Cape City IC (Thread IV)

[Thelonius]

Turn 12 (Cont'd)

The Conferences

Tunnel Rats Meeting [PM]

The meeting takes place in some half-finished utility station. Stong locked doors have prevented it from falling to the homeless, but Mercantile Gang arranged for them to be unlocked. The narrow corridors filled with pipes lead below the ground. The meeting place is relatively small, but there are several doors out of it, giving the parties a convenient way to retreat.

The Mercantile Gang is represented by three men - Factor and his two associates. He is wearing a business suit and has a mas covering lower half of his face. The men behind him are wearing dark boilersuits. Factor speaks: ''For the duration of the meeting, the communication with the outside will be conducted solely through us.'' They don’t attempt to confiscate mesh-devices, but a quick check confirms, that none of them connect to the Mesh network.

Herr Tod is there with two people - a young man and a woman approaching her thirties. They all wear casual clothes. It appears Herr Tod was wounded in the recent confrontation with Limit Break, as he moves somewhat stiffly.

There is a representative of the Firepower, though whether it’s still a gang or merely a lone survivor, who can tell?

The Freaks emerge from the tunnel - a figure made entirely of transparent glass, shining light on the room as the light from the lamps reflects off him. Glassboy. After him follows a roiling mass of razorwire. It spreads over the wall behind Glassboy and then falls still.

The last group arrives - a man in a white costume and and intricate cloth mask hiding his features. He is accompanied by a large, lean shape, that’s wrapped tightly in clothes, so one can’t see what exactly it is, as well as two normal looking bodyguards. The Syndicate.


Nowhere [PM]

The meeting takes place in Junks, a middle of nowhere, with a small forest and low hills surrounding the meeting site.

There’s a single man in his forties, wearing practical outdoor clothes representing Company.

The Killarz have a small group with PK armbands, their leader introducing himself as ''Ka''.

The EVRAZ has sent a group of mercenaries without insignias, and a rough looking short man Rostov.

The Onichrome is represented by a group of troopers in white costumes and a single metallic crab-bot. Their leader is a young looking man in labcoat. ‘’I’m Red, Professor’s favorite student.’’

The MADZ are a group of tattooed, wild looking men and their leader is musclebound hulk of a man.


Lockwood-Coban

Internal [PM]

Might not have been clear on that - your WEL can either earn you 14 Cash or produce 10 Materials for 4 Cash. Unless you sell those 10 for 14+ cash you’ll be actually making a loss in absolute terms.


Legion of Dire

Liho [PM]

''Errandgirl, eh? So you make the stuff, find the clients and what do Night Crews do?''


Cogworks/Lightbringers [M]

Cogworks: ''We’ve got our own tech there. Unless yours is real good, no deal.''
Lightbringers: ''We are making generators though, so not exactly helpful.''


Serpentine Diabolic

Solaris [M]

(2) Generators [Lvl. 4]: 7 Cash
Maintenance: 2 Tech

Custom Model:
Maintenance: 1 Tech
Cost: 10 Cash.

(3) Generators [Lvl. 2]: 4 Cash
Maintenance: 0 Tech


Internal [PM]

Their leader is recovering in the hospital. The remaining ones are working to build generators, to combat blackouts around Outer City.


Unity

City Hall [M]

As you’ve heard there’s a plan to relocate the people in the Districts that are unable to sustain themselves. This will be a delicate operation and would require protection and care, that Unity has shown in the past. If you agree to assist the Cape City with this task, you will of course be outfitted to help you in this difficult, but necessary measure.’’


FDC

Kamakuri-Kai/Unity [PM]

The Oyabun’s words appear to be swaying the FDC, though inquiries are made to Unity on whether the situation with supervillains and public unrest is indeed as dire as that. None wish to go against Cape City, but the fear of the Outer City’s crime is a strong stick to poke them into the other direction.


Kamakuri-Kai

Maxwell Inc. [PM]

''Very well. We are prepared to sell 51% ownership, if you invest 13 Cash in the business. Perhaps, if your expectations are accurate, we can consider taking a loan as well.''


Masquarade

Onichrome [M]

''Then I shall take 10 for 8 Cash.''

[Murska]

Internal (Midturn) [PM]

In addition to the hackers going after Keyworm, I'll have my Militia, the Toughs and the Raiders attack the MADZ, aiming to drive them out of Junks for good. Radical will lead the attack.

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to Liho [pm]

"WELL, THE NIGHT CREWS PICK UP THE ADVANCE PAYMENT AND TAKE THEIR CUT, AND WHEN THE STUFF IS COMPLETE, THEY DELIVER IT TO THE CUSTOMERS. THAT WAY DIRE DOESN'T HAVE TO TRY TO RISK HER OWN NECK SHIPPING THE STUFF, OR RISK PEOPLE TRACKING HER BACK TO THE BASE."

"THAT WAS THE IDEA, ANYWAY. A 20% CUT IS ACTUALLY PRETTY HARSH, BUT IT'S PRETTYMUCH GUARANTEED SAFETY FROM SHENANIGANS...


Legion of Dire
to Cogworks/Lightbringers [m]

"MM. IT MAY NOT BE BEST SUITED TO WHAT YOU'RE DOING, TRUE."

"ALL RIGHT. IF YOU TURN UP ANYTHING USEFUL ON THE POWER OUTAGES, LET DIRE KNOW."



Legion of Dire
Mid-turn defense
(Chimaera, Hugh Donovan, Masquerade may read) [PM]

Basically, we're going to set up to defend Watcher's Island from invasion. I'm really not sure it'll come to that, so if nothing happens then we get to hang out on the island and drink Mai Tais and whatnot.

Dire will tell Hugh Donovan what she knows of Onichrome's capabilities, and he'll whip up a battle plan. We'll set up the Devastators and Doppelgangers Alpha and Beta with assault gear (Through use of a Legion of Dire faction action.) Chimaera will be mobile support and snipery as needed, and Mirage will make duplicates of all our stuff to confuse, draw fire, and make us look more threatening.

Dire will be working in the lab, but if battle comes she'll fire up the armor, flick on the Dire Deflector, and help direct things with INTELLIGENT LEADERSHIP and some mobile defense. Not gonna take any risks here. If she gets hurt or dead, the armor will be programmed to withdraw and inject her with the Architect's healing vial.

Right. PC's, anyone got any questions, suggestions, or ideas?

ADDENDUM THE FIRST: If the enemies start using Drones, then Dire will bust out that DISK system she's got lying around.

Oh, and we'll make the battle plan adaptable enough that if it's NOT Onichrome who attacks, but someone else like the Japanese navy or whatnot, that we can handle it.

Also. In the event that we are faced with overwhelming force, or something we can't handle, we'll have a withdrawal plan. One that involves running interference with the Devastators, calling in the Night Crews, and dismantling and transporting Dire's lab to the Legion of Steel territory in the Junks.

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]Understood. My representative will meet you there.

Kamakura

(OOC: I guess we can consider the deal closed.)

"]Thank you. Although I have my reservations about the setup of both conferences, my representative will be attending Conference 1 nonetheless. Please send us the directions as to the meeting spot and time.

Kamakura

"]"Now, ladies and gentlemen. The situation is not necessarily as dire as all that."

The Oyabun suddenly interjected, drawing attention to himself again.

"Keeping the doomed plan to implement the Relocation Plan from coming to pass, is as simple as demonstrating to the Cape City officials that Outer City is quite capable of rebuilding yet. And, I have just the means by which this can be achieved."

"I expect the official announcement will come soon, but as my dear friends and true colleagues, you shall have the privilege of hearing it first. As of several days ago, my organisation has acquired a controlling stake in the construction company, Maxwell Inc."

Pausing, the Oyabun beamed widely, taking the chance to gauge the general reaction around the table.

"Now, the next step is to provide the disenfranchised of Outer City with replacements for the homes they have lost, as well as the economic opportunities they have never had. With Maxwell Inc., I intend to cater to both; it is my intention to give the people the chance to put a proper roof over their heads with their own two arms, and to earn a living wage for doing such, with which they can put food on the table."

"A well-fed and well-housed populace, is a populace that will not be quite so keen on rioting, and thus poses no threat to anyone - least of all, the First District. And an Outer City so revived will offer great opportunities, to those in the position to take advantage of it."

"Of course, to do this, funding is required."

With that, the Oyabun spread both hands on the table, beckoning to the members of the First District Council, as if to join him in some sort of quest.

"So, my friends. Whom here at this table would like to be the first of the investors in the bright future of Outer City?"

"]"A very reasonable price. I accept the deal as it stands. The [13 Cash] will be prepared and delivered to you at once."

The Oyabun beamed, as he stood and shook the directors' hands.

"Nice doing business with you, Maxwell-san, Sheldon-san. May our fortunes prosper most greatly in our mutual endeavours, going forward."

"]
Faction Actions

1. Prepare [4 Cash] at Kamakura-kai HQ in the First District, for a representative of Daikatana to pick up. Completed.

2. Send [Unlucky Gamblers 3], equipped with 3x [Strength Suits] to assist Dire in salvaging the Blackbird from Drowned.

3. Pay Lightbringers [3 Cash] to purchase and install [Generator Lvl 3] in the Night District. Send [Greendale Mobs 2] equipped with 2x [Assault Arms and Armor], to deliver the [Cash] and take delivery of the [Generator Lvl 3].

4. Lending [Hackers 2] to Unit Blue to help in their fight against Keyworm.

5. Deploy [Well-dressed Gangsters 2] and [Firepower Flunkies 3], equipped with 1x [Shikigami Drones], to patrol Night District. Using the [Neighbourhood Watch] Trait, and cross-checking the information gathered with the [Crime 2] Database, find out just who the hell is Garza, and what is the nature and scope of his operations in these parts. This will also serve as on-the-job training for [Firepower Flunkies 3], to give them [Well-dressed Gangsters] levels via the [Gangsta Style] Trait.

6. Pay [6 Cash] to Unit Blue for the [Politics 2] Database. Completed.

7. [Black Marketeers 1] will trawl the Black Market in Night District, looking for [Small Arms] and/or [Assault Arms] of every price and quality.


Oyabun

Follow-up Action to PM Meeting with Legion of Steel: pay [8 Cash] to Legion of Steel for services rendered.

Follow-up Action to PM Meeting in Adler Apartments: pay [13 Cash] to Maxwell and Sheldon for a 51% stake in Maxwell Inc.

4. Using the [Crime 2] and [Politics 2] Databases, and studying them using his [Organizer] Trait and , Oyabun will attempt to find out which officials in Cape City’s City Hall can be bribed or blackmailed to vote in the interests of the Kamakura-kai, and to figure out how to go about it. If successful, this is to gain a [Bribes and Blackmail] Trait, as well as relevant information as to how to take advantage of it.


[I]Shifu

2. Shifu will take [Unlucky Gamblers 2], armed with 2x [Assault Arms and Armor], and attend PM meeting with Garza’s Conference 1.

Jun Teng

Contingency: Jun Teng will prepare [Merc Soldiers II 2] and [Well-Dressed Gangsters 4] trained in [PFR Tactics I], equipped with [6x PFR2 (Fuurinkazan ver.)] and [6x Assault Arms and Armor] on standby, ready to assist Shifu at Garza’s Conference 1 if an emergency occurs.

Contingency: Jun Teng will prepare [Merc Soldiers II 2] and [Well-Dressed Gangsters 4] trained in [PFR Tactics I], equipped with [6x PFR2 (Fuurinkazan ver.)] and [6x Assault Arms and Armor] on standby, ready to assist the [Unlucky Gamblers] sent to pick up the [Generator Lvl. 3] from the Lightbringers if an emergency occurs.

Contingency: Jun Teng will prepare [Merc Soldiers II 2] and [Well-Dressed Gangsters 4] trained in [PFR Tactics I], equipped with [6x PFR2 (Fuurinkazan ver.)] and [6x Assault Arms and Armor] on standby, ready to assist the [Unlucky Gamblers] deployed to patrol the Night District if an emergency occurs.

Contingency: Jun Teng will prepare [Merc Soldiers II 2] and [Well-Dressed Gangsters 4] trained in [PFR Tactics I], equipped with [6x PFR2 (Fuurinkazan ver.)] and [6x Assault Arms and Armor] on standby, ready to provide security for the Relief Distribution Centre if an emergency occurs.

Contingency: If Jun Teng has any VIP Actions left after Contingencies by EoT, he will spend the rest training [Merc Soldiers II 2] and [Well-Dressed Gangsters 4] , equipped with [6x PFR2 (Fuurinkazan ver.)] and [6x Assault Arms and Armor] in [PFR Tactics II] at Relief Distribution Camp in Greendale. If successful, the appropriately-trained [Well-dressed Gangsters] will change their names to [Fuurinkazan], and the [Mercenaries] will change their names to [Fuurinkazan NCO].

Stephanie Malone

2. With the assistance of [Kusarigama Administrators 2], familiarise herself with SOP of Maxwell Inc., and figure out the best way to expand the business via the integration and training of potentially unskilled workers from Outer City, while keeping it profitable.

[Zemalac]

LCAI

Masquerade [M]

Please disregard our previous message. It appears I misinterpreted what Engineering said they could do. I am sorting that out now.


Internal [PM]

Okay, so WEL can produce money or materials? What do you mean by "Produce 10 Materials for 4 Cash? Do I have to dedicate the Wealth and spend additional funds?

[Imperial Psycho]

Maestro

To Gargantua
I was thinking Tech Spikes for a target. Can discuss details more privately.

Symphony [PM]
Well, as an aside, I am planning a little heist on Tech Spikes. Hasn't it been so long since we did anything just plain criminal?

Anyone got anything that would help with dealing with First District and their security? I can promise a cut of the proceeds. I'm sure there will be plenty of toys to go around.

[UntrainedMonkey]

Hugh Donovan

The Furians
I like the sound of that. I'll help you out. My power right now lets me see strategies. You say that they're heavily fortified, tell me what we're up against and I can figure out a way in.

Morris and Clark
I got a bit of money to throw around. What can I get one the [9 cash] model?

[Cognimancer]

Masquerade

Tunnel Rats [PM]
A man enters the dark meeting room, flanked by a man and woman in nondescript black jumpsuits. He lowers his hood, taking count of the other attendees with cold eyes. Some of them know his title, some recognize the face he's wearing - The Cloak.

Symphony [PM]
I may have a way through the security. When are you planning to move, [EOT]?

LCAI
Hmm. Very well. We'll amend the prices we gave the buyer.

Onichrome
Our apologies, it seems there was a misunderstanding. The tech components will sell for [2 Cash] apiece.

[Thelonius]

FDC

Kamakuri-Kai/Unity

The statement is met with a bit of a stretching silence and the FDC considers Oyabun’s words.

Dexter Ward: ’’Well… I guess we could make a certain donation to improve the reputation of the FDC, and this way we won’t be opposing Cape City directly. I propose that each member of the FDC donates the same amount, though Adler Apartments representatives could be treated as one. Let’s say, if everybody present donates 1 Cash, then we shall have [7] between us.’’


Maestro

Gargantua [M]

Okay, we can meet at Night District. Though I heard Kamakuri-Kai were making trouble there last month.


Hugh Donovan

Furians [PM]

’’Excellent. I’ll provide you with information to begin plotting our course.’’

Furians information on the Lucky Jacks defences aren’t very extensive - they know a few things about security - it’s strong and hotel was built as fortress with safe rooms and blast doors. It also has a force field with generators and they suspect a underground tunnels and high-tech devences. They also believe the enemy might have access to highly advanced robots, nano-weapons and bombs. However, the more tactical data is absent.

The challenge is daunting, but Furians seem to have attracted a number of Powers and fighters, all highly experienced and dangerous.


Moriss & Clark [M]

Now, we need to know what you want to do with the cyber-arms. If it’s combat, then an integrated weapon - blade or gun is an option. Or additional reinforcements along with shield. You can also add sensors and mesh devices. Another option is enhanced mobility. There are also specialized packages - for example doctor’s hands. We can make your hands indistinguishable from the real ones - including blood flow and accurate pain perception.


Masquarade

Onichrome [M]

’’Very well. However, there’s an issue of where we could conduct the transaction - with Dire claiming Watcher’s Isle, I’d rather not get ambushed by her forces, when I deliver the fee and collect the goods.’’

[Orbiter]

Serpiente Diabolic

Solaris

2 of your Generators [Lvl. 2] sound fine.
Do you send people to install them or thats left up to the buyer?.


Internal[PM]

Le-sigh
I meant about the payment part.
Did i pay them, do i pay them?, they confused me(couldn't they be more specific on what they said/meant).

Also can i use one faction action to pay two people?? each one for their own thing?
The generators go to the lab of course, in case you were wondering.

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]"Hmmm. That would be good, as a starting point."

The Oyabun said, considering Ward's proposal. He beckoned towards one of his mobsters, whom promptly left on his orders.

"Very well. Assuming the budget is [7 Cash], let me see what would be a suitable investment for the First District."

"Mr Unity, would you happen to have any interest in making an investment of your own in the Outer City?"

