has began in the Venezuela as troops of General Perez moved his troops to take control of the Maracay. The fight for the single city is threatening to destabilize the tenuous system of truces and agreements and once more plunge the nation into open civil war.

Europe

Morbid Taste For Bones

Five graveyards were raided by snatchers, looking for the deceased buried with their augmentations. The police are currently investigating. the cases, with several suspects in custody.

News from Russia

As Boris Korneev, the current president of the Russian Federation, has postponed his public appearance for the second time in this month, the rumors of his declining health are growing stronger. Several riots broke out across the country, with nationalists targeting minorities and assaulting the government buildings.

Meanwhile, police raids were conducted against several major corporations and their top management was arrested on charges of tax evasion.

Demonstrations in NEU

G-Phobes have announced their intention to march in protest, after the EU Comissioner Stanislaw Zielinsky's announcement, about NEU plan to extend new technology to all of its citizens, would be in part funded, by slashing social programs, including those, directed to aid younger generation.

Meanwhile, Catholics all across Europe are expected to take to the streets in their protest of technology, the Vatican has decreed to be dangerous and immoral.

Scientists Goes Missing

A prominent neuroscientist Joseph Bernstein was reported missing on Tuesday. The police suspect kidnapping, as part of industrial espionage, after it was discovered all data was wiped out in his work place, Eden Labs, a subsidiary of the Arde Vita Inc. Doctor Bernstein's research promised to provide a cure for a number of mental illnesses related to aging and was part of the planned third generation rejuvenation treatment.

Rumor Mill: Switzerland To Join EU

The third visit to Geneva by the NEU's High Representative Michel La Roche sparked rumors, that NEU is conducting secret negotiations with Switzerland, to invite the traditionally neutral state to join the union.

NEU/Turkish Border Clashes

A Turkish soldier was shot dead in another incident on the borders between the two nations. The relations remain strained, despite the EU Commissioner's official apology on behalf of the NEU, for the deaths of the Turkish immigrants during the mass rioting in the old EU.

Africa

WAU/AAN War

The borders between WAU and AAN have always remained fluid as battle lines shifted and infiltration teams struck behind enemy lines, but for the first time they appear to be stabilizing, cutting Congo and Chad in half. The fighting has died down and some politicians have cautiously expressed hope for the possibility of a peaceful solution to the crisis.

Digital Saint

Eliza Veil was canonized as a saint by the Eritrean Orthodox Church. Patriarch Asanaku Defar has spoke ''She has done God's work in creating a field for human creativity, from which a bountiful harvest has grown.''

Middle East

Israel/Neo-Caliphate Talks End With Peace

Israel and Neo-Caliphate have finally signed a formal peace treaty, a first step in leaving the horrors of war and chaos behind. A memorial for the people, who died from nuclear attacks and radiation poisoning was opened in a ceremony in which officials from both sides took part.

Energy Summit

The Neo-Caliphate has announced plans to host a conference on alternative energy to be held in New Cairo.

Turkey's Nuclear Program

Turkey has officially announced it will continue to advanced its nuclear program, despite the outpour of protests and threat of international sanctions.

Asia

Triad-Yakuza Shootout

Twenty two men were killed in a shootout between Triads and Yakuza in Osaka earlier this morning. This is just another incident in a series of violent confrontations between the two criminal syndicates.

Chinese Economy

The China officially announced the success of the first stage of its 100% employment program. President Kuang has announced, that in two years every Chinese man would have a job.

VI-Net

(The Sane Man) The world is being run by the conspiracy. Everything we see happen is done at their will. The vampires have existed for thousands of years, so of course they have technology far advanced to others. All those corporations are just a front for them. The life-extension treatment is them feeding us their blood, making anybody, who accepts such treatment deranged ghouls. Why do you think there are so many psychotics running on the streets? The supervulcano explosion was their plan to block the sun, are you people blind? And these ''Augumented'' are vampires walking among us, displaying their supernatural abilities. It's not technology. It's their supernatural powers. Each corporation is a front for one of the vampire clans. Sunshine Inc.? Are you kidding me? They shove it right at our faces. You must see it too!

====

(TheIlluminaty) We had a meeting. World's f***ed.
(John-03) New alternative reality game? Don't tell me it's marketing for Puppies vs. Kitties: Spy Games.
(John-23) Hey man, can u sell ur nick?
(John-00) Sure a hundred?
(John-23) I ment Illuminati, srry man

====

(Crankman) Jeff, it's important. I've run check on Martin, and he is a VI-Spam Bot.
(SID07) What are you talking about? I'm not Spam Bot.
(Crankman) SPAM-Check Software doesn't lie. It cross-references all conversations, evaluates the use of stick phrases and number of time products are mentioned to determine, if person is in fact a SPAM Bot. And it costs just 19.99.
(Jeff_2008) ****... Wait, Crankman, I just checked your messages out and
(Jeff_2008) Oh my god, you are a Spam-Bot too!
(Jeff_2008) All my friends are ****ing SPAM-Bots. My life is a ****ing joke.
(SID07) You sound depressed Jeff-Man, you should try new SmileMax, it's 25% more efficient at the same price.
(Crankman) You should really sign up for Suicide Watch, for a small fee, they'll monitor your behaviour for signs of depression and Chills. They can alert you relatives
Jeff_2008 logged off
Crankman logged off
SID07 logged off

====

(RussianChaos_Marine) Sweet speech by Tushenko. We'll be bringing them all legs first out of Kremlin soon.
(Stalker_10) USA won't let anybody replace their stooges. They need Kremlin to pump resources out of country.
(RussianChaos_Marine) We'll have lots nukes. Plus, who says its USA. Corporations run things nowdays.
(WinniPuch) Kremlin is in cahoots with the Chinese. They'll get Siberia.
(WinniPuch) Africa too. I've got contacts there.

====

Global Conspiracy 2 - Chatroom 00348 [Esp. +++]

(Vizard|Eden Inc.) ey 3s, do you got any pull on tha yaks?
(Sarin|Triads) Some. Why?
(Vizard|Eden Inc.) am thinking gun trade - kill the Jap laws, you profit
(Sarin|Triads) And what do you get out of that?
(Vizard|Eden Inc.) heheh trolling the USA /w revolts, armed mob - they have to react or lose Asia
(Sarin|Triads) Hmm. We have a deal.
(R3Mix|Freemasons) Sounds good on my end too. I'll be moving on to Germany in a few weeks.
(Greg|US Gov.) Oh screw you Viz. If you do that, I'm going communist on your HQ.
(Vizard|Eden Inc.) lol ya rite. lookat stability in California. kekeke
--- Global Announcement - Nuclear Terrorism in Rome ---
(R3Mix|Freemasons) Wait who did that? Goddamn!
(Gorgutz|Illuminati) Heh heh


====

Digital Shrine [++++]

(HighProgrammer-08) She saved me from the Reapers today. I went to that place and they suddenly closed on me. I felt them doing something. It just paralysed me, I couldn't pull the plug.
(HighProgrammer-08) Felt like they were squeezing my brains. Thought I'd end up comatose, then she was there. Can hardly describe it. Just something filling the Net.
(VirtualAdeptOmega) You did a check? Any proof?
(HighProgrammer-08) Like God, no proof of existence, only personal experience faith.
(VirtualAdeptOmega) You aren't smoking? Be more rational. She must be an AI or personality download.
(JJ_EHT) Any progress on Reapers?
(VirtualAdeptOmega) Nothing. So it's either Sunshine Admins or J-Energy Rouge AI. I'd go with first.
(Clovis-Clovis) Or Devil's servants.


====

Garden of Death [+++++]

(Los_Muertos) Let's commence the new secret poll.
(CHQ-3003) I've got 100k for a job in France.
(Los_Muertos) That's rule 3 violation, Mr. Louver. I don't do jobs. You insult me.
(Los_Muertos) Police was alerted to that extensive stash of videos you have on your computer. You sick, sick man. They are just children.
(CHQ-3003) Please, wait I didn't realize. You can't frame me like that. I'll
User CHQ-3003 was banned from the Garden of Death
(Los_Muertos) Whoever sent him invite, better fess up. I don't want to waste ten minutes to find you.


Private Objectives

[Consider Private Objectives to have PM-Level Secrecy]

Hyperion Inc.

General Arnold Pike sat in the leather chair in the cabinet of Hyperion Inc. CEO Darrel Jacobson. As the liaison between the Pentagon and Hyperion Inc., it was his job to explain the needs of the USA military. He inhaled the Cuban cigar and continued the conversation:

''We need two things done. Both jobs are important, but the first one has a priority. The Russia is in a bad shape, our intelligence predicted an insurrection one month ago, so they are already living on a borrowed time. We need President Korneev in power. The alternative is either a bunch of America-hating ultra-nationalists. If tune on the Moscow FM radio, you'll hear what they think about us. Or perhaps a bunch of warlords. Did I mention nukes? We want any insurrections crushed, but if army starts shooting at the so-called ''peaceful civilian protesters'', at that's their favourite tactic, attack, get shot and call the cameras. Well, Russia can kiss international support goodbye. So we need something, that can be deployed against the protesters, without causing Media to go ballistic. An efficient, non-lethal, crowd control method. We'll supply it to our Russian comrades.

As for the second one, well we are having problems in Africa. The WUA are a selfish bunch of pricks, who want to sit on their asses, collect Uncle Sam's military aid checks and let the Chinese plunder the east Africa to build more tanks and missiles. We need WUA to attack. And if you can make us some guns, that we can say will give them an easy victory, they will be forced to act. So, make us something very, very destructive as soon as possible.

B.D.P.T.

Angelina Kesse, ECC (European Combined Command) liason with B.D.P.T. was discussing the matters of security with the Anya Kowerski:

''You may know about the European Commissioner Stanislaw Zielinsky's speech. The NEU is going to bring the technology to every our citizen. However, before we can achieve this goal a period of adjustment is required. We will be cutting some social programs, that served as a life-support, and replace them with actual cures. It's going to be painful. And Mr. Zielinsky is going to be reminding the leaders of industry, of their social obligations to support the changes in the NEU. There will be tax raises and, they won't be pleased.

We have received news that two groups with significant popular support are going to be protesting the NEU policies. The G-Phobs are usually on our side, as they support the spread of technology, but cutting of the social programs to the youths. They predictably don't like. The Catholics are pretty unhappy , as the Pope unfortunately isn't a fan of technology. We expect the more fringe groups, such as the terrorists of the Silhouette and criminals, like the Kings of Glasgow to join in as well. If things go wrong, we may have mass riots and it won't do.

B.D.P.T. will have full control of the NEU police forces and will be in charge of organizing things in a way to keep riots from breaking out or active fighting between the groups. The Commissioner is placing a lot of trust in you.''

Angelina Kesse pauses for a moment sipping coffee. She taps her fingers on the table, for a second lost in thought and then continues:

''Commissioner is meeting with the EU businessmen in Warsaw. They must be impressed upon, that it is in their best interests to aid the cause of European stability. That the alternative wouldn't be to their liking. I'm certain, if they are reminded, what happens when the social contract is broken and the citizens are unhappy with their elites, they will be far more reasonable. Do you understand, what I'm saying?''

Silhouette

There are many organizations around the world dedicated to the search for truth and freedom of people. The Silhouette has received offers of cooperation from many of them. Your contacts around the world are asking, if they should try working with those groups for the common cause.

Neo-Decembrists (Russian group of discontent students in St. Petersburg)

Sons of Liberty (One of the USA Secessionist groups)

Underground (A collection of hackers, activists and students spread around the world)

Silver Revolvers (A group of anti-corporate fighters in South America)

Daemon (A world-known hacker, dedicated to finding the truth.)

The Vatican

The EU Commissioner Stanislaw Zielinsky's speech promised to spread the technology to every single NEU citizen. There were some, who didn't wish for it. The faithful of Europe have heeded the words of the Pope Ciro Saturnino Teo Manuel Agani and prepared to take to the streets their disapproval.

The supporters of the new policies were bound to march to the streets as well. In this time troubled time, the faithful were waiting for guidance from the Vatican.

International Bank of Geneva

The top financial expert of the IBG, Geert Van Dyk tapped on the door of the IBG's CEO.
''I have some news. The Chinese seem very interested in trading the stock of their companies.''
The China's expulsion from UN and economic sanctions have all but killed trade in financial securities
''They have offered options for the South America, Middle-East and Europe. A lot of those banks are looking at what we would do. If we start offering Chinese stock to our clients, so would they.''
The banker placed two stacks of papers on the table. ''The left stack is, what I would say ethically-clean one. Well, as much as any Chinese stock can be, considering their work practices. The right one, which incidentally carries significantly higher returns, belongs to the companies, that are currently operating in AAN. The ones about, which we keep reading in newspapers''. Van Dyk tapped on the newspaper, with the large ''Two hundred dead in mine collapse, five hundred...'' article title on the front page. ''In fact, considering how China lacks in transparency, the left stack companies may well be a front for the right stack ones. So, we start tradeing these securities, some people may say we a complicit in what the Chinese do. At least, if the story goes to the media'' .

Proxima

One of the last bastions of the space technology, Proxima. The governments of the world have cut their space programs one after another, citing lack of results and profit. All what was left were sending satellites into the orbit.

''I have checked.'' Trent Avery said to the Proxima CEO. ''The guy bought enough space assets, the governments dumped for a joke price. He used what he needed to set up his Space Station - Pelor, and the rest is now stored in the warehouses, gathering dust.''

Daniel Walters, one of the major shareholders of the Vexxler Inc. has poured all of his estate into purchasing the abandoned space programs and then used them to build his own space station, to which he moved to live permanently.

''We could really use those materials. Problem is, it's hard to arrange the meeting. He lives on a space station and doesn't pick up the phone. Some say he is long dead. If we want to meet him, we'll have to organize a launch and there's no guarantee, if he is alive or willing to sell.''

Miracle Inc.

Once upon a time, sysadmins numbered very few and those outside the profession who knew enough about the systems were even fewer. Those times were long-gone, yet Virtual Security Chief Tom Gonne sometimes wished he had lived back then. Especially when, opening up a terminal, he was greeted by a grinning face, a foreign text file on the server's locked security zone stating that "Scientia potentia est" and an impending headache.

This sort of thing had become a frightening regularity. Sure, someone'd breach an unimportant server every once in a while, the hole would be plugged and people would continue on. But recently, the servers had been a target of constant attacks along a number of different paths - not only were their defenses being breached, the intruders had used routes that their security hadn't even taken into account. It felt like they were being toyed with. And their servers held a lot of customer information - if this stuff got out into the public, there'd be a major backlash.

So, a few hours later, he was standing in the one room he'd rather not have to visit during the course of his day.

"Hey boss. We have a problem.

There's somebody out there who's targeting our servers and stealing data - so far we haven't found a trace of it on the VI-Net or elsewhere, but it's a ticking timebomb for us. We don't want that stuff out. Plus, this group is good. The only reason we know about everything they've done is because they leave a message every time. I'm pretty sure I can block off their attack vectors soon enough, but the stuff they already have? We need to track it down somehow, before it gets out."

Section-9

''Your organization has extended its reach to all of the world. I think you aren't present only in Korea, a tough nut to crack and Canada, I can see why you don't bother with an office there. My emplyers are prudent man, who plan in advance. Sooner or later one of the jobs you'd take would put you on our trail. And that would be most unfortunate development for both of our organizations.''

The woman's file on the Section-9 was good, he obviously had some potent access to be able to gather that much information.

''As you can see our reach is at least equal to yours. I propose a truce. We make things go easy for you, you don't look under some stones or open the doors, that are not meant to be opened. We don't interfere with you, you ignore anything, that may pertain to us. There could be some minor information exchange, beneficial to both of our causes. We can make the first step as a gesture of good will, your agents around the world may find themselves in possession of information, most beneficial to their assignments.'
'
''So'', the woman asked, ''Would we have our truce?'' Her VI-Generated image shimmered for a second and then regained its composition. The Section-9's technicians were lose to locating the security breach and finally putting a trace on the signal transmiting this proposal.

Viridian Industries

In the cabinet of the Chinese Minister of Trade, Lao Xun spoke to the Viridian representatives. ''Your project to bring food to the world is most charitable and deserving of praise. The China wishes to support it. We have the land and the hardworking men, who work it. What we lack is bio-engineered plants to plant. We have been talking to the South American Corporations to provide their technology, which can prove to be most beneficial for this magnanimous course. They are concerned the Viridian Industries would deprive them of their profit and wish restrictions to be placed on the project. We will provide our support to you, if you accept those restrictions.''

Lao Xun, paused and smiled, ''Or if you can deliver bio-engineered crop plants of higher quality, so we do not need them. Should we come to an agreement, you will have land, investment and our aid in distribution of food.''

Warhawk Inc.

''Darcy Huffington'', introduced himself the young, well-dressed man. ''I've recently entered the business of security services, starting in England and planning to expand to Europe and then North America. Well, my secretary sent you the details.''

''As you may have read in Blogosphere, there is a rising number of grave robbing crimes. People are getting buried with their augmentations, so we have return of the body snatchers. My security company, ''Monolith'' will specialize in protecting graveyards, private tombs and transportation of the dead bodies. It's a growth market. But as my company is a newcomer we need something to lend credibility to our name. I'm proposing to provide you a share of my company's stock in exchange for the official Warhawk Inc. certification. It's a win-win for you, a share of profits and getting your name spread around. I've arranged through my contacts to get a job of protecting the graveyard, where Mr. Farrow is buried, and despite him being dead for all this time, his name still regularly makes the news. I believe we can get good media coverage.''

Lucion

The Neo-Caliphate is calling a conference on the development and implementation of new energy sources, to replace the dangerous nuclear power and polluting coal plants. There are two major options for the new, clean energy sources - the solar sheets and cold fusion reactors. The Lucion receives an invitation as the leading expert on the solar power.

Quantum Tech

The Sudden Rejection Syndrome, the human body rejection the mechanical and bio augmentation without any apparent cause, remains one of the biggest problems, that the Augmentation industry is facing. A recent start-up company NB-Tech has announced it has discovered a drug called ''Pionlyze'', that according to their claims, reduces the risk of SRS by good 35%. Their medical trials data is supporting this claim, but also reveals a set of nasty side effects - from mild to severe cases of psychosis. The period of taking the drug is three-four months post operation, when most of the SRS cases occur. The NB-Tech wishes for the companies producing Augmentation technology to start recommending the use of Pionlyze right-away, citing the increase in profits it will lead to.

Glasgow Gang

''You know who has everything in order?'' asked Daniel, one of the Great Gods. ''Everybody else - the Triads, Mexican Cartels, Yakuza, Russians.'' He finished the entire bottle of vodka in one gulp.

The others nodded in agreement. They didn't necessarily agree with him, but he was both high on drugs and augmented. The Great Gods were the strongest members of the gang, but still they wanted more and kept bitching about it. ''I'm saying, nobody dares to mess with their ****. Because everybody knows, what they can do. Do people know what we can do?'' He shook his head, indicating, that no, they didn't. ''We must get tough, so nobody even thinks about muscling on our territory. Either we do it now or they'll eat us alive. I say we make a few examples, show, what happens to people, who don't give us respect.'' Daniel got up and squeezed the glass bottle with his augmented hand. It exploded into shower of glass shards, making several shallow cuts. He smeared the blood on his shirt and turn to others.

''What do you say, I know a ****, who's been disrespecting us and a snitch, who got Mark into the cell this morning. We start with those and work down the list''.

[ArcaneStomper]

Hyperion Inc. [Esp. +++++]

To GM
Jacobson leaned back in his chair, "Alright non lethal isn't one our most called for products we can do that. Do you have any other specifications. For instance do you want the protesters completely unharmed or is the occasional broken bone ok as long as it isn't lethal. And what scale do you want this to be at. Rifles for the everyday police man or vehicle mounted for only the riot control units."

"For the second well the RD boys already had a few ideas for our latest projects, but I need a couple more details to set them on the right track. First off do you want something cheap the WAU can arm all their soldiers with or something higher quality that just a couple of can turn the tide of war. Second what level of destructiveness do you want. Are we talking WMD here or just more effective at killing?"

[Turalisj]

Section 9 (espionage: nothing you could hope to beat)

To Mexican President Enrique Alvarez
We understand you swore to do anything to bring the criminals to justice, "no matter the cost."

How much are you willing to pay for a solution to this problem?

V-Net Private Link (PM level)
"Interesting proposal. But how do we know what stones to look under or what doors to keep closed? Our business is well known, but yours is a mystery."

[TsukikoJ]

International Bank of Geneva
Espionage: ++++

(RP to come later)

Neo-Caliphate
We would like to attend your meeting on alternative energy.
B.D.P.T.
It's probably a good idea if we work together to look out for each others' interests and the interests of the region. Would you agree?
N.E.U.
It looks like you're having some problems with the public because of budget cuts. Perhaps our financial experts could help you manage your budget so the masses are appeased. I'm sure we can help you find money somewhere...
Switzerland
Greetings [Prime Minister?],

The maintenance and improvement of our home nation is of the utmost importance to the International Bank of Geneva. In fact, it's part of our mission statement. I would be very interested in meeting with you personally to discuss how we can help with that.

Frederick Ankrum
CEO of IBG
Adrian Crowley
The United States is very important to the global economy, so it is in the best interests of the IBG to ensure that the outcome of the upcoming US elections is favorable for the global economy and business as a whole. Besides making weapons available primarily to American citizens, I am curious to know what other issues you stand for.
Perry Stanford
The United States is very important to the global economy, so it is in the best interests of the IBG to ensure that the outcome of the upcoming US elections is favorable for the global economy and business as a whole. Given your history, I imagine that you agree. I would like to see the next US President be someone who stands up for corporations. What are some of your stances on the global economy and corporations?

[razovor]

The Vatican

Berlin, Germany

Pope Ciro I stepped out the Maglev carriage to a blaze of flashes. The Papal guard stood loyally in front of the carriage, along with the journalists who had been hand picked to record the popes first visit to Germany. The Pope smiled, and stood to the side for the captain of his Papal guard, the only augmented man in the popes service, and only because the augmentations were necessary to sustain the captain's life after a fatal injury.

After allowing a moment for his eyes to adjust, the pope turned to the journalists and began his address with a smile

"God Bless Germany and the European Union."

"It is no secret why I am here today. People are gathering on the streets of Europe to fight for a better world. A world of peace and stability. And I am here to stand alongside them. Because I truly believe that the European Unions new scheme is wrong."

"I do not stand here today in opposition of technology or technological progression. Countless times in the past great men have used technology to do great good. Technology gave them the power to do that, just as it gives us the power to manipulate the world as we do everyday. Technology is power. In the hands of the good, technology alleviates suffering, in the hands of the evil, it causes suffering."

"In the past men were able to say with confidence, that most of the power lay in the hands of good men. But times have changed. The world is not stable, evil has corrupted the heart of man. We live in an age where the world is falling. Too much power lies in the hands of those who can not be trusted with it."

"If they had the power the European Union would spread their new technology to every man in the world. They would make humanity more powerful. But Humanity does not need to be more powerful. What Humanity needs is to be more responsible. These social programs that the EU are slashing are exactly what the people of Europe need."

"So, people of Europe, I call on you to rise up and show your leaders what they're doing wrong. For the sake of the future we must act now, before it's too late."

"As a final note I must urge all volunteers to protest peacefully. Violence is never acceptable."

To the New European Union [Unencrypted]
I would like to offer the services of my papal guard to maintain order during the upcoming protests.

[ragingrage]

Proxima Esp: +++

To GM (PM-Level)
Would my current level of space shuttle tech be enough to get to the Space Station he is located in? Do I know where the space station is?
To the International Bank of Geneva
A message is sent from Proxima CEO, Jordan Stagson; enclosed in a simple envelope.
Greetings. Would you be interested in a joint project, seeking to research a new and more efficient design for Space vehicles? We at Proxima believe this could be a stepping stone towards further exploration of our universe and even perhaps the eventual set up of Moon colonies. We await your reply.
To Silhouette
A message is left at one of your known offices ((I'm not really sure about that, but the point remains the same))
Greetings. Would you be interested in hiring us to get some satellites up in the air for you? These satellites could be used to do something like monitor troop movements of known antagonistic corporations, allowing you to stop them before it is too late.
To Section 9
A message is sent to a base of Section 9.
Greetings. What would be your prices for hiring, say, (1) mil for protecting our laboratories?
To Viridian Industries
A message is sent to Viridian Industries HQ
Greetings. Would you be interested in co-operating on a bioengineering project to decrease the amount of food and water needed by humans to survive? Ideally this would be achievable while not altering what the Human might do, but for us it would be better (and cheaper) if the Person could simply enter a state similar to hibernation.
To Quantum Tech
A message is sent to Quantum Tech HQ
Greetings, American brothers to the west! Would you be interested in co-operating on a bioengineering project to decrease the amount of food and water needed by humans to survive? Ideally this would be achievable while not altering what the Human might do, but for us it would be better (and cheaper) if the Person could simply enter a state similar to hibernation.
To Lucion
A message is sent to Lucion HQ in Jamaica
Greetings, American brothers to the west! Would you be interested in co-operating on a bioengineering project to decrease the amount of food and water needed by humans to survive? Ideally this would be achievable while not altering what the Human might do, but for us it would be better (and cheaper) if the Person could simply enter a state similar to hibernation. We can always work up from there.
To Warhawk Inc.
A message is sent to Warhawk Inc.'s Office in New York.
Greetings. What would be your price for the loan of (1) mil to us, to defend our laboratories and such?

[Imperial Psycho]

Silhouette
A Bunker

Adrien Gravois frowned. His one arm twitched, idly attempting to scratch an itch that wasn't there. He idly considered pulling on some trousers, but decided against it. This was important. He had to make his stance known on the N.E.U.'s new scheme. As if it wasn't obvious. Of course he opposed it. He began to type into his terminal, his hand flying across the keyboard in practiced motions.

The piece that was uploaded to the Silhouette network spoke well of the Pope "the sanctomonius old fart" thought Adrien, but he would be more persuasive this way. More palatably, it said good things about G-Phobes, an organisation Adrien had some sympathy for. It went into great detail about the dangers of corporate or government controlled augmentation. "They will have the power to turn off your limbs, the potential to shut off your mind", the article ranted. Not his best work, Adrien mused. But he sent it off anyway. The article would be uploaded to Silhouette servers, where it would be distributed through the net. A copy would also find it's way to the good men and women who ran the Silhouette radio station. Even Gravois didn't know where they were, as they kept moving, though he had met the guy who ran it once. Good man. A little hairy. The point was, everyone who knew where to look would know where Silhouette stood.

Satisfied, Adrien leaned back, grabbing a luke-warm cup of coffee from the desk. Taking a sip, the brew was so bitter he was almost sick. Disgusting. After he drained the mug, he decided to finally dress himself, and inspect the guards. The life of an internationally known terrorist left much to be desired.

To Proxima
(You'd have better luck contacting us through the VI net. Organisations considered terrorists rarely have known offices one can just walk into.)
Give me exact capabilities and price and we'll talk. We would of course need exclusive access to it's systems. No back doors or kill switches. We know how to check. Of course, we will keep the location of our buildings to ourselves.

Silhouette (GM)
Of course. Get me a dossier of what we know about each of the organisations and people, and I'll contact them myself.

Thelonius
I'll spent Espionage [1] to read BDPT's messages, if possible (we have equal quality)

[Exthalion]

Lucion

Proxima
Why? It is not for want of bread that men starve, but for lack of exertion by those who may produce it. Better to bring into accord the morality of charity and the will of the bread makers than to seek to change the need of man for bread.

Incidentally, we have a program in the works to solve this problem but other concerns are more immediate to us.

Mexico & US
There is a problem both of you are faced with, especially our neighbors to the west. We believe we have a solution for you. However before we invest too greatly in this project we would like some information. You don't have to give us anything hard, just confirm or deny if our play has merit.

We would like a private meeting with both of your ambassadors.
OOC: If they accept I will move to PM level discussions.

Neo-Caliphate
We would be most interested in attending your conference. We truly believe in a clean and sustainable future for the world.

Bank of Geneva
We would be interested in talks for a loan for a project of ours that could well revolutionize the way human society interacts with our world. If you agree, we will send a representative for secure discussions.

Vatican
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

You know we are not like some corporations, who seek after dangerous and unsafe technologies that degrade the nobility of the human spirit. Indeed there are those who desecrate their bodies through they be temples to the Holy Spirit.

We believe that the sun is a constant reminder of the exceeding generosity of the Father who has in this way thrown open the storehouse of heaven and given us so much blessing that we have not ways to make use of even the smallest portion.

For this reason we would like to partner with you to bring wholesome and meaningful technologies to the rest of the world making use of sunlight. The Savoir said that the kingdom of heaven is like a man who, going on a journey, entrusts his possessions to his servants. That we should be good stewards of that which the Lord of Hosts has given to us should we not use his gifts as fully as we are able?

We will present more secular arguments and hard data at the upcoming conference on energy. We pray you consider our words and offer and consider us favorably in your thoughts.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

Lucius Aquinas Frazier
CTO Lucion Group

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To Lucion
Well, our interests as you have probably guessed, are related to space. One of the problems with long space voyages is the room that is needed to contain nutrients for the travelers. We believe that if we could reduce the need for these nutrients, we could reduce the amount of space and therefore fuel needed. Why should the bread-makers be changed when a few can be?

[Exthalion]

Lucion

Proxima
Problem, most calories go to the brain. Now you could engineer an alteration in glucose pathways but that would lead to a reduction in strength and general fitness.

What you really need is very efficient recycling programs. Consider, a human that does not gain or lose weight over a period of years does not experience a change in chemical composition. The only reason for continued eating is to make available the energy in the food. Get some genetically engineered bacteria the make glucose through a long wave derivative of photosynthesis and your power systems will do an excellent job of providing the energy.

Thus all life-support systems would be a fixed weight per crewman as opposed to an increasing weight due to stockpiling. We could work on that for you if you like.

Incidentally, what is your policy for putting other people's satellites into space for them?

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To lucion
And here, your knowledge of Bio-engineering is brought to the Spotlight. Our scientists would never have thought of it that way. We would be delighted if you could work on that for us, and inquire to if you would like any assistance with the project. Though our scientists are not the best-trained, especially in this field, we have many of them and they could surely help with it.
We will charge a small fee to put a satellite up in Space for you, to cover the cost of fuel and other expenses necessary to get it there. We would also need to know what the satellite would be used for, so we do not place a satellite that will be used to, say, fire a Death Laser at the Earth. Would you like to hire our services?

