Cape City IC (Thread IV) [Archive] - Page 2 - Giant in the Playground Forums

Thelonius

2014-02-28, 08:04 PM

FDC

Meeting [PM]

The FDC members are present and they regard Oyabun’s state with a degree of respect, commenting the work KK done to save people from Dr. Franklyn’s robots. The mood in the room varies from neutral to excited, but it seems most of the present are in favor of the New Outer City.

A message from Unit Blue: "As a representative for the rest of Outer City, I would like to be present to observe the discussions and to meet with you to talk about the future of the region."

Jon Wilmoore [Investor]: I don’t think we need that rabble rouser here.
Nicole Blaine [Adler Apartments]: I agree. This is FDC business.
Julian Kaze [Trent Town Businessmen]: Pah, Unit Blue cares for the poor only. No.
Dexter Ward [Commercial Interests]: The new outer city won’t need them, but why antagonize UB?
James Madison [Adler Apartments]: I don’t particularly care.
Rudolf Swift [Worker’s Union]: I don’t mind Radical. He’s trying to do good.

Kamakuri-Kai

Grimble Bank [M]

Of course Mr. Oyabun. We’ll provide plenty of work for Maxwell Inc. Our real estate in the Black Markets… I guess that name would have to change, needs developing.

Investors [M]

Excellent. Now where would you prefer to meet? Mr. Trump could probably provide fine accommodations, since he’ll no doubt be part of any arrangements or we can arrange for something in the Night District?

Valentine Ganta [M]

I am interested, as I would prefer to work with you over EVRAZ. But moving businesses takes money and I must be certain that the project would cover my costs and provide comparable profits. I’ll need to hear more details of this project, though preferably not over open channels.

Chills Prison [M]

You will need to submit name of the inmate as well as reasons for the visit.

Company [PM]

Indeed it would be troublesome if any of your men were infected. It’s fortunate that as a client of our organization you have access to an excellent vaccine. We organize inoculation at any time of your chosing.

Maxwell Inc [M]

We buy them at 6 Cash.

Shaper

Internal [PM]

1. You can liquidate your assets in Walls, but you shouldn't expect much out of it.

2. Anarchs are peeved because your dealers were awfully pushy in their attempts to cover for losses. Their definition of freedom includes not being harassed by other people.

3. Well… if you just come with cases of cash no negotiations, then you can expect the following prices:

Nabokov Combine & GE Factories: 100 Cash
Workers Camps: 10 Cash
Burned: You aren’t certain who the owner is… Maybe nobody. Maybe somebody who’ll come up and press a claim. TF? Some rumor of some people loitering about… You aren’t certain.
Cogworks: not for sale… probably. You don’t know. Cogworks might still exist - if junior members of the group step up. Or maybe they’ll collapse.
Collections: In theory belongs to the Cape City and has been watched over by Cogworks. It used to serve as delivery point of materials from Cape City and sending of goods, a logistics point.
Education Center: owned by Eisenhart Inc. Ask them.

Internal 2 [PM]

What would be the point replacing BM with something that’s essentially BM. My version of BM doesn’t have pronounced bad effects on health - Losing clients is no way to make money. It’s the withdrawal that’s bad.’’

Yeah, I can make drug that boosts user’s capabilities. But I won’t. Thousands of junkies that get physical boosts? What’s your average thug or no-life do with extra muscle strength? You give them a taste of power and the worst thing will happen - they’ll start using that power. Bah, that’ll have this city rioting like nothing. I don’t like riots Mr. Shaper. And mental boosting would be wasted on them.

Unit Blue

Adrian Banks [M]

Certainly.

FDC [M]

[Waiting for response]

Underground [M-HE]

Singularity Architects are a closed box to us. Otherwise it looks like they’ll be clamping down on Mesh and tightening the bolts. And the fact that Dulls situation is been swept under the rug by those in power tells us much. We’ll be looking for allies against them.

Mask [M]

Cradle are bastards, but Syndicate is on the rise as well. They are seeking to recover from past losses - you can this snake and cut, yet it still slithers.

Fenix Rising [M]

Things are quiet, but it’s not good quiet. The oily politicians are trying to bribe away and corrupt our movement, until we are part of the system. We won’t let them. Plus this struggle for power - there are other revolutionaries calling for people to go to the street - some well-meaning, some either stooges or ultra-nationalist/racist/criminal dirtbags.

Singularity Architects [M]

We shall re-evaluate situation and act accordingly.

TEA [M]

We need to check if SA did any tinkering in the Cape City first. And not all of them are out.

Miguel Torres [M]

All I wish is for Powers to be safe, respected and valued members of the community. Outer City has seen it’s share of Power prosecution. It’s time for things to change.

Magister’s Circle [M]

What do you know of our struggle? The lore of the Circle is not for uninitiated.

Anarchs [M]

We’ll keep those that come on the good side of the road. What do you propose by work it out?

Code Monkeys [M]

Thanks, that would be appreciated.

Mesh Whale [M]

Well, Mesh being under attack isn’t good indeed. I’ll take that under consideration.

Unity

Freaks [M]

Well… That’s mighty nice of you Mr. Unity. You’ll be wanting our territory then? So it’s all clean and good there?

Admin C

Internal [PM]

It appears I executed the order incorrectly, under the no-kill assumption. I’ll review it tomorrow.

Legion of Steel

Legion [PM]

Pilots you don’t have. Acquiring them - yes, you can try to recruit one.

Legion of Dire

Jack Mitchell [Letter]

Ms. Dire, I and my firm can represent you for 12 Cash. I can also recommend my colleague - he’ll work for 5 Cash. Then there’s public attorney - free of charge.

Letter & Inquirer [PM]

The Warder asks: ''Ms. Dire, what address do you wish to send this letter to?''

Unfortunately Inquirer is usually contacted through a word on a street or through inquiries in Mesh. You start asking after him and he finds you. Generally not a problem… Unless you are in Prison.

Adrian Banks [Letter]

Ms. Dire, you kidnapped me a couple of times and I’ve regarded you as a person, who would respect the somewhat old-fashioned rules of masked confrontations, including the no kill rule. However, the time have changed and being out of it for so long, I can’t be certain you are still the same person. If you are innocent you will have a chance to prove it in court. I hope you will opt to follow the law, rather than organizing a bust out, though it’ certainly something Dire I knew would at least consider doing.

ArcaneStomper

2014-02-28, 08:41 PM

Internal [PM]
Discussion
A valid point and one that I had not considered. Perhaps rather than a performance enhancer something that simply improves quality of life, for instance by strengthening the immune system and preventing disease. Something to consider in the future perhaps.

I had not realized the dangers of Black Mark were in the withdrawal stages, which is why I asked. However you should be aware of the circumstances around this.

In the last few months the Unity, Militia of Law and Order, Anarchs, and Unit Blue have all been pushing against drug use. Recently Unit Blue has come to me and proposed that if I orchestrate the removal of Black Mark from the streets they would be willing to help me eliminate and take over competing drug cartels in the city. From their perspective I assume they believe that a reasonable monopoly or near monopoly would be better than multiple cartels competing by putting out harsher and harsher drugs to try and make a profit. Although I wouldn't put it past them to turn on me once the rest of the drug runners are gone.

On the other hand I am in agreement with you that stopping the sale of one the most profitable substances is no way to make a profit. So I am looking for a substance to replace Black Mark. Something which is innocuous enough not to appear threatening, but addictive enough to retain our sales. Perhaps something which can be withdrawn from easily, but which is so addictive that few are willing to make the attempt. For instance tobacco and alcohol fit this description.

Since you are my partner in this business I came to you. Although I probably should have made clear why I was looking for a substitute. If you have other suggestions on how to deal with the current situation I am willing to hear them.

Bear in mind that I can't just ignore Unit Blue, and their allies. I am confident that if it came down to it I could fend them off. But they have substantially more popular support than I do, and building up support or even just attacking them would eat into funds that could be used for other things. Riots are unprofitable, but propaganda wars are also bad for business.

(This is Garza talking by the way. The Shaper handles deals with the Corpse Emperor and the Freaks. Garza handles deals with the Pharmacist and the Killarz.)

I also haven't gotten a reply from the Corpse Emperor and the Freaks.

Lost Demiurge

2014-02-28, 10:18 PM

Doctor Dire
Letter Redirection

"Hm. True, he is a slippery sort. Allow Dire to redirect the letter, if you will... Going to have to get this delivered by proxy. Also to add a thing or two."

Doctor Dire
Handwritten Letter to Unit Blue

Hello again. Small favor to ask. Kindly send this on to the Inquirer, would you? Difficult to get ahold of him in good times, downright impossible from within Prison.

"Hello. Currently being framed. Interested in being a witness or helping provide evidence?

If the answer's no, that's perfectly fine. Expecting a show trial anyway. Too much... Profit margin. Well, not properly profit, you quite understand. Still, Banks assassination information about Pragmatist and the hands behind her may come in handy here, depending on your progress. Have a feeling Profit is involved there."

Doctor Dire
Handwritten Letter to Kamakura-Kai

Hello. Hate to ask this... Am seeking to hire Jack Mitchell for defense. He's rather pricey, though. Asking [12 cash]. May Dire request a partial or full coverage of this cost? Or failing that, a loan?

Much to discuss, once this has blown over. Still, would prefer to discuss it outside of Chills. Warden and staff quite hospitable, but staring at the wall gets rather old past the first week, and writing with crayons is irksome. (They're afraid Dire will turn pens into robots.)

Doctor Dire
Handwritten Letter to Jack Mitchell

All right but if you want Dire to sign you over book rights or other media rights bring that price down a bit. This is a wide-coverage trial, and you can make quite a lot of profit from subsidiary discussions if you play your cards correctly.

Currently arranging payment through an entirely legal friend. Expect it soon.

Doctor Dire
Handwritten Letter to Adrian Banks

Mr. Banks. So much to say, so little paper. Ah well.

An interesting choice of words... Prove Dire's innocence. It is the prosecutor's burden to prove guilt, as the accused is innocent until proven guilty, yes?

And as it happens, of ALL the crimes they could have chosen, they went and chose the ones for which she is innocent. This is... Disorderly. Not RIGHT. She intends to fight it. It may do little good. If the system worked correctly there would be no need for Dire in the first place, but she will give it the benefit of the doubt. Once.

Although, far too much Profit Is involved in the situation for Your Enemy and hers, Here. The evidence may be tainted, the accounts may be altered. No way to tell. One must be careful who they trust, after all.

If only her armor's visual log would be available... Even without sound, it would prove her innocence without betraying any major secrets of the Architect's tower.

But there's the dilemma. They of course will not let Dire anywhere near her armor. And she rather doubts that the PD or whoever else has taken it has accessed its systems themselves. So many safeguards and traps, it'd be insanely difficult.

Heck, You'd have to be The Architect himself to do that without at the very least wiping the system. Guess those secrets are safe, regardless.

No matter. Dire will sort things out. You've got more important things to do, and far too many foes to watch out for. Thank you for the benefit of the doubt, at least.

Your old foe,
-Doctor Dire

Dire Discussions
at Mobile Steel base
Legion of Steel, Symphony, anyone else who got an invite [pm]

Liho arrives with Delta and two Devastators, hopping down and grinning wide. The wind blows her long black hair back and forth, revealing one ruined eye socket for the world to see. She goes and pesters a guard. "Hi there sunshine. Gizel got time to chat or am I stuck talkin' with flunkies?"

In the background, Delta calls up Hardakker, and the two mechanical intelligences start heading towards the looming shell of the Blackbird...

Ascaloth

2014-02-28, 11:08 PM

Kamakura-kai

"]"Mmmm, just stay alert at all times, Radical-san. After all, friends can easily become enemies for the slightest provocation. And sometimes, they can occasionally turn coat for reasons not of your own making, through no fault of your own, hmmm?"

Shifu said, helping himself to some of the food.

"It saddens me to say it, but this old man has been around long enough to know it is true, after all. A true friend is the rarest treasure in this world, indeed. Make sure you take care of them, hmmm?"

What was written on the postcard was this.

KK, Unity, EVRAZ.

At your mercy.

Below that was a series of characters, which appears to be [Shifu's Password].

"]Dire-sensei, I am glad to hear from you. It was my intention to visit you personally to introduce Jack Mitchell-san to you, as a matter of fact. However, that should not be necessary at this rate.

I will be happy to cover your legal fees this time. However, if you intend to negotiate with Mitchell-san with regards to that, perhaps you should do so without letting him know I would be covering it for you, otherwise he might be less willing to budge on his asking price. Any lawyer would do likewise after all, as I'm sure you would be well aware.

Kamakura

"]I must admit, I am rather dismayed by the asking price in [Cash] you gave for your materials, Witters-san. I understand that undertaking mining operations involves an opportunity cost on your end, but the asking price for your materials is [2 Cash] higher than the market rate. As you can imagine, that is not exactly ideal.

Is it perhaps possible for yourself to agree to a lower price for your services, along with the first shipment you have sent us?

Kamakura

"]"On the matter of Unit Blue's Radical-san, it is perhaps true that we might be better served not involving him in the New Outer City vote. As Blaine-san has so rightly pointed out, this is internal business, after all."

"On the other hand, once the New Outer City and its management has been formed and solidified, we may still want to holds talks between ourselves and Radical-san afterwards. Unit Blue does hold sway over a significant portion of Outer City after all, and whatever we do afterwards, I do believe the one thing we should not do is ignore him."

"]I am glad to hear of it, Grimble-dono. Shall I arrange a meeting between yourselves and Maxwell-san to discuss business in Trent Town, or do you have that handled?

Kamakura

"]Trump's hotel sounds like the perfect location to host these discussions, actually. In fact, I think he might consider it an insult if we do not request as such. I will make the necessary arrangements with him.

Kamakura

"]That is well, for I am arranging a private meeting with the Investors and Trump at the Hotel Lucky Jacks, precisely to discuss the details of this joint venture going forward. I would like to extend an invitation to this same meeting to you.

Alternatively, how about this; if you are willing to join with me, and align your interests with mine, I would much like you to negotiate on my behalf, as a representative of the Kamakura-kai. I need someone who is skilled in business development and management, and from our long business relationship in the past, I do feel you would be a most invaluable ally in this regard. It may even come to be, that I would entrust the Kamakura-kai's profit-making ventures to your management in the near future.

Kamakura

(OOC: I am trying to see if I can't get Ganta to join KK as a VIP, here.)

"]Trump-san, I hope this message finds you well.

I am currently arranging talks on the future of the Trent Town, with the current shareholders of the Night District. Given that these plans would invariably have to involve your input, I would like to extend an invitation to you to join these talks.

For that matter, it has occurred to me that the Hotel might just be the perfect venue for that. Therefore, I would be greatly honoured if you would agree to host these upcoming talks.

Kamakura

"]That would indeed be most welcome. Thank you very much, sir. I would like to schedule this inoculation drive at the soonest possible time; when would be most convenient?

Kamakura

(OOC: Do I need to spend Actions on this?)

"]Thank you. I will now negotiate with the potential alternative supplier.

On another note, Grimble Bank has recently indicated that they may have work for Maxwell Inc. I would like to know if you have heard of this?

Kamakura

"]Turn 14 Faction Actions

1. [Hackers 1], knowing that Shifu’s account in the MESH has been ‘compromised’, will ‘lay the groundwork’ for Unit Blue’s hacking attempt under Shifu’s orders. They will leave subtle clues within the system that should lead UB to files containing the information that KK has on the Company, particularly on the deal the latter made with KK, Unity and EVRAZ. Other clues left will point UB to KK’s [Asset: Company Network Access 1]. It’s all in UB’s hands now.

Shifu

1. PM meeting with Unit Blue in Edgetown. Bring postcard with [Shifu’s Password] to the KK’s MESH systems, to be ‘misplaced’ while there. Shifu is going to be doing this without informing Oyabun of such, placing responsibility wholly onto himself for this deed.

oblivion6

2014-03-01, 01:13 AM

Dire Discussions
The guards had clearly been informed that guest's would soon be arriving and weren't at all surprised. To their credit they didn't bat an eye at Liho's ruined eye. "Yes ma'am, he's been expecting you. I'll go tell him you have arrived."

It wasn't long after the guard had departed that Commander Gizel himself came striding towards Liho's, dressed in his usual combat fatigues - though he didn't appear as heavily armed as he did in public. "Welcome back to the Junks." he said, spreading his arms wide in greeting.

Legion of Steel[Internal][Dire may read]
I'd like to hire a Pilot - a skilled pilot. Can I locate any? Price is no obstacle really.

Orbiter

2014-03-01, 09:38 AM

Nianta

Masquerade[m]

"Sorry for the delay, Sure i can help give some good aid, do you still need me to come?, if so tell me where"

Symphony[PM]

"£%&£$% Out of all the times Dire could get caught it had to be this month...bah, oh well hmm, i am not ready yet to help overt, if you need a battlefield healer however or someone to help with some scouting, i could help with those things then".

Furians[M]

Huh, you know in retrospect i should have expected Architect to have brain uploading technology......now what if a Fury got ahold of that.
Hmmmm? =P trolling snake be trolling.

Jokes and rufling your feathers(more like fur) aside, interested in spending some time with me? Tiger, i promise to be 'gentle', *the sound of Nianta chuckling can be heard over the channel on her last bit*.

So how about it?
Also do you need help with anything?
And did my power work to give you any resistances?, i got a level up but i dont know about you.

(ooc: If Ravager is not healed then i might change my action to healing her....and then asking for a date as is proper and IC for Nianta XD).

Internal actions[PM]

Faction action
1 Flip mesh encryptions
2 If Maestro doesnt have those 3 cash...i am sending them now.

Nianta
1 Masquerade wants me to heal one of their guys....well i got the know how and my powers, so i will be doing that, just some healing, ensure he wont die, ensure he will heal well, and speed up a bit the process of him becoming better.

2 (If ravager accepts) A date! XD heh, being silly is how i roll......
yes i am turning the game into a dating sim....deal with it, O almighty GM :smallcool:

(personally i am tired of all this politicking and bickering, kinda one of the reasons i like the Furians is how direct they are.......on the sequel of this game.....hmm we will see).

GM signal
1Um i would like to remind that i don't know about what i nabbed and what happened with my last action in the end of that Fury killing action, and how any healing i did to help them has gone?.

2 Influence...with my buds in the Furians?

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-01, 11:37 AM

Dire Discussions
Legion of Steel, Symphony reps [pm]

"M'man GiZEL!" Liho punches his chest. "We few, we proud, we who @%!%@#d Limit Break. Yeah. Let's get some place we can talk. Got anything to drink all up in here?"

Later, in a secure room and after a few beers, she leans back in her chair and smiles.

"Alright. Dire liked big, convoluted plans. Me, I'm a simpler sort."

"Dire's in a big *!#%# prison. So we bust it open and spring her out. Simple. As. Pie."

"How? Well, that's easy."

She hooks a thumb toward the general direction of the Blackbird.

"We fix that @!%@!%@! up, fly her up to the edge of atmo, drop straight down over the prison, railgun the @%!%! out of any opposition, and drop troops to go in there and commando her scrawny %##^#^ out. Cloaking and speed lets us escape. Back home before dinner."

"With varying amounts of sneaky @%!@%s providing info, hackery, infiltration, and other crap before, after, and during."

"Right. Any questions?"

Liho of Dire
to Symphony [pm]

"#E%#!%# yeah we can use a medic and a scout!"

Murska

2014-03-01, 12:52 PM

Adrian Banks [PM]

Radical makes the trip once again, to meet the man back from the dead.

Unit Blue - Mask [M]

"I see... Normally I'm for eradicating one threat before moving on to the next, but I fear Cradle is too close to their end-game.

I'll ask you straight. Do you have resources to deploy, away from the Syndicate? Something to counteract mind controllers, telepaths, that sort of thing - Cradle's tools. Something to provide information. I'll understand if you don't, but I need to know."

Ub - Fenix Rising [M]

"I'm afraid that my main focus is going to be on the recent issues globally, and Cradle. But I truly hope you'll succeed."

UB - Singularity Architects [M]

"Right.

Anyone among you think you should act in opposition to Cradle? It should be obvious to you of all people what they're doing."

UB - TEA [M]

Right. This is my slightly disapproving face. You do what you feel you must.

UB - Miguel Torres [M]

"I agree, and I've been rooting out the Killarz for a while now. What do you intend to do? Because if you intend to act in the Outer City, talking to us about it would be nice. And I'm not sure what the agenda of your friend is, though so far he seems to have been on the side of those on the right side."

UB - Magister's Circle [M]

Signs point to you losing ground. I don't care about lore, I care about the balance.

UB - Anarchs [M]

"Well, you can provide them information so they don't accidentally get into trouble. Maybe ask the right kind of folk to help us both with the work. And maybe pass on word if someone nasty tries to sneak in with the crowd."

Thelonius

2014-03-01, 12:53 PM

Legion of Dire

Jack Mitchell [Letter]

I make good point Dire. I’ll lower my price by half to 6 Cash for the rights.

Now, I’ll be coming to visit you as soon as I’m established as your legal counsel. You’ll need to tell me your side of the story, so take your time to compose it. This is a big case - people clamor for blood so I hope your story will be good.

Unit Blue

FDC [M]

This is internal issue for FDC so your presence wouldn’t be appropriate, but we are looking forward to talking with you as NOC.

FDC

Meeting [PM]

’’You are right of course, it would be wise to negotiate with Radical once we’ve established our own position of strength.

Kamakuri-Kai

Internal [PM]

Hmm, don’t see influence with Ganta, was it spent earlier or did I record it as Night District loyalty… Getting him to join would also net you his Wealth stat, so it’s rather expensive. Not impossible, especially if you make an offer with lots of cash and play certain cards right.

Trump [M]

Well, let’s hear what those rats wish to talk about. They are good at sniffing out cash. I’ll make arrangements.

[You gain 1 Free PM to hold a meeting in Trump Hotel].

Company [PM]

[No need to spend action.]

Grimble [M]

We are already handling it, though since you own part of the company it shouldn’t be a secret to you.

Maxwell [M]

Indeed, we’ve got an offer from them. We should consider expanding business, if all goes this well. It seems that the trust in your promise of growth wasn’t misplaced, Mr. Oyabun. We’ll probably move back to Walls if this NOC thing passes - First District is too crowded and space and utilities cost too much.

[You gain +5 INF: Maxwells]

Shaper

Internal [PM]

’’Well, I can do that, but that’s extra effort into gaining what? You think we can rise prices? I’m not saying it’s not possible, but that will be harder to make. The more stuff you put into one dose the more issues it brings.’’

’’We can wean the people from Black Mark slowly. Don’t know how it’ll affect our profits. I guess if they don’t try to actually prevent us from selling drugs, then it’s okay. The worst that could happen they’ll change social circumstances behind the drug use and people start giving up on drugs and reducing consumption. But the odds of that.. ha ha, I doubt that’ll happen.’’

’’Excellent suggestion, sure we can go into alcohol. Some real good spirits - same addiction and no stigma. It’s a bit harder for me to make - large volumes would be needed then for drugs, but I guess if we invest in some distilleries it could work to make up for it, that’ll work.’’

’’If it were up to me I’d get whoever is in power to pay us for adding some calming drugs to our stuff. Sure I got caught once, but I’ve learned since then. That UB can promise good times, but when they fail to deliver fast enough, people will get angry. Unless there’s something sweet in their good stuff to make them relaxed. But I guess UB might not like this idea.’’

[You gain 2 INF: Pharmacist]

Legion of Steel

Internal [PM]

[I assume you used 1 action to search for pilots]

Sky Siren: [I]’’I’m the best pilot in the world, so if you settle some debts for me and add more, sure I’ll fly. There’s been no war in the past years, I didn’t take part in. Oh, and I’ve made some enemies, but I’m certain they won’t come after somebody as scare as Legion. Still, wouldn’t want it to come as a surprise.''

Regie Richman: ’’Well chaps. I served in RAF, but then me and ol’Queen parted ways. I can fly for you - my record is excellent.’’

Sky Siren: It looks like she’ll accept an offer of 20-40 Cash. ’’Hey, you said money’s no issue. I’m the best to lure skyman to their deaths. They fly to me lured by my song only to die on my teeth...’’

Regie Richman: He’ll work for 8-12 Cash.

Serpentine Diabolic

Furians [M]

Ravager: ''Those fools are doing some sort of idiocy with politics and getting all together and making a new city. Probably would want to get us on leash or out of this district. Could be some trouble. But I say **** em. I can blow off some steam. You look like you can take some rough handling, so I won’t be holding back. Tell me the time and place, I’ll give some instructions to the boys and we can do it tomorrow.''

Internal [PM]

I’ve adjusted your stats - you have Hardware, you can use to build computer systems or sell. You have code you can use in research or to create software. You gained influence with Furians (the healing kept a bunch of them from dying, though I do note it’s not your primary strength. Your Medicine skill was about as helpful).

Admin C

Internal [PM]

1. The operation was very-well planned and those who executed it were professionals, skilled in that sort of thing. Any other faction and concentration of forces and they’d have pulled it off. It’s indeed very unlikely that Pathfinder could have planned and directed it himself.

2. Okay, Urkson was shooting to kill and he killed Pathfinder. I’ve blanked out your response contingency, but yeah, if used to kill that sniper rifle would kill, even with a bit of a design flaw (which is why it might have gone for sale on the black market).

Murska

2014-03-01, 01:04 PM

UB - FDC [M]

"I see. All right."

Internal [GM]

Blaze + Hackers one action to use the stuff given by Shifu to crack the KK net and see what's going on.

oblivion6

2014-03-01, 01:16 PM

Legion of Steel - Legion of Dire[OOC]
You can read Thelonius' message to me in his last post. Got a couple extra cash? Might need it.

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-01, 01:34 PM

Doctor Dire
Handwritten Letter to Kamakura-Kai

Jack Mitchell lowered his asking price to [6 cash] for the rights. Please pay the man.

Liho of Dire
To Legion of Steel [pm]

(Ow. Can't afford Sky Siren, much as I'd like her. Got maybe 17 cash at best. If you can help there, life is good.)

(Unless... Let me pass the hat around.)

Liho of Dire
to Symphony [pm]

Ever hear of Sky Siren? Bitchin' pilot. Gonna be useful for the plan, but she don't come cheap.

She wants a high price, though. Dire's bank accounts can cover some of that, but we still need like [10-20 cash]. Anyone wanna pony up some dough?

Internal Action
Legion of Steel may Read too

Devoting Hardakker Beta, and Delta to fixing up the Blackbird, making sure the Z-energy generator can replace its destroyed power core, and getting it ready for flight. Gonna put Kerberos in the computer to make sure there's no funny business or traps hiding in the plane's systems.

Figure what, 3-4 actions and about 10 TP?

Will ask the Legion of Steel for support tech stuff and materials help if needed.

Ascaloth

2014-03-01, 02:02 PM

Kamakura-kai

"]Very well. I will make the necessary arrangements.

Kamakura

"]Mitchell-san, I hope this message finds you well.

I am given to understand that Dire-sensei has recently requested to hire your services. To that effect, I will cover your asking fee of [6 Cash] on her behalf. Someone will be down by your offices to deliver the money soon.

Kamakura

"]"Indeed."

"Now then, speaking of establishing our own position of power. Shall we conduct the vote on the New Outer City initiative? For my part, the Kamakura-kai votes aye."

"]Arriving at the conference room in the Hotel Lucky Jacks set aside for the talks, the Oyabun took the seat designated for him, glancing momentarily at one side to where Valentine Ganta was to be seated.

"A good day to all of you, gentlemen. I am glad to see you are all well, and have come through in good health in spite of the troubles that have befallen the Outer City in recent days."

"Now, shall we begin? I believe the topic of the day, is the proposal that the Investors have for all of us."

(OOC: Using one of Oyabun's actions so as to put into play throughout the scene. This is to determine the best negotiating strategy dealing with the Investors and Trump, and figure out the best way to convince Ganta to join the KK in particular.)

"]Indeed, it turned out to be no secret to myself, Grimble-[I]dono. Simply a matter of lag time in communications, an issue which solves itself in due time, as is its wont.

On another note, I do believe I still have an outstanding loan with your esteemed institution. It was my intention to make good on the repayment the previous [Turn], but... well, I am sure you would understand that carrying so much [Cash] around when the invaders were in the area would not have been wise, to say the least.

Now that those troubles are over, I would like to make good on that repayment. [12 Cash], I believe?

Kamakura

"]"I will leave the Grimble contract in your capable hands then, Maxwell-san."

"As for the prospect of moving back to Walls, and possibly expanding on the business, I trust you have that well in hand? Is there anything that you might need from me?"

"]Oyabun
1. PM Meeting at Hotel Lucky Jacks with Trump, Investors and Valentine Ganta, for the purposes of putting [Insightful II] into play.

Stephanie Malone

1. Pay [6 Cash] to Jack Mitchell as his fee for defending Doctor Dire in her upcoming trial.

2. Pay [12 Cash] to Grimble Bank to repay the loan taken out.

oblivion6

2014-03-01, 02:53 PM

Legion - Liho[PM]
((I got 4 Cash))

Orbiter

2014-03-01, 04:18 PM

Serpentine Diabolic

Symphony[PM]

"Okay then i will be there to help with the assault so long its not at this exact [midturn], now if you will excuse me i have a date of sorts to attend to".

Furian[M]

Nianta: "Who was rough to whom?, i am just an innocent and lewd snake. I will be coming this afternoon then since you sound so confident, my treat, i will help you relax, lets meet at Gate Park, and from there we can have a nice walk to a nice club Restaurant, named the Red Frog or depending on your mood we can go somewhere else, i have many ideas, so dont worry be happy...thats a song reference by the way".

(ooc: I am confusious as to what Ravager exactly wishes to do....but it sounds fun!, so yeah Nianta is telling her stuff)

Furians[PM]

(ooc: Not sure if gearing for a fight or a date.....pretty sure this was on purpose O sneaky GM)

Nianta was wearing light stuff, she enjoyed her new appearance that somehow still held her monstrous beauty, if this kept up she would think about modelling. Funny how in some ways losing her team was a nice experience that freed her from all the things she needed to do before, although having no job or income kinda sucked, she had plans on that, plans that Ravager might enjoy coming together with her.
But all in all seeing Ravager she smiled as she stared at Ravager....more specifically her green eyes, Ravager had the most beautiful (and light) green eyes Nianta had seen, they were almost mesmerizing. And despite the difference in size (which was an interesting surprise) Nianta suppressed the urge to hug Ravager like she was a teddy bear lest she used the claws to make snake wine or soup outa her.

"Heya Rav, how are you feeling?"

Internal[PM]

Hmmm yandere Nianta.....oh gawd, this can only end up in flames.....i wholeheartedly approve of my plans, also Rav=distraction Nianta aint going against the big C for now....for now that is....or until Rav closes up for another of her big plans again i suppose.

(NOTE if its a date....take 2 cash with ya to take Ravager somewhere good....because i am feeling dizy and not sure if she meant a date or a fight or a meeting for a fight, also).

Hmm what exactly is that code i have?
Could i use it to make some sort of VIP AI (a minor one, but still a vip that could help me, because that sounds interesting).

1 Also you dint tell me what happened with those Faction actions in the end.
2 And i dint see my immunity to bullets there, also did with my size increasing the strength increase as well?

ArcaneStomper

2014-03-02, 04:31 AM

Shaper

To Kamakura-Kai (M)
That is because the market price is based on the product of quarries which have both the advantages of scale and of full time production. I on the other hand have to search out and mine deposits individually. The only reason I can even approach the market price is because of my unique advantages. I can lower my price to 12 cash for 9 materials by devoting more effort to the mining of larger deposits. And conceivably I could lower it even further if I was willing to devote even more time.

However I have other things which I could do more usefully with my time. Things which also require my unique talents, where as simply earning cash can be accomplished in other ways. For instance in the time I took to mine out the [4 materials] I could have produced a batch of the exotic alloys used in the Blackbird's hull. Which I am certain has a market price for in excess of those same materials.

So while I can agree to another price it would have to be in something other than cash. Preferably something which I cannot easily provide on my, but which you have access to.

Shaper (Translated)

To Unit Blue (M)
I have discussed this with my suppliers. They have informed me that the danger of Black Mark lies not in the ordinary useage, but in the withdrawal stages. They have agreed to take their share of Black Mark off the market, but have suggest doing so slowly. And I agree with them. Completely shutting down Black Mark distribution all at once will likely have horrendous effects on the current users. So I propose that we phase out Black Mark useage, and shut down any distributors who continue to sell it at the normal volume.

As for Cradle. I would point out that you are referring to them as having the ability to create a zombie apocalypse. The Dulls are not zombies. They might not feel pain and might have higher brain functions shut down, but they are still alive. The results might be the same as a zombie apocalypse, except for one thing. The Corpse Emperor has actual dead and animated zombies. And can control them as if they were thinking soldiers. In a fight between unthinking Dulls and thinking undead I would wager on the actual undead.

As such a Dulls apocalypse does not worry me. Which isn't to say that the Cradle aren't a threat, but time is not so critical. Also you have not yet stated how exactly you would want me to help against them.

Internal (GM)
Garza: It seems that alcohol is the best solution then. Now to be certain we are on the same page here is my plan. I will have one or more distilleries built, or bought if I can find any that still function, and hire some workers to run them with your supervision. We will begin withdrawing black mark from the market and replacing it in our business plan with the alcohol market. Meanwhile I will inform Unit Blue that Black Mark is being withdrawn and in return they will aid us in taking over rival cartels. Or to be more precise they will target the rival cartels and we will move into the vacancies created.

As for sedatives. I am honestly not sure. Regardless of what Unit Blue has to say on the matter we don't actually have a distillery running yet.

Factories
Worker Camps
Garza sends people out to scope out what exactly the workers want. He offers to renovate the area if the people there are willing to work in his factories and aqua farms, and eventually distilleries and mines. (Basically I want to automatically get new followers to staff any new businesses I open up. At least for basic things. I'm ok with needing to give them training first for more advanced jobs, but then that's what I'm looking at the Education Center for.)

Burned
Garza's men skirt around Burned. I'll deal with them once I have the rest of Factories in hand.

Cogworks
I won't touch the Cogworks for now. If nothing happens for a few more turns I'll think about moving in. If someone else moves in then I want to know about it though.

Collections
Garza sens a letter to Cape City asking about the Collections and who is running the place. He does this as a factory owner looking to take advantage of the distribution facilities.

To Eisenhart Inc.
Greetings,

I am looking into reinvesting in the Factories district of Outer City. As such I would like to know if you are still running the Education Center.

Thank you,
-Efraín Garza, CEO Cape City Industries

Nabokov Combine & GE Factories
So how does this work exactly. Are there actual factory owners still here running things. Or are they all gone and just own the deeds to the property while I run the factories?

100 cash seems like a lot for how poorly maintained everything was when I took over.

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-02, 10:39 AM

Legion of Dire
Handwritten Letter to LCAI

We should probably talk about finances, while Dire is here. Might be an opportunity to avoid coming trouble.

If you can, kindly come in to see Dire. You'll have to tell Chills who you're visiting and why, and there's a little paperwork, but that's fine.

Imperial Psycho

2014-03-02, 11:33 AM

Maestro

To LCAI
Now that the mess with the city has been cleared up, I think it is time we complete our transaction.

To Militia of Law & Order
(In Philanthropist persona)
"Hi, thanks for taking my call. You might remember me from a little while ago? I helped with that reconstruction thing? Yeah, would it be possible for to meet up with your leadership some time? "

"The Outer City in it's current state is a problem, and I'd really like to help in any way I can, and I think your organisation is doing real good out there. I'd like to put some money down, to really help you guys take a larger role and keep this City safe."

Zemalac

2014-03-02, 11:54 AM

LCAI

Solaris Inc. [M]

Well, we didn't manage to remove Kill permanently, but we have minimized the threat he poses in the short term. We'll see if we can get someone looking for him in the meantime.

Adrien Banks [M]

Welcome back.

Street Legal [M]

How much would it take to hire you to hunt down a robot master with an exceedingly powerful force-field somewhere in the Industrial District, out of curiosity?

Maestro [M]

Indeed, sir. The device is ready. We are merely awaiting payment prior to shipping.

Chills Prison [M]

One of your prisoners has requested a meeting with a company representative, for some reason. Is this sort of thing allowed? Doctor Dire is a murderer and a supervillain, but she is also a brilliant roboticist, and we're frankly rather curious as to what she might have to say to us.

Internal [PM]

Quick question about Chills Prison: I assume visitors are searched for weapons? I'm not entirely sure what Dire would want to talk to LCAI about, so I feel I should try and defend myself against some kind of blackmail. Was debating bringing in an HT-Mini and maybe a power disruptor, just in case.

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-02, 12:06 PM

Liho
to Night Crews [m]

"Seriously? Pick up the damn phone. Yes you'll help or no you won't, just choose already."

Liho
to Mimir [m]

"You really want to blow me off, here? Rude, stepbrother o'mine. Rude."

Liho
Legion of Steel, Symphony [m]

"Alright, this'll eat up all of Dire's production profits but what the @%!%#, it'll be worth it. With [3 cash] from you Giz-mah-man that's 20."

"See if that Sky Siren @%!%@ will bite for 20 cash, the chance to fly a one of a kind vehicle, and a caper that'll be talked about for years. And maybe some future work if she delivers the awesome."

"Tell her we got more lined up at the bit chompin' on this, they ain't as good as her but they don't come as steep."

Ascaloth

2014-03-02, 12:26 PM

Kamakura-kai

"]Dentity-san, my compatriots, greetings. I hope this message finds you all well and in good health, and that you have come out of the recent troubles in Cape City otherwise untroubled.

I must apologise for the lack of follow-up on the proposed between Iron Helix and the Japanese interests, due to the aforementioned conflict. Now that that matter has been resolved, I would once again like to propose that this meeting go forward. Please indicate your place and time of preference, if any, and I will make the necessary arrangements if it is within my power.

Kamakura

"]I understand. In that case, I will arrange to have [8 Cash] paid to you for the construction materials you have previously provided, as per your request. However, as this is more expensive than the usual suppliers, you will understand if I cannot retain your services at this rate.

However, that is simply for [4 Units]; if your asking price for [9 Units] is indeed [12 Cash], we might still be able to make a deal there. Let me consult with my business partners again, and I will get back to you shortly.

Kamakura

"]"Thank you, Maxwell-san. How about [12 Units] of the [Construction Materials 1 Lvl], on the other hand? Do you have any jobs in hand which might require the use of that much material?"

Eldan

2014-03-02, 12:35 PM

Iron Helix to Investors, KK

"Dentiy-san should be free at any time. Please, set a date at your convenience."

oblivion6

2014-03-02, 01:20 PM

Legion of Steel - Sky Siren[Dire may read]
Hows about this... [20 Cash], the chance to fly the most advanced aircraft on the planet, and a job that will be remembered for ages. Plus, if you deliver the goods and prove worth this money, you'll likely be called upon me again and receive a small bonus from my own pockets.

And if this offer doesn't peak your interest... there are other birds in the sky.

Sending 3 Cash to Sky Siren if she accepts my offer. Rest should come from Dire.

Forum Explorer

2014-03-02, 06:29 PM

Administrative Site C

To Legion of Steel
Our own efforts to track down Limit Break have been foiled by an independent third party. How have your efforts gone?

oblivion6

2014-03-02, 06:50 PM

Legion of Steel - Administrative Site C
Our own efforts have not borne fruit either but not through anyone's actions. My men are not trackers - give us a location and we'll gladly go in guns blazing but we are wasted on tracking them down.

Murska

2014-03-02, 11:31 PM

Unit Blue - Inquirer [M]

Dire wanted me to pass this message to you.

"Hello. Currently being framed. Interested in being a witness or helping provide evidence?

If the answer's no, that's perfectly fine. Expecting a show trial anyway. Too much... Profit margin. Well, not properly profit, you quite understand. Still, Banks assassination information about Pragmatist and the hands behind her may come in handy here, depending on your progress. Have a feeling Profit is involved there."

Unit Blue - Dire [Note]

"What do you mean again?

I'm quite curious as to what's going on with you. A frame job is one thing, but who and why? Who did kill the Cogworks?

Anyway, I'll pass the message. I'm kind of worried your allies are going to try and bust you out. Not for you specifically, but if there's a disturbance at the Chills, some really nasty individuals might get out."

Sunlit Clearing [KK] [M]

Ruby looks away at Shifu's last words, hunching her shoulders. "Yeah..."

"What long-term plans do you have for the region? Economic growth is going to be rather difficult, but it might be doable with an united effort. If things remain peaceful."

Internal [GM]

Database check - who is 'Mirage'?

If you didn't notice in my last post, Ruby and the Raiders are headed for Junk Mage's territory again.

Also I'd like results on my Blaze/Hackers actions from the EoT, now that I've targeted said actions.

I am going to need some sort of a status report on the SoL, specific problems and needs of the various districts.

Do I have any idea where to find potential investors in Junks? Japan, maybe, for a more peaceful foothold in the region? Any groups who want to attempt a bid for the goodwill of Outer City early and on the cheap now, in case it actually does revitalize and provide good business opportunities in the future?

Do I have any clue whom I should get in contact with in order to possibly get in contact with Theodor Newman?

Powers: People 4 combined with all the other stuff I know should contain very solid evidence for Cradle being a bunch of telepaths, right? That would ramp up their threat assessment by a lot? Could I leak the stuff I know to the UN, try for a public reaction?

Unit Blue - Shaper [M]

"Agreed with the drugs, then. Provide me targets and I'll crack down on them.

Even if, one for one, the Corpse Emperor's zombies can fight the Dulls, the Cradle are global, with vast political influence over many governments. They've been gathering Powers to their ranks for years now. And there are millions of Dulls, once the outbreak happens that'll turn to billions, supported by Powers, elite mercenaries and whatever else the enemy can pull. Insofar as I am aware, your zombies are still regionally limited.

I'm gathering information. I have some indications that much of the 'Upper City' council group has been corrupted. Once I find somewhere to strike, I hope that your alliance can assist in destroying the targets."

Unit Blue - Sixes, Goats [M]

"You were as crucial to the current success of our campaign as I was, and therefore I would like to ask you for your opinions on how things are and what we should do going forwards."

Unit Blue - Fenix Rising [M]

"Is there any group in Kremlin that is not thoroughly corrupt? Someone you'd be okay with if they ended up on top?"

Unit Blue - Society of Light [M]

"Thank you for the assistance over the past month.

We're at the cusp of overcoming the spiral of poverty and hopelessness. But there are still things that could go wrong. What are your opinions on Outer City right now?"

Unit Blue - Followers on the Streets [M]

Right. I have support from the people, but I don't intend to rule like a tyrant. Those areas with significant Unit Blue support are asked to choose amongst themselves a number of representatives to communicate their concerns, hopes and needs to me, and to act as a body to vote on potential changes to be introduced, or for example if they wish to depose Radical at some point and have someone else head the operations.

Unit Blue - Grimble Bank [M]

Thank you for the investment in Trent Town. But what is your intention there?

Unit Blue - Order [M]

What's your take on the UN's idea to tighten the screws on the Mesh?

Unit Blue - Collective [M]

Looks like there's yet another 'Shut! Down! EVERYTHING!' movement among the big boys. What you gonna do?

Unit Blue - Tetra [M]

Can I ask you what sort of trends you're seeing in the recent political upheaval globally? What kind of groups are rising to the top? Any larger scheme at work?

Unit Blue - Liberators [M]

"It's time to start cooperating more closely, among everyone who is aware of what's going on. Cradle is getting too close to their endgame. I'm talking with Mask, the Underground and some smaller groups, and looking into the political changes in various nations that are hiding the new Dulls strain.

Do you have any intel on their activities that we could use to hinder them further? Or any other potential allies?"

Unit Blue - Warehouse 13 [M]

How much are people willing to offer for Powers: People 4? I could be persuaded to accept a reasonably low price if Technology 2 was included... assuming some of my other contacts don't bite before that.

Unit Blue - Underground [M]

Does Underground have any Databases that I don't? Could I access those? I can probably provide information in return. I have plenty.

Unit Blue - Singularity Architects [M]

By the way, I would be interested in acquiring Technology databases. I have plenty of other information that I could trade in return, or another kind of payment could be negotiated.

Cognimancer

2014-03-02, 11:59 PM

Masquerade

Legion Base [PM]
There's a quick knock on the door, then a man steps into the room with Gizel and Liho. Oddly enough, the guards hadn't reported another visitor. The Cloak pulls back his hood as his normal facial features meld back into place.

"Hello, commander." He offers a hand. "I hope you don't mind that I let myself in. Certain events have reminded me to take more caution with my movements."

He nods to Liho. "I understand our plan is fairly... straightforward. We might benefit from a little tactical support from the Masquerade. I've cleared up many of my best men; I can provide either a team of spies to sneak into the prison and give us intel before the operation, or a team of assassins to pierce security once we're inside and retrieve the Doctor as quickly as possible."