"]Looking quite incongruous in comparison to the steely-eyes underworld figures which were gathered here, the Kamakura-kai representative appeared in most respects to be a kindly old man with a long white beard, even though he was flanked on both sides by his minions. Of course, those who knew better would recognise Shifu for who he really is.

"Ah, Cloak-san is it? It is nice to meet you today!"

Shifu said, walking towards the Masquerade figure with a hand held out for a shake.

"]"Oh, that's right. Speaking of potential projects to be had, I already have some in mind which might draw potential investors."

"Maxwell-san, Sheldon-san. Could you perhaps ballpark some profitable asking prices for the following; 1) the building of homes and infrastructure in West Shanty Towns, 2) the building of homes and infrastructure in East Shanty Towns, 3) the reconstruction of Main Street in Trent Town, 4) the restoration of Orchard Station in the Docks, and 5) the building of homes and infrastructure in Edgetown at the Junks?"

"]OOC: Changes made to Mid-Turn in previous post and Doc.

[oblivion6]

Legion of Steel-US Government
So, in exchange for hunting Limit Break, you'll give me access to the Database? I think that's acceptable. What are your Rules of Engagement? I must warn you though, my force has diminished in size from pre-crisis times.

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

(ATTN: Legion of Steel, Thel)"]"Oh, that is right. Before I forget, Gizel-dono... here."

The Oyabun flicked his finger, and a mobster came up to Gizel bearing a suitcase. He opened it up, to reveal stacks of cash.

"The remainder of the payment for the services Legion rendered last [Turn], Gizel-dono. [8 Cash]. Please feel free to count the money, and double-check that the Kamakura-kai has paid you in full."

(OOC: Using a follow-up action to pay Legion of Steel [8 Cash].)

[CapJanus]

Unity

FDC/Kamakura-kai [PM]
"The situation out there isn't quite that bad, yet. But it would be, if this act is passed. All the pieces are there, and the only thing this disaster-waiting-to-happen needs is a push from an unsuspecting source. But Mr. Kamakura is right - if we show City Hall that we're capable of putting things back together, of holding down some stability for a month or two, of simply cleaning up after ourselves, then the villains of the world will have a lot less fuel for their fire. The weapons they're using are fear and desperation, and they're potent weapons, but we can disarm them by making sure the populace is content, safe, and united."

"As for the construction initiative, I could meet the [1 Cash] amount of mutual chipping in. I'd like to donate more, but my contributions in this matter are less monetary and more hands-on, I'm sure you understand."

City Hall
Has the Relocation Plan gotten the green light? It was my understanding that it was still a theory, while Sandra Kane seems to be giving the Outer City a chance to prove that it can provide for its own.

I'd like to add that I believe in the Outer City, and its capacity for good. A lot of the organizations I've been in touch with are doing their best to show that they can protect the people, and that relocation isn't necessary. And I think that, in a month's time, this will be clear to Cape City as well.

But, if there's no way around this, and the Act is passed, I will of course do whatever I can to make sure the people are safe. Let's just not jump to conclusions yet.

Walls [PM]
The followers of Unity are spread from the southern border of the Walls district straight to Cape City itself, offering helping hands to the people of Colt Street, Tinwell Street, and the Walls neighborhoods. As they do, more men set up small outposts to plan and organize the help efforts, and scouting out any places with disgruntled citizens or possible gangs. Those people specifically are offered help with reconstruction and relief.

After a few days of this, the leader of the reconstruction effort steps onto a small stand at one of the outposts. He's in work clothes with rolled up sleeves, speaking proudly into a megaphone.

"People of the Walls!" he cries out. "Please, a moment of your time!" Once a crowd has gathered, he continues. "I hope all of you are doing well. These streets have seen terrible strife, but we're doing our best to continue helping things return to normal. And I want that to continue, for us to build a future together, united. And so I need your help, to help yourselves."

"Mr. Unity would like to place these neighborhoods under his protection. This is not a gang, like Maestro's, or Firepower, or the Killarz. Just the opposite. What we offer is a chance to stand up and protect yourselves from being pawns to power thirsty barons. You'll be able to proudly call yourself a citizen of the Walls, and not a subject of any ruler. The United Militia will patrol, but they're on your side, not the other way around - because it will be made up of your friends and neighbors. We offer organization, assistance, and experience to help you become the masters of your own homes. All we ask of you is your support, and your permission. Will you join us? Will you forge a brighter future for yourselves, your families, and your neighbors? If you will, then let us stand United!"

[Spending an action to recruit from the Walls, and set up basic infrastructure to step in and claim that territory]

[Cognimancer]

Masquerade

Tunnel Rats [PM]
The Cloak took Shifu's hand in a firm shake, nodding politely. "And you must be Shifu. Mirage has told me much about you. A pleasure." He glanced around the room again. "Quite a gathering we have here. I don't suppose our host gave you any sort of agenda?"

Onichrome
We could meet further south, in the Drowned District. Not exactly a lot of traffic in those parts. Just be reasonably subtle about it.

[Forum Explorer]

Administrative Site C

Internal
"We can manage that. We'll send you out with some of the boys on leave. First though we'll have you go through medical, so we don't have to wait for you to detox afterwards."

1. So we'll give him a chance. He can have one night, and he'll be sent out with a squad on leave. They get to have fun. However they'll be followed by Sniper Urokson armed with tranquilizer darts graded to Pathfinder.

[Thelonius]

Conferences

Tunnel Rats [PM]

Herr Tod answers. ‘‘Perhaps a plot to restore the rule of the power gangs? I can’t help but notice all gathered here are groups, where Powers are dominant. The Killarz have been seriously weakened and Symphony prefers to stick to shadows. Of course the sole exception would be Kamakuri-Kai, but they have been more sympathetic to Powers.’’

Factor replies: ‘’I see Mr. Shaper as a more mercantile minded individual. Perhaps he has a ploy to assure our retirement? There are opportunities right now.’’

Representative of Firepower glances at Shifu: ‘’A dangerous prospect to seek profits, if Kamakuri-Kai would be involved. In our dealings we have seen their duplicity. They’ll find ways to serve their own interest at expense of ours.’’

Glassboy Firepower remain silent, waiting for Shaper to communicate.


Kamakuri-Kai

Maxwell Inc. [PM]

''Well, the scope of the projects depends on the amount of cash. Assuming our clients have enough of it, let me see.''

Shanty Towns Minimal Prices
Housing Project (Lvl. 1): 8 Cash
Housing Project (Lvl. 2): 16 Cash
Housing Project (Lvl. 3): 32 Cash (price spike due to poor district infrastructure)

''If we expand our capabilities with your investment and loan, then we can do first or second project in three months (one turn) for one location. We can do first project for both Shanty Towns, but probably won’t be able to finish both for second one. The last project will take twice the time.’’
‘’Of course the more cash we get, the better.’’

*[These prices assume you build up to the location’s capacity. You can expand it by building additional infrastructure.]

Orchard Station/ Main Street

‘’We can send our engineers to evaluate the scope of the task – need to see how much works needs to be done. Hopefully, if Main Street fire damage isn’t too bad, we can fix it easily. But it could be severe. Can’t say anything about Orchard station. We’ve got enough to inspect a single location, but inspecting both will take people’s time from construction work. I must say, I would prefer to work on these projects, if we get paid for them. They look a bit safer.’’

Edgetown
Housing Project (Lvl. 1): 8 Cash
Housing Project (Lvl. 2): 16 Cash
Housing Project (Lvl. 3): 32 Cash (price spike due to poor district infrastructure)

''We can do more work there, if we rebuild some of their old houses.''


Legion of Steel

US Government [M]

‘’We’ll provide you with the data you require. All of Limit Break members have bounties on their heads and you will have our support.’’


FDC

Unity/Kamakuri-Kai [PM]

‘’After some discussion the measure is passed. The FDC doesn’t seem keen on spending money, but concerns over security win over. They’ll wait for the Kamakuri-Kai to inform them of the project that will be undertaken.’’


Unity

City Hall [M]

‘’Very well. Let’s hope you are correct.’’


Masquarade

Onichrome [M]

''Do you have boats? I’m concerned, because my sensors have detected some factions operating there. If you lack boats, then our meeting will have to take place on the shore – either Junks or Greendale. I hope that we won’t be disturbed – truly a pity, that we can’t conduct a discreet business at the Watcher’s Isle, due to the meddlesome Dire interference.''


Serpentine Diabolic

Solaris [M]

Pleasure doing business with you.

[You can pay two people with one action, unless they are not in the same location (Cape City and Outer City).

[Murska]

Unit Blue - Kamakura-kai [M]

"So, that construction company? I've got a half-finished project sitting in Greendale to relieve their housing crisis. Pretty large one. I've got some funds, too - don't ask how.

Perhaps our interests can match here?

Also, if you have the manpower for the task, I've got some other projects in Junks to be started. I can and will pay, but whether I pay you depends on if you can do it fast enough."

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]Ah yes, I do indeed see where you're going with this, Radical-san. Perhaps I will put you in touch with the experts, and allow you to thrash out the details with them personally.

Kamakura

"]"Maxwell-san, Sheldon-san, this is Radical-san of Unit Blue. As you might know, this promising young man has been most influential in recent global events, and is well-known for his concern for the welfare of the people."

"Radical-san, this is Maxwell-san and Sheldon-san, my fellow partners in Maxwell Inc. They have been in this business for years, and their expertise in construction is unquestioned. They will be the ones assisting you in this endeavour."

"Now Radical-san, you have previously indicated you had a half-finished housing project in Greendale, which you would like to complete. Could you furnish my partners with the details, so that they may look it through?"

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

I understand you are currently assessing the Orchards Station, to determine the cost of fixing up the damages as per our earlier proposal. I have recently acquired access to the services of some engineers, and it is my thought that perhaps you could use their expertise in such. Would you like to make such a request?

Kamakura

"]"So you aren't entirely sure what our esteemed host intends to accomplish with his meeting either, do you Cloak-san? Us neither!"

Shifu said, sounding almost cheerful as he took Cloak's hand in a firm shake. When he let go, a scrap of paper was left in the latter's hands.

Establishment of route between Docks and Trent in progress. Kamakura

Turning around to hear the other representatives speak, Shifu reacted in particular to Firepower, staggering backward as if in shock.

"Oh, my word! A terrible accusation you have brought against us, sonny! How could you...?!"

Looking like he was having a heart attack, Shifu stumbled backward, with a couple of his guards stepping forward to catch the Kamakura-kai leader... but managing only to catch thin air, as Shifu stood slightly away from them, having apparently sidestepped their attempt to assist, and actually chuckling at his own gag.

"But really now, is that any way to begin our mutual discussion? Slinging mud like that even before we've begun, this old man would've thought you would've more decorum than that, sonny!"

Shifu admonished in a not-too-serious manner, bending down to pat at his knees.

"That said, my friends here at this little gathering, it's really quite simple. Treat us with fairness, don't threaten us and ours, and the Kamakura-kai can be a good friend to you in turn. All there is to it, really."

"Now, I wonder when our host is coming by..."

"]"Hmmm. Here's an idle thought that came to my head, Maxwell-san, Sheldon-san; for each of these housing projects, to what extent can you complement your operations and expansion of capabilities with unskilled labour drawn from the locals, while maintaining your current levels of profitability?"

"Also, I have just sourced our first new project from a potential client. It will be the completion of a half-finished project rather than one built from scratch, but this particular client may have more work to offer afterwards. I will put you in touch with them soon."

[Murska]

MESH Conference [Maxwell, KK]

"Indeed. A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I've the details here in a document - we were always planning to continue but the war and other matters ate up the funding until now. I would like to hear your opinion on the matter, and whether you think you can make a competitive offer for finishing the project within a reasonable timeframe?

In addition, I would like to know how much manpower you have available - I also plan to initiate several construction projects in the Junks, and will of course consider employing you if you are able to work on several grounds simultaneously without losing out in efficiency."

UB - Kings [M]
"So. 35 total, for the parameters as noted. If you do manage to get Ann herself, I'll arrange for a nice bonus.

We'll get the initial payment to you shortly."

UB - Legion of Steel [M]

All right, transfer the agreed-upon funds to me, I'll match that and I'm getting the rest from my allies. ((Using some Influence :/ )) We'll get the payment done before midturn and we can see action during this turn yet.

[ArcaneStomper]

Shaper

To Dr. Ann [M]
I wouldn't expect you to. Indeed if you did offer to share your technology I would refuse it. To be frank I fully expect any other scientist's work to be their work, and under their control. I don't trust any equipment I don't build myself.

I was merely offering my assistance should you find yourself in need of it. If you are secure enough in your own technology to decline then very well. I will simply watch the proceedings with interest.

-Dr. Shea

To the Lightbringers [M]
To ensure their are no misunderstandings later I must inform you that most of my workers are in fact already zombies. Indeed most of my living employees are simply managers and the like. However let me reassure you that I do not plan to zombify any additional employees I hire. Zombies are well and good for working long hours at repetitive tasks, but for more technical tasks I need living people with working brains. I have a standing offer to hire more living workers to take care of the more technical aspects, but they are understandably leery of the working conditions. Something I hope to change as our image improves. Another reason I am offering my products to you.

And just to be clear I also don't plan to mistreat any of my workers. Happy people are productive people after all.

Tunnel Rats [PM]
A stilted mechanical voice echos out from the walls.

"I. Am. Already. Here. Listening. And. Waiting."

"However. If. You. Require. A. More. Discrete. Form."

For a few moments the walls and floor seem to melt and flow together congealing into a humanoid form.

"This. Meeting. Was. Organized. Not. To. Seek. Profit."

"Or. The. Gaining. Of. Power."

"Although. Both. May. Be. Possible. Results."

"But. Rather. To. Seek. An. Accord."

"A. Coordination. Of. Effort. And. The. Drawing. Of. Boundaries."

"So. That. Order. Is. Brought. To. The. Black. Economy. Of. The. Outer. City."

"And. We. Need. Spend. Less. Time. And. Effort. Guarding. Against. Each. Other."

"Instead. Of. Growing. Our. Respective. Enterprises."

Nowhere [PM]
Garza shows up alone wearing a respectable business suit. He smiles as he sees the others gathered at the meeting spot.

"Greetings, I'm glad you all could make it today. First off the reason I coordinated this conference is to work out some kind of mutually acknowledged boundaries. We have enough to worry about from the government and the so called heroes of the city. We don't need to fight each other as well. So I thought it best if we work out who controls what here rather than in the streets with thugs and assassins."

"Now I know that people like ourselves are probably never going to be all that friendly with each other. Simply because the professions we chose does not allow for much trust. But I hope that this meeting will result in something like a non aggression pact that we can all agree to."

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]"Guwah! Really now, Witters-san, please don't appear from nowhere like that next time! You'd be the death of this poor old man, don't you know?!"

Shifu exclaimed, jumping backward in an exaggerated motion. However, the mobsters he brought with him did not react likewise; if anything, they seemed about as non-plussed with their superior's eccentric behaviour as they were with the Shaper's sudden appearance from the stone walls.

"Ahem. Anyway, so that's how it is, hmmm? Draw lines in the sand, this is yours and this is ours, and all that, eh? If we're going to be choosing, then the Kamakura-kai would be staying put in the Night District, and also come and sit on Meadow Falls and Sleepy Pines to boot. We feel a little sorry for the poor residents there whom were... troubled by the recent mess, and we'll really like to make it up to them best we can, hmmm?"

With that, Shifu paused in his rambling for a bit, and then looked straight at Shaper.

"Mmm... that said, how is this even going to work, Witters-san? You separate the underworld folks into two groups to avoid hostilities, which is well and good I say. But how is the other group to know of any arrangements we may make here at the end of the day, and vice versa, eh?"

"And that's just exchanging information. How are you going to get folks from both groups to accept the arrangements agreed upon by the other side, hmmm? Not to mention there's at least one side over there, I shall not name names, whom are... what do you call it? Nuts, bonkers, loco, and all that. Either way, they already have a track record of being quite immune to reason, so how'd you ever going to make them agree to anything, especially across the gap to a whole other party like ours here?"

"]The mobsters who went away at the Oyabun's order came back with a file, which the latter opened and flipped through, only to produce a slight frown shortly afterwards.

"So then, [7 Cash]... which, on market price levels, is just short of the asking price for the most basic of housing projects. Not too much of a problem there, for the shortfall is not so much that the Kamakura-kai cannot make up the difference. Still, it would be enough only for one [Location] out of either the East or the West Shanty Towns, meaning what we can achieve with this is going to be limited either way."

Still frowning, the Oyabun thought about it for a bit, before continuing.

"On the other hand, I do know of an existing housing project in Greendale which remains half-complete, waiting for someone to make up the difference. Perhaps it would be better if we were to contribute the funds raised here to it, and thereby consolidate currently separate efforts to house the people of Greendale."

[Eldan]

Iron Helix to the KK

"That would be very helpful, yes. We don't have any engineers, as such, ourselves, so outside consultants would be very welcome."