[ragingrage]

Proxima Esp: +++

To the GM
How much would it cost to build+send up satellites to monitor troop movements in agressive corporations/nations? How much would it cost to build+send up weather satellites
To Silhouette (Using VI-Net, PM-level)
We are in deliberations about the price, and will get back to you shortly.
To Canada
Greetings from Proxima. As the winter comes, you will obviously need more satellites to track incoming storms to prepare your citizens for the worse. We at Proxima would like you to know that for a small fee, we can send up some of these weather satellites.
In addition, we would like to extend the offer of us guiding you to enter the market of Space. As is, many of the markets in the world are already dominated by other companies, and it will be difficult for Canada's already struggling economy to become a competitor in these markets. However, the Space market is almost devoid of economic interest and we could guide you into it, giving your economy a market to flourish in. Are you interested?
To the USA
Greetings. In the space race of the mid to late 20th century, America was brought together like never before. Now, as America drifts apart once more, could not the same thing be done? Imagine the pride of the USA being the first to set up a Moon Colony, or to set foot on Mars. We are already beginning to plan missions like those, and your assistance would make these missions doable in a small amount of time. Are you interested in working together on this?
To Mexico
Would you be interested in the purchase of some of our satellites? They could help identify hide outs of the Cartels and help you win the war against them.
To Brazil
Greetings. Would you be interested in investing in the Space Market? If we could do something like be able to grow plants in Moon colonies, that could help solidify your hold on the Agriculture market by giving a large amount of room to grow crops in. Obviously this project would cost a good deal of resources but with your aid it could be achieved quite rapidly.
To the People's Commune of Columbia
Greetings. Would you be interested in a joint project to bring your peace to the Troubled warlords of Venezuela? If so, please contact us by secure message.
To the NEU
The old EU once had a thriving space program. You can have the same. Why not add to your list of goals for every citizen "The chance to explore the solar system"? With your aid, we at Proxima could provide such a service. We obviously would require funding to design more affordable methods of transport to space, but it could be done.
To Switzerland
Greetings. Your Security system is a wonder to behold, and we understand the time and effort that most have been put into it. Would you be interested in adding some of Proxima's satellites to it, further increasing the security of your nation?
To Russia
Greetings. We would like you to know that we are willing to sell you some of our satellites to help monitor riots when the occur? We could help the Police make sure that any protests that do happen would remain peaceful and non-violent.
To the WAU
Greetings. Would you be interested in purchasing some of Proxima's satellites? With them, you could more easily spot and react to AAN incursions into your territory.

[Lizard Lord]

Gods of Glasgow

To G-Phobs: I am willing to make a deal with you. We will give you God's Blood real cheap (- temp econ a turn), which you can use to teach those old folks a lesson. Also we can hook each other up with our street and political contracts. (Offering espionage and political influence pacts.)

To Mexican Cartel: I am willing to make a deal with you. We will give you God's Blood real cheap (- temp econ a turn). Also we can hook each other up with our street and political contracts. (Offering espionage and political influence pacts.)

To Triad: I am willing to make a deal with you. We will give you God's Blood real cheap (- temp econ a turn). Also we can hook each other up with our street and political contracts. (Offering espionage and political influence pacts.)

[Greystone]

B.D.P.T


GM-PM Level
The director takes a long look at the liason "Remind them? What would you have my department do ma'am?"

Mexico
Herr President, My name is Wolfgang Merkel, sub-director of the BDPT. I just wanted to extend you condolences for the loss of life, and a pledge to aid you in your campaign against these radicals.

Vatican
I saw his holiness's speech today, and I officially thank the vatican for asking the protestors to keep the peace. However, some of these large scale riots may erupt into violence, perhaps caused by radical fringe elements. Can we perhaps have some cooperation in keeping the peace on the streets of Europe?

Sub-Director Edwardo Duarte, BDPT

NEU-Turkish Border
BDPT field agents watch the border garrisons of NEU troops to make sure that they are not starting any trouble with the Turks. They also are on the look out for any Turkish infiltrators across the border.

Grave-robbing incidents
BDPT agents coordinate with the local police to attempt to discern any connections between the five events. Witnesses, Gravekeepers, and local watchmen are also questioned.

Protests
BDPT agents are sent to every major police district in every major hotspot of activity. They are to coordinate responses to riots and establish procedures. Peaceful protests which gain the proper permits, or follows public laws will be allowed with no police harrassment. The police are drilled on how to react if a rock or bottle is thrown at them. Police units armed with stun rounds, and sleep gas will be on call if laws are broken and the crowd refuses to disperse (violence, looting). BDPT strike teams are put on alert to face any heavily armed threats (especially close to the vatican, Glasgow, and NEU governmental hubs)

(Should I make this an investment?)

International Bank of Geneva
Certainly. What do you have in mind?

[nolispe]

Viridian Industries Espionage +

To Proxima
We would indeed. What would cooperation on that entail?

To Secret Mission (PM level)
I must ask... What would these restrictions be? However, Viridian may attempt to simply create more efficent GM plants. On that note, would China be intrested in contracting supplying food to China to Viridian? Of course, since you have offered to let us take over some farms, no charge would be involved, but it would free up capital for other investments.

[Sithis]

Warhawks Inc.
Quality, Confidence, Security

Links on the Warhawks Inc. public site

Need security personnel to watch over your workplace?

Warhawks Inc has a large Personal and Corporate Security division. These men and women are all experts in their field, and the the knowledge, skill, and experience to keep you and yours safe!

Warhawks Security teams have been hired for consulting by many corporations, law enforcement agencies, and even government security forces. No one is more knowledgeable and able than Warhawks Security!

Whether you want them as YOUR security forces, or simply to teach and train your current security, Warhawks Security Services is exactly what you need!

Need data security specialist to make sure your information is safe?

Our data security experts are some of the best in the world! They can not only make sure your systems are free of security holes and back doors, but they have the knowledge and experience to teach your technicians what they need to know to maintain the security of your information!

Need a highly trained military unit ready to jump in, should the worst happen?

Warhawks Incorporated's Crisis Units are the most experienced, skilled, and well equip private military force in the world! The units are made up entirely of the most experienced military operatives from around the globe!

The Crisis Units have the training and equipment to deal with any or all of the following:
Riot Control
High-risk police duties
Military Police/Security
Urban Combat
Asymmetrical Warfare
Anti-Terrorism Operations
And many more!

While the Crisis Units are typically more than most Security Contracts will require, all of our contracts allow the option to, for an additional fee, be able to call for Crisis Unit intervention if required! With Units stationed in the United States, Northern Africa, and Europe, they can be to most of our client base in less than an hour!

Next time you're arrayed against a superior force, call in the Crisis Units!



Pertaining to Private Objective (PM Level - You no look at message.)

(OOC: I'm assuming this is an in-person meeting.)

John Kelly, a big man, easily six-four and 200+ pounds of muscle, shakes Darcy's hand after the he introduces himself. "Nice to meet you Mr. Huffington. I'm John Kelly, but since you're in my office, I'm sure you already know that. Please, take a seat. Kelly indicates the chair across from his desk as he himself moves to sit behind it. He thoughtfully strokes his chin as Darcy gives his spiel, before finally responding.

'I'll be honest Mr. Huffington, this is actually quite interesting. I never thought there'd be a need for security for the dead, but you're right, there seems to be a market for it." He sits a moment, as if pondering something, "You know, I think you're right. You've got something here, and to be honest, I could use a bit of a PR boost. Between you and me, business has been a bit slower than I usually like. So here's the deal, I'm willing to support you on this, but you have to do something for me. You have to let me get a good look at your organization. Your equipment, your people, your infrastructure, everything. My company is built on the idea of quality, so I want to make sure you're up to snuff before we give you the public thumbs up. Kind have to cover my own ass a little bit, you know?

So, does that sound good to you?

Hyperion (Esp: ++++)

Mr. Jacobson,

This is John Kelly of Warhawks Incorporated here, and I had an offer for you.

I've had some of my guys take a look around your headquarters (The public areas, of course. Not trying to spy on you here.) And honestly, they weren't much impressed with your security personnel. So here's what I"m offering: I'm willing to send a team from my Security division to either supplement your current security, and/or train your current security personnel and get them up to snuff.

While we'd ask for payment for this, it would mostly be a small amount for operational costs and whatnot. The real thing we would like out of this is simply first access to any interesting new technology you guys roll out. (Obviously, this wouldn't apply to your military contracts. I know you gotta keep the guys in Washington happy.) And for a discount on what we buy from you, I can put my US-based Crisis Unit at your disposal, should you ever need that kind of force. (Anything they do would still need my approval, but hey, most people don't even get this kind of offer.)

I really want to to business with your and your company, Mr. Jacobson, so I'm willing to be flexible on most everything. Please toss a response my way whenever you're able.

John Kelly, CEO Warhawks Inc.

Miracle Corp (Esp: ++++)

(OOC: Who is in charge at Miracle Corp. anyway? Who would I be talking to here?)
Hey there, this is John Kelly, CEO of Warhawks Incorporated, and I have a proposition for you.

I've had a few of my guys check out some of your major facilities, and they were shocked to find that you had next to nothing in the way of physical security! We were flabbergasted! (That's still a thing people say, right? Never bee much for social trends and whatnot.) What I'm offering is one of our teams from our Security division, they'll get your security up in no time flat. You may worry about the costs of such a venture, but I assure you that I"m always very flexible on price, and that I'm sure we can work out a deal that's perfect for your company.

Give me a ring anytime.

John Kelly, CEO Warhawks Incorporated.

Viridian Industries (Esp: ++++)
(OOC: Who at Viridian Industries would I be talking to? I don't think you listed any VIPs anywhere, did you?)

Hello there, this is John Kelly, CEO of Warhawks Incorporated, and I'd like to make you an offer.

I had a few of my employees visit your home office a little while ago and I have to say, they came back with horror stories about your company's security! Is it true that your company's wi-fi networks aren't even password locked? I couldn't believe that one!

I hope I'm not sounding insulting it really isn't my intention, but it just makes me think. It would be such a shame for a company doing such important work as yours does to have some tragedy befall it! To that end, I'm here to help. I'd like to offer your the services of Corporate and Data Security divisions. I'm afraid I'd still have to ask for SOME kind of payment, (Doing this kind of stuff isn't free, unfortunately.) but I'm willing to be very flexible on what the terms of these payments are. If you're at all interested in this, well, you know where to get a hold of me.


John Kelly, CEO Warhawks Incorporated.
Proxima (Esp: ++++)

(OOC: I'm assuming I'm talking with Jordan Stagson?)

Mr. Stagson, this is John Kelly here, and I find your timing impeccable! Hell, I was just about to get hold of you!

Prices for security contracts tend to vary, since we work closely with each customer to find a payment style that works for them. Perhaps give me an estimate of what you're willing to pay, and I'll see what I can do for you for that price.


John Kelly, CEO Warhawks Incorporated.

(OOC: Don't you already have +++ defensive military? What would you need one of my security divisions for? Also, I'm really going to have to spend some time figuring out how paying another group will work with liquidity and whatnot now.)

[nolispe]

Viridian Industries Esioange +

To Warhawks Inc.
((OOC - Naming is hard. Off the top of my head.. .Lien Zhu, head of corporate interaction.))

Ha! You have a good point, Mr Kelly. I find myself agreeing with you. There are a host of simple changes that would make the security here infinitely better. However, we find outselves lacking in trained personell.. Which is where you come in. We would be intrested in your offer, certainly... In return, would you perhaps be intrested in either technology or PR? We could arrange for a payment in cash, if you would prefer, of course.

[razovor]

The Vatican

To the B.D.P.T [+]
"Of course. Our papal guard stands ready to prevent any violence. As the more experienced group, we'll let you take the lead. I'll send my captain to your headquarters to discuss the details with you."

"As well as military support though, there is also the matter of intelligence. If we can identify the extreme elements before the protests we may be able to stop them before they become a threat. The Vatican has limited skill in this area, would you be willing to co-operate with us?"

Pope Ciro I

To Lucian [+]
"I was not planning to attend the conference on energy, but given this proposal I will reconsider. I look forward to hearing what you have to say in person. If you truly act in god's wishes we would be glad to support you."

Pope Ciro I

To G-Phobes [+]
"I would like to officially offer you the full support of the Vatican in the upcoming protests. Our finances are at your disposal should you require anything to help the operation go down smoothly."

Pope Ciro I

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To Viridian Industries
Well, we would both contribute some assets and scientists to this field of study. We have a lagre amount of scientists, who culd be used to aid your bio-engineers in their work. The details are still being finalized, but those would be the main tenants of the agreement.

To Lucion
Who long would you estimate would be necessary for you to complete the project?

To Warhawks Inc.
OOC: Well, this isn't for know: it's for later when I have big projects I don't want stolen or anything.
Well, we would be willing to offer (3) espionage.

[Thelonius]

Communications

NEU to IBG

''We may indeed benefit from your expertise. Are you talking about financial consulting or provision of loans to the N.E.U. economy?''

Switzerland to IBG

Switzerland's Council Vice-President Widmer met the IBG representatives. ''A cooperation between corporations and state would prove most beneficial to Switzerland. What are you proposing.''

Adrian Crawley to IBG

The USA is overspending on Military and Intelligence services, while what we need to be focusing on is employment and health of the economy. The central government has become to authoritative and removed from the needs of people to be true representative of the democratic will. I intend to restore the Americans their freedoms and provide greater freedom for the local administrations to solve their issues. Finally my international policy will be of diplomacy and negotiations, rather than supporting wars and covert operations.

Perry Stanford to IBG

The Republican party has always favoured the hard-working people, running corporations. There are more global corporations operating in America, then anywhere in the world. I will continue to encourage investment and financial freedom of people, while keeping the taxes on corporations low. I'm planning to organize projects to renew our infostructure, bring the latest technologies to benefit USA and reform our political system, to resolve the issues, that are holding our progress back.


Brazil to Proxima

''We have projects with better projected profit margins, so we are forced to decline your offer.''

People's Commune of Columbia [PM-Level Secrecy]

''If you have such project, we of course be interested. Please tell us about it.''

[Feel free to send a PM-message with details, if you project is of very sensitive nature.]

NEU to Proxima

''We are of course interested in the potential of space. However at the moment, we don't have certainty, we have the funds available in the upcoming budget. Please contact us at a later date, once this uncertainty is cleared up.''

Switzerland to Proxima

Councilman Bircher: ''I can't say, we aren't satisfied with the strength of our defences, but there could always be room for improvement. What sort of benefit your Satellites would bring to our security systems''

Russia to Proxima

We will put your offer under consideration.


G-Phobes to Glasgow Kings [Extra Encryption 2, Espionage +++]

Sounds good. Deliver us the first package of the stuff, before the European protests and we can start.

Cartels to G-Phobes

Sounds good. If you require assistance in developing stronger stuff, you can rent our labs and test subjects.

Triads to G-Phobes

Why not, if you are willing to sell us the stuff that cheap.


Silhouette Only

At equal values I've made a check and your agents failed to penetrate deep enough for you to read B.D.P.T. messages.
You however gain enough information, to know B.D.P.T. was given control over the NEU police forces and tasked with keeping peace. Which is what they are doing, sending agents to support the police and beefing up the security measures.


G-Phobes to Vatican

''Now, why would you be so generous? We stand for freedom, while Catholic Church was always for hierarchy and blind obedience. I hope it isn't a ploy to gain you some converts, cause we aren't buying.''


Private Objectives

B.D.P.T. Private Objective

Angelina Kesse keeps the eye contact and replies, ''I proposed for you to be more relaxed in pursuit of your duties in Warsaw, so the protests can get more rowdy and leaders of industry meeting the NEU Commissioner, would feel more pressured into contributing for the NEU social programs, that will keep such protests from happening in the future.

This is merely my suggestion. The Commissioner's orders were to have NEU peaceful and our citizen's safe. I think you are more than capable of executing them perfectly. And that is the reason, I fear the real threat may be complacency. We have a bumpy road ahead of us and these are just first and easiest steps.

[You can make an Investment - like purchasing equipment for the NEU police or making a public TV statement, staking your organization's reputation, that nothing will go wrong.
You might also consider assigning stats to reinforce the NEU police forces and support your actions. In fact the line of sending B.D.P.T agents to all police precincts heavily indicates you do that.]

Infiltration Attempt
There was an attempt to infiltrate your security networks. Your security experts aren't certain, if it succeeded or not.

Viridian Inc. Private Objective

''They trade genetically-engineered seeds around the world and don't want you as their competition. So they want the project to feed only the people, who can't afford to buy their product. We hope your crops will feed our hungry, of course. And you will need land to grow that much food or do you plan to build your farms elsewhere?''

Warhawk Inc. Private Objective

''No problem. I will leave orders to have your experts provided with full access.''

[You will need to dedicate some Stats to checking Monolith out].

Hyperion Private Objective

''It doesn't need to be completely harmless, just not something the media can go wild about. And the Pentagon would prefer cheaper crowd control weapons, so they could be mass deployed.

As for the WAU, it would better be something both powerful and expensive. It's main purpose is to make an impression, a shock and awe type of weapon. I wouldn't go as far as WMD, since we will be providing this weapon to non-American forces.''

[Pentagon will provide a considerable part of financing for the projects, based on what you plan to make, but they will want to have them exclusively].

Section-9 Private Objective

''We will inform you over a pre-arranged communication link, through which we could exchange information. We won't attempt infiltration of your systems, and expect you to refrain from tracing us.''

Vatican Private Objective

Do you assign any stats (Morale, representing your followers directing the protests according to Pope's wishes, Economy to sell some Pope t-shirts during the protests :))?

Proxima Private Objective

You know the location of the space station. You'll need Investment 1, to outfit shuttle and send it into space. You can also assign Stats (for example Morale to send your best man, in case things go wrong and emergency repairs are needed or Economy to send somebody, who is skilled with business negotiations).

Satellite Cost
Weather Monitoring Satellites will cost: 5
Military-Monitoring Satellites will cost: 7.5
Both Satellite Networks will cost: 10

[nolispe]

Viridian Industries +

To Proxima
That sounds acceptable. We would be happy to work with you on this.

Secret Objective (PM level)
With your permission, then, we would take their offer, while perhaps working on our own plants in the long run if that deal becomes impractical. There are billions that need food now after all.

[Murska]

Mexican Government to Section Nine

What exactly would you be offering? This war with the Cartels is draining the potential of our nation and stunting our growth. If a solution can be found, then we will support any efforts to eradicate the problem.

Mexico to Lucion

Well, we're willing to listen to what you have in mind. Would you please arrange a meeting then?

USA to Lucion

Okay, let's hear your pitch.

Canada to Proxima

Indeed. What we lack here in Canada is capital that would provide jobs and purchasing power. We have natural resources, we have a full western infrastructure and we have an educated workforce. If you were to invest in Canadian progress, you would be sure to see great returns, but only if the investment was enough to trigger a self-feeding cycle of employment providing prosperity.

Space may be the market for us. What exactly would you be offering? As for the weather satellites, we've been thinking about such a system but it has proven prohibitely expensive for us to develop alone, so if you're willing to launch those satellites for cheap in exchange for us helping you set up shop in Canada, I believe we could come to an agreement.

USA to Proxima

The space race was during a time not completely unlike to ours. However, the actual realities of the politics are different. We're willing to cooperate, you're a major name in the US economy after all, but we've got our own projects, ones with actual practical returns. If you haven't noticed, there's a war in Africa.

Mexico to Proxima

It depends on the price. It's not like the Cartels operate on the level of actual militaries, where spy satellites can track their concentrations of force. Surely they'd be useful in a limited capability, but can you convince us that our money wouldn't be better spent rooting out corruption and funding the law enforcement?

WAU to Proxima:

Maybe. How much would that cost?

Mexico to BDPT:

Thank you for your words. I believe that this war can and will be won in time, but the sacrifices it demands of us are heavy indeed. If there is anything you find out that could help us, we would be grateful.

Mexico is a nation with great potential and a great future. Once we rid ourselves of this problem, our good-will may be worth plenty.

The Underground to G-Phobes:

We're with you all the way over in Europe, guys. Cutting support for the youth is just retarded. If you need any coordinating done over the net or whatever, just give us a call.

Try not to break anything though, ok? At least anything big. :P

[Exthalion]

Lucion

USA & Mexico (PM level)
The ambassadors are both escorted to the top floor of the gold tower in central Jamaica, so called for the color of the solar reactive material that covered it as well as the vast wealth it had produced for the people.

There they are met by Tobias Aurum Chief Political Officer of the board of Lucion.

"Gentlemen, thank you both for coming. I wont waste your time with formalities and will get right down to business.

We all have a reason to dislike the drug cartels located primarily in northern Mexico. They drain money and productivity out of the American economy and kill, capture, or oppress the people of Mexico. My own nation was forced to get in the middle of a civil war they caused and fought in order to even have a home. In short, we all would prefer to see them gone.

We have considered the situation and come to some conclusions. First, as things currently stand it is impossible to get rid of them. So long as the demand for narcotics exists in the US, the US has the money to pay for them, and South and Central American countries are able to produce them something like the cartels will form.

While we applaud US efforts to stop the trade and Mexican efforts to stop the source you both may have noticed it doesn't work. My company things it is time for a new perspective.

If the US were to legalize and regulate recreation drugs it would cut the legs out form under the cartels, sapping them of most of their funding and reduce drastically their availability of weapons. Of course the current crop of drugs would so damage American industry and image as to make the proposition worthless.

Lucion things we have found a solution to that problem. A drug we currently have in development, Soma, provides a ten to fifteen minute feeling of perfect bliss similar to a profound religious experience which is what we were studying when we found it. After that is a thirty to sixty minute period of satiation and contentment which slowly eases off.

It is entirely non addictive, as the mechanism it uses to work works in the addiction producing areas of the brain to prevent it form being so. This should also have the effect of breaking prior addictions by, 'resetting the switch' so to speak.

It still requires a great deal of work in order to make it safe, economical to produce, and gentle.

Now, before you dismiss this plan off hand, consider; with a safe and legal drug that provides a better high than any illegal substance the cartels deal in the vast majority of drug users will convert to Soma. Because most of the time a person is under its effects can be gainfully used for almost any activity it will not reduce US productivity.

Cut off from guns and money the cartels will wither and we can be rid of them.

What do you both think?"

Proxima
OOC: I have absolutely no idea. I don't know ho research works yet.

[Lizard Lord]

Gods of Glasgow

Secret Objective: Well, if we actually know who the snitch is, we should go after him first. If we don't than we should use our contacts to find out while our men kill the **** that has been disrespecting us.

[razovor]

The Vatican

To G-Phobes [+]
I will admit the Catholic Church has often been corrupt in the past. Most of the time in fact. All I can really say for the actions of my predecessors is I'm sorry.

I'm not perfect, but I try. I'm certainly not going to turn away someone who could be a potential ally. Your organisation clearly fights for what is right, I'm confident you'll use the money to do good.

If you fear I might gain influence over your organisation, you can feel free not to publicize where you got the money. I certainly won't be announcing it.

Pope Ciro I


Thelonius (GM)
I've got nothing else planned this turn, so I'll devote everything I have into it. Here's an EoT Draft (http://totalwarcyberpunk-vatican.wikispaces.com/Turn+1)

[Thelonius]

Lucion Only

Soma
Estimated Req. Investment: 10 Asset Points

A drug of such potency and special qualities isn't that easy to synthesize, but it is possible.

The speed and quality of the research will depend on how many [X] Research you assign to it and whether circumstances play in your favor or against you. The formula will probably be finished in 2 turns, additional research could be performed to make it cheaper or run clinical trials to ensure it 100% doesn't have any side effects.

Westmarchs Private Objective

Some of the Russian oligarchs have inquired about the possibility of moving to the Westmarchs with their capital, as long as they can be guaranteed personal security against any sort of prosecution or extradition. They are greatly attracted by the Westmarchs values and expect, that their wealth will grant them status and power, that would be unprecedented in other nations.

A couple of the AAN Warlords have also expressed similar interest - moving to the Westmarchs with their wealth, as long as they can receive guarantees of protection.

[ArcaneStomper]

Hyperion Inc. Espionage +++++

To Mexico
I have seen the current fighting between your forces and the Cartels. And the latest school raid was a tragedy. Perhaps what you need to end this war is an edge. Now my company isn't in the business of supplying personnel or training, but we do have the finest military equipment on the market. That could be just what your police and soldiers need to go after the Cartels and get a grip on the situation. What do you say? We're willing to negotiate a discount in light of recent events.

CEO Darrel Jacobson

To Venezuelan Warlords (Each one separately of course)
Hyperion provides the finest in military hardware. Whether you need to secure territories or launch an offensive our weapons and armor will get the job done. As the premier weapons manufacture in the world and chief supplier of the US military our weapons are guaranteed to be of the highest quality and effectiveness. Contact one of our local representatives today to get our full catalog.

OOC: Could I get a more detailed appraisal of the situation. I had to do a general add, because except for General Perez I don't know who exactly I'm selling to. I don't want battle plans or anything, just who the warlords are and what their relative strengths are.


To Warhawks Inc.
Mr. Kelly,

It is good to hear from you. I have been expecting that you would likely be looking for a direct contract eventually since it seems like a natural fit between our two companies. As it happens I'm certainly aware that my security is lacking. I'm in the business of producing weapons not soldiers so my security guards aren't the best in the business. If you're offering to train them up I'd certainly be interested in that. And in return I'm willing to offer a discount on our current catalog of products. Just let me know what kind of contract you want to work out. In addition to the general discount and operating costs, I'm also willing to offer weapons shipments and military augmentations if you want to get some of your soldiers an upgrade.

Now unfortunately my R&D boys are currently busy working on projects for the Pentagon so I can't guarantee when we'll have new weapons available. We are looking into two more general projects involving rail guns and advanced military augmentations, but with most of my researchers tied up on the Pentagon projects I don't know when they'll be available. However once they are you'll be the first to know.

As for your crisis team I thank you for the generous offer. I don't currently have need of them, but I am slightly worried about Hyperion's Venezuelan branch. One of those worlds might take it in his head to get the ultimate discount, and that would be bad for business. I'll let you know if something like that comes up.

CEO Darrel Jacobson

Hyperion Private Objective (PM Level)
Jacobson taps a few keys on his computer pulling up some files. "Well general I always like to keep a set of project proposals on hand to meet any specific goals that might be necessary. And I think we have a few that might fit the bill here."

Jacobson pulls up a file and projects it on the screen behind him. It shows a large barreled weapon and schematics for a type of material. A computer representation of a police officer firing into the crowd followed by the leading edge of the crowd being encased in some form of goo and falling down is also playing in the corner.

"We call this the sticky gun. Not a particularly imaginative name, but marketing hasn't gotten a hold of it yet. It fires rounds out at a target. The rounds are composed of a new type of material we've been developing which expands on contact with air. This forms a large mass which hits the target and wraps around them. It's also adhesive so it sticks to the target immobilizing them. After a couple of minutes the material hardens and forms a net like structure. This basically leaves the target tangled up on the ground in a net. Except without the difficulties of aiming and firing an actual net. This is just point and shoot. Now this is still in the earliest stages of development, because to be honest I never really expected anyone to come to us for non lethal crowd control options. But with the green light and funding I think we can have it developed and in manufacturing in just a couple of months."

Jacobson taps another key and a different file is projected on the screen. This time the gun is much sleeker. The simulation playing also shows a soldier firing on some enemies, but this time the enemies are exploding instead of falling down.

"Now this is a project we did expect to be developing in the near future. It's basically a rail gun. But instead of a solid bullet the shell is instead filled with hundreds of micro flechettes. Once it fires the bullet explodes releasing a storm of high velocity flechette rounds at the target. Our projections are that these flechettes can penetrate both flesh and most forms of personal armor. Which means that several hundred of them should literally shred the target apart into a fine mist. We have also been considering an anti tank variant. Basically the same design, but loaded into an armor piercing shell. The shell pierces the armor and then releases the flechettes inside the tank. The flechettes can't penetrate tank armor on their own so they bounce around inside killing the crew with minimal damage to the equipment."

Jacobson looks back at the general. "So what do you think? Would these projects be suitable? I'm not entirely sure if the flechettes will be enough shock and awe. We were creating them for mass production not more specialized high capacity weapons. I mean they shred the target which is pretty shocking, but it was really designed to be a more precise application so that each shot is a kill rather than a potential maiming or flesh wound. I suppose we could develop a variant artillery or tank shell that could destroy an entire area instead of single targets."


To GM
United States
Could I get information on all the presidential candidates. Nothing secret just their public interests and past experiences. What they plan to do. What the current polls are. Stuff like that.

Weapon Costs
Could I get a pricing guide to how much military equipment costs. Like what are assault rifles going for. Or tanks, missiles, planes, combat drones, armor, a full military augmentation. I can't really negotiate for a profit if I don't know what this stuff is going to cost me to produce in the first place.

Mining Operations
It says that most of the automated mining projects have been abandoned on the wiki. Well I want to see if I can acquire them and branch out into the mining business. I'm willing to put some stats into looking into it if I need more than what's just publicly available to determine the price of purchasing them and potential profits.

Brazil
Do I need to worry about the environmentalist lawsuits? One of my major offices is in Brazil and it doesn't list which companies are being sued.

[Thelonius]

Hyperion Private Objective

''Well, it's hard to evaluate a weapon, before you see it fire. So, we'll be meeting on the testing grounds, once you have the prototypes of those babies. For now you have [10] advance payment to start developing those babies.''

Your technology experts estimate 5 Investment for the Sticky Project*. They are uncertain about the Railgun System, estimating between 10-18 Asset points. Your eventual profit will depend on how much Pentagon likes your weapon presentations.

*The researchers have voiced concern about two issues with Sticky. First it's the material used for it - there are toxic and cheap variants or non-toxic and more expensive. Second, there is a risk of suffocation from the substance. You can assign some brilliant minds to find a solution to this problem or just ignore it.


Presidental Candidates:

Adrian Crowley is an independent candidate, claiming to speak for the people on the streets, dissatisfied by the way the country is run. He wishes to slash both military and intelligence budgets and focus on the economy, as well as providing greater state rights and a international policy of negotiations and non-involvement in conflicts, that don't directly threaten USA. He is third in the polls with 18% votes, but his popularity is growing.

Perry Stanford is Republican candidate, following his party's line to the letter - lower taxes, less federal government, tough international policy. He also seeks to revitalize economy by providing incentives for the corporations to move to America and bring jobs with them, as well as fighting crime. He's got 39% votes in the polls.

Jeremy Lewis is Democratic candidate, claiming to be the man of integrity, who will clean up Washington and reform the lobbyists and corruption. He seeks to extend social programs and medical aid to more Americans, as well as ending the problems with food shortages. He is also for greater international cooperation. Lewis got 30% of the votes.

Costs of Weapons

The costs will be relative 1 point of Assets = 1 point of Assault Rifle Shipments.

Mining Operations

I don't remember the part about abandoned mining - do you mean Dome City ''Autocratis'', which was supposed to be made self-sufficient with automated mining and production? You can use Economy to search for profitable deals on purchasing mining operations. At the moment the most lucrative mining operations are in Russia's Siberia, AAN and South America.

Lawsuits

You shouldn't worry about lawsuit, unless you specifically mention, your company is saving money on those silly environmental safety measures. Brazilian corporations sure don't bother with them.