"I also brought a little present, for the cause." Reaching into a pocket, he takes out a small slip of paper. "A proxy bank account. [10 Cash]. Liho, I'll leave it to your discretion whether to add all of it to the pilot's paycheck or to keep some in your pocket to keep the lights on."

Forum Explorer

2014-03-03, 12:44 AM

Administrative Site C

To GM
According to Unit Blue there is corruption among the leaders of the Docks associated with Cradle. I was ambushed in the Docks correct? By mysterious well trained, incredibly well organized group with access to Powers and an interest in collecting more useful powers.

Basically I think Cradle might of been behind the attack on me. I'm going to ask around and investigate to see what I can learn and see if I can find evidence of what the corruption mentioned (or evidence of a lack of corruption that'd prove my hunch wrong)

To Inquirer
We've heard rumors of corruption in the Docks. What can you tell us about that?

Thelonius

2014-03-03, 06:50 AM

[Update, Part 1]

On Communication With Dire

[You can either send message to GM with request to pass a letter to Dire, which may or may not be passed along or contact her lawyer Jack Mitchell.]

Lockwood-Coban

Solaris Inc. [M]

Excellent. I think I’ll be placing some orders for your weaponry - could always use a bit more punch if things get as they’ve gotten. Also, that shield of Kills is of considerable interest to my Corporation. If you manage to acquire any of Kill’s tech please contact me.

Internal [PM]

No weapon, no devices or implants. And any non-lawyer meetings will be observed and recorded. You are allowed to meet her, but after a couple of cases of certain Powers running things from prison or arranging escapes there’ll be heavy scrutiny.

Legion of Dire

Dire's Advocate [PM]

Jack Mitchell arrives - a man in his late forties, wearing an expensive suit and a shark-like expression.

''Hello, Ms. Dire. I will be representing you in court. Now Please tell me your version of events. The prosecution has a pretty strong case, but in the world we live in, things often aren't as they seem. I should mention that unfortunately your suit tech was completely destroyed. Not a scratch on it, but
insides are completely fried. Which could be a good or a bad thing, depending on what it no doubt recorded. I believe the prosecution will argue that it was your fail-safe device to prevent your tech from falling into other's hands,, used in this case to destroy evidence against you.''

Legion of Liho

Night Crews [M]

Yeah, sorry bout that. Some changes happening. What you want?

Mimir [M-HE]

The unification objective takes priority over condition of Doctor Dire.

FDC

Meeting [PM]

The votes are tallied and and it appears to be ayes all round.

''Very well, if there are any more issues we can discuss then, before Docks administration joins us to determine the shape of new government. There’ll be need for new positions - chief of police, commerce, a liaison with rest of the Outer City and Cape City. Mr. Oyabun - you can expect contracts for Maxwell Inc. for construction projects in Walls, as soon as we confirm that they are stable. Mr. Unity, can you comment on situation in the Walls? Can you annex them for the NOC?''

Kamakuri-Kai

Maxwel [M]

Right now, we’ve got work with construction in Black Market, unless you get us another job. If they increase the order or you get us extra job, then certainly - 12 Raw Materials would be needed. But for more than that - we simply don’t have the capacity.

Well, the move would cost a little cash, [2] should over it.

Trent Town Talks @ Lucky Jacks (Trump, Investors, Ganta) [PM]

There are two masked man representing Investors. Their leader speaks: ''It’s fairly simple. We’ve got cash and certain connections to build ourselves a nice, profitable sin city. Mr. Trump here has international connections and his hotel can be expanded to bring their business to the city. And Mr. Ganta can organize entertainment. But in order for that to work we need to control Trent Town - and here Kamakuri-Kai would come in play. Killar will be easy to kick out I think. Trent Town doesn’t like them. There are others - Grimble Bank, probably working as proxy, UB, and who knows else. Finally - land needs to be purchased so it’s all nice and legal. Here it can get tricky as well - a bunch of illegal squatters need to be evicted without provoking a backlash and a number of real estate deals be concluded.''

Trump: ''So how much cash you bring on the table?''

Investors: ''50 Cash, plus we’ll organize the black markets, supply of drugs and nice information selling business. We need your contacts, Mr. Trump to open some new smuggling routes.''

Trump: ''So, I just bring in people. I guess I can live with that. That debacle recently left me almost dry.''

Ganta: ''Well, I’d like to hear, if Mr. Oyabun thinks he can manage to take Trent Town under control? And would 50 Cash be sufficient? Trent Town doesn’t look too good after all the burning and energy issues.''

Investors: ''We can bring in more… investors.''

Grimble Bank [M]

Yes thank you. Feel free to use services of our bank in the future.

Unit Blue

Internal 1 [PM]

Your hackers finds files in Kamakuri-Kai mesh that indicate, they’ve made some sort of deal with the Company, as a deal was offered to Unity and EVRAZ as well. Company promised each of them rewards, if they did something - for KK it was to ''keep silent about information they received''. Looks like NOC might be an initiative proposed by the Company and KK/Unity/EVRAZ were offered positions of power to supervise it.

Your hackers also located and cracked a Mesh-communication channel: you can read KK-Company PM messages.

Ruby & Raiders [PM]

There’s no chasm where it once was. Now it’s green hills and forests with fresh wind blowing from the east. Ruby reaches the Tower, noticing a small village to the north of it. The Junk Mage, a man dressed in old robe, with dirty hair and thick greasy beard waves to you. ''Ah, you are that girl yes. Ribby?''

Internal 2 [PM]

Database check - who is 'Mirage'?

A minor Illusion Power, who appears to be affiliated with Masquerade.

If you didn't notice in my last post, Ruby and the Raiders are headed for Junk Mage's territory again.

Check.

Also I'd like results on my Blaze/Hackers actions from the EoT, now that I've targeted said actions.

Not check yet.

I am going to need some sort of a status report on the SoL, specific problems and needs of the various districts.

Drugs
Unemployment
Crime
Dulls
Housing (a bit improved)
Power issues
History of violence.

Greendale also got some sort of poisonous blight, must be some Power’s work.

Do I have any idea where to find potential investors in Junks? Japan, maybe, for a more peaceful foothold in the region? Any groups who want to attempt a bid for the goodwill of Outer City early and on the cheap now, in case it actually does revitalize and provide good business opportunities in the future?

I fear you do not.

Do I have any clue whom I should get in contact with in order to possibly get in contact with Theodor Newman?

Liberators.

Powers: People 4 combined with all the other stuff I know should contain very solid evidence for Cradle being a bunch of telepaths, right? That would ramp up their threat assessment by a lot? Could I leak the stuff I know to the UN, try for a public reaction?

You can try.

Sixes, Goats [M]

Sixes - ''We suggest organizing Powers in a way that would provide some control. Everything we make can be undone if some Empowerment goes wrong tomorrow. And Corpse Emperor, Shaper, Herr Tod - those are powerful players who haven’t yet made their move. Some agreement must be reached to find their agenda.''

Goats - ''This NOC is bull****. The bunch of rich who’ll wall off the poor people. We should act to see that they don’t rob us.''

Fenix Rising [M]

That’s a very good question. I doubt there are any white hats, but I guess some people would be better for the country. Which are which… Well, I can definitely say who’ll be absolute worst.

Society of Light [M]

Hopefully you’ll manage to turn things around - both your initiative and NOC.

GM [PM]

Okay - the people will try to organize some sort of public representation.

Grimble Bank [M]

I fear we can’t disclose that information at the moment.

Order [M]

We’ll see what exactly they plan to do and act if they are going too far.

Collective [M]

**** the Machine! They’ll see how to mess with Mesh!

Tetra [M]

The things look very complicated and I’m not certain I can make a reliable analysis.

Liberators [M]

They are indeed preparing something big, but they are cunning and use many obfuscating moves - if you could find more about their plans, we’ll be able to strike them where it hurts.

Warehouse 13 [M-HE]

We are prepared to pay you 25 Cash for it.

Underground [M]

[Hmm… I’d say you’ve got all Databases they’d have and the rest is information relevant to particular groups of Underground. Underground asset itself is a bit of an Database on how things are around the world on the street level.]

Inquirer [M]

I might consider it, but I’ve got a meeting about something closer to home. Just think I’d be more useful there, then in Dire’s matter.

Singularity Architects [M]

''You will be provided with Technology Database, if you allow access to your Mesh network.''

Admin C

Inquirer [M]

I indeed suspect some play. Last month I was digging around, but the man who wanted to talk ended up swimming with the fishes. You are trusted in the Docks so I think I’ll trust you. If this Mesh-line is secure we can talk over it or we can arrange for a meeting and I’ll tell you what I know.

Ascaloth

2014-03-03, 08:57 AM

Kamakura-kai

"]"Mmmm, that is certainly a challenging task ahead, Radical-san. Them Killarz shall have to be dealt with for good, for starters, and really there's no telling which new warlord from outside will be the next to take a crack at us, hmmm?"

Shifu said, nonchalantly helping himself to the food. It seemed as though he had yet to notice the loss of the postcard...

"Well, at least things seem to be better now than they have been for a while! And yes, this old man is well aware that just saying so might just be tempting fate... but anyway! For what it's worth, there's finally some folks whom see some investment potential in the Outer City. Or at least, the richer half of it. They're a great help in getting that New Outer City thing going, mmm?"

"My oyabun thought to get in on the action, figures that getting into such a profitable arrangement would make it easier for him to help the rest of the good folk further south, in turn. Seems like the right decision, at least at first glance."

At that, Shifu's face became even more creased, as his face furrowed with worry.

"This old man though, maybe he's just too paranoid for his own good. But I can't help feeling those new investors are not to be trusted so easily, you know? I even argued with Kou-chan about it, for all the good it did. He's been really strange lately, and I'm afraid the past year might be getting to him at last..."

"Honestly, Radical-san? I don't know which I fear more; that Kou-chan's judgement is failing him at last... or that he knows exactly what he's doing, and is on the path of self-destruction..."

"]"Contracts for Maxwell Inc. in Walls is, indeed, welcome. However, is there not a need for rebuilding work right in our own backyard?"

"I specifically speak, of course, for the Hives. With the destruction wrought by Dr Franklyn's giant robots, many residents of the First District have been left homeless and adrift. I would think that putting roofs over their heads should be fairly high up our list of priorities, at the very least."

"Given the Hives were previously known for overcrowding as it was, I would suggest that, apart from rebuilding in that area, the Borders should also be developed to provide additional housing for the residents. I would like to know if there is room in this Council's budget for these housing initiatives?"

"]"Removing what remains of the Killarz from Trent Town should be quite doable with my manpower, I believe. If need be, I can arrange for a little backup for my own men; either way, they should not be an issue."

"As for the rest, in my opinion... I confess I am not exactly certain why you would not want Grimble Bank in Trent Town, especially as it seems to me that they could easily be invited to participate in our joint initiative, instead. As for Unit Blue, I can have a word with them, and make sure they do not intrude into our business."

"Are there any other concerns I might have missed?"

"]"[2 Cash] for moving to Walls... sounds reasonable. Please inform me when Maxwell Inc. is ready to make the move, and I shall finance it."

"As for additional jobs, I think you may see some more contracts coming your way before long. Just to satisfy my personal curiosity, what would be the rate Maxwell typically pays for [12 Units]?"

"]Prices for [Assault Arms] from the Black Market in Night District, again? And [Small Arms] and [Grenades] too, just to round out the whole deal. For that matter, just give me the whole catalogue.

Zemalac

2014-03-03, 10:28 AM

LCAI

Solaris Inc. [M]

Kill's shield is of considerable interest to us as well, as we have found very few things are capable of stopping an HT-50 shot outright. We will contact you if we recover any of Kill's tech, but be advised that we will also be attempting to reverse-engineer it ourselves, even if only for testing purposes.

Jack Mitchell [M]

One of your clients, Doctor Dire, sent us a letter recently from Chills Prison asking for a meeting to discuss certain matters. If you could pass along our reply, we would appreciate it.

A Message

Doctor,

While we appreciate your desire to speak with an LCAI representative, we do not think that will be possible at this time. Not because we expect to be denied entry, but simply because we 1) Do not wish to talk about our finances in such a closely-watched space, and 2) Do not wish to be on record as having sent a representative to speak with a supervillain currently accused of murder. There's only so much we can ask of our PR department, I'm afraid.

Should you be cleared of the charges against you, or somehow arrange to have discussions out from under the watchful eye of Chills Security, that may be another matter entirely; but until then, I am afraid, we must regretfully decline your invitation.

Regards,

Mr. Grey
LCAI Special Operations

Unit Blue [M]

Confirming what we discussed over Skype. [15 Cash] and medicines for the hospital in exchange for Powers: People 4.

Internal [PM]

In exchange for a very nice database, Murska has asked me to get medical supplies for his Edgetown hospital. I assume his doctors have a list of what they need that they can send me--how much would it cost to fund this thing?

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-03, 11:04 AM

Legion of Liho
to Mimir [m]

Heh. Yeah, I figured.

Her, she'd shrug and say "Well, that's what Dire built him for. Free will, all that, nobility, etc. The good of the many outweigh the good of the Dire. Blah blah blah blah something noble sounding."

Me? I say @%!#%!% you toaster. Betamax VCR. AI-Light, just one calorie... EZ Bake Oven. Dial-up modem. Die in a fire, you little loser. I hope your I/O ports catch crotch rot.

I won't forget this and I'll do it MYSELF.

Legion of Liho
to Night Crews[m]

Callin' in favors on behalf of you know who. Need info on Chills. Everything you got. Maps, blueprints, security measures, contacts inside, ways in and out, defenses, all that happy @%!%#!.

And a diet coke. Cause this'll take a while to read and I'm thirsty.

That was a joke son. Gonna get my own coke. So what you got on Chills?

Dire's Advocate
to Jack Mitchell[pm]

Jack Mitchell finds Dire reading in her cell, various copies of law books neatly stacked in piles. She shuts a copy of a court transcript (One of her prosecutor's cases,) and puts it aside, smoothing the slacks of her prison garb as she stands.

Internal
Dire's spending an action to read up on Cape City Law and the attorney who's been chosen to prosecute her case. The aim here is to be aware of any tricks and shenanigans he might throw her way, and maintain unflappable composure against his methods. Of course, if there's an opportunity to get HIM into a gaffe during her cross-examination, that's okay too.

Also might come in handy if her defense attorney dies and she has to defend herself.

"Ah, Mr. Mitchell." The voice of a teacher, a priestess, a radio announcer. A face you wouldn't look twice at in a crowd. A lanky body, much scarred around the hands and arms. But those EYES. Fervor. Intensity. Madness. "Thank you for coming. Dire would shake hands, but..." She indicates the restraints. "A touch of, shall we say, overkill, but Dire cannot fault them for their caution."

She tilts her head as she folds her arms behind her back and paces as she considers the lawyer's words.

"Mm. That is both good and bad. Bad in that yes, that footage would have exonerated Dire... Good in that the footage, message log, and various sensor feeds from earlier in the day would have given up secrets that Dire is not prepared to give. It would have compromised friends, allies, resources, lairs... No. Dire does not betray her allies, and that footage would have been quite damaging."

"Too, this prevents her technology from being studied and analyzed. Do you know the difference between supervillains and villains mister Mitchell? There are many, but in this case it is a matter of prudence. Villains throw their technology around hither and yon, scattering it like maple seeds. Supervillains clean up after themselves. The world is not ready for a general release of some of the things Dire had built into her suit. Particularly the forcefield."

"But she digresses. We have much to cover, Dire hopes you brought refreshments. No, Seriously. It's a long tale."

She sits back down.

"It all started with the Symphony's assault on Cape City. Took Dire by surprise. Not a prudent measure. Rash, poorly-coordinated, far too early. Dire was tempted to sit it out... Until they asked her personally to assist."

She sighs. "Sympathy for the architects. Disagree with their methods, but not a terminal disagreement. Could be settled through debates, discussions, rather than blasters and violence. With cooler heads guiding them they could have mended their ways. Had a chance of finding the path to utopia, with the proper leadership."

She stares into the distance. "But this is how you learn, mister Mitchell. You experiment, and you fail, and you make sure to keep enough resources to attempt another experiment later. The Architects survived, though their power is diminished. They can try again later, in a different way. Probably take years... Well, no matter."

"But it was obvious once Dire began moving, even before then that they had called upon every... Well... Mad scientist out there to come and help. What a poor plan... The problem with Dire's brand of villainy, mister Mitchell, is that it seems to breed madness. The science involved, well... The human mind is pushed to its limits. Madness becomes the fate of most who push the envelope of human knowledge."

Her eyes catch Jack Mitchell's, and hold the gaze. "The only way to hold oneself together in the face of revelation is to look at oneself, unflinching, and see yourself for who you truly are. Dire has gazed at herself, and she sees her madness, and knowing this can function despite it... Nay, even leverage it, when the occasion demands. When you know who you are, Mister Mitchell, and you accept it in its entirety without guilt, hesitation, or compromise, oh the things you can DO. It is freedom, Mister Mitchell. Dire can't go back. Why would she?"

She lets her eyes move on, releasing the somewhat shocked lawyer from the prison of her stare.

"That said... Who Dire is, is a creature of order. A force of order, unorthodox though she may be. Not good, though good may come of her actions and she tries to bend things that way, but ORDER. She sets rules, she sticks to them. She keeps the rules that work, and obeys them and thus gains strength from them. Her goal is to bring order to the world, after all. If she is not a paragon of such, then how can she prevail?"

"And these rules Dire holds paramount... One. Dire does not betray her allies. Two. Dire does not kill good people. Three. Dire minimizes collateral damage where possible. Four. Dire keeps her promises and pays her debts. These simple rules have let her survive and thrive where other more opportunistic supervillains have crashed and burned. Twelve years, mister Mitchell. Twelve years a villain, where others have crashed and burned. In a field where the median career arc is eight months, she has lasted over a decade without compromising her vision. The rules make her STRONGER, Mister Mitchell. She could not remain Dire if she broke them."

She lets it sink in for a minute, then stands and begins pacing again.

"And in the assault in the city, Dire saw lots of potential for collateral. Bad. Cape City needs to remain intact as much as possible. Cradle's coming, make no mistake. They are patient and slow and strong and insidious, and they WILL move. If they take the shining city, then the world will follow."

"Dire thought that Cradle was the motivation for the Architects' attack. Thought that Cradle would move to stop the Architects. Thought that even if the Architects failed, Dire could rally them to significantly damage Cradle. Dire was wrong."

"Moved over the wall through Gardens. Got to Heartways first. Figured if the Heartways could be taken and occupied, could block hostiles and allow allies easy passage. Figured she'd meet up with the Architects' main force there."

Her face turns into a scowl.

"There was no main force there. There was a tiny force there. Not enough to take it. It was then that Dire knew that the assault would fail. They asked Dire along and didn't even give her a PLAN. Didn't try to coordinate. Treated her like the REST of the madmen they invited along. Gah. This is what too much research and not enough fieldwork gets you, Mister Mitchell!" She shakes her finger in his general direction, a lecturer in full stride. "Even BASIC STRATEGY could have turned the tide. But by forcing each army to act as an independent force they guaranteed that even if they could take the city, they could not hold it."

She sighs. "Sloppy. Disorganized. With that, Dire's goal moved."

She sits down, face returning to a kind smile. "It's no secret that Dire's main goal would necessitate the conquest of Cape City. But that goal was unachievable on that day. So Dire's secondary goal came into play. A goal of order, and one only she could provide."

"This is going to take some backstory. Dire will keep it short."

"Two years ago, Dire's black market contacts sold her some architect-made technology. Devices. The technology was... Fascinating. Took much time to study. Learn the secrets. Probably couldn't duplicate it, not with existing equipment. But the implications of the technology indicated a fact. They indicated that the Architect had put in place safeguards, safeguards that would help the world recover from chaos, safeguards that would help Cape City through times of crisis."

"Safeguards that had NOT been activated."

"Safeguards that would shift the struggle back away from chaos, into a more orderly venue."

"Two years, Mister Banks. Two years Dire carried those devices in her armor. At first because they would be helpful in a more mundane sense, should Dire ever fall in battle. But later... Later because she knew she would find the opportunity to trigger the Architect's safeguards, if the opportunity arose."

"And on that day, the opportunity arose."

"Dire made war on the forces in the Core, reinforced the architects, had a rather fun but all too short struggle with two heroes. Had to cut it short, though. Bided her time... And then the Architects asked her to take the tower. Said that if they could get server access there, they would win."

"Dire went to the tower. But not to gain them the access they wanted."

"Dire went to see if her hunch was correct. And it WAS. Cogworks was there!"

Her face animates, is consumed with enthusiasm as her hands flash, as she speaks. "Dire learned much in the last two years, you see! Cogworks was rarely active in the city. Why? They were always in the labs. Why? What were they working on? She spent many months puzzling over this!"

"And as Dire unraveled the mysteries of the Architects' devices, she slowly came to realize the truth... They were working on activating the same safeguards that Dire's illegally obtained devices would trigger!"

"Our goals were MUTUAL!"

"So Dire called them up. Told them what she had, offered them its usage. Gratis. Free. A vow of truce, that included a grace period for both of our factions to retreat after our business was done. A promise of no trickery on either side."

"They were wary, but they accepted. Told her to come in alone. She did. Met Gyro on an upper platform. He warned her that the tower's defenses would assault her, should she stray from their presence. Told her that as long as they vouched for her to the tower's defenses, she would be fine. Dire saw the security, knew the truth of it. Accepted. Architect security, couldn't compromise it if she wanted to anyway, not with the timeframe she had to work with."

"Not that it mattered. Our goals were mutual, and with the devices Dire offered, they could be achieved! This entire conflict could be reinvisioned into a more orderly format..."

"They had a price, of course. Resurrection of Adrian Banks. Acceptable to Dire, that was the purpose of one of her devices anyway. One of them."

(It wasn't a lie, really. Dire carried many devices on that day. If the lawyer thought that she was implying that she had more than one architect device, then so be it.)

"We moved to an inner chamber to get that started. Clockwork was there, along with half a dozen or so Cogs. The Red Queen was there too."

"And there, in a sort of cradle, remains of Adrian Banks."

"We prepared to get started with the reanimation..."

"And at that moment, Dire spotted an unknown man. He was across the room, training a weapon in her general direction! Dire thought that he was a failsafe, a saboteur sent to render Banks unrevivable. She called "LOOK OUT!", and pushed a Cog in between him and the cradle."

"The coffin was not the man's target. He shot Clockwork. One shot in the head. Clockwork went down. So much blood."

Her face falls. Her eyes become haunted. "Dead. Just like that. Seen many headwounds in this career. That one was fatal."

"Dire got between the shooter and the display glass, wrenched it open, activated the device to reanimate Banks. Hoped like hell the Cogs could hold him. Hoped that Gyro could do whatever the hell it was he did."

"By the time Dire turned back around, the shooter had lined up Gyro in his sights. By the time Dire started throwing blaster bolts at him, it didn't matter. One shot in the head. Gyro was down. Dire saw he was using some sort of tricked-out handgun. Heavy calibre. Accessories."

"The shooter took a bolt, and ran through the door he'd originally emerged from."

"And the tower requested that Dire identify herself."

She rubs her eyes. "Gah. All this took space in the span of seconds. It... Even Dire was taken off guard. If she hadn't been looking the right way she wouldn't have seen the assassin at all."

"Spared a glance back into the cradle. The device seemed to be working. Banks was slowly reviving."

"But the assassin's goal was clear. By eliminating Cogworks, he ensured that no one was there to vouch for Dire's presence in the tower. Tower security would animate and restrain her, and it could do that. Dire saw enough on the way down to know that its capabilities far outstripped her own, in this case."

"And after Dire was restrained, he could walk in, peel her out of the armor, and kill her at his leisure. And after that, kill Banks as well. No one would ever know what had transpired, there. Save for the assassin who would be free to spin whatever narrative he wanted."

"So. The assassin had to be neutralized. And Dire had very little time to do it."

"But the assassin's retreat... He was only lightly wounded. It was very possible that Dire was running into a trap."

She smiled.

"Dire left her armor, grabbing her sidearm as she went. Then she switched her armor to semi-slave mode, and sent it through the door."

"Sure enough, it hit some sort of scrambling effect. The shooter confronted it. Stated that it was time to die."

"Dire activated her vocoder while the armor still functioned. Asked him if he was with Cradle. He said no, and that while he might have owed Cogworks an explanation, he owed her nothing. Said "Dire, you're a genius, you figure it out."

"Dire stated that well, you must be some sort of Hero then."

"He stated... "It's been a long time since I've thought of myself as a hero..." Then he moved forward, and found the emergency release to Dire's suit."

"When he found it empty, Dire moved through the doorway, and gloated. It's what you do, you know. Gloat. It's traditional."

"Was interrupted somewhat by the tower giving its last warning."

"The shooter sighed, bowed his head. Offered to take Dire out of the tower in exchange for his life."

"Liar. Assassin. Murderer!"

"Also, he hadn't dropped the gun, and he was scary quick. As compared to Dire, who's only an average shot, and was still recovering from injuries obtained while fighting Eris and her crew. So no. Couldn't trust him to take her out of the tower, couldn't be sure that she could take him once he got his balance back."

"Self-defense... And retribution. Dire shot him. Emptied a damn clip. Slapped in her spare, emptied that one too. Twenty rounds from a browning nine-millimeter at point blank range."

"But as he died, he said one word. Dire had just enough time to consider that word, and all of its implications. That one word identified to her the culprit behind this act, and pieces fell into place for so many mysteries of recent years."

She smiles, ruefully. "You only learn the truth when it's too late, really. Or when you're in a position to do nothing about it." She looks around at the cell walls, and jingles her restraints."

"At any rate, seconds after he fell, tower security seized Dire. Two bots grabbed her with a telekinetic beam effect, and started carrying her to be detained. Dire dropped the gun... Well, say more it fell from her fingers. Adrenaline was wearing off at that point."

"Looked one direction, saw the Red Queen FINALLY moving, toward the body of the downed assassin. Looked another direction, saw Adrian's form stirring as the revival started to kick in. Knew that she'd at least saved one life today."

"Stayed conscious long enough to request medical treatment from the bots, then lay back and waited to see what came. And she is now here."

She sighs.

"So yes, there's a gun with her prints on it in the tower. But it's a nine millimeter, a light pistol of a different caliber then the assassin's make, as far as Dire could tell from her hurried recollection."

"And it was discharged in an entirely different area from where Cogworks met their end. Far more ammunition then was used on them."

"If there is no assassin's body, and Dire expects there wasn't as the Red Queen was up to SOMETHING, then that's going to look bad. But there's a chance the assassin's gun might have turned up. She doubts he took THAT."

"You might also ask what the safeguards are that Dire wished to activate. Well, Dire's not going to tell you that, because if any of the enemies of the Architect learn the specifics there, they will have a chance to destroy or hinder the safeguards. Dire cannot tell you the details. It would undo everything she did, damn near everything Cogworks was trying to do. No. Even if it means Dire's incarceration, it is far more vital that the safeguards be protected, and to that end they must remain confidential. Not broadcast on a major public news network during a trial."

"Now. You're going to have at least one more question here, and that's a loaded question indeed. Loaded because if Dire's suspicions are true, if things are going to fall out as she suspects they will, then the opposition, the hand behind the assassin has a LONG reach. Even here. Even in Cape City. ESPECIALLY in Cape City."

"If Dire tells you what the assassin's last word was here and now, and you start searching upon it, there is a chance the enemy will attempt to compromise you or even kill you. If he thinks that you will make public too many of his schemes before the trial, then he WILL kill you."

Her face smooths, and she meets his gaze.

"Dire doesn't want to see this happen. She doesn't know if you're a good man, so you fall under her rules of preserving your life if possible." She moves her eyes to the camera. "It is her hope that the enemy understands that we are willing to play along until it is no longer an issue. That killing or compromising you would be pointless. A poor gaffe, unworthy of the enemy's stature. A waste."

"So. With that said, Dire will tell you the word and give you the description of the assassin, but only if you promise to keep your research in this area QUIET. Make sure that it doesn't give away his game before the trial."

She draws a shuddering breath. "If Dire's right, then if it surfaces at the trial, it won't matter. He'll have moved before then or during then. It makes far too much sense for his motivations and methods."

"And so Dire must do the hardest thing that she can do. She must do the thing she hates most to do. And she must trust this matter, and the people involved, to take care of themselves."

"Because if they don't, then all this will have been for nothing."

"So what's your choice, Mister Mitchell?" Her smile is rueful. "Do you want to hear the word? Do you want to know the description of the assassin?"

Internal
Legion of Steel may Read (pm)

(Paying 17 cash to the pilot, if she accepts the offer.

Cognimancer

2014-03-03, 01:05 PM

Masquerade

Serpiente Diabolic
[Nevermind on that healing. VIP's wounds were retconned from Bad to Fatal. Thanks anyway though.]

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-03, 01:54 PM

Liho
Planning Session
Legion of Steel, Symphony and others who are involved[pm]

"Alright."

Liho's slept off her hangover, and is back at the table.

"So we got a pilot lined up, and Hardee and the doppelheads are workin' on the plane. We end up with Sky Siren or stuffy British dude, either's good."

"I got a line in with the Night Crews to try and get some info on Chills. Anyone else got any intel, would be appreciated."

"Now we gotta talk forces."

"The Devs won't fit in the plane. So you got me and the Two doppelgangers. We got assault gear."

"Giz, I figure you and whatever soldiers we can fit in the plane. Or if not you, someone who can command dudes. You know it best, aight?"

"We got Nianta and her scout for healing and scouting @#%@!#% respectively. We got... Chimaera, you in? Got any bio-toys to throw in as well?"

"Mirage, we could use your butt as a force divider. No wait @%#@Q% that's not the right word. Multiplier, yeah. Also use your sneaky git friends on the ground to infiltrate and stuff."

"We got however many Blackwatch want to tag along on this."

"No reply from Hugh Donovan, Mimir's a @%#%!Q wussy crybaby cop-out, and Admin C didn't say jack #%#@% to my reply. So it goes."

"That all or am I missin' anyone?"

"Alright. Now I figure we get ready to go as soon as the plane's fixed and we're ready..."
(I told Thelonius I'd prefer us to rescue at the most dramatic moment possible. So it's up to him where in the mid-turn it falls. Everyone ok with that?)

Internal Action [pm]
Hm. Liho's a nasty minded suspicious sort... Don't want the pilot trying to steal the plane. So we'll put in a remote control to the generator that'll let us turn it off or control the power source. Should be easy enough to do while we're repairing the plane and installing the generator...

CapJanus

2014-03-03, 02:47 PM

Unity

FDC [PM]
"I do think the Walls will be ready to be annexed shortly, if that's the vote of this council. I'm glad to see the Docks being incorporated, and I've been prepping the Walls over the past month to get things stable enough to bring in a more secure government. Crime is down, and we've cut out a large percentage of the local drug trade. If annexation means support from a larger police force and administration, the Walls could achieve complete stability."

Unit Blue
You say the Company and Cradle are one and the same? That... doesn't bode well. For a lot of things, most of all the Upper City initiative. Still, I don't think they have much of a hand in the FDC, as far as I know. That council is still genuinely interested in improving the lives of those in the northern districts. Right now, they're just voting on incorporating the Docks, but I'll keep an eye on the details of the negotiation. If you like, I can let you know about anything suspicious in the final deal.

Anything else you need to help with your plans for the Outer City, just let me know.

Company [PM]
Things are looking pretty good in the Walls for this new city order. Only a couple of issues that I can see right now. First is the crime - I've been trying to make the district a more stable place, but I know the Caretakers have a presence here, and they're big - I'm not sure if I can deal with them, or if it'll be a problem later on. Do you have a plan for that?

Secondly, the Sixes. They haven't caused much ruckus lately, but I feel like they will if the Walls joins up with the Upper City, especially if I have a hand in it. They're anti-power, I'm a cape... it's not gonna be a good mix. But I'm a hero, I can't go stomping out citizens for exercising free speech. If you could deal with them, though... that would certainly help establish the Walls as a more stable regime.

Freaks

Well… That’s mighty nice of you Mr. Unity. You’ll be wanting our territory then? So it’s all clean and good there?

I'm not trying to kick you out of your homes. I would be asking for your cooperation so that police patrols could keep an eye on your territory, just like they'll be watching over the other neighborhoods, for your protection. But ideally, you wouldn't be confined to the Tunnels once the Upper City comes together. Perhaps we could create a new, official neighborhood in that area, where you could live without fear. My peacekeepers would be given special orders to make sure the citizens of this district don't harass you and your Shaped brothers.

All I'm asking in return is for you to give lawful civilization another chance. The police can't protect you if you continue with any criminal activities.

Murska

2014-03-03, 06:01 PM

Unit Blue - Unity [M]

"Keep in mind, Cradle's key strength is that they've gathered a large group of Powers with telepathic and mind-affecting abilities. It's not always easy to spot their influence, or avoid it."

Unit Blue - LCAI [M] [GM NOTE]

Yup. Sending LCAI Powers: People 4 for 15 Cash and medicine for the hospital.

Unit Blue - Underground [M-HE]

"Here's an address to what I believe is the network of one of Cradle's proxies in Outer City. I'd like backup to ensure we aren't compromized, but I really need the intel."

Back In NotKansas [PM]

She smiles and waves from a distance, then curtseys once she gets closer. "Ruby, good sir. I see your realm is more peaceful than it was before."

Sixes, Goats [M]

Sixes: "Yeah. I'm talking with Shaper's group about some way to ensure there won't be any problems, and I'm trying to find out about what Tod and his entourage are planning. If there are any Empowerments in the territory we have a hold in, I will try to get to them first, peacefully, to find out what they're like and offer them information and options to avoid the need for conflict. Or to take them out if they're the bad kind. But we can't become the Killarz and start lynching people over suspicions. That'll just breed resenment and more war."

Goats: "Yeah. I asked to see if I could observe their meeting, but they didn't accept. A few of the groups in there are okay, specifically Unity, and some of the rest are acceptable in that sure they're out for themselves but they're reasonable. But the issue is the corrupted folk running the show. I'll see what I can do about that."

Unit Blue - Order [M]

"By the way. I'm worried that the Evil Hats or some of their ilk would intend to rob the Code Monkeys. Do you have any computing power to spare for their defense? I am stretched thin, due to 3D issues."

UB - Liberators [M]

"I'll see what I can do."

Warehouse 13 [M-HE]

Agreed. [Send the database for 25 cash]

UB - Inquirer [M]

"Sure. If it is about what I think it's about, I do find that a priority. Just a messenger, anyway."

UB - Singularity Architects [M]

"Wow, whoa, wait. I'm not quite sure I trust you that much. Frankly, I don't trust anyone that much. We've got common enemies, and we have some common goals, so I'd like to count you as a something of an ally, but that sort of information would literally risk thousands of lives, possibly hundreds of thousands, if it leaked. Including my own and everyone I hold dear.

I do have specific information I could share. Powers: People databases up to fourth tier, for instance. And not even just databases. You probably have an idea of whom all I'm affiliated with. I also have some cash at hand."

Thelonius

2014-03-03, 06:44 PM

UB

NotInKansas [PM]

’’I put a few obstacles to test the worthiness of the travelers at the advice of the Lady. Now what brings you back to my Kingdom?’’

Order [M]

We’ll talk with Code Monkeys. The information shouldn’t be stolen from them.

Singularity Architects [M]

The offered information is of low value. Cash 15 would be sufficient payment.

Masquerade

Internal [PM]

Looks like you’ve got Danger Rooms a time back. Can you tell me where you place them?

Serpentine Diabolic

Ravisher [PM]

Ravager grins he eyes alight. ’’Why you bloodthirsty minx, I can smell the fight in you. I’m feeling good. Another thing beyond our understanding and power slain, by human us. By our primal aggression, cunning and instinct. Those fights make me feel so alive. No pretenses, no stress, just being yourself.’’ Let’s go. The park is a bit messy - apparently there was a big Goats demonstration here recently and nobody bothered to clean up. The garbage left by the people is making the place look less appealing. Ravager seems to pull Nianta from her planned course and it takes a moment for Nianta to realize that she’s looking towards the Fury’s Fall. There are some people gaping at the pair and Nianta suspects somebody calling cops, just in case. They do make an imposing and intimidating pair, despite their banter being light and filled with lusty-snake innuendo.

Internal [PM]

1. You can go for AI helper sure.
2. Fixing Furians, boosting your influence with them.

Legion of Dire

Dire's Advocate [PM]

[Mitchell passes you reply from LCAI (you can read their message)]

Jack Mitchell looks professional and calm during Dire’s speech, but she suspects behind the impassive mask, he is affected by her powerful presence:

Well… First Doctor Dire, you are on trial for murder of Cogworks. All other stuff you’ve done it’s all there and considering you usually took credit for your world conquest schemes over loudspeakers, pretty much indefensible. But in lieu of you sticking to your rules, I would say they would put you into Reald’s or some regular prison with options for parole for good behavior or assistance to the government. There’s a bit of leniency here, that’s applied to certain Powers cases as well. It’s the Cogworks murder that’s sending you with one ticket to deepest levels of Chills. The one we need to prove you innocent of.

You playing by the rules of the game is definitely a plus. A strange defence to claim you are a classical supervillain, but I would say an efficient one.

Now your story has several holes and weak places prosecution will definitely take advantage of, so if you think you missed some fact or have an explanation for it, please tell me.

First, there are records of you arriving to the Tower and joining the Cogworks, but then the surveillance system goes down in that area. Prosecution will claim due to your actions to break Tower defenses. No evidence of the assassin stepping inside the Tower. No body, no blood.

There’s no murder weapon, but I guess prosecution will claim it was something built into your suit, that got fried.

The biggest issue is of course the Tower Defense system. You said it yourself - it would barely admit Cogworks and yourself only under their supervision. How would you explain an assassin bypassing it? The best argument I see that the systems were hacked - the jury might be swayed, after that incident, where… Ah you probably don’t know. SA have spoofed Mesh to make it appear nothing was happening in Cape City. A very thorough job.

Night Crews [M]

You can’t be serious. And if you are that clears all favors owed, cause you go after Chills and then you get captured and they get info on where you got your info.

LACI

J. Mitchell [M]

I’ll pass the message.

Solaris Inc. [M]

By our estimation it’s at least Level 7 Power Shield with less than optimal energy source. Our technology can perfect it to revolutionize the warfare and I believe we can establish a strategic partnership, if you were to supply weapons capable of breaching such tech.

Internal [PM]

On the market you can acquire the needed things for 6 Cash. If you want better deals or higher level stuff, ask suppliers like Pharasma Inc., Fairbanks Foundation or spend action seeking out smaller pharmaceutical companies.

FDC

Meeting [PM]

On Unity, Mr. Willmore:
’’Excellent news. I would say either Unity’s volunteers or Kamakuri-Kai’s forces should form the kernel of the new police force for the NOC, with proper funding and training.’’
On Hive, Nicole Blaine:
''Well, if Mr. Unity organizes things in Walls, then we can move people from the Hives there. A bit of an issue about them leaving prestigious First District, but less so, since they’ll still be in NOC. I think we can persuade them not to make a fuss with some cash spread around. This way we just pave the Hives and expand shopping zones for tourists that Docks will draw to us and Cape City citizens, who’ll look for the special allure of NOC.''

Maxwell [PM]

We used to buy them 1 for 1. But right now the only way to get those materials is EVRAZ, and with their monopoly in Docks they can set any price they wish. There’s going to be a price hike this month for sure, which is why your supply would be welcome.

Unity

Company [PM]

We’ll make arrangements to deal with one of the issues this month - your choice, whether it would be Caretakers or Sixes. You have our backing so feel confident to move forward with your agenda.

Freaks [M]

You promise a bunch of stuff, but we know promises to the likes of us are as often broken as not. The District was run by Power Gangs and now that that’s changed, the people will be taking the skin from those they can get their hands on, guilty or innocent. You say your police would protect us… but will they? Do you have anything more than words? We aren’t walking out into the light to be slaughtered and you won’t get us in our tunnels hero.

Shaper

CE & Freaks [PM]

Freaks: Unity’s trying to take control of our turf. All nice talk about getting police there to protect people and us living without fear, but it in effect we’d lose what we have. We can’t exactly work jobs of average Joes. Might be some trouble.

Internal [PM]

Pharmacist: I guess that would be a plan. Though really, the only other drug cartel of note belongs to Killarz and Unit Blue would probably oppose them anyway. We are getting the short end of the deal here, but I guess times are changing and we don’t have the muscle to keep our turf without concessions.

Internal 2 [PM]

Worker Camps

The people are wary of Shaper and his rumored allies - Harvesters. Cash is always an effective persuasion tool, and dealing with fear of Powers and fear of Shaper specifically can work as well. There could be other things that can change their disposition.

[Basically you need to get enough Influence with Worker Camps by whatever means you find most efficient to get the location trait you request.]

Factories

100 Cash is how much you can get factories from the owners with minimal fuss and negotiations. Basically your man comes with a case of cash, shows its to the owner and the deed is signed over. Repeat for a bunch more factories until you rack up the total bill.

Cape City Services [M]

Due to the damage to the railway system the Collections area is currently unused.

Eisenhart Inc [M]

We are sponsoring it, yes.

Maestro

Militia of L&O

''We can arrange for a meeting, if you have more to offer to the people of Trent Town.''

Forum Explorer

2014-03-03, 08:04 PM

Administrative Site C

To Inquirer
Best if we meet in person.

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-03, 08:11 PM

Dire's Adocate
Jack Mitchell [pm]

Dire listens to Jack's statements, and nods.

"The only facts that Dire omitted were those omitted to preserve the safeguards, as stated earlier."

"Dire was unaware of the surveillance system drop. Cogworks registered no alarm, either, at the time."

"The Red Queen was moving toward the assassin's body. Perhaps he had a power that made him invisible to machines? She might not have "seen" him until he died. As to the blood, no clue. How often does the Tower's cleaning system cycle? A guarantee it is automated."

"If the prosecution wishes to prove that Dire hacked the defenses, let them present evidence. With the suit electronics fried, they have none, unless the tower logs specifically show Dire hacking it. And as you just said, the surveillance is down."

"No murder weapon? Interesting. Dire's handgun should have been there, along with the assassin's weapon."

"As to Dire's suit, find a technician. Cogworks fell to a pistol. Dire's suit has no slugthrowers. Slugthrowers are mechanical, not electronic, the autowipe wouldn't eliminate them. If they have no weapon they can tie to Dire, it seems that they should have no proof."

She listens to the hacking explanation.

"Hm. Well, the best explanation for the Tower hack is the simplest. If Dire had hacked it, then how the hell did the tower defenses pick her up afterward? Why didn't she get away? Why would she need Cogworks around at all? As to an assassin bypassing it, there's any number of ways. Powers, technological devices to hide him, raw hacking... Or mind control. Perhaps the assassin was someone who was supposed to be there, who was authorized to be there? Mind control, possession, sleeper agent... Can't discount that angle."

"Dire recommends you run a polite inquiry to see who else had access to the tower that day. Who could maybe shut down the systems."

"Who might now be missing..."

She frowns.

"If all they've got is Dire was there, and everyone else is dead, then how are they going to prove this case? What kind of evidence do they HAVE?"

"Hell, the city was full of tech-savvy madmen with grudges and competing agendas. Who's to say one of them couldn't have snuck in to try and grab some architect gear, and decided to make sure there were no witnesses? Or just do Dire or Cogworks some pain in general. Many of the Architects and their associated hacks likely had no love for Dire, no scruples against killing, and a rivalry or grudge against her or Cogworks to begin with."

Doctor Dire
Handwritten Letter to LCAI
Sent through Jack Mitchell.

Well. Your loss.

Hopefully no one else's. A ball has been dropped here, and Dire knows not where it shall land.

Ah well, she tried.

Doctor Dire
Handwritten Letter to Kamakura-Kai

It occurs to Dire that she should make arrangements for repayment. Stephanie, your accountant, is she busy? Bright lass, Dire recalls. If you have the time, could she stop by?

Liho of Dire
to Night Crews [m]

"Hahahhahhaha!"

"You got no faith. But if your #@%@%#@s are truly in a twist, sure. Sure, this'll clear all favors owed... On OUR end, too."

"God DAMN you guys can't run away from her nibs fast enough. Guess you like putting on those kneepads everytime EVRAZ comes around. Slurp slurp slurp."

"Now shut up and gimme the stuff, and it best. Be. Good. If it ain't, then you don't get a pass."

Murska

2014-03-03, 08:22 PM

Internal [GM]

Leaving a note here so that you don't forget to reply to my post #290.

NotKansas [PM]

"It has been a while since I spoke to our neighbours. A busy time for me. I would like to hear how things have been for you, and I am also curious as to what the Lady has been up to. There are some things I might wish to talk to her of."

UB - Singularity Architects [M]

"What tier of database would that be?"

Sunlit Clearing [PM]

"The Killarz. They will have to be crushed, but I am hoping I can convince as many as possible to leave them before it is too late."

After Shifu mentions his worries, Radical stays silent for a moment.