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]Understood, Dentity-san. I will arrange a brief MESH conference between yourself and the contractor shortly, so that you may directly fill them in on what specific work you would like them to do on the Orchard Station.

Kamakura

"]"Maxwell-san, Sheldon-san, this is Dentity-san, CEO of Iron Helix. As you might know, Dentity-san has been in charge of Iron Helix since the untimely passing of Blake-sensei, and has been administering Orchard Station, which is the topic for today."

"Dentity-san, this is Maxwell-san and Sheldon-san, my fellow partners in Maxwell Inc. They have been in this business for years, and their expertise in construction is unquestioned. They will be the ones assisting you in this endeavour."

"Now Dentity-san, you have previously indicated that the Orchard Station has suffered some damages, which you would like to have repaired. Could you furnish my partners with the details, along with the specifics of the work you would like done as part of the restoration of the Orchard Station?"

[Thelonius]

Unit Blue/Kamakuri-Kai

Mesh Conference [M]

Maxwell: ’’Well, I believe that a price of 14 Cash would be fair to both of us. We have capacity to work on several projects in addition to this one.’’


Shaper

Internal [PM]

Just a clarification in that you have human workers as well as Zs.


Conferences

Tunnel Rats [PM]

Herr Tod: ’’Shifu raises a valid point. There’s issue of other gangs. Besides I don’t see much interest for myself in this arrangement.’’

Factor: ’’I would concur. If this brings us no profit, then I see no reason to commit my organization to it.’’

Glassboy: ’’Well, doesn’t look like many people are in favor of this suggestion. Though Shaper must have arguments to persuade us.’’

Syndicate Suit: ’’While I would favor such agreement, it doesn’t look like others would.’’


Nowhere [PM]

Ka: ’’Well, what ours is ours.’’

MADZ: ’’Now I’m prepared to respect the boundaries of those gathered here.’’

Rostov: ’’My company is a legitimate organization, so I can hardly take part in territory division.’’

Red: ’’Onichrome will take what he wishes.’’

Company Man: ’’You’ll see no aggression from my organization.’’


FDC

Kamakuri-Kai/Unity

Jon Wimoore: ’’Are you referring to the Unit Blue’s project? I’m concerned, that there’s danger in that they will take the credit for our charity - that group is well versed in playing on the mob’s sentiments and will no doubt spin their achievements above ours.’’

[Imperial Psycho]

Maestro

Gargantua [PM]
It's a dingy evening in Night District, where the two criminals plan to meet. The man who arranged the meeting is slightly built, wearing clothes that seem carefully chosen to be wholly unremarkable. A hooded top and a pair of dark jeans make the man seem more like a hoodlum than a criminal mastermind.

But when he speaks, it all becomes more clear. His voice is sharp, and with air of authority. "Welcome, Gargantua. Shall we talk business?"

[Thelonius]

Mid-Turn 1

Unlucky Jacks

The Furians are up to their old tricks, hitting one of the most fortified locations in the Outer City, after the destruction of Fort Chains. With fiendish cunning they infiltrated the Hotel only to strike, taking control of several floors in their bid for plunder. The hotel security and some of its more militant patrons are still holding the upper floors, but it’s unlikely they’ll withstand the fury of the assault.

Japanese Fleet Arrives

The fleet of twelve war ships have arrived to dock at the Outer City. The official delegation is meeting in the Cape City Globe to discuss the possible cooperation between Cape City and the Eastern Economic Council, that should heal the scars of the Zeus and WWIII, bringing forth the new world.

The news from Asia indicate that diplomatic discussions may soon produce new economic and technological exchange treaties that will bring prosperity and wonders of technology to the East.

Allegiance - In Hands of the Authorities

Sandra Kane’s big success was unavailed as through her efforts the criminal mind-controlling Power has been apprehended. The criminal that has stolen relief from the Outer City will be placed in the Chills Prison. As with many Master Class powers the trial will follow special procedures, due to the Allegiances ability to influence minds.

Dr. Ann’s Blimp Gone!

Dr. Ann’s Blimp hasn’t been seen for a while now.

Walls

In the Walls Unity makes a move to protect the people. However, the local criminals are making it tough for the hero’s followers.

Meanwhile Sixes formally ask Unity to join P-REG initiative, revealing his identity to the U.S. Government in a show of trust.

Prophet’s Steps

In a half-lit building the Prophet has collected his first disciple.

Night District & Edgetown Shine

As power fails in Trent Town, Night District remains bright with lights. The power shortages also seem to have bypassed Edgetown.

Fighting

Unit Blue’s forces attack the MADZ gang, breaking it.

Watcher’s Isle

Dire’s Devastators were seen buzzing above the Watcher’s Isle. There rumors that Dire has scared off some out-of-town villain.

Serpentine Diabolic [PM]

The Solaris generator is delivered to your HQ in Upper Circle.


Legion of Steel [PM]

A group of men arrives. ’’We are soldiers of the Legion! We’ve awoken in the vats in Abattoir… Our minds were in some sort of… weird place before.’’

They indeed resemble the men who died fighting Limit Break, though not exactly and they seem to know what the men they claim to be knew.


Kings to UB [M]

’’Transfer the rest of the funds. Dr. Ann slipped away, but she won’t be bothering you for a while.’’


Unit Blue [PM]

The battle between your followers and MADz is brief. With superior numbers and knowledge of the terrain, you scatter the MADZ, ending the threat of their gang. The only sour note, is that leader of MADz proves to be bullet-proof as he escapes your encirclement, fleeing into the Trent Town.

Your losses are few, though Radical was lightly wounded, surprised by the MADZ leader.

Generator Lvl. 2 arrives - it’s sufficient to power Edgetown, mostly because Edgetown isn’t that large. A number of people from Hampton Hills are living in the small tents, burning whatever they can find for warmth, so they have little need for electricity. Fortunately they are used to harsh conditions. However the crime is on the rise, as people are robbed of supplies, extorted and abused. Edetown is the center of law, but the Edgetown Militia are few in number and undersupplied to deal with the scope of the issue.


Kamakuri-Kai [PM]

The black marketeers are twitchy after the previous months events, but the old guard supports Kamakuri-Kai. The purchase of the generator seems to improve the mood of everybody. It appears that Garza is a drug-lord, supplying half of the city, from some hidden lab, probably located in Greendale. He’s also believed to own the AquaFarms in Greendale and control several former Chains factories in the Factories district. This makes him fairly rich man, though apparently with limited muscle to back his empire - mercenaries, deals and hidden distribution network have protected it so far. It appears there’s some connection between him and the Investors, though it’s more like business dealings, then alliance.

He hired a bunch of mercenaries recently to kick out criminals in Greendale, supported by Shaper. The criminals were threatening the AquaFarms. Tere are whispers, that there’s some sort of arrangement between Garza and Killarz. There are also rumors he’s been organizing meetings with criminals around the city.

In Black Market there are weapons for sale - [3] Cash per 2 [Weapons]. They aren’t top of the line, but not that bad either.


Kamakuri-Kai/Unit Blue [PM]

You’ve succeeded in stopping Keyworm from making mischief and tracked her location in First District.


Unity [PM]

Your followers spread across the Walls streets helping out and trying to recruit people. The local crooks aren’t particularly welcoming and the locals aren’t very keen on joining the Unity’s crew. You might end up gaining some basic foothold and perhaps [1] Follower.

Sixes aren’t hampering your efforts, but they aren’t endorsing them either - they wish for Unity to register and reveal his real identity to the authorities.


Kamakuri-Kai/Dire [PM]

Kamakuri-Kai men have enhanced strength and endurance, but it’s of little use in the middle of the Drowned District, as their suits lack aquatic capacity. It’s up to the Dire’s Devastators to tow the craft closer to the shore.

Unfortunately Devastators fail to complete the task, as the Blackbird is caught by something on the seafloor. Filled with weapons and armor, the flying robots prove to have insufficient power to tug the aircraft through the obstacle.


Maestro

Gargantua [PM]

Gargantua appears to be a normal sized man wearing basic disguise with black scarf and hoodie. ''Sure. The place has got Kamakuri-Kai's patrols, but the right people won't let them too close to this place. Locals know, what we steal might end up in their hands. So what's the job Mr.? Better not waste my time.''

[Imperial Psycho]

Maestro

Gargantua [PM]
"Simple, like I said. We hit Tech Spikes. I know a guy who can get us past the First District defense guys, if we need it."

"The place is filled with tech shops, and First District is one of the few that haven't been hit in the Outer City. Give me a little time to do some prep before we move, then we simply go in, grab what we can, and get out. "

"Better move quick though, since the Furians have provided such a perfect distraction for the police. We split the proceeds between ourselves, plus a little for the guy who gets us in. Seem fair?"

Internal [PM]
Note- During this whole exchange, Maestro will be setting up triggers in Gargantua.

[Thelonius]

Maestro

Gargantua [PM]

Well... They also have got police, Unity and Kamakuri-Kai. What are you bringing on the table?

[Orbiter]

Serpentine Diabolic

Solaris

Pleasure doing business with you.
Please confirm you got the payment for the generators.



Internal[PM]

Okay
Do i need to spent any actions to install those generators? =D

Did i need an action to put up the firewall i have from the students?
Either way.

Faction actions
3 Pay?? the Lightbringers (er gonna check later how much it was still confused).
4 Pay Solaris [4? cash] (pretty sure it was 4 if not then i pay the amount it was).

[Murska]

UB - Kings [M]

"All right.

Can you brief me on the specifics of what happened? Not that I don't trust you, but it's both lives and money at stake."

Internal [PM]
Radical action + 6 Cash + faction action + previous preparations, training of volunteer and funding + Grassroots + Demagogue + Ever Hopeful + Idealist + Edgetown 2 Asset + Junks Influence spent on increasing the size and preparedness of the Edgetown Militia.

[Imperial Psycho]

Maestro

Gargantua [PM]
"I can bring a little firepower to the table if I have to, but the aim of this operation is not get into a big fight with capes and police. That would be messy. "

"The white hats of this city are busy enough as it is. If we're quick and clever, we can get our prize without a firefight. "

"I can bring manpower. This kind of heist is ambitious, the more stuff we can take, the better. I think I can slow down the police response, too. "

"What about you? Beyond your.. obvious abilities, do you have anything I don't know about you can contribute to the cause?"

[Lost Demiurge]

Kamakura-Kai
Salvaging... [PM]

Delta sighs, and puts her gun aside. She establishes a mesh video link with the team on shore.

"Gonna go dive, see what we got. Lessee... Flashlight, crowbar... Yep!"

"Let's see what we're stuck on..."

She pauses.

"Man, I really hope this isn't Shaper. Boss is gonna lose it if it's Shaper."

[ArcaneStomper]

Tunnel Rats [PM]
"There. Are. Several. Reasons. To. Cooperate."

"First. By. Colluding. With. Each. Other. We. Can. Specialize."

"Rather. Than. Needing. To. Fill. Every. Aspect. Of. An. Underworld. Organization."

"We. Can. Focus. On. Our. Strengths."

"And. When. Necessary. Hire. Another. Member. To. Cover. Our. Weaknesses."

"Without. Worrying. That. We. Will. Be. Betrayed. In. The. Process."

"This. Will. Also. Provide. A. Ready. Market. For. Each. Of. Our. Services."

"Personally. I. Can. Offer. Equipment. Manufactured. To. Order."

"Construction. Services."

"And. Discrete. Transportation. Of. Goods. And. People. Throughout. The. City."

"I. Am. Willing. To. Offer. Discounted. Prices. To. Accord. Members."

"In. Return. For. The. Same. Consideration. From. Your. Organizations."



"Second. By. Limiting. Conflict. Among. The. Largest. Underworld. Organizations."

"We. Reduce. Violent. Crime."

"And. Thus. Are. Less. Likely. To. Draw. The. Attention. Of. The. Government."

"Or. Vigilantes."



"Third. Even. Setting. Aside. The. Second. Group."

"There. Are. Many. Other. Parties. In. The. City."

"Local. Gangs."

"Small. Businesses."

"Various. Entities. Too. Untrustworthy. To. Approach."

"The. Second. Step. After. Agreeing. To. An. Accord. Here."

"Would. Be. Eliminating. All. These. Competitors."

"And. Dividing. Their. Assets. Amongst. Ourselves."

"Although. The. Elimination. Of. These. Competitors."

"Would. Not. Be. The. Primary. Purpose. Of. The. Accord."

"The. Accord. Itself. Would. Make. Coordination. Easier."

"Which. In. Turn. Would. Allow. For. Swifter. Less. Costly."

"Takeovers. Of. These. Rival. Groups."


The Shaper pauses to let the others contemplate this for a moment, and then continues.

"As. For. The. Second. Group."

"They. Are. Indeed. Secondary."

"Several. Are. Outsiders. Only. Recently. Arrived."

"One. Is. A. Company. Trying. To. Distance. Itself. From. This. Aspect. Of. The. Economy."

"And. Is. Unlikely. To. Agree. Regardless."

"The. Group. That. Shifu. Refers. To."

"Is. Being. Dealt. With. Already."

"As. Such. If. Some. Of. The. Members. Of. The. Second. Group. Agree. To. An. Accord."

"Then. So. Much. The. Better."

"If. Not. Then. Their. Assets. Become. Valid. Targets. For. This. Accord."

"Regardless. However. We. Must."

"Reach. A. Consensus. Among. Ourselves."

"Before. Relations. With. Others. Become. Relevant."


Nowhere [PM]
Garza: "Ah, I'm glad that there still reasonable in the city after all the turmoil recently. I'm sure we can work out boundaries that will suit all of us. On the other hand I can respect a desire to stay out of such underworld deals, Mr. Rostov. Even if it does not help the goal of this meeting."

He turns to Red. "I must say though that is a rather aggressive stance Professor Onichrome is taking. Fortunately there is a solution of sorts. Can we make an agreement that Professor Onichrome will at least target others besides ourselves first. I don't believe anyone here would have anything of particular use to him. Although admittedly I'm not entirely sure what he came to Cape City seeking. Would you enlighten us Mr. Red?"

Internal [PM]
I realize that I probably have human workers. But Garza is perfectly fine with exaggerating things a bit.

Also I'm kind of wishing I had arranged for the Shaper to be hanging out at the second meeting site some how just in case. Onichrome is being more agressive than I expected. Oh well too late now. I'll just have to hope that Garza can avoid a fight.

To Dire and Kamuri-Kai [M]
I. Have. Noticed. That. Your. Agents. Are. In. Drowned.

Around. The. Crashed. Vessel.

I. Have. Been. Contemplating. The. Vessel. Myself.

Considering. Whether. To. Retrieve. It. Or. Not.

I. Am. Unsure. If. Doing. So. Alone. Would. Be.

Worth. The. Effort.

And. I. Would. Not. Wish. To. Compete. For. It.

So. I. Offer. The. Option. To. Cooperate.

In. Raising. The. Vessel.

And. Splitting. Any. Gains. Made.

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to Kamakura-Kai and Shaper [pm]

"Whoa! Hey big guy! Hold on a second. Sounds good to me, but that choice is beyond my pay grade. Let me get ahold of the boss."

She contacts Dire.

There is a huge amount of fussing, yelling, and eventually some pained coughing from the other end of the link, as Delta patiently explains the situation. Two or three times. Finally, there's a grudging assent.

"Boss says yeah," reports Delta.

"Figure we're aiming to shift it into the Junks, go to deposit it at a base in Legion Territory, their choice where. If you'd be kind enough to help move it, we could share research or usage of it. Or profits if it turns out selling bits is the way to go."

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]"Mmmm. Weeell. I don't know about you young'uns, but something doesn't quite add up here..."

Shifu said, mumbling to himself as he thought through what seemed to be bothering him.

"Eh, never mind that for now, I'll figure it out soon enough. Anyway, for Witters-san's proposal. For what it's worth, this old man does at least see the point of us all agreeing on whom have the rights to which slices of the pie. I mean, it's precisely because of some folks trying to bully others out of their share, that caused all of that recent mess to begin with, hmmm?"

The Kamakura-kai representative said sagely with a warm smile, deliberately not making eye contact with the Firepower representative.

"And really, we all took the trouble to come all the way out here, might as well take the chance to talk shop, mmm? For that matter, no real harm in making this a regular thing, no? Come together to trade news and deals, moolah and favours, every now and then. Much better than annoying each other and trading bullets, I say. May not be the get-rich-quick scheme some of us here were hoping for, but hey, long-term profits pads the retirement nest just as nicely. Take it from this old man, I should know!"

"Oh, while we're at it, I might as well add the Kamakura-kai's pitch. If you ever need to do business at the Black Market in the Night District, or perhaps get the ears of some of the higher-ups on the legit side, just give us a ring!"

Shifu pitched, looking very much the part of an old salesman rather than the leadership of a criminal organisation he is.

"Mmm, and of course, some of us helping each other out regularly, sure will help us to keep the pretenders out of our pie, hmmm? Means more for ourselves, as well. Though I must say Witters-san, if even you would admit those folks at the other conference are 'secondary' as you call it, which I assume means that you see as them as pretenders as well, why would you even bother holding a separate conference for... AHA!!!"