[ragingrage]

Proxima Esp: +++

Proxima Secret Objective (To GM, PM-Level Security)
Could I invest those points/stats right now?
Also, could another Nation invest assets into one of my projects, and would that be counted as part of my liquidity?

To Canada
That would undoubtedly be a costly endeavor. However, it does sound like it would be both profitable and effective. Do you have any estimates on its cost?
To help offset the costs that we would be facing, would you be interested in inviting others to co-operate with us on this? You have been historical allies of the USA, and they hopefully could aid us in this endeavor. We will contact them, among others, to try to aid you.
We would be willing to send up the Satellites for 5 assets, perhaps lower. IS this acceptable?

To USA
Well, what use is spending money on researching, say, better agricultural techniques when parts of your nation secede before its done? You might have researched the technology, but your People will be split and the USA wont be there to benefit from it. Similarly, if your nation splits then it will surely result in less aid for the WAU, during that hesitant time. However, if a momentous event like an American setting foot on mars, or such, the great USA would come together and you could pursue other needs without fear of secession.
In addition, you were once great Allies of Canada. Though the Canadians have since fallen from the strength they once had, we know that they could rise once more with aid. Would you consider even a small investment in them?

To The Corporations of Brazil
If you say so. Would you, as an alternative, be interested in the purchase of some of our weather satellites? They could be used to monitor incoming weather patterns to better optimalize crop positioning and such.
Canada, currently, is slowly dieing. However, we know that they could rise once more with aid. Would you consider even a small investment in them? Imagine the love the people of Brazil would give you, if you aided a falling nation while the government did nothing.

To the WAU
The Military monitoring satellites would cost ((10 Points of Assets)). Very affordable, for a nation with an economy as strong as yours, and they will provide a number of benefits to fending off any AAN aggression.

To Switzerland
Well, they would allow you to more easily monitor large-scale movements and changes within Switzerland. Our satellites would also be invulnerable to any sabotage operations within Switzerland, and therefore useful in the event that something knocks out your own surveillance services.

To the NEU
We will contact you then.
((OOC: When will this next budget be released? Next turn?))

To the IBG
Greetings. Canada, currently, is slowly dieing. However, we know that they could rise once more with aid. Would you consider even a small investment in them? Their educated populace and developed infrastructure means that if we could get them back on their feet, they would definitely grow a strong economy.

To Aaron Adhil
Greetings. Would you be interested in investing in the research of new technologies pertaining to Space? We at Proxima have a number of ideas that just require resources, that perhaps you could provide.

To Viridian Industries
You are more experienced than us at projects of this nature, do you have an Idea of how long/how many resources it should take?
In addition, Canada, currently, is slowly dieing. However, we know that they could rise once more with aid. Would you consider even a small investment in them? Their educated populace and developed infrastructure means that if we could get them back on their feet, they would definitely grow a strong economy.

[ArcaneStomper]

Hyperion Private Objective

Sticky Project
Investment 5 [Pentagon] 2 [Hyperion], Research [1] ++++
Hyperion delivers quality products. We won't be cutting corners by buying the cheap stuff. Especially when it directly goes against the stated goal of being nonlethal. So non-toxic expensive stuff. I've invested more than they estimated so I hope that covers the added expense.

Yeah I figured there would be a risk of suffocation. Will one research team be enough or do I need to assign more. I'm still a bit hazy on how research works.

Flechette Rail Gun
Investment 5 [Pentagon] 13 [Hyperion], Research [3] ++++, Morale [Jacobson] ++++
I want the railguns to be the most deadly weapons available. So I'm investing a lot here. Jacobson will also personally be overseeing this operation. Because well it's a project designed to make a gun that shreds people into fine chunks. I'm actually surprised the researchers didn't have a problem with this and instead brought up the sticky gun as a morale issue. So Jacobson will be personally involved here. Propping up any scientists who look like they might be having second thoughts. Giving motivational speeches to get everyone to work harder and produce the very best gun possible. That sort of thing.

Costs of Weapons
Any chance I could get that in stats. Like if I bought 1 point of Assault Rifles and armed someone with it, what kind of military increase would they get. Because I figure that's what I'm going to get asked by the Warhawks.

Mining Operations

The first paragraph, about the J-Energy mining projects.

J-Energy has developed techniques and machines to harness the resources deep within the Earth's crust. They have let valuable minerals flow to the surface, until the company's dissolution. Those mining operations were mostly abandoned since then.

I figure that equipment must be sitting in a warehouse gathering dust now if it was abandoned.

I'll invest Econ [1] ++++ into looking into it. I don't think I'll have any liquid assets to make purchases until next turn though. As for active current projects I want them to focus on South American projects rather than Russia where I have no contacts and the AAN where I don't dare invest.

[TsukikoJ]

International Bank of Geneva
Espionage: ++++

GM - Private Objective
"China must realize that we're key if they want investors. It's risky, but it could be profitable and score us some brownie points in Asia and Africa if we agree to do this," says Ankrum. "We'll just have to make sure no one makes a fuss over it. I'm not jumping into this deal head first though. Tell Burke to bring in whatever information he has on the AAN and close the door."

Spend [1] economy to have our experts evaluate corporations in AAN to find the most lucrative ones that are stable and far from the WAU border.

Spend [1] economy to do look for similar organizations in Brazil and WAFEZ. I want to know which of those two countries has the better investment opportunities and what opportunities specifically.
China
I hear you're looking to offer your stock to investors. It so happens that we're very interested in business on your side of the world. It would be easier for us to recommend you to our clients and banks of other regions if we had a more stable base of operations in China. We're interested in more than money, though. By allowing us to operate in your nation it would make it easier for us to aid you and Chinese corporations in humanitarian efforts.

OOC: We'd like to establish minor offices in China in exchange for offering their stock to our clients. Some political influence would encourage us to invest in their efforts even more so.
AAN
We're very interested in your nation's struggle in Africa and to be accepted as a nation by the rest of the world. It just so happens that we're also very interested in the diamond industry. We're interested in helping you if you're willing to help us. I assure you that our assistance would be valuable and that it would not hinder any of your efforts.
Brazil
I'm sad to say that I have not had much opportunity to do business in South America. Could you fill me in on the situation there? Also, I think we are two like-minded entities and it would serve us well if we looked to keep the world community friendly and profitable for us. Fighting in Columbia, elections in the US... it would be good to establish some sort of order in this chaotic world. Order that favors us of course.
WAFEZ
I'm sad to say that I have not had much opportunity to do business in South America. Could you fill me in on the situation there? Also, I think we are two like-minded entities and it would serve us well if we looked to keep the world community friendly and profitable for us. Fighting in Columbia, elections in the US... it would be good to establish some sort of order in this chaotic world. Order that favors us of course.
Proxima
That is certainly a bold business opportunity. What sort of endeavors do you seek from the Moon? Satellites could be a good investment, but I'm not aware of what there is to gain from such an expensive project like a space colony.

Do you have the means of contacting Daniel Walters?

We would certainly consider looking to help Canada. Our economic experts could try to help set them on the right track. I don't know if I'd call their current situation "profitable" though.
Lucion
Please do send such a representative. The projects you've mentioned are of great interest to the IBG. I'd love to hear what you are thinking.
B.D.P.T.
There are the matters of the conflicts in the NEU, but there is growing tension in Russia as well. I think it's in our best interests to pick a side in both conflicts and give our support. We can bring the Vatican in too if you think they'd be agreeable and like-minded.

Also, I do not want Switzerland merging with the NEU.
Adrian Crawley
Well, Adrian, the International Bank of Geneva may be interested in contributing to your campaign. I like the sound of your intentions for foreign policy - that situation in Africa has grown a bit too tense for my liking. I would hope that you would not oppose corporations though. I would agree that the weapons manufacturers and informers are funded too heavily by governments, but there are plenty of corporations who do their part in furthering the global community. I will not lie to you - I have spoken to the republican candidate as well. His interest in global corporations is very attractive to corporations. I imagine if you began to support big business to rival Stanford's policies you would gain a lot of support.
NEU
Loans would be possible, but I think we could really fix most of your problems if you allowed my experts to help organize your finances. I'm biased, but they truly are the best you can find. The G-Phobs are normally a supporter of your causes and if we can appease them by finding a way to keep the social budgets in tact, we can get them back on your side.
Switzerland
Call me overly patriotic, but Switzerland is a beacon of hope and stability in a chaotic and violent world. The leadership of the nation, including you, have ensured that we remain safe, happy, and prosperous even through all of the hardships that have plagued the rest of the world. The recent rumors about Switzerland joining the NEU have me extremely concerned though. I do not think it is wise for Switzerland to forsake the neutrality that has preserved us thus far to join them. There is no reason we cannot act as their allies and reap the benefits while still remaining independent. What is your stance on the matter? Do you think it is likely?

Are there any specific projects or improvements that the government is looking to pursue? I would be more than happy to pitch in.

[Sithis]

Warhawks Inc.

Private Objective PM Level

(OOC: Is that something I can declare that I want to do now, and put it in my EOT later, or does it have to wait until EOT? Also, if I wanted to send people to check out his operation, would I just send [1] ++ Militar (one of my Security teams) to do this, or would I have to use espionage?)


Viridian Industries Esp: ++++

I'm always up for gaining access to new technology, Mr. Zhu. Gotta keep ahead of the competition after all. But if you're ready, I can have Corporate and Data security teams there as soon as possible.

John Kelly

(OOC: Assuming this is something that would happen in the EOT, but not sure how it will work mechanically. I really need to go through all the rules and read them again, VERY closely.)


Proxima Esp: ++++

You know, I really want to come to a good deal with you, but I'll be honest. We've already got some great counter-espionage and espionage teams. They're really good. And while more is always a good thing, it's not really what we're looking for right now. Perhaps there's some other thing you can come up with to pay us?

John Kelly, CEO Warhawks Inc.


Hyperion Esp: ++++

I'd be more than happy to send some boys down, show your guys some pointers. My guys are good, they'll have your security in tip-top shape in no time!

And I'd love to get some better equipment for my security teams, actually. I spare no expense with my Crisis Units, being the best of the best is their MO, after all. But that sometimes means I have to cut out a little more than I'd like from the Corporate Security budget. Anything you could do to help there would be much appreciated.

And if you ever have any trouble in Venezuela, give me a call first. My US team could be there in a few hours to and get everything sorted out for you.

John Kelly

[Murska]

USA and Mexico to Lucion (PM-level Private Meeting)

The US ambassador nods thoughtfully. "That might work, in theory. However, I would need to see some sort of details and proof of it working before there would be investments. The results of the elections might affect our stance, however.

Might I suggest a change of name, however? Alluding to Huxley and soft-control methodology might not be the best public relations move."

The Mexican ambassador mirrors the sentiments of his American colleague mostly, however it's clear that he's more interested and willing to commit if it looks like the drug would work.

Mexico to Hyperion:

Despite the media, the situation in Mexico is not actually a conventional war. We're fighting crime, we could liken the situation to trying to uproot guerrillas. Our army has plenty of weaponry, but so do the Cartels - the main problem is in finding the enemy.

Thelonius:

I'd need some numbers on the Canada/Proxima situation to be able to answer him.

Also, assuming that China controls AAN foreign policy, how should I answer to PCs trying to set up deals with the AAN?

Finally, if USA funds WAU purchasing some military satellites, can I assume that the network covers (and assists) both the US and WAU?

Canada to Proxima:

We will think about it - once our economists have analyzed the situation we'll reply with some numbers.

Preliminarily we'd agree to purchasing the weather satellites for 4 Assets.

USA to Proxima:

Ha. The secessionists are just a minor group of borderline terrorists. There's no real danger of the States splitting. It's not like people today care about Mars, they're more interested in where they find the next day's meal.

As for Canada, they're in big trouble economically. Such risky investments would require some sort of a guarantee that it isn't just throwing money down the drain.

WAU to Proxima:

All right, we will think about it. We'll get back to you.

AAN to IBG:

Well, what exactly are you offering?

[Thelonius]

Proxima Only

You can invest those right now. Other nations can provide financing for your projects or assist you with stats.

Yes, NEU for the next turn, if their economy boosting measures succeed.

Brazil to Proxima

Our plants are weather resistant, however we would be willing to receive advance warnings about major disasters.

We have issues at home we must deal with, so we can't spare resources to aid Canada.

Switzerland to Proxima

We have excellent intelligence regarding the movements in Switzerland. The addition of satellite monitoring appears to be excessive measures.

Aaron Adhil

''Space, huh... Well, that sounds interesting, so shoot. What do you have in mind.''


IBG

You've got only Contacts in South America, so I've rolled to check if your market research would encounter difficulties. Fortunately, everything worked.

Brazil, profitable companies:
Corporate Security, Fast Food

WAFEZ, profitable companies:
Mining, Entertainment, Fast Food

The company that assisted with the market survey, mentioned, that political connections may be important in getting the best profits in WAFEZ. They also point to the high competitive nature between WAFEZ and Brazil.

China to IBG

This sounds like a beginning of an excellent cooperation. We will assist you with opening of the new offices.

[The cost of gaining ''Contacts'' status in China drops to [1] Asset. I'll be able to expand to a Minor Office on the next turn.]

Adrian Crawley to IBG

I'm pro-business, as long as it doesn't interfere with principles of free market or dabbles in politics. If I'm elected, I will try to defuse the situation in Africa.

NEU to IBG

This is a sound proposal. Can we hire [5] Economy Experts from you to help design a better budget? You'll be reimbursed at 25% of the money they'll save.

[Your experts calculate it'll be about 3-8 Assets of profit.].

Switzerland to IBG

''A lot of people agree with you. We have it good as a neutral nation and joining the NEU would bring its host of problems. But there are some, who believe we must band together in these tough times. At the moment us joining the NEU is unlikely.

As for the projects we are considering modernization of our power grid. The conference in New Cairo on energy should advise us, on whether we should go with solar sheets or cold fusion.''


Warhawk Inc & Hyperion Inc. Only

Well, theoretically 5 points of assault rifles would boost Warhawk Military from [6] ++ to [6] +++ or allow to double Warhawk's soldier's numbers, if some effort is spent on recruitment campaign and training. It's hard to provide hard numbers, since I'm applying modifiers to almost every action.

For example it's practically impossible to increase Military +++++ to +++++ + by getting more weapons, everybody is already using. You'll need to have some edge - technology, super-training.

Assault rifles [5] would be good to boost numbers of low-medium quality military or turn some rabble rebels into an actually deadly force [4] 0 Quality into [4] + Quality.

If you try to use Combat Augumentations [5] with + Quality Military, it'll be very inefficient, as the use of Augs needs skill, while they are pretty expensive, so it won't be cost effective. They will however fit ++++ Military pretty well.


Private Objectives

Warhawk Inc.

You can send people to check now. Military and Espionage can be used during the turn. New technologies are discovered at EoTs. You can decide, who to send and in what numbers:

Economy: will his venture be successful, how good are his finances and bookkeeping.
Espionage: any security issues or something Monolith is hiding.
Morale or Military: general check by the people you trust, how good his security personnel is. sending Morale,, would also ensure your inspectors won't get bribed into lying to you.
Politics: how well Monolith is connected

Hyperion

And I should start writing more clear descriptions. Yes, you need another [X] Research to address the issue with Sticky Gun.

Mining

I was referring to the deep underground mining, that was abandoned. The public got into ''we dug too deep and awakened Supervulcano'' mentality, so nobody had the guts to pick up this tech. Something like nuclear industry stagnation, after Chernobyl, only worse. It may be, that enough time has passed for you to resume operations - it will be quite profitable in that case.

Viridian Industries

''Of course. Let us commence the execution of the project. We will provide (15 Assets) worth of land, workforce and technology from South America, for the first stage of the project.''

[How much Investment & Stats will you be spending? Note, that since it's a non-profit project, you won't be seeing any returns (in your corporate coffers, the world will get better), unless you have some clever plan up your sleeve. Unless you have other projects that will earn you money, an investment of more than (5 Assets) will mean negative income on your balance sheets in the next turn.]


To Murska Only

Posted answer in GM discussion thread.


On Canada (Proxima Only)

Total Investment: 25 Assets
Minimal Stat Quality: Research (+++), Economy (+++)
Projected Manpower Needed: Workers [16], Specialists [12], Top Management [4]

A project to reverse the effects of the volcanic winter in Canada and restore its infostructure. Canada can provide Workers, but they lack enough specialists and top management. The Canadian budget also can't afford this project, unless they really start slashing on their Military, schools, hospitals and other expenditures.

The project costs and manpower needed can be reduced by good IC deals and planning. The weather sats for example would provide a discount on both Investment, specialists and top management.

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To the IBG
Well, we were thinking of expanding into the space tourism industry. Many rich people would probably enjoy the adventure into Space, and we could use these funds to explore more adventurous topics.
On Canada. We will need to invest a total of 25 assets with a minimal stat quality of (+++) tech and (+++) economy. We would also need [16] Workers, [12] Specialists, and [4] Top management to help the project along. We know that Canada could provide the workers, but the economic downturn they're going through prevents them from having any really high quality people.
There are also other things that could be used to help aid the recovery. We at Proxima are going to be putting up some Weather-monitoring satellites for them, which would reduce the amount of Assets, specialists, and Top Management needed.
If completed, this would restore Canada's infrastructure and reverse the effects of the Volcanic winter on them.
Also Daniel Walters? Whozzat? ((Runs and checks the wiki))
Oh yes, the Vexxler Shareholder. We we're planning on sending a shuttle up to contact him, as he possesses a large amount of space technology that is simply getting wasted.

To Brazil
Well, if you're interested, the price would be 6 assets.

To Aaron Adhil
Well, first we we're planning on developing a new form of space ship, that would hopefully be cheaper and more efficient. This could be a building block to larger projects, we believe.

To Warhawks Inc.
Well, we could put up some satlloes for you...what do you want?

[Thelonius]

A potential client to Hyperion Inc. (High Encryption [1] +++)

''My name is Charles Quinton. I'd like to purchase a shipment of assault rifles, grenades and body armor. Well, the whole set. I've got [5] Assets to transfer to your accounts right away, as long as you do the job quickly and deliver the goods to the following location in Venezuela (a small port city, near Brazilian border). My men will be there to pick them up.''

[Minimal Resources for the Job: Assets 3.5, [2] Economy ++ (or [1] +++++ will work). You may assign more stats to get more profit.]


Aaron Adhil to Proxima

''Okay better ship makes sense. What sort of technology are you considering? And what is your vision? Why do you need the space ship?''

Brazil to Proxima

That's a bit too expensive for us. How about you keep the satellites and provide us with their data for [1 Asset] per turn?

[TsukikoJ]

International Bank of Geneva
Espionage: ++++

GM - Personal Objective
In my last post I spent economy to look into the AAN's corporations as well if I could get a result for that.

Also, I did message both Brazil and WAFEZ to get a feel for the tension there and how much they'd like to work with me. I just want to kind of analyze which would help me more. :smalltongue:

Rather than using a separate message, don't I already have contacts in China since I have them in Asia? I wanted to upgrade to a minor office since I already had those. I do want to get in on their humanitarian stuff, so it'd be easier to do stuff over there.
AAN
We're interested in assisting you by investing in some of your major corporations and efforts as well as helping you establish a name for yourselves in the global community. I understand some nations do not give you the respect you deserve. The US elections alone could help to diffuse your situation in Africa if they go well, so we're thinking about making sure they go well.... if you know what I mean.

In exchange, we'd be interested in establishing offices in the AAN so we can get more involved and set up production of our own in the area. Only with your permission of course.
NEU
OOC: Those profits are permanent, not temporary - right?

That sounds like a fair deal. Maintaining the NEU's popularity will only serve to better Europe as a whole, of course. Let us know if there are other ways to help.

GM: Spending the [5] economy to manage their finances and look over their books.
Switzerland
Banding together in tough times is all well and good, but we should band together as a unified country, not with others who are less stable and well-off than us. I'm happy to hear that it's not a realistic possibility at the moment. Would you do me the favor of keeping me personally updated on those negotiations? I'd rather hear from you than the rumor mill.

We'll be attending the energy conference too. We're looking to get involved in some production, so energy is already of interest to us. After the conference we'll be sure to help establish the energy grids.
Proxima & GM
GM: What form does [16] Workers, [12] Specialists, and [4] Top management take? Would [16] economy represent workers and something like [4] Economy represent top management? Also, if I use awesome economy will that reduce the 25 stats that need to be invested into Canada to help it get a jump start?

We'll help get them on the right foot, Proxima. We have plenty of economy, but we have no research to speak of. Perhaps Viridian Industries would be a good company to contact for this job. Their research would fit the project, I think. After the Canada project would you consider putting satellites into orbit for us at cost?

We have some important questions for Daniel Walters. Can we send them with you?

[Imperial Psycho]

Silhouette Esp ++++
GM Only
[1] Esp to spread Silhouette operatives among the crowds at the protests. Their job will be to prolong the protest as long as possible, and, while not necessarily inciting the crowds to violence, keeping the tensions high and the protest heated.

While the protests act as a distraction for law enforcement, [2] Silhouette mil are to assault the factories and warehouses where the tech intended to be used is manufactured and held, destroying machines and facilities, to cripple production. They are to go in light, and to retreat if they face any significant resistance. Minimal casualties preferred.

Silhouette to Sons of Liberty, Neo-Decembrists, Underground, Silver Revolvers, and Daemon
Greetings from Silhouette.
You have all expressed an interest in co-operating with Silhouette, or your goals have been judged to be in line with ours. We ask you to send a representative to meet with me on the [DATE & TIME REDACTED]
I will fund your travel costs personally if you are willing to come. I believe we have much to discuss. Seperately, we are a fly in the soup of those who seek to control and subvert freedom and truth. Together, we can be so much more.

All I ask is that you hear what I have to say.

Gravois.

[ragingrage]

Proxima Esp:+++

To the USA
Well, we have brought on the world-renowned International Bank of Geneva, and there top-notch economists and such will be guiding the restoration of Canada during these times. In addition, they are planning on making an investment for the future of Canada, devoting some of their resources to its construction. With this guidance, how could it go wrong?
In addition, we are approaching Viridian industries about guiding the building of infrastructure and such, and there previous sucess in the Asian region provides them with credentials.

To Viridian Industries
Do your scientists have any idea of how long it will take, or how many resources?
Also, would you be interested in aiding us with the rebuilding of Canada?We will need to invest a total of 25 assets with a minimal stat quality of (+++) tech and (+++) economy. We would also need [16] Workers, [12] Specialists, and [4] Top management to help the project along.
We know that Canada could provide the workers, but the economic downturn they're going through prevents them from having any really high quality people.
There are also other things that could be used to help aid the recovery. We at Proxima are going to be putting up some Weather-monitoring satellites for them, which would reduce the amount of Assets, specialists, and Top Management needed. The IBG is also aiding in this effort, and will be contributing their top-notch expertise on the economy of various nations and such.
We believe your scientists would be just the people to provide some high-quality Management and we believe that this could allow you to spread into the North American markets. A small investment to make Canada strong again could lead to a large amount of income from them in the future.

To Aaron Adhil
Well, once we designed this more efficient space vehicle, we we're planning on slowly setting up a colony on the moon. The primary use of this would be for scientists, and to study the effects of living in a low-gravity environment on Humans. This knowledge could be useful if we ever plan on going to a place like mars.

To GM
Could we use the same satellites for Brazil and Canada? I assume a traditional North-South satellite could cover both regions.
Also, if got +++++ quality econ aiding in the recovery and +++++ quality tech aiding in the recovery as well, how much would the cost/amount of people needed be reduced by?

[Thelonius]

IBG Only

You locate several good companies - mostly mining and agricultural in AAN. They are reasonably far away from the border, to be secure, at least unless WAU pulls off a strong offensive campaign.

The Brazil and WAFEZ are both eager to work with you, but they are also quite dangerous - the sharks of the economic sea. The risk and profits in working in either of them would be about the same.

Ah, right you do have contacts there, missed that. The Minor Office would cost 5 Assets, with the aid of the Chinese to set it up.

The Assets aren't divided into temporary and permanent.


IBG & Proxima Only

Workers can be [X] Economy or [X] Military (soldiers can be used for manual labor)
Specialists can be [X] Economy or [X] Research, a good mix of that would be nice.
Top Management should be high quality [X] Economy and perhaps [1] Research.

A satellite network can decrease the number of specialists required for the job and the Asset price. And use of high quality stats can affect the final cost of the project.

On this project [1] +++++ can count reduce number of Workers needed by [4], count as [2] Specialists (minimum 8 still needed) or [1.5] Top Management.


Silhouette & Murska

The Representative of the Sons of Liberty, Zach Walters arrives with several compatriots. He appears to be confident and self-assured.

A group of men in early twenties arrives to represent the Neo-Decembrists. Their leader calls himself Phoenix. He looks grim, and Silhouette intelligence reports, about dozen students belonging to his organization got arrested recently in the St. Petersburg, under charges of drug trafficking.

Silver Revolvers representative arrives alone and he refuses to part with the revolver he is carrying.

The Daemon refuses to appear in person, but is willing to attend the meeting via VI-net conference.

[Underground appearance is up to Murska]


Aaron Adhil to Proxima

This sounds interesting. I'm not certain of the profitability of this project, so I won't recommend it for Sunshine Inc., but I might be willing to contribute some of my personal fortune.

[Exthalion]

Lucion to USA and Mexico (PM/GM)
"Of course. I have lab data for you based on our initial tests as well as report from our research department. They don't actually know we are considering this plan yet so I can assure you they are not 'padding' the data."

OOC: Let them see post #27 I think it was? The one Thel sent to Lucion that details the project.

Now, while we are all still here and no one has sunken costs, we would like to be clear, we are performing this particular activity for primarily personal reasons. As such we are not massively interested in making a huge profit though one would be nice. Therefore, we are willing to pursue a break even strategy in the hopes that it will improve the opinions of your governments and populaces toward my country.

[Murska]

AAN to IBG

Well, we're of course open to private investments. We'll support your initiative assuming you actually invest in our economy instead of draining our resources elsewhere.

USA to Proxima

Well, we will think about it. The presidential race and the situation in Africa are making it difficult to commit to additional expenses right now.

Silhouette/Thel

The Underground would also prefer a VI-access but in addition sends a volunteer, an ordinary-looking young guy who happens to live near enough. He introduces himself politely as Thomas Barth and doesn't really make any loud statements about the goals and aims of his organization. In general, he's a soft-spoken fellow.

Mexico/USA Private Meeting with Lucion

"Hmm. We'll look these over, all right? If we can get the gears moving, we'll reply with our response later."

[ArcaneStomper]

Hyperion Inc. [Esp: +++++]

To Warhawks Inc.
Alright then that sounds like a deal. Send your guys over to starting giving my guards some training and I'll send some of my analysts to consult with your quartermasters about where Hyperion equipment can best be used to bolster your forces.

Darrel Jacobson

Hyperion Private Objective
Another [1] ++++ research into the sticky guns then.

Mining
Well I want my Econ [1] ++++ that I already assigned to really start digging into the abandoned mining issues. Joining them will be PI [1] +/++++ to look into the political implications of restarting these projects. For now I want to see about just acquiring the equipment. It will be all quiet and private so hopefully the media won't raise a big fuss over this. Once I get some research freed up I'm going to do a study on why the super volcano erupted. The public might be right after all and I don't want to get into this if its going to cause another disaster. There may actually be a study underway already, it seems like the sort of thing that would be established by the government, if so I want to look into their results and/or fund them to get it done more quickly. I'm also going to conduct a public opinion poll. What would I need for that. Econ for marketing or research to do a study.

Hyperion Client
Ok I need to know about assets. Quinton is willing to transfer 5 assets. That's enough to cover the job, but can I use them for this. I've already got my liquidity tied up, but on the other hand if he's transferring them they must already be liquid so it would make sense that I'd be able to use them as kind of temporary liquidity before the get invested into my long term financial assets. I've got plenty of stats to assign to this still. I just need to know if I can use the assets he's transferring to fund it or if I need to pull a bit of funding from my research.

Another question. I'm not sure when he's planning to pay me. The wording is a little ambiguous. So if he wants to pay me after I deliver could I pull funding from research, sell the weapons, and then put the profits back into research to cover what I pulled out? I mean nothing has actually happened research wise yet, so I don't think those assets have been spent.

[Thelonius]

Hyperion & Murska

And you hit a stonewall. After the Supervulcano explosion, the governments of several nations have conducted the investigation - USA, NEU, China, Japan, UN Task Force. All J-Energy technology related to underground mining was promptly confiscated and scientists ordered into silence. Your political access isn't sufficient to get more than a few bits and pieces.

The USA won't touch the issue, considering it's the election season and WAU is too dependent on USA's military aid to act. NEU is the same, as its population is already discontent with slashing of social programs. The South America appears to be more open-minded about such projects, at least the ruling elites, who don't take the opinion of the masses that heavily in consideration. In Canada they really hate messing with nature, considering what they are suffering for it. In Mexico the mood is uncertain.

[ragingrage]

Proxima Esp:+++

To the USA
Thank you.

Proxima Private Objective
Well, we build the ship using (1) asset. on the ship are (1) Econ, (1) Research. and (1) Morale. When will it be complete?
To the IBG
Well, you saw what Thel said. We will be be building the satellite network, along with contributing up to [6] +++ research. These could act as specialists or something else, if needed. We will also send [2] +++ Morale to act as spokesmen in the project. Lastly, we will try to use our [4] +++ PI to influence the USA to aid us in this endeavor. If you could also try to influence them to do that, we would greatly appreciate it.
We hope Canada can use their mil and economy to aid us by providing workers.
Also, don't forget to tell me those questions you want for Mr. Walters
To Canada
Well, plans are underway for your assistance. Would you be willing to devote your military to aiding it by providing the labor and building the infrastructure?
To Aaron Adhil
Of course. We are also considering that perhaps the moon base could also be home to some space-tourism, which might boost profits. How much will you be contributing? We will have to figure it into our projections and such.
To India
Greetings. Would you be interested in the purchase of some of Proxima's Satellites? We expect that two would be of the most interest to you: A weather monitoring Satellite and a Surveillance satellite. The former would monitor weather patterns for you, meaning that you would have more time to prepare if a cyclone was heading towards the areas of your country that are prone to them, like Eastern Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and the Lakshadweep islands.
The latter satellite would allow you to see any major troop movements, either by rebel groups or hostile nations. This could give you more time to prepare, and might allow you to muster a sizable defense if someone like China came knocking on your front door.
To GM
What scope do you think the more efficient space shuttle design would be? I'm thinking something like +, but I'm not always the best judge of these things.
Also, could the same satellites cover Brazil and Canada? (you forgot to answer this the first time)
To the Eritrean Orthodox Church
Greetings. Would you be interested in purchasing some of our Surveillance satellites? These would monitor troop movements, allowing you to better react to any aggression by the AAN.
To Israel
Greetings. Would you be interested in purchasing some of our Surveillance satellites? These would monitor troop movements, allowing you to better react to any foreign aggression.
To Turkey
Greetings. Would you be interested in purchasing some of our Surveillance satellites? These would monitor troop movements, allowing you to better react to any aggression by the NEU.