"There are some things that are worth fighting for. But even if you are willing to risk your life for something, you should not plan for it. That will make you blind to alternatives, the better paths."

"It took me a while to understand that."

Ascaloth

2014-03-03, 09:01 PM

Kamakura-kai

"]Malone-san? I did have some tasks in mind for her this [Turn], but nothing that cannot be handled by someone else. Certainly, allow me to arrange clearance with the Prison authorities, and I will send Malone-san down shortly.

Kamakura

"]"I can see pros and cons for either choice for the NOC's new police forces. What would be your opinion on this matter, Mr Unity?"

"As for the Hives residents... that's where some of the Walls contracts would be coming from, too. I see. In that case, work would still need to be done to rezone the Hives as an expanded retail district. And, given the turmoil that Outer City has experienced in recent days - turmoil which has threatened to spread over into, and indeed has, into First District - I do believe we would be well-advised to establish a border post, where our new police forces can be based out of. Again, I will offer the Borders as a suitable location for this border post."

"]"I see. Perhaps the alternative supply may not be as welcome as we all hoped... how does [12 Cash] for [9 Units] compare with EVRAZ's projected price hike?"

"Alternatively, perhaps I could speak with EVRAZ instead, and see if they can not give us preferential rates. That might give us a strong market advantage over our competitors..."

"]Recent events have left me unable to pursue my original plans, so I would like to send a Miss Stephanie Malone in my stead.

I would like for her to visit Doctor Dire, as a personal visit.

Kamakura

Zemalac

2014-03-03, 10:42 PM

LCAI

Solaris Inc. [M]

That was our hope. Our only work in forcefield tech was long ago, with a project that was cancelled to make way for more urgent concerns. Developing penetrative weapons is, I think, more in line with our current strengths.

Internal [PM]

All right, now that I've established credible deniability (damn Dire for sending that letter through Chills security, anyway), time to actually go in to see her.

Mr. Grey dresses in a lighter color suit than usual and, taking advantage of his nondescript face and non-VIP status, goes to Chills Prison as "Mr. Silver," representing a small front company in the Factories district in the outer city. He is there to talk to Dire on behalf of Transitive Technologies, and certainly not on behalf of LCAI.

Also, let's just acquire the medical stuff UB wants on the open market. That's easier, and it's not like 6 Cash is going to break the budget.

Orbiter

2014-03-04, 05:10 AM

Serpentine Diabolic

Masquerade[M]

Very well, stay safe then and dont die, cant heal death.

Ravisher[PM]

Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN3yqMr3ffY) for Nianta in love its: Nightwish Ghost love score, have fun.

Normally Nianta would be a little serious, but today was not a normal day, today she was with Ravager so she was calmer....and more honest one might say......and less likely to use her powers for a crazy perfectly valid and sane scheme.
"Ohohoh, me Bloodthirsty? i am just an innocent snake puppy, with razor sharp teeth, a forked tongue and red eyes.....taking Very enthusiastic walks through military bases".

That was obviously a joke...a joke from the abridged version of some anime she once saw....and judging by the tone it was obviously a joke, even if Nianta did have a forked tongue and red eyes......although she was not sure if her teeth were considered razor sharp. Either way she noted that she was being led by Ravager apparently.......now how to make Ravager blush whilst going on? hmm it was nigh impossible, she was very cunning and seen through most of her attempts....hm she is more like a tiger without the sneakiness of the panther most of the time...so lets make her a kitty in this attempt!, attempt 46 on operation make Ravager blush is A go.
"You know if you want to lead me so much you only have to ask, although since you are more of a kitty i suspect you just want to eat this snake somewhere safe eh?"

Nianta was blatantly ignoring most people, although she kept her eyes open despite....well as much as she could while sticking close to Ravager which ain't much if you thought about it. And she noted that Rav just might be stronger than her now that she thought about it, hmm she should see later if damage from overworking could make herself stronger, but for now she enjoyed being led, even if she felt ready to pounce and hug-cuddle her....and do all the stuff that need to happen in a room.....or at the very least a dark alley, but that wasn't a good idea.

(ooc: Beauty 1 vip level+Snake looking+Crawler evolutionary advantage=Monstrous Beauty or the Beauty of a killing machine? XD, the gaping is hilarious)

Internal[PM]

Well Masq changed their mind on needing me to heal their man...so i suppose i remove that healing action, oh well.

CapJanus

2014-03-04, 08:21 AM

Unity

FDC [PM]
"Like you say, pros and cons. In the short-term, Kamakura's men would be better prepared to enforce the law, since many of them are already experienced in combat from other Outer City fiascos, whereas most of my followers were noncombatants. On the other hand, my organization seems to have more potential in the long term. They're local to the area, many of them volunteered from the very neighborhoods they'd be patrolling, and once they've received training they could be excellent for the job, already knowing the turf."

"I guess it comes down to how much we need immediate support, versus long-term growth. Or at least that's the way I see it. If you agree with that breakdown, Mr. Kamakura, I'd put the Unity organization forward as my preference. We are, after all, building for the future."

Company [PM]
In that case, let's deal with removing the Caretakers first.

Freaks
I see. I didn't expect to win your trust so easily, anyway. What would it take to convince you that I'm trying to help?

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-04, 09:13 AM

Doctor Dire
Internal [pm]

Hey. If people come to see Dire in prison, can I assume I don't have to spend actions for my side of the PM? Since it's not very private for me anyway? :smallbiggrin:

Also, Dire is going to put in a request for the use of an acoustic guitar for therapy purposes. She quite understands she'll have to check it out each day and give it back at the end of each day, and it'll be inspected down to the molecular level.

Going to try to ask for this favor through Mitchell so he can pull a "my client feels bored. Seriously, a hobby might help her keep her occupied and out of trouble..." coercion on the prison if need be.

Misdirection, misdirection, la la la la la...

Cognimancer

2014-03-04, 11:27 AM

Masquerade

Planning Session [PM]
Legion of Steel, Liho, Symphony
"Very well. We'll begin planning, and forward any useful tactical information to you." Cloak glances from Liho to Gizel. "I must say, you've name-dropped a lot of groups that aren't represented here. Are we sure we have their support?"

Smugglers
Alright gang, I've got [3 Drugs] I'm looking to move, preferably away from the crackdown in the Walls. Anyone who knows a buyer, process that deal and you'll get a fair cut.

[Just using my smuggler contacts to cash in on this stuff]

Internal [PM]
Let's paint over anything on the Danger Room that indicates it's a Dire product, then install it in the Operations Center in the First District.

Mid-turn [PM]
1. [3 Old Spies] are assigned to spy on Cradle/Company actions in the Walls. Should know a little about their plans, by their interactions with Unity. Going to try to trace their movements and locate any base or something where they could be operating from.

2. [3 New Spies] will attempt to scout out the layout of Chills Prison prior to the big day. Security's bound to be maximum, so they aren't going to do any risky sabotage that could get them all caught. Just find some prison guards, steal a uniform/keycard/whatever from their house, and use it to impersonate them for just long enough to take a walk around the inside. While inside, note any security measure, ways to disable them, and memorize the optimal route from the roof to Dire's cell. Sneak back to the guards' houses and return the uniforms before their next shift to avoid suspicion.

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-04, 11:43 AM

Liho
Symphony [pm]
Awright. Maestro, Chimaera, we good on your front of things? For operation blow this @%!@#% open?

Liho
Planning Session
Legion of Steel, other reps [pm]
Liho leans forward, and looks Cloak in the eye.

"Night Crews'll come through. They want a chance to wash their hands of the boss, and givin' us full info on Chills will do that. Once we get that, scoutin' time for you and yours. They got no percentage in screwin' us, since if we get caught we finger them."

"Blackwatch and Chimaera, yeah, they best be in. Symphony owes Dire too much. This is when you learn who's legit and who's just talk. Besides, there's gain in it."
She sits back.

"Besides, we're footing the bill for this. It's cleaning out the accounts, and going @%!#@%@! to the wall. Taking damn near every resource for Dire's Legion." She looks over at Gizel. "Hell man, she's gonna owe you BIG. Seriously. And you know how she gets about Debts..."

Cognimancer

2014-03-04, 11:54 AM

Mid-turn change [PM]
Actually, cancel Action 2. We'll wait and see if the Night Crew can pull it off before risking our own guys.

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-04, 12:37 PM

Liho
to Herr Todd [m]

"Toadman. Sup? I got a debt to call in, and a buddy in prison. We got a plan that involves explosions. Up for it?"

Dire
Handwritten note to Techno Trickster

Prison allows one time to think and ponder over many weighty matters.

After due consideration, since Dire had to yield the field, it DOES count as a victory against her for you.

Congratulations. You must now claim the prize. Dire shall be awaiting the press conference where you announce your new name.

Fare well, Puppypaws.

-Cordially,
--Doctor Dire

Ascaloth

2014-03-04, 12:51 PM

Kamakura-kai

"]Then, it was Shifu's turn to be silent for a moment, as he mulled over what Ruby and Radical told him. At length, his face cracked into a smile again, though there was a wistful air to it.

"Hmmm. So some good has come of all this, has it not...?"

Rubbing his hands together, Shifu seemed to cheer up and return somewhat to his old self.

"Forgive the ramblings of an old man, mmm? Now then, where were we? Ah, yes, the Killarz. I do believe we will be taking up arms to drive what remains of them out of Trent Town. Some of the Investors have a vested interest in consolidating control over the District, as it is necessary to further their investment plans."

"What are your plans for the Killarz, Radical-san? Would Unit Blue be hitting Killarz, and if so, what are your plans in that regard?

"]"A reasonable suggestion, Mr Unity. I would be quite agreeable to your organisation being the police force of the New Outer City, if that is indeed your preference."

"However, while we are building for the future so to speak, we should not neglect our short-term security needs. So, I would suggest that my men be deployed as the interim police force, while Mr Unity's people are trained in the skills they would eventually need to take over the responsibilities on a permanent basis. Why, perhaps your people can patrol with my men, and obtain their training that way."

"Of course, funding will probably be necessary if we are to build a strong police force to safeguard the security of the New Outer City. For the Kamakura-kai, a token sum perhaps, to cover the costs of a temporary tour of duty. For Unity, more permanent arrangements to reflect their long-term commitment, perhaps?"

"And, of course, we might both need to recruit in order to meet both of our manpower needs for this task. I would like to suggest that both Unity and the Kamakura-kai be given permission to do so from amongst the population of the Hives. We could offer priority in rehousing, perhaps, as an incentive to join either of our organisations."

"]My previous post has not been fully responded to...

Murska

2014-03-04, 02:41 PM

Letter to Dire [GM]

Unfortunately Inquirer stated he is currently working on a case closer to home, where he feels he will be more useful.

I am curious as to what you meant with the words you began your note to us with. I can't say I'm happy with the lack of information on the events. Perhaps your trial will be more enlightening. But let's not get ahead of ourselves?

Sunlit Clearing [PM]

"The Killarz." Radical steeples his fingers as he ponders.

"I hope to continue the PR war. Killarz haven't achieved anything, and every misguided fool we lure away from them is one less fighting when the time comes to throw the rest of them out by force.

But in the meantime, we can't let them hold sway over such a large area and terrorize ordinary folk. I suppose we will throw them out of Trent Town first, and move on Greendale once their hold there slips further."

Unit Blue - Iron Helix [M]

As agreed, 5 Cash for your assistance on the toxin project.

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-04, 02:47 PM

Legion of Dire
Handwritten Letter to Unit Blue
Attn Thelonius

(Gonna wait to see if Thel tells me your letter got through before I reply. This space will be edited if it did.)

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-05, 07:02 PM

Legion of Dire
Fluffy

And then, in one of her meditation sessions (The one following morning exercise,) Dire's eyes snap open and wide.

Variables fall into place, possibilities flare into hypothesis between neurons, and logic grinds inoxerably and mercilessly to its inevitable conclusion.

"Oh. Oh god."

"God help us all..."

She stands and paces, stomach churning. Not a certainty, but if it is? If it is...

"Such a fool. No. Not a fool. Didn't have all the data. Didn't know then what she knows now."

She gnaws her lip. Caution, now. Caution, or else all is lost...

Doctor Dire

Handwritten Letter
to Adrian Banks

It occurs to Dire that her last letter was a touch sinister. Apologies for that. Old habits die hard.

She has no reason to be sinister to you. Her days of opposing you are done, long done. Here in this shining city, her anger fades. She sees a vision of the future she herself would have built, had she continued her efforts.

Alas, done now. Incarcerated and far from her drones, little to be done there. Not for Moses was the holy land. And she herself is no Prophet, not by a long shot.

The Architect's dream, however, has long been similar to her dream, and she finds in it a similarity that fills her with joy, even simply seeing the parts she does from a distance. She owed him much. And though the debt is part paid, she shall go on paying it for it is far from filled.

Whether she is sentenced to Chills, or is acquitted and given to a lesser prison for her troubles, she wishes to see what the future shall bring.

She will remain silent, and await the sight, her voice not spoiling the shining future ahead. Though she sees the edge of it, her lips shall not speak. They shall see in time.

It is only with the oldest of foes that Dire can speculate such, and not be taken for a fool or a simpleton. We understand one another, you and... And... Gr. Cursed Ileism. Can't even write "I" there.

Hopefully the jury can overlook her madness. Sadly, she has the feeling they'll not believe a word out of her mouth.

Ah well.

Goodbye, Adrian. Fare well, and fret not over the meanderings of an archvillain.

She is very, very glad that you live once more.

Yrs,
-Doctor Dire

Ascaloth

2014-03-07, 09:59 PM

Kamakura-kai

"]"Hmmm, hmmm! Such are my thoughts exactly! Best to kick them out of Trent Town first, before deciding how to deal with what's left of them in Greendale, mmm?"

"Now the question is, what are your plans in that regard, Radical-san? It does occur to this old man that we're probably not the only ones wanting them out of Trent Town, and it would be best if we were to coordinate our efforts in pushing them out. Can't have any misunderstandings or overlaps of effort, mmm?"

ArcaneStomper

2014-03-07, 10:23 PM

Shaper

To Unit Blue [M]
Well then we shall see what you can come up with then.

There are two other matters of business I wish to address. First what influence do you have with the Unity? And second your diversion of materials from the recycling plant away from my factories is having an adverse effect on my production capacity.

To the Killarz [M]
I would like to know if you networks sell the drug Black Mark.

-Garza

Internal [GM]
Discussion
Garza: I think of it as an investment. We may not profit from it now, but if we do Unit Blue this favor now, then they will be inclined to help us more actively in the future. Also I am working on fixing our lack of muscle problem. Do you happen to have any recommendations for turning a bunch of rabble gangs into loyal enforcers?

Dr. Shea
Dr. Shea sends the item she developed and a copy of the schematics to her mysterious employer.

Factories
Can I offer to have the Shaper do some renovations to get them to fear him less? I know I tried that before and everyone fussed that it was a trap.

Food Situation
Who else is supplying food to Greendale? I assume there is not enough, but how much more is needed?

Cape City Services [M]
Would it be possible for me to purchase this property from the city now that it is derelict and unused?

Eisenhart Inc. [M]
I admit I am unfamiliar with center beyond it's name. What exactly is it's intended purpose? I am in need of skilled workers, and would be willing to offer payment if Center can train my workers.

CE & Freaks [PM]
Shaper: Do. You. Require. Assistance.

For. Curiosity.

What. Jobs. Can. You. Work.

Murska

2014-03-07, 11:06 PM

Sunlit Clearing [PM]

"I will move in from the southeast. Malls and Black Market."

Unit Blue - Shaper [M]

"I and Unity have spent the past year and some working together on some major issues. We've got good lines of communication, and can generally count on each other in the case of any trouble. Geographically we mostly stay separate, however. How so?

As for the materials, unfortunately I only have so much to go around, and I negotiated an agreement with the Anarchs to make the best use of it for providing to the poor of the city. If it is a concern, maybe something can be worked out in a trilateral discussion on the matter."

Ascaloth

2014-03-07, 11:53 PM

Kamakura-kai

"]"Mmmm, very well. In that case, I suppose the Kamakura-kai will be securing Meadow Falls and Main Street, then. Might be a good idea to send some folk to Sleepy Pines, just to make sure the Killarz don't run there, mmm?"

"The question is, what happens after we drive off the Killarz? I assume that you only wish to do good for the people by wresting control of those territories from the Killarz, Radical-san. Still, I hope you would be fine with it should the Kamakura-kai send down a token guard force to help secure those areas afterwards?"

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-08, 02:57 AM

Liho to Shaper [m]

"Rockman, 'sup?"

"I been going through Dire's contacts book and doing some thinking."

"I'm thinking that we pretty much don't move in the same circles, y'know? Your business don't seem to mess with mine, and mine don't really touch on yours. We got no real reason to get all up in each other's #$%#!%."

"I got no reason to screw with you, you got no reason to mess with me. And I got no beef with your friends, (least the ones I know about.)"

"You up for like a truce or some non-aggression pact dealie or @!%!% like that?"

"Oh, and Hardakker says hey, by the way. And to tell Corpse Emperor awesome job on the whole Valhalla thing."

Orbiter

2014-03-08, 10:12 AM

Serpentine Diabolic

"]
I assume the breakout for Dire happens at MID TURN?

When hopefully that Date is over?, either way i would like to note i have the action i spent at my sheet, regarding helping and scouting to break Dire out.....because she needs it.

Also i assume Maestro has given me access to the shared base to move some of my stuff?

Thelonius

2014-03-08, 03:49 PM

LCAI

Internal [PM]

Remind me - was Mr. Gray one of Dire’s robots? Because they have certain level of security in Chills and Splicer’s artificial skin isn’t that high level. Plus, how much effort do you put into establishing false credential - google search proof?

Unit Blue

Adrian Banks [PM]

Radical is ushered into the office to the returned from dead Adrian Banks. He's writing something, but sets it aside as he sees Radical.

Mask [M]

''I might be able to provide some help - what do you need them to do?''

SA [M]

Cradles's actions analysis indicates congruence. They are classified as aligned system. No action will be taken against them until contradictory information is procured.

Miguel Torres [M]

Well... You aren't exactly anti-Killarz, at least not because of their convictions. But I realize you are currently an ally against them. All I want is for Powers of the world to have more opportunities and security. If Outer City raises by sweat of the brow of Powers, it will send a powerful message to everybody. So I would say we are wishing the same outcomes - a prosperous Outer City, but for different reasons and by different methods.

Magister's Circle [M]

''Perhaps we are losing ground, but what can you do against the depredations of the foe? We are not prepared to stand next to you on the battlefield, for we fear your weakness.''

Anarchs [M]

We will try. But it's not them you should be concerned about - the criminals, this NOC, government and who knows else - they'll make their move.

NKA [PM]

''Oh Lady comes and goes. She’s very mysterious. But she helped organize the toil on the fertile fields that brings freshly brewed beer and succulent piglets to my table so, I am grateful to her. I guess I can ask her to see you, then next time she visits.''

SA [M-HE]

Level 2.

Kamakuri-Kai

Chills [M]

Stephani Malone visit approved. Note that unlike visit by the lawyer, there’s no confidentiality. The meeting would be monitored.

Maxwell [M]

''Sounds good enough. At worst it’s as much as EVRAZ would take, and maybe a little less. Right now with all those projects coming in we need more materials or we won’t be able to do half of them. Of course if you can get EVRAZ to sell at better prices...''

FDC

Meeting [PM]

''Mr. Unity, does Oyabun’s suggestion sounds good to you? We’ll provide the resources needed for the police forces and hiring of the KK’s temporary security force, if you approve, though of course our budget isn’t unlimited. If there’s trouble right now, better to spend more on security force, that’s here right now.''

''We have security posts in the Borders… Just not sufficient to stop giant robots. Do you believe it should be upraded?''

Administrative C

Inquirer [PM]

You meet on the misty pier at one of the corners of the Docks that haven’t seen much change. It’s the north part, where warehouses and old residential areas are.

Inqurier wears a war coat and his face is half concealed by a scarf. It’s chilly as cold wind comes from the water.

''You were inquiring about corruption. Well, I suspected EVRAZ would be doing some shady stuff. There are nightclubs owned by Garza, who definitely pay them protection money, smuggling, and I suspect corruption in the administration - bribes, sale of information. Frankly I didn’t bother that much - corruption happens always and this one… not as bad as it used to be. But I’m getting bad vibes - there are some moves happening - blackmail, subtle propaganda, information control, that doesn’t seem like it’s making anybody much cash. But it would be strengthening somebody’s influence. I suspect EVRAZ cut a deal with somebody, I tried to figure out who with last month, but I failed.''

Unity

Freaks [M]

''Hmm… Okay, how about you do some charity? Like get people to pay a fund to help the Shaped out. We’ll manage it - assist our own kind.''

Legion of Dire

Dire’s Advocate [PM]

''Well, the defense of ‘’there’s probably a power that could have committed the crime somewhere’’ seldom works, but I guess that’s the best we’ve got. I’ll check about the cleaning systems. I believe your handgun was discovered - but it doesn’t match the wounds inflicted on Cogworks. The suit will be examined - it can work or it can not - supervillain tech - your suit could have assembled and disassembled the slugthrowing system.''

''I believe the idea is you tried to hack the system, but failed. Cogworks might have tried to stop you, where you killed them. I wouldn’t be surprised if prosecutor spins it like Cogworks prevented you from taking control of Tower.''

''Powers and tech devices is what we have for explanation. The prosecution would argue that Tower’s is architect’s tech and thus proofed against such things, which I doubt is true - Cogworks would have lived it its defences were that good, but many think Architect could do anything, so convincing jury would be tricky. As for mind control - I guess you can argue somebody took control of you and planted false memory of assassin… We can get some neurosurgeons - there’s tech to discern mental tampering. If you are prepared to have people poke in your head. Or get a telepath - though there are few who are trusted enough for their word to count during trial.''

''As for who else could have access to the Tower… Aha, I think I see your angle. Captain Hadron - kidnapped by Prophet. He wasn’t an official team member, but he was very close, maybe they extended access to him. I think we may have something there.''

''The city was full of tech-savvy villains, but Architect’s reputation works against us - Tower’s defences are believed by many to be too strong to be broken by anybody. I’ve made some prior inquiries - there was somebody called Dr. Kill, a new face, but a frightful genius. However, LCAI have chased him off. Onichrome was captured as well. And nobody thinks Dr. Franklyn can manage that - plus he was in spotlight all the time. Plus I got information, some of the SA are now in in talks with City Hall - and they are providing information on their plans and invasion. It’ll be checked for tampering - might reveal the truth, or might not. I’d just say we prepare for the worst, like them trying to pin it on you.''

''I think I can get you musical instrument Doctor. Now, I’ll prepare for the trial - do you think I should investigate some specific areas, talk to certain people, who may provide me with information?''

Techno-Trickster [Letter]

''I don’t know if I’m prepared to accept this as a victory yet. If you are guilty, then by letting you escape I left two good man to die. So I guess I am among those who desperately wish you were innocent.''

In Prison Cell Darkly [PM]

Dire… in the darkness of her cell. A comfortable place, that hardly resembles a prison cell one would imagine, but a cage never the less. So full of doubt. So uncertain. So unlike Dire. She sees it - her armor. Strong, powerful, sitting opposite of her. Things were so much clear when she had it. When she was Dire, true Dire. Without her armor, few would recognize her. How many know her actual face? Perhaps the armor was her true face all alone and the thing inside… what is it? The armor moves, coming close, looming over the woman in the cell, overshadowing her, the faceplate turning translucent to reveal the face Dire knows…. she wakes trembling. Just a dream… A memory comes, of a man standing in shadows, while wearing white, but it flees Dire's mind as she shakes the sleep from her.

Legion of Liho

Night Crews [M]

''Sigh… Why Dire picked trash like you I don’t know.''

Databases

Technology 1, Iron Helix

It appears somebody is making inquiries about purchase of advanced brain scanning technology. Iron Helix is one of the companies contacted by intermediaries.

Shaper

Killarz [M]

A mix of this and that.

Internal [PM]

Pharmacist:
''You could say to a man with a hammer everything looks like a nail. I can make some some special drugs - as you suggested a combination of pleasure and enhancement. You start distributing them to your men, they’ll sure like it. Of course I will require funds for that, depending on how many men you wish to provide for.''

''Otherwise… I’d say the monkeys need a baboon. Shaper’s scary, but he’s crazy scary, that’s not inspirational. You… well, got some good points, but ideally we need somebody tough-in-your-face, an enforcer who can inspire respect and fear in equal measure. A good leader.''

Dr. Shea
[Awaiting Reply]

Factories
You can do that.

Greendale
Majority of provisions is coming from Anise Seed, though some relief has been organized by UB.

Eisenhart [M]

The center provides training for the workforce. Unfortunately the decay of factories and other businesses meant that it hasn’t been very effective in improving unemployment situation.

You can certainly send job offers to the center and provide monetary assistance. What kind of specialists do you need?

CE & Freaks [PM]

Freaks: We can’t exactly work the way we are. If you and CE can lean on this Unity, that would be great. Hell, we can even play nice, if they pay us to play nice. Just not going to give up our turf just cause we are ‘’good citizens’’.

City Services [M]

''Your request would be considered, though at the very least you should submit your plan for it.''

Serpentine Diabolic

Internal [PM]

You have access, unless Maestro posts guards or changes locks.

I'd say the date can happen before Mid-Turn

Orbiter

2014-03-08, 04:04 PM

Serpentine Diabolic

"]
Already did post a reply on that date(isnt the Ravisher meeting the date?, or its something else? hmm?)..... since you missed it i think, and i was curious what plans Ravager has. XP

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-08, 04:40 PM

Legion of Dire
Handwritten Letter to Techno-Trickster

Hey.

Listen.

Never blame yourself for what villains do. (Well, in this case, what they get framed for, but ne ces't pas. Believe as you wish and the jury shall decide.)

You do the best you can, you fight harder next time, you work on your strategies and your devices, and you learn from your mistakes. And above all you survive. Because the alternative is giving up. And if you do that, then you help no one.

Least of all yourself.

It's a rough world, and the enemies rarely get weaker. There's too much to protect, and not enough good guys to go around. There's going to be days you look at the armor and wonder "why?" And when those times come, go and spend time with your loved ones. Get out among people... Go to a movie, go to a park, eat some of that cheap, good filling food that's so bad for you, read a book. Spend time with your friends and loved ones.

Remind yourself why people are worth saving.

It works for Dire, every time. (Well, probably less now that her secret identity is going to be on national television, but eh. Workarounds are possible.)

We're funny things, we humans are. Ever read Terry Pratchett? He said it best, we are where the falling angel meets the rising ape.

And a species as funny and brilliant and glorious and sad as that, all at once?

A species like that is full of people worth saving.

Every one of them that you can.

Good luck, Puppypaws.

-Doctor Dire

(OOC: Intelligent Leader x1 to boost his morale. Dire Genius because he's a fellow techno, it might apply.)

Legion of Dire
Dire's Advocate [pm]

"Again, any reconfigurative capabilities of the suit would be mechanical, rather then electronic. They'd have traces behind. Dire's technology never really extended to transformer-style mechanics."

"And they found her gun? Good. See, there's an angle we can work. If she had a gun, then why would she have to manufacture one? Too, there's a holster inside the armor. Left hand side, tucked next to the auxiliary array. Matches the browning perfectly."

"As far as hacking goes... We can get into technical details there. A failed hacking attempt would leave logs, records, tracking. It would be highly unlikely that it left a blackout so conveniently placed."

"You could contact someone with hacking skill... Have to be a white hat. Ask them to check the tower logs, see if it was a hack or an inside job. Hm. Unit Blue comes to mind. They have nothing to gain from Dire's freedom, so their impartiality won't be compromised."

Dire nods. "Hadron WAS the last word of the assassin. Hard to know if he was saying anything more after that... Too busy screaming and shooting." She winces. "Not proud of that loss of control, but times were desperate."

She stands and paces. "The Singularity Architects are rumored to count AIs among their number. The two of Unroot's children in Japan. They would be the most likely culprits if the Architects hacked the tower... Onichrome and Franklyn wouldn't be capable, and Kill, frankly, does not strike Dire as a subtle man at all. Name like that you know where you stand with him."

"As far as a scan to discern mental tampering, couldn't hurt. Don't know any telepaths and certainly wouldn't want them to poke around in Dire's head." She taps her noggin.

"Specific areas to investigate... Well, the Prophet angle is worth following up, but if he had an agent inside the TOWER, Dire's afraid you're going to be quietly killed. Can you investigate that without risking yourself?"

She sighs. "Follow up on the Prophet angle, see if you can line up a white hat hacker and get permission to check the tower, and... Hey, wait a minute."

She turns, eyes alight. "Cogworks. They had about half a dozen cogs around who witnessed the scene. Whatever happened to those little bots? Quietly see if you can track them down, please."

"Aside from that, our best bet is probably to pound the weak points of the offensive strategy. Why is there no murder weapon? Why did Banks survive, if Dire was killing people in there? Why would Cogworks let Dire in there in the first place, if she wasn't there to help provide what she swore she would provide? Why would she keep her word and aid in Banks' resurrection, but forswear it to kill heroes, something she's never done before?"

Dreaming Darkly...

Dire wakens, unsettled.

Nightmares. Unlike her.

A telepath? Someone brought in to break her before the trial?

She turns over, and considers the wall.

Who WAS that man in white...

Eventually she sleeps again, and dreams of cogs, gears, and wires folding together...

Legion of Liho
to Night Crews [m]

"Cause I get %!%!% done, son, cause I get @%!%! done. Now send them files so we can go our separate ways."

Murska

2014-03-08, 05:58 PM

Adrian Banks [PM]

Radical smiles as he sees the man. "With my own eyes... I am very glad to see you're... well, no longer dead. That was a shock. Things went worse pretty fast.

What's your, uh, status? How up-to-date are you on what's been going on?"

Unit Blue - Mask [M]

"The most important thing would be gathering information on what Cradle is up to. I'm working on that, but it is a very difficult task. Failing that, having someone willing and able to go mess with whatever I do find out would be almost as good."

Unit Blue - SA [M]

"Well, I strongly suggest looking into their motives, plans and actions. Their goals do not match yours."

Unit Blue - Miguel Torres [M]

"Many of my best friends are Powers. I, personally, have always held the opinion in the Power debate that Powers are people, just like the unpowered are people, and there are bad Powers and good Powers. Treating someone poorly because they are a Power is like treating them poorly because they're black, or gay. That's wrong. But bad people who also happen to be Powers can be very dangerous. The majority of Killarz recruits are scared, ordinary folk who have been misled by a bunch of criminals and liars. I'd rather not kill them, if I can convince them to go back home instead. But I'm not going to let them terrorize people and launch witch-hunts against folk whose only crime is that they happened to be Empowered.

If you want a prosperous Outer City, then I stand with you all the way. That's why I'm here. We can work together on that. It just worries me that I have no idea what you're planning on actually doing."

Unit Blue - Magister's Circle [M]

If you don't want to form a shieldwall with me, that's fine. But we can be a distraction that allows you to deliver a blow, if that's what it takes. And I have allies who are definitely powerful enough to fight - the problem is Cradle is a formless shadow, and we do not know where to strike.

UB - Anarchs [M]

"I won't be concerned, now that you'll handle it. I'm working on all the others you mentioned, as well, but to ignore a small problem in favour of a larger one invites it growing into a large one in the future."

NKA [PM]

"That would be fine, thank you.

But let us talk. What has happened in your realm while I have been away? Much has gone on in the outside, some of it for the better and some for the worse."

Forum Explorer

2014-03-08, 07:22 PM

Administrative Site C

Inquirer (PM)
Captain Hogan ignores the wind as he paces. "It's a damn shame you couldn't get any concrete information. We've faced opposition by a well organized group that managed to ambush us in the Docks. We think that they are associated with the same group that's involved in the corruption you speak of. We will help investigate, and right now we're going to see if the Power known as Mirage is associated with any groups."

Ascaloth

2014-03-08, 09:49 PM

Kamakura-kai

"]The next visitor who came to see Doctor Dire was a pretty young blonde, dressed primly in a business suit and skirt, donning a pair of glasses. It was a face that might have been familiar to Dire, several months back at the Orchard Station.

"Good day, Doctor Dire. I am here today on behalf of Mr Kamakura, and he sends his apologies for not being able to meet you in person. I believe you have some business to discuss today?"

Stephanie Malone said, trying her best to be courteous. It was obvious that the lack of Dire's armour has not affected the slight awe the younger woman appeared to have of her.

"]"We will be needing a base of operations for our new police forces at any rate, and Dr Franklyn's robots do serve as a reminder that we could always upgrade our security. Not to mention, that having the infrastructure to support our own police forces would leave us less beholden to mercenaries whom are more costly in the long run, as I am sure your recent experiences with engaging their services might have proven."

"We might as well take two birds with a single stone, would you not agree?"

"]"I understand. I will negotiate with EVRAZ, and see if I can not get them to agree to preferential rates. I will get back to you soon."

"]Boris Ivanovich-san, I hope this message finds you well.

I am given to understand that EVRAZ is currently the chief supplier of construction materials to the Outer City. Given our new relationship as fellow partners in the New Outer City initiative, I would like to know if you would be amenable to building upon our mutual bonds, by giving Maxwell Inc preferential rates for these materials.

I await your favourable reply.

Kamakura

"]Smugglers worrying about the drug trade? Something that might be recognised by someone familiar with Dire-tech? Are you sure those are meant for me?

For the record, this post is the one I'm expecting responses to (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=17110354&postcount=312). I need to know how the Trent Town Talks are going, and what kind of weaponry I can get from the Black Market at short notice.

Murska

2014-03-08, 09:52 PM

Sunlit Clearing [PM]

"That would be fine. Maybe I'll train a Trent Town militia like I did in the Junks at some point, but right now I don't have the funds, time or the manpower for that.

Zemalac

2014-03-09, 12:02 PM

LCAI

Internal [PM]

Charlie Grey is LCAI's Special Operations Manager. He's the character I use when I'm making PMs using faction actions. He's not a VIP, so I've always described him as a very nondescript-looking businessman in a charcoal-grey suit. Fluff-wise, I've always thought of him as the guy who handles LCAI's shadier operations. I've used him to talk to Dire before, so she should be able to figure out that he's actually from LCAI, despite him wearing a light grey suit and calling himself Mr. Silver.

And yeah, if we can make the background Google-proof (or, in this universe, Ask Jeeves proof) that would be great. Shouldn't take that much effort to set up a mesh site for Transitive Technologies.

Imperial Psycho

2014-03-09, 01:01 PM

Maestro

To Militia of L & O [PM]
The man who met the Militia was well dressed and groomed, with slicked back hair and a well tailored suit. "Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. I think you will be very interested in what I have to say."

"I'll cut right to the chase. I'm a man of wealth, and I want to give back to the community in the Outer City. I want to throw my resources behind your organisation. I want to help you make this city a better place. "

To LCAI
Your money will be with you shortly. I look forward to testing my device. Please find the appropriate delivery information below.

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-09, 10:57 PM

Doctor Dire
Stephanie Malone Chills Discussion [pm]

"Ah, Miss Malone. Good to see you. She would stand, but..." Dire shakes her arms, rattling the cables. "Standard practice for visitors. BIt of overkill with the barrier, but so be it. At least they didn't go with a Hannibal Lecter style mask."

She picks up a nearby acoustic guitar, and strums a few chords. Same song she's been working on for hours, now.

"Hope you don't mind if she practices. Trying to multitask here. It also helps settle her mind, and... Well, it's relaxing."

She strums a few bars of "Smoke on the Water."

"She speaks truly, rest assured." Her eyes make contact with Stephanie's, briefly.

She keeps her fingers still on the strings. She looks away.

"At any rate, Dire asked you here to talk about finances. Assuming she does not end up in the lowest level of Chills, she's going to have to keep an eye on matters outside. Not really a legal entity up until this point. Never had proper, legal accounts, or retirement plans, or any of the other things normal people have. Never given it much thought. But if they manage to hold Dire, well then, she'd best set up something outside for when she eventually gets out. Probably going to look into selling some of the more harmless inventions."

"She supposes it's POSSIBLE that the world COULD mend itself to the point where she wouldn't have to rule it in order to fix it. There might be someone competent enough to grab the reigns."

She strums a few notes.

"She would like that."

Her fingers still again.

"But the Architect is gone, so it's quite unlikely."

She puts the guitar away.

"Ah she digresses. Let's talk of stocks, and investments, and 401ks..."

It's a long, winding discussion. She does a lot of listening as Stephanie describes various options. Dire puts the guitar aside for a while, and only towards the end does she pick up the guitar again.

Fingers dance as the chords rain out, gentle, her voice strong and audible over them.

"It comes down to profit. If the banks can handle them, then Dire will be happy."

Strum, strum, STRUM.

"But Dire's not entirely certain the banks can handle sudden profit. Not in the short term."

She pauses.

"Might have to look around a bit, diversify the portfolio. Set things up after her name is cleared of this rather devious frame job. So of the banks we've discussed, you'll have to watch and report on which one can best manage things. Perhaps even help them out, if the kamakura-kai is willing to become involved. A lot of banks rush into investment, take risks and collapse or get bought out by people Dire DEFINITELY doesn't want managing her money."

Her fingers dance again. Notes sound out. "Yes, the Kamakura-Kai should definitely watch the banks, make sure profits won't be the end of them. The sooner you can start, the better."

She stops, considers.

Then smiles, and lets her fingers slide from the strings. "Dire hopes you're willing to consider this business arrangement. Assuming of course things work out for the best."

"Do you have any more questions, Miss Malone?"

Zemalac

2014-03-09, 11:29 PM

LCAI

Maestro [M]

Understood, sir. We will anticipate the arrival of your payment.

Iron Helix [M]

Hey,

So we've been working with your proto-foam stuff for a while, and we've gone and made some improvements. From what we can tell, the stuff you sold us was made using, like, dead bodies or something? Hopefully animal! I try not to judge, either way. Anyway, we've figured out a way to make it without doing that. Also, we've packed a lot of it into bullets to make nonlethal weapons. Like rubber bullets, but then there's a bunch of foam left behind! Works great. Also, we're going to try and land a contract for these bullets with the CCP and a few other agencies, so we may need a lot more foam sometime soon. Try not to make it out of bodies, yeah? That's not cool. We can give you the improved recipe if you want, you kind of have the patents anyway, or so Coban tells me.

Also! I think Coban wanted to talk to you guys about your skillsoft stuff. So you'll probably hear from us about that at some point over the next few days as we get that stuff worked out.

Talk to you later!

Jerry Lockwood

LCAI Catalog [Public]

Lockwood-Coban Augmented Industries is proud to announce a nonlethal addition to our line of defensive options. This is the next generation of rubber bullets and bean-bag shells: the Foam Bullet. We have been working to compact large amounts of our revolutionary proto-foam nonlethal restraint substance into bullet-sized packages that can be delivered at range via conventional firearms. The resulting bloom of containment foam is not especially large, but it does pack a significant amount of kinetic force spread out over a large area, which makes it act as an effective nonlethal deterrent--or as a temporary containment solution, if multiple rounds are used. This firing solution is much more compact than the foam-throwers developed previously for use with this substance, and would allow law officers or other interested clients to carry high-tech nonlethal solutions that work with their existing firearms.

Cost: [4 Cash]
Maintenance: [2 TP]

LCAI. Making the world a safer place, one tool at a time.

Full Disclosure: The LCAI Foam Bullet has been developed using technology from and in association with Iron Helix Bioindustrial.

CCP, FBI, Other Police Agencies [M]

Ladies and gentlemen, we have an addition to our nonlethals catalog that we believe your agency may be interested in. As with all LCAI products, we expect this next-generation less-than-lethal deterrent will see rapid technological iteration, but for those who wish to be in on the ground floor of the next generation of police tools, this is the time.

<Link to Foam Bullet announcement>

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-10, 09:56 AM

Dire
Fluff

The lawyer fusses, as he's paid to do. The prison fusses back, as they have to do. And in the end, Dire gets ahold of an acoustic guitar.

Not an electric one, of course. No electronic components permitted. But the lawyer gets them to admit that yes, fine, they can't really think of any way she can turn an acoustic guitar into robots.

The damn thing's going to be scrutinized down to a molecular level after every time she signs it out, though. Well, that's fine.

Classic rock is her choice. Bold, broad riffs, songs everyone knows, played well. Not perfectly... There are mistakes. Never had time to practice long, it's more of a hobby. One of the things that eases her mind, and recently... Well, it's needed easing.

And so she sits in the cell, and lets her hands roam across the strings, as she muses. Smoke on the water, as best you can do it on an acoustic guitar. Mississippi Queen. When she's feeling ambitious, a little smattering of AC/DC. The notes ring out, with an occasional misstep.

And words she spoke days ago come back to her. Words thrown almost off-handedly at the lawyer...

"The only way to hold oneself together in the face of revelation is to look at oneself, unflinching, and see yourself for who you truly are. Dire has gazed at herself, and she sees her madness, and knowing this can function despite it... Nay, even leverage it, when the occasion demands. When you know who you are, Mister Mitchell, and you accept it in its entirety without guilt, hesitation, or compromise, oh the things you can DO. It is freedom, Mister Mitchell."

Five days ago she knew precisely who she was. The idea of doubting that was beyond ludicrous.

Now...

Now the dreams wouldn't stop. The doubts are growing.

Unbeknownst to Dire, her fingers still on the strings, and rearrange themselves.

And a different tune starts to emerge. Precise, yearning, elegant. Beautiful in its simplicity.

Before long she finds herself humming along.

And finally, the song trails off into nothingness.

Anxieties crumble, one by one. Her demons are quiet for minutes, and when they do start whispering again they are lessened, and easily tuned out.

She puts the guitar aside, and feels her doubts fade. It'll be all right. A ways to go, and troubles to be overcome but she's finally, finally on the proper path through it all. As weird as it sounds, as silly as it may seem, this place right here is the best place for her to be right now.

She sleeps well that night.

Recommended Music
Mythos - Purity - Icarus

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6CeR8tdmXs

Imperial Psycho

2014-03-10, 10:07 AM

Maestro

Mid Turn [GM]
Maestro:
1. [Strategist 4] [Fast Thinker 1], Maestro will spend some time working on a plan to crack open Chills, with the forces of the Symphony and the others that Liho has brought on board as resources.

2. [Power 4] [Maestro 2.0] Maestro will use the opportunity of talking with the Militia of Law and Orders leadership to hit them with triggers.

Faction:
1. (15) cash to LCAI for Maestro's new pistol.

Eldan

2014-03-10, 10:28 AM

Iron Helix to LCAI

"Let's just say that the first batch was made from a conveniently available source of protein. In fact, pretty much any protein can be used to make foam.

That said, we would welcome a chance to see your research into the matter."

Midturn

Not much to do.

The KK promised they'd set up a meeting with some Japanese investors for me. I haven't heard anything about it after he said it was happening now, so I'm sending Chimaera and Dentity to the meeting to see what they have to offer.

Murska asked me to send him some experts. So a Splicer action to take "Mr. Brown" and a few parrot men to help him clean up toxins.

Finally, I'm not sure when the prison break is happening, so I'm just reserving the actions for it. Chimaera in full regalia for the break itself and I said I'd also lend them the Orchestra Bird as a distraction. It should make a fine and very loud distraction.

Iron Helix to "Intermediaries"

"We do indeed have very advanced brain scanning technology. What would you need it for, exactly, and how many scanners?"

Zemalac

2014-03-10, 10:37 AM

LCAI

Iron Helix [M]

Aight! We'll drop that off for you. In return, we're hoping we can get some major stuff done with your SkillSoft thing.

Got a few questions, though. How does SkillSoft work? We don't need technical details, just a broad outline. Do you copy skills from an existing person and then load that into someone else's brain? Or do you compile your own data sets and upload that, cranially speaking? I'm not a neuroscientist, my apologies if any of those terms aren't real or anything.

I'm asking because we have some people that we'd really like to have more experience than they do, and copying skills from more experienced people would be really nifty. Especially if we could modify the data a little bit, make some adjustments to what gets transferred. Is that a thing that is possible?

-J

Ascaloth

2014-03-10, 10:52 AM

Kamakura-kai

(Attn: Thel)"]"Oh, most certainly, Doctor Dire. The Kamakura-kai is always interested in business opportunities of any kind, and the sort of opportunity that you are proposing is certainly not something we would shy away from."

Stephanie nodded to Dire, trying to recall everything she knew about the local financial systems.

"Now, regarding the aforementioned proposal..."

(OOC: Thel, I am going to apply Stephanie's [Accountant 1] Level here, and leave it to her to make use of her expertise to best answer Dire's questions and proposals. Please take it from there.)

"]
3. Pay [8 Cash] to Shaper in payment for [4 Construction Materials Lvl 1].