Shifu clapped his hands together, and exclaimed so loud even some of his own mobsters jumped a little. The Kamakura-kai leader himself seemed to stare into space for a while, looking like he just came to a revelation. Then, a broad smile creased his face, and he started clapping. Once, twice, then a slow but steady rhythm of claps.

"Aaaaaah... heh, heh. Well-played, Witters-san. Very well-played, indeed."

"So, that's it, hmmm? That is how you'll... persuade us all to sign up for your Accord, mmm? Get a bunch of 'secondary' pretenders together, even knowing it's unlikely they'll agree to anything of the sort... and that, is exactly why we cannot risk not forming our own Accord! Because if we don't, and the unlikely actually does come to pass on the other side, it would be all the worse for all of us here!"

"Heh! Hahaha! Very nice, Witters-san! This old man is in awe!"

Shifu laughed, flashing the Shaper a thumbs-up.

"]"Seems like a fair enough price. What do you think, Radical-san?"

"Speaking of which, Maxwell-san. Just an idle question; how much of the work needed to complete the housing project can be done by local labourers in Greendale in place of the usual manpower and equipment in your operations, without compromising profitability or efficiency?"

"]Very well done, Radical-san. I can send my men down to apprehend her if you'd like, since she is in my vicinity after all.

Incidentally, just so I am clear on the matter... where exactly in Greendale is your unfinished housing project located? I am trying to get other potential investors into contributing to the Greendale housing effort, so it would be best if unnecessary duplication of investments in the same area can be avoided.

Kamakura

"]"Indeed, that is the one to which I am referring to. And a fair point, Willmoore-san; I will concede that Unit Blue, with their proven ability to inspire crowds, might very well be in a position to steal our thunder."

"That said, I happen to know just how much Unit Blue is planning to invest into this project of theirs. Suffice to say, should we go ahead with our own housing project with our current pool of funds, the housing project which we will be able to complete with it is very likely to be overshadowed by theirs. Imagine; a lone young man with a small group of mere partisans behind him, willing to invest twice as much as an entire district of relatively well-to-do businessmen and landlords into housing the people of Greendale. Either way, that will not look too good for the First District, now would it?"

The Oyabun said, gauging the reactions of the people at the table. Now, how far could he push it...?

"The way I see it, we have a few options here. First, we could contribute to Unit Blue's existing housing project, and I will personally have a word with Radical-san about giving the First District a fair shake. He is as reasonable a person as it gets, so that should not be an issue."

"Or, we could attempt to compete with Unit Blue, and double our investments to match his. Costly, no doubt, but that should make it that much harder for Radical-san to spin his accomplishments at the expense of our own, if that is what you are really concerned about. Not to mention buying that much more of the Outer City's goodwill, and consequent security of the First District, to boot."

"Alternatively, we can maintain our current course, and undertake our own housing project with our current available funds. However, taking into account what I had just pointed out, well..."

"]The senior supervisor of the mobsters participating in the salvage effort made some reports of his own through the MESH device, listening closely to the instructions he was given in turn. With that done, he turned to Delta, and nodded.

"Oyabun is agreeable to such a revised deal. He says that we might be able to do without Shaper's help if we had more time, but whether we do have that time is in question."

"]Dear sir, once again I hope this message finds you well.

May I enquire as to the status of the ammunition resupply for our stock of HT-50s? When may I expect their arrival?

Kamakura

"]Trump-san, are you well? What is the situation at your Hotel, and are you able to handle it?

Kamakura

"]Ah, Maxwell-san. Please go ahead and send some engineers down to look at the Orchard Station, if you do not mind.

Kamakura

[Thelonius]

Maestro

Gargantua [PM]

''My abilities seem to be most of what we’ve got. I don’t know who you are, but I guess you are in the same boat. Still since I’ll be doing the heavy lifting, I want bigger cut. But I ain’t greedy man. Let’s say 60% in my pocket - if you get me through and arrange for the get away. And the heist better be good - the real sweet stuff. If it’s chicken feed, I’m taking more, since it’s my gargantuan ass on the line there.''


Conferences

Nowhere [PM]

It soon becomes clear that Killarz and Syndicate won't be agreeing much, seeing how the second group is all about Powers. Thankfully they prefer to pointedly ignore each other, rather then engage.

Red: ''I believe such arrangement can be made.''
Ka: ''Well, I can welcome an alliance.''
Red: ''Yes, you are in a rather precarious position. Not many friends in the Outer City, yes?''
Ka: ''Enough of them. But one can never have enough, eh. We can reach a certain agreement. You want turf - we can cede some.''
Red: ''That which you can’t defend?''
Ka: ''Now let’s not push it. I assure you, the coalition against us won’t move. We aren’t as beaten as many think. And We don’t need you as much as you might think. You must have fancy weapons, and we’ve got cash and foot on the ground. So you want to deal or mince words.''
Red: ''Very well, Mr. Ka. Let’s… deal.''

Company Man: ''Syndicate Man. I believe we can have an agreement of our own.''
Syndic: ''And what exactly is your position?''
Company Man: ''Concealed. But that doesn’t mean we can’t reach a mutually profitable concord. You want a foothold in the city, we can provide.’’
Mercantile Gang Representative: ''Well… We can always take some of the risks of partnership.''
Syndic: ''We prefer to work without intermediaries.''
Mercantile Gang Rep: ''Can you afford to right now?''
Syndic: ''Perhaps not. So would the price be Power Serums?''
Company Man: ''That and glasseye.''
Syndic: ''Ah... I see. Yes, we can work together. To a point.''

Ka: ''So, should we talk about Symphony? And others? Who might not like our trysts.''
Mercantile Gang Rep: ''Well, Symphony owes us a serious debt. If you help us to extract it, we can be very helpful against them.''
Red: ''I'd prefer to have a strong hand against Dire, but not to engage her foolishly.''


Tunnel Rats [PM]

Shaper

Factor: ''I can’t say I like monopolies. Free market is more of our creed.’’
Glassboy: ''This arrangement gives us all slices of the pie, but it’s not exactly cut in a fair way. And I don’t trust the cutting will be fair, no, I don’t trust that.’’
Herr Tod: ''An interesting suggestion. But whether it would work, I’m not certain.’’
Firepower Representative: ''And how won’t we worry about betrayal exactly?’’

Kamakuri-Kai

Herr Tod appears a little concerned at Shifu’s words, though only a little. The man doesn’t seem to be one to spend his life worrying. ''If Killarz and others make good alliances there, that would be unfortunate indeed. We might consider getting a bit more active.''

Glassboy: ''I don’t mind bashing people like that - but gain is important. Let’s say we kick them out of Trent Town - after Killarz and Limit Break burned it down it’s a miserable dump. Only places Kamakuri-Kai wants hold any value. And they probably won’t bother to share. And Greendale is their homeground. So unless Kamakuri-Kai would be willing to share something like Sleepy Pines or Southtown?’’

Firepower Representative: ‘’Beating Killarz, I’m okay with, but this way Oyabun gets all the prizes.’’

Factor: ‘’Hey, we don’t like them folks, so we’d be willing to supply you.’’

Herr Tod: ‘’And them. You’ll just ask for a higher mark-up. Maybe we leak information to Symphony - they hate Killarz alright. If they think there’s a chance of alliance.’’

Glassboy: ‘’How hard were those Killarz beaten? Will they try to move against us? But uniting? Last Power Gangs alliance didn’t work out that well.’’


FDC

Kamakuri-Kai/Unity [PM]

Jon Wilmoore: ''One has to wonder how such a small, partisan group managed to acquire funds for such project. I’ve heard that Menor Compadres have been stealing from the government before Unit Blue assimilated them. Perhaps Allegiance wasn’t the only one dipping hand in the honey pot. But of course that is mere speculation.''

The FDC appears reluctant about increasing contributions, but it’s not off the table. A few wonder if the story can be spun to present FDC in a better light, without extra expenditures. As Unit Blue is somewhat related to heroes, Unity’s opinion is asked as well.


Kamakuri-Kai

Maxwell [PM]

''Well. Orchard station is a major project. Our tech capabilities aren’t on par with the task… I’d say if we aim for bare functionality and put all of our resources there, we should be able to get it done in [2 Turns]. The minimum price I’d take such job, would be 18 Cash. If we try to get it done right, then maybe [3 Turns] for extra 7 Cash minimum.''

''The expansion of the construction business would indeed create a number of jobs. We can cut costs on the labor sure - hire Greendale’s for peanuts, as long as whoever we hire in Greendale doesn’t turn to be some druggie or compensates for low pay by thefts on the job. Traditionally we’ve employed people in Walls - they’ve got a bit more experience so it would be a safer bet.''

''If we’ll be working in Greendale, I hope you’ll make sure we aren’t targeted - crime is high there and our equipment is expensive. We might need more space as well - in First District everything is rather crowded and rents are very expensive.''


Trump [M]

''I’m in my safe room. The damn beasts offered me surrender. They probably have got enough firepower to win, not sure they’ll have enough to bust through my personal defences. I’m weighing my options on whether to try to hold out or surrender. I suspect they’ll be cutting off Mesh soon, so if you’ve got something to say, say it fast. If you can bust me out without destroying the place, I sure would be grateful. But don’t try Jumpers. They’ve got interdiction field in place, can’t port without frying.''

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]"Oh, now. I hate to have to say it, and sound like the old windbag that I admit I totally am... but 'gain'? A little short-sighted, do you not think? What is the use of 'gain' that you won't profit all that much from, and probably can't even hold unto for long, hmmm?"

Shifu groaned audibly, rubbing his head as he looked at Glassboy.

"Now then sonny, don't be taking this as an insult or a threat, you hear? It's neither of those, but hear this old man out, mmm? Think about it; let's say you folks kick the Killarz out of, say, Meadow Falls, and become the new squatters there."

"What happens next? Why, the Killarz get more ammunition for their propaganda machine once again, no? Gives them something to back up their scaremongering about Powers taking over everything, incite the common folks. And then you'll have the same humongous mob heading west again, this time right at you, mmm? You sure you have enough firepower to get out of that alive, much less keep your 'gains'?"


Shifu said, once again pointedly avoiding eye contact with the Firepower representative.

"If not, why in the world would you want to put yourself closer to that ravening horde, hmmm?"

"Now then. Herr Todd mentioned earlier about the Kamakura-kai being the exception of all of us here today. May I add, that is precisely what we bring to the table; being the only folks here whom are not a Power Gang, the Kamakura-kai alone are least vulnerable to the Killarz propaganda machine of us all, and that is why we're best equipped to keep hold of Trent Town territory."

"They can gnash their teeth, make threats and all that, but I'll sure love to see them try to raise a mob against a bunch of folks whom aren't all that different from themselves! Especially against the same people whom are going to give them their first chance at a honest living for the first time in a long while... ah, but you didn't hear that from me, of course."

Shifu pontificated, swinging his arms back and forth casually.

"There you have it, my friends. What the Kamakura-kai also bring to the table, is a buffer between yourselves and the kind of folks whom would as soon burn you at the stake, as look at you. Also, your best possible bet at calming down said folks in the long run, and maybe even get them to accept your right to exist, but hey, putting the cart before the horse here."

"Either way, did you really think I asked for Meadow Falls and Sleepy Pines just because of the reasons you mentioned, Glassboy? Take a look and see for yourselves; that means we, the Kamakura-kai, are putting ourselves between you and the Greendale horde. We're actually doing you a favour here, hmmm?"

Shifu continued, chuckling to himself.

"Now, if you really want to come out of this with 'gains', there's still the Malls and the Black Market. Shouldn't be too damaged, wouldn't take too much work to fix up - we can even help you out there - and should be plenty profitable enough, hmmm? And hell, we can even make a few more arrangements so you'd all get your fair share, no? Recruiting workers for your Factory District, a market for the goods you produce, just mention it, and we can talk!"

Nodding to himself, Shifu turned to Herr Todd again.

"Mmmm... involving Symphony again, are we? Maybe, hmmm! Might be a good idea, or bad. Who knows?"

"]"Mere speculation indeed, Wilmoore-san. A luxury that relatively well-off people, like you and me, can certainly afford to indulge in."

The Oyabun replied, with a disarming smile.

"However, let us give this some consideration. Unit Blue's housing project - as is our own housing project, naturally, should we choose to go with this option - is meant to cater to people in Greendale, whom would otherwise have to make do with shacks in the Shanty Towns. Personally, I frankly doubt such people are the kind to look a gift horse in the mouth."

"In fact, let us assume that your speculation was on the money, Wilmoore-san. Assuming Unit Blue did, in fact, get their funds for their housing project from government funding through questionable means... why, to the good folks of Greendale, it almost seems as though they're stealing from the rich, to give to the poor! A modern-day Robin Hood, as it were."

"Let's say speculation of this sort reaches the public; I'd say it'll only help Unit Blue, don't you think? And that is simply something a mere businessman of a small enterprise, like myself, could come up with on the fly. Can you imagine what would happen, if such material were to land in the hands of a propagandist as accomplished as Radical-san? Truly, not only would it not help our image, but the backfire would wipe out what little goodwill we would have hoped to gain with our own works."

Finished the Oyabun, still keeping up his genial smile.

"From my perspective, my friends, it would be best if we could refrain from assuming that we would be able to undermine Unit Blue's accomplishments with any expectation of success. And, it would be best if we concentrated on maximising our own returns in terms of public goodwill."

"Which, of course, I am sure can be done without shelling out more from our own pockets. Of course, it would be that much easier to do so, if only we are willing to pay the piper."

"]"Dentity-san, I have just been informed of the costs that would be incurred, should the project to restore the Orchard Station be undertaken."

"The restoration of the Orchard Station would be a major project, and I am afraid we lack the capability to duplicate Architect tech that was used in its construction. That said, if all we need is basic functionality, it can be achieved with at least [18 Cash] in [2 Turns]. If instead we are aiming to fully restore the Orchard Station, the minimum requirements goes up to [25 Cash], and [3 Turns]' worth of work."

"However, these numbers assume that all of Maxwell's current resources are put towards this restoration work; which, with potential demand for construction work in other parts of the Outer City, may not be possible. I do have plans to expand the company's capacity, but that would require that Maxwell Inc accumulate additional assets. Would Dentity-san be willing to accept a longer ETA for the completion of the restoration work, or are there alternative arrangements which you would accept?"

"]Just to be sure, what would 'bare functionality' entail? If we are to forego the Orchard Station's original purpose as a railway facility, and focus on making it an adequate administrative building for Iron Helix's treehouse project, could that save on the work that needs to be done?

For the matter of Greendale labour, I have a proposal. The Kamakura-kai will vet every prospective job applicant, and Greendale labourers with sole and exclusive allegiance to the Kamakura-kai will get preferential placement with Maxwell Inc. With the senior members of my men to keep discipline, perhaps with Unit Blue's Militia and Unity to assist, we can ensure worker discipline on every construction site.

As for crime, I will arrange for private security to avoid thefts of equipment, and back it up with a quick-response power armour force, if that is acceptable to you.

Kamakura

"]Dear sir, I hope this message finds you well.

I trust that Daikatana has resumed its duties of ensuring the security of the relief convoys. May I enquire if you are able to obtain additional manpower, for the purposes of security work at fixed locations?

Kamakura

"]In that case, Trump-san. Name a price you would be willing to pay for securing your personal safety, and I will assist you in obtaining the necessary reinforcements to achieve it.

Kamakura

"]Dear madam, I hope this message finds you well.

I understand that your forces have been relatively untouched in last [Turn]'s violence, and are positioned closest to the trouble currently brewing at Lucky Jacks.

What would be your asking price for driving away the Furians, and securing the safety of Trump?

Kamakura


"]Dear sir, I hope this message finds you well.

I understand that your forces have been relatively untouched in last [Turn]'s violence, and are positioned closest to the trouble currently brewing at Lucky Jacks.

What would be your asking price for driving away the Furians, and securing the safety of Trump?

Kamakura

"]Dear sir, I hope this message finds you well.

I understand that your team of Powers are for hire, and might be able to do something about the trouble currently brewing at Lucky Jacks.

What would be your asking price for driving away the Furians, and securing the safety of Trump?

Kamakura

[Eldan]

Iron Helix to the KK

Kamakura-San

While we are of course hoping that Orchard station can be restored to at least basic functionality as quickly as possible, we see the problem you are facing. We, too, know that restoring the essential services of the city is a much more important undertaking than this. So, take your time. Additionally, we should soon have more Splice Badger digging animals that, with some preparation, should be able to help in the work, both in Orchard Station and in the city at large, that we would he happy to lend you for this work.

-Faye Dentity, CEO

[Zemalac]

LCAI

Kamakura-kai [M]

All of our production efforts are, by default, completed at [EoT], because otherwise we need to dedicate [2 Actions] to the task instead of one.

Do you require immediate supplies? I'm afraid even though we aren't charging you for this resupply we would have to ask for a payment of [5 Cash] for delivery before [EoT], as using up so much of our production capacity would interfere with other planned activities.