[thewamp]

Miracle Inc. (Esp ++++)

to Warhawks

John,

Frankly, your offer is insulting and we will be investigating to determine if any unlawful means to 'check out' our facilities. If we find anything, you can expect to hear from our lawyers.

This is not a third world country. Our security is more than sufficient

Walter Reed, CSO

OOC: It really is - [3] is a pretty large fraction of the size of the united states army. Stating that our security is at a next to nothing level is just wrong. Of course, if you are just saying that as an advertising pitch, I totally understand ;)


To Switzerland
Rumors have been floating around that Switzerland is preparing to join the NEU. As a company with many loyal workings inside the Swiss borders, we feel some degree of transparency is afforded us. To wit, do these rumors have any merit?

Nathan Lane, Chairman of the Board of Directors

To the International Bank of Geneva
Rumors have been floating around that Switzerland is preparing to join the NEU. In the interest of protecting our shareholders, we came to you to find out if you knew how much merit these rumors hold and if they do have merit, what your position is. We feel that as companies with many loyal workers in Switzerland, each of us is entitled to some transparency in this issue and that together, we could work to achieve the most desirable outcome.

Nathan Lane, Chairman of the Board of Directors

Miracle Search

Pertaining to Private Objective
Tom Gonne, VSC, realizes it's unlikely to come up with much, but sets a group of employees at MiracleSearch to find any reference to "Scientia potentia est" on the powerful search engine. He expects a report next Friday.

Meanwhile, his Virtual Security Team finally gets the ball rolling, looking through the system, trying to discover a) anything else that's wrong, even if it doesn't have a calling card and b) how the leak happened.

His memo to the CEO of YourMiracle, Mitchell Mason suggesting they might want to bring the servers offline gets a derisive reply, however. Mason didn't want to hear about the problem, he just wanted Gonne to do his job.

OOC: Immediately direct all specialists to investigating this leak and ensuring that it stays quiet. The

To Sunshine Inc.
The development of the VI-net was obviously a great leap forward for all of mankind. But we don't think these leaps are finished and we know you agree. We would be interested in a partnership - as Miracle Search has become the most popular search engine in the world, we feel that a partnership together could allow for a more powerful Miracle Search and a brighter tomorrow.

Martha Collins, CTO

OOC: If I got any facts wrong here, about what Sunshine Inc. is about, I can fix those

YourMiracle

To V-Truth
News giant CNN of years past found enormous success with our predecessors. Likewise, we are interested in seeing if we can't involve YourMiracle more closely with the V-Truth broadcasts. We imagine and we're confidant you agree, that by involving viewers in the news process, we can help both your company and ours while providing viewers with more perspectives on world events.

Mitchell Mason, CEO

Talk Anywhere

To Quantum Tech
We are intrigued by the developments that your company has been making and see an exciting opportunity for both our companies. We are interested in connecting people everywhere to the VI-net in new and exciting ways. We could, together, create the complete virtual experience. As you know, our Talk Anywhere chips allow people to communicate from anywhere on the globe. However, we think we think this is only the beginning. A partnership could be extremely profitable both for us and the global population.

Richard Riley, CEO

To All Three Major US Candidates (seperate messages)
As you know, Talk Anywhere chips allow a unique virtual experience, bringing the social network to you, wherever you are. We would like to offer your campaign the opportunity to use one of our newer features - the Virtual Room. Candidates will appear in a room designed by the user, with prerecorded messages. You can imagine the effect - voters will be more comfortable listening to you in the comfort of their own home - or at least, it's virtual representation. You can welcome voters into your home for a fireside chat. The possibilities are endless.

This is a new service and the broadcasting software is not cheap. However, we are offering this free of charge. Of course, these broadcasts would only be available to those with Talk Anywhere chips, but with their increasing popularity, this seems like an exciting new opportunity for America to move towards the future, just as we decide our future president.

We have, of course, contacted the other major presidential candidates with identical proposals in the interest of remaining nonpartisan, so if you choose not to use this feature, be warned that you might have lesser access to the portion of the voters with Talk Anywhere chips, than your competitors.

OOC: I'm imagining that the Talk Anywhere chip can a) access the VI-net and b) Overlay the visual information the eyes are receiving to allow new virtual spaces (and provide sound). If b requires some sort of glasses or something at the current tech level... well, I guess we have our newest research project.

Mr. Happy

To Canada
Recognizing that there is an upcoming food shortage in this country, it would be in everyone's business if Mr. Happy maintained the low prices that Canadians have come to expect. However, the shortage in supply might drive our prices up. We are seeking subsidies from the Canadian government, so that we can continue to keep our prices affordable and food available to every Canadian citizen.

Alison Lonnegat, VP of Sales

[Sithis]

Warhawks Incorporated
Esp: ++++

Private Objective PM Level

Alright, I'd like to sent [1] Morale, [1] ++ Military, and [1] Espionage. You're probably going to have to help me a bit with how this will work with Liquidity and Assets and whanot, I'm still not sure how that stuff works.

Basically, they're there to check out the dudes operation, making sure his equipment and employees are up to par (maybe going so far as to do background checks on all of these people, hence the Espionage.) The morale is there to stop them from being manipulated or bribed, though that doesn't seem likely. Fluff wise, the morale is Head of the Corporate Security division Alister Stanley, a former SAS operative who was one of the first individuals to sign on with Warhawks Inc.


Proxima Espionage: ++++

Well, huh. You know, I never actually thought about the potential benefits of having my own satellite. What exactly could I do with it?

(Mechanically, what would giving me control of this satellite do for me?)


Hyperion Espionage: ++++

Sound like a plan to me Mr. Jacobson, I'll start putting things in motion.


Miracle Inc. Espionage: ++++

Mr. Reed,

I must say Mr. Reed, you managed to have the most informal greeting to the most insulting letter I've ever had the displeasure to receive. In two sentences you have not only insulted my employees by implying that they have broken the law, but also threatened me with legal action. An empty threat, I'm sure, since we both know that such a lawsuit would be a waste of my time and your money.

But I digress, I feel that I should correct some misconceptions you seem to have:

Firstly, nothing my men did was illegal. This was no corporate espionage, they simply went into the public areas of some of your facilities and observed your security guards at work. They did not attempt to enter restricted areas, they did not even try to hide their presence. Hell, check your cameras, you'll see a couple of guys wearing Warhawks Inc. hats. Guess who?

This second thing is a fault of my wording, and I apologize for it. I said you have almost no security forces, and that simply badly worded on my part. What I MEANT to say is that you have no security forces worth a damn. Your security is by and large the most ill-prepared and badly trained group that my people had EVER seen. Do you have ANY kind of training program for them? It seems like you just accepted anyone off the street as is, gave them a uniform, and let them have at it. It is my men's professional opinion that in a crisis situation, (Fire, Flood, Bomb Threat, Terrorist Attack, etc...) your security could actually end up being more a hindrance than an asset. THAT is what I meant.

I'm sorry that I feel the way you do, and that my first message offended you.

Not sorry if this one does though.

CEO John Kelly (Mr. Kelly to you.)

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To Warhawks Inc.
Well, currently, we are limited in the satellites we have to offer. We could trade you a surveillance satellite, with would monitor military movements in a few countries of your choice. This would allow you to contact the soon-to-be targets, and offer your services to them (at a premium, of course)
We are also developing new satellites, which might be more useful to you, and we will contact you about those when they come up.

[thewamp]

Miracle Inc (esp ++++)

To Warhawks Incorporated
We apologize for offending your sensibilities, but if all you came to say was that you believe our security needs to be better trained, we have no time for your messages. And you know, our security really is sufficient: if that fire came, we'd evacuate and our data would be safe on backup servers. If the bomb or terrorist attack or flood came, we would lose nothing but a building or two.

You came to us with the most insulting message we have ever received and have the gall to think it surprising we'd be offended. Peddle your self-righteous mercenaries elsewhere, Mr. Kelly, we have no time or need for them. The only protection we need is the military of the United States of America.

Walter Reed, CSO

To V-Truth
Just sending a friendly tip. It seems the Warhawks are trying to establish a mercenary presence within the United States of America, under the guise of 'security forces'. You may want to investigate.

-Unsigned note.

[ArcaneStomper]

To GMs
Dang, well it looks like I need to boost my PI if I want to get anywhere. I think the best way to do that is to back a winning president. And it looks like Mr. Stanford is the obvious choice for me. So I am going to send PI [1] +/++++ to start looking around. I want these lobbyists, I assume that's what they are, to be very very careful. I'm a corporation and I have lots of money to support a campaign, but I'm also a weapons dealer. This could quite easily backfire and turn the public against him. I think rather than approach Stanford directly I am going to go to other corporations and convince them that he's the better option to support. Shouldn't be hard with his policies. Once I see what my PI digs up in the way of support I'll make a more detailed plan for my EoT. I've still got time so need to rush things.

By the way do those three turns include this one, so basically right after the third EoT. Or is it three more turns after this one. So after the fourth EoT.

[Thelonius]

Crime is Up in Europe

A series of violent crimes shook United Celtic States as Glasgow Kings enacted a series of reprisals against their perceived enemies. The brutality and audacity of the crimes have shocked the police and public. A key witness in the case against one of the Glasgow Kings leaders, Martin Pierce, refused to testify, ending any chances of conviction. An anonymous police officer reported, he is scared to patrol the King's territory.

China & Viridian Feed The World with South American Technology

A cooperative venture between China, Viridian Inc. and a conglomerate of Brazilian Bio-Engineering Corporations (BBEC) have initiated project, that promises to feed hundreds of millions people around the world and finally end the threat of famine in many nations across the world.

The lack of nutrition and food riots remain a constant source of deaths. The leaders of many nations have applauded this humanitarian initiative. Others were less then pleased. USA presidential candidate Perry Stanford has called this project an attempt by the Chinese to gain control of the world food supply. ''There are going to be strings attached with those rice bags. I for one don't wish my country to become dependent on the whims of tyrants. The USA will find strength to feed our own''.

New Cairo Energy Conference

Prince Zakaria ibn Saud personally meets all delegates as they arrive, heartily welcoming them to the conference. The accommodations are in perfect order and the newly constructed conference hall is outfitted with latest technologies and conveniences. The security is present, but it's relatively light.

There are representatives of Canada, Switzerland, China, Japan, Eritrean Church, Israel, Turkey, Caucasus Alliance and People' Commune of Colombia.In a suprising turn of events, the Church of Humanity is attending the conference as well.

The solar energy is represented by the Lucion Inc. and Greenday, a subsidiary of the Sunshine Inc. The cold fusion energy is represented by the C-Tech, a corporation that purchased a significant part of Vexxler Inc. energy research assets.

There is also a group of students from St. Petersburg, who won Zakaria's grant by their Solar Kites project and a group of Canadian students, who won a grant for their Thermal Isolation System project. They are expected to receive the grants in a ceremony in the end of the conference.

A series of lections are given:

Prof. Mendez from National University of Colombia speaks in length about the politics and Solar energy, arguing it will lead to greater personal independence and freedom:

''It should be possible for this technology to provide means for every person to have his personal supply of energy, without relying on the centralized power systems. The state exists, so the efforts of masses can be directed towards large scale projects, with optimal economic efficiency. But technological progress removes the need for centralized power structure and its societal ills. The late Mr. Simon Farrow* had a similar vision with his Autocratis, a self-sufficient city, completely independent of the outside world. He did not went far enough in his thinking, but the political and technological processes happening around the world, will undoubtedly lead us, first to the city-state political organization and then complete freedom of individual.''

*Simon Farrow, CEO and founder of Vexxler Inc.

Jonathan Titcher, Research from C-Tech, delivers a lecture about Cold Fusion, thermal generation potential.

''The heat generation from the cold fusion processes was for a long time considered an irregularity, without clear cause or application. My group has begun experimenting to examine this phenomenon and we found a correlation, that allows us to set a generation of heat by Cold Fusion reactor. Moreover we are currently working on the way to regulate the volume and so far our experiments haven't hit the ceiling. We may be able to provide an additional benefit to the Cold Fusion Reactors, as heat generation plants with yet unknown capacity.''

South Africa - Food Riots Threat

The food riots are threatening to break out in South Africa as news got leaked to the Media, that the nations lacks sufficient reserves, after another poor harvest and failed to secure a contract for food shipments from the outside. The South African isolationism has led to the nation, lacking crop cultures, bio-engineered to survive in the new climate, thus leading to collapse of its agriculture.

India - Famine, War & Peace

The experts predict a vicious famine to ravage the south provinces of India, after the news of mass crop failures were confirmed.

The city of Bangalor was unexpectedly captured by previously unknown warlord Malagi Nayak, a self proclaimed leader of neo-Cult of Mahakali. The Nayak's forces were comprised mainly of the heavily augmented soldiers.

Meanwhile in the north, Maharaja of Chandigarh, Nain Desai succeeded in peaceful unification of the region, making his domain, largest part of India under authority of single ruler.

India is currently without central government, split into hundred provinces either run by local government or without ruler at all. There isn't much fighting, but most individual provinces often lack resources to feed their own people, and can't afford any major projects.

Edit: Enviromental Case in Brazil

The Court rules in favor of the Corporations in the enviromental damages class action lawsuit in Brazil. Several prominent civil rights activits have called it a travesty of justice and a clear sign of corporation corrupting the Brazilian legal system.

Monolith Inc.

''This will be the poster child of our business. We'll be inviting the press on Monday, if we pass the inspection.'' said the Monolith security chief.

And they were certainly going to pass it. Darcy Huffington may have been just a rich kid, with inherited fortune, but he could pick his business partners well. The security guards were top notch, with a few UK ex-military, who were on Warhawk's level of skill. Everything was well planned and organized. Amadi turned to the intelligence officer, who came to check the placement of the security cameras earlier. ''All good?''. The man nodded, but with a clear reservation ''Cameras are good. But there is something, the Mr. Kelly may want to know''.

To John Kelly

The Monolith checks out perfectly. The only problem is with their first job - security of Dream Falls graveyard in UCS. When we were doing checks, we have discovered one of the tombs may have been opened. We may have a snatched body on our hands. If the press gets a wind of this and the name of the person, they won't care it was done before Monolith took over security. Now, I couldn't confirm, if the tomb was indeed disturbed, so I may be worrying for nothing. But it's the remains of Simon Farrow, so we'll be guaranteed full media attention, if things go wrong.


Space Mission, Proxima-1

5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Start

The rocket thrusters activate, propelling the Proxima-1 Mission, carrying three astronauts, through the Earth's atmosphere. The first manned mission in a long-time, in the world that all but abandoned space dreams and aspirations.

Proxima Only

The rocket reaches Pelor-1 without a problem and manages to perform the docking maneuver at the ''guest entrance''. From the Proxima-1, a narrow walkway, exposed to the void of space, leads to the sealed doors of the station. The radio cackles as signal comes from inside the station:

''Who are you and what do you want on my station?''

=====
[Well, improving on the existing technology, yes I would say it'll be a small scope project [+]. What exactly are you improving?

And yes, satellites will cover both South America and Canada.]


Communications

Aaron Adhil to Proxima

''Well, I'll be ready to contribute [3] Assets, for start. I'd like to see the updates on work and if I find the venture to be potentially profitable, I may bring the Sunshine Inc. on board.''

Eritrean Church to Proxima

We don't have a particular need of satellites at the moment.

Israel to Proxima

It is an interesting offer, but at the same time we are not threatened by outside enemies at the moment. What would the price be?

Turkey to Proxima

This sounds like a good offer. How much do you want for them?


Switzerland to Miracle Corp.

''The NEU has indeed made several diplomatic steps for the possibility of unification of our nations. It will be up to national referendum to decide the issue.''

Sunshine Inc. to Miracle Corp.

''We may be interested in partnership. How exactly are you proposing for us to work together and share the profits?''

V-Truth to Miracle Corp

''It would be possible, what sort of project do you have in mind?

And do you have any evidence the Warhawk Inc. is doing anything illegal?''

Presidential Candidates to Miracle Corp.

All three candidates agree to your proposition. It will cost [1] Asset and [1] either Economy or Research to set up.

Canada to Miracle Corp.

''We are considering purchasing and providing food directly to the people. If you can prove, subsidies to you would feed more people, we will agree to extend them to you.''


''Encrypted'' to Glasgow Kings [High Encryption [1] +++]

Triads

''We would be interested in gaining a stronger political foothold in NEU, starting with United Celtic States. Would you be willing to provide us with access to your resources to accomplish that?''

Russian Ultra-Nationalists to Glasgow Kings

''We'd like to purchase some of your super-soldier serum stuff. A [2] Assets worth of it. Would you be able to deliver it to us?''


Hyperion Inc. Only

The USA will have a new president on the start of turn 4. And you manage to locate the companies, contributing to the Perry Stanford's coffers. You men aren't very skilled in all those political shenanigans though.

[ArcaneStomper]

To GM
I'd really appreciate an answer to my question about assets. I can't be a very good weapons dealer if I can't actually deliver weapons to my clients. Here it is again in case you missed it.

Hyperion Client
Ok I need to know about assets. Quinton is willing to transfer 5 assets. That's enough to cover the job, but can I use them for this. I've already got my liquidity tied up, but on the other hand if he's transferring them they must already be liquid so it would make sense that I'd be able to use them as kind of temporary liquidity before the get invested into my long term financial assets. I've got plenty of stats to assign to this still. I just need to know if I can use the assets he's transferring to fund it or if I need to pull a bit of funding from my research.

Another question. I'm not sure when he's planning to pay me. The wording is a little ambiguous. So if he wants to pay me after I deliver could I pull funding from research, sell the weapons, and then put the profits back into research to cover what I pulled out? I mean nothing has actually happened research wise yet, so I don't think those assets have been spent.

The Presidential Election
Yeah I know my guys are pretty bad at this. Which is why I don't want to get too involved. If they bungle this it could backfire spectacularly. I guess for now they'll just wait. What will I need identify key regions that stand the best chance of influencing the vote so I can concentrate my efforts. Is there anyway to see what kind of campaign contributions Stanford needs to compete with his opponents. Usually the amounts being donated is relatively public to prevent fraud. I suppose this turn all I can really do is set up stuff and hope I can wrangle a bit more PI out for next turn.

Speaking of which can I use stats to increase stats. Or do I always need an asset investment.

[Thelonius]

To Hyperion Inc. Only

In this case Mr. Quinton is paying you in advance (a sign of trust or that he really needs those guns fast), so you can do whatever you wish with the Assets, including using them to fund the manufacturing of the weapons he needs delivered before this EoT.

It is of course possible to use Stats to increase Stats. For example, if you use your Military for training, rather than defending your facilities, they'll slowly grow in strength. Or your PI people to start making contacts in Washington.

[ArcaneStomper]

Hyperion Inc. [Esp. ++++]

To Client (GM)
Mr. Quinton

Thank you for choosing Hyperion for your weapons needs. Your shipment is on its way and will arriving shortly.

Samuel Quinns, Sales Agent

Weapons Shipment
Investment: Assets 3.5 [Quinton], Econ [2] ++++, Morale [1] ++, Mil [1] 0/+

Ok the assets are going to be used to actually make the weapons obviously. Since the weapons he wants are fairly standard I assume what's happening is that I'm pulling a shipment out of the warehouse and the new weapons are being used to replace them so I don't run out of inventory. That way they get down there faster than if I waited to manufacture some new weapons and then send them.

The econ is a team of my best sales agents. They have orders not just to bargain the best deal they can with Mr. Quinton, but also to see if he wants to work out a long term purchasing contract. They'll also be in charge of logistics to see that the shipment arrives quickly and safely.

The morale is a complement of employees. Nothing particularly special here just some trusted employees to make sure no bribes are taken or shipments "lost" along the way.

The mil is well mostly for show. I know they can't do much. But they should at least be able to guard the shipment from regular thieves.

This is a little bit above what Hyperion would normally send on a shipment like this, but Quinton is paying in advance and I should be making a profit here so we want to make sure he's a satisfied customer likely to return. Assuming he survives whatever he needs the weapons for of course. I kind of wish I had espionage to run a check on him, but I assume his money already checked out so that's enough.

Edit: Oh and once they're done the whole group is going to move to my Venezuelan office and set up shop there. I'm hoping to be doing some more business with the warlords and any mercenaries they hire so I might as well get some people working in the office now.

[ragingrage]

Proxima

Proxima Secret Mission
We wish to talk about many things.
Of space--Of space ships--Of Space Stations. Of Shuttles--of Rockets--of Astronauts. But, most importantly, it is time to talk about what you plan to do with the massive amount of space-related goods under your control, sitting around gathering dust.
To Israel
Well, the price would be 9 assets. A relatively cheap price, compared to the early warning abilities it will give you. Alternatively, you could pay 2 asset every ((turn)) for 5 ((turn)).
To Turkey
The price would be 9 assets. A relatively cheap price, compared to the early warning abilities it will give you.
To Aaron Adhil
Of course. Work will begin immediately, and we are very thankful for the amount you have put in.
To GM
Well, we'd be mainly trying to improve on the amount of fuel it would need to get to space. I assume we could save a small amount by constructing the space ship out of BG-14. If we could, while doing this, make it more comfortable that would be great.
Research on it will begin immediately. The assets Mr. Adhil contributed along with 1 asset of my own, will be used by (3) research to begin the project. Any scope on how long it will take?
To Andrea Wilikins
Would you be interested in sponsoring a project to allow some animals to walk on the moon? Humans have done it, and it is only fair that Animals have the chance to do it too.

[Exthalion]

Energy Conference

Lucius Frazier CTO of Lucion

"I would like to start by extending my best wishes to everyone here; my wishes that your contributions be man and recognized, your work fruitful, and your journeys home safe.

For a long time Solar energy has had a varied reputation, either as the answer to all our problems or a relic of the past people still clung to. I respectfully disagree with both sides of that debate.

Solar energy is vital, all the energy of our world is due to the constant power provided by the sun or the legacy of other stars. Solar panel technology is an outgrowth of this recognition.

With current technologies, solar cell efficiency is at sixty-five percent and wireless energy transfer at ninety-five. Not some hypothetical project, now. Research indicates even these numbers can be improved. This may seem small and wasteful to some of you here. It might seem as though such efficiency will never be enough to meet the needs of a growing world.

Consider however! That the amount of solar energy striking Earth is between two and five thousand times our projected energy needs in fifty years! With a middling sixty five percent efficiency that is between thirteen hundred and twenty-three hundred times our projected energy needs. With improvements in efficiency and eventually space based solar arrays the worlds energy needs can be met for centuries of exponential growth. Even if every person living now were to use energy at the rate per-eruption Americans did it would not noticeable effect the numbers I have given you.

That ladies and gentlemen is the proven capacity of solar energy. Even with the global dimming the amount of light Earth receives is still thousands of times our energy needs. We at Lucion are strong believers in the promise of space to make even these seemingly fantastic numbers seem small. Remember those number? Two to Five thousand? that is after it gets through our atmosphere.

With a space based solar power grid developed and developing nations would experience massive benefit. Existing power grids are expensive to put up and maintain they create eyesores that impinge upon natural beauty in remote areas, and they are totally unnecessary.

There are many reasons why this would be good are many and I am sure all of you can come up with reasons it would be compelling for your countries.

Finally, Solar energy is an instrument for a safer world. Any fusion system, according to the laws of physics, will produces neutrons as a byproduct of its operation. A competent engineer would be able to use these neutrons to breed radioisotopes, including the kind used for nuclear weapons. While the technology would undoubtedly be used for peaceful purposes in all cases, ubiquitous fusion power would mean some facilities would be at risk to misuse by extremist organizations.

I am not saying we should not pursue fusion, or that it will be used to mass produce bombs. There are some applications such as mobile military vehicles where direct solar power would not be feasible. For reasons such as this, Lucion is partnering with international research organizations to produce safe and cheep high performance super capacitors available to everyone.

So please, don't go saying we hate fusion power, we love it. After all, we are advocating making use of the largest fusion reactor for several lightyears. When it comes to economies of scale, we tend to think the sun has anything humans can build beat."

Proxima
We hope you took the good faith gesture it was. We really are interested in space based solar power. You might consider pushing the idea to some of your more northern clients.

[Thelonius]

New Cairo Energy Conference

C-Tech Speaker Maximilian Johnson

''The solar energy and cold fusion can certainly co-exist and complement each other. The solar energy has a number of advantages, as it is cheap and easy to maintain, which would mean it would be an excellent solution for the developing nations. Its dependence on the good weather conditions for one, make it less useful in the nations with less hospitable climate. There is also a potential use for the Cold Fusion as engine for ships and submarines, and perhaps more as our miniaturization projects progress. I would not deny the dangers of cold fusion, being used for weapons, but this conference can establish rules to prevent such abuses of technology.''

Professor Kobayashi Hiroto to Lucion Representatives

''I have dedicated my life to work on solar technology and published a number of papers on the subject. I want to change the world by joining the Lucion in projects related to the solar energy research. You may check my credentials, I have the expertise and knowledge you need.''

[You'll gain [1] +++++ Research, usable only for solar energy projects, if you hire Prof. Kobayashi Hiroto.

Investors

China, Turkey and Israel appear to be interested in Cold Fusion.

Eritrean Church, Caucasus Alliance, People's Commune of Colombia and Canada stand by Solar Power, along with a group of independent investors.

Switzerland and Japan appear to be undecided.

Hyperion Inc [High Encryption [1] +++]

Mr. Quinton, remaining anonymous behind a mask, appears to be a match for your sales agents, they are clearly impressed by his ability and suspect he got an excellent education and knows how the game is played. They do manage to work out an opportunity for future deals with him. Overall he makes a strong impression, which is why they note that he seems out of place among his followers - far less educated people, who, while they can certainly use weapons, aren't that good of soldiers.

In Venezuela the General Perez and self-proclaimed president Alvarez Garcia are fighting, but 80% of the nation remains at peace, with about dozen of various warlords so far just watching the events unfold.


Proxima Only

''Ah, you wish the goods. Well, do three things and you can have them. First, tell me what is going on in the world. I don't get VI-net here and my satellites pick up only on some things. Second, an anniversary of my friend's death is coming up. Would you put a bouquet of flowers on Simon Farrow's grave, from me? And the third one... A message from me to Pope. I'll deposit it outside of the door. See it delivered personally.''

Israel to Proxima

We will consider your offer.

Turkey to Proxima

We have a deal. We will need to inspect the satellites and alter them to fit our specifications, before you launch them.

Andrea Wilikins to Proxima

That sounds like a splendid idea. After all, the animals were the first cosmonauts. Tell us more about this project.

[OOC - My god, you are actually going along with the whole ''animals benefiting from technology....'']

[Lizard Lord]

Gods of Glasgow

To "Encrypted":To the Triad
Yea we can do that, if you can help us get a stronger political foothold in China.

To Rusia Ultra-Nationalists: We mostly certainly can.

[ragingrage]

Proxima ESP:+++
To Turkey
Of course.
((OOC: I'm not usre if this is exactly, legal but here goes: Could the transfer of assets to me from Turkey go directly to the building of the satellites, therefore not counting as part of my liquidity, but against theirs?
Proxima Secret Mission
Much is happening in the world. Canada remains dieing, but a few nations are trying to bring it back it its former glory. The American Election is heating up, with all three of the candidates campaigning for votes. There have been kidnappings of government officials in Mexico, and environmentalists have been speaking against the Policies of Brazil. The Russian president slowly dies, and to the east the NEU and Turkey clash once again. The borders of the WAU and the AAN slowly become clear, and Chad and the Congo are split in half. Eliza Veil has been canonized by the EOC, and Israel and the Neo-Caliphate have declared peace.
But this is but a brief summary. Is there anything you would like to know in detail?
We would be glad to lay flowers on the good Simon Farrows grave. He was doing so much for the world, and then one fanatic destroyed him. Surely, a testament to how hard it is to build, but how easy it is to destroy. Would you prefer a specific type of flower?
We would love to to give your message to the pope. May we ask what it contains?
Also, would you be willing to share with us your experiences of living on space station? They would definitely aid in the process of getting humans into space.
To Andrea Wilikins
Well, we would work with a few of your scientists to develop a Spacecraft that would be better designed for animals. We would also have to develop a space suit that would fit them, along with a way of supplying them with nutrients. Alternatively, if your technology to allow Animals to communicate could work both ways, then we could simply tell them what to do and ignore the necessity to integrate a nutrient-providing system within the space suits.
Next, we would need to auto-program the spacecraft to get, and land, on the moon. Once there, we would need to find some way to get the Animals on to the moon, and also retrieve them when they're done. After that, we would need to auto-pilot the spacecraft back to earth.
Now, this may seem, daunting, but much could be accomplished with even a small amount of effort invested. We have other projects in construction, so we would prefer it if you could provide much of the project's funding and back bone, with us providing some people to oversee it and direct your scientists.
((OOC: Why not!))

[ArcaneStomper]

Hyperion Inc. Esp. +++++

To Client
The negotiations over Samuel Quinns gets up and offers his hand to Mr. Quinton. "It's been a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Quinton. I hope we have the opportunity to do this again. Although if you don't mind me saying so I hope your men are up for whatever you have planned. Anyway I won't ask questions, that's not what Hyperion does. Just good luck in whatever you're doing."

Nodding Quinns heads towards the trucks he came up in with his own men, workers, guards, and sales agents, following him.

OOC: Man he held his own against two teams with quality four. He must be a five all by himself. I wonder if he'd be willing to join me at some point.

And I figure it doesn't matter how many people are fighting right now. This is just the beginning. With that many warlords I'm sure things will explode eventually. Especially with the mysterious Mr. Quinton involved. He looks like he has a plan. At the very least there's the general and the president to sell weapons to.

[Exthalion]

Lucion

Alternative Energy Conference

Lucion Presentation on super capacitors

Many people have pointed to fusion or fission power as the ideal in mobile systems. However, both hydrogen isotopes which require significant power and uranium are required to fuel these reactors. In a sense, these materials are only stores of energy as opposed to sources of power.

With this in mind, the simple battery suddenly becomes more meaningful. Traditional chemical batteries cannot match even the smallest generator due to size and chemistry related issue.

However, as a store of power the super or ultra capacitor is a great improvement over the humble AA. Lucion standard ultracapacitors can store approximately one hundred watts per kilogram. This may not sound like a lot, but consider that military grade nuclear reactors weight between nine and one hundred thousand tons. Moreover, capacitors are considerably better at releasing energy quickly such as emergency or battle conditions where a lot of power is needed quickly.

The most recent round of ultra capacitor tests in controlled laboritory conditions have shown an energy density of twenty-five mega watts per kilogram.