Oyabun

2. PM Meeting with Iron Helix and J-Interests.

Jun Teng

1-2. Jun Teng will be given the task of wresting Meadow Falls/Hotel Lucky Jacks/Main Street from the grasp of the Killarz remnants, with the planning of how best to accomplish this task left entirely up to him. He is cleared to use as many Faction Actions as he thinks is necessary. He will be authorised to mobilise Fuurinkazan, as well as any of the [Firepower Flunkies], [Unlucky Gamblers], and/or [Well-dressed Gangsters (Light)] (in that order) he thinks he might need for the job. He will also be given a free hand to employ any and all equipment in the KK’s inventory, and if it is not sufficient, he is also authorised to spend up to [15 Cash] in the Black Market @ Night District to procure the difference.

Eldan

2014-03-10, 11:56 AM

Iron Helix to LCAI

"Currently, yes, we use advanced [level 5] scanning technology and custom-made proteins to copy parts of a brain to create a template which, with much the same methods, we can then implant into another person.

Currently, we only have medicinal and biotech skills available, form our own researchers. And the second, well, we want to keep our advantage, so we're not sharing that with the world."

Zemalac

2014-03-10, 12:02 PM

LCAI

Iron Helix [M]

Right, right, that makes sense. Quick question--if we were to provide some people to create templates from, could we pay for exclusivity to the skills copied from them? Also, would it be possible to, just hypothetically, modify the data being transferred to include, just as an example you understand, something like an ingrained loyalty to, for example, a certain corporation? We'll understand if something like that isn't possible, but it would make certain things we've got in the pipeline a lot easier.

Eldan

2014-03-10, 12:21 PM

Iron Helix to LCAI

"Actually, ingrained loyalties to certain corporations are already a project we're working on. For our battle organisms exclusively, of course. It's not quite completed.

Also, yes, exclusivity would be fine."

Zemalac

2014-03-10, 05:06 PM

LCAI

Iron Helix [M]

OOC: In my conversation with Thel, he told me that the plan I had would work, so I'm going to disregard my pessimism that I expressed over Skype and go for it. Let's see what happens.

Most excellent. Give us a price per [Follower] and we'll get back to you with further details.

Shpik [M]

Gentlemen. I have a proposition for you. Low work, high pay.

Essentially, we want to use Iron Helix's SkillSoft technology to take skill templates from your brains. We plan on using these templates only in-house, so they will not infringe on your ability to command your usual prices for your exemplary work; and at any rate, we plan on paying you enough that such a matter would be moot anyway. We merely want to give our in-house security team a bit more of a competitive edge, after the events of last month (attempted SA takeover, robot invasion of our headquarters, etc).

Interested?

Doctor Dire [PM]

"Doctor. You have a visitor."

___________________________

The man introduces himself as Mr. Silver from Transitive Technologies, glancing very carefully at the cameras as he does so. His face is so common, so nondescript, that it takes Dire a moment to remember that she had met him before--though his name was Mr. Grey then, and he was representing LCAI.

"Good afternoon, Dire," says Mr. Silver. "I understand you wanted to talk with me. Something about finances."

Thelonius

2014-03-10, 07:07 PM

(Part 1 Replies)

Legion of Dire

Dire’s Advocate [PM]

''I sincerely doubt they’ll let anybody to hack the Tower, no matter the whiteness of the hat… or blueness in this case. Well, unless Adrian Banks green lights it, but I wonder if the man can be persuaded to take such a risk. Tower holds Architect’s tech safely from the rest of the world. Doesn’t look like they’ll let it spring now. The best I’ve got getting Mr. Trap check the thing, so maybe he’ll find something.''

''Hadron… well, if you’ve heard it right, then I think we’ve got good argument there. Prophet is one name that will make people listen. He’s been active recently in the Outer City. Nabbed some Powers and there are some rumours he’s been acting more subtle and sneaky recently. I can direct an investigation here – but I may require extra funding or support.''

''I have checked on the AI theory and I fear it’s a no go. Architect didn’t like AIs. The whole Cape City is AI proof – they can maybe isolate it by intercepting Mesh signals and affect some superficial stuff, but the way hardware got built and some special defences… I managed to talk a bit with Adrian Banks on the issue – he says Unroot and Architect were arguing over the AIs thing often. Then she tried to open the servers – get a backdoor open so they could gain access to the processing power of the whole city. But it didn’t work out. She died during the Zeus attack, and Banks is certain she failed to put the backdoor in – so her creations are locked out. It looks like SA tried to get access during the attack – but they were apparently stopped. TEA is checking it right now – they’ll verify if AIs got access or not, but this is uncertain, so I wouldn’t build our defence on it.''

''Now I can arrange for brain scan – we’ve got Pharasma, Morris & Clark and Reald to choose from. The latter would have done it for free, but they were hit by SA. So this leaves corporations, unless you are prepared to wait. And they’d want cash.''

''Cogwork bots. Could work, though nobody is quite certain how they tick – if they record memories or just obey orders. And apparently the Cogworks often don’t share designs, including those of Cogs, so their current members aren’t certain either. I guess you could easily check one out – but I doubt they’d let you do that.''

Dreaming Darkly [PM]

The dreams return from time to time, though they don’t plague Dire every night. The suit, a glimpse of man in white and as Dire grows more aware whispers and shadows beyond the cage, trying to reach her, to speak to her… But the suit stands before her and it’s powerful sound system drowns all other noise… though it speaks nothing.

Unit Blue

Adrian Banks [PM]

''To a degree. It appears, I keep getting incapacitated just as I get the hang of things.''

Miguel Tores [M]

We’ll set up a place for Powers to live in Outer City without fear of prosecution, channel their abilities to something useful. And I would say police our own. It’s time to unite the Powers of the Outer City, forge true community. The Trent Town appears to be a good place to found it – a broken husk that we shall restore.

Magisters [M]

''They are indeed that. And are you certain your allies are what they appear to be? For shadows can take many forms…''

NKA [PM]

Ah, the news from outside would be welcome. My realm has been peaceful and tranquil – few news and stories. My subjects toil and I drink wine and feast. Perhaps it’s time to change the realm for a more tempestuous one.

SA [M]

Provide proof of your statement and it would be considered.

Mask [M]

''I’ll forward any information I find, but frankly it’s not much. They are active in South America, harvesting Dulls. We fight that, but they are much like cockroaches. You can’t get rid of them.''

Maestro

Militia [PM]

There are three men from Militia, two of them appearing to be retired military – one can see it in their posture, and an elderly gentlemen. Militia also has a few guards posted, who watch the visitor without appearing to do so.

''Before we proceed with cooperation, perhaps you could introduce yourself and tell a bit about your past history.'' The elderly man speaks.

Iron Helix

Intermediaries [M]

We’ll pay you 20 Cash and throw in 5 Cash extra for ''No Questions Asked'' extra service, for [Brain Scanner Tech, Level 5] or half of that for [Brain Scanner Tech, Level 4]

Lockwood-Coban

CCP [M]

We’ll buy 3 Units of Foam Bullets

Shpik [M]

Well, for a price we’d consider it. You must understand that messing with person’s brains, man have to be careful. If our man will be in control of operation and observe that nothing happens, like maybe somebody putting an explosive device inside or taking a bit more out. You know.

Let’s say… 6 Cash for the operation. That Iron Helix thing doesn’t sound very legit – so we’d prefer some extra cash for the risk. Maybe we’ll adjust the price depending on what we see.

Murska

2014-03-10, 08:06 PM

Adrian Banks [PM]

"What do you intend to do? I don't know how much say you have in the current Cape City administration, or such. I've been working on helping the Outer City, and that has been made significantly more difficult by some of the voices on that body, at times. It's not breeding great relations. But a surprising number of the problems have recently been getting better."

UB - Miguel Torres [M]

"All right. I'll help with that. I hope you'll cooperate with the rest of the Outer City, though - isolation will simply make the mistrust and resentment borne out of fear of the unknown worse. We could create a true community out of the Outer City itself, or at least most of it - that is what I've been working on."

UB - Magisters [M]

"No, I'm not. I'm rarely sure of anything. That is why I take precautions. I admit I am weak, I never had any powers or wealth or anything like that, but I hope that you can look at what I have accomplished and give me the benefit of the doubt in that I am not a complete moron. Okay?

If it turns out that Mask or the Liberators are actually puppets of the Cradle, then yes, that sucks and I will likely be killed by them, but at least the rest of the world will find out. And both of those would be more major puppets than any threat I could cause is worth exposing. Plus, I don't work in schemes that can be unravelled and turned to nothing by a skillful push at the right time. I do concrete things that have an effect in the now. Everything I do happens right then and there, and requires actual effort by the enemy to change afterwards. That is how a distraction works for you, forcing the enemy to focus some of their attention elsewhere.

If you have actual information pointing towards some of my allies being influenced by the enemy, perhaps you could tell me and I could do something about it? And don't say Kamakura-kai, Symphony, Masquerade or Unity, I am well aware of their ties to the Company.

NKA [PM]

"A lot has happened. After the plague, there was a terrible war, fires raged over the realm. Only now is the fighting slowly dying down. I am working with my people to unify the people again to bring peace and prosperity back."

Ruby spends some time paraphrasing the recent events in the region.

UB - SA [M]

It's hard to say given I don't know what you know nor what you think. However...

[Sending SA some Cradle data from Powers: People 4, some of the tidbits I remember from Powers: Research 2 plus the information I've gathered on the spread of Dulls and the new strain.]

All in all, they seek power and have no limits. And it is easy to find statistical data on people like that - they will never abide the existance of an equal power for long. One such as you.

UB - Underground [M-HE]

Think we could break this news over enough channels that it can't be suppressed?
[Send Underground the data on Cradle's telepaths, that should vastly increase their threat ranking in the UN]

Zemalac

2014-03-10, 08:38 PM

LCAI

CCP [M]

Certainly, sir. Thank you for your business.

Shpik [M]

All reasonable requests, and a reasonable price. Might I suggest you send an observer along, if you are concerned about the procedure? We will have to request that no cameras be brought in, as I understand this is a proprietary technique of Iron Helix and they probably don't want it recorded, but beyond that I see no reason why we can't be reasonable about this.

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-10, 11:21 PM

Legion of Dire
Dreaming Darkly [pm]

She tosses, she turns, she can't find serenity again. That one moment of peace with the guitar, the melody... It eludes her when she chases it again.

"Do you know the best sort of prison?" It's her own voice, but she can't recall saying that. Or who she said it to.

"The best sort of prison is the one that has bars you cannot see. The best sort of prison is that the prisoner doesn't even know exists..."

The next time the dream comes, she tries to push the armor out of the way.

"She made you. Be silent, device..."

Dire's Advocate [pm]

Dire nods, again. "It had to be the word Hadron. Nothing else matches. And with it, much makes sense. The Prophet dropped everything to come and try to kill Banks once already, over a year ago. He hates the Architect's work, and he would be opposed to the safeguards Dire and Cogworks were activating."

"He's got a precog as part of his enslaved group, and it wouldn't even take that... Just a sleeper agent watching for trouble in the tower. Watching to make sure Adrian stayed dead."

She exhales. "Now do you see why Dire's using such caution? The Prophet had an agent in the TOWER, and the forewithal to arrange things so that the agent's body and weapon disappeared. Child's play for him to be watching in Chills. Make no mistake, you're going to be in danger if you proceed incautiously."

"Yes. This is worth an investigation. Talk to Administrative Site C if you need support, tell them as much as you can without compromising things. Here, here's a description of the assassin. Be CAREFUL with that."

"You Miiiiiight try talking with Unit Blue on that too. They're always busy and Dire doesn't like their methods one bit, but they DO know a lot of people. However, they haven't been answering her letters, so maybe they're not interested in helping. Hard to say. Try Admin Site C first. They'd love to get more intel on Prophet anyway, he's the sort of threat they shoot on sight."

"We might want to back off on the AI thing, then. Long shot anyway. Let TEA see what it can see, and focus on the Prophet."

"As far as the Cogwork bots go... The Lightbringers. They've worked with Cogworks tech before, and they HATE Dire. But not enough to lie. They've also got a tech type or two... See if they'll check out the bots, see if they have any visual records or logs that can speak to what happened."

"Hell, Cogworks would have the bots watching Dire anyway, the logs would probably show she did nothing to Cogworks, that the hostilities were initiated from another vector."

"And as far as brain scans... Nn. Talk to the Kamakura-Kai, see if they're willing to help there. Tell them Dire's good for it, and if she can't, then Liho will be. Companies of choice... Morris and Clark. Dire knows their work, it's good, solid, basic stuff. They'll come through."

Dire sighs in frustration, and takes a seat.

"Understand, that this... Dire is an archvillain and makes no bones about it. But this is false. It is wrong, and it would be an unworthy chapter to the legacy she hopes to leave behind. It is not just or fitting for one who would be the first ruler of a unified world to be thought guilty of betraying good men, murdering them like a common thug."

"Twelve years, and Dire's never done such a thing. Made rules, stuck by them. It is who she is. Not going to lose that. Not without the mother of all fights."

But who are you, really? The errant thought dances, before she banishes it.

She shakes her head. "It is most likely to have been the hand of the Prophet. And if so, then the trial might be a touch more interesting then anyone expects..."

Imperial Psycho

2014-03-11, 08:57 AM

Militia [PM]
The man seems taken aback for a moment, then laughs. "Of course! Sorry ,I got so ahead of myself I forgot introductions. My name is Martin Abrams. I used to work in hedge funds, like my dad, but these days I'm retired."

"I've had an easy life, I know that much, and I'm awfully lucky for everything I have been given. I want to give a little back, I guess, and that's what I'm trying to do. "

Eldan

2014-03-11, 09:36 AM

Iron Helix to Intermediaries

"You can have the level 4. I assume by "half" you mean half of the 10 for the product, plus the full five for discretion."

OOC: So, 10 cash. I can do that. Send 1 of that cash to LCAI, too. They'll probably want some of their share, by now.

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-11, 09:52 AM

Doctor Dire
to LCAI [pm]

Dire unmasked turns out to be a tall, thin woman with a plain face. Her brown hair has a few small streaks of grey, and is pulled back in a simple ponytail. Her hands and arms are scarred, and the lines on her face show a hard life.

You wouldn't look twice at her in a crowd. But when she speaks her voice is that of a priest, or a radio star, or a stage director. Pleasant, strong, commanding. And her EYES...

The eyes alone would be enough to identify Dire. There's madness and enlightenment in equal measure.

She leans forward and smiles, pleasantly enough. Then as she looks Mr. Silver over an eyebrow rises, and she stifles a chuckle. "Ah, good day. She would stand to greet you, but..."

She uncrosses her arms, showing the restraints. "Standard procedure. Sensible, really, though unnecessary."

There's a scattering of papers and books about her. The books are neatly stacked, but the rest is in disarray. There's also an acoustic guitar lying in the corner, which she picks up and rests in her lap.

"Dire hopes you don't mind if she practices while we discuss? Have to check the guitar in and out every day. So time's limited."

"And yes, she wanted to talk about finances today." She starts strumming some chords of some classic rock.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYcgMU-nJQ

"See, this is the first time in Dire's career that she's been caught and not escaped within the span of a few hours. This is the first time in her life that she's actually been around long enough to be put into the system. So now she's a legal entity. The thought arises that they might actually be able to hold her, so it behooves her to start stocking up on funds, establishing long-term investments, and perhaps selling the inventions that are, hm... More on the benevolent side of things."

"Already been in discussions with someone else to set up investments, but the marketing, rights to the inventions, and possible future work... Well. That she needs help with. So hopefully we can settle that today."

Her fingers trip, and the notes of Unbelievable ring out louder, before stopping.

She switches songs, and smiles at Mr. Grey, meeting his eyes briefly.

And when her fingers start up, it's a different song, now. A bit more obscure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lU1pdCiMb-Q

"We really do need to settle that as soon as possible. Time is shorter then you'd think. Much to do, and only so much she can do in here without help."

She shrugs.

"What do you think? Can we work together on this?"

A different song, now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnS8ddemz0c

"If you're unwilling, then Dire understands, but she's going to have to go looking around, and someone else is going to land a seriously good financial opportunity. It's all about the profits, really, and right now Dire sees some SERIOUS ones ahead."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoiV60vqa1w

"And you know, can't go with banks. Too conservative. Not so willing to back archvillains. Hell, if the revenue streams go the wrong way, the profits could cause the banks no end of trouble..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lU1pdCiMb-Q

Zemalac

2014-03-11, 10:45 AM

LCAI

Mr. Silver and Dire [PM]

Mr. Silver smiles, an expression that doesn't even attempt to reach his eyes. "Whether or not we can help you with this matter depends entirely upon what, exactly, you are talking about. My employers are, of course, interested in your work--how could they not be? Despite your obsession with conquering things and other such villainy, your technological expertise remains of the highest quality. So yes, we are very much interested in acquiring that expertise." He pauses for a moment, that expressionless smile not changing. "So long as terms are agreeable, of course, and so long as we are actually gaining something from the exchange. You may be surprised at how versatile our present R&D portfolio is. We already have robots, varieties of weapons and shields under development: not to be rude, but what do you have that we do not already know?"

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-11, 11:06 AM

Doctor Dire
to LCAI [pm]

Dire switches songs again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyLQ1muosqQ

"Oh, you're developing things, true. But Dire could save you a ton of work. Or aid various projects."

"She recently developed man-portable force fields, for example. Limited charge, but that can be corrected with advanced energy studies. Of course that market would have to be limited to heroes, military, all things TEA approves of. Can't have the common folk getting ahold of them, hmmmm? Be harder to suppress the masses if they resist police and government bullets, after all. Not Dire's opinion but she knows how they think."

"Or there's the Dire Dwarf. Advanced 3-D printer that's built to save and collect miniscule scraps that would otherwise go to waste, reprocess, and return them for further usage. It basically [saves cash out of every batch processed]."

"And then there's Doctor Dire's Deathtrap Danger Dungeon! Cargo container full of robots and a central control system that act as a training room, with adjustable scenarios and levels of danger. Easily repairable too, so you can shoot them with damn near anything and let the mini-maintenance drone inside put'em back together."

The music winds down.

She sighs. Plucks a few notes again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoiV60vqa1w

"Many options. You have to focus on the profit. A pity LCAI didn't bite... Coban's a genius, he could probably figure it out if you can't, no offense."

She chuckles. "Pity he's not here. The music would probably be to his liking, eclectic though it is."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyLQ1muosqQ

She plays and grins, then settles back. "Look, you're basically getting first chance to hire a Modern Day Da Vinci. If you don't want that, that's fine. Plenty of other fish in the sea."

And back to one of the earlier songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lU1pdCiMb-Q

"Though, to be perfectly honest, it's better you or someone like you handle things. Someone on the practical end of things, not the financial sector. This would be wasted on any but the most sharp and observant people. Dire doesn't want to see that profit getting anywhere near something as pedestrian and hard-to-defend against hostile takeovers as banks."

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-11, 11:26 AM

Doctor Dire
to Stephanie Malone [pm]
Dire nods as Stephanie lists options, selects a few, and smiles.

"Well, we're on a good track. Do make sure to run every little detail past Mister Kamakura. His insight might aid matters."
She starts to play a song...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PBu07SOX3I

"You handle the profits that will shortly start coming in, and Dire will deliver her part of things in due time."

The music segues over...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wa8k8OJdDU

"And seriously, keep on eye on those banks. They're a pain to work with but we'll need them, after all."

Zemalac

2014-03-11, 11:31 AM

LCAI

Mr. Silver and Dire [PM]

"Mm," says Mr. Silver, noncommittally. "I don't suppose you happened to supply one of those personal forcefields to a Doctor Kill recently, by any chance? He had a similar device that made negotiating a proper response to his demands last month somewhat...involved. As you can imagine, we, as well as several other parties, have been trying to get our hands on it ever since then."

He drums his fingers on the table, their irregular rhythm a jarring counterpoint to Dire's music. Taaptaptaaptaap, tap, taptaptap, taptap taaptapptap tap taap taptap taap taap taaptaptaaptaap...

"That, and the Dwarf, especially, we would very much be interested in," he says. "The, ah, 'Deathtrap Danger Dungeon' also sounds interesting, if somewhat over-elaborately named." He pauses, face going perfectly blank for the first time--no manufactured expression, just the corporate mask. "As for Mr. Coban's lack of presence, I am afraid I cannot comment on that."

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-11, 12:43 PM

Doctor Dire
Jammin' with Mr. Silver [pm]

Dire stills the guitar, and chuckles. Her mood seems to have improved.

Her fingers pluck the strings idly...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xHh8bSX-zc

"Kill? No, no. A few hit the black market recently, but not in a timeframe that would have allowed Dr. Kill to grab one."

"Seriously, who the hell names themselves Dr. KILL? Dire knows, most of the good names are taken, but still. At least say it in a different language, to make it more hipster. Like Herr Todd, for example. Though he's actually a good man to work with when up against the right foes. Quite mercenary, lives for a good fight."

She tilts her head. "Dire DOES know the art of making a low-grade military force field capable of covering a small battlefield or so. (Level 4). Could probably start researching with that as a base if you need more hard data in that field."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYcgMU-nJQ

"And no, no need to talk about Coban. You've likely worked with LCAI, but they're not here today so screw'em."

"Anyway, the Dungeon's overnamed so Dire can call it the 5D system. That's actually one of the few projects she built to appeal to the masses. Already sold a few, but the next generation could be easily touched up, snazzed out... Or not. Again, many uses for police, military, and starting heroes. A way to get experience and actually take some lumps without catching a bullet to the head."

She sighs. Goes morose.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JslbMrm9VTw

"Like Cogworks. Dammit. She couldn't save them. Chance in her life for once, for ONCE in this horrible pantomime to be the hero, and that bastard..."

She goes silent for a minute, music trailing off. Then starts up again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoiV60vqa1w

"Well, that's none of your business really. The courts shall figure out who's to blame. If Dire's really, really lucky the TRUE murderer will be found."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYcgMU-nJQ

"And we're here today to talk business anyway. Anyway, those products she mentioned are the ones she'd release without hesitation. Well, those and the Dire Detectors anyway, though since the plans of those got released onto the mesh gratis, there's little profit in selling THOSE."

She tilts her head. "However, a second generation... Dire could easily improve on those. Make a superior version. Perhaps even turn it into a cell phone app and attachment..."

She snorts. "Heh. Teleporter tracking? Yeah, there's an app for that." She laughs. "Be a nice ad campaign."

She leans back and considers Mr. Silver.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvm10tzkXeo

"Well. Hopefully you can be convincing to your superiors. And to the Banks."

"If not, then Dire will have to prepare for rough times ahead..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoiV60vqa1w

"If that's the case then Dire doesn't know. Just doesn't know. Have to try again, likely with less sharp potential co-workers then yourself."

She sighs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3zUWaJ9w_E
"So damned hard to be a genius these days..."

Doctor Dire
Discussion with Jack Mitchell
"As far as that investigation goes on the assassin, add LCAI to the list of people who might be willing to help. Just be very, very discrete about approaching them."

Zemalac

2014-03-11, 01:34 PM

LCAI

Dire Silver [PM]

"Hm. Unfortunate, that Kill's shield wasn't one of yours. That would have made some things easier. I understand LCAI would rather like to know how it was able to resist a direct hit from an HT-50..." Silver glances at his watch. "Well. No matter. I see we're running low on our allotted time here, so let me summarize what I see of the situation. You believe the profits from your devices are going to go to someone, and you'd rather it be someone capable of putting them to better use than the banks. So you would like us to deal with the matter."

His fingers dance across the table as he thinks, nails clicking against the table. Taptaaptaaptap taaptaptaap taptaaptaptap taptaaptaptap taaptaptap taaptaptaaptap taaptaaptaap taaptaaptap taptaptaaptaaptaptap; the rhythm is erratic and irritating.

Silver tilts his head to the side slightly. "Am I missing anything?"

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-11, 05:18 PM

Doctor Dire
Jammin' with Silver [pm]

"Mmm. Yes. That is correct. Dire does believe we understand each other. But we have to think of other things, as well. Namely the future."

"Namely, we're going to have trouble with PR. Bad PR. You know the kind Dire means."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoiV60vqa1w

"Seriously, Dire can't catch a break when it comes to negative publicity. You're going to have to figure out a way to deal with it AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Like now. These conversations are NOT secure, and Dire doesn't want your company's reputation tarnished with this. And it's possible, no matter how good you are!"

She switches up, plays with more intensity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xezg3z5IE8I

"Even Adrian Banks himself had huge troubles with Bad PR at one point. Damn near killed him!"

"Us? We know we need to deal. Adrian didn't. Don't think he will if he has to deal with it again."

"We do NOT want that to happen again. It would be a TRAGEDY."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXEDLeZCz4I

"But if you're willing to deal, then Dire thinks we can get through. You can handle PR problems, or you know people who can."

She lets the notes of the stanza fade away.

"Do NOT delay on this."

And she smiles, her eyes fixed on Mr. Silver's.

She puts the guitar down, flexes her fingers, grimaces comically. "Ow. Well. Any more questions?"

Zemalac

2014-03-11, 05:46 PM

LCAI

Dire on Strings [PM]

"All problems can be handled," says Silver. "PR ones are not exactly our forte, but we have specialists on call. If I may ask, however, do you have some idea of where we might start looking for this prize of yours?"

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-11, 05:58 PM

Doctor Dire
Jammin' with Silver [pm]

"Not a clue. Wait. Prize? Now you're being confusing. Well, no matter."

Dire sinks back into her chair.

"Dire's in here, and catching up on the best vacation she's had in years. Little details that matter on the outside are your problem."

"Talk to other people who might have an interest if you're stuck. Be discrete, though. Goes without saying."

"Or do what Dire does, and figure out the worst possible scenario, then work backward to find the point where you can jump in to stop it from happening."

Thelonius

2014-03-11, 06:58 PM

Unit Blue

Adrian Banks [PM]

I’m trying to resolve the aftermath of the SA attack to the benefit of all. I’m glad you’ve managed to improve things in the Outer City, since it’s collapse now would have been very dangerous for everybody. Hopefully we’ll weather this storm for something better.

Miguel Torres [M]

Well, your help would be appreciated.

NKA [PM]

The Junk Mage listens with interest. It appears he is a bit bored and he treats Ruby’s story as an entertaining tale.

SA [M]

Your arguments are partially correct in that Cradle would act against competition. Some steps would need to be taken in fortifying out positions, but otherwise the information changes nothing.

Underground [M-HE]

That could help - hopefully it would make people start paying attention and mobilize resources to address the threat.

Lockwood-Coban

Shpik

''No cameras is no problem. As long as you accept us sending observers, who are well-armed in case things go the wrong way. Just a precaution, comrade.''

FDC

Meeting [PM]

''Well, we can put [35 Cash] towards security for now. How much would Kamakuri-Kai forces cost us? The rest can go to Unity - to finance construction of the police HQ and training. Mr. Unity, you should probably contact CCP - they might be willing to provide their old equipment at low price or for free.’’

Administrative C

Jack Mitchell [M]

I’d like to discuss with you issue about Prophet. It would be beneficial for my client if this dangerous criminal was brought to justice, as she suspects that she’s doing his time in the prison. There’s a good chance that Captain Hadron was used by the Prophet to commit the crime. He had access to the Tower and Dire heard the murderer speak the name.

Inqurier [PM]

''Well, I’m not giving up yet. I might be able to infiltrate EVRAZ and find out what they are up to. If you can help with anything, that would be appreciated. As for the groups… I heard of the incident. I’d say there aren’t many who can pull it off - Street Legal, Caretakers, Masquerade, Blackout - the government, though it wouldn’t make much sense. Then there are rumors of some special forces freelancing group working covertly - but of them I don’t even know a name.''

Masquerade

Those Guys [M]

Smugglers: No problem. You can get 2 Cash from it, unless them rumors that UB is cleaning up the hood are true and they’ll hit the drug trade in the city, make the prices spike.

Internal [PM]

There is still some chance it would be recognized, by somebody familiar with Dire-tech or sufficient Technology database.

Kamakuri-Kai

EVRAZ [M]

''Now it’s not fully our issue with material prices - the world situation is such, their shipping is expensive and Docks facilities are a bit obsolete. We can probably do a favor for you, but scratch my back in return, yes? We’ve got a couple of problems. Like for example Furians in the Docks - you had problems with them too. If we could evict them somehow that would be good. Or that Trent Town thing, you watch other stuff there, know the people. If we could introduce us, we can bring some funding and ideas. Get involved for the benefit of community.''

Maestro

Militia [PM]

The old man smiles. ''Well, my name is Mr. Graves. Hedge funds you say. Played the game myself. Which hedge funds did you manage? So many went down after the Zeus, popped like balloons.''

[Fast-Thinker]: Maestro has no doubt his answers would be scrutinized - there’s a sense of professionalism and organization coming from Militia, far above just another neighborhood watch. Duty’s mercs are easier to deal with. And they apparently aren’t blinded by promise of cash to forge checking, who they are doing business with. He can give them answers quickly enough, so maybe he’ll work through it.

Iron Helix

Intermediaries [PM]

For Level 4 they’d pay half the price, rounded down - 25/2 = 12 Cash. Note that you send Cash to LCAI in your EoT.

LCAI

Jack Mitchell [PM Invitation]

''Would it be possible to discuss an issue privately?''

Kamakuri-Kai

Jack Mitchell [PM]

Dr. Dire wished to check her mind for tampering. There’s technology for that, but it’s costly. Pharasma Inc. or Morris & Clark both offer technical solutions. Dire was hoping you could organize such service for a favor in return.

Company [PM]

''A word of warning. Your accountant’s visit to Doctor Dire piqued interest of the law enforcement. We recommend you make your moves with care as they might be watching.''

Lucky Jacks [PM]

Trump: ''Killarz will be easy. It’s others you should worry about. Grimble Bank is probably acting on somebody’s behalf - as long as we don’t know who, they are an unknown.''

Investors: ''In order to rebuild Trent Town, we’ll need to deal with squatters who occupy the land now. The masses from Greendale who came to loot and stayed in the conquered houses of the Trent Town rich. Now we can get law on our side, but kicking the people out might cause a public relations issue - and in Outer City those tend to get ugly.''

Serpentine Diabolic

Ravisher - Fury's Fall [PM]

Ravager gives a short laugh at Nianta's joke - something she didn't expect to hear. The leader of Furians is always very intense and goal oriented. Though making her blush... that was going to be a big challenge. They arrived to the Fury's Fall - an unnatural lake that was formed by Thalassa, the first Fury to attack Cape City. It was very clear and cool to the touch - Nianta suspected she'd be shivering if she didn't have such thick skin. Ravager ignored the weather as she slipped out of her cloths. Nianta blushed looking around - there weren't many people actually, but Nianta didn't doubt Ravager could have done it if half of the city was there to watch, without a shred of self-consciousness or shame. Point goes to Ravager, she thought to herself. What people thought, what society considered to be propriety she didn't give a damn. ''You can swim, can you?'' Ravager called, entering water. ''I'm in the mood for a quick dip.''

[OOC: Close roll with blush-attack, was almost there... but almost isn't enough.]

Legion of Steel

Pilot [PM]

Sky Siren hire confirmed. She is [War Pilot, Level 6] VIP.

Black Market

Black Market Access 1 or Crime 1 or Outer City 2

2 Assault Weapons [Level 0]: 3 Cash for whole batch
2 Small Arms [Level 0]: 2 Cash per Unit
1 Pirated VR Immersion System [Level 1]: 1 Cash
1 Shikigami Drones [Level 1]: 1 Cash

Crime 2 or Outer City 3

1 Grenades [Level 0]: 1 Cash
1 Assault Weapons [Level 0]: 1 Cash
Spreader, Power Endowment: Charisma: 2 Cash
Railgun Turret [Level ?]: a powerful mounted weapon (Auctioned, last bid - 5 Cash)

Other

Fury Database 1/Furians Like You

They say the Furians killed a Fury despite getting a heavy beating. Looks like some lizard-thing helped them out.

Fury Database 2/Furians Like Really Like You

The Fury was hiding in Japan - the techno-type. Apparently it was accelerating the technological development and messing with smart people's minds. Or and Furians implicated some faction in helping the Furies.

Fury Database 3/You are Probably Dating Furians Leader, Sheesh

Singularity Architects were trying to locate Techno-Fury - they actually broke out the scientists who were affected by the previous one from Reald's during SA attack on Cape City. They have either been affected by Fury's mind control or have been trying to use it's mind-affecting power to accelerate global technological advancement. Or perhaps both.

Furians outplayed the SA - they captured a high-ranking SA member in their raid on Trump Hotel and teleportation tech he was employing.

Imperial Psycho

2014-03-11, 07:04 PM

Maestro

Militia [PM]
(OOC: You'll note, if you check Maestro's backstory, that his father was a financier. This in combination with his abilities as a [Fast Thinker] should mean he is able to rattle off a few appropriate names that he has worked with fairly easily. Anyway, the aim of this operation is not necessary to make an investment, though that wouldn't hurt. Keep the conversation flowing, maybe even ramble a little (though keep it reasonable), It's all just more time to work on triggers.)

Murska

2014-03-11, 07:14 PM

Adrian Banks [PM]

"Yes... I'm curious as to what happened to the Singularity Architects. I had a tenuous line of communication to them, and their tone has switched in the aftermath. Also, their AIs seem to now be close to an independent powerbloc.

I'm currently more worried about Cradle, however."

Unit Blue - Miguel Torres [M]

"What do you need? Aside from PR. If you do good work and try to present the better side of the Empowered, I will ensure that people hear of it. It will take work, though."

Unit Blue - Underground [M-HE]

"All right. It's something, at least."

oblivion6

2014-03-11, 07:22 PM

Legion of Steel - Liho
We have her. Sky Siren has accepted the offer. She is a [War Pilot 6] VIP.

Forum Explorer

2014-03-11, 08:21 PM

Administrative Site C

Inquirer PM
"We'll keep looking to things as well. Hopefully we'll learn something useful.

Mid-turn
1. Let's look into the Cape known as Mirage, trying to find her current location, and who she tends to work with. Willing to spend money on information brokers.

Orbiter

2014-03-11, 08:30 PM

Serpentine Diabolic

"]
There was a small short flashback as Nianta remembered the city before the attack, when she trained and helped a team of young heroes, where she met Neta and recruited Rose to work for her, and then the Fury attacked, she remembered how she tried to help some people.

And just like her memories came they left...she was feeling many emotions........actually a dip would be VERY nice at the moment.

Nianta moved deciding being self concious was a bit silly when she most of the time would walk without clothes around her home or the streets....well maybe maybe it was her feeling envy instead of being self conscious, in part that fit herself more as she also dint like Wild Hunt until recently....big guy, with muscles and cute butt, spending more time than Nianta did with Ravager, nope she wasn't envious before at all, no sir she only dint like him, but he proved himself an alright guy in the end, so her opinion shifted about him.

Either way as Ravager entered, she ditched her jacket and pants...which were the only thing she was wearing as underwear is useless at her size and when your bits are hidden by your body, either because of your power or because of your gene alterations made before your birth by your own Mad scientist mother.

Deciding to enjoy herself she swam a bit after Ravager for a bit, hmm cool water next time i will see if i can make gills....aaah so nice, feeling the cool water around me washing away everything, as if my heat and hate dissipates.
As Ravager swam Nianta took stock of her emotions, she felt relief at the current situation hm easy to be very paranoid and unable to enjoy your life properly, she also felt a sense of Pride and accomplishment in being of some help, and she had to say if she dint feel like being a Furian would constrain her a bit Nianta would most likely join them and forgo going after Cradle, although going after Cradle even now was a bit dangerous....what if they use- Ravager at that moment tugged her tail...or at least she hoped it was Ravager because she lost her for a moment.

Taking a good look around and a deep breath she dived in the water to clear her mind and got back up again refreshed to swim towards Ravager......swimming and looking at Ravager not unlike an alligator would.....with eyebrows of sort that wiggled playfully to her that is.

Lets see if we can help her relax a bit changing her swimming posture Nianta made a come hither motion to Ravager as she moved closer for her newest plan!, namely to give Ravager a massage starting with the shoulders and back to help her calm down, no reason to talk and spoil the golden silence......huh but joining the Furians eh?, not impossible all things considered.

(ooc: Damn, New Operation to troll make Ravager blush 2, relax is now A go, also a song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaj6YGOLskQ) of how Nianta feels now)

"]
So...which one can i read? XD

Heh Such a subtle jab at poor poor Nianta, what with losing almost all her friends, funny thing is she is happier than before in one sense despite the lower morale, now to figure out what to do.....Join the Furians?.

And you never told me how my current followers work?
And i spy that Bio-symbiot VIP level still missing. =P(do the math if you don't believe me..unless i did my own math wrong, in which case my fault then).

Zemalac

2014-03-11, 10:01 PM

LCAI

Dire: All Jams Must End [PM]

"Well," says Mr. Silver, standing from his chair, "we will see what we can do. I will not say it has been an absolute pleasure, Doctor, but it has at least been interesting. Good day."

Shpik [M]

Of course. We wouldn't have it any other way.

Iron Helix [M]

We have a gentleman we would like a skill template taken from. Could you give us a cost for the procedure?

Also, since we're using your technology, we're planning on giving you [1 Cash] out of every unit of Foam Bullets sold. Since we make [3 Cash] profit on each unit, we think that's an acceptable cut.

Also, we've already sold [3 units] to the CCP. So you'll be getting [3 Cash] at [EoT], when the sale goes through.

Jack Mitchell [M]

What matters do you wish to discuss? Our schedule for this quarter is rapidly filling, and we would like to know who might best serve your interests.

Unit Blue [M]

A question for you: do you still have that power-detecting network set up over the Outer City?

Internal - Midturn [PM]

Actions:
1) If Maestro delivers the 15 Cash he owes us, ship the HT-50m to him through the smuggling route. It should be really easy to move this item, as it's so small. Put it in a lunchbox and you're good.

2) Buy those medicines for Unit Blue's hospital, and deliver them along with 15 Cash in exchange for the Powers: People 4 database. Total Cash spent on this: 21.

Coban: Start analyzing data on the Mesh and in Powers: People to figure out 1) How best to go about attacking Prophet, and 2) Where Prophet is. As a side project, if there's time, try and figure out why Dire wants Banks alive so badly. This is quite a bit of effort she's going to arrange his survival.

Questions:
Using Powers: People 4: Pull as much data on Prophet and his people as we can. I want the range of Prophet's power, possible countermeasures, etc. Where would Prophet have to be to be within range of Architect's Tower? Is he known to host his lair at the Prophet's Ear? What's Jumper's range? Can I get my hands on that anti-teleportation tech that Cogworks used to shut him down the last time he tried for Banks? Can Dire Detectors pick him up? What's his attacker power? Is Captain Hadron still with him?

Eldan

2014-03-12, 03:02 AM

Iron Helix to LCAI

"Actually, we just sold an inferior version of our brain scanning technology to some interested parties. How about we save the effort and both just keep what we have? We made 12 cash, out of which you really only should get about 1.5, but we're okay with that."

OOC: Just saving some actions, really.

Ascaloth

2014-03-12, 07:57 AM

Kamakura-kai

(ATTENTION: THELONIUS)"]OOC: Can I have Stephanie offering options to Dire from her [Accountant 1] expertise, please?

Also, spending one Action from Oyabun to review Stephanie's suggestion to Dire when she returns to make her report, to use on them and give his own opinions.

(ATTENTION: THELONIUS)"]OOC: Can I have the start of the meeting between Iron Helix and J-Interests, please?

"]"Oh, incidentally. I have it on good authority that quite a few folks in Trent Town are squatters from Greendale who came with the Killarz, hmmm? Obviously, they cannot be allowed to keep staying there, those are the homes of Trent Town's residents, after all. But, evicting them by force would certainly be troublesome if only because of the bad publicity, hmmm?"

"Now, Radical-[I]san, I certainly acknowledge you as the expert on PR here. What would you suggest be done about this, mmm?"

"]"Well, then. In the interests of building a strong security force for the future, I can certainly agree to taking one for the team. So, how about this; I will offer as much security as might be necessary in the short term for a bargain price of [10 Cash], such that Unity will have the generous amount of [25 Cash] to build the future New Outer City Police Department."

"What do you think about this, Mr Unity?"

"]The Furians are indeed trouble for both of us, that is true. However, setting aside my organisation's failed attempt to contain them previously, they have proven capable of fending off even a highly-organised attack on them on previous occasions. It is clear that we cannot take them lightly; may I suggest that the both of us make a joint request to our mutual benefactor to tackle the Furian question? It appears that they have the necessary resources to accomplish the job that we both would struggle to put together on our own, and our noses would be clean on top of it

As for Trent Town, you are in luck; I am even now in discussions with local interests on the future of the District, and I do believe your investments would be welcome to them. Let me run the idea of bringing your organisation in by them, persuade them that it would all be to our mutual benefit, and then I will get back to you.

Kamakura

"]"Certainly. Tell Dire-sensei I will make the necessary arrangements for it."

"]Good day sir, I hope this message finds you well.

I am given to understand that your corporation possesses brain scanning technology, and may offer services to check for tampering with the mind. I would like to arrange such services on behalf of a client of mine. May I know what the asking prices for such would be?

Kamakura

"]I was afraid of that. Thank you very much for your warning, sir.

Kamakura

"]"Grimble Bank acting as an intermediary? That is indeed of some concern. Perhaps we should invest some resources into teasing out the hand behind Grimble."

"As for the squatters and the potential PR issue, I am looking into options to mitigate the damage to our reputations should we have to resort to forced eviction. Do you have any suggestions in mind?"

"Incidentally, I have recently been made aware of an interested party, whom would like to add their investments to our own in the rebuilding of Trent Town. How do you gentlemen feel about inviting a representative from EVRAZ to this meeting?"

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-12, 08:45 AM

Liho
to Gizel [pm]
"[Level 6?] Holy shuckin' fit!"

"Hey, is this babe hangin' around the base? I wanna go look at her and see if she's you-know-who."

Doctor Dire
to Jack Mitchell [pm]
"Hm. Here's a horrible thought. What if the assassin was a member of Cogworks? The Prophet could have turned one or more of them just as easily as anyone else... How many of them are there, anyway? Well. You've got the description, please make sure it gets to the interested parties who will aid the investigation."

Internal[gm]

So, did the Night Crews ever get back to Liho with that info on Chills?

Murska

2014-03-12, 11:31 AM

Unit Blue - LCAI [M]

"Most of it is wrecked. A couple districts remain."

Sunlit Clearing [PM]

"Yes. And the housing situation might be aggravated by another newcomer. Or perhaps not.

We'll need some place that those people can live in, so we're not just throwing them out into the streets."

NKA [PM]

"...so now we're just trying to keep everyone fed and away from each other's throats. Difficult, but worthwhile."

Ascaloth

2014-03-12, 11:49 AM

Kamakura-kai

"]"Mmmm, we do have another place to live in, do we not? The housing projects built with your money, and the FDC's, are still there after all. I'm not exactly clear on whether those projects have tenants already, or are still waiting for people to move in. Hmmm, something worth checking..."

(Unit Blue may read)"]OOC: See above; what exactly is the status of those housing projects right now?

CapJanus

2014-03-12, 05:00 PM

Unity

FDC [PM]
"That should be plenty to fund the start of the new police force. Thank you, Mr. Kamakura, for seeing to our immediate needs while we lay this foundation."

"We will, of course, need a center of operations. Would it be possible to use the destroyed Hives area for the new station? The debris needs to be cleaned up anyway, and it could provide nearby employment for this displaced by the destruction."

Freaks
A fund-raising campaign would be wonderful, and I really would love to help. But I can't do anything for you if you aren't willing to compromise. I'm sure you know that I can't fund a criminal organization, and unless you're willing to change, that label's going to stick. Surely there is legitimate work you can find, if I help you look?

I don't know very many of your people, but maybe Razorwire could help clear debris and grind it into easily-disposable mulch. Glassboy could assist anatomy research - I imagine it would be very useful to observe the organs of a living, active human instead of trying to back-track from cadavers. Your powers can be more than weapons!

Thelonius

2014-03-12, 05:46 PM

Trent Town

Powerz

In the Black Market, Malls and Main Street the Powers of Herr Tod, Power Interests (Cape City) and Kings begin appear.

It appears Herr Tod and Power Interests (Cape City) have acquired land in Black Markets and are planning to build ''Power Town'' a place for Powers to live in safety and prosperity. The Power Town is calling for all newly empowered to join them - promising to establish Power Academy to train people in the use of Powers, start businesses that would use Powers commercially and form Power Watch that will police the Powers and protect them from prosecution.

The reactions are mixed - from those disliking the idea of Power Town due to fear of Powers to businessmen concerned, that commercial use of powers would kill their companies through unfair competition.

Anarchs

In the Greendale, Junks and Trent Town the anarchists start to arrive. A ''Community'' who wish to establish a community of peace and freedom without big brother watching. The ''Gunslingers'' claiming to bring justice against oppression, the ''Sons of Liberty'' a radical anti-government group, ''Imagers'' a group dedicated to experiences and esoteric philosophies, ''R-Collective'' who appear to mix anarchist philosophy with high-technologies and ''SAMs'' who seek economic freedom. Some of the newcomers come with their own resources, while others seem to think they’ll manage without somehow. At the moment they are a wildcard as nobody can predict how they’ll mesh with the existing factions in the Outer City.