[Thelonius]

Conferences

Tunnel Rats [M]

Glassboy: ‘’Well… the idea ain’t half bad. To have you run the public face and funnel the funds to us. We can do the ****, you don’t want sticking to your boots. I’ll be in - if we can work out two things - how much cash from your protection rackets will go to us for our covert assistance and what stops you from being dishonest.’’

Herr Tod: ‘’Don’t think that I’ll go along with that. Such shadowplay isn’t my style. But I can go for a polite agreement to cause no harm to your operations, if you do not interfere with mine. As long as that suits me. Well, no knives in the dark from this direction, you’ll know if we have an issue.’’

Factor: ‘’Well, it is a good time to buy real estate in Trent Town. Especially if your boys help evict the dirty squatters from the properties, or would that be a problem? We can consider backing your bid, in exchange for securing us investment opportunities and you letting us run the business the way we wish. More buisness we make - more cash in your pockets, right? Just a few things. We aren’t as optimistic about your ability to defend the turf - what will be your firepower and allies again? Plus, last month there were rumors, you were messing in business in Night District, nearly lost a lot of people, a lot of money. Can there be assurances, you will treat us with greater respect?’’

‘’Also - Symphony owes us. Mercantile Gang doesn’t stand cheats. Not planning to make something of it yet… But all present, please take that into account.’’

Firepower Representative: ‘’It appears this will be Kamakuri-Kai’s show. Well, perhaps it’s time for me to leave.’’


Kamakuri-Kai

FDC/Unity [M]

Reluctantly, the FDC appears to be willing to double the investment in order to upstage Unit Blue with a superior project and gather the goodwill of the people. Of course Unity remains to speak on the issue...


Maxwell [M]

''Administrative Center? Well, that would cost 2-8 Cash, depending on how large and lavish Helix wants it. I thought you wanted to to restore the railway station.''

''If you keep the labor in line, then there’s only concerns about their skills, but I’d say if we build houses, it doesn’t take that much skill.''


Daikatana [M]

''I fear we do not have men to spare and to weaken our patrols right now, with all the crime in Outer City...''


Trump [M]

‘’I’m willing to spend 20 Cash - no need to do it on my behalf, I’ll ring up some mercs on my own. I’m just not certain that would be enough - might only make them mad and increase collateral damage.’’


Mave [M]

''Those lunatics? They are very tough opponents. I’ll be prepared to engage them for 20 Cash.''


Jagers [M]

''Well… A tall order. We’ll work for 12 Cash.''


Kings [M]

''We’ve just completed another job, so our services are temporarily unavailable.''

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]Freaks: "Well, now. That depends on whom else here wants in on these arrangements as well, hmmm? If it's just your group, well... 35%, maybe 40%? Reasonable, I hope? Would be lower if the others joined in, of course. Wouldn't be nice if we let you hog such a big share to yourself and left the others in the cold, hmmm?"

"As for how to be sure we weren't cheating you... mmm. Anyone whom knew anything about the Kamakura-kai, would know our very word is worth its weight in gold. Ask any of our regular business partners, and they'd tell you much the same, mmm."

"Still, this old man can see it's not gonna be enough for you, so how about this? There's a young lady on our side, she's the one handling our books. Pretty competent at it too, or so says my oyabun. We'll have her tally up the takings each [Turn], and send you a copy for you to look through for yourself each time. That sounds fair enough?"

Herr Todd: "Mmm, very nice Herr Todd! Suits us just fine, as well! And of course, the Kamakura-kai would be happy to extend the same terms to yourself as well!"

"Of course, we don't have to stop there, hmmm? So you don't want in on this little deal, that's fair enough. But hey, surely there's other business we can negotiate over for our mutual profit, no? Trade, services, the lot? Anything you can think of? Do feel free to tell us what you might need, alright?"

Mercantile Gang: "Ah, that! Mmmm, well yes, rather embarrassing for us there, I'm afraid. That said, I'm sure you know as well as I do what the cause of all that ruckus was about, Factor-san; all that happened simply for the purpose of nabbing Ca- that Allegiance fella. Of course, that didn't pan out if only because Cape City got him instead... but well, there you go. Don't see any real reason that a little annoyance like that would happen in Night District again, so you need not worry about that, mmm?"

"So sure, perhaps Kamakura-kai and Mercantile Gang didn't get off to the best start, but you have this old man's words we're very much interested in better relationships with your own organisation, hmmm? So yes, more respect will be a given in the future, no worries!"

"Now, as for your proposal... nope, see no problems in that. Sounds fair enough, actually! Though, as for evicting the squatters, what sort of problem are you seeing for my boys carrying that out? Rather, this old man thinks it might be more of a problem if the Power Gangs get involved in the evicting, and gives those bloodthirsty Killarz more fuel for the fire... although, if the Kamakura-kai boys went in and 'chased off the interlopers' afterwards, then there's nothing they can really say there, hmmm..."

"Oh right, right, before I forget. Symphony owes you a debt? This is the first I've heard of it, hmmm! Just out of curiosity, what exactly do they owe you now, mmm?"

"]Thank you very much for your understanding, Dentity-san. I am sure that the Splice Badgers, when they are ready for deployment, shall prove most useful for the restoration of the Orchard Station as well.

If I may clarify something, what exactly did you have in mind, when you spoke of the restoration? For the figures I previously gave you, those would apply to restoring the Orchard Station to basic or full functionality as its original purpose, a railway station. If it is simply your intention that it be refurbished as an administrative hub for your treehouse project, the costs and efforts involved would be significantly less.

Granted, if you intend for the Orchard Station to acquire additional functionality beyond administration, that would probably add to the bill. Still, depending on what your actual plans are for it, we might be able to commence the project for much less investment than initially projected.

Kamakura

"]I understand. In that case, I shall refrain from requesting immediate resupply for the time being.

I also understand that your esteemed company can provide grenades for [2 Cash] each. May I enquire if you have some in your inventory for immediate distribution, or whether you would need to order production for these as well?

Kamakura

"]That is all it would take to refurbish the Orchard Station? Interesting. Good thing I thought to ask, we were close to falling foul of a miscommunication here.

Let us clarify with Iron Helix as to what their needs really are with the Orchard Station.

As for the other matter about worker discipline, I will take it we have an agreement on this matter. You mentioned that the labourers in Walls, whom Maxwell have traditionally hired, are experienced; may I assume Greendale's will also accrue that same experience, the more work they do for the company?

Kamakura

"]I understand; in that case, please do not concern yourselves with it. As an aside, how possible would it be to recruit additional manpower to join Daikatana? You may advertise that your company has potential jobs on offer for those whom are willing to work.

Kamakura

"]Understood. Is the [20 Cash] you mentioned meant for the mercenaries you intend to summon for assistance, or in addition to that?

If the first, what would you offer in exchange for my assistance?

Kamakura

"]For Immediate Action

The [Black Marketeers] whom are trawling the Night District Black Market for weapons, will also look to see if any grenades are on sale.

[Zemalac]

LCAI

Kamakura-kai [M]

We generally don't keep items such as grenades in inventory, to discourage opportunistic theft. However, this is not the first time that we have been asked such a question, and senior management is now looking into the possibility of laying in stores for immediate purchases, now that several contracts with the US Army and the TEA have put us on a sounder financial footing.

[Thelonius]

Conferences

Tunnel Rats [PM]

Glassboy: ''Sounds fair, if the pie is big enough. You distribute relief, plus have contacts in Trent Town – how much honey you think you’ll be collecting there?''

Herr Tod: ''Very well. I might give you a call soon enough.''

Factor: ''I see no problem with you evicting squatters – that’s what I was hoping you would do for us. As for Symphony’s debt, that would be around 20 Cash.''


Kamakuri-Kai

Maxwell [M]

''With time, sure. People in Walls generally attend the special collage they’ve got in Factories district, from that Eisenhart charity. Not bad practical education. But if we are building [lvl. 1-2] stuff then I think Greendale schlubs would do.''


Daikatana [M]

''Yeah, we should replenish out ranks fairly easily. Just need to get the new guys up to speed.''


Trump [M]

''It’s for the mercenaries. Or it could go to you, if you think you can bust me out. As for favors, I’ve got a lot of contacts, both in city and worldwide. I know a lot of things and can be quite a good friend. If you want to become new Chains, you’ll need somebody like me on your side – telling you when bad boys are coming to town, and arranging for the trade to flow. Now that Main Street is burned down, and Company got their hooks into most of the smart, business people, a man like me is of considerable importance.''

''Just get me safe and my place mostly intact and we’ll be pals.''


Lockwood-Coban

Internal [PM]

You begin to get careful inquires from both US and Japan on subject of possible weapons contracts. Your understanding of politics lends you an insight into the tiptoeing of politicians. There is a chance of conflict between the two powers, and they each would prefer that you sold exclusively to them. However they don't want to make an open inquiry so as not to provoke the conflict or look like an aggressor.

Your connection with the weapons markets and Coban's intellect also lend to an insight, that beneath the veneer of peace fears are growing of the possible conflict. Nobody is willing to make an extra step, since it would appear as aggression, but they are too afraid not to act.

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]Herr Todd: "Hmmm, very well! I suppose I will be expecting that call soon, then!"

Glassboy: "Mmmm, well now. Between the mess Limit Break made, the lack of houses due to said mess, and the failing power supply, the economy in Trent is going to be pretty bad. So, sad to say, our takings the first few [Turns] or so probably won't be something to write home about, hmmm?"

Shifu said, rubbing his hands together.

"That said, the Kamakura-kai won't be content with such a state of affairs, so we'll be putting some effort towards putting things back together. Take our share of the takings from the residents, and use it to give them homes, food, jobs, and all that. When they're better off from how they are now, I suppose we'll both be seeing an increase in our profits as well."

"Oh, I know! Why don't you young'uns do the same as well, put some of the money you've earned towards investing in the rebuilding? That'll buy you some goodwill from the common folk, and help to blunt the Killarz' propaganda machine as well!"

Factor: [20 Cash]? Pee-whew! Now I'm curious what in the world they were doing with that kinda moolah! Not that I'm expecting you to spill, of course."

"So, kicking out the squatters. Hmmm, well, we'll probably have to save that for some time next [Turn] though, lest that screechy young lass Sandra Kane all the way up there in City Hall blows a gasket and tries to pull the stupidity she's planning. So, you young'uns and the rest up for helping us out, in any way, on that count?"

Shaper and Cloak: "Mmm, so. How about the both of you, hmmm? What do you think?"

"]"Very well then. [14 Cash]... I will make up the [2 Cash] difference, and make a proposal of a [Lvl 2 Housing Project] to Maxwell Inc. paid for by the FDC shortly."

"Mr Unity, is there anything you would like to add?

"]On another matter, Dentity-san, I have just recalled the spliced hornets that Dire-sensei had previously utilised during the Limit Break incident. Would those, by any chance, be for sale if I were interested in procuring them?

Kamakura

"]Very well. Let us go ahead with the hiring of labourers from Greendale.

How many workers would you need for Unit Blue's project, and what are the wages you are willing to offer for it? Please let me know, so that I may commence the recruitment drive.

Also, the First District may also be interested in a housing project of their own; specifically the [Lvl 2] one costing [16 Cash], if I recall correctly. Same thing; how many workers, and the wages on offer?

While we are at it, let's have the answer to the same question for the restoration of the Orchard Station as an administrative centre for Iron Helix's treehouse project, as well.

Kamakura

"]Then, please look into the matter. There may be at least two construction projects in Greendale which could use some security starting next [Turn], and it would be good if Daikatana had the manpower to take advantage of that opportunity, would it not?

Kamakura

"]Very well, Trump-san. Here is my counter-proposal; I will send Mave's Toughs down to Lucky Jacks as your reinforcements, and have her collect her [20 Cash] fee from yourself. The Furians may be dangerous, but so is Mave, and her forces are best positioned and equipped to ride to your rescue.

To Mave's forces, I will send some of my best guys to support the rescue effort. For this, I will ask nothing apart from your friendship.

Kamakura

"]Yes, [20 Cash] appears to be what Trump-san is willing to pay. I have recommended your services to him, so perhaps you might expect a call shortly.

Just a question; if you had [6 Followers]' worth of Power Armour Soldiers, how might they be able to help you in this job? I may be able to provide them free of charge, if you can equip them accordingly with any additional equipment (beyond their Power Armour and standard weapons loadout) you believe they would need for the task.

Kamakura

"]OOC: Need an answer to my question about whether my Black Marketeers can find Grenades for sale in Night District. Fragmentation, flashbang, anything that might be available. Can't note my actions for Mid Turn 2 without it.

[Eldan]

Iron Helix to the KK

"They are, to certain select customers, yes. Since we don't want to be associated too much with weapon trade in the public eye, especially this kind of weapon, we have not put them in the public catalogue.

They are currently 2 cash for 1 nest, which is good for one combat operation before the hornets expire. Alternatively, 5 cash for 3 nests."

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]I understand. You have my word that I will exercise utmost discretion in this matter.

May I clarify as to whether the hornets will keep until they are deployed, or whether there is a finite number of [Turns] before they will expire if left unused? Also, what would you recommend to be the ideal delivery system for these nests? Given that their first known use was by Dire-sensei, it occurs to me that it would be best to emulate something similar with a Power Armour Soldier.

Regarding the Orchard Station. If I may clarify something, what exactly did you have in mind, when you spoke of the restoration? For the figures I previously gave you, those would apply to restoring the Orchard Station to basic or full functionality as its original purpose, a railway station. If it is simply your intention that it be refurbished as an administrative hub for your treehouse project, the costs and efforts involved would be significantly less.

Granted, if you intend for the Orchard Station to acquire additional functionality beyond administration, that would probably add to the bill. Still, depending on what your actual plans are for it, we might be able to commence the project for much less investment than initially projected.

Kamakura

[Eldan]

Iron Helix to the KK, Thelonius

[POILER]OOC:

I'll have to handle it like this. I don't know what the damage is. I know that my tree houses are damaged, but since Orchard station is too advanced for me and the tree houses are on top of it, I can't repair or assess the damage at all. I also don't know how severe the damage is or what would have to be done.

Basically, I just want the tree houses to remain standing and produce food.[/SPOILER]

[Thelonius]

Iron Helix [PM]

Basically there are two damages - to the area, which prevents additional construction, if you decide to add some new facilities or more tree houses and the damage to the station proper. You can't fix the second, without fixing the first. If your objective is to get more ground, then the costs will be less and you'll have land you can sell or build on.


Conferences

Tunnel Rats

Glassboy: ''Giving people cash for free? Hah, now that’s funny. We are FREAKS. A bit of charity will make people forget that we are different? Shaper’s being doing right by people and most still think he’s a murderous monster. Nah, we are good as we are.''

''That charity plan ounds like a lot of investment for little return. Well, we are with you as long as there’ll be dough. If your plans fail to produce it, we are out. I believe that’s fair.''

Factor: ''Hmm… That reminds me of the possibility of relocation plan. I agree in that we should wait for a couple of months – see if there is Trent Town anymore. Might be time to cash in the chips and go for greener pastures.''


Maxwell Inc. [M]

[Made a mistake - correction here:]
Maxwell can do 16 Cash project + Orchard Station Project (admin)
Or it Can do UB Project + Orchard Station
It would be possible to do UB + Orchard station, but only if extra workers, materials & are arranged for.


''We could use around 5 Workers for the projects in Greendale. You can offer them half the wages or even less, if you think they are in desperate enough straits to accept it.''

''So client doesn’t have cash for Orchard station? A pity. Well, we can do the administrative centre easily, might need 1 Worker for that.''

[Hiring workers for half wage would cost 3 Cash total, paying them even less would cost 1 Cash total* This is for 1 Job. A permanent hire would be half wage 12 Cash for 6 workers at 50%, 6 cash if paid less]


Daikatana [M]

''A promise of good pay is usually a good way to get recruits. Though Greendale… Killarz turf isn’t very safe place. Not everybody would wish to work there. We can use 3xWorkers for the Unit Blue project.''


Trump [M]

''Very well, I wish you luck.''


Mave [M]

''Well, then, ready to rock & roll. Furians are bad news, so that one will be tricky. I fear I don’t have any extra weaponry that I can spare.''


Black Market [Internal]

3 Cash for 2 Granades

[Murska]

UB - Construction Companies [M]

How much for a Lvl. 1 Medical Facility in Edgetown?

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]Glassboy:
"Ho, ho, ho! Fair point by most standards, but the way this old man sees it? That's because you folks, and Shaper, lacked one important thing; someone whom can spin on your behalf to put the lot of you in a good light. Well, just perhaps, you might have that someone for the first time ever!"

Shifu said cheerily, pointing to himself.

"Still, true enough that it won't be easy to make people overlook your... differences, hmmm? Might not even be possible for that matter, like you so kindly pointed out. Might be more possible to convince folks you're capable of doing good even despite those differences, though that's not any easier. Still, putting money towards new homes for these poor folks would be a good start, there!"

"Welp, if you're leery about throwing money that way, no worries! Just keep that option open if you ever change your mind, hmmm?"