With that level of storage capacitors are now entering a phase in which they have an energy storage potential five times that of gasoline and are entirely environmentally friendly. Freed of fuel weight and with greater design freedom this new generation of ultra capacitors will allow both immense miniaturization and the use of high energy systems on small platforms.

Thel:
"Professor, Kobayashi (I am assuming the traditional custom of last name first), Lucion would be delighted and honored if you would work for us. It is our hope that Solar power will point the way to a safe, clean, and prosperous future."

[thewamp]

Miracle Corp. (esp ++++)

To V-Truth
We're curious if there are any preliminary polls on the question of Switzerland joining the NEU. If they are, are they available?

Nathan Lane, Chairman of the Board of Directors


To V-Truth
Oh no one is accusing anyone of anything illegal - it's simply somewhat disreputable. The attached messages show the Warhawks portraying themselves as offering increased corporate security. But these are not common security guards they are peddling - these are highly trained mercenaries. Why would an American company need to be protected on American soil by mercenaries? And aren't the Warhawks vastly overstepping their bounds by trying to sell this service?

Surely there's a story in this

-Unsigned note

Attached is the first message from the warhawks to miracle corp and our response (in posts 17 and 47)

Sunshine Inc.
OOC: Actually, quick question: my understanding is that the VI-net is both the new version of the web and a massive computing network that can be rented out. If this correct?

To GM
What hits has the phrase "Scientia potentia est" turned up in our search engine?

YourMiracle

V-Truth

I've forwarded your message to our VP of Marketing, Cheryl Li who will explain our proposal

Mitchell Mason, CEO

---

Well, as you know, our users can opt to make any of their personal data shared with any entity they wish. They can further sell this data, if they choose, but their is enough of a public forum that this is largely irrelevant for our purposes. We can set up virtual discussion rooms and old-style chat rooms which still have some popularity. We can easily sift through this for marketable quotes and so forth - the algorithms would be trivial. This will provide your viewers with an interactive experience and drastically lower the cost for some of your stories.

The cost of this venture would not even be terribly expensive. It would be profitable for all involved.

Cheryl Li, VP of Marketing

Talk Anywhere

Presidential Candidates
Excellent, we'll have our people set it up.

Richard Riley, CEO

OOC: spend 1 asset and 1 research

Mr. Happy

Canada
The advantage of using us as a vendor over providing food directly is that we have the infrastructure set up - this cost reduction will allow us to feed more people than a state program. Also, it will keep the Canadian people's morale up - if they have to change their habits, buying from the state, they will be faced with the difficulties daily. If we keep the difficulties behind the scene, the people will be able to stay out of the struggle, at least partly.

Alison Lonnegat, VP of Sales

[nolispe]

Viridian Industries

To the Warhawks and GM
Excellent. It's been a pleasure working with you.
OOC: A: Miss Zhu. Lien is a female name, I think.
B: I'm not sure how it is done, either. Thelonius, can you enlighten us?

To GM (Private Objective)
I have 15 total, right? ANd I might be able to extract PI from it, but I dunno. All of the work will have the Viridian label on it, so that might be worth something.
We will expend around 5, dependent on how much is free. That might go up to 10.

To Proxima
Well, I don't know precisely how to provide those people. What does that translate to in terms of stats?
We would, however, be happy to help in whatever way we could.
But I am uncertain as to what precsiely is needed.

To South Africa
We would like to offer our assistance in providing food to your country. Would you be willing to assist in the distribution?

To the US
If you do not wish to accept our food, that is acceptable. We encourage you to accept our help, but we will not push you on the matter.

To Adrian Crowely
You will be aware that the current administration has sentenced thousands to death through starvation. Were you to become president, would this insane stance be reversed?

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To Viridian Industries
If you were willing, I believe Canada would love it if you could contribute some of your well-trained engineers and scientists to aid in the project. If you could contribute even (4) research they could be used to direct the project and aid the project immensely. If you have any assets you could contribute, that would aid as well.
To GM/Viridian Industries
How would the addition of (4) +++++ research aid the Canada restoration project?

[Thelonius]

Encrypted to Glasgow Kings [High Encryption [1] +++]

''China is tricky. Their secret police is very proficient and politicians are rather reluctant in taking bribes and hard to intimidate. The death penalty for corruption and treason must have something to do with it. We have some presence there, but should we try to expand it, they’ll come down hard on us.
We can offer you assistance with other nations in the region – Japan and India. Our influence also extends to the American continent.''

Russian Ultra-Nationalists to Glasgow Kings

''We’d like to make an order for [2] of your serum and we will pay extra, if you can deliver it to Yekaterinburg, St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk, without the authorities intercepting the shipments. Payment will be on delivery.''

Assets. You can assign stats like Morale (make sure all goes smoothly), Economy (negotiate for better price) Military (escorts for shipment), Espionage (hide shipment, investigate buyer) to the operation.]


Proxima Only

This would actually count against both of your liquidities. They spend cash, you spend effort to make the satellites. If this was a fast order (i.e. you need results before the EoT), you may gain original liquidity + profit or take a loss. But fast orders need additional stats to execute (pulling double-shifts) and generally mean less profit, so in this case it’s a regular one.

Private Objective

''[I]I see. Any news from China? And did they manage to capture the Menschenfresser? What are the results of the Supervulcano investigation? Was it made public?''

''You can pick flowers. And the message to Pope is confidential.''

''As for my life on the station, well, I’ll write some notes on it. It’s not like I’ve got much to do here anyway.''

Andrea Wilkins to Proxima

How wonderful. We can invest [2.5] Assets into this venture.

[I’d say it’ll cost [3] Assets, plus some Stats to get a pooch or kitty on the Moon].


Turkey & Israel to Lucion (separately)

It appears both nations are interested in non-civilian applications of the technologies discussed at the conference and they are cautiously probing the Lucion representatives to see, if Lucion would be willing to work on something like that.


V-Truth to Miracle Corp

''Unfortunately, Switzerland is one of the few places, where we don't have informational infostructure to gather that kind of data. We will see about finding out anyway, since NEU-Switzerland unification is an interesting topic''.

''We will conduct an investigation to see, if Warhawk Inc. warrants a story. Perhaps you could assist us with getting some contacts in the USA political circles, so we’d be more efficient in providing the freshest news to the public, on how the Washington rolls.''

[They are inquiring for [1] Politics action to aid them.]

''Perhaps we could use this technology for personalized news delivery and gathering information. We’d be interested in buying [3] worth of this technology from you. Let us negotiate for price and job specifications.''

[Mechanically, it will be spending [3] of Liquidity, and gaining best case scenario [3] + Profit back, worst case scenario [3] – Loss. This will depend on how well price negotiations go and how much it’ll cost you to set things up. You can assign stats to that effect like [1] +++ Economy for negotiations, [1] Economy/Research work on project.]

Miracle Corp Only

Yes, it’s internet, massive communications hub and processing network.

And there are pretty many returns on the search, since ''scientia potentia est'' or ''knowledge is power'' is a quote, that gets used here and now.


Viridian Inc. & Proxima Only

[4] +++++ Research, will reduce the number of needed Specialists to [6], out of originally needed [12].

South Africa to Viridian Inc.

''It would be possible, but we don’t wish for genetically engineered plants to poison our nation and we will perform strict customs control for all shipments.''

Adrian Crawley to Viridian Inc.

''I will of course seek all possible means to feed my people, as long as the price isn't our freedom.''


Murska Only

Okay, on Canada and Miracle Corp's offer to get subsidies to distribute food, Miracle Corp. doesn't actually have presence in Canada, so unless they put some real organizational effort, government's own initiative would be more efficient

[ragingrage]

Proxima Esp:+++

Not-so-Secret Anymore Mission
The Menschenfresser is still at large, no word from China, and the results of the Spuervolcano investigation have not yet been made public. Thank you for your time, Mr. Walters. Would you care to sign here, verifying the transfer of your assets to Proxima on delivery of your message to the Pope and the placement of flowers on Simon Farrow's grave.
To Andrea Wilikins
Is there anyway you could spare a few of your researchers to aid us? They would be of invaluable assistance in designing a spacecraft that would be good for animals.
To the Vatican (This is a NPC now, right?)
We have received a message from Mr. Daniel Walters, who has asked us to deliver it to the Pope in person. Could we meet with his eminence to conduct the delivery?

EDIT: To GM
Could the (4) +++++ research also be used as specialists/Top Management, in conjunction with reducing the amount of specealists needed?

[daelrog]

Westmarchs

Secret Objective (PM Level Security)
Russian Oligarchs: We extend our white-clothed gloves to you good sirs for realizing where the future lies… with the Westmarchs, and now with you as well! We fully agree that we civilized few should come closer together, and we welcome you with open arms and offer our strong military presence to ensure your safety, but first we must understand the situation fully. After all, why send in a tank, when a simple knife will do…
*Westmarch representative’s expression darkens*
Now then, onto business. Is there anyone in particular you believe will try to harm you once we begin your transition to the Westmarch Clan? Is it the Glasgow Gang, the Russian Government? Either of them can easily be dealt with, but we need to know exactly who we must be prepared for so that complication do not occur. In truth, we intend to broker a deal with Warhawk Inc, the other dominant military power in the region, and if need be, we may include you in that deal.

AAE: Ah, splendidly said! You know, we have been routing for your side the entire time, particularly our distant cousins in the Qin family. Speaking of the Qin family, I believe the Chinese have a strong hold over your movement, and that Warhawk Inc also has a large holding. Tsk, tsk, two very strong powers. Now then, we feel confident we can deal with both of these two forces that be, and bring you into the fold, but first we must know the exact situation, and exactly how many of you intend to join the Westmarchs. Once that is settled, we will be negotiations immediately.
Viridian Industries
Ah, what a pleasant day, is it not? Say, how about I invite myself to a negotiating table with you. Much better. Now, as you know the Westmarchs are strong supporters of the enhancement of the human race, but alas our own research staff is… lacking. Rather than start from scratch, we find it much more intelligent and reasonable to support those organizations that already show promise, such as yours. As such, we are interested in a partnership of sorts, whether limited, or strong. We notice that your organization lacks a strong military, making you vulnerable. Now unlike other military powers… say companies that supply military technologies… are success does not depend on war, making it a far qiser choice to consider us as a partner, or at least to choose us to check those companies who need conflict to thrive. Wouldn’t you agree?

Quantum Tech
Good showing sirs and madams! As you know, the Westmarchs are strong patrons of the advancement of technologies, yet as you must also know, our own ability to promote new sciences is not as it should. Therefore, we fall to our friends such as you to spearhead the charge into the future! As such, we would like to offer our resources should you need them, to help support your vision of progress, particularly our military and more…subtle works should you need them. We do realize there are stronger powers in the field of military, but considering most of them depend of the need for arms to thrive, we find our open arms slightly more appealing. Isn’t that so?
Lucion
Greetings comrades! We, the Westmarchs, are thoroughly impressed by your groups tenacity and shrewdness in the political world. However, you must realize that the best defense is a good offense! While other organizations and nations fight and squabble over power, victors will emerge, and they shadow those who stay behind.

[Greystone]

BDPT

Actions
+++ Espionage points used as liasons to the various main cities and their police department to train them on anti-rioting techniques as explained in my previous post.


GM
Is the Celtic Union in the NEU?

[nolispe]

Viridian Industries

To South Africa
Naturally. Should we send in some of our plants for you to examine?

To Adrian Crowely
Of course! Well, it is good to see that someone at least can see sense.

To Proxima/GM
How would we get these specialists?

To the Westermarches
You make a good case. What would this cooperation entail?

[daelrog]

The Westmarchs

Viridian Industries
We see a few potential levels to where an alliance could go. We recommend we start small, and as our trust and partnership grows, we consider strengthening our alliance.

For the time being, we would like to pledge military and espionage security, the amount can be negotiated. In return, we would like to get the benefits of some (not all) of your new discoveries, particularly concerning human augmentation. Also, as should current negotiations with other groups bare fruition, we may find ourselves with ample resources to provide direct funding to your research, but we cannot make any promises that depend on third parties, naturally.

As for the future, depending on our mutual success, we both may want to consider the future of Asia together.

[Sithis]

Warhawks Incorporated

Private Objective PM Level

(OOC: I actually wasn't clear on whether Huffington knew about the body maybe being missing, so I'm assuming that he didn't.)
John Kelly sits in front of his video-screen, in the middle of a secure-teleconference with Darcy Huffington.

"Alright Mr. Huffington, my people have had a good look around, and it appears that you've got all your ducks in a row, as it were. Your equipment looks good, your people are almost as good as mine, all that stuff looks great. There's only one thing, and it's kind of a big deal. Have you checked Dream Falls cemetery lately? Because while I haven't confirmed it 100%, you might be too late for the whole guarding Ferrow's body thing." Kelly shifts uncomfortably in his chair a bit. "I really do hate to be the bearer of bad news you know. And I know that your contract hasn't really started yet. If it's missing, it's not your fault. I know it, you know it. Hell, everyone who knows anything about it will know that. But it won't stop the press from using it to try to drive you into the ground. I'm sorry, but I really just don't need that kind of publicity right now. He cuts off any attempt Darcy might make to respond with a gesture of his hand. "Now, before you get all worried, this doesn't mean I'm giving up on you yet. Far from it. I've actually got boys on my way down to the cemetery now to see what's up for SURE, might be nothing, in which case there's no worries. If there is though...well...then I can't publicly support you, but I can help you try to rectify this before anyone finds out. And THEN I could support you. If you've got any pull with the local authorities, I'd use it to try to keep this on the down-low while we try to figure out exactly what's going on. Now, does this all sound like a plan to you?

(OOC: Sending [1] Esp: ++++ of specialists and [1] Mil: ++ of Security men down to the cemetery to investigate what's going on there. )


Hyperion & GM Esp: ++++

So, if I understand this correctly, I'm sending [1]Mil:++ over to him to train his Mil, in exchange he's going to finance(?) upgrading some of my Mil:++ to Mil:+++ Is that pretty much right? (I'm basically just trying to wrap my head around what's going on here mechanically.)


Viridian & GM Esp: ++++

So I'm sending [1]Mil: ++ and [1]Esp:++++ over to Virididan to help him get his security in order. Exactly what tech is Viridian offering here?


Proxima Esp: ++++

I don't suppose you could give me any idea of the capabilities of these new satellites, could you?

As it is, I'm actually very much considering your proposal. Still haven't decided for sure yet, I'll let you know when I do.


WAU Esp: ++++

(OOC: This is being sent to whatever my relevant contacts are in the WAU government. Since I don't know who those actually are yet.)

Hey, it's John Kelly here. Haven't heard from you guys in a while. I wouldn't suppose there's anything you'd need some of my guys for, is there? Business isn't exactly booming as well as I would like, so more than a few of my men have some downtime.

(OOC: I'm also assuming he's on fairly familiar terms with these contacts. Of course, he pretty much talks to everyone like that, so...)

[nolispe]

Viridian Industries

To the Westermarches
Excellent. It is good to have allies. Perhaps in return for some of the new farms that we are planning on developing - which will hopefully have massive applications on your economic endevadors - we could acquire some of your espionage assets to reinforce our own.

To the Warhawks
This technology would be transportable high-energy food growing strucutes, which would have huge beneficial effects on your logistics.

[daelrog]

Westmarchs ++++ espionage

Viridian Industries
Wonderful. Once we have estimates on other our other obligations we will be able to give you exact figures of our support. We will take into account that you answered first into serious consideration though.

Warhawks
Greetings noble Warhawks Inc! We, the Westmarchs, are deeply interested in making a serious business excahnge with your organization. However, first we would like to inquire as to your opinion of our own esteemed domain. We at the upper echelons hold the utmost faith that your organization and ours share a mutual existence, but some holdouts think that you may be wary of us.

So what you say you Warhawks Inc? WOuld you be interested in a possible deal... concerning supporting each other's rise in influence in certain regions...

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To Veridian Industries
By investing stats into the Project. We need 3 top management (1 person from me, one from you, and one from the IBG perhaps) (Yes, the IBG is also working with us on this project, and will be contributing financial advisers to it.), if you contribute the (4) research 6 specialists, and 15 workers.
To give you a sense of our current investments into the project, I'll outline them for you. Proxima will be building a set of weather-monitoring satellites for Canada, which will reduce the Asset cost and the amount of specialists needed. We will also provide some research . If you could contribute the (4) tech, one of that would be used as top management (your representative) and the other 3 would be as specialists guiding more focused aspects of the project. The IBG has yet to specify the exact amount they will be contributing, but I assume (4) would also be decent as that could fill up our specialist needs. I, in conjunction with Canada itself, will be providing the brute workers, to get the rest of it done.

[TsukikoJ]

International Bank of Geneva
Espionage: ++++

AAN
Of course. We're still interested in setting up some business ventures in your country, but we'll stick to investment for now. I hope it demonstrates that we do, in fact, intend to support you and aren't just looking for personal benefit.
Thelonius - Personal Objective
Does establishing a minor office in China and spending assets to do so reflect in an increase to PI at all?

Anyways, it seems like China is very interested in working with us. So I'm going to give it my "ok" on selling their shares to clients. I'm also going to spend [1] ESP to keep this from the media if at all possible. By the time anyone actually realizes we've started to make it okay to support China's economy, hundreds of other financial entities in Africa, South America, and the Middle East should have followed our lead in selling their shares, making it hard to pinpoint anything on us and it should put us in with the masses.

So yeah. I think that was the gist of my personal objective except I was also given the option of investing in the AAN as well. That's probably best done at EOT and I will be doing so.
Proxima
It looks like I'll be able to contribute about [3] +++++ economy. That should go a long ways. Political Influence as well, perhaps. But that might need to be used for other things this turn. I hope you understand that we also have other projects that we've committed to and would be of more help if we were able to be. If our resources are not sufficient to fully assist Canada at this time, we can invest more next turn.

For Mr. Walters:
I'm interested in acquiring some of the information and research done by one Simon Farrow, the late CEO of Vexxler Inc. Specifically, I am looking for research into his self-sustaining dome cities, biotech, and neural research. As one of the major shareholders, I was wondering if you had access to said technology or would know how to obtain it. I've been wondering if you yourself applied some of his dome city research to make your space life more comfortable as well. Any information we obtain is to be used only for the good of humanity.
Miracle Inc.
Nathan Lane,

It appears that the rumors are exaggerated. The topic has been addressed, but it is no where near actually happening. You know how the media is.

As for our stance, we are very against the idea of them merging with the NEU. It may just be patriotism, but the IBG supports Switzerland's historically neutral stance in diplomatic matters and we believe it would be a terrible mistake to change that. We Swiss are fond of our European allies, but we would rather assist them as allies on our own account rather than being lumped in with the rest of the NEU on all of their policies, decision-making, etc. What is your stance on the matter?

Frederick Ankrum
CEO of the International Bank of Geneva
Lucion
We are very interested in your solar energy. In fact, we'd very much like to fund a good part of the research. Our strong influence in Switzerland may encourage them to pledge support as well. Perhaps between the cooperation of Lucion's energy research, Proxima's space capabilities, and the IBG's funds we can cooperate to make leaps and bounds on your ideas.
Switzerland
Personally, I think the solar energy seems to be the better option after hearing the representatives at the meeting on energy. We'll be funding a good chunk of the research and we would be willing to do so in the name of Switzerland rather than the IBG to put the country's name on a project that will hopefully help humanity extensively.

Would you be interested in contributing part of the national budget to the research as well? We can make a joint investment.

[nolispe]

Viridian Industries

To Proxima
Good. I must ask, however, is there any potential profit in this endevadour? After all, we currently have several humanitarian projects that we are juggling, and while we would love to help here, we need to look into all options.

[Exthalion]

Lucion to IGB
That is most welcome news indeed. We understand that you have a profit margin to consider as do we all. We would gladly accept investments in our research.

[Imperial Psycho]

Silhouette

Private Objective
Gravois personally attends the meeting, taking his place on the table, after the representatives are seated, and the VI conference is set up to allow Daemon to contribute.

"Greetings, my friends. You all know what I am here to ask of you, more or less. You all know what we fight for. But the true question is not, will you join your forces to mine, but why have we not unified earlier? Silhouette has operations in Asia and America that could be of much use to the Sons of Liberty, and the Neo-Decembrists. Daemon, you could certainly benefit from the resources of Silhouette.

"And all I ask is, in exchange for my help, we each help the other. The world does not take kindly to people like us. People who can see past the veil of lies. Of course, we must each act in our own regions first, for we must see our own people safe and free before we can look outwards. But if we act as one force, we can free these places, one by one, and force open the doors to the truth they hide from us. Alone, we will each eventually be found, and stamped out, you know this to be true. "

"So, I put the question to you: What can I do ensure our mutual survival?"

[Thelonius]

Events

European Protests

The protests are held in NEU against the government’s cutting of the social programs. Despite the dire predictions, the protests are mostly peaceful and NEU police, reinforced by the B.D.P.T. and Humanity’s Guard diffuse all problematic situations without civilian casualties.

The protests end after NEU Commissioner promises to implement a more gradual dissolution of the social programs and measures to fight the unemployment. The new budget, formed with the aid of IBG, would allow for the NEU to both satisfy the protesters and pursue its project of providing modern technology to every NEU citizen.

Church of Humanity in NEU

The active participation of the Church of Humanity in the NEU protests and its influence has contributed greatly to the extension of social programs. This has led to the increased popularity of the pro-Church sentiments among population and new spring of Church-affiliated political parties. The upcoming elections in the NEU Parliament (Election Time: 2 Turns) will see, if this will translate into greater political influence for the Church of Humanity.

NEU-Switzerland Cooperation Grows

NEU Commissioner Stanislav Zielinsky has expressed personal thanks to the IBG for their assistance to forming the NEU budget.

''This is yet another example of the excellent record of cooperation between NEU and Switzerland. We will continue to work closely with the Switzerland government and companies. Let us continue to strengthen our bonds of friendship between our people.''

Andrea Wilkins to Proxima

We will be able to spare a few, certainly. Our lead scientist Sergey Dimitrov [1] +++++ should be able to assist you.

GM
Yes, it would be a more efficient distribution – 1 Scientific Advisor to Top Management, 3 Scientists working as Specialists.


Private Objectives

Westmarchs (Private Objective)

Let’s say there are… factions inside Russian government. There is going to be a war for power once President Korneev dies, and as unaffiliated with either of the power blocks, the winner will see to redistribute our wealth to their coffers. We believe we’ll be safe from Russia with you, but other nations may consider extradition to gain some political influence with the winner. The other threat is the ultra-nationalists, who are certain to make a move. It is possible that they will succeed in revolution, in which case we will probably be put to the wall and shot, if we remain.


B.D.P.T. Private Objective

The NEU police easily deals with the few troublemakers, while protesters on the whole remain peaceful. The police report low activity of the G-Phobes, which is surprising, since they were expected to be the biggest troublemakers. NEU police did find some G-Phobes to be running on ''God’s Blood'' a drug manufactured by the criminal syndicate – Gods of Glasgow, capable of giving people greatly enhanced strength. There were also some tricky situations with Turkish Freedom Front, a group promoting greater rights and security for the Turkish minority in the NEU, but again there was no excessive violence.

While B.D.P.T. was focused on the riots, terrorists have struck against factories producing the latest technology for the NEU Augmentation programs. The security was lighter, due to a part of the forces being pulled to monitor the protests, but still sufficient to repel the attackers, before they managed to do any lasting harm.

Angelina Kesse debriefs the B.D.P.T. on the results of the operation: ‘’Well, the protest went relatively well, although the Church of Humanity has outplayed us politically. We’ll have to watch out for them. I am a bit concerned about the terrorist attack on our factories. If it succeeded, we would have been facing some considerable difficulties.’’


Warhawk Inc. Private Objective

''Oh my.’’ Huffington sounded genuinely surprised at the revelation. ''I’ve got pull with the local police, I’ll see, that you won’t have problems with checking the situation’’.

Your team opens the tomb in the presence of the local authorities. The body is missing. Your team collects samples from the place, before the police take over and interrogate the graveyard keeper and other potential witnesses. There is a lead, that points to the body being stolen shorty after the burial. You team checks the local snatchers and runs a quick check on the black market for Augumentations, but they come up with nothing.

Meanwhile Huffington is working with his political connections to keep the story under wraps until he can come up with a good way to spin it. The truth will come out soon, but before that he is confident, he’ll manage to turn this into a piece of good publicity for the Monolith and Warhawk Inc.


Proxima Private Objective

Yes, I’ll leave the papers. My attorney on Earth will see about delivering you your goods.

[And the package is addressed to Church of Humanity, due to the change].



GM-Players

Viridian Inc. Only

Specialists = [X] Stat. Your stats represent the manpower, you can use on this project. I;ve divided the workforce necessary into three tiers Workers-Specialists-Top Management. You can chose which stats to use, but Spceialists and Top Management should have good qualifications (i.e. right stats and high enough quality), if you want the project to go smoothly.


To Warhawk/Hyperion Only

If that is your deal, but 5 Assets worth of guns (5% of total starting wealth of Corporation) isn’t an equal exchange for [1] ++ Military training. Of course it will depend on modifiers, but its 1 Asset worth at best.


[OOC - I don't have much time right now, I'll respond to the rest of the messages later in the evening.]

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To the IBG
(3) +++++ econ you say? Thank you, I know Canada will be better off for it. We will also relay your questions to Mr. Walters.
To Viridian Industries
Of course there are profits predicted for this endeavor. Once Canada is restored to its former strength, its educated population and now-modern infrastructure will allow it to enter the Global Economy as a strong player. We are also in contact with them about harving many of the natural resources that lie entombed in Ice in the arctic.
Now, Canada will be in your debt. You would be thought of by the general populace as quasi-heroes, who helped save Canada from the results of the Supervolcano. This would mean you could easily expand into the Canadian market, and from there into the entire north American economy. This could lead to an entire new market for you to enter, which could easily result in large profits.
To Andrea Wilikins
We will welcome Mr. Dimitrov, and hope he will provide much assistance.
Also, would you be interested in making a small donation to the rebuilding effort of Canada? Though it might seem worthless now, it could be enough for them to consider adding more enforcement to their Animal Cruelty laws and other things that might interest you. We could talk with them about making them harsher and adding more enforcement to them.
((OOC: So how much research will I have to invest into this?
To the Church of Humanity
We request a private meeting with your leader, to discuss a project that might be of interest to both of us.
((I'd like my (1) science who is on the ship to examine the package and see if there is any possibility of it being a bomb, or is it just an envelop or such.))

[nolispe]

Viridian Industries

To Proxima
Ah, that makes sense. We were mainly waiting on a summary report from our planning department, and that all checks out. We would be happy to be your partners in this project, and will provide our end of the bargain.

To GM
Since i'm launching a major operation there, what would it take to set up a major HQ there? I presume the government would be happy to have me, so it shouldn't be that hard, right?

[ArcaneStomper]

To Warhawks and GM

I was going to send econ [1] ++++ to help upgrade their supply system to save some money and get better equipment. Which should actually get them more improvement than a ++ gets me no matter what modifiers are in play.

I'd have to see how the EoTs work out, and how stats and stuff are affected by various combinations of assets and stats, before I'm willing to spend any assets though.

[Thelonius]

Chinese Securities

After the events in AAN, China faces strict economic sanctions from UN and there were troubling signs of reemerging communist hardliners in the government that made many foreign companies to withdraw their interests.

This has changed. The various banks across the world have begun offering shares of the Chinese companies as a good investment, and some foreign firms moved to reestablish their once abandoned offices in Beijing.

The humanitarian organizations are advising strongly against buying Chinese, with several journals running articles on inhuman conditions of workers in AAN and China itself. The US Secretary of Defense has called on American people to boycott Chinese products. ''Every cent they earn, goes to the war machine, that threatens the Western World''.

Switzerland to IBG

We were considering Cold Fusion, but if you provide the substantial part of the investment, we’d go with the Solar power. The budget does indeed allocate substantial funds to the energy development.


NEU to Church of Humanity [High Encryption [2] +++]

''I would like to discuss a possibility of cooperation. Church of Humanity may provide wisdom in guidance in application of the new technology, a healthy caution to balance over eagerness of our scientists. I may be able to persuade Council to establish special ministry, through which you could act. However, before that can happen, NEU is focused on gaining stronger alliance with Switzerland. You are well-respected and trusted among Swiss population, surely you can convince them, of the value of ties between our nations.''

NEU Commissioner Zielinsky


Silhouette (Private Objective)

Silver Revolvers: We are preparing an operation to show the world, that criminal greed won’t be left unpunished. We know you’ve got only a few contacts in the area of our operation, but even a little bit of help can be helpful. We are expecting heavy reprisals, and our enemies to call on foreign mercenaries and intelligence agencies to aid against us. If you could warn us of such, it may save many lives.

Neo-Decembrists: Our comrades are languishing in prisons on trumped up charges, simply because they tried to tell the truth. Russia is going to freeze and starve this winter, but bastards in charge are covering it up. Our motherland is dying and we will die with it. We will try to help people in the coming winter and get international support. But others will try to exploit the situation for power, and promote chaos and war.

Sons of Libery: We are preparing an army to be ready to fight, if government makes the last step in turning our nation fascist dictatorship. You have some presence in our territory, if you can direct people to join the Liberation Army, well, a few more rifles it may mean difference between life and death.

Daemon: Now, I must pose a question. Can we trust Silhouette? I have heard rumors about your organization, but image of freedom fighters can be easily manufactured to lure us into trap.


Proxima (Private Objective)

Walters: Most of the technology was sold off and currently in possession of couple dozen corporations around the world. Although… The most crucial projects were pursued in the CC-Blue Division, the secret heart of the Vexxler Inc. research. It was dissolved after the company was finished. I have no idea what happened to its assets, but I haven’t seen them enter the market.


Viridian Only

Well, Canada will assist you, so you can establish major office at a discount. However, they'd like to see some investments first.


IBG Only

Well, setting up a Minor office in China will allow you to use your PI to affect them more efficiently. This hasn’t come up that strongly yet, but your presence in the country affects how they would treat you and how much you can influence them. There are of course exceptions – Proxima offering to provide free aid to Canada, means Canadians are very friendly.

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To Thel/IBG
I'm forwarding the message I just got to the IBG. GO ahead and read it Tsukiko.

To Viridian Industries
So, to finalize, that will be (4) +++++ tech? Would you care to contribute any assets to the project?

[razovor]

The Church of Humanity

The Church of Humanity stands in favour of Solar Power.

To Switzerland [+]
"Greetings. I am Ciro I, Grand Luminary of the Church of Humanity. I would like to take this opportunity to speak in favour of Switzerland joining the European Union. Their recent response to the protests in Europe are a clear example of their willingness to do what is right. Together with the European Union you could achieve great things in the world.

Grand Luminary Ciro I

To Graham & Hart [+]
I would like to personally offer you my congratulations on a successful case. If you face any similar cases in the future, feel free to call on my organisation for support."