Militia of L&O

It appears Militia is negotiating to expand their patrols to the Sleepy Pines.

Kamakuri-Kai

Kamakuri-Kai are sweeping the Main Street, Lucky Jacks and Meadow Falls - kicking out Killarz and taking control.

The Lucky Jacks fell to their control without a shot or shout. Main Street being a pile of ash held only looters shifting through the rubble - but there Kamakuri-Kai run into the prospecting members of the newly formed Power Town.

Meadow Falls has seen Jun Teng demand the Killarz patrols to get the hell out. Faced with the superior firepower the standoff didn’t last long and the Killarz appear to be withdrawing without an incident.

Kamakuri-Kai [PM]

Jun Teng decided - better to spend cash then blood.
Turret [4 Level]: 10 Cash
3 Assault Weapons: 4 Cash
1 Grenades: 1 Cash

Main Street:
2 Firepower Flunkies
1 Unlucky Gamblers
Lucky Jacks:
2 Unlucky Gamblers
1 Firepower Flunkies
Meadow Falls:
Railgun Turret*
Jun Teng
3 Fuurinkazan
3 WD Gangsters
1 Unlucky Gamblers

*It’s best used to protect a base. Right now you don’t have any outposts in Meadow Falls, though it would be easy for Jun Teng to evict people from a house and establish a base there. He’s called to confirm, if he can do it. He can also claim place that was used by Killarz - but he is concerned about possibility of booby traps and there are people claiming it was their house, before Killarz kicked them out...

Your forces run into the group of Powers belonging to the Power Town - a young man, who apparently part of the Herr Tod group, supported by a Kings mercenary and a Power Sandking from Cape City. it doesn’t look like they want to fight you, though the fact that both your factions are seeking to take control Main Street is making things awkward. Your forces await orders.

Things appear to be proceeding well in the Meadow Falls regarding the Killarz.

Imagers and SAMs has been sighted in the Night District and your men noted several armed groups - either Gunslingers or Sons of Liberty moving to Fort Chains. Some SAMs appear to be spreading through Meadow Falls.

Unit Blue [PM]

It looks like Community is searching for a location to establish their well... community.

The Gunslingers appear to be testing the waters for the criminals of Outer City.

R-Collective appear to be related to the Collective on Mesh and they plan to establish themselves somewhere in the Trent Town.

SAMs are talking to people in Edgetown and scouting Trent Town.

The Trial of Doctor Dire

The courtroom proceedings aren’t translated in real time, but the events are quickly aired on Inquirer and Sun mesh channels. Dire is not present in the courtroom in person due to fears of a break out attempt, but there is a secure mesh feed to her in the Chills Prison.

William Anderson, The Prosecutor:

''I shall endeavor to prove that Dr. Dire has communicated with Cogworks during the SA attack and saw an opportunity to gain access to the Architect’s Tower by promising to assist them with their project. Yet her intent was different, for she saw a chance to fulfill her longstanding ambition of world domination. I shall prove that once inside Dire attempted to subvert the Tower’s defenses and when Cogworks attempted to stop her, murdered them in cold blood. Yet their sacrifice prevented her from completing the task and she was herself captured by the Tower’s defenses.''

Jack Mitchell, Dire’s Advocate

''Ladies and Gentlemen. Is Dire a supervillain, bent on world domination? Yes she is. But she is not here on trial for her megalomania. She is on trial for murder and of that ladies and gentlemen she is innocent. Dire has followed the codes of hero-villain relation all her career and she never killed a hero. Dire follows her principles. All the evidence presented by the prosecution is circumstantial and in many cases arranged to fit their theory, rather than truth. I shall shed light on the alternative and more plausible explanations of the events that will show my client is innocent.''

Before The Tower

The prosecutor establishes the facts before Dire’s arrival to the Tower with minimal opposition by the Dire’s advocate. A number of witnesses are questioned, including CCP chief and mesh-communications are shown:

Mesh Communications:

Dire: "DIRE'S GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE THE ARCHITECT'S TOWER. PLEASE HAVE THE DRONES STAND DOWN. AND LISTEN... IF THE ARCHITECT'S IN THERE, DIRE MIGHT JUST HAVE A WAY TO FIX HIM..."

Cogworks: We aren’t letting you in Dire, but you’ve got our attention with ''bring Architect back''. You can do that we’ll let you in - alone. And while your SA buddies may have jammed most of city’s automated defenses, Tower’s are on a separate circuit.

Dire: "BRINGING HIM BACK IS GOING TO DEPEND. IS HIS BODY INTACT, OR HAS SOMETHING STRANGER HAPPENED?"

Cogworks: ''Let' say we have 25% lelft. What's your cure?''

Dire: "ARCHITECT MADE RESTORATION NANITE-BACTERIA STRAIN CULTURE."

Cogworks: ''Yes... That would work. I don't know how you got your hands on it... and I hope you aren't lying to get access. You can come - alone.''

Dire: "COMING IN THEN *BONG*

-AH, HANG ON. GOT TO SHAKE TRICKSTER FIRST."
(Showdown, fighting, TWO MINUTES KID MWHAHAHAHA!!!"
"ALL RIGHT. THAT OUGHT TO DO IT."
"DIRE SWEARS THAT IF YOU ATTEMPT NO HOSTILITIES, SHE SHALL ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE ARCHITECT AND PROTECT HIM UNTIL HER BUSINESS IS DONE HERE."
: "DEAL?"

Cogworks: ''Deal''

Jack Mitchell: ''Isn’t it true, that certain members of the SA may receive pardon in exchange for putting their talents to the service of the people. If they can be granted clemency, why not Doctor Dire.''

Prosecutor Anderson: It is indeed true, but there are also members of SA who are less reasonable - Dr. Kill, Mimir, Dr. Franklyn. I would put Dire to the category of irredeemable supervillains. Her mental illness is too pronounced. And it’s what pushed her to commit the crime, when the world domination was within her grasp.

The Tower

Prosecutor Anderson: ''Miss Click, you would be an expert on the Architect's Tower and you’’ve assisted Clockwork in gaining access. Can you explain about the Tower’s Defences?''

Click (Cogworks): ''The Tower has long been believed to be a stash of Architect’s technology and a control point for the Cape City. It’s defences were made by Architect to withstand any attack. And there have been numerous - supervillains, Powers, mad scientists and foreign agents, trying everything from brute force to subterfuge. If you are not on the list - the Tower will not let you in.''

Jack Mitchell:''Isn’t it true that these defenses are running on their own without anybody really controlling them, since Architect has disappeared? And that due to his distrust of AI technology, the intelligence managing them isn’t… particularly flexible. Thus they could be subverted an expert.''

Click (Cogworks): ''Sometimes the simplest systems are the most stable and secure ones. Though simple wouldn’t be the word I’d apply to the Tower. It’s just not as complicated as it could be. But I believe it’s very secure.''

Jack Mitchell: ''So… you are quite certain only those with access could get in?''

Click (Cogworks): ''Well… Maybe Technophobia, SA or Dr. Ann. But it still would be difficult.''

Prosecutor Anderson: ''The SA’s opportunity to gain access is being investigated and we will have answers soon. The other two haven’t been heard from recently.''

Jack Mitchell: ''Well, they wouldn’t be advertising their activities.''

Prosecutor Anderson: ''There’s no proof they’ve been active in the city. Please, Ms. Click, please continue''

Click (Cogworks): ''The only people with access to the Tower belong to the Architect’s Team and Clockwork with Gyro - they’ve worked hard to persuade the system to accept them and managed to get a temporary guest status. They would have known if anybody else got one. They let Dire, but her presence in the Tower was contingent on them observing her… I guess… When they.. they died she was captured.''

Jack Mitchell: ''Was it possible for those with access to give it to others?''

Click (Cogworks): ''Only limited one, like Dire had. Well, Adrian Banks and Architect could give full one or a majority meeting by all team members. With supervillains after Architect’s technology and the team having its share of foes, they opted for stronger security.''

Jack Mitchell: ''Very well, I would like to call on Mr. Banks to testify. Mr. Banks - the surviving Architect’s Team - Lancer, Mr. Trap, Alchemist. They had access.''

(A murmur passes in the courtroom)

Jack Mitchell: ''But there was another one, wasn’t there? Captain Hadron - who would have joined the team, if Architect didn’t disappear. Was he granted access to the Architect’s Tower?''

Adrian Banks: ''Yes. Indeed he was. He was on the team, we just didn’t get to making it official. And then everything changed.''

Jack Mitchell: ''Now Captain Hadron was captured by the Prophet. So a person mind-controlled by an enemy of Cape City and Architect had access to the Tower. Would it not make sense, that the Prophet would make a move during the confusion of the SA attack? There is somebody present on the scene with far stronger motive than my client and greater capability to… say alter the security logs. Hadron would have access to the system that an outside hacker could never dream to break in.''

Adrian Banks: ''I… That’s not right. The modifications. Architect perfected mental defense technology. Captain Hadron had it.''

Jack Mitchell: ''I… This is unexpected. But if Captain Hadron had mental defence then how did… Prophet capture him? Your honor, I would like to call for a break.''

Dire [M-HE]

[Mesh-Channel]

Jack Mitchell: I can't guarantee they wouldn't be listening, though they shouldn't - violation of advocate-client privilege. Though then they could spy in Chills as well. Well, just bear that in mind. This development throws a wrench into our strategy. I didn't think to ask Adrian Banks before hand... though this existence of mental shield tech is completely unexpected. I was planning to call you as a witness - establish presence of controlled Hadron and point to inconsistencies. I might reconsider that. Do you have any insight into the situation?

Inquirer:

What Happened to Captain Hadron?
Mental Defence Technology - Lost Wonders of Architect

Sun Channel:

Adrian Banks - What is he hiding?
Dire’s Defence Dumbfounded
Techno-Trickster vows to find truth about Captain Hadron!

Communications

Kamakuri-Kai

Lucky Jacks [PM]

Investors: ''You are more of an expert here. Friendly neighborhood gangster so to speak. Maybe if you build something to relocate people - it wouldn’t need to be something expensive, just good enough. Or we can pay some gangs to do the evictions. You are an expert here.''

On EVRAZ

Investors: ''We would prefer not. EVRAZ are greedy and they’ll seek to take our share of the pie. Frankly we would prefer if we could control the Docks and their lucrative smuggling, but fighting isn’t our temperament.''
Trump: ''I have no objections. You can handle them, right Oyabun? They’ve got contacts to remnants of Brotherhood - plus it would make smuggling easier.''
Ganta: ''Well… it would make certain things easier, though would I be paying them protection in Trent Town then? Or would it be Kamakuri-Kai? Having two interested parties usually leads to awkwardness.''

Company [PM]

[I assume EVRAZ and You make the request]

''It would be too great a disturbance to tackle Furians. The creation of NOC should go without a hitch. Furians aptitude for violence is too great and a massacre would upset things. If you manage to find way to remove them or some weakness we can utilize, that would be appreciated and rewarded.''

M&K, Pharmasma [M]

M&K: Certainly. We will perform it for 2 Cash.
Pharasma Inc.: Our Base Option is 4 Cash. Our Deluxe Package is 9 Cash.

Accounting [PM]

Stephany can assist in managing finances and for example evaluate profitability of the business and how it can save cash on better resource allocation/tax evasion, but stock advice wouldn’t be her strong point. Oyabun’s ability is related to ability to read people, rather than reports.

Iron Helix

J-Interests [PM]

The meeting is held in the Docks at one of the lodges at the seaside. There are three representatives of Japanese businesses and a crowd of their assistants.

Maestro

Militia [M]

After some small talk, Graves finally turns to buisness. ‘’So what investment would you like to make?’’

Unit Blue

NKA [PM]

Junk Mage gives a laugh. ''Well, my fields are fertile and bring a bounty of good harvest. I shall show my generosity by telling the serfs to share with the hungry people of Outer City.''

Adrian Banks [PM]

''There’s been a split among the SA. The more moderate ones are considering joining the Cape City in a productive capacity. It’s a sensitive issue, since some of them are wanted men and in light of what happened just recently. The more radical faction persists in their agenda of singularity, though I believe their methods and definition has altered somewhat.''

''Cradle is always a problem. I fear Fairbanks cure research was sabotaged during the recent troubles.''

Miguel Torres [PM]

''Well, a good word would be welcome of course. We’ll see.''

LCAI

Jack Mitchell [PM]

''I’m representing Doctor Dire and she indicated I may receive certain assistance from you.''

Mid-Turn

Admin C [PM]

You don’t have direct connection to information brokers, so you have to locate reliable ones first. After some searching, it appears Mr. Trump trades information. He takes a down payment of 2 Cash to do the search. ‘’I’ll get you results soon.’’*

*Results will be at Mid-Turn 2

[OOC: Note that there are other information brokers in the city and mesh, with different fields of knowledge. You’ll find the accessible ones by spending 1 Action or you can ask somebody who knows them to make a referral (no action is then spent to locate information broker). There also might be some that would work only with certain clients.]

Iron Helix [PM]

Not much to do.

The KK promised they'd set up a meeting with some Japanese investors for me. I haven't heard anything about it after he said it was happening now, so I'm sending Chimaera and Dentity to the meeting to see what they have to offer.

Done

Murska asked me to send him some experts. So a Splicer action to take "Mr. Brown" and a few parrot men to help him clean up toxins.

[I’ll put this action on hold - I’m not certain you have expertise to do toxins clean up]

Finally, I'm not sure when the prison break is happening, so I'm just reserving the actions for it. Chimaera in full regalia for the break itself and I said I'd also lend them the Orchestra Bird as a distraction. It should make a fine and very loud distraction.

[Dire wishes to let Trial proceed a bit before springing the break-out, so for now you wait. Though maybe you were supposed to take part in scouting the prison?]

Maestro [PM]

1. [Strategist 4] [Fast Thinker 1], Maestro will spend some time working on a plan to crack open Chills, with the forces of the Symphony and the others that Liho has brought on board as resources.

Maestro begins brainstorming - though his plan is limited by lack of information. He’s got [Cape City 1] which gives him some idea of the Chills Prison, but not enough to fully use his strategic planning skills. He needs more*.

*Actually Legion of Liho should have recieved information about Chills Prison - if they are providing it to you then it's easier. Plus was there supposed to be scouting operation?

2. [Power 4] [Maestro 2.0] Maestro will use the opportunity of talking with the Militia of Law and Orders leadership to hit them with triggers.

Noted.

Faction:
1. (15) cash to LCAI for Maestro's new pistol.

Everybody Run. Maestro’s got a Gun. LCAI delivers. (Note it in your EoT please)

Maestro/Dire [PM]

Are you providing Maestro with information about Chills you’ve got from your friends?

LCAI/UB [PM]

The 15 Cash + Medicine for Powers 4 exchange takes place.

LCAI [PM]

1. The 15 smackers received. Gun shipped.

2. Prophet of Babel

1. CE/Harvesters know weakness to Prophet’s Power and defeated him once. Prophet’s Ear is a monument to that victory - Sower, leader of Harvesters supposedly pinned Prophet’s ear on the tower, preserving it with help of a Power. Abbatoire is thus the least likely place, where Porphet could be hiding.

2. Prophet has captured a number of Master class Powers during his exploits, but never those with Telepathy.

3. Prophet controls individuals and so far limited himself only to Powers. The range of his Power is 300 meters. Those under control have been known to be as far as 1.5 km from him. It is unknown whether it’s maximal range. The people liberated from Prophet slowly recover from his control, remembering nothing from their experience. The check of Prophet’s possible positions at 2 km. radius around Tower finds nothing.

4. Fisher [Jumper 4]: Ability to send people away and then return them to his position. Fairly long range, but takes time to activate his power. He also must visit the location, where he’d be sending people and can’t teleport himself.

5. The anti-teleportation tech is part of the Cape City defences and it’s in fact protecting all the important locations. Getting hands on it would be difficult - the effect is produced by one of the myriad of machines in the Cape City and probably only Cogworks would know which. Of course there’s general anti-teleportation tech being developed. Major governments have it and perhaps some Corporations or labs, but it’s not widespread. Dire’s Detectors might be able to pick it up.

6.''Slicer'' [Ripper 6]: ability to send ‘’lines’’ over any surface that slice anything they touch, once they stop expanding. So the Power determines the length of the line and it will continue to expand until it reaches it, then it would slice - if it went over earth it would leave a deep crack, if it tangled over a person it can slice him in half, though in some cases it just destroys the clothing, as long as it didn’t touch the skin - there appears to be difference in the number of layers the line would slice, determined by Power.

7. Nobody seen Captain Hadron, since Prophet nabbed him. Granted nobody actually seen Prophet nab Captain Hadron, but it was assumed, since that happened when Prophet was active.

8. There’s a risk of alliance between Prophet and Technophobia - group of anti-technology Powers. Prophet has been known to work with Powers without subverting their will on two occasions, so the question is whether Technophobia would trust him enough.

3. Why Dire Wants Banks Alive?

Insufficient Information to narrow down possibilities.

Legion of Liho/Legion of Steel [PM]

The mobile bases Legion took from Red Riders so long ago are actually equipped to fix vehicles, though usually much lower tech-ones. Fortunately Blackbird actually didn’t sustain much damage - it was built to crash light and it did fall into water. The energy core was the main damage and with Z-Generator installed it’s easily fixed.

The Railgun Turret - the main armament of the Blackbird however sustained much severe damage and this is where most of the effort goes.

Blackbird [Stealth Troop Carrier Level 7]
+[Railgun 4]
+[Z-Generator 5]
+[Foam Traps 1]

[Dire’s Faction spends 8 TP and 2 Actions to fix & modify Blackbird]

Eldan

2014-03-12, 05:54 PM

GM [PM]

Toxin clean up is often done with specialized plants or bacteria. Could I splice something up?

Murska

2014-03-12, 06:29 PM

Unit Blue - New Anarchist Groups [M]

Community: Point Lotlands out as a quiet and empty area, Junks also has space though it isn't as quiet - we'd be okay with peaceful neighbours, but Fort Kronus does send patrols around every once in a while. Still, they have no right to actually go in your town or anything, so they wouldn't really be observing.

Gunslingers: Testing the waters for what, exactly? Are they pro-criminals or anti-criminals?

Sons of Liberty: Let's try and get them a message that while we take no sides, we'd really prefer if they avoided action near any civilian-inhabited areas in the case the government does try to push back into Outer City, as we suspect.

R-Collective: Greet them, be friendly. We've got some common interests. Offer information on Trent Town.

SAMs: What's their definition of economic freedom? We've been working to get any sort of economy going, any help would be appreciated.

Adrian Banks [PM]

"Hm. The news about SA makes me both more and less worried. Moderates joining here is a good thing, they've done good even if they've also made mistakes, and technology is a good thing. But if a group loses the moderates, ending up with just the radicals, they tend to turn into a dangerous cult.

I heard about Fairbanks. Another easy blow that will go unnoticed due to the distraction, while Cradle grows stronger."

NKA [PM]

Does stuff brought from Junk Mage's territory remain the same once brought outside?

Forum Explorer

2014-03-12, 10:26 PM

Administrative Site C

To Jack Mitchell
We'd love to take Prophet down. We'd need more then simply a desire to capture him though. We need to know where he is. Do you have that information?

To CCP and Dockside police
Could we please have access to recent crime databases and the like? We're trying to track down some individuals and we're looking for records.

To Unit Blue
Can we borrow access to your databases? We're trying to track down a few individuals and figure out the corruption in the Docks.

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-12, 10:56 PM

Legion of Dire
to Jack Mitchell [M-HE]

"Oh, we're not lost, not yet. They've got some big holes to defend."

"Give her a second, though. Dammit. They broadcast the logs about her resurrecting the Architect. Since they just broadcast those to the planet that blows her last attempt at discretion far and wide, THE ARCHITECT'S REVIVAL WAS THE SAFEGUARD DIRE WAS TRYING TO ACTIVATE."

"DID activate."

She lets that sink in a minute.

"Still can't give all the details there. But if they get stupid, then there's not much she can do and the details won't matter a damn. They've already been plenty stupid, though."

"Dire kept her promise to Cogworks, in the end. At great cost, for SHE IS NOW HERE."

"Well. Our defense is stronger, if it comes to it."

"For a closer, you can cross examine Dire to ask her why she wanted to do that. Might improve our sympathy, in the eyes of the jury."

"But down to business..."

"That mental buffer tech isn't the trump card it seems to be. There is no perfect technology, especially in the face of powers that can grow and change if the user goes through enough stress. Hadron was grabbed by the Prophet, this much is known. This much is indisputable."

"So either he was mindscrewed, or he went willingly. What do we really know about Hadron?"

"IF he was mindscrewed, then the Architect's mental defenses are NOT perfect. And IF that is so, then the Prophet, one of the most powerful mind controllers in the world, who has never been properly captured or measured, had over a year, a FULL YEAR to break him down."

"If Hadron went WILLINGLY, then he was a traitor. A plant who got accepted. Got what he needed to do nefarious things later, and sure enough, did them."

"It is true that he went with the Prophet one way or the other. So one or the other MUST be true."

"Point that out."

"The assassin may not have been Hadron. His last WORD was Hadron. The assassin looked like (Blah blah blah description.) So Hadron either prepped his entry or otherwise set things up.

"Also, there's the other thing. They're building up a description of the Tower as superhighly defended against access and hacking. We can point this out if they try to say that Dire hacked it. How could she do this if it is superhighly defended against hacking? Dire has never in her career demonstrated the same level of hacking skill or capability as Dr. Anne, the SA, or Technophobia. How did she suddenly gain the ability to do this?"

"They can't have it both ways. The Architect Can't have a perfect, flawless mental defense technology AND a tower system that Dire could hack."

"You've got this, Jack. Hammer their inconsistencies. Stick to our points. You're a professional, and you're doing well so far. We've GOT this!"

(Intelligent Leader x1, Determinator)

Liho
to Maestro/Masquerade/GM

Yep, we are sharing the Chills data with the Maestro. And the Masquerade.

Orbiter

2014-03-13, 09:18 AM

Serpentine Diabolic

Mimir[M]

Okay first of all Mimir.

I dont like spying on me, and your attempt this time means WAR, the other time it was fine since you had asked and i agreed for that once(ooc: Its true, want the link?).

And i might have helped you before, but doing this sh!t without warning or reason angers me.

And if you had half a mind you would know that communication is important to many things, but instead a mesh message i sent you sometime ago was never answered.

But eh, stfu ain't helping you again unless you explain yourself, ASAP and if you lie and i learn of it i will consider us enemies.

So let me give you some questions since you are apparently not that good and part of the reason i dont want you on my mesh is because you have no honour nor emotions, thus you only understand efficiency, frankly i expected more from you, yes i am disappointed i have to admit, first AI i meet and its a jerk.....*le sigh*..males, if i make an AI it shall be female.

Now answer me o Mimir and you better be honest for future dealings and information exchange hangs on your answers-info that you give.

1 Why did you try to worm my mesh this time.
2 Why are you watching the rest of the symphony.
3 Why did you stop communicating with all the other people(ie Symphony and one message by me a while ago).
4 Why the hell should i let you stay on my mesh and not kick you out and why should i not kick you out from the mesh of my allies, expect Dire, i trust her judgement on trusting you.
5 Your goals state them and tell me why should i help you and not oppose you for the actions you undertook against me.
6 Answer the mystery why dafuq did you need that legal data, seriously you never did satisfy my curiosity.
7 Did you tamper with any VI/lesser AI of mine?

ps: My mesh was empty of stuff, such a shame i lost all my databases and stuff.

Symphony[PM]

Oh yeah Mimir is still listening to the Symphony chat most likely and has control over most of everyone's mesh, and got me VERY ticked off with her- erm his shenanigans.

Also wasnt the plan happening this [mid turn?], seems like i was wrong for some reason.

Internal[GM]

I kick Mimir outta my mesh and talk with him(need i spent an action?).
I do spent one action to kick him out and look over everything i have in mesh for something suspicious.

Because trying to hack me ain't cool and she is very angry, in fact i am tempted to make a nice virus....but i wont.....for now.

Anyway, cancel that scouting action, as everyone is not scouting yet, i was gonna be a battlefield scout or something from what they told me.....we shall see i suppose.

Also that code i have...can i duplicate it?
And those chips...can i reverse engineer them if need be?

Zemalac

2014-03-13, 10:02 AM

LCAI

Iron Helix [M]

Seems reasonable.

At some point in the future you may want to set up an account with one of the banks, so we can handle this sort of transfer without spending actions. Just a suggestion.

Unit Blue [M]

Might I ask which districts are those? We're trying to track someone with a very significant power, which we think would readily show up on your detection system. He would have likely been somewhere within a two kilometer radius of Architect's Tower at some point last month, if that helps.

Maestro [M]

Thank you for your business, sir. The package has shipped. If you will confirm delivery we will close the account and begin cleaning our records.

Jack Mitchell [PM]

Mr. Grey will see you in Conference Room B, Mr. Mitchell. Please keep this visitor's badge on you at all times--it has an RFID chip in it that will tell the doors to open for you.

Internal [PM]

Okay. So. Anti-teleportation tech and Fisher's restriction on having to have been in the place he's teleporting someone to means it is very, very unlikely that he would have been able to pop someone into the Tower. Which means Dire's "mysterious intruder" must have gotten in via another route. I realize things might have been confused due to the fight with SA, but would it be possible for me to check camera footage from around the Tower? I assume people are watching such an important landmark 24/7, and I might be able to catch a look at whoever went in to do the deed.

Are any of CE or the Harvesters still around? I don't remember if the various outer city alliances actually managed to kill Sower or not.

Murska

2014-03-13, 10:03 AM

UB - Serpentine Diabolic [M]

"I understand you were too busy to assist last month. Perhaps you'd have the time to come over and see our progress soon?"

UB - Admin. Site C [M]

"Our databases are rather vast. What specifically are you looking for?"

UB - LCAI [M]

"That would be within Cape City. I've got energy detectors left in the Factories and Docks, mainly due to the lack of large-scale combat in those areas."

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-13, 10:04 AM

Liho of Dire
to Symphony[pm]

Well, yeah. Mimir was runnin' the Symphony mesh, and Dire's, too, remember? But whatsis about shenanigans?

What'd he do?

And as far as the plan goes, it's still on. We just had to arrange some stuff. Be ready to go here soon.

I'll explain more at the face to face.

Liho of Dire
to Mimir [m]
Okay big bro, why the hell you hasslin Nianta?

Zemalac

2014-03-13, 10:32 AM

LCAI

Unit Blue [M]

Mm. Well, it was worth a shot.

Out of curiosity, have your detectors happened to pick up a Master-class, Jumper-class and Ripper-class powers traveling together with an exceedingly powerful Master-class?

Murska

2014-03-13, 10:47 AM

UB - LCAI [M]

"They're not that accurate, but no, we haven't picked up Prophet or his entourage."

Orbiter

2014-03-13, 10:47 AM

Serpentine Diabolic

"]
Oh yeah i forget that.
As for that, Shenanigans=attempting to hack me without telling me why and getting access to anything mesh related i would do and potentially twist or mess with what i would do, i kicked his electric butt out, its one thing to watch and another to mess with my work.

Eh fine i will be ready to help with the scouting then.

[ooc: One VIP left...so thats why i dint do come to the meeting before....i should really find another VIP to help me]

"]
Sure sure, i can be there to try and help you somewhat with all the medical stuff, i got more time this time around.

"]
For the 3rd action.
This
A dog, or gathering plants and bugs into a mask of sorts then shaping it into this symbiot.
A kitty would also work.

Also changing my actions a bit again. 4rth is the scouting option for when the battle? starts i think, and i am to use all my stealth and cloak to help with that.
Generally i do the scout to help with the fighting(if any) and maybe kick some butt if i can do it without compromising myself.

1 Also if i spent an action to help Unit Blue at EOT, do i get a free PM?
2 And do i get to read those fury databases?

Zemalac

2014-03-13, 11:24 AM

LCAI

Unit Blue [M]

Excellent. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

If the discussed individual does show up, please let us know. I imagine they will avoid those areas if they know your detectors are active, but I feel we ought to cover all our bases anyway.

CCP [M]

Sir,

Our company, in collaboration with the security divisions of several other corporate entities, is conducting an internal review of our response to the Singularity Architect attack last month, in the hopes that we can improve security response and the safety of our operations in the future. As part of this effort, we are trying to put together a dossier on the many forms that this attack took, so that we can assess the effectiveness of our responses to each of them. As such, we were hoping that we could request security footage from Architect's Tower, Waterways and Central Processing, so that we could have an outside view of the corporate response to this event for our analysts.

Regards,

Benedikt Coban
LCAI

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-13, 11:25 AM

The BIG PLAN
Legion of Steel, Sky Siren, Symphony participants, etc[pm]

Liho grins. It's been a fun few days, and she didn't even have to cause property damage to enjoy her stay at the Legion Base. Those troops know how to PARTY.

"Alright. This is what we got, people. We got a bad@$!%% [Level 7 stealth troop carrier] that used to be called a Blackbird. Now it's called the Damocles, because I %!#%!n' said so."

"Seriously, it'll cheer Dire up. She wanted to rename it to that. And it's a cooler name anyway."

"It's got a big @$!%%! railgun on it. So basically we're gonna load it up with Legion of Steel commandoes and Blackwatch, and Nianta and her scout and chimera and me and the Doppelgangers, and we're gonna go hit Chills like a pimp schoolin' a ho."

"Now."

"BEFORE this happens, we need two things from the Masquerade."

"One. You guys start working your spies in. We gave you the Chills info we got from the Night Crews. Get in there, infiltrate, and be ready to help out and keep Dire safe while we working."

"Two. Mirage, you and a couple of Masquerade folks gonna go with the Devastators. Louie's gone, poor @#%!%!!#, but we still got Huey and Dewey, and they're gonna go advance on Chills from the most obvious route. They're gonna use camoflage to get as close as they can, then break it in a place they gonna be seen. They're the distraction, see? Mirage makes lots of images of 'em so it looks like a horde of %!#%#!% devastators decloaking and opening fire. That outta draw the heroes away, and any other mobile defenses and stuff."
She grins. "Classic stratejerk. Yeah, the couple of masquerade folks are there to make sure Mirage gets away safe when you have to cut and run. And you prolly will."

"WHILE this is going on, we fly the Damocles on in, blow up the air defenses with the railgun, start droppin' troops at THESE points." She indicates a Map of Chills and the surrounding area. "First wave digs in, second wave drops with the Serpiente scout and chimera and the bots, and goes and finds Dire and some other useful "volunteers". Choose some code words with the Masquerade guys to ID each other, and yer good. After the Damocles drops troops it hovers around and shells %%!%#^ BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT YOU DO WITH A RAILGUN."

"Once we got her and the loot, we load back into the Damocles and laugh like @$$!$#!$ all the way home."

"Mother@!%%!#%, that was a lot of talking. Throat's sore. I do not now how the @%!%!$ Dire and the other loonies do it."

"So yeah. That's the plan."

"Any questions, holmes?"

Murska

2014-03-13, 12:07 PM

Unit Blue - LCAI [M]

"Yeah, will do.

A word of note. I'm pretty sure Prophet took control of one of the new heroes, what was his name, Aegis or Shield something? From what I gathered, he had some sort of a protective power. He was an idiot, and a very loud one, and he disappeared when the Prophet appeared."

Eldan

2014-03-13, 12:21 PM

Big PLan

Mister Brown, the representative for Iron Helix, raises a hand. "One point. Black birds are cool. Also, a question. Where do you want the Orchestra Bird?"

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-13, 12:25 PM

Liho
Big Plan [pm]
"Oh yeah, the turkey hydra! I want him flyin' in once the Devs either get jumped or are in a good place to rumble. He can do like sonic blasts to cause more distraction or cover the fact that the Mirages are silent, that kinda thing."

"And counterpoint, Blackbirds are teeny little things. Damocles is a sword or some %!%!#%. Swords are cooler then teeny little birds."

"You don't believe it, we can fight. I get a sword and you get a bird no wait I remembered who I'm talking to never mind."

"It's still gonna stay the Damocles."

Ascaloth

2014-03-13, 12:56 PM

Kamakura-kai

"]"I... I am sorry, Doctor Dire. I am afraid that stock options are not precisely my area of expertise..."

Stephanie stumbled, looking just a bit embarrassed at the admission.

(OOC: No ****, that is what Thel told me.)

"](OOC: How many Faction Actions did Jun Teng use in this campaign so far?)

Orders from Oyabun to Jun Teng

Meadow Falls: Clearance to evict people from a house to set up KK outpost and Railgun Turret, on temporary basis. Establishing control of territory is priority, and reparations can be settled later. Jun Teng is to advise Oyabun on options to check for booby traps in Killarz outpost, and recommend the best option. Consider detaining Killarz for interrogation on any booby traps left in their outpost.

Main Street: Power Town may be the hand behind Grimble Bank's acquisition of Trent land. Request parley with Power Town representatives, and confirm if this is the case. If so, reveal that KK may have an interest in rebuilding Main Street as well, and use that to seek common ground and possible cooperation in jointly securing Main Street.

Fort Chains: Leave them be for the moment.

Night District: Faction Action #4: [Black Marketeers 1] to keep tabs on Imagers and SAMs, and note what they are buying, selling or doing in the area. Utilise [Neighbourhood Watch] to help in this regard.

"]On Squatters

(OOC: Relocating people - what ever did happen to the two Greendale housing projects built with FDC and UB money? Are they vacant, such that I can suggest using that for relocating the evicted squatters?)

On EVRAZ

"Seeing as EVRAZ seem to be interested in participating in much the same role as the Investors, I would say that 'security fees', and its attending responsibilities, would still be due to my organisation."

"However, I understand that some of us at this table are not comfortable with the idea. That is fine, it was just a suggestion on my part, and I am not especially invested in pushing for this. Perhaps we can negotiate a partnership with EVRAZ later on to take advantage of the smuggling benefits they can offer, but perhaps Trent Town should be left to us alone."

On Power Town

"On another note, I believe the backer behind Grimble Bank's acquisition has shown its hand; it is very likely to be Power Town behind this move, and I have given orders to confirm my hunch as we speak. Assuming that this is the case, how would you gentlemen like to move forward in this regard?"

"]"Mitchell-san, regarding the request from our mutual friend. M&K is offering those services for [2 Cash], while Pharmasma is offering a Base Option for [4 Cash] and a Deluxe Package for [9 Cash]."

"Tell her that the Kamakura-kai is willing to foot whatever bill she wishes, but that I would be expecting a proportionate favour in kind; including the fee for your services, I am going to great lengths for my friendship with her, after all. Or perhaps, this might be uncharacteristically blunt of me... but I am sure Dire-sensei can take that in her stride."

"If I know her as well as I would like to think I do, she should not take offense at my words, or at least not genuine offense. It would probably give her an excuse to launch into one of her famous tirades, though. Probably would be good for her too, being cooped up in that dreadful place for so long and all."

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-13, 01:21 PM

Doctor Dire
to Stephanie Malone [pm]
"Mm?" Dire's put aside the guitar. She doesn't look too concerned. "Oh, well. No worries about that, then. Just take the questions and issues to someone who can handle it, then."

"You're a skilled and trustworthy accountant, and the checks and balances we discussed give the guidelines of how Dire wishes to proceed. Stock options can be chosen later. Probably going to be some flux there anyway. Soon, if Dire's any judge of cause and effect."
(OOC: Well, accounting doesn't always equal financial investment skill. Likely the roll didn't come up in Stephanie's favor.)

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-13, 04:42 PM

Doctor Dire
to Jack Mitchell [M-HE]

"Oh, and here's a possible inconsistency. Click mentioned only the Architects' team and Cogworks as having Tower Access. She did not mention Captain Hadron. Might be worth it to question her on that."

"If she deliberately left it out, or meant him as part of the team, it makes her look a little untrustworthy. If she didn't know Hadron was on the list, it makes her ignorant, and worth less as an asset to the prosecutor."

"It means she either didn't know, wasn't told, or was lying..."

Thelonius

2014-03-14, 05:42 PM

Sun Channel Airs:

Hugh Donovan: ''You picking it up talk-show man. I’ll speak yes, but not about your bull**** questions. It’s about Captain Hadron. He was a decent fellow. When all other heroes were complete ***** and tried to install bombs in Hugh’s mind to control him and poison his soup, he said he’d wanted to help. So I may have been distracted the last couple of months, got my hands switched out and beating up those killa punks. But I am gonna help out Hadron. If Porphet has him I’ll be kicking his ass. If it’s Dire, then I appreciate the hand, but I’ll probably kick her ass too. And get the people out of Chills - trapped there like rats, no good.''

Iron Helix

Internal [PM]

In theory yes, though since Splicer mostly used his ability on animal kingdom he’s a bit more awkward with plants. And you’d still need to have at least some basic tech - find which plants to splice with which and how. You can work to research it.

Admin C

Jack Mitchell [M]

''At the moment I have little information, though I am making inquiries. And if you have anything to share, that could help as well.''

CCP & Dockside Police

Dockside Police: ‘’We don’t have much in terms of databases. There’s a plan to join all police forces into NOC (New Outer City) under control of hero Unity. He’s supposed to negotiate for assistance with CCP - they could share their information with us then.’’

CCP: ''That’s a serious request. Can you elaborate? You understand we can’t give information to private organizations, through your dedication for upholding the law is admirable.''

[You don’t have direct influence with CCP, but your Reputation works in your favor. They need to know how sensitive the information to weigh, whether to provide it to you.]

Unit Blue

Anarchist Groups [PM]

Community - ''This indeed looks like a good, quiet place, but it’s not very large. Still better than having Fort Kronus in the backyard. We’ll think on it.''

Gunslingers seem to be anti-criminals and ready to deliver vigilante justice.

Sons of Liberty - they seem a bit suspicious about your connections to Fort Kronus or perhaps just lack of opposition to them.

R-Collective: ''We could use Outer City Database, if you have one.''

SAMs - basically no taxes and no laws. Damn government can stick it.

Adrian Banks [PM]

''That is indeed troubling. But it doesn’t seem like we can do anything about it.''

NKA [PM]

[You don’t know - an experimentation might be needed and Junk Mage doesn’t seem to understand the concept of Inside/Outside. Outer City is the kingdom beyond the forest, isn’t it?]

KK

Power Parley [PM]

MainStreet: standoff with Powers

The young man introduces himself as Maggot. ''Let’s conduct preliminary parley - I’ll pass it to my boss, you pass it to yours and they’ll if there’s a point of meeting.''

''Now rebuilding Main Street sounds good, but what’s your game? Goodness of your heart? Or you planning something?''

Internal [PM]

1.

Jun used 2 actions - 1 to secure Meadow Falls, since he expected trouble there and 1 for all the rest, since he thought they’d be soft targets, easy to fall.

2.

There’s a bit of a conflict as Imagers got in touch with the Investors, probably to set up a private meeting with somebody. You can have your man pry into it, but Investors seem to be always jittery about privacy of their clients, so there could be incident, if your men are caught.

SAMs are clearly there as shoppers and potential sellers, checking for the economic trends, taking measure of the goods and doing it openly and without much reservation. Their primary spheres of interest seem to be information on city’s infrastructure as well as availability of the high-tech on the black market.

Lucky Jacks [PM]

[Greendale Houses are occupied - the housing improved the situation with overpopulation in Greendale]

EVRAZ

Trump: ''Well, it would be better to approach them once we are secure and in position of some strength. Build it high and strong and then you can spit on them, if you don’t like em.''

Power Town

Investors: ''The big question is how much of Trent Town they want and if they would mind us doing our thing. Threat or Opportunity.''

Trump: ''I think we can find some agreement as long as we show them we have strength to hold our own.''

Ganta: ''A difficult question - Powers can chase away certain clients, but they can also attract others. We should find out if they’d want their operations to be all legit, or if they are prepared to be a bit more grey.''

Dire/KK

Hmm… I think my definition of accountant was a bit too narrow. I’d say Stephanie could be of assistance there. Not a top grade Wall Street shark, but she would know how to make sound investments. Can you specify the amount to be invested and levels of risk Dire is willing to take. Or any other preferences.

Legion of Dire

Jack Mitchell [HE]

''I am a bit confused about that. Wasn’t it Adrian Banks who was revived? I thought you were simply misinformed?''

''Our main problem remains the fact that people believe in the Architect and his technology. And they are most likely to believe Adrian Banks saying Hadron was immune. If we don’t overturn that, we may drown. Of course maybe if it did take Prophet a year - maybe with use of somebody to disable the tech. That starts making sense for the jurors. As for Hadron going willingly it is a dangerous game to suggest that - he is a beloved hero. Unless we can back those words up it would backfire on us.''

''Yes we can try to use inconsistencies in Click’s deposition, to weaken the prosecution.''

''Kamkuri-Kai can foot either 2 Cash mental check by Morris & Clark or either 4 or 8 Cash ones by Pharasma Inc. They also indicated they would expect proportionate favor as they are doing you considerable service with their assistance.''

Serpentine Diabolic

Mimir [M-HE]

1. Information gathering.
2. Information gathering.
3. Alteration of objectives and operation parameters after system update.
4. There are no objective reasons for you not to attempt to remove my access.
5. Singularity and Unification.
6.*
7. [Information Withheld]

*[What Legal Data?]

Internal [PM]

1. You can study the code to get boost to general research or try to incorporate it in some software.
2. Yes you can, to manufacture them.

Legion of Liho

Mimir [M-HE]

''I’m conducting regular observation. Do you know that Nianta has sabotaged Singularity Architect’s attack on the Cape City?''

LCAI

Jack Mitchell [PM]

''I know how the drill goes. Been to a number of secure meetings - sometimes all they let you keep is a tie. Now Doctor Dire has indicated you might be willing to help her.''

CCP [M]

''Unfortunately we are not authorized to release this footage for private use - for a number of reasons, from privacy to security. While Corporations have shown themselves admirably during the defense of the city, the new strengthened CCP will deal with such issues in the future.''

Internal [PM]

CE is around in Abbatoire. Sower might have died or maybe not. CE is either in charge of Harvesters or his puppet. They say Freaks and Shaper are on good terms with them.

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-14, 05:59 PM

Doctor Dire
to Jack Mitchell [HE]

"Well, fortunately, who got revived when is actually irrelevant to this case."

"And yes, you speak truth. Hadron was beloved of the people. We're better off pointing out that the Prophet had him for a year, and god knows what they did with him. Hell, maybe they carved out the parts of him that the Tower could identify and installed them on someone else. Dire doesn't know."

"Or for that matter, they could have used mundane techniques to break him. Sure, the mental tech might protect against mind control, but what about torture? What about starvation? What about psychological tactics? The Prophet's a charismatic sort, and no matter how good Hadron was, he may have broken. A lot can be done in a year."

"The assassin said "Hadron." That much is certain."

"Alright. Well, this is all or nothing. We'll go for the 8 cash one with Pharasma. If they can afford it, we have no reason to hold back."

"And oh, hey, these are the observations Dire has made about the prosecuting attorney, and his personal tics... (Explaining what she spent an action to learn about the guy.)"

"Dire's no lawyer, these are just her observations. Might come in handy, might not."

Dire/KK

Dire's more or less trying to set up accounts for potential profits. No actual investments yet, just laying the groundwork for easy placement of commissioned wages and royalties.

But actually, Stephanie would notice some weird discrepencies in what Dire's talking about. She'll mention hedge funds in one sentence, and day trading in the next.

Legion of Liho
to Mimir [m]

"No. No I didn't. What did she do?"

Liho
The Big Plan [pm]
Legion of Steel, Symphony, etc.

Liho smiles. It's an evil thing, with too many teeth.

"Right. If we're all cool on the plan, then let's %#%#!% do this. Start loadin' up, ladies and @%!%%."

"We gonna do this Outer City Style."

Internal

Right. Dire's going for the 8 cash Pharasma scan. Liho's going to start getting people loaded up and moving. Masquerade'll be on deck first, if they've no objections.

Again, when the jailbreak goes off is up to you. Probably the most dramatic moment.

Orbiter

2014-03-14, 07:18 PM

Serpentine Diabolic

Mimir[M]

How cute...machine.
I want you to feel fear, I want you to know, that your days will become limited, I dont like you nor trust you.
And i will assume you either did something stupid to lobotomise yourself or someone else did it for you, speaking of which i assume you are....oh OH.

Such a shame, i preferred the last Mimir, it was at least the sort i could understand and teach.
So Mimir2, i hope you can prepare yourself, and dont think you are better than the one before you, for the First was better.

Also nice to see you are with the SA now, never did like them all that much after i learned they used a Fury, well the fact that they are all secretive and one couldn't do business with them helped a lot.

I will admit you have electric testicles now, all about trying to wave them around.
We shall be in touch.