(Attn: Thelonius)"]Come to think of it, I have no more time to ruminate on the situation. Please prepare [1 Hive] for me shortly, if at all possible, Dentity-san; I have an urgent need for it.

Kamakura

(OOC: Paying [2 Cash] to Iron Helix for [1 Hive], using a VIP action from Stephanie Malone.)

"]Regrettable, but understandable. I will outfit my own men, then.

I may be able to acquire the hornets that Dire used against Limit Break previously. Were I to equip my Fuurinkazan with those, do you think your forces could get them to a point where they can be deployed?

Kamakura

"]OOC: Okay, I'm going to do this whole thing OOC. Easier and faster to get clarification this way.

Oyabun will propose FDC housing project to Maxwell as well btw.

Aren't workers covered in the costings for the FDC and UB housing projects? I figured the [16 Cash] and [14 Cash] respectively includes wages for if Maxwell went with usual practice of hiring from Walls.

Or did you mean Maxwell needs 5 extra Workers?

As for Orchard Station, what would be needed for... whatever it is Iron Helix actually needs Maxwell to do?

"]OOC: Same thing here. What do they mean they need 3x workers for the UB project? Aren't they based in the Mercenary Camps, and can do their own recruiting from there?

"]Black Marketeers will purchase [2 Grenades] for [3 Cash].

I would like the results of my purchase of Hornet Hive from Iron Helix and Grenades from Black Market, as well as Mave's response, before I put in my Mid Turn.

[Eldan]

Iron Helix, Thelonius

"Sure. I will send it immediately."

OOC: giving him the last hive on my sheet. As for repairs, we agree dthat ew don't need a working station, just the basic repairs so I can use the tree houses again.

[Murska]

Keyworm [M-HE]


A screen goes black. Then, text begins to form on it.

> Greetings.
> Look, what you're trying to pull.
> Sorry, we can't afford that sort of thing right now.
> There's things going on that shouldn't be disturbed, and people who shouldn't be upset.
> Some say I should let the cops find you, or rather worse folks.
> But I think that's just overreacting on their part.
> This is just a friendly warning, okay?
> Be careful.
> You're smart and skilled enough, you could make something of yourself.


> _

The screen unlocks a chat prompt, allowing her to type a reply if she so chooses.

[Thelonius]

Conferences

Tunnel Rats [PM]

Glassboy: ‘’I don’t think you can spin something like us. Well, maybe some day.’’


Kamakuri-Kai

Mave [M]

‘’I don’t like the idea of hornets. Trump is footing the bill and he’d hate for his guests to get stung or for hornets to get lose in his building.’’


Internal [PM]

Daikatana – ignore that one, posted it by mistake.

It’s not extra workers. Basically there are two options – Maxwel hires regulars – the costs will be covered by profits, so you won’t see them. There’s no chance of failure.

Or instead of regulars you try to hire cheaper workers – there’s chance of trouble. It fails – you lose that much cash. It works you get extra profits.

As for station I think there’s misunderstanding. Tree Houses are alright.



Unit Blue

Construction Companies [M]

We can get it done for 7 Cash.

*Note that you’ll need to get doctors & equipment to turn it into operating medical center. You'll need to decide if it's free (no profits, but better helps people) or for cash.

[Forum Explorer]

Administrative Site C

Internal
Alright time for Pathfinder's test run. Let's see if we can find Pythia from Unit Blue who has been missing for a while. I'm really also wanting a description of how his Power works.

[Thelonius]

Admin C [PM]

Pathfinder looks like he's suffering from a bad hangover. He listens to your sparse description of Pythia and nods. ''Okay... Let me try...'' He starts walking followed by his escorts, until you arrive to the pier. ''Well. We need to get walking on the water now.'' He grins. ''A bit of a drawback, in that I need to walk to get to my target.'' He pauses to hurl at a light lamp. Then weakly gets up. ''Huh... Odd. You know it never did that before.'' His no ****s given attitude changes to genuine interest. ''It's like there's another path, but it's very faint and hard to follow... Let met think... I always have one path... No not right. Was tracking jumper once, he jumps and for a split second there are two paths flickering. This one, is like there's a path, and then there isn't. It's not that it's blocked, that shouldn't interfere with my abilities. I think. Okay that second path is there.'' He waves in a general direction of Greendale, away from the ocean. ''Somewhere there. It's flickering. Can't say I'll manage to follow it. You know I always do it better on my own. Easier to focus. Maybe you guys can give me some breathing space.'' Pathfinder's file doesn't say anything about this quirk of his Power.

[Forum Explorer]

Administrative Site C

Internal
"Sorry sir, but you'll have to get used to our presence. Later targets will be too dangerous for you to move without an escort."

To Zombie Emperor
Do you still share the old Harvester's hatred of Prophet?

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

Public Announcement to Greendale

"The Kamakura-kai is hiring labourers for construction work on housing projects in the Greendale District. Those whom forsake all other allegiances and swear complete and undivided loyalty to the Kamakura-kai, will be given priority in job placements. Please visit the Relief Distribution Camp in Greendale for further details.

"]Then tell Trump-san and his guests to board up the windows in the meantime. It is my understanding that these particular hornets will die out a short while after they have been deployed, so there is no danger of them infesting the building afterwards.

Like you have previously mentioned, Mave-san, the Furians are a difficult opponent to handle. You will likely need an edge to prevail against them, and I am offering just that edge.

Kamakura

"]Will the Greendale building projects begin this [Turn], or next?

I'll put in my Mid Turn once the talk with Mave is resolved.

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to Symphony [pm]

"ALRIGHT. MASQUERADE, PLEASE CONFIRM THAT YOU ARE SENDING [6 cash] TO DIRE VIA DROPPING IT OFF AT THE ISLAND. DIRE WILL GET YOU THAT 5D SYSTEM [After it's made at EOT.]"

Legion of Dire
to Playing God [m]

"GREETINGS VALUED CUSTOMER!"

"THIS MESSAGE IS TO CONFIRM THAT YOU HAVE ORDERED one 5D training system FROM DOCTOR DIRE."

"YOUR PAYMENT HAS BEEN SECURED IN FULL. EXPECT DELIVERY [after it's made at EOT.]"
"HAVE FUN beating up robots!"


Legion of Dire
to Administrative Site C [m]

"GREETINGS VALUED CUSTOMER!"

"THIS MESSAGE IS TO CONFIRM THAT YOU HAVE ORDERED one Dire Dwarf FROM DOCTOR DIRE."

"WE ARE AWAITING YOUR PAYMENT OF [14 cash]. PLEASE CONFIRM YOUR PAYMENT, AND AGENTS WILL BE BY TO COLLECT IT [at eot]. EXPECT DELIVERY [after it's made at EOT.]"
"HAVE FUN making electronic circuitry and parts."


Legion of Dire
to Kamakura-Kai, Shaper [m]

"Alright..." Says Delta. "Mister Shaper, if you can please clear the obstructions below us, the Devastators will tow the Blackbird to shore. Then the Kamakura-Kai strength suits will attach chains, and we'll drag it to eastern Legion of Steel territory. If you want to help by temporarily providing a gravel path to drag it along, that'd be awesome. Or some other way, it's up to you, I dunno what's easiest for your power."

[Thelonius]

Admin C

Internal [PM]

Pathfinder grumbles. ‘‘If I lose trail, don’t blame me.‘‘ You begin making way to Greendale – the territory of Killarz…

[Will be resolved at Mid-Turn. You should clarify the number of people you are sending…]


CE [M]

‘‘Hatred? No. I don’t think Harvesters hated him before. He was a mighty foe, we’ve conquered.‘‘


Kamakuri-Kai

Mave [M]

''Mr. Oyabun, if I could do things my way, I’d blow up the whole building and bury Furians under it. But I fight for cash. If Mr. Trump withholds his payment due to damages, I won’t be getting it. If you agree to cover in case Mr. Trump withholds, then I will employ the hornets and be more… creative with my tactics. Now will you give such guarantee?''


Internal [PM]

Project is done at EoT. Certain effects of project such as your planned attack on Killarz may manifest earlier.

[ArcaneStomper]

Nowhere [PM]
Garza: "I have no quarrel with Symphony, but on the other hand I am not particularly fond of Dr. Dire. She has after all repeatedly vowed to conquer the city and then the world. And I have no wish for that to occur. So I'd be willing to consider a plan to extract your debts from them."

"And of course there are government agencies which might not view us talking together favorably."

Tunnel Rats
Initial Questions
Factor: A. Monopoly. Would. Not. Occur. This. Group. Lacks. The. Trust. To. Form. A. Cabal.

And. The. Resources. To. Deal. With. Every. Competitor.

No. Matter. What. Occurs. There. WIll. Always. Be. Those. Who. Compete. With. Our. Businesses.

I. Simply. Propose. We. Attempt. To. Sieze. A. Majority. Share. Of. The. Market.

Glassboy: What. Exactly. Are. Your. Concerns. About. Fairness.

Herr Tod: I. Propose. That. We. Make. The. Attempt.

Success. Or. Failure. Will. Be. Readily. Apparent.

Relatively. Quickly.

Firepower Representative: Betrayal. Would. Be. Prevent. Through.

A. Combination. Of. Self. Interest. In. Gains. Made.

From. The. Accord.

And. The. Threat. Of. The. Entire. Accord.

Allying. Against. The. Betrayers.

Kamakuri-Kai Buffer
I. Have. No. Interest. In. Trent. Town.

However. I. Have. Similar. Plans. For. Greendale.

And. Would. Welcome. Anyone. Looking. For. A. Similar. Arrangement. There.

Especially. Those. Of. You. Not. Keen. On. Dealing. With. Kamakuri-Kai.

As. For. The. Killarz. Presence. In. Greendale.

It. Is. Being. Dealt. With.


To the Kamakura-Kai and Legion of Dire
That. Plan. Increases. The. Probability. Of. Failure.

You. Intend. To. Drag. A. Technologically. Impressive. Vessel.

Like. A. Medieval. Sled.

Through. These. Streets.

Do. You. Realize. The. Damage. That. Will. Cause.

My. Own. Plan. Was. To. Encase. It. In. Floatation. Devices.

And. Then. Tow. It. To. My. Drydocks.

With. Little. To. No. Danger. Of. Additional. Damage.

Instead. Of. Either. Solution.

I. Propose. The. Following. Plan.

I. Will. Build. A. New. Drydock. Here.

Around. The. Blackbird. Where. It. Is. Now.

Then. We. Can. Bring. In. Workers. And. Materials.

To. Repair. It. In. Place.

This. Has. The. Added. Advantage.

Of. Repairing. The. Blackbird.

In. A. Neutral. Location.

Without. Involving. A. Fourth. Party.

[Forum Explorer]

Administrative Site C

To Corpse Emperor
Conquered? He's still going around causing trouble. You may have won the last fight but Prophet is hardly done, and may be looking for a rematch.

Put bluntly, do you intend to or want to finish him off for good?

To Unit Blue
We may be getting close to where your missing comrade is. At this moment it's looking like they are in Greendale, though considering we can confirm a Jumper is involved the trail might leap again. Regardless if you wish for us to keep following the trail then we'd like some backup.

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to Shaper, Kamakura-Kai [pm]

"Legion's already involved, and expecting us. We'll need them to protect this thing. If it's in the middle of an armed legion camp, the folks looking to retrieve this are gonna think twice."

"Besides, this puppy is tough. Boss said the water's probably done more damage to it then dragging it would do. We're going a few miles at most. Considering that fixing this thing would require a full power plant replacement and some other stuff only the boss knows how to undo, then a few scuffs on the paint won't matter much."


Delta frowns. "She also said something about how this was Eris' apple, and we need to make sure everyone on board with this can properly share it. Legion's the most neutral bunch around."

[Murska]

UB - Admin. Site C [M]

Sure. Where and what do you need?

[Forum Explorer]

Administrative Site C

To Unit Blue
We are currently moving into Greendale so some extra troops to make sure the Killarz don't pick a fight would be nice.

To Dire
Just to confirm the Dire Dwarfbot is capable of large scale construction right?

[Thelonius]

Kamakuri-Kai

Mave [M]

''Mr. Oyabun, if I could do things my way, I’d blow up the whole building and bury Furians under it. But I fight for cash. If Mr. Trump withholds his payment due to damages, I won’t be getting it. If you agree to cover in case Mr. Trump withholds, then I will employ the hornets and be more… creative with my tactics. Now will you give such guarantee?''


Internal [PM]

Project is done at EoT. Certain effects of project such as your planned attack on Killarz may manifest earlier.


Conferences

Tunnel Rats [PM]

Factor: ''We can do market control on our own in Trent Town, Walls and Greendale. Docks are EVRAZ turf. First District is Company’s. Junks haven’t been that important, but maybe that is changing. They’ve got Unit Blue, who have certain reputation. So if this agreement of yours lets us expand into any of these markets, then maybe it’s worth doing. Will it, Shaper?''

Glassboy: ''That we’d get the short end of the stick of course. We aren’t as strong as you and we ain’t pretty to look at as Kamakuri-Kai. Easy to screw us over.''

Herr Tod: ''Well… what’s your plan Shaper. I might listen.''

Firepower Rep: ''Well, the gains are uncertain. And would Freaks go against you, if you were to break the accord? I don’t think so. Mercantile Gang would hardly lift a finger, unless they are the injured party and Kamakuri-Kai would find a way to screw everybody with no consequences. And Herr Tod… well, if it’s aligned with his objectives, he would act. But he’s got his own game.''

Buffer

Firepower Representative: ''Well… If it’s to bring down Killarz we might act. But not without some gain. Can’t afford revenge.''

Herr Tod: ''An example can be made of Killarz. If I like your plan…''


Nowhere [PM]

M. Gang: ''Ah well, we don’t think Dire will accomplish her goals. She is one of the mad ones, like Dr. Ann. She’ll grab a piece she can hold and that’s it. But She is working with our competition. A friendly competition, but competition nether the less. So if she falls, we won’t shed tears.''


Corpse Emperor [M]

CE: ''Prophet won’t go after us. His Power has a flaw and we know what it is. Let’s speak frankly. I represent a power – great power. At some point there’s a chance the government would feel threatened to move against us. So the knowledge of how to beat Prophet is very valuable. I won’t be sharing it without a good reason.''

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]That is not a guarantee I can afford to give. Very well, Mave-san, I see your point.

I will not then deploy the hornets, but I will nevertheless send my Power Armour forces down to support your operation as necessary. Feel free to liaise with my commander on the field, if there is anything they can do to increase the chances of success.

Kamakura

"]OOC: Please tell me if there's anything in my doc so far which could be counted as a free action instead.

Mid-Turn 2

Faction Actions

8. [Greendale Mobs 2] will set up a recruitment post at Relief Distribution Camp in Greendale, using their rapport with the Greendale locals due to their background of being one of them, and offer contract employment for [5 Workers] at half wage for Maxwell’s FDC and UB housing projects in Greendale, with a possibility for permanent employment for Maxwell’s future projects for those whom demonstrate good behaviour and work ethic. They will make it known that those whom forsake all other allegiances, and swear complete loyalty to the Kamakura-kai will be given priority in job placements; it will be up to them to vet each such oathtaker, and determine the sincerity of each case, so as to prevent Killarz from infiltrating the proceedings. The intended effect is to provide Greendale residents with an opportunity at honest work, and thus to erode the Killarz’ popular base.

Jun Teng

1-2. Jun Teng will prepare [Merc Soldiers II 2] and [Well-Dressed Gangsters 4] trained in [PFR Tactics I], equipped with [6x PFR2 (Fuurinkazan ver.)], [6x Assault Arms and Armor], [2x Grenades] and [1x Iron Helix Hornet Hive], and standby near to Hotel Lucky Jacks. Jun Teng will liaise with Mave on the situation, but retain independent command over Fuurinkazan. Whether to a) use Mave’s forces as a distraction to bust in and secure Trump, b) hang back and engage the core members of the Furians with [Grenades] once they are flushed out (in which case he will prioritise Dauntless and then Ravager, avoiding and saving Brute for last), or c) act as the distraction to draw out the Furians for Mave - will be up to his discretion. He will not commit Fuurinkazan to situations where ambush and/or unacceptable losses are likely. The [Hornet Hive] will be kept as a reserve, only to be utilised if the worst-case scenario happens and Fuurinkazan needs something to cover their retreat.

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to Administrative Site C

"LARGE SCALE CONSTRUCTION? WHAT? NO, THE AD CLEARLY STATES IT MAKES ELECTRONIC PARTS, AND BUILDS ROBOTS. IT'S GREAT AT THAT, SAVES MONEY WITH EVERY BATCH MADE. BUT IT'S NOT A DEVICE FOR GENERIC CONSTRUCTION, LIKE BUILDING ROADS AND BUILDINGS AS SUCH."

"NO, THE DWARF IS NO GOOD FOR THAT. IRON HELIX SELLS GIANT DIGGING BADGERS, THOUGH, THAT MIGHT HELP WITH EXCAVATION AND TUNNELING IF THAT'S WHAT YOU WANT. GOOD PRICES, TOO."