Grand Luminary Ciro I

To The New European Union [+]
"The Church of Humanity is interested in forming ties with your nation."

Grand Luminary Ciro I

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To GM
What are the reductions caused by:
Having 3 +++++ econ helping on the project
Having 4 +++++ tech helping on the project
Having the weather satellites installed

Also, I assume that the +++++ econ/tech, in addition to reducing the price, could also work as top management/specialists?

[nolispe]

Viridian Industires

To Proxima
We might be willing to, yes, How many assets?

[TsukikoJ]

International Bank of Geneva
Switzerland
OOC: The Swiss VP never did say if he'd report to me if there was any increased chance that Switzerland would be joining the NEU. Will he?

We'll indeed invest a good deal personally if it is solar energy that we pursue. Though I'd like to hear why Switzerland favors Cold Fusion. Perhaps your experts are onto something that mine are not. Would you be willing to channel the funds in the budget through the IBG so we can make a joint investment into the project in the name of Switzerland? We're already in talks with Lucion about it.
Lucion & Proxima
I think the three of us should begin discussing the possibility of working together to implement Lucion's solar technology. The IBG is willing to financially back the research and Proxima's involvement would help us in regards to satellite solar stations. Lucion, could we draw up some formal agreement regarding the technology? If the IBG and Switzerland are investing in the project, we would probably benefit if it goes well, but I'd also like to request access to the technology itself so we can apply it in Switzerland.
NEU
It's good to hear that our budget work was able to be of assistance and a strong friendship between the NEU and Switzerland is always important. I'm concerned that your government is becoming overly ambitious when it comes to Switzerland, though. We will always be a friend to the NEU, but it would be much more beneficial if we were to remain a helpful friend than to be absorbed directly. Could we come to an agreement where the negotiations to absorb Switzerland come to an immediate end?

OOC: Do I receive the liquidity/asset boost for helping them now or later?
B.D.P.T.
It seems our message to you was lost in translation:
There are the matters of the conflicts in the NEU, but there is growing tension in Russia as well. I think it's in our best interests to pick a side in both conflicts and give our support. We can bring the Vatican in too if you think they'd be agreeable and like-minded.

Also, I do not want Switzerland merging with the NEU.
It looks like our help with the NEU budget will really help to keep the masses appeased regarding the budget for social causes. This support of the NEU will obviously continue due to the strong friendship between the Swiss and Europeons. Unfortunately it seems like the NEU has become even more aggressive about absorbing Switzerland and we just cannot have that. Our resources will have to be devoted to making sure that doesn't happen. I would ask of your assistance in keeping the two entities separate so we can continue to peacefully cooperate. Just having you put a bit of pressure on the NEU would be very helpful.
Proxima & GM
Thank you for the information and asking those questions for us. I'll try to look into it if I get the opportunity.

GM - will the [3] +++++ economy invested in Canada actually result in profit for us if it succeeds or no? I know you said it will at least make the Canadians friendly to us.

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To Viridian industries
Well, as many as you could afford would be all we ask. Would 4 or 5 assets be acceptable?

To the IBG/Lucion
Hmm. We'd be interested in it, but we are not sure if we can spare the resources to work on it right now.

[Exthalion]

Lucion to IBG/Proxima
Define access to. We would of course sell it to you, but the manufacturing process is a trade secret.

It isn't that we don't trust you, its that we don't trust your security against corporate espionage.

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To Lucion/IBG
We of course understand your reluctance to sell the process. I believe, though the IBG will have to confirm this, that we we're simply seeking a partnership between us 3 groups to implement it, with you doing the manufacturing, with us supplying you with materials and such. The IBG, having proposed this, will probably know more.

[TsukikoJ]

IBG to Lucion/Proxima
We don't care about manufacturing it ourselves. We just want to implement it in Switzerland to improve the lives of our citizens and we'd like to invest in the project and use our resources to ensure that the research goes smoothly, efficiently, and as quickly as possible which will give us a great return on said investment when solar energy is implemented before cold fusion has even gotten off the ground.

[Exthalion]

Lucion to IGB, Proxima, GM
To implement a space based solar power network, what are the research and assets costs.

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To Russia
Are you now ready to make a decision about the purchase of our satellites?
To the WAU
Are you now ready to make a decision about the purchase of our satellites?
To Israel
Are you now ready to make a decision about the purchase of our satellites?
To WAFEZ
Would you be interested in the purchase of some of our Weather- -monitoring satellites? These would allow you to prepare for oncoming storms, decreasing the damage they would do.

[razovor]

The Church of Humanity

http://i52.tinypic.com/15yj7mc.jpg

To Proxima
Very well then, send a representative to Rome along with the package. We'll meet you there. You may have your scientists check the package.

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To the Church of Humatity
The Package and the Envoy is sent
To Church of Humanity (PM-level)
First of all, here is the package Mr. Walters gave us. We would request that you be careful handling it, as we do not know what is inside it.
Second of all, would you be interested in contributing a small amount to the rebuilding of Canada? A small donation might be enough to make it much easier if you ever wanted to expand to the North American markets.
Proxima Secret Mission
The package is delivered, and our leader Mr. Stagson has gone and laid some flowers on Mr. Farrow's grave. That is all you requested, correct?
To GM
Jordan Stagson goes to the grave of Simon Farrow and lays 3 white roses on his grave.

[razovor]

The Church of Humanity

To Proxima [Pm level]
"Are you speaking as a concerned citizen, or someone who wants to gain the approval of Canada?"

To Thelonius
I'll open the package in my most secure facility. It will be transported there by armoured truck, while being stored in an metal case.

[Thelonius]

Switzerland to Church of Humanity

The local priests report, that the Swiss are generally not in favor of joining the NEU, but the times are dark and uncertain, so they can be swayed.

[Your support will have certain effect; you may also consider spending some stats on it the next turn.]

Switzerland to IBG

''Yes, we’d be willing to channel the funds through the budget. We favored the Cold Fusion, mostly due to a promise of cooperation from the NEU, which are favoring the Cold Fusion.

I will inform you of the changes in the public opinion. I’ve heard rumors that the Church of Humanity is favoring the stronger ties between us and NEU and the recent news coverage of your cooperation with NEU has swayed some hearts. I’m not saying it will happen at the current mood, but Switzerland joining the NEU may have just moved into the realm of distant possibility.''


NEU to IBG

''You misunderstand. We don’t wish to absorb the Switzerland, but rather seek stronger ties between our defenses. You may not realize it, but the world has become quite dangerous. The situation in Russia worsens and Turkey remains highly militaristic, while aggressively pursuing nuclear programs. If NEU falls, what would happen to Switzerland? Your nation has one of the best militaries in the world and good defensive position, but on its own will you be able to stand?

Make no mistake. Our intelligence and prognosis for future is quite certain on this. United we will prevail. Divided we will fall.''

[You’ll get your money at EoT].


Russia to Proxima

''We would be interested in a join project. How about we both invest [4] Assets in a joint venture. We have production facilities, if you bring your expertise to us, we’ll be able to manufacture the satellites, after which we’ll pay you [7] Assets.''

WAFEZ to Proxima

We have considered your offer and we will decline it for now. We have other projects to pursue at the moment.


Warhawk Inc. Only

Your agents report you some activity on the Simon Farrow's grave. You can read ''To GM'' message in the Post 97.


IBG Only

This will depend on your actions. If you pursue this project, altruistically, requiring nothing in return, well, I may provide some /--- PI gain, since the world will see you as saints. And Canada may aid you at a later date, so they can to repay the debt. You may also feel good about making the world a better place though.

If you ask Canadians to aid in establishing your offices with them, they will agree and you’ll get a discount on making them, plus some profit from your expanded operations. If you ask Canadians to pay you for your trouble, well, if they manage to rebuild, they’ll have the money to pay you back eventually. Although if USA takes Canada over, you lose everything. Or you could use your PI stat with orders to exploit every ounce of goodwill this project generated to subvert Canadian government, so you may gain PI or influence in Canada. Although people of Canada may realize you weren’t aiding them out of altruism and start rise up against corporate control.


Church of Humanity Only

Wait. The post was that Graham & Hard successfully defended evil corporations, who are poisoning the environment and people of Brazil. And Brazilian Corporations are really pro-augmentation and genetic alteration.

And all your experts are busy with stuff, so you can't run a deep check on the package, but standard bomb checks are green. It appears there is an optical disk, an example of outdated technology, only ancient pre-VI-Net computational units can run.


To Proxima Only

Well, by default you’ll fulfill the need for 7[out of 12] Specialists and 4 [out of 4] Top Management. It will also depend on the wording. If you’d like for example to skim off the top, you can have one of your Top Managers focus on playing with numbers, so the project would be made with somewhat cheaper materials, but you’ll save some money into your CEO’s private accounts.

I’ll calculate the price at the EoT. With this amount of talent it’ll probably be less than 25 Assets, but then again, who knows what will happen.


Lucion Only

This will require two research projects:
1. A way to beam down energy from space to Earth (this technology doesn’t yet exist, at least in a form, that’s efficient, correct?)
2. An improved Solar Panels, capable of operating in Space (the more efficient versions unfortunately will quickly degrade)

I’d say about 15 Assets on research and 15 Assets on implementation. The quality of stats should be ++++ or high, since it’s a complicated space based project.

[TsukikoJ]

International Bank of Gevena
Espionage: ++++

PCs interested in receiving large returns for their investments, click here!
Many of you have trusted the funds of your nations and corporations in the hands of the IBG in the past or in the present, and we believe it would be lucrative for you to consider doing so for the future. Our economists and market analysts are the best in the world and we would like to personally offer to handle investments for you. We have the best data regarding where to invest and what to invest in to receive high and consistent returns for investment. If you are interested, please contact us to work out the details.

The International Bank of Geneva
Thelonius & Murksa
Please don't hate me. :smallbiggrin: I'd like to send this message to the following countries/corporations:
Korea, China, USA, Mexico, Canada, Sunshine, and Arde Vita

More individualized messages have been sent to the NEU and Switzerland. Only those interested need respond, to save the GMs time.

As I say in the message to Switzerland, if it's easier to work the specifics out in PM before EOT for the sake of time, shoot me a message.

Many of you have trusted the funds of your nations and corporations in the hands of the IBG in the past or in the present, and we believe it would be lucrative for you to consider doing so for the future. Our economists and market analysts are the best in the world and we would like to personally offer to handle investments for you. We have the best data regarding where to invest and what to invest in to receive high and consistent returns for investment. If you are interested, please contact us to work out the details.

The International Bank of Geneva
I'll contact the rest of the world in later turns... :smallredface:

Thelonius:

If you ask Canadians to aid in establishing your offices with them, they will agree and you’ll get a discount on making them, plus some profit from your expanded operations.
Ah, so establishing better offices/contacts in a greater number of areas alone gives an increase to either stats or assets/liquidity in addition to the bonuses to functioning in those countries?
NEU
I agree that close cooperation between Switzerland and the NEU is important for our mutual survival. It is concerning to me constantly hearing the reports of the NEU trying to get Switzerland to join, though. We will continue to support the cooperation between the NEU and Switzerland but actively oppose any sort of mergers.

You have been a first-hand witness of the prowess of our economists and financial advisers, so you know their capabilities. We would like to personally offer to help the NEU handle their investments. Our experts know where to invest for stable and lucrative returns and we only ask a small percentage of the returns in exchange for our services. No one in the world can offer you a better return for your investment, so we'd be glad to work something out if you are interested.
Switzerland
OOC: Could I get an estimate of the amount they'd like to invest in the solar energy project with Lucion?

"Well, I do not disagree with NEU's stand that working more closely is important for both nations, but I just want to make sure we remain separate entities.

Before we depart, there is one last thing I think the bank can help you with. As you know, our economists and market analysts are the best in the world. We believe we know the most lucrative and stable places to put investments into for large and consistent profits. We'll personally be investing our own funds into these areas, but we would like to offer to handle some of your investments as well. Only a small portion of the returns would be paid to the IBG for our services, giving you the best possible returns that you can find for investments."

OOC: If you want to work out rates and amounts with ANY of the NPCs, feel free to shoot me a PM so we can sort things out before EOT. Sorry to bring this idea up so late.
Proxima
By the way, the IBQ is one of the few corporations to have offices in Canada and ours happen to be Minor Offices. Make sure to use our offices as the HQ for all of the projects we'll be working on in Canada to help them out. Otherwise they be less effective.

[razovor]

To Thelonius
The Church of Humanity doesn't care about the environment so long as humans profit. As far as they're concerned all the plants can be replaced with air filters. So it depends whether the corporation is using the profit from this to lower the prices for their customers, or make more money for themselves. You said 'evil' so I'll assume it's the latter. I'll retract my message.

Oh, Proxima didn't get back to be on their check so I assumed they weren't able to find out what it was. I guess I'll put in in a computer and see what it says.

[Sithis]

Warhawks Inc.

Private Objective Still PM-Level?

Well Mr. Huffington, if you manage to spin this in your favor, I think I'll just HAVE to give you my support.

Though I think this might be something worth investigating a little bit. I'm going to be having my people dig a bit, see if we can pry anything loose.


Viridian Esp: ++++

Definitely an interesting technology. Very well, I think we have a deal.

(What will this tech do for me mechanically, anyway?)


Hyperion/GM Esp:++++

This is true, however, I was planning on having that [1] Mil stay stationed with Hyperion until his men are trained up to about their standard, not just for one turn. Also, will my people's training will increase both offensive and defensive Mil, right?

Also, this deal allows him to ring up one of my Crisis Teams at no additional cost, which surely must be worth SOMETHING.


Westermarch Esp: ++++

(OOC: Who am I talking to, exactly?)

Hey, John Kelly here. Sorry about taking so long to respond to you, but I've been kind of busy of late.

Anyway, I'm not sure what you mean, that we would be wary of you. I'm not necessarily all on board for the whole "plutocracy" thing, but I am a businessman. As long as the checks don't bounce, I'm good to go.

And I am interested in this deal you're talking about. Please, tell me more.

John Kelly, CEO Warhawks Inc.


Proxima Esp: ++++

Hey, John Kelly again. Couple of things for you.

Firstly, I don't think you ever got back to me on the capabilities of your new satellites. If they're a significant upgrade over the old ones, I'd be more than will to loan you a group of my security men, should you need them in exchange for the use of one of those.

Secondly, we have an investigation ongoing, and it seems you managed to pop up on our radar.



Jordan Stagson goes to the grave of Simon Farrow and lays 3 white roses on his grave.

Perhaps this is a matter of public record somewhere, but I managed not to find it. What exactly, if any, connections were there between you and Mr. Farrow?

[nolispe]

Viridian Industries

To the Warhawks
I'm not sure. I haven't researched it yet.

[ArcaneStomper]

Hyperion Inc. Esp +++++

Warhawks/GM
Well as long as you do that I'll have my economics team work on your logistics. It should still be a better deal for you than for me. As its essentially trading a [1] ++ for a [1] ++++. As for your crisis that's a nice offer and all, but it's not going to cost you anything. They can still train themselves, train your other guys, or even do other missions in the meantime. It makes me more willing to work with you, but honestly I don't need a crisis team right now. Consider my use of a 4 for your 2 my payment for the consideration of having them on call.

[Imperial Psycho]

Silhouette

Private Objective
Adrien is silent for a time. Suddenly, his eyes reopen and he speaks again. "Allow me to address you each in turn."

"First, the Silver Revolvers. I will do what I can for you. If you can put my organisation in touch with people in South America, we can help more. I am currently negotiating the purchase of spy satellites. If I can, I will use them to help you. "

"Our friends, the Neo-Decembrists. I will send supplies if I can. I have good people in Russia. With your co-operation, and perhaps the co-operation of the other people in this room, we can help the people survive, so it is not just those the oppressors favour who live through the long winter. And perhaps, with your help, we can even free those who have been imprisoned wrongly. "

"The Sons of Liberty. I will do everything in my power to send recruits your way. And you will of course have the full co-operation of Silhouette operatives. I will send you details on how to contact our men in the US. I will still retain operational command, but we will add our strength to yours whenever we are able."

"Daemon. You ask a legitimate question. All I have given you is words. So, as a show of faith, I give you this. I will allow you access to Silhouettes VI-network. All I ask is that you do the same. This offer extends to everyone present. Of course, at first, I understand we must keep some restrictions between each other, but as we build a relationship of trust, we should be able to share all our information freely. Those we fight have more information than us, we should not give them further advantage by keeping what we find to ourselves."

[Murska]

Silhouette Private Objective

The Underground

Well. To be honest, we're not certain of the methods of everyone present. However, unlike you people with a solid ideology and a cause, the Underground is a different type of an organization. We don't operate under a hierarchy or through cells, we're a true network of independent individuals.

We have our ways of bringing things to the public even through the web of corporate media, and we've got people who can figure things out. We're willing to help actions that we think use the right method for a rightful cause, but only on a case-by-case basis for two reasons - practical necessity dictates that we cannot set an unified policy like that, and also, to be frank, we need proof that helping you is doing the right thing.

AAN to IBG

All right. We hope your investments will prosper and bring wealth to us both.

Mexico to IBG:

They cite that they would be interested in the future, but currently the volatile situation of the nation facing a war with the Cartels means their credit rating and overall budget aren't really good enough for them to begin putting money down for the long-term.

Canada to IBG:

If the project to revitalize the Canadian economy succeeds, they will gladly invest with you, once the needs of their citizens are being provided for.

[Thelonius]

IBG Investments

Korea and Arde Vita agree to deposit [3] and [2] Assets respectively. They both prefer a low-risk investment portfolio, although Korea sees the Chinese investments as safe.

The other nations and corporations aren't willing to deposit anything just yet and China is actually more interested in credits. (NEU wouldn’t mind to make deposits, but they have no money to spare at the moment).

[The ''Minor and Major Offices'' is actually description of the Corporation’s presence in the nation – how much business you are doing there. So establishing an Office is actually an investment, in which you bet on your operations in the said nation to be profitable. If you expect an economic revival in Canada and get to establish an office there at a discount, you of course stand to gain pretty good profits.]


IBG on Switzerland

They are planning to invest all of their free funds into the Energy Project, which is [12] Assets. That’s why at the moment they don’t have anything to spare for other investment programs. You can use your political pull to make them change their budget allocation to a degree. Also note that Switzerland has ++++ Economy, so they are actually pretty good at managing their finances.


Church of Humanity

The disc contains a private confession of Mr. Walter’s sins. He did some bad things in his life, but no more than any average person and nothing truly heinous.


Warhawk Inc. Private Objective

Darcy Huffington gives a call to the John Kelly. ‘’Well, some really important people decided to step in and take control of the situation. The story of the missing body will be buried. They impressed on me how unwise it would be for this thing to erupt into a scandal. So I’ll be keeping my mouth shut and I hope your employees will do the same. I’m grateful to you for your assistance in this case, so if you’ll need some support, don’t hesitate to give me a call.’’


Silhouette Private Objective

The Silver Revolvers

''We will put you in touch with our people, after we are certain we can trust you. Our current operation is too sensitive and we don’t wish to take any risks. So for now we propose only limited exchange of information, until the bonds between us grow to be as strong as steel.

And while the Daemon expresses suspicions about Silhouette, I wish to voice my concerns about the Daemon. Are we even certain, we are talking to the same renowned hacker and not some corporate spy, posing as him? Or that Daemon can be trusted in the first place?''

[They refuse to share information at this point].

Neo-Decembrists

''I’ll give you passcodes to the VI-Net server, where all information we have on Russian measures to resist the coming winter and their inadequacy. There are some vids on the sorry state of power stations and heating systems. Our comrades are in prison because of them.

We plan to construct a solar energy net, using whatever resources we can get, to keep people warm during the winter. It will be a drop in the ocean, but it’s better than doing nothing.''

[They share information on their organization and objectives. Espionage can be used to confirm it].

Sons of Liberty

''Excellent. We plan to show the government we stand united in face of tyranny. The articles of our organization makes it clear, we wish for reform first and would try peaceful solution first. The best option would be for our guns to remain unneeded, but I doubt for such happy outcome.''

[They share information on their organization and objectives. Espionage can be used to confirm it].

Daemon

I’m not prepared to cast away the protection of anonymity just yet. This is my only shield as unlike you I don’t have the resources of an entire organization. This day may come eventually, but not right now. If you are willing to trust me with access codes to your VI-network I’ll see about making sure its secure against our enemies.

[Daemon doesn't share any information]

[razovor]

The Church of Humanity

To Proxima [+]
"Thank you for delivering the package to us. We've reviewed it, and would be grateful if you could deliver this reply."

We give your men a sealed package.

To Thelonius
The package contains a disc addressed to Mr. Walter's.

"Thank you for entrusting me with this. I have read it personally and will pass the information on to no-one else."

"You've done bad things, but the very fact you sent this message shows me your concerned about your actions. The best men are not the automatons who do good without thought. The best men are the ones who feel sorry for their failures and constantly try to improve themselves."

"I don't know why you sent this message to me now. Maybe you are near death? I can't say what lies beyond this life, but whatever order exists out there I know you will hold a high place in it.

"Blessings be upon you"

High Luminance Ciro I

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To the Church of Humanity
Mainly as a concerned citizen. We are humanity, not a small group of Animals to be destroyed by a Volcanic Eruption. Are we going to let nature ruin Canada? Or are we going to rebuild it, to make the world see that not even the super volcano can destroy a nation of Humanity.
Also, we may not be able to deliver the package for a while, as we do not have the funds to send another rocket into space. We would be able to transmit it to you, but that would require revealing to us the contents of the message
To Russia
I regret to inform you that we simply do not have the capacity to spend those assets along with the ones we are spending ourselves. We might be able to work with you next turn, but we are full right now. Our apologies, once again.
To WAFEZ
Acceptable.
To the IBG
Of course.
To Warhawks Inc.
Well, currently our satellites do not provide a major benefit over that of other nations. However, due to our specialization in Space technology, they are cheaper than other nations. However, as we do not currently require your services, we will contact you when we do and by then we will most likely have improved satellites.
Also, we do not have any formal connections with Mr. Farrow. However, that does not mean we are not thankful for his work in pioneering many of this age's technologies. In addition, Mr. Daniel Walters had requested that we lay 2 flowers on Mr. Farrow's grave for him. The 3rd flower was a thanks, for all he has given us today.
Lastly, is there anything we should be concerned about due to your investigation?
To GM
What do I gain from fulfilling my secret mission?
To Canada
We would request to know how many assets and how much of your military or economy you would be willing to spend on the rebuilding project?
To the USA
Have you come to a decision on whether you will be contributing funds to the rebuilding effort in Canada?
To Andrea Wilikins
In exchange for our cooperation on the Animals-on-the-Moon project, would you be willing to spend a little effort lobbying the USA to aid in the Canada reconstruction effort?
In addition, have you come to a decision on whether or not you will be contributing any funds to the same effort? I will repeat, a small investment could easily translate into harsher laws against animal cruelty and such.

[Murska]

To Thelonius:

The Underground will be using their resources this EoT to support the Neo-Decembrists with the heating project as well as trying to spread the word to gather more help (and more Undergrounders).

[daelrog]

Westmarchs

Warhawks
OOC: I will not have internet access before EOT, hence why I am rushing things. Also, you are speaking to a random talking head of the Westmarchs... lets name the chap Dimitrius Westmarch.

IC: Ah, forgive us. Sometimes caution crosses over to its ugly cousin paranoia. Now then, for business...

We will be blunt. Several of the warlords in the AAE have expressed their interest to join us. We did not solicit this offer, but we fully intend to accept their request. However, we realize that you are the dominant force in their region of South Africa along with the Chinese, and we do not want this to cause bad blood between our respective institutions. Therefore, we would like to offer a tradeoff.

First, some free information is that we believe from inside sources the Russia is on the brink of civil war. This is a nation where we both have holdings in, and it should be of particular interest to you as a security corporation to know of the conflict before it happens.

As for our deal, we are willing to help increase your standing of Russia, civil war or not, and to support your efforts to increase your standing (which there shoudl be a power vacuum soon). However, if this is not sufficient we can leave you with the information only, and we can discuss possible expansion for you into a different region where the Westmarchs hold influence (for next turn).

Viridian Industries
(1) Military, and (3) Espionage will be lent to you (in EOT 1).

Secret Objective
The Westmarchs accepts both the oligarchs and the AAE warlords. Steps will be taken in my EOT report to aid with the transition.

[Thelonius]

Andrea Wilkins to Proxima

Our influence with the USA government is sadly lacking. I doubt we could be of any use to you.

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To Andrea Wilikins
We understand. Also, we would also you again if you would be interested in contributing a small amount of the rebuilding of Canada. I can not speak as them, but surely a small donation within this troubled time would lead to harsher laws against animal cruelty and such.
To GM
Anyway you could reply to my messages in post 109 to the USA/Canada, if Murska hasn't posted by then? I really need their replies before EoT.

[Imperial Psycho]

Silhouette

To Proxima
I'm going to need a price on that satellite you offered if I am to buy it.

Private Objective
Gravois nods to the Silver Revolvers, Sons of Liberty, and Neo Decembrists. "Daemon, I will allow you limited access to the Silhouette network. I apologise, but I cannot grant you more without mutual trust. Please do not attempt to hack Silhouette systems, or you will earn my enmity. " Gravois' tone is light, but his face is serious.

"Now, the Underground. I apologise for leaving you out earlier. I am well aware of your unique situation, but I still believe you fight for the same causes we do, at least at times. And I understand your concerns about our methods. Now, I cannot speak for the others, but..maybe.. ten percent of the things you hear of me are true. Lies and misinformation is rampant in our line of work. "

"Still, I understand you cannot be solid with me, given the nature of your organisation. But that is not necessarily what I ask.You say you have ways of getting things to the public. Perhaps you will consent to a private datalink between our organisation and yours, so we can send you information we uncover about the hideous truth behind the world. In exchange, you get this information to the people. I cannot offer any guarantees of my trustworthiness, but I have never betrayed an ally, and I do not wish to start now. "

[Murska]

Silhouette Private Objective:

That is, of course, acceptable. We will, in turn, support at least those operations that you inform of which that we have both the resources and the will for.

[Thelonius]

Andrea Wilikins to Proxima

''We will contribute, if the project can be extended to protection of the animal species in Canada. The climate change has affected them as harshly, if not worse than humans, yet nobody cares.''

Canada to Proxima

''We have [4] Assets we can allocate and we plan to cut our Military Budget to bring in [5-8] Assets more.''

USA to Proxima

''We are of course interested in aiding our northern neighbor. We will start negotiations with the Canadian Government on the cooperation and aid we can provide them. Hopefully we'll be able to secure [10] Assets of assistance for this project from the Congress.''

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To Andrea Wilikins
We will contact them about it, but we assume it would be acceptable. However, final plans for the project are being drawn up and we need to know how much you will be investing, if Canada accepts your proposal. We must emphasize, however, that full assistance to the threatened animals might not be possible until after Canada is rebuilt and has the budget to spare on it.
To Canada
We are very thankful for the assistance you will be putting into the project. Do you think that your military or economy could also aid in the rebuilding effort, by supplying much of the necessary manpower? It is fitting that Canadians be involved in the rebuilding of Canada, and it might even create new jobs in the construction industry.
Lastly, the K&P Foundation might be able to give some support if you pledge to dedicate a small amount of your budget for ((Next turn)) to aiding the animals threatened and damaged by the winter. Do you believe this would be acceptable? It is a small price to pay for more assistance on this project.
To the USA
We are very thankful for your support.
To Viridian Industries, IBG
If each of you could contribute 1 or even 0.5 assets to the rebuilding of Canada, we would have enough to finish it ((this turn)), if all goes as planned. We will of course understand if you can not do so, but it would be splendid if Canada could get back on its feet as soon as possible.
Edit:
To Silhouette
I apologize, but due to a lack of ((liquidity)) we will not be able to sell the satellite. We apologize, and will contact you next turn if we have the funds available.

[Thelonius]

Andrea Wilkins to Proxima

We would be able to contribute [2] Assets, but only if the project is redesigned to assist animals as well.


Canada to Proxima

We will use all of our resources for this project. While we would love to alter the project to assist animals, at this stage we lack the talent and time to do it, before the coming of the winter.

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To Canada
We see. Would it be possible for you to invest (4) assets next turn into aiding the animals? We could provide (1.5) of these, and it would mean that Canada would be rebuilt within the turn.
To Andrea Wilikins
The simple truth is that we and other contributors do not have the liquidity to invest more into the project. However, would this plan be acceptable? You would contribute (2) assets this turn, in exchange for a (4) asset investment by Canada to aid the animals next turn? This might be even more effective then if we invested in it now, as then Canada will be able to use more talent on the project.
To IBG/Viridian Industries
OOC: Please don't foget your contributions to Canada in your EoTs

[Thelonius]

Canada to Proxima

We would be reluctant to follow this suggestion. After the project is completed we were planning to invest everything into fostering economic growth of our nation. Are you certain, you can’t secure assistance at a lesser cost?

Andrea Wilikins to Proxima

This is a good proposition, but will Canada go for it? They can promise anything now to secure our funds, but after the project is completed, they won’t have the incentive to follow through.

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To Canada
The problem is, to get an agreement with another nation would take time, and the final plans are already in the workings. We will contact ((major bank here)) and see if they could provide a loan, however.
To the K&P Foundation
As talks with Canada have developed, they have seemed reluctant to agree, as they were planning on devoting their assets to continuing to boost their economy. Huh. I don't suppose there's any other way for us to assure your investment of the (2) assets? We would be willing to contribute (2) assets, along with (1) tech and (2) economy to aiding the animals next turn. In addition, we will remind you of the expenses that we are taking to get the animals to the moon, which are hardly insignificant.
To ((Insert Major Bank Here))
What would the interest on a loan of (2) assets be?

[TsukikoJ]

IBG - Proxima
I can do it. Let me make a change to my EOT.

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To the K&P Foundation
We apologize, the assets are no longer necessary. We are still, however, interested in the possibility of aiding the animals in the future.
To Canada
We have secured the (2) assets we needed. Hooray!
To the IBG
Would this be an increase of your donation, or a loan? If the latter, what would the terms on it be? We are investing 1/2 of our espionage into attempting to locate Simon Farrow's projects, and would that be enough?

[TsukikoJ]

IBG - Proxima
No, friend. They are a donation from us, so you don't need to pay back any loans. We just didn't realize the last [2] were going to be such a struggle or we would have rearranged investments earlier.

[ragingrage]

Proxima Esp +++

To the IBG
Thank you very much, and we are honored to be called your friend. We will of course still share results from the investigation with you, as it was you who first brought the topic up. Also, this further investment might not be necessary depending on how much our good quality stats/climate satellites/shift of budget of Canada away from military reduces the cost. But thank you once again, and we hope to continue to work with you in the future.