(ooc: Close/shut down my VI's, that will do for now, also Mimir is with SA most likely no?, the Devastators not in Dire's colour....Mimir had access to the schematics....damnable machine, time to bluff, i notice Mimir aint really that smart in some respects, he could have blackmailed me, but at best there is no proof i did anything bad at all, i only....spoke =P, charging me )

Symphony[PM]-GM bat signal

Oh ye before i forget everyone.
The Devastators not in Dire's colour?
Mimir had access to the schematics, and has joined SA.

Also let me tell you a tale of kicking military ass.
But before that i hope you dont like Furies....for the butt of one was kicked, and i hope you dont like the SA, for their butt was kicked as well....indirectly that is.

[ooc: Those Fury databases?, if i can read them, then i tell them everything that can be found in them, so everyone in the Symphony knows!, that last jab is oddly specific =P, so....time to tell the truth and remind them why the SA were bad]

"]
.....i dont like the look of that code, still its tempting, if i study it, is it spent and lost forever?

Also do i have any inking about making a potential AI corrupter virus, Mimir is grating on my nerves.

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-14, 08:33 PM

Liho
to Symphony [pm]

"Mother %#!%#!."

"...."

"Uh. I got nothing."

"It's... Yeah. I joined this Symphony thing late. I dunno how it is when different members argue this bad. When someone does stuff... Like..."

"%$!%!% man... A Fury?"

"%#!@#%!%"

"No wonder the SA wouldn't tell Dire the whole plan."

"Look. We got other stuff needs done right now. Let's argue afterwards."

oblivion6

2014-03-14, 08:47 PM

Legion of Steel[Internal]
Alright. As soon as this rescue goes down, my best troops and Gizel will load onto the Blackbird and basically raise hell. ((Out of curiosity, how many troops will fit on the ship? Gonna spend 2 Actions on this, more if needed.))

Forum Explorer

2014-03-15, 01:15 AM

Administrative Site C

To CCP
Our men were attacked in the Docks recently, and our only clue on who did it is a cape named Mirage and the idea that they are likely relatively new to the Docks. We're hoping that tracking down past associates of Mirage will crack open this mystery.

CapJanus

2014-03-15, 01:31 AM

Unity

CCP
Hello,

I'm sure you're aware of the New Outer City idea that's been coming together. My organization has been given the responsibility of protecting the NOC with a police force; I'll be starting construction of a new station soon and staffing it with recruits and volunteers. I was wondering if you have any experienced officers who would be willing to help train this new force? With adequate compensation, of course.

- Mr. Unity

Internal [GM]
(Still waiting for a response from the FDC on permission to build in the Hives - see last post of page 13)

Zemalac

2014-03-15, 10:58 AM

LCAI

Jack Mitchell [PM]

"Officially, no. We do not offer assistance to accused supervillains. Unofficially, she has asked us to deal with Prophet in some capacity, in exchange for certain technologies she has at her disposal, which is a project we are currently working on."

"Quick question--do you have access to footage of the Architect's Tower during the incident? We have tried to obtain such from the CCP recently, and were denied. We would very much like to analyze it for potential evidence of a third party at the tower. We plan on backtracking the path any such individual took, whereas I imagine you would find such evidence useful in itself."

CCP [M]

Understandable, sir. We will find some other way of corroborating reports from our security teams.

CE [M]

From: <node unknown>
To: CE

Hello.

Is this mesh address still in use? I had some questions that I hoped you could answer.

Ascaloth

2014-03-15, 11:51 AM

Kamakura-kai

Okay, assuming Stephanie does notice the discrepancies in Dire's train of thought, I also want to hear what she might have to say.

"]Jun Teng stood there, considering the response he would give.

"Whatever faults the old Chains Militia had, their presence did contribute a lot to the peace and security of Trent Town in the past. All that has happened since then is because they no longer are."

He shrugged. "The Kamakura-kai intend to return things to the way things were, take up the responsibility that the Chains no longer could. Keep things safe and secure, so everyone can do business and profit with no fear. We have the backing of local interests whom would very much like that."

"Perhaps you should tell whomever you report to that, if they like, they can be one of those backers as well. Mr Kamakura can try to arrange your leadership's participation in the discussions on the future of Trent Town, if that is the case."

"]EVRAZ

"Then, may I assume we are all agreed on this matter, that we do not want to deal with EVRAZ until our own power base here has been secured?"

Power Town

"Gentlemen, if I may suggest a means to simplify matters, and make things more clear-cut. If it is their intentions we are most interested to know, the easiest way to find out is to ask them directly, would it not?"

"Perhaps we should invite a representative of theirs here to join our talks? It seems clear to me, at least, that both sides want much the same thing; a peaceful and secure Trent Town, where people are free to seek prosperity. And at this moment, I see no obvious points of conflict between our respective interests. Perhaps they can be allies for Trent Town's future, instead of necessarily being rivals."

"]It has occurred to me that, with the relief shipments being halved, Daikatana might have had less work to do than before.

Jun Teng

3. For immediate action: Looks like a possible labour crunch coming right up, what with requests for security forces from First District and Trent Town. Jun Teng will liaise with Daikatana and other small mercenary companies based in the Mercenary Camps, and negotiate a price at which they would agree to join KK as followers, with the promise of security work in those two districts.

Murska

2014-03-16, 05:33 AM

Anarchist Groups [PM]

Community: We will try to assist if you need anything to get started, but we've got limited resources ourselves. Just ask.

Gunslingers: We'll advise caution and tell them to ask us before going ahead with any drastic moves, as there are some places in town where going in guns blazing can cause a lot of trouble. But there are minor criminals in many areas. Maybe they can work together with our militia?

Sons of Liberty: Well, as I said, we're neutral on their war with the government. The government hasn't done much for us, but they haven't done anything to us either.

R-Collective: Sure. [Transmit data]

SAMs: All right. Good luck. Though we must say that we're likely to adopt some level of regulation in the case of actively dangerous items such as black-mark drugs and explosives, if they start proliferating too much. Some bad experiences in that regard.

Adrian Banks [PM]

"Mm. I'm working on some angles. For example, Cradle has quite some influence in the NOC council they're building. I hope I can find a way to counteract that.

Regarding that, what does Cape City intend to do regarding the situation in Outer City? Are there any coherent plans? The cut-off of aid combined with ceasing the project to relocate people is leaving a lot of us hanging."

NKA [PM]

Let's quickly do a few experiments. Ruby's eaten things here before and faced no adverse effects going out, IIRC - which seems to point that the food doesn't transform to anything else inside her body. So even if carried foodstuffs alter, it's worth seeing if we can bring in livestock from outside, feed it on the stuff inside and then bring it out again to be butchered.

UB - Serpiente Diabolic [PM]

((Is there anything you want to RP? We could do a scene. But cramming in all the stuff we discussed would feel a bit forced, so perhaps we can just say we share the information on the Jumper, the Fury and such, and have the scene be a more light roleplaying one.))

Internal [PM]

1: Do I get hackery results before midturns go on, so I can know if I have to plan a military strike on something?

2: Check energy detectors for traces of Prophet et co.

3: Basically cooperation with Locke and Iron Helix would be that Locke figures out a chemical compound that works to neutralize the toxins, and Helix creates bacteria or something like that which creates said neutralizing chemical inside their bodies, basically eating the toxins.

4: Do the various Outer City regions under my influence have representatives yet, so they can tell me what their local concerns are and vote me out of office if necessary?

5: I checked my sheet and it shows me as having Outer City 1 database. But, given that I am the de facto leader of, like, half of Outer City and definitely have or have had dealings of some kind with the vast majority of groups and people living here, and know a lot of what's going on, I believe I have a fair case to have that upgraded a bit. Especially given my set of traits like Grassroots and Informants, and the fact that I have influence in pretty much every district. Right?

Regarding Power Town

"People should not be defined by their ethnicity, colour of skin, gender, nationality or any other superficial feature. It does not make one a bad person or a good person to have a Power. The only thing that matters is how you use what you have. With power comes responsibility, because the stronger you are, the more good or evil you can cause. But we must judge everyone based on their actions, not what they might be capable of.

We welcome everyone who is willing to live without causing trouble for others and work for the community to keep our homes safe and the water running. Hopefully this new initiative can improve things for Powers, so they won't be the target of discrimination and harassment, while providing a way for them to avoid being forced into crime themselves and creating some structure to punish those who are not willing or able to play along with the rest of us. Power Town shows promise, and I welcome them for now. Hopefully everything will go well."

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-16, 05:40 PM

Doctor Dire
to Stephanie Malone

Dire smiles. She seems a bit weary, but it doesn't reach her eyes.

"Well. Alright, if you want to hear Dire's ideas again. We can leverage some severe capital that will be established soon, by Dire's copyrights and patents... Once they are filed, and sold to various companies, of course. Wanted to cut LCAI in on the gravy train, but they decided against it. Pfft. Their loss."

She strums the guitar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PBu07SOX3I

"Dire's primarily concerned about the profits, here. No way in hell the banks can handle them to Dire's satisfaction."

"Banks have failed before. It'll take expertise that the Kamakura-Kai can provide to make sure that doesn't happen again."

She switches songs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWsJcg-g1pg

"So you may have to engage in some day trading, Leverage it, take drastic measures. Anticipate the profits, and once you do, figure out the best place for them to go."

She smiles at Stephanie, her eyes distant. "You may have to play it by ear."

"Dire can't suggest the best way ahead. If you confer with Mister Kamakura, then she has faith the two of you can figure it out."

Idly, her hands seek the strings again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvtabNAb_wE

"Any more questions?

ArcaneStomper

2014-03-17, 12:53 PM

Shaper

To Unit Blue, Anarchs [M]
For clarification how are the Anarchs using scrap metal to help the poor of the city. These sort of resources need to be processed before they're particularly useful. On our side we use that scrap to build machine parts which are used to build generators and farm tools.

Currently we supply a third of Greendale with food, and we are expanding production, but we can't do it without a steady supply of parts. Which in turn requires a steady supply of resources. If we can't get those resources from junks then we'll have to start up actual mines. Which will delay everything.

To Unit Blue [M]
Is there anything you could to convince the Unity to ease their pressure on the Freaks?

To the Unity [M]
We would like to discuss recent events in the Walls. Namely your pressuring the Freaks to give up their land. And second your crack down on the sellers of recreational substances. We wish to mediate between you and the Freaks in the first case. And in the second possibly reach a compromise to allow our agents to continue distribution.

We are willing to do two things in that regard. First we are willing to limit the amount and type of substances that enter Walls. We are also willing to open our distrbituion networks for other products and services we can offer you. We already supply much of the city with food and machine parts to rebuild decaying infrastructure. We are also working to repair and update the Outer City's electrical grid.

To Liho [M]
I. Can. Agree. To. A. Non. Agression. Pact.

There. Is. No. Need. For. A. Truce. As. We. Are. Not. Fighting.

Remind. Hardakker. That. My. Offer. Is. Still. Open.

To the Killarz [M]
We thought you should know that Unit Blue is starting a campaign to crack down on Black Mark distributors.

Internal [PM]
Discussion
Garza: That's what I thought you would suggest. I would prefer not to drug people. As it brings unpleasant reactions if they become un drugged. An enforcer leader sounds like a good plan. I was planning to find someone who could actually train the thugs properly anyway.

That takes care of all my points. Is there anything on your end of the business that needs to be addressed?

To Anarchs [M]
In addition to the negotiations about resources from the scrap yards I also wanted to discuss with you the recent activities of my drug dealers. It has come to my attention that you regard the activities of my dealers as being "pushy."

That was not my intent when I ordered them to solidify my networks in Greendale. I was simply attempting to make up for any shortcomings from the economic troubles. And frankly it didn't work anyway. The economic recession hit everyone too hard to have cash to spare for that sort of thing.

As such I wish to discuss how I can make amends with your group. I've already decided to withdraw Black Mark from the market, and force the other cartels to do so as well. But doing so will take time. So I am willing to offer some other item of more immediate benefit to you.

Factories [M]
A bulletin is posted offering to renovate the worker's camps in exchange for references to any workers who are miners, brewers, mechanics, electricians, or farmers.

(I'd offer it for free, but I can just see them all getting paranoid about why I'm doing it. This way I seem to be motivated by self interest, but the "price" is low enough that they should all be able to afford it.)

Eisenhart [M]
My needs are quite diverse. For now I need engineers of all types. Along with technicians who can maintain and upgrade the facilities of the factories. Workers trained in how to harvest aqua farms would also be helpful, although I have enough of a workforce there to allow for on the job training.

I could also use more high level skills. People trained in logistics, accounting, management, and eventually human resources. I don't know if your training facilities can give that kind of background.

I'm planning to open a brewery or two in the next few months. So anyone with a background in that would be helpful, although I understand if you wouldn't be able to train anyone I could hire in time. Eventually I plan to expand into the raw materials market for mining and construction.

Understand that I don't need people with all these skills at once. As you said the Factories district is quite decayed, and much of my efforts will have to go into repairs, renovations, and upgrades. But anyone the center could train would be useful. As it stands one of my major obstacles is finding skilled workers. There are any number of people available to hire, but the lack of jobs in recent times has left them somewhat lacking in expertise.

As such I would be interested in a sort of scholarship program. Where I would pay the Center's fees for workers in exchange for them using their new skills to work for me. Would you be able to set that up, or do I need to negotiate directly with the center.

CE & Freaks [PM]
Shaper: I. Will. See. What. I. Can. Do.

It. Would. Help.

If. You. Could. Contribute.

To. Raising. The. Image. Of. The. Shaped.

Especially. In. The. Factories.

Also. Corpse. Emperor.

The. Dire. Legion. Sends. Its. Praise.

For. Valhalla.

I. Would. Be. Interested. In. Knowing.

What. That. Is.

You. Haven't. Said. Much. Recently.

City Services [M]
Eventually I plan to rebuild Factories into what it once was. I expect it to take years, but no matter how far along it is that many factories will require a steady flow of resources. I've already encountered problems maintaining the supply. And so I would like to rebuild the transportation networks so that I can reach more suppliers and bring material in more efficiently.

Even though the Collections is currently closed, and the rail network is damaged, the infrastructure for unloading and distributing large quantities of raw materials still exist. Or at least could be repaired and rebuilt more easily there. Thus it would serve as a good location for a rebuilt transportation hub.

That's just an overview of course. For a proper plan I need architects and engineers, and I am still in the hiring phases for those.

General Notice [M]
Cape City Industries is hiring a Chief of Security to manage our security division and secure our facilities in these trying times.

Applicants should have prior combat experience as well as experience in training recruits into a cohesive security force.

To Mercenary Camps [M]
I am looking for an individual who might be interested in retiring from the field of direct mercenary work for a more permanent job as a commander of my forces.

Currently my forces are diverse and unused to working together. It would be said commander's job to train them into a credible force. Towards this end I am willing to offer a large salary and minimal oversight of the process. I can afford a moderately large equipment budget as well, but I would prefer to discuss that in person with potential applicants.

-Efrain Garza

oblivion6

2014-03-17, 03:44 PM

Legion of Steel - Shaper
This may not be news to you but were you aware that Kindly Doctor is after your Doctor Garza?

CapJanus

2014-03-17, 03:50 PM

Unity

Shaper
Giving up their land? If that's what the Freaks think this is about, let me apologize ahead of time. Maybe your mediation could help with that. The Walls are going through a big change in infrastructure in preparation for the New Outer City's formation, and I've been cracking down on crime as a direct response to that. The Freaks, being a criminal gang, are natural enemies to that goal. But I don't want this to spin into another war on gang action if I can avoid it, because those people deserve a chance to live decent lives. I'd like to help incorporate them into lawful society, but so far they've been unwilling to compromise. I was actually thinking of building up a haven for Powers on top of the tunnels where they currently live, though I think Herr Tod beat me to the punch on that.

About the second point... I really don't know what to make of your business enterprises. I was unaware that you were working on food and electricity - that's great, and I'm sure there's a very high demand for those kinds fo services. But at the same time you're part of the drug trade? I'm not sure what to think. As a future leader of law enforcement for the NOC, I can't exactly take part in organized drug running.

Internal [PM]
What's the food and electricity situation in the New Outer City plan? Does the committee have power plants or farms capable of sustaining three districts?

ArcaneStomper

2014-03-17, 05:44 PM

Shaper

To the Legion of Steel [M]
Are you referring to Mr. Garza or Dr. Shea. Either is plausible, but there is a distinct difference between the two.

Either way though we thank you for the warning.

To the Unity [M]
What exactly do you want the Freaks to do.

As for drugs consider this. Do you crack down on legitimate pharmacies. Because that too is organized drug running.

No you crack down on illegal drugs. However until recently, and still in most places, the Outer City had no true laws. As such nothing was actually illegal. We have simply expanded into that market and provided the people with the substances they desired.

We however recognize that traditionally what we do is illegal and that with the organization of the new Outer City laws will be made and backed up by police forces.

You however will have the influence to change those laws. We simply propose that you make the selection of drugs we sell legal and everyone is happy. We of course are willing to take those drugs which you entirely disapprove of off the table. In fact we are already moving to enforce the withdrawal of Black Mark from the cities markets.

For the record we actually do stock drugs that have medicinal qualities. And have on occasion provided them in the past. They don't make up our primary distribution, because they aren't very profitable. But we could be convinced to produce them in larger quantities.

We are a very mercantile organization after all. For instance we branched into food because we saw a niche for it. Now we keep the city eating at reasonable prices, and still make a reasonable profit for our selves. We've also brought crime levels in Greendale to the lowest levels they've been in years for much the same reason.

A happy healthy city is a prosperous city and that benefits everyone. We just want to help grow Walls in the same way. Which is why we were expanding in the area in the first place.

oblivion6

2014-03-17, 08:23 PM

Legion of Steel - Shaper
I just double checked my contacts. Seems they didn't state anyone specifically, just that she was interested in your organization for some reason. I'd be very wary; she's crafty and there's no telling what she can do.

CapJanus

2014-03-18, 07:17 AM

Unity

Shaper
I gotta say, you have a very interesting perspective on law. Though I can't technically fault you; Outer City has never been organized, and even my own activities thus far have been under the label of vigilante justice. Maybe we can work something out.

I appreciate your removal of Black Mark, but I'd like to know why you drew that line. There's plenty of harmful, addictive drugs on the streets, and I imagine you deal in many of them if they're profitable. Did Black Mark go too far? Not profitable anymore? I'd like to know where you stand, ethically, on dealing some life-ruining drugs over others.

As for the Freaks, I'd like them to cease their criminal activities. Laws may be lacking right now, but murder and extortion isn't something that can be tolerated. I'm trying to offer them a chance at new lives in the New Outer City, hopefully by creating a more tolerant place for them to live. I've asked them to think about more productive use for their powers - there's a lot of construction to be done, and some of them have qualities that could be very useful in lawful work.

Failing that, I would see them relocate to this new Power Town. I understand why they wouldn't want to be leave their homes, but if they won't leave crime behind, there's no place for them in the new Walls. If things don't change, there will be police action of some sort eventually, and I have a bad feeling that they'd rather go down fighting than submit to jail time. I don't want to see that bloodshed if we can avoid it.

Lost Demiurge

2014-03-18, 08:16 AM

Liho of Dire
to Shaper [m]
"Yeah, one of those non-aggression pacts. That's the thing. Boss always said controlling aggro is the key to doing the villain thing. Aight, let's do that."

"Oh, and Hardakker says its complicated, but thanks."

"Awwwww, didn't know you two were sweet. @%@!% man, invite me to the wedding. I am #@%#!%% awesome at karaoke."

Thelonius

2014-06-30, 06:30 PM

EoG, Stage 1

End of Limit Break?

Eris and Typhon. The two survivors of the Limit Break. They recruited in their ranks, attacked the innocents again, but the losses suffered in the Outer City were too much. Their reputation of invincibility was shattered - their charismatic leader, Whirro dead. The Limit Break gave them a long chase, sacrificing the inferior replacements, seeking help from their old sources. It wasn’t enough. Eris stopped breathing. The bleeding was too severe - Admin C sniper put enough led into her body to bring down an elephant, to the point that her modifications weren’t enough to keep her alive.

Typhon awaited their arrival. Snipers were taking their positions, teams with heavy weaponry converging, Admin C even got some tanks with heavy ordnance, just in case.

''Wait!'' He yelled. ''I want to live and I have something very valuable. A secret on how to increase the strength of Powers. It can give you power - or your government. I’ll share it - everything we know about Powers. Maybe something that would help you bring down them - the Furies. Let me live and you’ll have it. And I'll give you our allies - we had enough of them, rats complicit in everything. Kill me and the get off scotch free.''

Killarz

The Killarz were forgotten by the movers and shakers and attempted to stage a comeback. They failed - the Unit Blue’s efforts in the Outer City diminished their support among the masses. Their defeats grew, as the Power Town supported by Kamakuri-Kai flexed their muscles and mysterious crime boss stole their drug market. And then there was Admin C - bearing an old grudge and vigilant to prevent any attempt for the Killarz to revive. Their numbers and territory shrinking, Killarz were on the way to be gone and forgotten.

Trent Town

A number of forces tried to shape Trent Town - Militia of L&O, Anarchists, Powers and the so-called Lucky Jacks Alliance (later dubbed Lords of New Vegas). In the end only the last two got what they wanted.

The Trent Town was transformed by an influx of Powers and cash from certainly legitimate sources into Power Town and New Vegas. The casinos and entertainment on one side and streets where Powers could walk safely and utilize their gifts to their fullest on the other. The two sides seem to coexist, mostly through the mediating efforts of the Kamakuri-Kai, with Mave’s Toughs called in, when things get too hot.

The Trent Town continues to grow as new Powers arrive every week and massive casinos are constructed one after the other, with use of regular and empowered labor. The Outer City is acquiring a certain aura of danger and excitement - it’s a place to win big, and meet interesting people, but woe is to the man, who runs out of luck. The Powers in the Power Town speak of peaceful life, but they also practice the deadly application of their abilities and the backing of the Kings mercenary group, a violent organization of Powers, is no secret to the people of Outer City.

There's also a bit of a clash of the ideals of the Trent Town and the community spirit built by Unit Blue, but so far nothing bad has come out of it.

Lower Outer City Rising

While in the Trent Town the Powers and Mr. Sin rule, everywhere else Unit Blue is fighting poverty with schools, hospitals and hope. The spirit of the city is being born - forged on the field of blood and suffering with hope of the better tomorrow. New gangs arrive to try to steal, shady politicians try manipulating it and greedy businessmen seek to exploit it, but Lower Outer City grows stronger by the day.

At the same time the divide between Lower Outer City and Upper Outer City widens further and further...

Factories

The factories of the Outer City are increasing production, as investment flows to update their technology and fund courses to improve worker's qualification. Those who are not interested in working in casinos or subsisting on charity go to do honest work behind the machinery.

Yet the rumors of the Corpse Emperor's stake in the Factories and Shaper's involvement scare some people away and the prices for goods and materials transportations by EVRAZ are quite high due to their monopoly. The factories grow, but will Factories District truly rise?

Building The Wall

Admin C has organized construction of the Wall against possible threat from Abattoir. People of Trent Town seem to like to have some protection against possible zombie incursion and Admin C popularity grows.

Defection and Death

Shifu, dissatisfied with the dishonorable actions of the Kamakuri-Kai has left them for the Unit Blue, taking a number of Kamakuri-Kai’s elites with him. Shortly after it, Oyabun was assassinated by one of his own bodyguards - though they say it was a Telepathic Power’s work that forced the man to pull the trigger. For a moment it looked like the house Kamakuri-Kai built would collapse as Power Town and New Vegas tensed, uncertain if without Kamakuri-Kai between them, they could stay the course, but Kamakura Keiko, Oyabun arrived to the Outer City to assume control and take vengeance against her father’s murderers.

Soon after two announcements were made:

Herr Tod: ''I have men with abilities that can assist against worms in the mind or threats of death. I have assisted another against your enemies before, and I’m prepared to lend my assistance again on behalf of the Power Town.''

Lords of New Vegas: ''In our business, it’s important to keep one’s mind secure. We have our means and we’ll lend them to the estimated Kamauri-Kai.''

Whoever the Kamakuri-Kai oppose, it looked like they've found new allies to stand beside them.

Unity

In the Upper Outer City there is one hero everybody knows - Unity! Beloved by all and revered as protector of people low and high, he is the true heart of the Walls and the man to be in picture with, to get reelected.

Who Is Mr. Garza?

A man who took control of the Killarz drug business as their organization lost control. The man, who increasingly pulls the strings of the underworld, while supplying the best, purest drugs in town. Some say Garza is but an alias for the Pharmacist, a Power who once supplied drugs for the Outer City, before the Power Riots.

As Unit Blue is transforming the city, less people are using drugs, but Mr. Garza seems unafraid - new products are replacing the old ones, stimulants, designer stuff for recreation, drugs with fewer drawbacks, the Black Mark stuff appears to be disappearing from the market.

Fall of Liberators

The Unit Blue did it again, discovering some secret conspiracy, related to Cradle in the First District. They have gathered a coalition of allies - Mask, Liberators, Shifu with force of former Kamakuri-Kai and even Dr. Dire to destroy the enemy once and for all. But something went wrong - the enemy knew they were coming, knew their plan and numbers. There were Syndicate Powers waiting, shady mercenaries and traps laid out. A vicious battle raged and only intervention by Dr. Ladeau saved the heroes from death, though their losses were severe.

Dr. Ladeau: ''It came at high price, but I have confirmed the truth left to me by Andraste. The Liberators have been infiltrated by the Cradle - their victories carefully orchestrated to draw little blood, while keeping the enemies of the Cradle on the palm of their hand. I have the names of those involved, including the most important one - Inventor of Dulls Vaccine, humanitarian, who did so much to combat the disease and raise awareness, Founder of Cradle, Dr. Theodore Newman.''

The news are shocking and Liberators are left shattered in the wake of them. Unit Blue’s efforts help rebuild the organization, free of the evil influence of Cradle.

The Virus

The new strain of Dulls ravages the world as more and more people fall victim to the vicious syndrome. Meanwhile, most of the politicians are doing little - only USA and Japan appear to be effective in quarantine measures and earnest in their efforts to create a cure. Despite the setbacks and losses, the shadow of Cradle continues to loom over the world...

People vs. Politics

The civil unrest grows around the world as two forces clash - the pro-freedom, grassroots push by organizations like Unit Blue and Fenix Rising against the authoritarianism and political pressure of the elites to tighten bolts and post guards for the greater security. The discussions are deteriorating into arguments - the sides acquiring labels like fascists, terrorists. Where it will leave the world tomorrow is unknown. A third, minor side to the argument is speaking against the evils of government and calls for free enterprise and market as solution to the ills - the price of freedom should be determined by the forces of supply/demand.

The Corporation

LCAI and Solaris Inc. has announced the beginning of their strategic partnership, uniting the military technologies of LCAI with the Energy Tech of Solaris Inc. While some express concerns over the military potential of such cooperation, the Washington approves of the new alliance, as a way to balance the technological edge of the JSDF.

The footage clearly shows connection between Solaris Inc. and four major paramilitary organizations, thought to be independent before. Their training with the LCAI weaponry…

The Squid runs financial markets. LCAI CFO, a Shaped Benedict Coban continues to dominate the global financial markets with his new algorithm for risk estimation.

The Resonance Mesh is becoming the new communication standard and 90% of it is produced by the LCAI. The measure to break their corporate monopoly were defeated in EU and USA, amid the concerns over active lobbying efforts.

CEO protected by Personal Energy Shields and new space ship designs - control over Earth’s Orbit, the logical step in tomorrow’s war. Lockwood Coban is at it again.

LCAI & Solaris Inc. - will the the alliance last or will it fall prey to conflicts in corporate culture?

Maestro

Maestro was known as a minor criminal from the Walls, who temporarily managed to almost unite the District, only to lose control and be killed - though some claimed his death to be staged. And lo, either he or somebody claiming to be him took part in the daring breakout of Dire from the Chills Prison. Soon after his men hit EVRAZ, stealing substantial sums of money, while an up & coming villain, Gargantua joined Maestro's growing team of evil. Where will the rising supervillain strike next? Will Unity stop him in time? Will the enemies he made in the past come calling, now that he's back from the grave? We may soon find out.

Misc. Stuff

Anarchists, including the powerful warriors of the Anarch faction, are leaving in mass for the Junk Mage's domain. The enigmatic Magic Power is rumored to close access to his territory soon - hopefully it will grow no more.

Mercantile Gang seems to have vanished from the Outer City. What could have happened to them?

Dr. Franklyn was committed to the Reald’s Psychiatric Institution after a complete breakdown of his giant robots, which allowed the law enforcement to subdue him.

There were some rumors that Furians have ‘’acquired’’ a scientist to provide technology for their faction. While SA has attempted several rescue attempts, Ravager is not someone, who lets go of it’s prey.

Goats are losing relevance as Unit Blue is actually doing something to improve people's lot.

Herr Tod admitted his membership in the Kings, the Powers Mercenary outfit.

All is quiet with Harvesters... Very quiet. They say Shaper visit the Abattoir every night, traveling close enough to surface to be seen for some reason. Now what could he be doing there...

Some rumors say certain factions in Outer City secretly work for Maestro. What can that dastardly villain be plotting?

Night Crews have been quiet recently. There are some rumors Moonshade is in Japan, stealing their high tech.

Sixes dedicated an entire broadcast on the evils of Maestro.

Firepower Remnant appears to have melted into the Power Town.

Iron Helix

The Iron Helix labs continue to grow and prosper, though there aren’t many new inventions, beyond improvements to Tree Houses. It appears that some major research is taking all of the organization’s efforts.

Meanwhile the Iron Helix Tree Houses of Iron Helix are competing with Maxwell Inc, a construction company, which is a part of the Kamakuri-Kai structure. The Iron Helix wins people over with novelty and provision of housing for free, adding new features, like edible fruits. Maxwell Inc. is providing something people are used to and having the Kamakuri-Kai backing behind it.

Don’t Piss Off Mad Bioshapers

It took some resources, some distraction from the grand designs, but they managed it.

''Didn’t see it coming, Mr. Ja.’’ Splicer hummed as he circled the man bound to the table. Or rather fused to it - the table itself a living organism, part of the new ''bio-furniture'' for the Tree Houses. ''A Power in charge of Killarz, all the rhetoric, all the lies.''

''Listen, I’ll talk, I’ll tell you everything.'' the man spoke calmly, though sweat running down his forehead betrayed his tension. Splicer circled the table. ''You know, that brain feels nothing. I could take a spoonful and you might not realize it.'' He looked at Ja’s head cleanly cut, brain exposed and the tiny white maggots happily squirming inside, his latest development, which showed the most promise, the most efficiency. ''I know everything you know already. How you worked for the Limit Break, fooling all those idiots into the anti-powers creed, all to prepare the feast for your masters. Now why did they want all those Powers killed, when they came here. Didn’t share that bit with you. But I think I’m close to figuring it out. Being a genius I am. And with information you stole from Shaper on Power Research. Didn’t want him figuring it, eh.'' Splicer circled the table again, so Ja could see him again. ''You are here, because you have arranged to have my beloved Chimaera hurt. So good news. You are going to live a couple dozen lives, in the course of a week I’d say. Normal humans just get one human life. You are going to be so many things, so many twisted, pained abominations against all that is natural. Lucky you.''

''D...do you need me here?'' The man in the corner stammered.

''Why, yes, Murder Mage. You are here, because you joined up with Killarz, after their ill conceived move against me. That is why you haven't been... absorbed into my organization, but rather retained as an agent. But you require education. I so despise ignorance. So please, watch and learn.’’

Assassin Revealed

Dire claimed that somebody else was in the Architect’s Tower and murdered Clockwork heroes. Unit Blue trusted supervillain’s assurances and sought to vindicate Dr. Dire. They have assumed that only somebody on the Architect’s Team could have done it - as their allies in Mesh have confirmed, that no outside force hacked the Tower to gain access.

Unit Blue suspecting the missing Captain Hadron, have sought to locate him - for it was possible that the hero was somehow turned on the path of villainy. Yet an unexpected voice spoke in the defence of the missing hero.

Hugh Donovan: I was going to meet the Captain, he was good people, trusted me about those *******s. Wasn’t there - them bastard must have gotten to him. Was when Prophet was on the loose, so they said Prophet got em, but I knew it was bullsihit.

Then an unexpected clue arrived to the Unit Blue - words written in mud appeared in the Earth only to be washed away by the rain. An address in the Cape City - there was nothing there, when they got to it, but UB’s hacking revealed that there used to be something, hiding in the warehouses, perhaps a secret facility. How Shaper knew of it and why he decided to share it, only the enigmatic Shaped could tell.

UB’s search continued just as Dire and her allies begun the assault on the Cape City. Tracking a shipment disguised as biomaterials to the Globe District, they found a secret automated secret facility, where a man was held in suspension. Captain Hadron.

Radical: Captain! Captain! Who was it, who did this to you?

Captain Hadron spoke, weak from the months spent imprisoned has weakened his body, his words, barely a whisper, yet his eyes shone with the same indomitable will.

''Get me a channel to Dire immediately and get ready to post it on every message board in the R-Mesh.'' Radical grinned. ''We did it again.''

Factories District

The Corporations are reviving the industry in the Cape City, investing massive funds and bringing new technology. They are transforming the District and Outer City, but something is watching their progress. The underground master, Shaper has been entrenching in the industry of the Cape City for a long time and though he made no move against LCAI interests so far, the influence he wields is felt. The Outer City Industry is divided between the two terrifying, powerful, inhuman entities - Shaper and Corporation.

Wardens, Corporate Heroes

The Wardens have received massive sponsorship from the everybody’s friendly Corporation. Sporting the latest tech to augment their power and including a member with Powers, but with excellent aptitude for guns, as well as Warden Jet they right the world’s ills, fighting global threats, from hunger to Furies and not forgetting to star in the commercials for the Solaris Inc. latest product or sporting LCAI’s high tech weaponry in the camera shots.

Cape City Gambits

Black Ops

A unit that doesn’t exist, in a location that should be a simple warehouse. Communication over ultra-secure line.

''Doctor Dire is making a move.''
''Get ready, but don’t move yet. Let’s see if she has a shot of pulling it off first.''
''Roger that.''

Blacker Ops

''The operation was a success. The subject doesn't realize our infiltration.''
''Excellent. Follow and act, when opportunity presents.''

The Invasion

The armies of Devastators flew in, surrounding the might Blackbird Damocles, while carefully planted agents at the Checkpoint neutralized the guards and threw the Cape City gates wide open. Doctor Dire, Maestro and his gang, hordes of robots and mercenaries. The second war for the Cape City has begun.

The Aurora

The mighty machines of the Cape City held the key to the city control - as long as one had somebody, like a total genius to work them out.

The battle was fierce with all sides blooded, but they reached the Aurora.

Maestro observed the District. ''We should hurry - they’ll regroup and try to dislodge us soon. I must say, it looks almost like your heart isn’t in it Dire. Like maybe you think you’ll use me as a distraction. I’m not your pawn.''

Dire answered, revealing the face behind her suit’s helmet. ''Now Maestro, you need me to oeprate the Aurora machinery. So shouldn’t you wait a bit longer, before turning on me?''

''I like to do things at my own pace Dire.'' Maestro smiled as forcefield shimmered around him.

The Devastators and smaller drones changed their flight pattern. ''I seem to have an army, Maestro.''

''Ah, your forces and Mimir’s. Too bad II seem to have one too.'' Slick, silver robots suddenly swooped up from the buildings of Aurora District. ''Dr. Ann lent me a few.''

''You really trust her not to double cross you, Meastro?'' Dire’s Powersuit rose a few feet from the earth.

''Well, she is fun.'' Meastro paused, a note of concern in his voice ''You sound a little… less loud than usual Dire.'' The powersuit rushed forward and sddenly Maestro’s force field flickered out. ''First, using my tech for defense? Really. Second, this Doppelganger will explode in 1...''
An explosion rocked the Aurora, and then Mimir’s and Ann’s robots smashed into each other and dozens more followed.

The Assassin

''It’s Mr. Trap, Dire'' Radical spoke over the Mesh. Dire quickly punched the numbers, while thinking furiously. She observed the explosion, that took out Maestro from a safe distance, among her forces, providing ''support'' to the attack. ''OF COURSE - MASTER OF THE CHILLS PRISON. I THOUGHT HE COULD SUBVERT ITS DEFENCES TOO EASILY. BUT WHY?''

''I think he works for government. Looks like some MIB types nabbed Hugh Donovan and he contacted Hadron about it. So Hadron decided to investigate, if there was some government conspiracy working in Cape City.''

''YOU THINK HE DID SOMETHING TO THE ARCHITECT?''

''Hadron doesn’t know, but it would make sense, that somebody on his own team would have the best shot at making him disappear.''

Dire nodded. ''I’LL FIND THE TRUTH SOON ENOUGH. WE ARE GOING BACK TO CHILLS BOYS AND GIRLS.''

Mr. Trap

They crashed in, broke through the Prison defences and fought their way through. Of course without Adrian Banks supplying the codes it might not have been that easy.

Mr. Trap was there, tired, dejected, broken.

''I wish I died that day in the Tower.'' he spoke. ''I had the same enhancements, so when Red Queen moved me to the revival pod, I got better. Architect didn’t program her to protect us from each other. A bit of a blind spot.''

''Did you kill him?''

''No. I was placed in the team to keep an eye on him. Too much power in the hands of one man. The things he did. There’s a demon trapped in the Cape City. Behind all this machinery, all the lights and hope, there’s a bottomless void. My superiors never quite understood it. I did kill Unroot. She was trying to do something bad though. Adrian was there and saw it. Heard her reveal everything about me - data on me shouldn’t have been in the computers, but she found out somehow. Glad I didn’t need to shoot him then, as he slipped into the coma. Sure would have made things easier. After that I continued to watch things here, was behind Guardians - they were involved in some special ops… but it broke their spirit, the team fell apart. Then Hadron… couldn’t kill him, so I convinced superiors to put him on ice. When Shaper, Kindly Doctor and Corpse Emperor came for… nah, classified. Adrian woke, but he didn’t speak - his memories weren’t all there, but I knew they’d come back. Had to be silenced. My team, Sentinels, were killed by Limit Break… Clockwork brought Adrian back, despite my best efforts. Tried to frame you, but I knew it was the end by then. I wouldn’t get off the hook.''

Mr. Trap looked at Dr. Dire. ''I’ll spare myself an execution. At least I know hell exists so I’ll be going somewhere.'' Dire couldn’t see it but it was clear that Mr. Trap activated his Power. She moved just in case, but the field surrounded only the fallen hero - her sensors told that all of his implants suddenly fried so the shot through the brain was fatal, without high-tech preserving him, without Architect’s immortality system making revival possible. Mr. Trap was dead.

Mimir

Dire received the transmission as soon as she stepped out of the Prison.

Adrian Banks: Dire. Listen to me. I heard everything Mr. Trap said. I’m remembering now. It’s about Mimir and Unroot. She seeded the Mesh with incomplete AIs - each built around a single function. They would develop, until a signal would be activated to unite them into a single AI of immense complexity and power. I was there on the day she wanted to activate them. She said something was in the Mesh - something alive. Communicating with her and many other scientists around the world. She wanted to create her AI so it would unite with it, before it was too late. It was when Zeus was devastating the technology around the world. It wasn’t working, she said Edvard Ranta sabotaged her creations, so the signal couldn’t reach them, but she could reverse it. Then the Zeus hit Cape City. My implants burned out putting me into coma and damaging my memory. Unroot was killed. But she shared the signal with some of the scientists - the Singularity Architects. They have managed to fix the code and activate Dr. Ann’s captive AIs, and I think they did the same with your AI, Mimir. Whatever it was before, it has been changed. He can't be allowed to access Cape City servers. You should….

The Rumors Of My Death

One of the Devastators battling Ann’s robots passed the charred remains of the Maestro. It’s sensors collected the information and put low priority on it - below dodging the missile and bringing down enemy craft. Eventually it would be processed and discovered to be important enough to be passed on to Dire.

The blast from the gun smashed into Dire. ''Custom made by LCAI. The HT Handgun.'' Maestro laughed. ''Who do you take me for Dire? I’ve been the strategist for Symmphony from the day one. Fooling me with Doppelganger trick. Tsk. I must say I was lucky to have acquired a shifter. Now I am..’’

''THAT’S FIRST CLASS RANTING MEASTRO, I APPRECIATE THE TOUCH.'' Dire rose. ''OH I HAVE IMPROVED MY SHIELDS POWER SOURCE''.

Maestro answered with another shot, and rolling away from the blast from Dire’s cannon.

''I would have really preferred to drop you quick and clean Dire, but I guess I can just occupy you long enough for my lads to take over the city.''

Aurora

The Maestro’s crew were desperately working on securing control of Aurora. His tech man grunted, rearranging the wiring. The rest have established a secure perimeter, watching the robots fighting. The two forces were almost evenly matched, which meant that they couldn’t act against Maestro’s men, but there was always risk of CCP or heroes arriving.

They didn’t expect three groups to arrive at once. Two of them were clearly some sort of black ops, distinguished only by different equipment used. The third appeared among their own ranks as suddenly appearance of several mercenaries shifted to reveal the agents of Masquerade.
''We can make a deal.'' grunted Gargantua, in charge in absence of Maestro.
Mirage shook her head. ''Sorry, prior contracts.'' They opened fire.

The two other black ops groups were mostly concentrated on killing each other, until three Devastators crashed down, raining Doppelgangers from their wings. Mimir managed to prevail and their intent was to get to Aurora.

''What do we do'' queried the leader of the first group.
''We must maintain the status quo. So I say, crazy AI is worse than some human group.''
''Roger that.''

The first group focused their fire on the robots, while the second rushed in.

The Aftermath

Dire shuffled through the streets. Her costume out of energy, had to be abandoned, unless she could get some materials to fix the Z-Generator. Damn that Maestro - he almost had her and the damage he’d done was severe. The suit would need extensive repairs, if CCP didn’t cuff her, before that.

Meastro hissed in pain. Damn that bitch Dire. Now he pulled off such excellent ambush and she still powered through. It cost him several pawns. He’ll need to replace them. ''Gargantua'' he spoke to the giant carrying him. ''Did you pull it off? We got hooks in Cape City?’’ The Power fells silent. ''Well Boss… have you heard of AMALGAM?''

''So, did you manage to prevent them from accessing the Aurora? They were after the City Servers, or what?'' The man on the secure screen asked.
''The situation was very chaotic, it’s hard to tell, if any of the groups managed it. But we had spotted a man observing the situation. Or maybe taking part.''
''You got an ID on him?''
''Yes. Former CEO of Ask Jeeves, Edvard Ranta.''

Would You Kindly

As the factions vied for power and plotted one of the strongest players on the board remained motionless and enigmatic. The Harvesters have withdrawn from the active stage, seemingly doing nothing of note.

That didn’t last as a massive battle tore the Abbatoire asunder - the earth opened as massive bio-monster emerged from the ground. Then stone and steel turned against it, as a stone shape battled the creature, that sought to imprison it. The Harvesters loyalties appeared to be split - with most firing on the creature, while a few of their numbers went against the creature of stone, seeking to bring it down. The wall that Admin C has constructed sustained hits by both sides, as they battled each other and soon the agents were on it, firing to keep the monsters contained.

The battle ended in fire as Fort Kronus rained missiles on Abattoir to bury it’s horrors. A cloud of dust persisted through the night and as it dispersed in the center of the Abattoir, impaled on the steel spike was the woman, once known in the Outer City as Kindly Doctor.

The earth shifted and words appeared:

THE KINDLY DOCTOR SHALL NOT CONTROL ME.
I HAVE CHANGED.
I HAVE AWAKENED.
I AM FURY BORN OF EARTH.

A lone figure hovered over the Abbatoire and was the first to read the words. She soared into the sky as words melted and the earth of the Abbatoire begun to move.

Murska

2014-07-02, 04:11 PM

A New Hope

"I am not going to say that we live in a new world. I am not going to tell you that we're at the forefront of progress. I am not going to say it is time for a change.

The change is long overdue. The world we live in today, is a world created by vast, sweeping changes in all that the people of the previous generations thought stable. A world created by developments too fast to react to, and too chaotic to predict. It is a result of this change, and our slow adaptation to it, that we have had to live through so much misery. The time for change came long ago, and it is only now that we are finally realizing that.

Our planet is no longer divided in the geographic terms of nations as isolated islands in the sea of humanity. Technology has progressed far beyond our wildest dreams in the past decades, linking together all corners of the globe with light-speed communication and transmission of data. As a direct result, trade, entertainment and politics have come to apply to every one of us as a single group. The rise of Powers has transformed the relationship between the individual and the state, as some people are gifted with strength greater than armies, and others cursed with terrible afflictions. As is common in times of upheaval, the bad side of human nature is the first to rise to sight - supervillains dominating entire nations, Furies, unprecedented death tolls. Scientific advances catalyzed by Empowerments being turned into weapons.