"SO. STILL WANT THE DWARF, OR SHALL WE CANCEL THE ORDER?"

[Forum Explorer]

Administrative Site C

To Dire
Could it build things like generators, solar panels, and handle the wiring in buildings? That's still be very useful. The problem with the badgers is you can put them in storage for a prolonged period of time and they'll only last a few years.

[Lost Demiurge]

Administrative Site C

To Dire
Could it build things like generators, solar panels, and handle the wiring in buildings? That's still be very useful. The problem with the badgers is you can put them in storage for a prolonged period of time and they'll only last a few years.

Legion of Dire
to Administrative Site C [m]
(GM Please Answer)

"PROBABLY, SO LONG AS YOU HAVE THE PLANS FOR THE ITEMS YOU WISH TO MAKE." (I think. Thel? Can you confirm or deny this, please?)

[Thelonius]

Admin C/Dire [PM]

Dwarf is manufacturing equipment, which can produce electronic & robotic parts. You can use it to make a solar panel/wiring manufacturing plant, but I'd say it would be less efficiency for that, then if you made electronics or robotics plant.

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to Administrative Site C [m]

"SO YES, THE DWARF CAN HANDLE THAT. YOU JUST WON'T SAVE AS MUCH MONEY, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT BE AN ISSUE. YOU'LL STILL SAVE SOME CASH EVERY TIME YOU USE IT ON A SIZEABLE PROJECT."


Legion of Dire
to Legion of Steel, Kamakura-Kai[m]

"HEY, JUST LETTING YOU KNOW, WE HIT A SNAG IN THE DROWNED, LITERALLY. THE BLACKBIRD IS HUNG UP ON SOME WRECKAGE, AND SHAPER'S SHOWN UP. HE WANTS IN ON THE BENEFITS FROM THIS. DIRE'S FINE WITH THAT. HE ALSO WANTS TO MAKE A DRYDOCK THERE, TO STORE IT. DIRE'S NOT SO FINE WITH THAT. THE BEST PLACE FOR THE BLACKBIRD WHERE LIMIT BREAK CAN'T RETRIEVE IT IS THE MIDDLE OF ONE OF YOUR OUTPOSTS, IN HER VIEW."

"WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE MATTER, AND DO YOU HAVE ANY AQUATIC-CAPABLE STUFF TO SPARE TO HELP HAUL THE BLACKBIRD OUT OF THERE IF SHAPER REMAINS STUBBORN?"

[Thelonius]

Mid-Turn Part II

There are rumors that Admin C have launched an attack against Killarz, seeking to drive them from Greendale.

Kamakuri-Kai are hiring men in the Greendale for construction projects.

Mave and Kamakuri-Kai arrive to Lucky Jacks Hotel, engaging Furians.

There are rumors that Cape City will invest to establish ferries between Cape City and Outer City Docks. EVRAZ is expected to receive supervision of the project, as an addition to their shipping monopoly.

Admin C [PM]

Your forces with Pathfinder are close to West Shanty Towns, with Pathfinder leading you further, when a patrol of Killarz arrives close by. You can try to evade them, those failure would put you in a worse strategic position.


Kamakuri-Kai

Internal [PM]

You succeed at hiring cheap labor in Greendale, with large number of people agreeing to swear oaths to Kamakuri-Kai. It didn’t look like Killarz were actively trying to infiltrate Kamakuri-Kai.

Killarz support wasn’t strongly affected. Kamakuri-Kai provide jobs, Killarz protect the district against those who would seek to oppress and kill people.


Lucky Jacks [PM]

Jun Teng and Mave advance on the Lucky Jacks. The fighting begins and Jun Teng opts to fight to Trump’s safe room with Mave providing cover. The enemy is reasonably well armed and using the highly defensible positions inside the Hotel as well as hostages as shields. The fact that they took these well-fortified positions from Trump security, with relatively little fight indicates they had a good plan and probably some strong Powers. They are also as fanatical as rumours said they would be – willing to die fighting.

It soon becomes apparent that Kamakuri-Kai aren’t fighting the leaders of Furians – those are nowhere to be seen or heard, though sounds of explosions on the upper floors indicate that they could be fighting there. Mave reports: ''Looks like they left a force to block any counterattack. We are about evenly matched. I can take their positions by piling enough bodies, but that is going to hurt damn much. Looks like the hobo is running their defence.'' After a query by Jun she clarifies ''There’s a hobo in Outer City, damn hard to kill. And Joker. Must be using some sort of power. I’m giving you cover, but unless I get more cash, I’m not ordering the charge. Too costly. Good thing they are acting defensively.''

Jun’s attempt to reach Trump works for the sole reason that Furians are clearly not prioritizing his capture. They extract Trump and bring him to lower floor. Mave reports that there’s fierce fighting on the top floors. ''My men spotted some sort of cloaked figure, shooting lasers out of its eyes. I think Furians are close to finishing them off. Then they might decide to come down.''

Trump: ''Can you take the Hotel back?''
Mave: ''I need more cash, if you want assault. Or reinforcements.''
Trump: ''You. Teng. Can you bring more reinforcements? Well, if not I’ll pay Mave half the sum, since she did half of the job. I’ll negotiate with Furians, that they give me back my place. And I’ll ****ing invest in better security, so it doesn’t happen again. Tell Oyabun he’s got a marker with me.''

[Trump: Influence +15]
One of the PFP Suits was badly damaged and needs fixing.
Mave seems to have suffered some losses.
Furians suffered light losses.


*Basically when forces are equal, it means either high casualties on both sides or little, depending on how aggressive & not aggressive either side is. In this case nobody really wanted to fight.

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]I must say that I am in agreement with Dire-sensei, here. The salvage of the Blackbird would be best handled in Legion territory.

If Witters-san is offering to render assistance, the unspoken corollary is that he must not be able to complete the job by himself; otherwise such would have been done by now. I would recommend that he be reminded of this fact, and that the increased security of conducting the salvage under Legion jurisdiction be emphasised.

Unfortunately, I have no aquatic-capable assets available to me. It is my understanding that Toshiko Industries does have the Ika - a model of Power Suit which would serve in this capacity. I have a lieutenant who should be capable of operating such a suit. However, whether Toshiko can manufacture and/or deliver one such Ika in time for us to accomplish the salvage is in doubt.

Would you like me to enquire nevertheless?

Kamakura

"]Mr Unity, as you can see, the Greendale recruitment drive is going well, hmmm? However, being that their allegiances are what they are, there's a real risk that theft of company property might occur. Would really put a crimp in our reconstruction plans, no?

So. Maybe some of your Uniter boys might help provide security at the two construction sites in Greendale, make sure everything's peachy and nothing goes missing, mmm?

Shifu

"]"I will inform the Oyabun accordingly, Mr Trump. Both with regards to the markers, and to your request for reinforcements. However, before I do the latter, I have an alternative proposal to make."

Jun Teng said to Trump, before beckoning one of his men to approach. The Fuurinkazan troopers who came to his summons, were the ones equipped with and guarding the [Hornet Hive] which was recently acquired; this was shown to Trump.

"These are the same hornets which Doctor Dire used on the Limit Break Blackbird, Mr Trump. Lethal, rather indiscriminate, but dies out shortly after deployment, so no danger of infestation. Mave did not want to deploy these because she was concerned about your adverse reaction, but now I can ask you directly."

"If we deploy the hive in here, and then clear out of the building, the hornet swarm should greatly soften the Furian forces, if not render them incapacitated altogether. We can then move in, and mop up. Granted, your guests would also become collateral... however, as Mave has just pointed out, what few of them remain are probably doomed as it is."

"]My [Black Marketeers] who are currently shopping in Night District's Black Market will also start looking for aquatic-capable equipment that might be useful for the Blackbird salvage.

[Imperial Psycho]

Maestro

To Gargantua
The shadowy man grinned. "You have little faith in me. No matter, I will demonstrate that my plans and my men are the equal of your power. But until I do, you may have your 60% cut."

Internal [PM]
Maestro:
2. [Strategist 4] [Fast Thinker 1] [Maestro 2.0] [Power 4] Travel to First District for reconnaissance purposes. Maestro should not have trouble getting into the District alone. Once there, take in the location, the people. Plan the operation. Install triggers in useful subjects, shop owners, security guards, whomever. Take note of security cameras and other measures that would cause problems in the heist.

[Cognimancer]

Masquerade

Tunnel Rats [PM]
The Cloak stood silently, listening to the debate, until the attendees had almost forgotten he was there. Then he cleared his throat.

"I'm in favor of this cabal. The Masquerade is not interested in taking territory, but we could benefit from more open communication with your organizations, and offer discounted services in exchange. That includes theft, intelligence gathering, and now smuggling, if anyone would like to do illicit business with clients overseas. Hopefully such cooperation would help to avoid any..." He locked eyes with the Syndicate representative for a moment. "...misunderstandings in the field, going forward."

"As for the broader plans to deal with our competition, we will able to assist with matters of stealth and subterfuge, so long as we are compensated. It should go without saying that we have no qualms working against those who stand in the way of this cabal's interests, or at least those that have been discussed thus far."

Symphony [PM]
The Mercantile Gang is complaining to half the Outer City underworld that the Symphony doesn't pay its debts. Does somebody owe them [20 Cash]? Because right now they're just annoyed, but it sounds like they might act on it if it isn't repaid. Or at least aid the Symphony's enemies. Either way, they're an impending threat to our public members.

Onichrome
Very well. We can have men waiting for you in Greendale with the goods. To confirm: we'll bring [10 tech components] for the price of [20 Cash]?

Internal [PM]
Somebody will walk over to Dire's island outpost to deliver [6 Cash].

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to the Symphony [pm]

"MERCANTILE GANG? NO. DIRE OWES THEM NO DEBTS."

"DO OUR DEPARTED MEMBERS HAVE UNFINISHED BUSINESS WITH THE MERCANTILES?"

"HM. RECENTLY THEY ASKED FOR A TRANSACTION OF [18 cash] WORTH OF DEFLECTORS, BUT WANTED TO PAY FULL UPON DELIVERY, RATHER THAN THE USUAL HALF-UP-FRONT ARRANGEMENT. DIRE THINKS THEY MIGHT HAVE BEEN ARRANGING TO PULL SHENANIGANS..."

[Thelonius]

Kamakuri-Kai

Trump [PM]

‘’Well… If you can pull this off, I’ll pay Mave to back you up.’’

[That would be EoT Action]


Internal [PM]

On the black markets the people mutter something about that damn Dire - it looks like there’ll be aquatic tech, but it’ll be coming late [next turn], and Dire is somehow to blame.


Masquarade

Onichrome [M]

Yes, that would be acceptable.


Internal [PM]

The local smugglers are uneasy with Dire’s Devastator’s buzzing in the sky. A number of them are considering delaying shipments, just in case.

[Syndicate representative is at another meeting - did you mislabel it?]


Maestro

Internal [PM]

So that would be your action?

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]Dire-sensei, I have received news from my men in the Night District, which concerns you in particular.

I had sent them to source for aquatic equipment in the Black Market here, but it seems that the shipments of such equipment would be delayed until the next [Turn], and from the word on the ground, Dire-sensei is somehow responsible for it.

I was wondering, if you would have any idea of why the blame is being cast on you for this matter?

Kamakura

"]"Understood, Mr Trump. Let me work out the fine details with Mave, before we put this plan into action."

With that, Jun Teng turned to Mave, showing her the hive as well.

"There you have it, ma'am. We are cleared to deploy the hive, without the risk of compromising your profits. May I hear what is your opinion on the best method of deployment?"

"As I stated earlier, if we deploy the hive here and then spread out to form a perimeter around the Hotel, we should be able to contain Furians whom have been weakened by the swarm. Of course, there is no telling how effective the swarm will be until it is deployed, and retreating to the perimeter might give the Furians time to find a way to counter the swarm."

"Alternatively, we can seize the element of surprise, and assault the Furians inside the Hotel while they are still reeling from the hornet swarm. My men should have the necessary equipment to operate in such a hostile environment; however, I do not know if your forces possess similar equipment. If I cannot count upon your support within the building, I would really prefer not to commit my men against the core Powers of the Furians themselves."

"Mister Trump, I would also like to task a detachment to you. Should the Furians blame you personally for this plan, they might come after you in particular. The detachment will bring you to safety - perhaps to the First District - if they believe a threat to your safety from the Furians is imminient."

"]Well, my [Black Marketeers] are there. Can they ask around, see if anyone have a better idea of what exactly Dire did to affect their business?

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to Kamakura-Kai, Legion of Steel [m]

"DELAYING A SHIPMENT? NOW WHY WOULD... AH. AH! MUCH BECOMES CLEAR."

"REMEMBER IN THE NEWS, HOW PROFESSOR ONICHROME CLAIMED WATCHER'S ISLE? DIRE HAS BEEN POLITELY REQUESTING HIM TO RETRACT THAT CLAIM."

"IT SEEMS YOUR CONTACTS DO BUSINESS WITH ONICHROME. WERE IN FACT SENDING A SHIPMENT WITH HIM. HMMM... DIRE MAY HAVE MISUNDERSTOOD THE SITUATION..."

"WELL. THE END OF THE MONTH WILL DETERMINE THE COURSE OF ACTION FROM HERE. TROUBLESOME. DIRE'S INTENTIONS WERE TO PROTECT THE DOCKS FROM AN INTERLOPER WITH A SPURIOUS CLAIM. BLACK MARKET POLITICS IS ANOTHER BUCKET OF CHUM ENTIRELY."

[Thelonius]

News

Spires

A robbery at Spires, First District leads to theft of [10 Cash]. The culprit - Gargantua, a rising villainous star in Outer City. The police managed to wound criminal Power as he fled, but were too late arriving on the scene to prevent the theft.

Kamakuri-Kai

Mave & Trump [PM]

Trump: ''The upper floors have defences that would stop a nanite attack. If Furians hole up there, swarm won’t affect them.''

Mave: ''Well… They are not the types to hole up somewhere - more of a rush into battle with everything they’ve got.''

Trump: ''I should mention, that it’s possible that at this point they’ve secured a cache of advanced weaponry. Well… Maybe not yet. The fellow lounging in that area of Hotel had defences in addition to my security - his personal stocks include very destructive bombs, and perhaps other things.. It’s possible he held them off, with you taking heat off him.''


Internal [PM]

The Black Marketeers are a bit closed mouthed about exact issue, probably because it refers to their business activities, they much prefer to keep secret - but apparently Dire is drawing the wrong sort of attention to the right sort of place. They are annoyed about it - but well, stuff happens. It doesn’t look like they’ll bear a grudge.

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]At Trump's latest piece of information, Jun Teng stared sternly straight at the former, without showing any signs of what he was thinking. He mulled over the information like that for some seconds, before speaking.

"Switchman, Mister Trump? You are telling me that Switchman is residing in your Hotel, sir?"

A few more seconds of silence passed, with Jun Teng still staring morosely at Trump. Then, he turned away to consider the situation.

"In that case, I am even less keen to commit my men to a combat environment which may, quite literally, blow up at any moment. I'd say the best course of action here is the first option; deploy the hive here, then form a cordon outside to contain the Furians if they try to break out. That is all we can do, for the result is out of our hands; it will come down to hoping that the Furians are unable or unwilling to hole up where the swarm cannot reach them, and unable or unwilling to crack your guest's defenses to secure that cache."

"You may want to call your insurance agents, Mister Trump, if you have any policies taken out on your Hotel. Consider making a call to a construction company for what will likely be inevitable repair works, as well; Mister Kamakura may be able to help you there."

"]"My friends, what details do we know about the recent incident at the Spire? How was it that this Gargantua managed to breach the border patrols?"

[Thelonius]

Kamakuri-Kai

Trump & Mave [PM]

Trump shrugs. ‘’A number of my clients are on the wrong side of the law. However I don’t like having too much trouble from their activities. Switchman is not in the list of my occupants. Letting an bomber in… it could be bad for business, if he decides to leave a couple of presents. As for risks of bombs being deployed, I doubt Furians would wish to blow themselves up. Then again they are somewhat crazy. I would hate to have my Hotel suffer more damages. Though the way it’s built, it won’t sustain more than surface damage, from minor payloads.’’

[ArcaneStomper]

Tunnel Rats [PM]
Shaper: My. Proposal. Is. Simple.

We. Agree. On. A. Project.

And. Then. Exert. Some. Portion. Of. Our. Assets.

Towards. The. Completion. Of. The. Project.

Then. We. See. If. The. Project. Succeeds. Or. Fails.

The. Project. Can. Be. Anything.

Perhaps. Extending. Into. New. Markets.

As. The. Factor. Suggests.

Or. Perhaps. Building. Up. Infrastructure. Between. Us.

Such. As. A. Meeting. Place. To. Facilitate. Future. Conferences.

Personally. I. Recommend. Dealing. With. The. Smaller. Independent. Gangs.

Absorbing. Them. Into. Our. Organizations. To. Expand. Our. Influences.

The. Point. Is. That. The. Project. Should. Demonstrate.