[Thelonius]

Turn 2 Begins

Global News

New Bestseller: Truth

Andrey Bolton has released his book ''Truth'', from his prison cell. The man, who is responsible for the death of Simon Farrow and more than twenty other people, who were caught in the blast of his homemade bomb, denies that he committed any crime. ''I was set up. Those people were killed, but not by me.'' The book goes a long length to tie Farrow and other big names in corporate culture to the Supervulcano eruption. ''They say the corporations saved the world. And it is true. As it is true that they were the ones, who deliberately engineered the catastrophe, that allowed them to take power.''

Space Mission: Animal

K&P in cooperation with Proxima has launched three animal cosmonauts into space. The spokesman of K&P stated at press conference: ''Humanity is going to colonize the Solar system eventually. And when we go, will we leave alone? No, we are going to take those we share our world with to the stars as well.''

North America

Rebirth of Canada

The nation on the brink of collapse, Canada gained a fate's reprieve, as powerful organizations from around the world stepped in to fight the volcanic winter. Proxima, IBG, Viridian Industries, Church of Humanity have combined their efforts for a massive climate control project. It was designed by the Vexxler Inc. for the Canadian government, shortly before the company was dissolved. The only change to the original design was implementation of the latest Solar Energy technology, developed by Lucion Inc with Neo-Caliphate sponsorship to upgrade the

The project was finished in time to protect Canada against the effects of the harsh winter, with only a few parts to be finished, for it to continue to maintain warm temperatures in Canada for the future. Across the nation the people are rejoicing and celebrating. The official ceremony to commemorate this human achievement was set for the summer solstice, with all who participated in the project invited to be honored for their contributions.

[OOC - made it by a hair's breadth, without USA funds].

[Canada gains [+] Hope, [2] Morale, [-] Morale. None of the stats are lost due to volcanic winter and conditions are favorable for future economic growth].

USA Congress Debates on Canadian Climate Control Project, Fails to come to an Agreement.

The two parties failed to reach an agreement for the proposed bill to provide assistance to Canada in combating climate change. The original bill included a provision for support for the USA workers, attached by the Democratic Party. This caused the Republicans to object to the ballooning government spending and request greater data on the effects on the effects of the volcanic winter on Canada. The issue was further complicated as Viridian Industries, a Chinese backed Corporation, has entered the project, raising fears of Chinese involvement.

All three Presidential Candidates has called the persistent political quagmires in Washington as unacceptable and pledged to find a solution.

Economic Depression in USA

The USA Economy continues to decline and ranks of the unemployed continue to swell. Even the growth of USA-based corporations isn't enough to offset the trend.

There is only one employer, who consistently offers jobs - USA Army. Thousands of men join the military service daily, earning social benefits and protecting their nation against the threat of China.

[USA loses [10] Economy, [5] Research, gains [10] Military (Recruits) ++].

Mexico: Cartel Wars

''This is Adriana Garcia, reporting from the St. Mary’s hospital, where several hours ago, the kidnapped children were given physical examination after their ordeal at the hands of Cartels. They are being reunited with their parents at the moment. The happy ending to this story was brought by heroic actions of the special unit…''

Mexico, Underground Bunker in Unknown Location

''We have 70% of the targets in range''.
A man sitting in the black leather chair, left the smoking cigar in trashcan and moved his hand to touch the golden cross on his chest. He spoke.
''Activate the bombs''.

A day later

President’s face looked old and weary, but his eyes were alive, burning with disconcerting intensity.

''I declare a period of mourning for Mexico, in the face of this latest Cartel attack. We are fighting monsters. I said I was willing to do anything to defeat them, but I didn’t speak the truth. I was unwilling to sacrifice my soul for the victory. Not anymore. If a demon is needed to defeat the devil, then that’s who I am going to be. There will be no more mercy, no holding back. Today we mourn. Tomorrow we will hold an execution of all Cartel members in our custody. And after that I will do everything to win this war.''

[Mexico Loses [+] Humanity, [+] Law, [+] Freedom, [++] Politics, [5] Politics]

[Mexico Gains [10] Espionage, [+/] Espionage, [-] Military, [5] Military]

South America

Brazil, H.Q. of Transhumanic Inc.

The camera shows dozens of camouflaged men, wielding assault weapons pour into lobby of the recently finished skyscraper. The lone guard on duty is nearly shot, but he has a sense of mind to fall down on the floor and plead for mercy.

''There’s even less security, then we expected. It’s strange.'' one of the masked terrorists speaks.
''Don’t worry. It’s the heavens providence. Let’s not hesitate now'' the leader of the group, a man, wearing a white mask with an intricate pattern engraved on it, answers.

The group takes the elevators to the top of the building to the cabinet of Fernando Borges, the CEO of the Transhumanic. The corporation, that just recently won a court case against the Brazilian people, who accused it of polluting the environment and killing members of their families in the process. There are two men besides Borges in the room and there are gunned down instantly. The man himself is placed before the terrorist leader.

''Fernando Borges, you stand accused of killing your fellow man. The victims of your corporation and those who followed you.'' The holo-displays activate in the room at the motion of his hand revealing lists of names – the same ones as were presented in the court of Brazilian law.

The CEO of Transhumanic stays silent, looking at the man before him, before speaking. His answer is so quite the camera microphones don’t catch it, but the terrorist in the room look shocked and outraged, some crying out ''Monster!'' and ''Murderer!''. They barely contain themselves from shooting him on the spot. Their restrain buys Borges only a few seconds of life, as the terrorist leader calmly pulls out a silver revolver and executes him with a single shot to the head. He then turns towards the camera.

''He was the first, but he won’t be the last. Know, that Justice will reach you, no mater what darkness you hide in.''

The terrorists promptly leave the building as the first police cars begin to arrive. They are met with fire from the assault rifles as terrorists fight their way out, killing a dozen police officers in the process.

Several day later…

The Brazil is in the grip of mass protests. The video of the Borges execution was translated via VI-Net all across the nation and thousands of people chose to take to the streets against the hated corporate power. Many businessmen or even just small shop owners were dragged out of their offices to by lynched by the angry mobs. Only by the end of the week the police has the situation under control.

Economy and [5] Politics].

[B]Venezuelan Stalemate

General Perez has halted his advance and called for a ceasefire. The fighting has slowly died down without any side gaining an advantage. The status quo remains undisturbed in Venezuela.

Africa

AAN-WAU Cease-fire

The AAN-WAU have established an unofficial cease-fire as neither side has attempted to advance past their borders in the last months. Both nations are using the period of peace to deal with their internal issues.

The AAN has cleaned up its criminal problem, hunting down and eliminating over fifty small criminal groups, that were preying on the population. Meanwhile the Chinese-Viridian food relief has arrived to be distributed to the workers, preschoolers and children visiting schools as well as woman aiding their families. The Chinese Ambassador to AAN has commented: ''The parasites will starve. Those who work will always have food on their tables''. The AAN has accepted a considerable number of refugees, fleeing from the famine in South Africa.

The WAU has invested in improving their infostructure and providing loans for the new businesses. The nation's middle class is growing and employment figures continue to raise.

[WAU gains [9] Economy +++]
[AAN gains [5] Morale, [+] Morale, [-] Economy]

South Africa

The South Africa suffers from horrible famine, with malnourished people collapsing on streets. Thousands chose to flee to the north, while others assault the food distribution centers. The South African military managed to maintain order by using live ammunition against the desperate masses.

[South Africa loses [10] Economy, [-] Economy, [5] Morale, [5] Politics]

Europe

Switzerland Under Hacker Attack

A series of suicides all across Switzerland ended with more than eight thousand people dead. It has shocked the nation and made Swiss question, just how much safety they have. The suicides caused by the Chilly virus remain a major problem in the nations of the world without access to the anti-depressants and such services in the developed world as Suicide Watch. The Switzerland has implemented high-tech surveillance, automated drug distribution and VI-Psychiatrists systems as their solution to the problem. Unfortunately the overreliance on technology proved to be as dangerous as lack of it.

The police have determined, that the world's most wanted hacker ''Los Muertos'' managed to hack into the Switzerland’s Suicide Watch Systems. He altered the VI-Psychiatrists and placed blocks on the issue of anti-depressants from the automated drug dispensers. The final touch was both real and doctored footage from the Switzerland surveillance systems, designed to produce maximal negative emotional response in the afflicted with Chill-virus.

Head of VI-Net Crimes Division in Switzerland, Selina Wydler explains:

''There were images of their friends talking negatively about them, videos showing spousal infidelity'' Ms. Wylder pauses for a second, finding it hard to continue ''Forged videos of most horrible content.'' She continues without emotion ''The hacker had full access to our networks and assistance of our own VIs to orchestrate it. At this point we believe that there is a large group of hackers, hiding behind the ''Los Mouertos’’. The alteration of the VIs was a monumental task. One man just couldn’t do it.’’

NEU Expansion Talks

The NEU has opened talks with Ukraine and Belarus for the possibility of joining NEU military alliance. There are also new talks about joint security projects with the Switzerland government, in the light of the recent cybernetic attack, that claimed more than eight thousand Swiss lives.

Russian Winter

The volcanic winter has hit Russia hard as the aged electro-grid failed under the onslaught of its cold might. The number of victims is hard to estimate, but many believe it goes in hundreds of thousands.

The tragedy would have been far worse, if it weren’t for the Chinese-Viridian food relief in the east and Neo-Decembrists actions in the west. The latter are a group of discontent students that originated in St. Petersburg. They have used a grant from Neo-Caliphate and worldwide assistance, collected via VI-Net, after the V-Truth run a story on their group and sorry conditions of Russia’s infostructure. The group managed to use their resources effectively, installing self-made Solar Panels in the remote towns and villages forgotten and abandoned by the central government, and thus allowing them to survive the winter. In St. Petersburg Neo-Decembrists, supported by a number of students from other nations have took to the streets fighting the Ultra-Nationalist rioters and restoring order to the sity.

The Ultra-Nationalists have begun mass demonstrations demanding government to answer for their failures. The police locations was often overwhelmed, as it became apparent Ultra-Nationalists were using combat drugs to boost the physical power of their followers. Russian army is expected to be mobilized soon to restore order in all major cities.

Meanwhile, there are rumors that President Korneev is dead and various power groups in Moscow are vying for power. There were already three high-profile assassinations and offices of Sunshine Inc. joint venture were raided and taken over by the police.

[Russia loses [+] Economy, [10] Economy, [10] Morale, [5] Politics, [5] Military, [5] Espionage]

Middle East

Caucasus Alliance

Caucasus Alliance has issued an official warning to Russia for the growing number of cases of attacks against immigrants from the members of the Alliance.

''The Russian government is using our people as scapegoats, to divert Ultra-Nationalists. We won’t let it continue''.

Turkish Military Build-Up

Turkey continues to modernize it's military, using the latest advances in technology and their new satellites to strengthen the security of their military command structure and improve their ability to gather intelligence.

[Turkey gains [-] Military]

Asia

India

In India the efforts of three independent powers prevent devastating famine. The Mahakali Cult distributes food to the faithful easily capturing one city after another.

In the north the Maharaja Nain Desai managed to conclude contracts with South American Corporations, so his people harvest rich crops of the modified plants. The generous Maharaja has contributed considerable amount of his wealth to aiding the starving Indian people.

Meanwhile in the eastern provinces, the Chinese-Viridian rice flows through the pro-China groups. After riots over food break out, the Chinese army under the command of General Ming crosses the borders and restores order.

Yakuza Aids Neo-Decembrists

After the V-Truth reportage on the plight of Russia and efforts of the fringe group ''Neo-Decembrists'' to reverse the situation, many people around the world have chosen to contribute to help save the people, suffering from the effects of vulcanic winter. Japan proved to be most generous with the donations, as Yakuza leader Akito Takeshi has urged the people to be generous and give with open hearts. This is yet another example of Japan's growing role in international disaster relief and global charity efforts.

[Japan gains [-] Humanity].

Russian East

As the cold and hunger begin to take their toll on the eastern Russia, the Mayor of Vladivostok openly accuses the Kremlin of incompetence and criminal negligence. Mayor Aleksey Sokolov has been in opposition to the Moscow's policies in the past, but managed to retain his post due to widespread public support.

The Chinese-Viridian food aid is flowing through the borders between Russia and Chinese-Kazakhstan and Mongolia. While this has saved tens, if not hundreds of thousands lives, many suspect that the price of these aid would be subjugation. The recent events in eastern India seem to confirm such fears.

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To all major powers in India
Greetings. Would you be interested in the purchase of some of Proxima's Satellites? We expect that two would be of the most interest to you: A weather monitoring Satellite and a Surveillance satellite. The former would monitor weather patterns for you, meaning that you would have more time to prepare if a cyclone was heading towards the areas of your country that are prone to them, like Eastern Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and the Lakshadweep islands.
The latter satellite would allow you to see any major troop movements, either by rebel groups or hostile nations. This could give you more time to prepare, and might allow you to muster a sizable defense if someone like China came knocking on your front door.

[Turalisj]

Section 9


To Mexican Government, Secure Channel
We heard what happened. Terrible thing, all those dead.

You want to cut loose. We can help you with that. You have to use monsters to beat monsters. We can take out the Cartel, but it won't be cheap. We can talk about price after they are no more though.

[daelrog]

Westmarchs

Public Announcements
The Westmarchs laud the actions of the Chinese and Viridian Industries as noble, and an example to the world.

The Westmarchs also offer up their services to aid the Russian government if it needs it, the price to be negotiated if they accept.

Lastly, the esteemed 'noble' family asks a question to the current Presidential candidates for the US, that being their stance on the allowance of free trade, and unhindered capitalism?

Question for GM
Are any of the Presidential candidates still unmarried?

Viridian Industries
Your latest project is quite impressive. We are uncertain about how profitable aid is, but of course reputation is also improtant, and your industry certainly has paved the way for more profitable ventures.

Now that we have begun working together, and our similar offer to Quantum Tech and Lucion have as of yet been unanswered, now would be a good time to discuss our potential future. As you know, our current deal is for our protection, particularly with espionage, we can have access to some of your new developments. Are you currently working on anythign concerning human enhancement.

Russian Government
Tsk, tsk. Now then, we both know that your government is on the brink of attack. Worse yet, you tried to stop some of your estinguished citizens from leaving a lost cause. Naturally, we can always hire more security guards, but the resources to do so is slightly troublesome. Not only will the ultra-nationalists start a war-and win-but other coutnries are posed to eliminate you as well, particularly Turkey.

We the Westmarchs, with our recent additions to our esteemed family, think it would be a waste for our neonates to be away from their home permanently. It is therefore in our interest to help you win. However, you should know the price. We want control, we want our agenda to be put in front. You will still certainly wield the greater power in your homeland, but the Westmarchs will be right there beside you.

Or, we could simply wait on the sidelines until you collapse, and then remove the ultra-nationalists ourselves. However, that does you little good as you will be dead or exiled, and it will take significantly more resources for us to eliminate the ultra-nationalist movement if they gain the throne of power.

You have your choice.

AAN
Now that some of your warlords have ties with us, we are now inclined to assist you against the WAU. Yes, you have now started a ceasefire, that is nice and all, but naturally there is still a conflict. Would you care for our services in ensuring that the WAU is disuaded fro mstarting the conflict anew? We particularly think this 'growing middle class' of theirs could be troublesome for you...

[razovor]

The Church of Humanity

To South Africa [+]
"The Church of Humanity would like to offer you our finaces to help you combat this dreadful famine."

Grand Luminance Ciro I

To Switzerland [+]
"The Church of Humanity would like to offer you the strength of our intelligence agency to combat this viscous cyber-terrorism."

Grand Luminance Ciro I

To the Russian Government [+]
"The Church of Humanity would like to offer you the capabilities of our armed forces to maintain order during this turmoltuous time"

Grand Luminace Ciro I

To Jeremy Lewis [+]
"Hello Jeremy. The Church of Humanity would like to officially support your bid for the presidency of the United States."

"Would you mind providing us with the most recent polls?"

Grand Luminance Ciro I

[Imperial Psycho]

Silhouette
For those who care to look, Silhouette makes it's stances on the latest news easy to find.

Silhouette congratulates Canada on it's success, condemning the USA for it's inaction and the bureaucratic and corporate quagmire, into which efforts to save peoples lives fell. Canada has been incredibly lucky.

Silhouette condemn the actions of the Cartels, but urge the Mexican people to resist this increased authoritarianism. Sacrificing liberty for security is a fools game, for when once they have your liberty, you can never be secure, against the ones who took it from you.

Gravois personally congratulates the Silver Revolvers on the execution of Borges, and commends them for their low violence approach in attacking him, with no other casualties. "I hope such commendable attention to a minimum force approach continues in the future." Gravois says. "I regret the violence of the riots that followed especially against those who were innocent, but perhaps it is a necessary step towards freedom. "

The Authoritarian actions of the AAN are also condemned. Perhaps half those who were culled deserved it, claim Silhouette. Dissidents and those who hold controversial views are all too easily lumped together with the 'criminal groups' and destroyed without mercy.

Los Muertos is condemned at length. Vile acts. Purest human scum. But the articles also advise the Swiss not to give into fear. Turning your government or corporation into a tyranny does not save you from the random acts of madmen. It simply puts the madmen into power. It also warns the Swiss to resist moves for Switzerland to join the NEU.

Russia are criticized for their failure to protect it's own people. Safeguarding the lives of the people is the first duty of government. If it fails, they are no true government. The Neo-Decembrists are clearly a force of good. It urges the Russians to stand by the Neo-Decembrists, not the government, and not the Ultra-Nationalists. "Who truly protected you, when things got difficult? Not the men with the guns, and not the men with the power. Simple people, students, teachers, ordinary people. It is they who you should stand with." The Japanese Yakuza are also briefly commended for their part, along with Silhouette, in aiding Russia.

Messages
To Los Muertos (PM level)
You people are clearly skilled at your craft, whether it is one or many of you. Silhouette would be interested in acquiring you for our organisation.

To the Neo-Decembrists (++++)
Do you need additional funds to assure the safety of your people?

[Exthalion]

Lucion

USA
It is done. Please send a representative so we can discuss implementation.

Mexico
It is done. Please send a representative.

People who invested in Solar Energy
The project was an excellent success. Our current corporate plan is to reinvest the profits into solar energy while the market is still growing. In this way, we will increase your investments to a much higher extent.

If you truly wish, we can pay out dividends now.

[TsukikoJ]

IBG - Lucion
We would have invested if we knew anything about it. You never gave us the details... IBG and Switzerland had quite a lot to invest.

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To the NEU
Greetings. Have you freed up some space in your budget for the development of your Space Program? We at Proxima would be willing to work with your engineers to bring Space Travel to more people and make it more accessible.
To Lucion
We are sorry we could not invest anything in Solar Energy lat turn. Will you still be requiring our services in getting the solar
To Russia
We still have some weather satellites for sale. These could aid in evacuation, if any major storms come your way. Would you be interested in purchasing them?
To Mexico
Would you be interested in the purchase of a weather satellite? This could allow you to protect against any major storms moving in.

[Thelonius]

The Mahakali Cult to Proxima

''We hold no interest in such things.''

Disaster Relief Zone 7 Administration (Chinese India) to Proxima.

''We are not currently interested in such project''.

Chandigarh to Proxima

''The weather remains dangerous and unpredictable. I would like to have advanced warnings of natural disasters. However, I’m not certain I’ll be able to afford such project, while satisfying other needs of my people.''


Russia to Westmarchs

''You go straight to the point. Okay, you’ve got a good bargaining position and we don’t have much choice. If you aid us against the Caucasus Alliance we will have a deal. We suspect they’ll try invasion soon, and with our resources stretched thin, we won’t be in position to oppose them. Your army is smaller, but much better equipped and trained, you’ll be able to route their assault easily, without taking much losses. Once they get their noses blooded, they’ll retreat.''


USA Presidential Candidates On Capitalism:

Perry Stanford: ''I’m of course for capitalism and pursuit of wealth. Our nation was built by hard work and good capital.''
Jeremy Lewis: ''There must be a certain amount of government regulation to prevent abuses and provide equal opportunities.''
Adrian Crawly: ''I’m for free market. And the main threat to it would be monopolies and dishonest practices of certain large businesses.''

To daelrog only

Adrian Crawly is unmarried. The two others have wifes.


Switzerland to Church of Humanity

''We of course welcome any assistance. This tragedy should never be repeated.''
[And they are skeptical about your Espionage capabilities, but don’t wish to be impolite in calling attention to that].

Russia To Church of Humanity

''We thank you for your assistance. Your forces can provide protection in a number of places. We of course would need to have command of them – we can’t allow any military to operate outside of our chain of command on our nation’s territory.''

[You have defensive Military. It can be used for defense, but it will have its restrictions - for example your soldiers simply won't follow orders to attack another nation.]

Jeremy Lewis to Church of Humanity

''Well, I won’t be saying no to your show of support. The Church has done much good in ensuring peaceful resolution to the European protests. Perhaps you can have a positive influence on the ills in our society as well.''


Silhouette

The recent developments in the world are improving the reputation of the Silhouette group, at least with the younger generation, who saw execution of Borges as justified retribution and Neo-Decembrists as the one group, working to save Russia. At the same time several government official in USA and NEU have spoken warnings against Silhouette populist rhetoric and darker side of its fight for freedom.

Los Muertos to Silhouette [High Encryption [2] +++++]

''I guess you wouldn’t know it, but I don’t work for money. In fact I feel insulted by the mere offer of it. I’m an artist and I have my vision. Now, you are supposed to be freedom fighters. I know you fixed things in Brazil so they’ll be fewer casualties. Now that’s PR bull****. You want pigs watching TVs to oink with approval? Or you want to change the world? Stop trying to look nice and get to doing the revolution, the way it’s supposed to go – bloody and violent, so all that’s rotten will wither away and all that’s good and strong will have more space to grow. Then I’ll consider giving you a hand.''

Neo-Decembrists to Silhouette

''We won’t say no to assistance. There are many people suffering all around us. But we are managing at the moment with both Ultra-Nationalists and Kremlin too busy to deal with us. I just hope we’ll have time to prepare for them moment, they start paying attention.''

Energy Investors to Lucion

EO Church: ''We’d have preferred to leave our investment, but we require funds right now. I hope we’ll be able to work together in the future''

Neo-Caliphate: ''Sure. Let’s improve this technology further. I wish I could invest even more, but the costs of medical treatment for my people, afflicted with radiation sickness require greater investment into hospitals.''


Edit:

NEU to Proxima [High-Encryption [5] +++]

''We may consider this project. Would your company be capable of developing some space weapon platforms? We are concerned with Turkey’s aggression and would like to have something to serve as a deterrent.’’

[OOC – They really wish for this conversation to remain private]

Russia to Proxima

''We have far greater concerns at the moment, then weather.''

[Imperial Psycho]

Silhouette

To Daemon
I take it you have heard of Los Muertos? Would you be able to get me their identities, or even their locations? I tried to draw the scum out myself, but they evidently have at least some cunning. It will send an appropriate message if I can lay their heads at the worlds feet.


To Los Muertos
Disappointing. However, I know enough of history to know that your way has no longevity. Until we next meet.

Gravois

To Neo-Decembrists
I will send what I can spare. I am looking to expand my operations in Russia, so I would ask for your aid in return.

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To Chandigarh
Well, we offer very competitive rates. Would 1.5 assets per turn be too much?
To the NEU
We would appreciate that, to talk about this...important subject, we meet in utmost privacy in the NEU's capital. Though the encryption will aid, some might see the large amount of encryption as a reason to spend the resources on it.
((I'd like to take this to PM, if I could))

[Lizard Lord]

Gods of Glasgow

To Mexican Cartel: With the Mexican government angry at you and sparing no expense to hunt you down, perhaps you could use more God's Blood in order to fight them?

To Brazilian Terrorists: Perhaps you could use help to fight the sinners of your country? Perhaps we could help by selling some God's Blood to you at a cheap price? You may consider the name to be heresy, but I assure you it is the effect that is important.

To Triad: I hope we can continue our business some more.

To G-Phobes: I hope we can continue our business some more.

To Russian Ultra-Nationalists: I hope we can continue our business some more. Perhaps we could be allowed to set up shop to make the goods easier to access for you?

[daelrog]

Westmarchs

GM-ONLY
I would like to use (1) Espionage ++++ to read what the Gods of Glasgow just sent to the Russian Ultra-Nationalists.

Battle Plans!
Right, so this is where things get interesting. The Caucusus Alliance is where one of my major offices is, so it would be unwise to make them angry. That's why the Westmarchs will be spending (2) political influence +++ to inform the Westmarch friendly (and corrupt) politicians of what they need to do. Ideally, the Caucusus Alliance will attack (to ensure that the Russians owe the Westmarchs), however, due to the bribery there will be logistical problems and a vastly weaker force than they are originally planning to send against Russia.

Using espionage (2) ++++ the Westmarchs will tie the botched war on its political enemies in the Caucasus government, and paint them as warmongers. That way, Westmarch friendly politicians and military leaders can take their place, making them owe the Westmarchs too.

3.5 Military ++++ will be used. Hopefully the political influence and the espionage will be enough so that the Westmarchs will know exact troop movements and in coordination with Russian forces, route them easily.

Brazil
We are aware of your country's plight, and wish to help. Why? Because you have too many resources, and too much potential to be allowed to fail. Provide us with a minor office, and we will work towards dealing with both the terrorists, and the corporations who inspired them. It will be to you to handle the protestors though.

Arde Vida Inc
The Westmarchs would like to invest in Arde Vida and would like to have a member of the royal family on the board of directors to help promote Arde Vida’s vision for medicine.

[Murska]

Mexican Government to Section 9

All right. We'll do it. Give me details.

AAN to Westmarchs

We don't want a war any more than you do. It's bad for business. The real problem isn't WAU though, it's the US and China.

USA to Lucion

Okay. Our man will be attending again.

Mexico to Lucion:

All right then. We'll be there.

Mexico to Proxima:

Not interested. We've got more important things to worry about.

[Exthalion]

Lucion to USA/Mexico [Private meeting, PM level]

The substance does all we promised and more, quite simply the greatest bliss it is possible to feel. Moreover, it specifically prevents addiction while breaking prior addictions.

It has already been approved in the US though we have not yet begun distribution.

We suggest that the US healthcare system begin proscribing it to drug addicts and those displaying sings of depression. There should perhaps be a focus on urban environs.

The Cartels' revenue will dry up and they will no longer be able to afford the weaponry or large networks they have.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

[Turalisj]

Section 9 to Mexico

We can bring in our Mexican division to do most of the work, with assets from Central America and New York if needed. That is a total of ([3]++++ mil) and ([3]+++++ espionage).

[Murska]

Mexico/USA to Lucion:

Mexico:
Yes. Get that done on your end, we will be hitting the Cartels directly.

USA:
Hm. If we can clear all the bureaucratic hassle to promote your product like that. Washington's been paralyzed by the upcoming elections, nothing is getting through there.

Mexico to Section 9

Sounds useful. What is the price?

[Thelonius]

USA Elections Countdown: 2 Turns Remaining.

Adrian Crowley is an independent candidate, claiming to speak for the people on the streets, dissatisfied by the way the country is run. He wishes to slash both military and intelligence budgets and focus on the economy, as well as providing greater state rights and a international policy of negotiations and non-involvement in conflicts, that don't directly threaten USA. He is third in the polls with 22% votes, but his popularity is growing.

Perry Stanford is Republican candidate, following his party's line to the letter - lower taxes, less federal government, tough international policy. He also seeks to revitalize economy by providing incentives for the corporations to move to America and bring jobs with them, as well as fighting crime. He's got 38% votes in the polls.

Jeremy Lewis is Democratic candidate, claiming to be the man of integrity, who will clean up Washington and reform the lobbyists and corruption. He seeks to extend social programs and medical aid to more Americans, as well as ending the problems with food shortages. He is also for greater international cooperation. Lewis got 28% of the votes.

NEU Parlament Elections: 1 Turn Remaining

To Murska Only

Lucion did manage to classify their drug as ''anti-depressant'' by FDA, due to the agency being overworked and underfunded.


Daemon to Silhouette (+Murska)

''It won't be easy. As far as I can tell, Los Muertos has some crazy good equipment and access to networks worldwide, as well as a crowd of fawning sociopaths aiding him. I talking to the Underground and Shriners to get their support to neutralize the later, but that may not be enough. Plus my time is fully occupied on a project to support Neo-Decembrists.''

Los Muertos to Silhouette [High Encryption]

''Oh, I think my ways will certainly outlive yours. Ta-ta, and have fun, while it lasts.''

Neo-Decembrists to Silhouette

''If we manage to survive, we will provide you full assistance. Our sources report the struggle of power in Moscow will soon be over. The only reason they haven't mobilized the army so far, is they fear a military coup. The real fight for Russia will soon begin.''


India to Proxima

''Unfortunately the best we could do is [.5] Assets''.


Mexican Cartel to Gods of Glasgow [High Encryption [1] +++++]

''Certainly, we'd like a major shipment [5] Assets. Payment on delivery, you'll find our offer quite lucrative. Also, perhaps you could provide some manpower as well? We a bit shorthanded.''

Brazilian Freedom Fighters to Gods of Glasgow

''We can use some edge. Send us [2] Assets worth of drug.''

Triads to Gods of Glasgow

''Certainly. Our current operations are shifting to Middle-East, but we'll get back to you once we are finished there''

Russian Ultra-Nationalists to Gods of Glasgow

''At the moment we are more interested in more of your God's Blood, perhaps [5] Assets worth? Would you be interested in trading artistic goods for it? You should be able to fence them for good profit.''


Westmarchs Only

You can now read all of Gods of Glasgow Messages or Messages addressed to them, except those marked as ''High Encryption'' or ''Gods of Glasgow Only''.

Westmarches Negotiations [Esp. ++++]

One of the key government administrators involved with arranging supplies for the army listens to the Westmarchs proposal. His reaction is unfavourable. ''You want me to betray my Nation! I may have taken a few bribes, closed my eyes here and there, but there is a line. I will not sell the lives of my countrymen. Get out!''

Brazil to Westmarchs

''Now, how would you be dealing with the Corporations? And what sort of methods do you plan to employ, that our police wouldn't be able to apply?''

Arde Vita Inc. to Westmarchs

''We welcome investment, but the question about putting one of your royals on the board of directors would be pretty complicated. What sort of experience does that person have in operating as Director of the Board?

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To India
Deal. However, we request a guarantee that you will pay the price for at least ten turns, to recoup our losses.

[Imperial Psycho]

Silhouette

To Daemon
I will provide you will any assistance you need. I will also be seeking to aid the Neo-Decembrists. I have men developing advanced hacking tools. Give me a drop point and I'll see that they reach you as soon as they are complete.

To Neo-Decembrists
I will do whatever I can to assist. Try to get the word out.