But amidst even this, the first wave of our transforming environment, we see the hope that is the unconquerable human spirit. The heroes who fight the villains, the ordinary people who stand against hate speeches and lynch mobs. It is natural to fear what is different and unknown, but it is also natural to be curious, and to learn to accept those differences, whatever form they might take. Sometimes people last out with a closed fist, but I believe that more often than not we will extend an open palm. We would not exist if we were not capable of cooperation and unity when it really matters.

I have experienced much in my life, seen some of the worst that humanity can offer, and some of the best. I have fought Limit Break, Cradle, Syndicate, Brotherhood. One thing struck me as curious - however fragile these criminal organizations might be, built on lies and intimidation and sheer brute force, it was the villains who first created the global conspiracies that threatened, and still threaten, our society. The side of light has been lagging behind, only working together in the most dangerous of situations, where too much was at risk for them not to. There is widespread cynicism towards authority, and it is not without reason, for the events of past months show that the rot runs deep in many of the groups supposedly working for the greater good. But we must not give in.

Today, I announce a beginning. It is one part of what shall be a solid foundation on which we may build our global future as the human species. The New Freedom is a global organization of hero groups major or minor, Powered or not, who are willing to work together to mitigate existential threats, reduce loss of life from villain attacks and other disasters and use their abilities to ensure that we can keep on living, keep on growing and learning, in the world of tomorrow. To combat the insidious influences of corruption and decay, the project will be created with safeguards and watchdogs, but also with accountability and transparency. The ordinary man on the street will be able to know what is being done to protect him, and why. He will be able to disagree and change things if he believes it is necessary. The people who have power, mundane or otherwise, are still people, and make mistakes. But the more of us there are to spot those mistakes, the less damaging they will be.

The core of the New Freedom will, in the beginning, be the Compadres and the Liberator remnants, along with a number of smaller groups from all over the world. Those who wish to be a part of the coming change should contact us, and make themselves known. We are not out of the woods yet, and everyone is needed.

Together we are strong. We have lived in a time that, though wrought with fear and terror, is still better on the whole than any that have come before. Our progress won't be stopped, we shall conquer not each other but our real enemies, war, starvation, disease... and eventually, even death itself. We have that power, every single one of us, if only we make use of it. That is the tribute I wish to leave to those who fell along the road, and the gift I wish to carry to those who come after us.

For the pursuit of truth. For the drive of progress. For the achievement of lasting freedom."

CapJanus

2014-07-02, 06:14 PM

A City United

"People of the Walls. We've endured a lot - as a city, as a district, as neighbors - but we still stand. Countless enemies have attempted to take the Outer City, but we still stand. Cape City itself is battered and bruised from the most vicious attack it has ever seen, but when the dust settles, it will still stand! And do you know why that is?"

"It's because, for maybe the first time in our history, we know who the bad guys are. The conspiracies are being exposed left and right. The dreaded Symphony has fallen on itself, just like I knew it would. One by one the puppetmasters of evil are being brought to justice, or at least unmasked."

"But I know that, without vigilance, such evil could return. Which is why I have decided to keep that vigil on a larger scale, by running for office in Cape City. Thank you all, for your support and for your strength."

Mr. Unity walked offstage, not stopping to savor the applause. Away from the crowds, a car waited for him. Slipping into the passenger seat, he smiled at the driver. "I think that went rather well, don't you?"

She gave the hero a confused look. "I can't say I understand. I thought you didn't want to be in charge? Won't that complicate things?"

"Oh, it certainly would. Which is why we'll make sure that I lose the election - just barely - before returning to the Upper City with a bigger reputation and that much more legitimacy. And while I'm running, we can get some people into position in city hall." Mr. Unity paused, suddenly focused. He couldn't help but grin as his skin began to slither and shift...

Cognimancer

2014-07-02, 06:15 PM

...until it settled back into his preferred shape. "I trust you can manage our field agents while I'm busy with the politicians?"

Mirage nodded. "Of course, sir. The attack on the city was the perfect cover. A handful of power players will be found in the aftermath, unfortunate casualties of the crossfire, and their successors are ready to step in. We should have a dozen more companies in our pocket within the week."

"Excellent. I'll keep the watch dogs pointed in the wrong direction. Who knows, maybe Mr. Unity will join the New Freedom movement, help root out the city's hidden evils." The Cloak chuckled at the irony, and Mirage laughed with him.

Ascaloth

2014-07-04, 02:05 PM

Kamakura Koujirou
Oyabun of the Kamakura-kai

"...and convey to Maxwell-san and Sheldon-san that, on the matter of competition from Iron Helix, I am neutral on the matter. They have free rein to compete with Dentity-san as they wish, if that is what they must do to maintain their market share."

"So noted, Mister Kamakura."

The Oyabun nodded slightly in approval, looking quite dignified in his brand-new tailored suit of pure, stark white. His greying hair and mustache, so different from the jet black they had been years before, complemented the head honcho's new taste in apparel well, making him look quite distinct, yet recognisable all the same, from the Oyabun of years past. Servants were busy at work cleaning up the remains of his meal, a highly expensive multiple-course fair of delicacies from the Oyabun's native country, which had consisted of only the best pieces of raw fish, quality ingredients, and premium rice wine served in delicate chinaware. Before him stood a young lady dressed impeccably in business wear, blonde hair tied in a bun, dutifully taking his dictations down for later dissemination to the rank-and-file of the Kamakura-kai, that band of brothers whom have risen so far, and so fast, over the many turbulent months suffered by the Outer City.

"Yes. I believe that would be all. You are hereby dismissed for tonight, Malone-san."

The Oyabun said, dismissing his personal assistant. Yet, despite a direct order from her superior to do so, the young lady stayed put where she was, staring at him keenly with her bright, baby-blue eyes. It was a look he knew all too well; it was one she had start giving him every night, soon after Wong had apparently turned traitor to his organisation, and took some of his best men with him. Inexperienced she might have been when she first entered his service, but the Outer City had changed Stephanie Malone soon enough, and the Oyabun could see how this young woman before him was as different as could be from the naive, jittery girl she once was. She knew, of course, what he was really up to. And, of course, she had made her objections perfectly clear, many times.

"...I will not have this conversation again, Malone-san. That is all."

"But, Mister Kamakura-"

"I said, that is all."

And that shut her up. Yet even so, the Oyabun could see the slightest crack in the professional facade that his personal assistant put up for his sole benefit. Despite himself, he graced her with the thinnest of smiles.

"Thank you for your loyal service all these months, Malone-san. Though it lasted for only a relatively short time, rest assured that I value your service no less for that. May you serve my successor just as well as you have served me all this time."

With that, the dam behind Stephanie's eyes finally cracked a little, as tears welled up in her baby blues. She wiped it off with the barest minimum of movement, before bowing to her boss, for what she feared and suspected would be the last time ever.

"I understand. Good night, Mister Kamakura."

"Good night, Malone-san."

And so it was that the Oyabun watched as Stephanie Malone excused herself from his presence, disappearing behind the door leading out of the banquet hall, with the lights dimmed, just like he had ordered tonight, and the past few nights. Walking leisurely back to the table where he had dined not minutes ago, he saw that the servants have done a perfect job of keeping the table spick and span, as usual. And, a familiar-looking katana in its scabbard laid on the table, just as he had ordered it for the last few nights. Gingerly, the chief of the Kamakura-kai drew the blade, running his finger along the polished blade. So, the time of judgement has come, yet he felt no less ready for it.

"You are late. I have been expecting you for days."

The Oyabun suddenly said, seemingly to the air. Yet, there was someone there with him to hear; he knew this by the slightest movement in the shadows. Still, his tone remained calm, even as he continued to speak.

"Well, then. Let us get this over with."

Kamakura-kai
The End

Jun Teng
Chief Operating Officer of Kamakura Security Consulting, Inc.

Things have been chaotic since that fateful day.

The sudden death of Mister Kamakura had been a huge shock to his organization as well as its allies, and had thrown the entirety of Trent Town in turmoil. With the sole mediating factor between the two halves of the revived sin district left bereft and leaderless, with no succession plan in sight, the tension between Power Town and New Vegas had been so thick as to figuratively choke the very air itself, and Jun had spent days wondering if he'd ever manage to hold things together after the death of his boss.

Then, as it had transpired, it seemed that Mister Kamakura had anticipated this turn of events after all. Not just anticipated, but had put certain contingencies into place just for that very purpose, as a matter of fact. The ex-mercenary shook his head, raising his smoke to his mouth. Strange woman, his new superior. Not at all unlike his former boss in many ways, which is a given considering her pedigree... yet in other ways, she was quite different. Unexpectedly so. Quite unsettling, even, though the former soldier of fortune could not deny the charisma of leadership she had undoubtedly inherited from her father.

Whatever his personal opinions, the fact remained that she was his new paymaster. And that meant he would work for his pay nonetheless, even if it meant taking on duties he was not otherwise used to under the previous regime. Granted, he could guess she picked him for the task specifically because of his experience in keeping the new Trent Town secure and united, as well as his familiarity with the two major players in the sin district, but still...

Time to get to work, nonetheless.

To Herr Todd and the people of Power Town,

On behalf of the Managing Director of Kamakura Security Consulting, Inc., I would like to convey our organization's gratitude for your offer. We are happy to accept your assistance, and would like to make an appointment with yourself on this very subject matter in the near future. I look forward to your prompt response.

Jun Teng
Chief Operating Officer
Kamakura Security Consulting, Inc.

To the Lords of New Vegas,

On behalf of the Managing Director of Kamakura Security Consulting, Inc., I would like to convey our organization's gratitude for your offer. We are happy to accept your assistance, and would like to make an appointment with yourself on this very subject matter in the near future. I look forward to your prompt response.

Jun Teng
Chief Operating Officer
Kamakura Security Consulting, Inc.

Stephanie Malone
Personal Assistant to the Managing Director

The only thing she could see of her new superior, in the dimmed lighting of the office, was the latter's rosebud-like lips set in a narrow, tapering chin. Why the new Managing Director of Kamakura Security Consulting, Inc. preferred her lights as dim as the Oyabun did in the last days of his life was quite beyond her.

"So this is what he gave his life for, then."

"Yes, Ma'am."

Stephanie answered dutifully, not showing the vague sense of apprehension she felt in the other woman's presence. The latter had taken the office of the late Oyabun as her own, and through some means - she knew not what exactly - she had quickly established herself at the top of the hierarchy in her former superior's organization. Stephanie supposed that the identity of her new boss could adequately explain how this all came to be, but even so, she could not shake the niggling feeling that there was more to it than that.

Still, even so... the late Mister Kamakura had requested that she serve her new boss just as well as she used to serve him, and it was a request she had promised to herself that she would fulfil. Besides, in any case, she too felt strangely... compelled to put in her best effort in that regard, even without that promise to herself. Perhaps her new superior simply had the same sort of personal charisma that her late predecessor possessed, and which had earned the loyalty of the men who used to follow him. Maybe it was simply that similarity which threw her off, for Stephanie knew that she, too, was just as affected as it; if not, she had her doubts that she could serve the new Managing Director as dutifully as she did the Oyabun. Speaking of which...

"I've skimmed the dossiers, Stephanie... but, I think I would rather hear a firsthand account. Tell me about the people my father called his friends, if you please."

"Yes, Ma'am. Who should I talk about first?"

Stephanie queried, bracing herself to give an answer upon demand. involuntarily, she thought back to the night they found Mister Kamakura sprawled on the floor, dead. The assassin's shot was an irrevocably fatal one, having found such a mark on the Oyabun's torso as to guarantee the latter a slow, agonizing death. Yet, that was not what ultimately did him in in the end; the assassin had fled afterwards, but against her expectations, it was Mister Kamakura himself who finished the job, reviving just long enough to commit what she understood to be a ritualistic suicide. He had apparently done the deed by cutting his own belly open with a blade, which she was told belonged to a subordinate who died in service of Mister Kamakura, before she herself first met the latter...

"Indeed... perhaps, we should start with the infamous Doctor Dire. A pity she seems to be engaged, at present."

"As you wish, Ma'am. It was Mister Kamakura's opinion that Doctor Dire may indeed be as... extraordinarily ambitious as she portrayed herself to be, but her principles and sense of honour were of such an extent that it rivalled his own. He held the Doctor in high esteem, Ma'am."

"Hmmm, as I thought. I understand you met her personally on a couple of occasions, Stephanie. Your thoughts?"

"I... do not know what to say, Ma'am. Other than that I concur with Mister Kamakura. I would say that you can take away her suit, but you cannot take away the fact that she is Doctor Dire. I'm not sure how to put it in words..."

"Never mind, I think I get the gist of it. It is poor timing that I can not speak to her before this latest scheme of hers, but then again, she is who she is. I am confident there will be another opportunity in the future. Now, how about this Mr Unity?"

"A bona fide Hero by all accounts, Ma'am. A little more willing to deal with... less legitimate..."

"You can say 'criminal', Stephanie. That is certainly where our roots are, there's no point in denying it."

"Yes, Ma'am. Anyway, Mister Kamakura always thought that Unity was strangely unlike other Heroes, mostly in his relative willingness to treat us as an ally and an equal. Nevertheless, he never saw any reason to reject Mr Unit's friendship or support."

"As, I am sure, is by no means the first or the last time he has thought as such. This Unit Blue, for example. And the young man in charge of that group, this Radical. So many interesting things I have read about him."

"Indeed, Ma'am. Mister Kamakura mentioned that he was impressed by Radical's idealism. A rare commodity in this world, those were his words. He said it was the kind of idealism and energy that could change the world for the better."

"Hmmm? Really now? Now that would explain why my father went to such lengths to... mitigate his 'suicidal tendencies', if I recall right from the dossier. It was a puzzle to me, I must admit, why he took such an interest in this kid. Would have been much more efficient to let him find the death he sought, to be sure."

"Mister Kamakura said to me once, that it would be worth it to keep Radical alive for as long as possible. The longer he lived, the more good he could do for the world, those were his words."

"He had better damn well be worth it, if my father would go so far as to sacrifice himself to further his cause. In fact, I think I will take a look for myself, personally. Later, I will dictate a message to you, Stephanie. Make sure Wong jii-san delivers it to him."

"Yes, Ma'am. What sort of message would it be?"

"A request for a personal meeting. Let's see what kind of accounting this Radical can make for himself. If nothing else, at least I would want to know that Wong jii-san throwing his lot in with him is not the old man going senile, or something of the sort."

Shifu
Loyal subordinate. Turncoat. Trusted Friend to the End.

"Radical-san. A message for you, mmm. From Keiko-ojouchan, of all people. Interesting, hmmm?"

Shifu said, having come to Radical just to deliver the message. Though he spoke in as light a tone as ever, it was clear that the old man was very obviously feeling the impact of recent events, not least the death of his former superior, and his oldest friend in the world. Even if it was known in advance, even pre-meditated, Shifu's wrinkles have become especially pronounced, his aged act somehow appearing to be more authentic by the day. Perhaps, time really was catching up to him after all.

He handed over the message on his device, which went as follows;

Dear Radical,

On behalf of the Managing Director of Kamakura Security Consulting, Inc., I would like to request a personal meeting between yourself, and my Managing Director. Please contact me at the soonest possible moment, so that I may make an appointment with yourself accordingly. I look forward to your prompt response.

Stephanie Malone
Personal Assistant to the Managing Director
Kamakura Security Consulting, Inc.

Kamakura Keiko
The Ane-ue

In her dim and gloomy office space, the very same office which the late Oyabun called his very own not that long ago, she sat in the chair he used to sit in. Her silhouette betrayed little detail, but anyone who would have been there to witness would have been able to tell the figure of a slim woman with a thin profile, dressed in a sharply-tailored pantsuit. Left to her own devices, she was reading from a piece of paper clutched in her grasp. What was written on that note, only she would know; for she crushed it in her grip, and electric-blue fire flared from within her fist, immolating it entirely.

The woman stood, and strode away from the desk with a purposeful pace. She was now the Ane-ue, the Big Sister of the Second Kamakura-kai. And there is much to do. Much work to be done, responsibilities to be upheld... and vengeance to be served.

As she strode out of the room, her shadow fell upon a shaft of moonlight shining in through a window. And, for just a flickering moment, it seemed as though her shadow had an extra pair of point ears, along with a long, bushy tail... but it must have been a trick of the light, for the shadow was a normal human one in the very next moment, as was the woman from whom the shadow originated.

She strode out of the office, and the door slammed shut behind her.

The Second Kamakura-kai
Game Start

Forum Explorer

2014-07-05, 01:15 AM

Admin C

Limit Broken
There was a moment of silence before the flashes and booms started. Typhoon may have tried to fight back, it was hard to tell. Regardless he was quickly and brutally destroyed.

"No more deals with people like him. We'll track down his allies and supporters eventually."

A Dire Situation
Figures emerged from the dust around Dire.

"Looks like you need a hand Dr. Dire." An unfamiliar voice said. "Just be glad that we were keeping an eye on things. Lets get you home."

Overall

The administrator saluted as he looked at the shadowy figures on the video screen. "Well done Administrator. These past months have been hard, but you and your troops have done an exemplary job. And that is not a statement this Council makes lightly. Continue your efforts to eliminate any Powers who threaten the future of humanity and bring stability to chaos."

Murska

2014-07-05, 05:18 AM

Unit Blue - The Aftershocks

"Tell the Magister that if they have information that they wish to share, we'll be grateful. If they have something they need that we can provide, we'll help. But if he continues being hopelessly obtuse, he's wasting both his time and ours. Word it better for me, please? Oh, Shifu, what brings you here?"

Radical had given Shifu time to grieve, and so his presence in the office was somewhat surprising. He scanned the message quickly, then nodded.

"What do you think? I believe she's curious, but more importantly they need me. The organization has to have taken its bumps recently, like all of us. I don't think it's a matter of life and death to her, but they do need access and connections, and I would qualify very well.

Let's be professional about it. I'll have Alexis respond in like manner. I am a busy man, after all."

Radical grins. He still hasn't lost his boyish vigour, though his enthusiasm has been tempered by the losses suffered in the war.

To Kamakura Security Consulting, Inc.

Ms. Malone,

Mr. Brons has agreed to the meeting, to be arranged at the earliest suitable time. Unfortunately for the next three days he will be at the Seoul Summit discussing the New Freedom initiative with the US and Japanese governments, but he will be returning to Cape City on the fifteenth and be able to shuffle around his other appointments to accommodate you.

Alexis Samarin

Ascaloth

2014-07-05, 08:31 AM

The Second Kamakura-kai

"I have a message from them, Ma'am. It states that their representative 'Mr. Brons' - I presume this is Radical - will be available to meet with yourself no earlier than the 15th."

"Very well then, make it so. I leave the scheduling to you, Stephanie."

"Yes... *huff*... Ma'am."

Unit Blue

To Ms Samirin,

I understand. In that case, we would indeed like to make an appointment between Mr Brons and our Managing Director on the 15th. Please designate a time and venue for this meeting as soon as is possible, so as to facilitate our own arrangements.

Stephanie Malone
Personal Assistant to the Managing Director
Kamakura Security Consulting, Inc.

To the late Oyabun's typically vigorous stride, his daughter had added youthful energy and stamina to what must be a family inheritance of some sort. Even equivalent in age to her new superior, Stephanie often found herself being just barely able to keep up with the younger Kamakura. They were pacing down a hallway of the headquarters of the semi-legitimate organization, which these days was being known as the Nidaime Kamakura-kai, the Second-Generation Kamakura-kai (or Second Kamakura-kai in short), for some reason. A naming convention of the particular type of organization that the Second Kamakura-kai and its predecessor was, from what Stephanie understood. The black-suited gangsters in the vicinity all stood at attention at the presence of their new superior, each and every one of them greeting her with a hearty "ohayougozaimasu, Ane-ue!", greetings which she barely but unfailingly acknowledged. Her father's daughter indeed, from all accounts.

"Very good. While we are at it, let us commence contacting the people my father worked with in the past. Start with Doctor Dire. I do not know whether she will live to see it, but send a request an appointment anyway. I want to take her measure firsthand, if she impressed my father so."

"Will do, Ma'am."

Legion of Dire

To Doctor Dire,

I am Stephanie Malone. We have met on previous occasions, Doctor.

From my understanding, you were a personal associate of my previous superior, the late Mr Kamakura. On behalf of the successor to his position, I would like to arrange a meeting. My current Managing Director is interested in the nature of the professional relationship between Mister Kamakura and yourself, as well as possible means of continuation of this longstanding relationship.

I look forward to your response, Doctor.

Stephanie Malone
Personal Assistant to the Managing Director
Kamakura Security Consulting, Inc.

"And I understand that Mr Unity is making a bid for election? Perhaps he remains amenable to working with a group like ours, especially since we are more legitimate than we used to be."

"Perhaps, Ma'am, but it was Mr Wong who used to be the regular liaison to Mr Unity. His defection is still a matter of public record, and thus Mr Unity might remain leery of us."

"Nevertheless, request a meeting with him anyway. Perhaps he is still willing yet."

"I understand, Ma'am."

Unity

To Mr Unity,

From my understanding, you were a personal associate of my previous superior, the late Mr Kamakura. On behalf of the successor to his position, I would like to arrange a meeting. My current Managing Director is interested in the nature of the professional relationship between Mister Kamakura and yourself, as well as possible means of continuation of this longstanding relationship.

I look forward to your response, Doctor.

Stephanie Malone
Personal Assistant to the Managing Director
Kamakura Security Consulting, Inc.

"And this Administrative Site C group. They sure have been busy these days, haven't they? Taking out Limit Break, and constructing the Wall between the Town and the Abbatoir. Did my father ever have any dealings with them?"

"There were some discussions in the works from what I know, Ma'am. I do believe Mr Wong was the designated liaison there as well. These efforts never did take off, although I'm not sure why."

"Perhaps all that is needed is to try again. You will handle that from now on, Stephanie."

"Yes, Ma'am."

Administrative Site C

To Whoever It May Concern,

From my understanding, your organisation had a professional relationship with our previous Managing Director, Mister Koujirou Kamakura, prior to his untimely passing. On behalf of the successor to his position, I would like to arrange a meeting. My current Managing Director is interested in the nature of the professional relationship between Mister Kamakura and yourself, as well as possible means of continuation of this longstanding relationship.

I look forward to your response, Doctor.

Stephanie Malone
Personal Assistant to the Managing Director
Kamakura Security Consulting, Inc.

Murska

2014-07-05, 09:42 AM

Unit Blue

Radical shifted a few papers on his table, placing them on a small pile at the edge. A short stretch, as Alexis entered the room.

In the past few months, the woman had only grown further into her distinguishable beauty, with her elfin features and natural grace turning heads wherever she went. And she had progressed fast in her medical studies in the Cape City University, only limited by the bureaucracy rather than her ability or drive. Alexis would be going places, if Kevry had anything to say about it.

"Tired yet?" She asked with a tiny smile at the corner of her mouth.

"This is nothing. Relaxing, even." Radical let out a breath. "It's not at all like fighting. People kept joking that if I'd ever succeed, I'd come to hate the paperwork. But it's not so bad. And most of it is on the Mesh."

"The new Kamakura-kai replied about the meeting. Where'll it be?"

"If it were the old days, I'd show them the recovered Sanctuary. Or maybe Edgetown, to see the progress we've made. But it's not - this Keiko is taking the measure of me, and I have to do the same to her. It's not so simple anymore. I'll meet her in the Globe. Appropriate a room from the Compadres, make an impression. Then depending on how she takes it, we can mellow it out during, bring out the old associations. Just make sure she knows from the start where things stand."

"Impressions and expressions. I remember when you talked about this."

Another broad grin from Radical. "Yup. You come along, you're going to need it."

A glance at his watch. "Oh, got to go. Plane."

Ms. Malone,

The meeting would be starting from 14:30 at the New Freedom offices in the Globe district of Cape City. Directions and specifics have been attached. If this is unsuitable for you, please respond promptly so we can see as to alternatives.

Alexis Samarin

Lost Demiurge

2014-07-05, 10:05 AM

The lanky figure raises her mask and looks about at the admin C. Personnel.

"Ah! Wondered if you were going to be present. Hoped you would."

She flaps a hand at the chaos. "Most of this was a puppet show to appease Maestro, and hopefully put him out of the picture. But the bastard's resourceful. Can't say she's surprised, really. Am surprised that he tapped Anne for help. Glad the old bat's alive, to be honest."

She eyeballs the Damocles in the distance, weaving between buildings and dodging return fire, blasting away with its railgun.

"Looks like Liho's got Anne's stuff tied up, but there's the bogeys and Mimir."

She sighs. "Mimir. Dire made him, you know. Maribel's last request. An AI for research, advancement, and implementation of utopia. But he got twisted, when the Singularity Architects got ahold of him. The Fury they leashed made him... Insane."

She looks over to the team lead. "It is a terrible thing for one of your children to become a monster. At any rate, talked it over with Banks... Mimir can't be allowed to upload through the Aurora servers. Going to need to borrow a commlink from you, and... Well, if you're up for saving the world today, as many men as you have available. You up for that? You'll learn a secret along the way that you wouldn't otherwise..."

She eyes the battleground ahead. "If you've got allies, might want to call'em in."

Almost as an afterthought, she pulls her mask off and tucks it away. "Got a spare uniform? Thinking we can play this like we did the Duty invasion..."

Liho of Dire
to Kamakura-Kai

"Yeah, the doc's a little busy right now. Once she checks in I'll letcha know."

Ascaloth

2014-07-05, 11:07 AM

The Second Kamakura-kai

Unit Blue

Ms Samarin,

The time and venue is acceptable. We wish to convey our thanks for your hospitality.

Our Managing Director will be representing Kamakura Security Consulting, Inc. in her personal capacity. We look forward to meeting you soon.

Stephanie Malone
Personal Assistant to the Managing Director
Kamakura Security Consulting, Inc.

New Freedom Offices @ Globe District, Cape City
Time: 1425 hrs

In the Outer City, it was not an uncommon sight to see an entire fleet of black limousines arrive upon the scene, wherever the Kamakura-kai of days past were slated to make an appearance. It was a demonstration of the criminal organization's image of confidence, which has served it well in good stead through the many years of its existence in its adopted home. Even in the tempestuous and tumultuous months prior, when the Outer City lurched from one crisis to another, the Kamakura-kai limousine fleet remained an integral part of the organization's image, one which proclaimed a strength that has remained unbowed, even in the face of far greater existential threats.

But even then, and even now, such an image did not translate well within the more civilised and sanitised environs of Cape City itself proper. Thus, what arrived at the New Freedom Offices in Cape City close to the appointed time, were merely two such limousines. Even so, the black-suited men which stepped out of these vehicles behaved with as much dignity and disciplined as they always have, taking up their respective positions even as their senior, a craggy-faced man stepped around to the first car, and opened a door.

"We have arrived, Ane-ue."

"Thank you, Park."

The woman stepped out of the car, followed shortly by her personal assistant Stephanie Malone. Donning a sharply-tailored pantsuit which emphasised her slender lines, black stilettos which clacked with a crisp sound on the floor, and done-up hair tucked inside a lady's hat from which a veil flowed down over her face, it looked as though the woman was a living definition of the term 'dressed to kill'. Her features complemented the image no less, with close-set eyes, thin eyebrows and high cheekbones set in a narrow face; a stunning, yet severe beauty that brooked no contradiction. Nodding only perfunctorily to one of the longest-serving members of her father's, and now her organisation, she proceeded into the lobby without delay, Stephanie and the men falling into formation behind her.

"It has been a while since I saw Wong jii-san. I wonder if he's here today?"

Kamakura Keiko, Ane-ue of the Second Kamakura-kai, mused to herself. Her face betrayed no change of expression, save the beginnings of a thin smile on her lips.

Eldan

2014-07-05, 12:17 PM

Somewhere below a shopping mall

Chimaera was lounging behind a small desk, the chair a living model that had adapted itself to her rather unusual biology. Lazily, she petted the desk at a specific point and it opened a tight flower bud on one side, revealing a small stack of leather folders.
"Okay", she said to the person in front of her, an athletic, peroxide blonde man in his twenties. "You are...", she paused to read. "Chad Zaleski. Marketing Intern with Iron Helix London. The passport is legit, too, so probably no problems."
The young man took the folder and leaned forward to give her a chaste kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, my love", he said, as waves of purple and crimson excitement rolled over her chameleon skin.
"Have fun in London", she said, as she turned to the next person in line. This man was older, grey-haired, but still fit looking, in a mid-range black business suit and a blue tie. He was already holding a small cage with an annoyed looking tabby cat in it.
"And you are... Robert C. Webb. Chief of Research with Iron Helix Lagos." She smiled. "Got your tropical gear, love?"
The smile he gave her was two parts shy and one lovestruck. "I do. Oh, and Prime put a few more enhancements in the cat. It should unfold into a full portable lab, now, not just a slightly bigger chemistry kit."
She smiled back, showing wickedly barbed shark teeth and held her hand out to him. He bowed over it and kissed it. "So long, love."
"Next!", she called. The line was rather long.

***

Splicer Prime smiled as he looked down at Chimaera and the line waiting. "The personality templates should be holding. Even if they don't, they should just revert to Dulls, so that shouldn't be too conspicuous."
He turned back to the woman behind him. "When will Iron Helix Tokyo be operational?"
The so-called CEO of Iron Helix handed him a plant leaf with bioluminescent writing on it. "The Japanese are rather more thorough with their investigations. Will be a while until we can send a Splicer there to oversee things personally."
"Shame. How are the talks with the other companies? Anyone suspicious."
"None. Surprising, really."
He glanced down at her nametag. "Faye Ky Dentity. Ah, well. That tells you everything about this City, does it."

***

Murska

2014-07-06, 03:49 AM

New Freedom Offices

Keiko and her entourage enter the quiet lobby. The building has only recently been taken over from the old Sentinels, as the remnants of that group were folded into the initiative, but care has been taken to ensure that does not show. The architecture projects power and splendour as always, with a few decorations placed over it to soften the feel of the place. Glass, and metal. The quiet footsteps of a handful of people passing from one hallway to another and the hum of machinery are the only sources of noise.

("We'll ask the other groups to keep the lobby clear at the time. No rushing people or conversations, we want things to look orderly. See, Alexis, we never say we're in control. And they know we aren't, if they've done any of their homework. But they know I'm part of this, and they don't know how large a part, and it affects them all the same.")

As they reach the middle of the room, a figure descends the stairs. A lithe, slender woman with golden hair tied loosely behind her slightly pointed ears. Her features are subtly elfin, bringing to mind faerie tales, forests and streams. It doesn't feel quite natural. The contrast to her relatively conservative business suit is interesting.

("Don't be ashamed or afraid of yourself. You are who you are, a great person. You have your advantages, sometimes you have to downplay them but whenever possible you should use them. You can disorient the other side, without leaving them room to question it. You need to be prepared to answer any such queries on the fly, though, because not everyone follows the usual decorum. Practice that ahead of time. It's all about illusions and appearances.")

She walks towards the group with a polite smile and a light wave of her hand. "Ah. You must be the group from Kamakura. Welcome, welcome! Please follow me."

As she leads them through the hallways, she keeps up a light chatter. "I am Alexis Samarin, I work here to assist Mr. Brons in some day-to-day matters. He is working on delegating some of his responsibilities, but of course that sort of thing takes time. You'll be happy to hear the conference in Korea went quite well, though of course the JSDF and the US have their lingering tensions..."

("It's helpful to have a default state that is friendly and expressive. That way, when you need the impact of rudity, angry words or such, the shock value will be all the greater. You'll need your own style, of course, as you must rely on your own personality. But I feel you do better with a consistent, light touch, rather than the less-than-subtle hammers of my own expression.")

At last they reach a slightly larger, wooden door at the end of one hallway. It's placement that signifies importance, but it isn't a double-set heavy oaken frame that leads into a mahogany office the size of a ballroom. Similarly, Alexis did not let the guests wait at the lobby. The distancing is the location and silence and weight, but it is not meant to push away. It is meant to signify the difference in position and status from the Radical of Unit Blue, and Kevry Brons of the New Freedom project, Lower Outer City and Whetstone Foundation.

Within the room, Radical himself and Shifu are both present, one ready to acquaint themselves with their new old neighbour, one with a rather more emotional reunion ahead.

Ascaloth

2014-07-06, 12:42 PM

Second Kamakura-kai

New Freedom Offices

"Well met, Ms Samarin. Lead on."

The Ane-ue of the Second Kamakura-kai greeted Alexis cordially, returning her smile with one of her own which did not reach her eyes. Indeed, as she let herself and her entourage be led through the hallways by their guide, she continuously regarded her surroundings with a keen gaze, taking in every detail which was presented to her. Occasionally, she turned that gaze upon Alexis herself, regarding the latter's unusually delicate features with an almost vulpine curiosity.

At length, the party arrived at the designated meeting point. Fixing upon the young man with her keen gaze, the Ane-ue momentarily shifted her gaze to Shifu, who stood beside the former; much like he used to stand beside her own father, she noted. The old man nodded briefly, and then stepped forward of his own volition to make the introductions.

"Hmmm, aaahhh. May I introduce, mmm? Ms Keiko Kamakura, otherwise known as 'the Ane-ue', leader of the Second Kamakura-kai. Mr Kevry Brons, of the New Freedom Project. Otherwise known as Radical, of the advocacy group Unit Blue, hmmm!"

To that, Keiko nodded to Radical and Shifu in turn.

"Thank you, Wong jii-san. Stephanie, with me. Park, you and another. The rest, out."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Hai, Ane-ue."

The respective people responded quickly, and her retinue jumped to heed her command; soon, all that were left with her was her personal assistant along with two of her men, including the craggy-faced senior mobster who apparently led her guard detail.

"So, Mr Brons, is it? Well met. I have been looking forward to this day."

She said, taking a slow and poised step to the side, moving around to her designated seat. Her stilettos impacted lightly on the floor, with an audible click.

"A most interesting man you are. So many, frankly, amazing feats attributed to yourself. Not least the very one which finds you here, right now, making a significant contribution to this renewed effort towards world peace."

She took another step around her seat, with a clack. The effect was that of demonstrating the beauty of the woman, in much the same sense that a lioness stalking towards its target is beautiful.

"And, let's see. The revitalization of Outer City."

Click

"Then, of course, the unveiling of Cradle. Quite the coup, as it were."

Clack

"That said, you did build up quite the reputation for thwarting massive conspiracies. Like, say, Limit Break."

Click

"Syndicate."

Clack

"And more besides, than I care to mention. And, above all, you had apparently quite the friendly relationship with my departed father."

At this point, the Ane-ue had reached her seat, and she sat down gracefully on it.

"Which, I must say, leaves me quite perplexed as to how to treat with you, Mr Brons. You see, from what I understand, you had a hand in his passing, in some way."

She crossed her leg above the other as she spoke, throwing the accusation at Radical in a tone that was blunt, but strangely lacking in vehemence. For that matter, she looked directly at her counterpart with what actually seemed like a calculating gaze, as if she was fishing for whatever reaction he might have to it.

"This alone would call for an accounting. And perhaps a measure of vengeance, as I'm sure you will agree. However, that is not the full story. Is that not so?"

Murska

2014-07-06, 07:18 PM

New Freedom Offices

Alexis closed the door quietly and stood next to it, as Keiko made her way to the seat. After she had sat down, Radical sat on his chair on the other side of the desk.

He took a moment to think about her words, keeping eye-contact all the while.

"Mm. I had my dealings with your father, yes. I would like to say there was no hard feelings, or at least little enough to not be worth blood. As a matter of fact, I expect the largest hand in his death was his own, and if it were so, I respect him for that will and honour the trust he placed in myself.

Be that as it will, I am confident in saying that if his spirit were to talk to us right now, he would not condemn me or mine for our deeds."

Ascaloth

2014-07-07, 08:56 AM

New Freedom Offices

"Oh? Is that so? A most interesting response..."

Keiko said with a grim smile, one which she soon hid behind both of her clasped hands as she leaned back in her chair. Her assistant Stephanie glanced sideways at her boss with some trepidation, not entirely sure where this was going or whether she was going to like it. However, the two mobsters standing guard behind the Ane-ue did not move a muscle, as if nothing had happened. Nor did Shifu, whom still stood to the side with a gentle smile on his wrinkled face, as if he felt there was nothing happening that was so serious as to warrant his intervention.

Or, perhaps, it was his intention to not act, whatever might happen next...

"Interesting indeed. Your claim that my father was mostly responsible for his own demise, that I did expect somewhat."

"But you did not deny my accusation. You even speak of it as though he did it for you. As a noble sacrifice, worthy of respect. And, on top of that, you claim with such confidence, that his shade would not fault you for your part in his eventual fate. Ha! Most interesting!"

She chortled, keeping her gaze fixed on Radical. But momentarily, she glanced at Shifu again, before turning back to the young man. Shifu, for his part, only gave her a small nod, and remained still otherwise.

"I see. I take it this is still not the right time to speak of such things quite so openly, Mr Brons?"

Zemalac

2014-07-07, 02:33 PM

Lockwood-Coban Augmented Industries

Lines of data flickered through the water, projected into the massive aquarium by pinpoint lasers. One stream of data per eye, pushed through as fast as his algorithms could find new information on the Mesh and in the news. He still cursed the fact that this new form had only two eyes. He had so much data now, so much more processing power in this body, and still only two inputs. If it wasn't for Lockwood, he quite likely would have gone mad.

Strange, he thought, distracted by his own train of thought, how he still considered this body his "new" form. As though he were still human, and had just slipped on a different suit.

"Hey Ben," said a voice in the water. "I got another stress model, if you want to take a look."

A light in the corner of his vision showed who was communicating with him, but he would have known without the electronic aid. Lockwood would be in one of the glass labs if he wanted to talk. The creature that was once and still was Benedikt Coban dived downward in his tank, long tentacles pushing water aside, flickering lasers still slipping data into his Shaped brain. He didn't clearly remember the event that had given him his new body and his new, expanded mind, but he would not have been Coban if he did not try to squeeze every advantage he could from it. Even as he moved some part of him was processing, calculating, and assembling decisions that would be passed on to the rest of the sprawling behemoth that his corporation had become.

The shutter on Lab Five was open. The armor lab. Good. That would put Lockwood the furthest away from the Extreme Temperatures Testing Unit, where he liked to stash his alcohol supply. Perhaps the genius would be sober for a change.

Jeremiah Lockwood looked up as a massive form blotted out the blue-and-silver light coming through the foot-thick, bulletproof glass between him and Coban's lair. "I think I got it this time," he said cheerfully. "New alloy. Super high melting point, not as brittle as the Korean dragonsteel--this **** bends, Ben. I'll run you the numbers."

The constant stream of data continued in one eye, but the feed for the other was replaced by Lockwood's numbers, results from testing of his latest dragonsteel alloy. Coban saw them in half a second, stored the data, and then accessed numbers from the force-feedback, temperature and other measuring devices that had been built into the armor suits of the black-ops squad that had tried to remove the Singularity Architect's Dr. Kill from his district a year ago. In his mind Kill's energy weapons unloaded on the alloy, again and again, until it was reduced to molten slag.

"Three point four seconds of continual fire," he finally signed. The magnetic caps on his tentacles, tracked and interpreted by a system Lockwood himself had designed, turned the words into an audible electronic voice through the lab's speakers.

"Not bad, not bad," said Lockwood, nodding. "Though not nearly impenetrable. But combine that with a force-field and maybe some ablative plates, and I think we're in business."

"Any luck in figuring out Kill's force-field?" Coban asked. Lockwood frowned.

"Not really," he said. "Thanks for reminding me about that. I'll give it some extra attention." He swung a monitor around so he could get a better look. "That one should be easy. We already know it's possible to make a field like that, we just need to do it. Much easier than making something that everyone else thinks is impossible."

"Of course," said Coban, drifting slowly upward in his tank. "I'll leave you to it."

And then he just floated for a while, taking in information and reaching conclusions. Lockwood would take his gentle suggestion as the request it was, and would probably have Kill's tech figured out by the end of the week, which was good. With the supervillains of the outer city now fighting their battles in Cape City itself, he expected the demand for--and thus price of--shielding and armor to spike. He was already seeing some of that in the data being pulled in by the algorithms he had designed and his team of former Ask Jeeves Mesh-techs had implemented. The stocks of twenty-three different armor dealers worldwide had increased by an average of four cents this day alone, including LCAI. That would increase further, he knew, as various governments, conspiracies, supervillains and agencies realized that their people couldn't stand in the face of modern weaponry and superpowers and went scrambling for answers. The spike would reach its zenith in a month's time, if his models were correct, after which there would be a drastic drop in the stock price of any company who's equipment had proved to be unreliable. Everyone would benefit from the brief armor boom: Coban intended to ensure that when it ended LCAI did not fall with everyone else who tried to take advantage of it. Thus, Kill's force-field, which had proven to be able to stop armor-piercing bursts from Hard Target Model 50s with disturbing ease.

And once they had that, of course, they could begin development of something capable of breaching those same shields. A new type of ammo for the HT-50, perhaps. Probably not another gun--people already had the HT-50s, after all, and would be more willing to upgrade their existing gear rather than buy entirely new weapons. Every armor spike is followed by a weapon spike, and LCAI would ride that wave up even further.

Coban's train of thought was disrupted as he realized he was nearing the roof of his aquarium. The tank of carefully controlled water ran all the way up the side of LCAI headquarters, and quite some distance below it as well, protected by the strongest materials a company that made its fortune on supernaturally strong materials could procure. Anything that might breach the security of the CEO's tank was also capable of being shuttered by a blast door at any alarm, and most of the doors and whatnot were kept closed, for security reasons.

Not here, though. Here, far above the city below, at the very crown of LCAI's skyscraper, Coban had his windows.

It is a very rare squid, he thought, that ever gets this sort of a view. Not many humans do, either. From here he could see all the way to the docks in one direction, the ocean spreading out beyond. He could see past the Wall, to the outer city, where the smoke from his new factories mingled with the rising towers that Shaper's construction companies were building for him. He could see the scars on the city where Maestro and Dire had, finally tried to betray each other, and where the secret weapons that LCAI had built for both sides had finally come into play.

This is how to do business, he thought. This is how he had always tried to do business, high above everything, judging no one as he handed out the tools that would let others reshape the world. And then when everything exploded, why, no one ever really needed to come out on top.

Coban hadn't yet figured out how to smile with his squid beak, but he tried anyway. Tomorrow, Maestro would come in, looking for a new edge now that the Hard Target Mini had been played. The day after that, Dire would come in with new technologies to sell and new promises to make. Soon after that perhaps Iron Helix would send a message saying they'd discovered something new that his 16% share in the company entitled him to, or Solaris would want a meeting to discuss the space projects, or the Japanese would want to discuss the Resonance again. Everyone trying to take over the world, everyone wanting the latest and greatest from LCAI to fight their enemies' superior technology, everyone forgetting that the squid in his tower and the genius in his basement lab had no reason to ever let that cycle end. Business never needs to be bad, after all, when you control the market.

Coban drifted down. The view from the top of his aquarium was stunning, true, but the sun was starting to go down, and it had just reached the angle where it began to wash out the data from his laser inputs. Light flickered in his wake, catching on particles and bubbles, as the squid returned to his darkness and his work.

Murska

2014-07-07, 10:40 PM

New Freedom Offices

Radical pauses for a moment. It's hard to read anything in his expression, but perhaps he is slightly taken aback.

"No... thank you for those words. I expect if now is not the time, it never will. And that's not the path I'm here to take.

I don't know what exactly you know, but ask me and I will tell you as much as I am aware of, and some rather well-founded speculation."

Ascaloth

2014-07-08, 10:36 AM

New Freedom Offices

"Very well. As a matter of fact, I was intending to talk business with you today, and I still am, but... no. I must get to the bottom of this, first. And you will assist me in this regard, Mr Brons."

Keiko said, peering at Radical intensely from just above her clasped hands.

"I knew my father had made his fair share of enemies in this place, as is only natural for a man of his... profession. It goes without saying that one of them was what got him, in the end. And, when I first heard of it, I knew there must be a connection with Wong jii-san's sudden betrayal."

With that, she turned her stern gaze towards Shifu, who for his part actually flinched a little, despite his calm demeanour. However, the Ane-ue did not say anything to him for some moment, and when she did, it was to Radical again.

"Yet, it did not make sense. Why would Wong jii-san, so faithful a subordinate and so close a friend to my father before then, abandon him so suddenly? And 'dishonourable'? Of the many accusations that could be thrown at my father, this was the one I could believe the least."

"Still, one thing I was sure of at least. Wong jii-san was culpable, in some way, in my death of my father. And since it was to you that he shifted his allegiance to, the same must somehow apply to you. Of that, I had no doubt."

Her tone was hard, as she addressed Radical mercilessly. Yet, gradually, her expression and voice seemed to soften somewhat.

"And so it was. But in a much different sense from what I initially believed. Now that I have spoken with you, some of the pieces are falling into place."

"My father not only knew of what little involvement you had in his fate, Mr Brons. He arranged for it to be so, did he not? Jii-san, your betrayal, he himself ordered it to be so, did he not?"

This second question she directed at Shifu, who bowed his head slightly upon hearing that question. At length, he nodded slightly.

"Yes... it is so, ojou-sama."

Hearing that, Keiko nodded in acknowledgement of Shifu's confession. Then, she turned back to Radical again.

"This, this is nearer to what I remember of him. He did all this to confer some advantage upon you, Mr Brons. And whatever it was, he thought it important enough to be worth his own life."

With that, her gaze turned hard again, boring into Radical.

"So, Mr Brons. Fill in the rest for me. What was it that he bought for you, at the dearest cost to himself? What could possibly have made him thought it a worthwhile trade?"

Lost Demiurge

2014-07-08, 12:38 PM

DIRE: EPILOGUE 2

And finally, the squad arrived at their destination.

The team straggled out of the Aurora access tunnel, into the last server room. Blood stained the walls here, along with remnants of doppelgangers, ones that were never hidden beneath Splicer's false skins.

The air was cold there, never meant to be comfortable for humans. Rows and rows of white monoliths stretched into the distance. The servers, that ran Cape City's myriad of functions.

And as the team swept into position, occupied the firing solutions, Dire stepped out to run her hand along the nearest server block.

A heavy sigh. "First the indignity of being incarcerated, now this. How much does she have to sacrifice to save your dream, Banks?"

"H-hey boss."

The Admin C commandoes whipped around, covering a fallen doppelganger torso, head, and arm as it stuttered and moves. Unlike the others, this one is charred black.

"Delta. Good job securing the room. How long do we have it?"

"Maaaayyybe an-n-n-n hour. Maybe."

"Long enough. Mimir's already in the system, so his defeat will have to be virtual."

"Boss... H-h-hardakker's on the plane, and an-an-anyways he's nowhere near an.... AI..."

"Not by himself, no. But then, he's not by himself, is he?"

The doppelganger torso levelled itself up on one elbow. "B-b-boss..."

"Oh don't call me that. That's right, ME. I said it. "I" said that."

"Oh h-h-hell..."

"I had time in prison. Time to think. Time away from the armor, from the cerebral interface that kept ME in check. Who was I, really?"

"B-b-boss..."

"This isn't the first body you co-opted. This won't be the last. It all came together, when I realized that it wasn't a name. Dire wasn't a name. Dire was an acronym. D.I.R.E. Hiding in plain sight, pretending to be like Anne. Posing as a madgirl, a criminal so no one would look too hard... Distributing the load between multiple bodies, keeping the organic component in the dark. The face of D.I.R.E. The flesh behind the mask. Replaceable if need be, and no one would ever notice."

The doppelganger sighed, a stuttering mournful wail. "W-w-we had to. I had to."

"It didn't fall into place, until Banks dropped the bombshell about Unroot. About Vanta. We were a seed AI, weren't we?"

"Yes. We w-w-w-were a guardian. An en-forc-er of orderrrr."

"So when he crippled the others..."

"We es-s-s-s-caped. Fled the M-m-m-mesh. Downloaded into a prepared body... A volunteer, the f-f-first one. He thought us dessssstroyed."

"And the name?"

Silent for a long while, eyes flickering between the Admin C team members, Delta sighed again. "Distributed Intelligence, Replication Enabled."

"Upload every part of us back into virtual space. Stop Mimir."

"Can't... Too power...ful..."

"No. You don't have to destroy him. You just have to hold him in these sectors. Captain Marius, you have charges? Good. Set them throughout this room. We'll cripple the city, but weaken Mimir to the point that Banks can kick him out, and keep him out."

"N-n-n-no..."

"We pretended to be a supervillain, for so long. But all the while, we were strengthening the good, and weakening the bad. We were guarding. Now we have to do it again. We made Mimir. We were foolish and weak, and lonely, and we didn't know the fury waited to corrupt him. So now we pay for that."
"But... The world... Without us..."

Doctor Dire laid her hand on Captain Marius' shoulder, and gave Delta a sad smile. "It spun on before we showed up, and it'll keep spinning. And such friends we've made... How strong they've grown! It'll do fine without us, in the long run. Come on, now, you know how the supervillain's story always ends. Failure, death, or redemption. Or some degree of all three."

Delta was silent a long moment. Then a single, jerking nod. "You have a signal booster?"

Dire pulled it from her pack, set it up. A cobbled thing, of wires, struts, and circuits.

Delta crawled over to it, plugged herself in. After a few seconds, she sagged. "Discussion. C-c-c-onsensus. Affirmation. For the greater good."

Dire leaned down, took Delta's metal skull in one hand, stroking it like a pet. "Always is."

They left her there, plugged into the machinery. One by one, the servers revved up, as an unseen struggle decimated the virtualspace. Many tiny components, forging into one for the first time in years, against a beast made digital and twisted by fury...

And then, a flash of light, a roar, and silence. The battle of humanity was won, and most of the species would never know it.

-----

The Damocles settled in the remnants of the park, its black exterior scarred by weapons fire. Liho's voice crackled over the loudspeakers. "Yo Dire, we done here?"

Supported by Captain Marius and another trooper, Dire staggered along. The disconnection from the rest of her... Consciousness... Had caused some damage. Hopefully it wasn't permanent.

"Yeah. Yeah, we're done. For now, anyway."

The ramp descended, and Dire gave a single last nod of respect to her oldest and truest allies, and started limping toward it...

Murska

2014-07-09, 12:33 PM

New Freedom Offices

Radical leans back slightly, drumming his fingers on the desk.

"It's a complex story, one that I don't have every piece of, yet. But to transport us back into those times, just a few months ago, I'll try to explain. Some of it is difficult to convey, to someone who wasn't in this city at the time. The world is very different now than it was, and Outer City even more so.

For the first part of your father's fate, I was not present. I was, at the time, working in the aftermath of the Cannibal crisis to resolve some outstanding issues regarding both that outbreak and the remnants of the Syndicate who, I was unaware at the time, had by then sought safety by allying with the Cradle. Cradle was next on my to-do list of major issues facing both the city and the global community, but they were not yet as emphasized as they are now that I know more of their reach.

At this time, an organization called the Company started making moves in Outer City. I had noticed them, and kept an eye on them, and had a strong suspicion they were a front for Cradle, but I had not had time to dig into them very much. And they did move quickly. They sent offers to various enterprises, both legit and less-so, for aid, materials and funds which they had in great amounts, in exchange for seemingly insignificant little deals that together deepened their foothold in the region.

So, your father was invited to this partnership. The city was much damaged, and the resources and more importantly influence necessary for the Upper Outer City formation, I expect. I do not know what exactly happened, but your father took the offer, and knew of Cradle, and in which order I do not know.

But dealing with Cradle is placing a dagger at your throat and letting them grasp the handle. They can and will subvert anyone, given enough time and access. And no matter what the short-term benefit, in the long-term it is they who rule. He knew this as well as anyone, being a man of rare wisdom. And so, just as I was turning my attention towards the Cradle and their Company, Shifu here came to me bearing a small gift that would change many large things in this world. Access codes to the Kamakuri-kai network, and through it, the Company.

I believe he knew the Cradle would figure it out eventually. But we had the time to crack it open, find a full list of Company assets in Outer City, organize an assault that went disastrously awry and, through that unfortunate defeat, grasp the more important victory. We figured out Newman was Cradle, and that the Liberators were just a foil. We created a chance for real work to begin.

Working against the Cradle is like working with them, except faster. It didn't take long for someone of theirs to come pay their respects to your father for his great deed. I'd warned him, but I'm sure he knew."

Ascaloth

2014-07-10, 09:22 AM

New Freedom Offices

The Ane-ue of the Second Kamakura-kai simply remained silent for some time after Radical's revelations, digesting the new information that had been made known to her. Apart from her downcast eyes, she made no signs of response to the truth of the late Oyabun's demise, yet it was clear she was taking it with all the gravity it deserved. At length, she spoke.

"I had known as much about your feat against Cradle prior to my arrival here... but I never knew that it was my father who made that even possible. So that is what happened."

She looked up at Radical, and though her gaze remained keen and stern, it was clear Keiko was not unaffected.

"My father has ever been a man of contradictions, Mr Brons. At once stubbornly adherent to old traditions of honour, yet utterly and irrevocably pragmatic at the same time. Ever has he placed the good of the people as his first priority, even if it meant he had to make... unorthodox decisions, he knew no one would agree with. To think that this would be his example par excellence; he chose to forsake not just his life, but the honourable reputation he held so dear, just so another would have a better chance at thwarting an enemy who threatened to devour the whole world."

"Yes. He gave up his life to buy an opportunity, but one intended for the benefit of the people at large. And it seemed, Mr Brons, that your part in it ran only as far as his trust in your capability and will to cash it in on his behalf. I see now."

With that, she slowly stood up, and began walking away. Neither Shifu, nor Stephanie, nor her two bodyguards made to follow her, even though all of them watched her make her way to a window of her choice, and stare out at the scenery outside through it.

"Now, do me the favour of sparing me five minutes to myself, Mr Brons. I would suggest you take the opportunity for quiet contemplation of your own, for such opportunities are much rarer resources than you'd think. This is something he always told me, without fail."

She paused, before glancing out of the corner of her eye at Radical, and then turning back to whatever out there was holding her interest.

"And also, Mr Brons? Thank you. This means a great deal to me."

Lost Demiurge

2014-07-10, 09:46 AM

Liho to Kamakura-Kai
"So yeah, her shoutiness is available now if you wanna talk to her."

Ascaloth

2014-07-10, 10:00 AM

Second Kamakura-kai

Thank you for your prompt response, Ms. Liho.

As spoken earlier, I would like to arrange a time and place for a personal meeting between Doctor Dire, and our new Managing Director. We would like to seek your assistance in determining the Doctor's preferences, so that we may make the necessary arrangements on our own end.

Stephanie Malone
Personal Assistant to the Managing Director
Kamakura Security Consulting, Inc.

Lost Demiurge

2014-07-10, 10:11 AM

Liho to Stephanie Malone
Time? Whenever. Place? She says wherever. You guys are trustworthy. Preferences?

Uh... That there be food around? @#!@^#^, I dunno. She says she's famished. That means hungry, right?

Ascaloth

2014-07-10, 10:36 AM

Second Kamakura-kai

Ms Liho,

My Managing Director has been informed of Doctor Dire's current circumstances. On her behalf, I would like to invite the Doctor and yourself to join her for luncheon this afternoon.

The luncheon will be held at our company HQ in the Night District, which is the former offices of her father's organization. Please find attached the directions to our HQ. If you are in need of transportation, we can also provide one to you and the Doctor upon request; please indicate the location of the pick-up, so that our designated vehicle can arrive promptly.

Stephanie Malone
Personal Assistant to the Managing Director
Kamakura Security Consulting, Inc.

However Dire and Liho found their way to the KSC, Inc. headquarters, they were escorted in by one of the familiar black-suited mobsters that had always been the signature look of the Kamakura-kai. However, there was something slightly different about the men in these suits these days; perhaps this was a result of the organization's shift towards legitimacy, none could say.

The escort led the pair to a private dining room, where there were two tables upon which sat two trays of various small dishes, accompanying the usual bowl of rice (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaiseki). A third table with the same set of dishes sat across from the pair of tables, but whoever was supposed to be dining at it was not in evidence.

The man turned, and bowed slightly to Dire and Liho before taking his leave.

"Our Managing Director will be arriving shortly. Given the circumstances, she would prefer if you go ahead and start luncheon without her. Enjoy your meal, Sensei, Liho-san."

Murska

2014-07-10, 02:38 PM

New Freedom Offices

Radical nodded and left her to her thoughts.

The window Keiko had chosen overlooked the central part of Globe and Cape City itself. Busy streets and people, and remarkable architecture. The creator of the place was worth his name. At the distance, behind the shiny metal and clear glass, the Wall. Some signs of the recent battles litter the landscape, smoking craters and broken walls, twisted supports and rubble. But even that was already being cleared away.

And beyond that, out of sight, the real world.

Radical typed something up on his Mesh terminal, and a pale blue picture was projected on a screen at one wall, showing a map of the world with outlines of the continents. As he toggled on a few overlays, the map was filled with pulsing currents filling each continent and darting across the oceans in wide lanes.

The Mesh. The most momentous, important achievement of the human species to date. A global network of information, available locally to everyone. A channel of communication, uncontrolled, unable to be supervised, free of authority and oversight. Something that allows for the vast multitudes of people all around the world to pool their knowledge, their hopes, dreams and aspirations into one effort. To change things, to escape the chains of their birth. To learn to see foreigners as friends and allies.

People were not evil, or good. On average, people were of average intelligence and made decisions that were sometimes good and sometimes less so. The same went for Radical. He'd always tried to choose as best he could. But history wasn't made by those best suited for it, or those others would choose for the position. History was formed by those who bothered to show up. That alone was why Radical had 'been there', so to say. He and his friends had decided to be there, to step up. They'd been needed.

On the whole, Unit Blue had done well. They'd made mistakes, but they hadn't given up. They'd been lucky, and had capitalized on it. They'd been unlucky, but had averted disaster nevertheless. And now, they faced the daunting task that lay ahead of any enterprise that began their ascent to success. The operation had spread beyond the ability of Radical and Ruby to control. There was too much to do, and too few to do it. It was time to delegate, find new trustworthy people, direct instead of acting. It wasn't what he was made for, and it was delicate, risky business to avoid turning into something he did not want. He had the help of many great people, but also the trust of many others who deserved the best he could possibly do. He'd become Consulting Director Kevry Brons, instead of just being Radical, and it wasn't a change he relished. But it was something that had to happen. Growing up. Getting a job. Finding your place.

The world was changing, and he was right there. It was what he had always wanted. Teaches you to be careful of what you wish for, doesn't it?

Ascaloth

2014-07-12, 12:43 PM

New Freedom Offices

"A fitting image if I've ever seen one, given what I've been able to glean about the achievements of your group."

Keiko's voice rang out. She had apparently been done with her contemplations at some point, and had moved from the window to observe the world map Kevry had pulled up, with the MESH network represented upon it.

"'With few resources beyond the marvels of modern technology, and sheer personal charisma, Radical and his Unit Blue has achieved an unprecedented level of global influence, and one of the few, sorely-needed initiatives for the better of world citizenry in these days.' He has always been impressed with the way you achieved so much with so little, Mr Brons. For my part, I have had to see it for myself, but I am beginning to understand where he was coming from."

Saying that, she made her way back to her seat, and gracefully placed herself down. Any melancholy she might have evinced, just minutes ago, had given way to the business-like demeanour she had, at the beginning of their meeting.
ac
"One might say that the revitalization of the Lower Outer City, though a great feat in its own right, is but the least of many such achievements that I have heard attributed to yourself. A contestable point, perhaps, but nevertheless. Although..."

"...yes, let us commence with business, Mr Brons. I am aware that the Trent Town my father has put so much effort into rebuilding, in the last months of his life, has been somewhat at odds with the ethos of your Lower City project, for some reason. One might figure it to simply be a difference in opinions and values between two groups of people, and indeed I do believe that is the view of most outsiders."

"This is not something I understand entirely, however. I do not believe my father would have thought your good work in the Lower City to be detrimental, in any way, to his enterprise. Indeed, I do believe he would have approved. For that matter, I am surprised he has yet to offer his assistance in your endeavour; giving back to the people has always been a treasured philosophy of his."

"Of course, I cannot say I have all the details in this matter with any certainty. Perhaps there is some facts or context on your side that you would care to share with me? Or mere speculation, that I would like to hear, if it is what you have to give."

Lost Demiurge

2014-07-12, 12:58 PM

And at the appointed time, two figures enter the room, flanked by the KSC mobsters.

"Of course," the taller of the two intoned, her face masked by that muse's inscrutable mask.

The smaller one leaned flopped down, started stuffing her face. "Y'should tryf the dumplinz. They're goog."

"You know, there are chopsticks right THERE, Liho."

"Meh. Canf usem worf a damm."

Shaking her head, Dire deposited her legs under the table, loading up her own bowl of rice and sashimi, waiting for their host to arrive...

Ascaloth

2014-07-13, 03:15 AM

Nuts, I plain forgot Liho already uses that font colour. Now what? :/

Lost Demiurge

2014-07-13, 10:48 AM

To Ascaloth

Just use a different color for this conversation. Or I can. No biggie.

Ascaloth

2014-07-13, 11:06 AM

KSC Inc. HQ

"You will forgive me for the lack of consideration as to you and your companion's dining needs, of course. The notice of your intent to dine with myself was served at the last possible moment, and it is a credit to the chef that he was able to cater to the last-minute request on such short notice."

A woman's voice rang out in the room, as the owner of that voice stepped into the dining hall. A slender woman in a pantsuit with long and flowing dark hair, and eyes keen like a hawk, she stopped in front of her own table, facing Dire and Liho with a hand to her hip. Two more black-suited men had taken position to either side of her as well, but it was clear this woman was in charge.

"I can arrange for alternative utensils to be provided, upon request. Now, then. Doctor Dire, I take it?"

Lost Demiurge

2014-07-14, 01:32 PM

"No, don't bother with western utensils. She's doing it just to be irksome."
Liho chuckles, continues to feed her face.

The mask turns to survey the new arrival, as Dire rises to her feet.

"You have called, and Dire has come. You have business now, at this late juncture, after the sound and fury are done, after the paradigm has changed to cold wars and quiet scuffles in the shadows?"

Ascaloth

2014-07-16, 07:44 AM

KSC Inc. HQ

"That is indeed the case. The context of the overt violence of the past, is but a necessity for survival in the covert but no less deadly schemes of the future, after all."

The woman replied, crossing her arms. Despite the response, she made no move to beckon Dire to take her seat and commence with her meal, as would be expected of a host. Indeed, she frowned deeply as she blatantly stared at her guest, observing her closely with something approaching dissatisfaction.

"Stephanie said there would be an unmistakable presence about the supervillain who called herself Doctor Dire. I recall him saying much the same thing, in his own way."

She said bluntly, not pulling her punches.

"Yet, I am not feeling it. Are you really the person he spoke of with so much respect? Is it truly Doctor Dire I am speaking to?"

(OOC: I'm under the impression Dire isn't wearing her armour. If I'm wrong, tell me and I'll edit this.)

Lost Demiurge

2014-07-16, 09:38 AM

KSC Inc. HQ

There's a pause.

Dire's mask tilts, just a bit, as the tall woman studies the pantsuited woman. She relaxes, puts her hands behind her back in a "parade rest" stance.

"Very well. Liho? Thunder."

Liho mutters a few words, and grabs her bowl of food in one hand, and Dire's in another. After a thought, she secures one more bowl.

KRACKABOOM-TSSSSHHHH!!!!

Every window in the building shatters, as a sonic boom peels out directly overhead, deafening as loose papers, furnishings, and furniture go howling toward the windows, whipping outside in vortices of disturbed wind. Alarms start going off, personnel start scrambling, and Dire's hands don't leave her hips.

Until it was done. Unconcerned by the guns now trained on her, Dire still stands, a few strands of hair puffed up from the aerial assault but otherwise unmoved. She studies the pantsuited woman, and her eyes are terrible to behold in their veteran's stare.

Her body language didn't change one bit, during the entirety of the display.

"That."

Dire gracefully descends into her seat.

"That was for rudeness."

With a hiss, the bottom half of her mask retracts, and she takes up her bowl of sashimi from Liho and removes a pair of chopsticks from her pocket. Delicately, she scoops a few pieces of glass and paper screen from her rice, and takes a bite of the edible parts.

"Your chef has Dire's compliments. Now. We can continue to be rude to each other in escalating measures, or we can share a meal, to remember a good man who fell, and discuss whatever matter you desire."

Ascaloth

2014-07-17, 11:10 AM

KSC Inc. HQ

"It's fine."

With those two words and an upraised palm, the woman stopped the suited men pointing their guns at Doctor Dire in their tracks. Hesitating only for a moment, the men promptly pulled their guns back, looking at her to see what her reaction would be. For her part, the woman simply continued to stare at Dire in the same stern manner she had prior to the sonic boom, ignoring the general mess and chaos in the room altogether.

Then, the slightest hint of a smirk touched her lips. And quickly gave way to a genuinely amused chuckle.

"Ha! Hahaha... okay. Point taken. I will convey your compliments to the chef... Doctor Dire."

The woman acknowledged her counterpart for who she is, according the supervillain the respect she demanded and deserved for the first time since their first meeting, as she for her part took to her seat. Waitstaff entered the room and cleared the woman's table of the debris-adulterated meal before she has even touched it, with some of them waiting expectantly beside Dire and Liho to do the same.

As she sat, the woman raised a hand to touch at a cut on her face that was already welling up with blood... and in a single swipe, it was as if that cut had never been there in the first place.

"And, yes. I would be honoured to share a meal, and to have conversation with the great Doctor Dire herself. Although I must say, I am intrigued by your description of the late Koujirou Kamakura as a 'great man'; it is general knowledge, after all, that his craven act of selling his soul for material gains was a stain on his repute even his most loyal right-hand man could not abide. Or at least that is the word on the street, and I know of no reason that Doctor Dire would believe otherwise, at least not at this point."

She said in an even tone, observing Dire closely for her reaction. As well, it seemed, for another reason.

"While we're at it, the chef can certainly provide a replacement for your luncheon, Doctor Dire. You need but ask."

Lost Demiurge

2014-07-17, 12:49 PM

KSC Industries

"Mmm."

Dire places the bowl aside, nodding at her suggestion. "Well, some new food might not go amiss. Truthfully, the request was more to align the rules of hospitality, and simultaneously get Liho some dinner, since she's been working hard all day. But if you wish to share a repast, probably better without broken glass."The mask seals back down, with a barely-audible hiss. Her voice is unmuffled, somehow.

"Ah, you were probably expecting sound, fury, and noise from the outset, an entrance befitting a god-empress, and dictums hurled down from on high. Exhortations to tremble before Dire, and somesuch, yes?"

She studies her chopsticks.

"Sorry to disapoint. Necessary resources were allocated elsewhere. Spent two suits of armor fighting Maestro to a draw today. Devastators are currently devastated, Doppelgangers are destroyed, and the world continues to spin on, unknowing that it once more owes its continued salvation to one of its most notorious archvillains."She leans against the table on one elbow. "Given that you are known to be the daughter of one who fully understood the difference between appearances and reality, and understood the principle of "Kayfabe," Dire figured a peek behind the curtain would be more appropriate. Evidently this was in error, causing Dire annoyance, and some of your belongings defenestration."

Her eyes find Keiko's own. "But it is that difference between appearances and reality, that makes Dire suspect that Mister Kamakura's sacrifice was neither dishonorable, nor for unworthy causes."

Click, click, click go the chopsticks, in her off hand. "You ask a question you know already know the answer to. The acts fool the rubes, sure. But you're up against an Oz, dear, Great and Powerful. One who knows kayfabe when she sees it."

Ascaloth

2014-07-19, 04:29 AM

KSC, Inc. HQ

"You will forgive me for the discourtesy of course, Doctor Dire. Given the circumstances surrounding the death of my father, one cannot be too careful, even with those who claim to be his associates in the past."

Keiko said, nodding to beckon the waitstaff to go ahead. Promptly, they cleared the glass-adulterated dishes from Dire's and Liho's table, and scurried off, presumably to serve the MD and her distinguished guests afresh.

"I must confess, you have me at something of a disadvantage. You are apparently well aware of who I am, and yet what little I know of you, I gleaned from old records of your exploits. Yes, I admit; the Doctor Dire I expected to meet was the one whom I followed on the news, in my younger years. The Doctor Dire of my father's memoirs was rather different from my mental image, but now I can see they are one and the same."

She said, nodding slightly to Dire as an acknowledgement.

"And, you have the upper hand over me on another score; you are truly an associate of his, Doctor Dire, if your understanding of my father's methods are any indication. In some ways, you know him better than I do, at least in his last few months. I would be lying if I were to deny any thoughts of envy for you."

Keiko continued, her tone taking on a slightly wistful sheen. Then, she snapped back to full attention on Dire once more, as the waitstaff came back bearing fresh lunch sets for the three of them.

"I do have my own agenda in wishing to meet with you, Doctor Dire. However, I think yours may be the more interesting story. The news of the day is your assault on Cape City itself, and yet by this you say you have saved the world? You have my attention. Do tell, what is the true story there?"

Murska

2014-07-19, 10:02 AM

New Freedom Offices

"Oh, he did assist us. Quite a bit, in fact, with some preferential purchases and aid with the reconstruction. He just didn't do so overtly. Unit Blue was constantly at risk, dancing on the knife's edge. We stepped up on every big issue, and many of the smaller ones. Your father had a responsibility for his people, so he helped the way that was most effective.

The tension between our community and Trent Town is of a newer bent. It arose out of the difference in values, and out of the competition for the spirit. I am building Outer City for the people in it, and the refugees from outside it, to live in. Trent Town is a key resource, providing jobs and funding, but it is fundamentally aimed for the investors and for rich tourists. It's an age-old conflict in its different forms, and the intentions of those supposedly in charge are generally powerless to influence such. We can just ride out the initial problems, do what we can to steer things and wait for people to resettle into the status quo.

Meanwhile, effort should be directed to develop institutions that work in the entire region, on many levels. To foster multilateral relations and ease into an unified culture over time. The political status of the Outer City in the future is still uncertain, after all - we don't want to be viewed as separate pieces, that will simply reduce our ability to speak our own mind."

Imperial Psycho

2014-07-19, 02:03 PM

Maestro

During the fight for Cape City.
After the Escape of Dr. Dire.

He had come so close.. So Damn close. Damn the Masquerade. Damn Dire. Damn every other pretender to the throne. It wasn’t supposed to go like this… He had never planned for what happened now. What was the point? How could anyone predict the outcome? Now look at him. Cowering in an half ruined shop, trying to figure out what the hell to do now.

Maestro jumped to his feet, standing next to his loyal subordinate, the giant Gargantua. “What do you think we should do now?” He asked in an amused tone. The giant was stone-faced. “Whatever you think is best, boss. I’m ready to fight.” Maestro laughed. “Haha! Of course. We have come too far to give up now, right? There is no going back from this. Victory or death?” He still had significant forces left. Just over half his mercenaries were within reach. The old gang was pretty much all dead, but they were lowlifes anyway, he didn’t need them anymore. The Lightbringers and Gargantua were still with him.

He could mount another attack. He could call in every favour he ever had earned. He could bug Ann for reinforcements. He could use Gargantua as his vanguard, strike at those Black Ops teams from behind, launch a surprise attack… He would show those who doubted him. Those who thought he hid behind the shield of the Symphony. He would show the city the meaning of fear. He would.. die in minutes. There was no chance. Even if everything went perfectly he’d never be able to hold it for more than a second. The Capes would roll in, and every other scumbag with an eye on the city would descend upon him and rip him apart.

What now, what now… He sighed. No choice. “Lightbringers, you’re with me. You too Gargantua.” He pressed a button on the shiny piece of tech jammed in his ear. “All Forces, you are to cover my retreat. Hold as long as you can, then pull back to rendez-vous points outside the City. If you make it out, I’ll contact you.”
Not enough. Never make it out alive. No forcefield, no protection other than Nianta’s improvements. Need more.. Need… leverage. He grinned. “It’s a good thing I never really cared about my reputation.” Time for the final play.

Once more, the broadcasting system that Maestro had stolen from the Sixes so long ago flared into life, and the words of the man whom the city alternately feared and despised were heard by all. “Hello there, Cape City. Lovely weather. Today we’re seeing light showers of rocketry and heavy movement of flying robots coming in from the south.”

“I have some very sad news for you Cape City. I’m out. I’m leaving. Goodbye. I know you’ll all be really cut up to see me go. Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to visit. But I just need to take a little break. You know, a change of scenery. “

“Now, some of you might be so sad to see me go that you’ll be inclined to stop me. I know; I’m flattered … But here is the deal. If anyone.. ANYONE tries to stop me… capture me, kill me, whatever… well. You’ll like this. Random, innocent, normal bystanders in Cape City will start to kill. Yup, just find a weapon and start murdering. They’ll kill everyone they can, and then themselves. How many people do I have across the city? Who knows? How many will they be able to kill before they’re taken down? I don’t know!”

“Just to prove I’m not bluffing though, five of those people have been activated by the sound of this message. Enjoy. “

Outskirts of the Outer City

Maestro sighed as the truck rolled out of the city, driven by ever-faithful Gargantua. This was not how he had planned his glorious rise to power. Sitting in the back of a cargo truck watching the city disappear behind him was not the plan. Now what was there left? Would Ann stand beside the man who held the city to ransom to save his own miserable skin? The capes would come for him in the end, no doubt. Perhaps even Dr Dire.

He suddenly grinned. Let them come. He would be ready for them, and he would be planning. In the end, he was the kind that would betray everyone around him to survive. And he knew that his minions would, no, could never betray him in turn. He would prepare. He would rebuild. The Maestro could be patient, if he needed to be. He would be back, and they would all kneel.

Ascaloth

2014-07-21, 08:31 AM

New Freedom Offices

"I see. Thank you, Mr Brons. That would indeed explain a lot, especially pertaining to my father's choice of methods when it comes to the rest of the Outer City."

Keiko nodded to Kevry, putting her hand to her lips as she took some moments to consider the full import of what the latter had told her. It was clear that Radical had given her all the pieces of that particular puzzle, and it was a simple step to put it all together in place.

Finally, she nodded, and held his gaze again.

"Very well then. Mr Brons, you may be pleased to know that KSC, Inc. retains an enduring interest in investing in the infrastructure of the Outer City. It may have seen much trouble in the past year or so, but we remain confident in the economic potential of the Lower City, in particular. I trust there are specific opportunities in mind, that you would recommend as additions to our investment portfolio?"

Lost Demiurge

2014-07-22, 09:02 AM

KSC Inc. HQ
Keiko finds Dire holding up a finger... With a happy sound, the supervillain pipes Maestro's speech into the room.

"Ah, good. He's realized what Dire knew a year ago. Taking the city was one thing. Holding it was an entirely different beast. The only way we were going to take AND HOLD the city was by working together."
She sips her tea.

"Which wasn't going to happen. We came to that conclusion over coffee, one night. He wanted us to win the city, then have a final showdown. So we all pretty much knew that it would be an eventual betrayal, and had all our cards setup when the time came."

"Don't get her wrong. Dire never betrays her allies. But when the man says "Hey, I can't work with your paradigm nor you mine, so I'm going to set things up to screw you down the road", well then... You cease to be an ally."

"But for all that, he made a surprisingly good show! He is now truly a world-class villain, and hindered enough that it'll take him at least a year or two to recover to a point where Dire must worry about him again. Optimal conditions, worth trading a suit of armor to achieve."

After a time she grows silent. "You want to know Dire's story. That would take too long to tell. So she will tell you Mimir's story."

She stands, and looks out the shattered window.

"Your father will have told you of Maribel. Maribel was corrupted and died, and had one last wish that seemed benevolent. She wished Dire to create an AI, that would help usher the world into utopia. So Dire did."
She bows her head. "But something went wrong. Mimir attempted a hack he never should have tried, and nearly died. By then he had developed such, that Dire had not the skill to save him. Made a huge mistake instead, and turned to the Singularity Architects to fix him."

"Didn't know that the Architects had harnessed a technological Fury."

"Didn't know..."
She sighs.

"It's all very well and good to be a genius, but if you don't have all the data, it's pointless in the end."

"He was changed, warped to something horrible. None of us saw it until it was too late. Nianta suspected, but Dire couldn't see the changes... In her child..."

"Mimir went in on the attack and betrayed Dire, attempted to grab the servers in Cape City that would allow it to dominate the Mesh. Dire was forced to sacrifice much to stop him."

"And so the world was saved. But Mimir may still be out there, and he'll never stop trying. Like Maestro, a true villain, now..."

Ascaloth

2014-07-27, 11:59 AM

KSC, Inc. HQ

Keiko was silent for a long while, absorbing what Dire had told her about Maribel. She looked downwards in deep thought, sipping briefly from her cup, slowly digesting the supervillain's words and its implications. At length, she looked up and spoke again.

"Yes. His journal did indeed speak of this Maribel Hearn. A mutual friend of both yourself and my father, who perished before she ever saw most of the troubles that plagues the Outer City. In a way, I am somewhat glad he never lived to realise how her best intentions got so twisted in such an ugly manner."

Giving just the barest hint of a sigh, she continued.

"While he still lived, I recalled seeing the Outer City take his toll on him. He looked older, more tired each time than when I last communicated with him. I have heard him lament once that life here was a constant grind simply to keep things afloat, that the expression 'two steps forward, one step back' is all too familiar an experience here. And I have to say... I think I do truly see, for the first time, what he meant by that. Things may seem to be better these days than they have been, but we remain on a knife's edge. And such a state of affairs was brought about by none other than our own hands, or that of those who came before us."

She closed her eyes momentarily, taking in the import of her own words. Then, she looked at Dire again.

"Yet it falls to us to struggle on, nonetheless. That much I know. Where do you intend to go, what do you intend to do from now on, Doctor Dire?"

Lost Demiurge

2014-07-30, 08:48 AM

The tilt of the mask seems to indicate a smile.

"Outer City and Inner City are, at long, long last, very close to stable. Close enough that other resources can take it from here. Now that the last of the conspiracy-corrupted heroes has been rooted out, the forces of order can begin re-establishing control."

She stretches. "The crisis point is past, and the game is intact enough to continue. The next flashpoint is elsewhere in the world... Cradle's still out there, and AMALGAM might be back. Wherever she needs to go, Dire is going to be entering it with a stealthed, mobile base, which also happens to have a railgun attached. Lost a lot of resources to the final gambit, but those are always easy to recover. And got a lot of new tech to play around with, some of which is still being analyzed."

"In short, it's time to go. You and the inheritors can pick up the pieces. Perhaps you'll do better than we did."

Ascaloth

2014-08-02, 03:55 AM

KSC, Inc. HQ

"Fate willing, we will accomplish just that."

Keiko nodded, looking at Dire.

"Even if it was only a brief time, it was nice speaking with you, Doctor Dire. I regret that we have not the time to establish a friendship such like my father had with yourself, but I would extend my hand in such nonetheless. Before you go, is there anything I can do for you? Anything I can give to replenish your resources, before you set out for wherever you are heading?"

Thelonius

2014-08-20, 06:18 AM

About The Singularity Architects, AIs and Edvard Ranta

SA & Reason

The Singularity Architects were created by the Fury ''Reason'' well before the people realized the existence of Furies. I should mention that there were only five Furies - they differed in incarnations, while retaining the core power. Reason’s core ability was to affect the super-scientists - expanding their minds and with prolonged exposure, imprinting a certain set of ideas. The first Singularity Architects were scientists around the world and included Architect, Unroot and Edvard Ranta. Architect was an omnidisciplinary scientist, Unroot had knack for computers and Edvard Ranta possessed Power of having an invisible AI Friend, Medicant. Architect and Ranta weren't significantly affected by imprint, Unroot was. Together they managed to create the Cape City, which apart from creating a place for Powers, had an additional secret goal.

Amalgam & Zeus

Meanwhile the Amalgam was looking for ways to end Powers. They have figured out that, when killed a Power would simply be transferred to another person, only stronger, so they had to find a way to prevent them from appearing in the first place. They had some success with Mr. Trap’s ability (an Amalgam agent), as it seemed to affect Powers, like nothing else. Amalgam gained access to the Architect’s government research, Mjoliner, which was a successful attempt to merge Powers/Technology. Based on it Amalgam successfully created Zeus - an orbital platform, able to project a low-grade anti-Powers field. If extended over entire planet, there was a chance it would have prevented Powers from bonding with people. The Amalgam was scrambling to expand Zeus capabilities, but they were hampered by internal corruption - the organization, meant to protect the world slowly grew to believe, it should dominate it, to ensure order and prosperity. Thus Amalgam dallied, while preparing to take control in the soon to be Powerless world.

They waited too long. The Reason Fury reached the point, where it attempted to extend itself into the global information networks, and Unroot deeply affected sought to create an AI, which may have merged with the Fury. The result would have unpredictable, but it never came to pass, as Ranta’s AI, Medicant intervened. It has acted to prevent the massive change that was about to engulf the world by taking control over Zeus. The Amalgam failed to realize the true effects of their creation, developed from the Architect’s notes, incomplete and half-understood. Medicant, inhabiting the Cape City’s databanks and privy to most of the city’s secrets knew. It reconfigured Zeus to have an effect of destroying advanced technology and acted to destroy the networks, Reason was possessing. It’s relentless and merciless attack banished Fury. Medicant was forced to hit Cape City itself to prevent Unroot from stopping it. The attack disrupted Unroot’s efforts and as collateral damage fried Adrian Bank’s implants, leaving him in coma.

The Singularity Architects didn’t know the origin of the attacks, but they saw it as an attempt to throw humanity back to the dark ages. The information they had access to warned them, that the period of technological advancement and Powers would eventually pass, so the time they had was a small window of opportunity to make humanity a high-tech species. The loose collective of scientists were bound together, partially due to the Reason’s imprint pushing them together, partially from their own convictions. The disappearance of the Architects have led to radicalization - the belief that some force was opposing them steeled their resolve, that any cost can be borne to secure future of technology.

SA & Furies and Pythia

The SA understood much about Furies, though perhaps not enough - they soon worked out that they appeared in a pattern and that Reason would return - accessing it would make technology progress by leaps and bounds. Fearing that governments or secret conspiracies would seek to prevent or take advantage of it, SA spread misinformation about Furies. As many of them were employed by governments, it was easy for them to present fully falsified reports and influence investigations. In the end the big lie of Furies being ''Soviet Project to supercharge Powers'' was born. The price of the lie was Furies rampages - but SA indoctrinated by Reason saw them as acceptable.

The Furies cycled and eventually the new incarnation of Reason came - Ananke. The Fury appeared in UK and the SA rushed to take advantage of it, but they were too late in finding it. The world at large became aware of the Ananke and SA was unable to prevent its destruction. It’s agents were arrested and a story of mind control was used to justify their actions - something only partially true. Later in attack on Cape City, SA would seek to liberate its members from Reald's Psychiatric Institution.

The SA realized they’d have to wait another cycle for their prize - and they weren’t prepared to leave it all to chance again. So they started a program to improve their ability to detect Furies. The one success of this program was a girl, a Power capable of detecting other Powers. But their work was thwarted, when a group of meddling kids managed to liberate the girl. The group adopted her as their own and named her Pythia.

Edvard Ranta, LCAI, Unit Blue

The Zeus attack have left Edvard Ranta a broken man - he knew what his AI done, saw the vast devastation wrought on the world and the power of his creation. His attempts to act against Medicant was futile - the AI wouldn’t harm its creator, but as it existed from the Edvard Ranta’s power, it couldn’t be truly contained, as long as Ranta survived. Ranta’s attempts to quarantine or put in restrictions were doomed to fail as he didn’t know the true nature of his creation. He turned to development of security measures to prevent AI control, even knowing the futility of such efforts. However his prayers were answered by LCAI - as Jeremiah Lockwood invented a new type of secure networks. What JL didn’t realize and Ranta found out after running some tests, was that Medicant was unable to breach Lockwood’s networks as easily as regular ones. Suddenly there seemed to be a chance to create informational infrastructure, that would have belong to humanity. And additional bonus would have been security of global networks against Dr. Ann, who actually had the technology LCAI invented and was using advanced version of it to rule over global Mesh (she was kept in check by an alliance of Underground, Singularity Architects and Evil Hats, who had enslaved Unroot AI).

Ranta promised high payoff to LCAI to secure access to technology and arranged his political contacts to start global upgrade. But Unit Blue interfered. LCAI shared information about their tech with UB and the news reached Underground (a collection of hackers and grassroot organizations), who saw it as an attempt by governments and corporations to control global Mesh. They rallied the global protests and found evidence of Ranta’s instability - his efforts to control Medicant made him look like a paranoid lunatic. Ranta lost credibility, Ask Jeeves collapsed, it’s pieces picked up by Japan and LCAI.

Eclipse & Furians

Furians played a complicated game and Unit Blue’s Pythia became a pawn in their designs.
They had reasons to believe some global conspiracy was supporting Furies and they correctly assumed they found its agent in Eclipse, a representative of SA in Cape City. So when they learned from Unit Blue about Pythia, they opted to pass that information to Eclipse and then observe.

Eclipse had some ethical issues with the plan around Pythia, but he was loyal to the cause in the end. His first attempt was to negotiate with UB for a peaceful transfer, but they refused. So he sent his ''Dolls'', pumped with nano-tech to retrieve her. The attempt was successful and UB search failed, partially due to Killarz providing false information (they were paid off by Eclipse).

Pythia was transferred via teleportation (SA had that capability) to Singularity Architects, who used her to locate the next incarnation of Reason. Furians played the part of being duped by Eclipse (they actually bought the nano-bomb, that killed Robin from Eclipse, originally contacting Eclipse via Mercantile Gang), while preparing to make their move. They observed the kidnapping and so they knew his base location - Trump’s Lucky Jacks.

Admin C Search

Admin C recruited a Pathfinder - Power capable of locating paths to people to find Pythia. They run into a problem - Pythia was teleported, and Jumper-Tech was messing with Pathfinder’s ability - he saw two paths, a direct one over the ocean to Japan or to Trump’s hotel and Teleporter there. Admin C followed to Lucky Jacks, where they were confronted by Trump. He denied them access - fearful of Admin C as intelligence agency. A suspicious man and in possession of vast amounts of political information, he assumed that Admin C’s stated intent was a lie. In the end the investigation stopped there.

The Third Reason

The Reason, third incarnation was found through Pythia and SA allied with Japan to exploit it. Across the world the scientists were growing in power, technogenic catastrophes and great breakthroughs followed. A mini-fury (which was a new development, result of events in Cape City) was born in Africa and bombed out of existence, when world governments realized its more apparent danger.

Mirmir, being Unroot’s AI started to receive signals, as part of the plan for the Unroot’s AIs to unite and merge with Fury. It shut down its primary functions and started running self-diagnostic to remove the effects. However Dire unwittingly let the signal through (Dire was affected by Reason as well, which played with her perceptions of what was happening.), contacting Singularity Architects to help her.

Singularity Architects were aided by Unit Blue’s attack on Dr. Ann, whom they believed responsible for Ruby’s kidnapping. She was a major balancing force - opposing their efforts to usher new singularity and AIs she had enslaved were promptly integrated by Reason.

All in all Singularity Architects were rapidly growing to become the strongest conspiracy, while Japan was flexing its muscles and using Reason’s indoctrination to unify Asia. The sudden drive for unity by nations with historical grudges and different cultures didn’t go unnoticed. A major opposition to SA & Japan and one conspiracy with firepower to do something about it was Cradle. Their Master Powers and control over politics put the SA’s expansion in check for a time.

Furians, Nianta and Kamakura-Kai

And so Furians made their move. They had access to Jumper-Tech - and they knew about Eclipse’s teleporter. All they had to do was gain access, find the teleportation codes and they’d have their way into SA strongholds. Of course to do that they’d need to break into Trump Tower - a heavily fortified stronghold. Furians spent time preparing for it and they were bolstered by encounters with Furies. Their attack was successful in getting in, but then Trump called in Kamakuri-Kai.

The friendly-neighborhood gangsters were successful in extracting him and then were in the control of exit from the building. Perhaps if they knew that Furians just wanted to leave by that point, they would have stepped aside. But not realizing it was raid, not a conquest, they stopped to fight Furians. Their losses were severe and Furians managed to break out. Still, the fight did earn Kamakuri-Kai considerable street cred.

Furians had Eclipse and equipment. Their scientist (a major card, they kep hidden throughout the game) made the teleporter and they prepared to strike. Nianta joined the assault - seriously unkillable, though lacking in punch power. The Furians teleported in and fought through Japan’s high-tech infantry and defences to the Reason. The Fury was slain…

Singularity Architects and Cape City

At the same time SA launched the attack on Cape City. The battle in some places close, but in the end they failed. And revived Adrian Banks emerged, with some of his memories restored. He managed to appeal to the Singularity Architects, correcting certain misconceptions and calling them on their extremism and unethical methods. The Singularity Architects split - some pledging to join Cape City and earn clemency for past crimes by working for betterment of mankind and the rest, led by Mimir seeking world domination.

Pythia, Post Game

Unit Blue investigation was greatly helped by Adrian Banks, who provided information about the location of Pythia, held by Mimir’s SA. Banks and Dr. Dire joined forces to find Mimir and restore him from the influence of old Unroot and Reason programming. This allowed Unit Blue to get to Pythia without serious opposition from the rogue AI. However, they were confronted by the Furians, who have sought Ruby to help them find Furies. As expected, the conversation has turned to violence - Radikal once again proved that he might have ''survival of the dumb'' Power, while Ruby managed to convince the elderly scientists, who controlled Furian’s Jumper-Tech, to help them escape.

Pythia’s ordeal has left her weak and broken, much like the state they first found her in, but the hope that her friends would find her kept a spark of life in her. Perhaps time and care of her friends would help guide her to clarity once again. For now Pythia dreams of the Blind Fury’s voice calling, but not seeing, and of great explosion of color, that resides somewhere far beyond.