To GM
I'd like to spend [2] espionage, on reading all messages addressed to or from Brazil and the Silver Revolvers

(also I think you mean Brazilian freedom fighters in your last post :smalltongue:)

[Murska]

To Thelonius/Exthalion:

((OOC: Yeah. The US wishes for Lucion to handle the promoting aspect, though - there's some pretty entrenched interests in medicine and if the Gov officially begins endorsing Soma, there'll be quite a bit more attention to what it is plus potential backlash both from the populace and the rich corporations.))

[daelrog]

Westmarchs

Gods of Glasgow ++++ espionage
Greetings Gods of Glasgow. You have a choice. Either you desist from aiding the ultra-nationalists, and potentially flourish in Russia under the current mess that is the Russian Government, or else you can expect a shadow war with the Westmarchs. Given that you have your hands in other pots of honey, and that we are giving you forewarning that the ultra-nationalists will lose, and they will lose, we do not think this is a difficult choice.

Negotiations ++++
Shrugs shoulders. "Admirable. If that is position perhaps then you can save said lives by realizing now that Russia is no longer vulnerable, and that any attack will result in failure. Be a hero that way...good-for-nothing patriotic fool..."

Brazil++++
We have better espionage than your police force for starters. Secondly, any actions we take will point the blame on us, not your government. As far as how we'd deal with them, to a certain extent that is our business. However, since this is within the borders of your sovereignty, we intend to push anti-govenrment sentiments onto them and them alone, and with calculated efforts on our parts see that the public vents their frustrations onto them, not you. When the dust clears your government will still be standing, and the people will be satisfied that they tore down their oppressors.

Triads++++
So, we came across quite an interesting report from you to the Gods of Glasgow, concerning the Middle East, and your intent to get involved there... in our own front yard. You should have informed us, because now it is our consensus that your presence in the Middle East is not beneficial to us. Stay out of the Middle East. If you do so, we may be able to work together as future partners and maybe we will open the doors to the Middle East to you at a future time. If you proceed without our permission, we will work with every government from North Africa to China to see you removed from power. We understand this message will come as very upsetting to you, but consider that alternatively we could have waited for you to send all of your resources there and simply ambushed you, but we thought it would be best to give you forewarning.

Unless you can give us a very good reason why we should let you 'shift you operations' to the Middle East.:smallamused:

Arde Vita
Ah yes, complications. Isn't that the case with any move amongst corporations these days? Come now, our royalty comes from the elite class, we have CEOs, directors, managers, and even doctors (albeit very few) in our ranks! We can provide you a list of our ten most viable candidates and let you decide.
List:
One doctor, no experience with managing
Three CEOs of smaller companies, no experience with medicine
Two mid-high level managers within companies associated with medicine
Three younger members with little practical experience, but stunning education credentials in entrepreneurships
One security advisor
*Didn't want to godmod and pitch that I had a 'perfect candidate'.

[Lizard Lord]

Gods of Glasgow

To Westmarches: If I start backing out on deals now, no organization will trust me. That can hurt business more than whatever you can threaten me with.

[daelrog]

Breaking News!

A public announcement is made by the Westmarchs. According to them, they have found evidence that the Russian Ultra-Nationalists are in league with the infamous Gods of Glasgow, a criminal organization of infamy and depravity. The evidence the Westmarchs puts forth is as such.


Russian Ultra-Nationalists to Gods of Glasgow
''At the moment we are more interested in more of your God's Blood, perhaps [5] Assets worth? Would you be interested in trading artistic goods for it? You should be able to fence them for good profit.''

A statement is released by the collective whole of the Westmarch family.
If these 'ultra-nationalists' truly represented their country, they would not resort to dealing with known criminal organizations, organizations which undermine better society. They are nothing more than usurpers who would use national pride to further their own selfish power-lust.

We also question the character of this trade. These Ultra-Nationalist would sell art, the heritage and culture of their own country in exchange for drugs to help them bring violence and anarchy? What sorts of men are these who so flagrantly show such a disregard for decency, and human life.

It is clear now that the Ultra-Nationalists, and their criminal cospirators are behind the civil unrest, the economic woes, and even the attacks on Turkish citizens! We ask that no government or corporation recognize the Ultra-Nationalists as a legitimate movement.

The news bulletin ends with a shot of some of the Westmarch family playing polo, each riding a gallant white steed.

Brazil Esp ++++
If you noticed our recent broadcast concerning the civil unrest in Russia, it is an example of our work in restoring order. Who's the beneficiary? Why, the soverieng state of course. The losers? Only a bunch of fanatic hypocrites that think selling off their own culture is justified.

Gods of Glasgow Esp ++++
Very well, we took your words into consideration and chose a different path. Since you seem intent on keeping face, we will simply force your partner to back down, or to perish under the weight of their own decisions. They appear as monsters to the world, and your organization... appears no different that it already does, as a criminal circuit.

You may be very inclined to be spiteful against us, however we at the Westmarchs think we have been more than fair. After all, we ended up having our services hired by opposite sides of the same conflict. Hopefully your operations in Mexico and with the Triads will prove more fruitful.

[Lizard Lord]

Gods of Glasgow:

To Russian Ultra-Nationalists: I regret that information got leaked, but I hope that Westmarch's little news post didn't scare you off. You wouldn't be the men I thought you were if that was the case.

And yes, if it can sell for an appropriate amount, artistic goods should be an acceptable form of payment.

[Thelonius]

USA - Secessionists

The Secessionists organizations call on the Americans to aid with the economic restoration of Canada.

A prominent Secessionists leader, Andrew Grant speaks: ''Our so-called government have failed to help people once again, so it's up to us, common citizens to act. We must do something, that should have been done ages ago. The media talks of Viridian and Chinese taking over in Canada. Well, if we were there for them, it wouldn't be an issue''. His reaction to the news of India and Russia are: ''Our soldiers will end up fighting and dying in Russia and India, just you see it''.

The more radical Secessionist organizations, like Sons of Liberty are calling for immediate reforms to restore the economy and give power back to the people or ''real USA will raise with arms soon''.

Mexico

The martial law was officially declared and army divisions brought in a series of operations against the Cartels. By special presidential order , detention camps were established to place all suspects in cases against Cartel, until their guilt can be ascertained and information on Cartels extracted.

Most Wanted

The man known only as ''Justice'', blamed for the attack in Brazil, by the terrorist group known as ''Silver Revolvers'', is now one of the world's most wanted man, sought by the Brazilian authorities.

The bounty on the ''Los Muertos'' has doubled in the light of his recent attack on Switzerland.

Mexico is offering rewards for heads of any Cartel leader or information that may aid them in fighting the criminals.

Brazil

The government incompetence in handling the police have being brought under attention, as the commission on the ''Silver Revolvers'' attack and assassination of CEO of Transhumanic. A group of corporations have already presented a plan to privatize the police, promising to bring funding that will transform underfunded and understaffed organization into the world's most efficient and technologically advanced law-enforcement corporation. The considerable increases in pay and latest generation armor and augmentations are promising to bring the police unions on the side of the Corporations on the issue.

Pirates of The Caribbean

There is a growing number of kidnapping cases in the Caribbean, preformed by pirates using the ships of the Venezuelan navy. There is a strong suspicion, that their activates are backed by the Venezuelan Warlords in exchange for a cut of profit. The pirates have so far avoided antagonizing the powerful USA and Mexican navies, the one case in which an American citizen was taken, he was released unarmed on the next day.

Peace in Africa

The Neo-Caliphate beloved leader, Zakaria ibn Saud has called on the leaders of AAN and WAU to meet at the negotiations table. ''The peace in Africa can be achieved. All I ask for is one step''. There are rumours that his appeal may yet achieve results.

China Benefactors or Tyrants?

The recent food relief efforts by China were applauded by the world, yet there are growing fears about them being a pretext for conquest.

''There are many, who say a peace and order under the Chinese is better than starvation, cold and threat of violence, people are facing in the failed states around the world. ''

Switzerland and NEU

The Switzerland and NEU top officials are conducting talks about formation of a Digital Security Initiative, a join project to protect Europe against the hacker attacks.

Russia

In Russia, military is being mobilized in the southern regions as republics near the Caucasus Alliance border begin to show signs of possible revolt. Several divisions are sent to the St. Petersburg to pacify the city.

The revelation of Kings of Glasgow supply of drugs to the Ultra-Nationalists led to accusations of selling the nation's heritage against the organization. The Russian government has called on the NEU to take steps against the criminal syndicate and pledging to bring Ultra-Nationalists to trials for their crimes against Russia.

In Moscow the Quantum Tech corporate building was one among those seized by the police as several major criminal cases against members of the President Korneev's administration are brought to the court on charges of corruption.

Caucasus Alliance

The Caucasus Alliance have conducted military exercises near the border with Russia. It is a threatening gesture, in the light of the recent statements by the government.

NEU to Church of Humanity

''We hope you'll be able to assist us in convincing Switzerland to support closer cooperation with us.


Russia to Westmarchs

''We would be most interested in intercepting those shipments of God's Blood to Ultra-Nationalists''. Might you be of assistance with that?''


India to Proxima

''I agree. Perhaps we can do more business as situation at my nation improves''.


Daemon to Silhouette [High Encryption]

''Duly noted. I'll provide you with the location.''


Silhouette Only

Okay, you can read all messages in Brazil/Silver Revolvers sans Section 9's.


Brazil to Westmarchs

''You have better espionage, but your agents lack local connections and feel for South American culture. We do things a bit differently here. With this handicap your offer isn't that lucrative. While this can be remedied by us providing you with access to our resources, that would invalidate your advantage of puling blame to yourself, in case things go wrong. And we aren't quite certain, if we could trust you on such sensitive issue.

[You have no offices in Brazil, which would inflict a penalty on your Espionage Quality. This can be remedied, if you get any other power with Offices in Brazil to provide you access or convince their government to aid you.]


Triads to Westmarchs [High Encryption [2] +++]

''Perhaps instead of hostility we could find cooperation. Your group is interested in power, no? If you could aid us with our objectives, you might be able to achieve domination of this region. Our group can offer much.''


Arde Vita Inc.

''Aha, I see. And what would be the size of your investment in Arde Vita?


Ultra-Nationalists to Gods of Glasgow

''Of course. But payment will be on delivery and we suspect Russia will be more keen on intercepting your shipments.''

[Turalisj]

Section 9 to Mexican Government

Our payment terms are simple- funding to replace resources used and lost during the operation, as well as being able to pick from your best police and soldiers to refill our ranks of any lost personnel. We would also like access to any of the latest technology that pertains to our interests during this time.

Finally, we ask that you contact England and the rest of Europe. The cartel has been in contact with criminal organizations based in England, though we have not had time to decrypt the transmissions. Should the Cartel be receiving support from overseas, it will take a separate operation to fully ensure their destruction.

To Thelonius/Murska
Putting (3) Espionage split between the Glasgow Gods, Mexican Cartel, and Russian Ultra-Nationalists. Using it to monitor their communications and activities.

Section 9 Secret Objectives
If you are following our communications lines, you are already aware of what are actions shall be. Let us know if we will be stepping on any toes.

[razovor]

The Church of Humanity

To the New European Union [+]
Of course. We will be applying our full political influence on this matter.

[daelrog]

The Westmarchs

Russia++++
Why yes, yes we would. It appears that the deal is still going through, and they are aware that it will take more resources to deliver the drugs. In truth, we tried to reason with the Gods of Glasgow, and have them simply cut their connections to the Ultra-Nationalists. Not that we wanted dealings with their crime lords, but far better to deal with one enemy at a time, no? Unfortunately their pride and strange sense of outlaw justice demands they be a thorn in your, and therefore our, side.

We will help intercept the shipment, and we are currently working and bringing down the Ultra-Nationalists. Afterwards, we expect your full cooperation in removing the Gods of Glasgow from power in your nation.

Brazil++++
As much as we wish to press the urgency, recent developments are seeing our resources pulled thin, and though we still strongly desire to help your government, we can only support those who wholeheartedly accept our aid. It appears as if the corporations in your country will take over the police force, and it will erupt in civil war. If or when this happens, we will still be willing to aid you.

Contact us when you need it.

Triads++++
You have our complete and undivided attention.

Arde Vida
We were thinking of investing (3) economy +++, and perhaps even invest some of our assets into your organization as early as [this turn's EOT]. Is this something you would be interested in?

[TsukikoJ]

The International Bank of Geneva
Espionage: ++++

Westmarchs
Some warlords from the AAN ran off with [2] of our investments into your lands. We only want to support the AAN, but will have to remove all support from them if we can't be sure that our investments are safe. Would you be so kind to see that said warlords return our money? Perhaps we can even work together in places where our interests align.
Switzerland
We would be interested in assisting you with your project with the NEU to increase security, specifically against hacker attacks. Friends and family of our employees were greatly affected by the suicides and we will do what we can to ensure that someone puts an end to this. If we can ensure that our corporation is protected as well, we may be able to give part of our security forces to Switzerland to support your efforts.
China
While we are pleased that our investment into your government has been lucrative, some warlords in the AAN ran off with a good chunk of our investment. It was our understanding that China was heavily invested in the AAN, so we were wondering if you would be able to take action to help us and cement a friendship between us.
Proxima
Did your search turn up anything?
Canada
It is good to see that our efforts were of assistance. Is there anything we can do to help your country thrive further?
Lucion
We are very interested in your solar projects, specifically in cooperation with Proxima. However, the communication between us has been weak thus far and we know little about how we can be involved. Please let us know.

[ragingrage]

Proxima

To the IBG
Yes. Here's the info:
You corporate spies deliver you the list of Vexxler Inc. divisons and personnel with notes, what went there. One of them comments: ''It's like one piece of jigsaw puzzle is missing. There is just something we didn't manage to find.''
Strange. We'd be willing to continue to work on it, however.

[Thelonius]

Section 9 Only

You can read the communications of Glasgow Gods and Russian Ultra-Nationalists. You managed to intercept a message indicating Glasgow Gods may be supplying combat drugs to the Cartels, but the Cartels security is pretty tight, so you can't intercept other communications between them and other factions.


Unknown to Section 9 [High Encryption]

''You may be stepping on the toes, but not ours. Proceed without concern. ''


Russia to Westmarchs [++++]

''We'll count on you. Once the Ultra-Nationalists and Neo-Decembrists are dealt with, we'll make sure Gods of Glasgow are no longer an issue.''


Brazil to Westmarchs [Esp. ++++]

Government: ''We may be interested in assistance, if you have the resources to provide it to us. The recent report on the police efficiency may have misrepresented the role of government in a negative light. If you could either assist us in disproving this report or providing a good alternative to the plan to privatize the police force, we may find ways of mutually beneficial cooperation.''

Corporations: ''It would be most unwise of you to interfere with the our sovereign nation. It will be nothing but embarrassment both for our government and for you, one better avoided. I hope you'll take our helpful advice to heart and we'll be able to have good business relations in the future.''


Triads to Westmarchs [High Encryption [2] Esp +++, Esp. ++++]

''We are interested in obtaining a political power in a certain nation in the Middle-East. Their politicians however are unlikely to cooperate with us. Perhaps we could accomplish it through you. We'd be willing to provide generous funding for you to sponsor charity projects in the said nation and build ties of friendship and mutual protection. As you gain their trust, you will assist us in taking over.''


Arde Vita to Westmarchs

''Just how much assets would you be willing to invest? And your assistance would be most welcome in securing for us any wealthy clientele, residing in your nation. We have certain very effective longevity treatments, that are too expensive for the general population. You nation has a high percentage of super-rich, which would be our target market for those products.''


Switzerland to IBG

''Certainly. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. We are considering the ways to reform the system so this tragedy won't happen again. I must also warn you, that the mood is shifting among our people. There are many more of those, who favour mutual defence treaties, digital and military with NEU. This cooperation will require investment on our part and increase in taxes on population and corporations.''


China to IBG

''We will look into it''.


Canada to IBG

''Right now we need capital to begin rebuilding. We plan to restore our agriculture, resume mining operations, tourism and invest into education to catch up to the rest of the world in terms of technology. You have provided much already, but trust us, every penny invested will be returned generously.

[Exthalion]

Grey clouds covered the sky and a man is slumped on a rock his face in his hands.

Announcer: Do you ever feel hopeless? Like life couldn't possible get any better? Know that you are not alone. These may be signs of clinical depression, a condition that effects more than one hundred million Americans.

The man sighed and turned to watch some other people, the environment as grey as the clouds.

Announcer: But you don't have to feel like that any longer. Paxinol is an FDA approved medication that treats depression, not just the signs. You don't have to feel helpless anymore about your depression and you don't have to be ashamed.

The color returns to the scene and the man gets up and runs over to the people, kids who yell out, "Hey Dad, come on..."

He turned to faced the camera, "Since I started taking Paxinol I got my life back."

Announcer: So please, talk to your doctor today if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of depression. Paxinol may be able to help.

Don't go one more day without seeing if Paxinol can help you overcome your depression and get back to the full life you deserve.

GM
OOC: Lets get this stuff moving. Word of mouth should get around to the real target market really quick, especially considering that crowd tends to abuse prescription drugs anyway.

[daelrog]

Westmarchs

The International Bank of Geneva and GM++++
That's odd, we were not aware of such things. Could you clarify your position when it comes to the AAN? Also, could you clarify what particularly were you investing in the AAN? Food? Aid supplies? Weapons?

Let us check with our newest associates and see what they have to say on the matter.
OOC: Thelonius, I think the Bank's accusations are true, but I just wanted to confirm.

Russia
Very good. We will continue our efforts. Please share and coordinate with us any information you receive on any revel forces to help ensure easy victory.

Brazil
Government: Send a representative, someone you can trust. In order to ensure that we provide the Russian Government (who immediately accepted our aid) the services we have promised, we need to commit the greater share of resources to them, leaving us with not enough to deal sufficiently with your own situation. However, we may have a potentially viable solution though it may take more time than you are willing, and it may involve reaching out to your nation's corporations. We will of course foot the bill for your representative's trip.

Corporations: We will remember your friendly advice. We look forward to good relations in the future.

Triads
That is a start. Send a representative to our headquarters in Kabul, where we can discuss things in private.

Arde Vida
Let's start with [5]. We are after all just starting our new friendship, and it's best to start off slow.

[Thelonius]

Westmarchs Only

They are true as the AAN Warlords don't bother denying them. The IBG was investing in several AAN companies and the AAN Warlords, who fled to you took the money of their companies with them. They fully expect to keep them.

A government representative Diego Bernandes arrives to Westmarchs to discuss the solution being offered.

A Triads representative Kim Jian arrives shortly after.

Arde Vita to Westmarchs

We will put your candidates for the Board of Directors under consideration.

[daelrog]

Westmarchs

International Bank of Geneva++++
Ah yes, so we've looked into it, and appears you are quite correct. *Snickers not so subtely* At this point in time we are going to respect the move by our recent AAN companions. We are after all trying to bring the family together, not create factions within our own ranks. However, we realize this does not do your organization any good. Therefore, we offer ourselves to assisting you in regaining those lost assets not through payment, but with us assisting you with services, or aiding you in your own goals until such time as we agree that the debt has been paid.

This is our final answer in the matter. We cannot afford to embarass our own, and rather than make a one payment deal and have both of our established powers move our separate ways, this is an opportunity to work closer together, and of necessity (the debt) and out of conveniency (common goals).

GM Only-Private Meeting at Westmarch HQ
Brazil: Diego Bernandes is met with great applause, and is treated as royalty the first evening, meeting dozens of of the Westmarchs, and friends of the Westmarchs. Unless he has a talent with names, he surely cannot remember them all.

It is a slightly different case the next morning after his breakfast of crab, and eggs from some exotic bird he had never heard of. He was led to a private room, deep underground. Save for one young woman, Allaysia Westmarch, one of the most beautiful and capable of their number, the rest of the members in this room were covered in darkness. Alaysia was acting as the correspondent, hushed voices whispering their answers to her via microphone, and the woman repeating it with her silky voice.

"As you probably may know, we were threatened by the corporations in your country. This alone has convinced us to aid you, even if the Brazilian Government does not wish it. Why? Because the Westmarchs must defend its honor, and those... yes, yes I will say it... 'filthy, plebian, ball-licking street dogs' have dared to tell us what we can, and cannot do. However, we are not reckless amateurs who will allow ourselves to go into a war unprepared. No, we will let them become overconfident.

"The plan we propose involves great risk to you, but it is no more risky than your current situation. We propose you offer token resistance to the corporations privatizing the police force, and start to take the side of the people, but to eventually allow the corporations to win. The people will see you as weak, but it is our hope that they will see that you were starting to come around to their side. Then the rebellion will become the corporations problems. The rebels can focus solely on hampering their efforts, and any atrocities committed against the people will be their doing, not yours. It is when the corporations have become overconfident, or when they are brought on the verge of collapse do we step in. Using our influence, and our own forces, we will come in with fresh reserves and take care of both ends. We will rise up those rebels who have been convinced of your good intentions, and eliminate those who still remain that wish to topple you as well. As for the corporations, they will lament the day they thought to provoke either of us.

"We expect this to take [two-three turns]."

Triads: For obvious reasons, Kim Jian's visit is much less public, though he still meets several of the Westmarchs. His meeting is later in the same day, but it is the same set up as before.

"Greeting Kim Jian to our home. As you know, we were less than keen when we discovered the Triads were attempting a move into the Middle East, our home base of operations. However, unlike others, we are willing to be negotiable. We hopee our initial reaction was not taken with offense, but naturally we must show strength as well as reason.

"Yes, we are willing to deal with the Trias, and even assist you not only with your efforts here, but eventually eslewhere as well. However, we must be clear on our price. Allowing another power player to where we are most secure has not been an easy decision for us to make. Therefore, here is what we are proposing.

"First, we must know where you intend to start your operations, and what your goals are. There is no need to be specific, though that would be appreciated to. Suffice to say, we do not want to be surprised, at all.

"Second, we accept your proposition of helping us increase our standing as well.

"Third, and this is where it gets most important, we would like you to consider moving into the place of the Gods of Glasgow and take up their operations. As you well know, it is through our spying on their actions that we discovered your own plands. Currently the Gods of Glasgow have been uncooperative, and we have lost our patience. They will soon receive an unfortunate series of events, and their will be a niche to fulfill. We intend to take some of you, you may take most of it.

"Fourth, our third suggestion is not without its own price. We intend to move into China in the future once other matters have been settled. We would like your full cooperation in helping us establish a major office in China, and to for the two of us to hold the most standing of any non-governmental force in the country.

"Is this acceptable?"

Arde Vida++++
Thank you.

[Thelonius]

Westmarches [HQ: Private Meeting]

Brazil:
''I must be a little suspicious, such is the obligations of my mission. The Westmarchs has a reputation of supporting the wealthy. Why would you be backing us, poor public servants over our super-rich magnates? What if we throw in the towel now, expect your help. And it never arrives. Personally, I do trust you. Westmarchs has honor in its dealings and you wouldn't be giving false promises. But some of my colleagues back in Brazil, they are unfortunately distrustful. Can you provide any guarantee you'd help us, so I can reassure them? I will try to convince my government to accept your offer, nether the less, but any ammunition you may give me for my arguments would be most appreciated.

Triads:

''We intend to start as soon as possible and our target is Neo-Caliphate. They seek to control the world's energy. We seek to control them. Simple as that.

As for the Gods of Glasgow, our resources are stretched thin. We can't afford to fight them, when mutually beneficial cooperation is an option. If they will indeed fall, we will of course move in. We will not defend them, if that is your concern. The strong prevail. The weak perish.

And about China. We will support you, if we believe your venture may succeed. You shouldn't be blinded by your easy success with AAN. The Chinese Secret service is formidable and kept us at bay all this time. We won't risk losing what influence we have on a suicidal attack.


[OOC - Vatican, Hyperion, Proxima, Section 9 have recieved rumors of some high level talks between Brazilian Government and Westmarchs].

[ArcaneStomper]

Hyperion [Esp. +++++]

To GM
General Pike is invited to a weapons demonstration so he can see that progress is being made.

To Perry Stanford
Mr. Stanford,

I believe that you represent the best hope America has for its future. And I want to help you in these elections anyway I can. But I'll be honest with you. I represent a weapons corporation. Biggest one in the world. People do not associate the name Hyperion with terribly good things. So I was wondering just how much support you're willing to take from me. It's your campaign I don't want to mess it up by inadvertently giving your opponents fuel to use against you.

CEO Darrell Jacobson, Hyperion Systems, Inc.

To Mexico
So we see that you have vowed to beat the cartels using any means possible. Have you reconsidered our offer then. If you're going to go to open war with the Cartel, then it is only fitting that your officers have the latest and most effective tools.

To Brazilian Corporations
Hyperion is not a native Brazilian corporation, but we do have considerable assets in the country. As such we want to be involved more fully with your plans to privatize the police force. Normally of course you might not consider using our services, as we are most known for our military grade weapons. However we also have a line of nonlethal weapons suited for ordinary police work, as well as the latest in armor technologies.

Also are you aware that the Westmarchs are meeting with your government. We have received rumors of high level talks between the two. And while we personally don't have anything against the Westmarchs we feel that if they had your best interests in mind surely they would also include you in the talks, something we have heard nothing to suggest.

[Exthalion]

Lucion

GMs
Unless I post otherwise, please assume the information I sent to you via PM is started now.

Nations preferring Fusion over Solar power
As you may or may not know, we are devoted to high energy research in general, not solar power exclusively. We do have a large and high quality research base.

We are willing to put some of these resources at your disposal in exchange for investment funding.

Cartels (PM level, hand delivered by a secure carrier using several intermediaries, none of whom knew the final destination)
An interesting thought occurs to us; your operations as they currently stand tend to anger just about everyone around you, including the polities that your customers belong to.

However, through legislation and legalization of certain substances you could transform form an internationally reviled organization into a respectable business.

We would be willing to allow your various elements to restructure certain of your elements as a subbranch of Lucion's pharmaceutical wing. There would have to be some maneuvering to maintain international prestige specifically in distancing the new organization from the illegal roots.

You don't have to answer now, but keep our offer in mind. Things seem to be getting harder for you, and we would like to let you know that you have an out besides dying in a blaze of glory if you ever want to consider it.

IBG and Proxima
We propose that our three groups form a body composed of our empowered representatives to discuss the issue. We propose Veritas est Lumen.

We believe that together we could corner the market on energy, earning all of us great profits. Putting solar farms in space could solve the worlds energy problems. We propose that Proxima work to develop an integrated GPS, communications, and weather satellite that will incorporate Lucion solar cells and power transmission technologies. This network could allow us to knit the world together in a network of power, information, and exchange that should both reduce global tension and make us all very rich.

If we are able to usurp the VInet such that it uses our network as its primary relay system we will establish ourselves as THE symbol of the modern world.

As a hypothetical long term plan, our combined auspice could serve as an economic conglomerate that dominates the market in multiple fields. Taken to dizzying heights, we could become the world economy, controlling the means of production, shipping, and communication. Can anyone say CHOAM?

[daelrog]

Westmarchs

HQ- Private Meetings
Brazil: A murmuring is heard for half a minute until a consensus is reached. "Yes, plutocracy is one of our aims. We do not deny this, in fact we boast it. However, there is something deeper within our ranks, and that is pride. Above all else, we have our pride. It is we, not some collective of corrupt orgnizationsthat will push forward our ideals. It is we, not they, who understand the true complexity of our mission.

"Most importantly, your troublesome corporations dared to threaten us, stating that if we helped you, it would be an embrassment to us. The Westmarchs are not challenged so lightly. The Westmarchs do not get 'humiliated', especially by amateurs such as they. We intend to make an example out of them.

"That is what you may tell your government to convince. Speak of good intentions would be insulting. No, the Brazilian Government can trust us because it is both in our interest to expand, and to show the world what happens to those who threaten us."

Triads: "It seems we have come to an agreement, though we stand on the same position of your efforts on the Neo-Caliphate that you do of us in China. We will overlook anything done towards your end, and perhaps in a bit of time [next turn], we will aid you as well."

[TsukikoJ]

International Bank of Geneva
Espionage: ++++

Proxima
Excellent. I'm not sure the "missing piece" would translate directly to profits for us, but perhaps looking into it would still bring us some information that would be useful in other ways. Did the information you received include some of their research? The IBG is currently looking to expand its research capabilities so that we can use this research to look into implementing the utopian domes that they developed.
Switzerland
Would it be okay if we ceded [3] ++++ of our defensive espionage capabilities to Switzerland? Perhaps in doing so the IBG would see some grace when the increase corporation taxes came about.

If you're still interested in investing in the solar energy project, we will be doing so this turn and think it will be a very profitable investment. In fact, if the IBG and Switzerland invests enough we believe the investment will allow us to have a lot of power when it comes to cornering the energy market. I imagine the profits will help you in funding your new projects. Speaking of, we helped the NEU fix their budgeting problems to keep their populace appeased. Perhaps our experts could help you do the same?

OOC: I'm assuming giving them stats increases our influence over them, yes? If not, could we offer a trade of our ESPD for some of their research capabilities?
China
Please let us know. We hoped to invest further into the AAN and China, but will not be able to do so if our investments result in such a substantial loss.
Canada
So you seek aid in the form of investments? Is there anything our economic experts could help with?
Westmarchs
I thank you for looking into it and trying to come to an agreement with all of the involved parties. We are looking to begin building research labs so we can begin research that will benefit our native country of Switzerland. We have an excess of economic experts at the IBG, but could really use a steady labor force. Do you have any economy to offer?
Lucion, Proxima
The IBG is very much in agreement with Lucion. I believe we can help the production and construction aspects of the projects by dedicating our economic experts to overseeing them. We are looking to expand our research capabilities in the coming years, so at that time we should be able to contribute in other ways as well. We have big plans here at the IBG and think this proposition is very much aligned with those plans. Can I ask how far along your progress is on the solar energy? A large range of ideas have been proposed, so I'm wondering which of the projects we should begin working on in the immediate future. The satellite solar farms seem like a wise place to start.

[ragingrage]

Proxima Esp:+++

To the IBG
We will eaxamine them to see.
Also, we at Proxima are thinking about developing the field of Space Tourism. In exchange for our continued invetigation into your request, do you think you could provide us with (1) or (2) financial advisors to aid our efforts?
To the IBG,Lucion
We will get working on the satellite you mentioned immediately. We would also request that Lucion provide a few of their top-tier scientists to aid in the project, to make sure the goals are being met and to help integrate the solar panels.
To GM/IBG/Lucion
What would be the cost of developing and producing an integrated GPS, communications, and weather satellite that will incorporate Lucion solar cells and power transmission technologies.

[Murska]

Mexico to Hyperion

As of yet, it isn't a case of weapons. We have guns. They also have guns, which is not something that you can solve. However, if you have effective autonomous security devices or defensive measures such as heavy body armour, we would consider it.

Canada to IBG:

Well, Canada is home to a plenty of natural resources. The way to real economic prosperity, as history shows, is rebuilding our capabilities to process these resources into goods ourselves - factories and the like. Any capital invested on this should have high returns.