That. We. Can. Work. Together.

For. Mutual. Gain.

And. Without. Betraying. Each. Other.

To the Legion of Dire and Kamurai-Kai
You. Appear. To. Be. Set. On. Your. Plan.

So. I. Will. Inspect. The. Blackbird.

If. It's. Hull. Proves. Sturdy.

Then. I. Will. Prepare. It. For. Your. Crude. Transport.

Otherwise. I. Am. Carrying. It. To. My. Own. Base.

You. May. Send. Technicians. There.

If. You. Still. Wish. To. Collaborate.

To the Corpse Emperor and the Freaks [PM]
Dr. Shea asks if she can observe the various powers in action.

Internal [GM]
The Shaper inspects the Blackbird to see how well it's hull will stand up to being dragged over land.

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to Shaper, Kamakura-Kai [pm]

"Sure, that sounds fair," says Delta.

She goes and heads up to the top of the Blackbird, getting ready to decouple the chains depending on Shaper's analysis.

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]"Mmmm, swallow the pretenders and add their strength to ours, hmmm? Very good, sounds very nice indeed, yes. So, Witters-san, which 'smaller independent gangs' exactly do you propose we subsume, hmmm?"

Shifu piped up again, smiling genially at the Shaper.

"Oh, right! You did just put quite a few of them together at the other conference, no? Of course, you did mention they're not likely to agree to anything of the sort... but still, makes one wonder, don't it? I wonder if they think of us as the lambs to the slaughter, ho ho!"

The Kamakura-kai representative chuckled to himself, appearing to be most thoroughly amused at his own ramblings.


"]"It is the Furians we are talking about here, Mister Trump. And you did mention your guest had 'very destructive' bombs, whether he is Switchman or not. I would not assume any 'payloads' in play here would be all that 'minor'."

Jun Teng said, shaking his head in disagreement.

"Either way, I am afraid I concur with Mave. I will not send my men into this fight, especially not if the hornet swarm means I cannot count on the support of her forces. I will deploy the swarm here, but helping Mave with the cordon around the Hotel is as far as I'm willing to assist after that."

"Now, things might be different if you are willing to foot [12 Cash], Mister Trump. For that amount, Mister Kamakura might be able to call upon reinforcements whom are equipped to fight in a hornet-infested environment..."

"]Final Changes to EoT
Shifu
1. Take [Greendale Mobs 2] and [Kusarigama Administrators 2], and organise them into the two security details for both construction sites currently being worked on by Maxwell. The [Greendale Mobs] will be the feet on the ground ensuring discipline and preventing theft of property using their rapport with the labourers, while [Administrators] will take records of Greendale labourers hired by Maxwell, and handle their payrolls fairly. The latter will also note down which of the Greendale labourers exhibit good behaviour and performance, and designate them candidates for future hires (both contract, and permanent).

[CapJanus]

Unity

FDC/KK [PM]
Construction Project: "Unit Blue is a tricky subject. They do mean well, but as has been discussed already, some of their methods are a little... shady, I guess is the word. I haven't had much contact with them lately, so I'm not sure what the status of their current construction project is, or if it might be part of any other agenda. I won't say that they aren't deserving of our assistance - but I will say that by standing alongside them with our own project, not as their pawns but as an equal force of good, we'll be able to double down on our charity. And, of course, our reputation."

Gargantua: "I can't say for sure - I didn't see this coming. But the fact that this independent and relatively small-time villain was able to pull this off? I'm suspicious. He must have had help getting past security. Has anyone here heard of him, or know where he lives and who he might be working with?"

Kamakura-kai
I can spare a few volunteers to keep an eye on the construction projects. Most of them are focusing on the Walls, but... well, you know how it goes, trying to do good in this town. It's never as easy as you'd like it to be! Knowing the roadblocks we're dealing with there, it might do their morale some good to go lend a hand where they'll be making a real, visible difference for the better.

Internal [PM]
How big is the P-REG movement? Are many major heroes agreeing to register, or are most of them resisting?

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]Mmm, I do agree. And with luck, we can lift morale for all the people in the Outer City across the board with the successful completion of the housing projects!

Oh, my oyabun bids me convey his thanks to you for backing him up on the housing project proposal at the FDC. And for your volunteers for the housing projects' security, too! Some of my boys will be on the job as well, and I personally will be there to oversee them, so do mention to your lads whom this strange old man ordering a bunch of gangsters around like errand boys is, hmmm? I look forward to working with them!

Shifu

(OOC: Remember to note down your sending the volunteers in your EoT, the projects will be completed by then.)

[Thelonius]

Turn 13: It's a Brand New Day (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILObfEzX92k)

District News

Greendale

Unit Blue's project is providing houses for the people.

Trent Town

Southtown, Night District & Factories are the only places keeping it together, the rest of the Trent Town is dying, as people turn to stripping wiring and looting.

First District

Cape City police vows to track down the criminals responsible in the largest heist in the recent history of Outer City.

Docks

The ferry to Cape City has opened in the Docks greatly boosting the economy of the District. There's also been a growth of foreign investment. Standarts of living are rising all thanks to Administrator Keats and EVRAZ group.

Abattoir

There are rumors of men coming from Abbatoire - clones of the slain. A man can have a second chance at life if that's true - but can Harvesters be trusted?

Greendale

Drugs, Crime, power issues, turf wars. Situation in Greendale is dire.

Walls

There are reports of Unity fighting crime and growing drug use on the streets in the Walls. The Lightbringers work keeps the District electrified and provides some jobs. Walls aren't doing good, but they aren't bad either.

Junks

With it's population and bad conditions Junks should be much worse, if it weren't for the work of Unit Blue that is slowly pushing for the development of the Junks as most of the unexploded ammunition is removed and extra goods are provided for the people.

Lotlands

Lotlands scrapes by - it's far from worst places to live in, but it's relatively small compared to other districts and it's infrastructure is undeveloped.

Violence in Outer City

Greendale: Unit Blue muscling on Killarz Turf

Unit Blue's surprise attack on the Killarz has been repelled by the Killarz patrols.

Lucky Jacks

Furians robbery of the Lucky Jacks went astray as Kamakuri-Kai's arrival trapped them inside the hotel. Supported by Mave, Kamakuri-Kai have set a bloody siege of the Lucky Jacks.

Cape City News

Sandra Kane & Relocation Plan

A vote is held in City Hall, which passes 6 to 5, with one person abstaining. The Relief Program will be shut down and the Relocation Plan enacted.

Sandra Kane: ''My conditions have been clear, and yet there was unceasing violence in the Outer City - thefts, robberies and turf wars. Even knowing the stakes the criminals and factions of the Outer City couldn't restrain themselves.''

Sentinels

Mr. Trap has announced that Sentinels will begin recruitment of new members to rebuild the team that was devastated by Limit Break.

Terror in Upper Circle

After an explosion detonated in the upper circle completely destroyed a building belonging to the Ornatar company, a couple of dead bodies were found in the building, the Police is currently investigating the Company as well the building for the source of the explosion, but doubt there is anything to be found here as the explosion obliterated the building and everything inside of it.

On unrelated news a visitor in Cape city was found dead and armed with several firearms a couple of blocks away from the same building, the police is now investigating for any connections between the events.

Global

Russia

In St. Petesburg the civil unrest has prompted a soft revolution as people pour on the streets in protest against corruption and crime. It looks like Fenix Rising, a group of young acitivists is at the forefront of the events.

Asia

New EC accords might be signed soon, but the region is unstable and many express concerns about Japan's aggressive expansion.

Information

Mesh 1

Somebody is bidding a lot to find out about Singularity Architects on Warehouse 13.


Mesh 2

Inquirer has been investigating something in the Docks and calling in Mesh favors.

New code, reportedly from the Unroot herself is being studied by Code Monkeys.


Mesh 3

Japan might have AIs and they are preparing to take control of global Mesh-Networks. Or at least do some large scale project.


Politics 1

Goats are preparing to hold a rally against Cape City's elites.


Politics 2

There's a very dangerous undercurrent in global politics as the world titters on the edge of WWIV.


Politics 3

Russia is mobilizing troops and it looks like they've got some secret weapon and some internal stability and current power swiftly strengthens it control and opposition wavers. Strangely they are letting St. Petesburg's situation slide.


Technology 1

The technological advancement continues to accelerate across the world.


Technology 2

Onichrome is building amphibian machines of war near Cape City

Russia and Japan have ''Super-Geniuses'', scientists that make others appear as dimwitted idiots.

A villain ''Dark Science'' is preparing to make his move in Outer City.


Dulls 2

Cradle is on the move and it's influence and power have never been greater.


Dulls 3

Cradle is opposing Singularity Architects and Japan.


Technology 3

A man, who calls himself Dr. Kill, an insane maniac weapons developer has appeared in Cape City.

Singularity Architects are mobilizing for something big... Real big.

[Eldan]

Technological Advances from Iron Helix

Iron Helix proudly announced that we have successfully replaced another district with tree houses. After improving the technology behind the tree house, we can now also offer them for a new price of only 18 cash, instead of the previous 25. Finally, we have improved the efficiency of the tree house's photosynthesis and growth, meaning that all new types commissioned from now on will not only produce enough fruit for the consumption by inhabitants, but will in fact grow enough sugar-rich fruit to produce a considerable amount of wealth when exported.

[Orbiter]

Serpentine Diabolic

"]
Well....looks like i aint the only one who got in trouble.

If you can get this message Ravager or whoever is answering.

Need any help with the hotel?, i might be able to help, sneak and bring some stuff or get people out one by one as i have been looking a bit on what......i have developed and can do(details up front and close only).

Also i can offer better and improved free healing to you, although i doubt you need it much.
If need be i could arrange for the Blackwatch(mercenary dudes) to come help with the fighting if you think you could use the help, they will want payment, either in money, or something like part of the Loot for their help, of course i could personally talk and persuade them so that they will accept to be paid in a favour by you, just tell me stuff you would be willing to do for them.

And if you can pay some cash i could ask a friend to bring Gargantua as well, the giant guy.

Anyway please answer after the characteristic sound.(my rotten humour will never die).


"]
Heya mates
Thanks for that favour.
How is prism doing, i can fully heal people now more or less, do you need any help with that?
I also might be able to improve the rats once more, if you want, no payment needed, lets say i just want you to keep your eyes open for anything that happens(but stay away from what you see perhaps).
Also i might have interesting information later on to share.


"]
Well, Cradle is on the rise mates, they sort of bombed me, but revenge will come later.

For now if i remember right Maestro you had some mercenaries in your employ, interested in having the furians pay you or owe you a favour?, or maybe having that big guy you worked with get paid as well.
Still waiting to see if they need some help for now, but i kinda think they are in a small pinch.


"]
Okay lets keep up this name for now(until the time comes to unveil who we are).
You never did tell me that if i needed to post any actions this past turn?
I assume not....considering what happened.

1 Do i know how strong my regen currently is?, considering my new powers i should know something?
2 Do bullets and foreign objects(shrapnel get pushed out?), based on the explosion i wanna say, yes but asking to be sure.

[Murska]

Unit Blue on Greendale Skirmish

"We apologize for our part in the unfortunate misunderstanding and loss of life within Greendale. A small number of our men were working with some associates tracking down a bunch of criminals, tangentially related to the Switchman bombs that we did manage to track down. The trail led to Greendale, and, meeting a Killarz patrol on the way, the tensions of the past weeks unfortunately erupted in a short firefight thanks to a misunderstanding of our purpose there. As soon as I got word of the events I told my men to unilaterally disengage and avoid any further fighting.

I will henceforth order all of my team leaders to wait for confirmation from me before straying into Killarz turf."

Relocation Plan

"Well, since it has been decided, I and I'm sure many others are awaiting for concrete details. Shutting down the Relief Plan is going to cause a lot of trouble for people, and if there is not an immediate move to counteract the negative effects with something, I expect the already low measure of trust Outer City has for Cape City politicians to disappear entirely. Even if the Relocation Plan is the best thing since sliced bread, it's going to be impossible to implement without Outer City support.

So, what's going to happen now?"

Unit Blue - Mask, Underground [M]

"It appears the world is close to a major confrontation between the United States and the Japanese-led east. A world war would bring untold suffering across the globe, and provide fertile ground for other ills of humanity to prosper.

Is there anything that could be done?"

Unit Blue - Fenix Rising [M]

"We're going to continue to help. Above all, you need to keep the protests nonviolent, even if provocateurs appear, and make sure the authorities know that you can be negotiated with and the demands aren't unreasonable. In addition, you need as much media attention as possible.

This to ensure that those in charge don't have an excuse to resort to force, don't feel like resorting to force would be a preferrable solution and, finally, that there will be major consequences PR-wise if they do resort to force."

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
Internal [PM]

Committing 2 Dire actions to finish research on ROBOTS IN DISGUISE. Commiting one Faction action to doing it FAST. Welcome to holographic disguise projectors for the Devastators! Also noise baffles, because otherwise it's kinda pointless.

Dropping 1-2 cash for moving van rental, depending on how much it costs to shift things. Dropping 2 cash more to rent a building in Lotlands through BORING STABLE BUSINESSES as a nice front and hideout. Figure it'll be a big garage, so that the lab noises won't draw too much attention.

Spending one more faction action on packing up the lab, and with the Masquerade's help, moving it out. Destination will be Lotlands. Doppelgangers will be riding shotgun with the assault weapons, Liho too if she wants to come along. Devs will follow along disguised, behind the convoy, ready to support them, Dire riding with them. Their disguise should hide her as well.

We'll leave just enough behind that Onichrome can see there WAS a base here.



Legion of Dire
to Masquerade [m]

"ALL RIGHT. AS WE DISCUSSED, IT'S TIME FOR DIRE TO MOVE. NOW. DISGUISED DEVASTATORS WILL PACE PARALLEL TO THE ROUTE, READY TO DIVE IN CASE OF TROUBLE. MOVING VANS WILL BE ARRANGED ON SHORE."



Legion of Dire
to Kamakura-Kai [m]

"WAIT, WAIT... YOU TOOK ON THE FURIANS? THE FURIANS?"

"DEAR HEAVENS, ARE YOU STILL STANDING?"



Legion of Dire
to Mercantile Gang [m]

"WORD HAS REACHED DIRE THROUGH HER SOURCES THAT YOU ARE STATING THAT THE SYMPHONY OWES THE MERCANTILE GANG A DEBT."

"THIS IS PUZZLING TO DIRE. SHE IS AWARE OF NO DEBT OWED TO YOU BY THE SYMPHONY. NORMALLY SHE'D CHALK IT DOWN TO A LIE AND AN EXCUSE FOR A LATER MOVE, BUT... WELL, SHE'S HAD ENOUGH DEALINGS WITH YOU TO SEE THAT YOU DON'T LIE ABOUT THIS SORT OF THING. RARE QUALITY, HONESTY. WORTH DEALING WITH IN A REASONABLE FASHION."

"WOULD YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN TO DIRE WHY YOU BELIEVE THE SYMPHONY OWES YOU A DEBT?"


PUBLIC REPLY TO SANDRA KANE

"A COUPLE OF HEISTS, SOME MINOR STRUGGLES, AND NO SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE CITY, AND YOU CONSIDER THIS AS VIOLATING THE "NO MAJOR UPHEAVALS" CRITERIA YOU LAID DOWN?"

"PFFT. LADY, YOU ARE EITHER FOOLISHLY NAIVE, OR YOU HAD NO INTENTION OF A FAIR TEST IN THE FIRST PLACE."

[Eldan]

Iron Helix, Public Statement

"We are currently at a point where, with some funds, Iron Helix could replace the entire outer city with self-heating, self-repairing buildings that provide water, food and exportable goods to the inhabitants for free after being errected. Why exactly are we evacuating again?"

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to Symphony [pm]

"NOW HOLD ON... SD, YOU SAID THAT CRADLE BOMBED YOU? WAS THAT WHAT THAT INNER CITY BUSINESS WAS ABOUT?"

"HM. NOT GOOD. DO YOU NEED HELP? DO WE NEED TO START INITIATING OPERATIONS AGAINST CRADLE?"

[CapJanus]

Unity, Public Statement

The shutdown of the relief program concerns me in the short term, but the Unity Organization and its allies will do our best to help the people of the Outer City through this transition. To those who are upset with this decision, remember that Cape City is not a dictatorship. This choice was made democratically, and the majority has ruled that this path will be the most beneficial. At this point all that remains is to wait for further plans on how to proceed, and you can be sure that Unity will watch out for the people of this city every step of the way.

Kamakura-kai
I'm very sorry to hear that your relief plans are being torn from you. Even if relocation is the best option, the people need to keep eating. We should still have some influence with these politics, perhaps we can convince City Hall to delay the shutdown of the relief program for another month.

I must ask, though. We've been allied for a long time in defense of the people of the Outer City. But it's those people who I'm loyal to, not the city around them, and if relocation is the only option for them then I'll be doing whatever I can to help them through it, rather than throwing them into the fires of a civil war.

So what of the Kamakura-kai? Details on the relocation plan haven't been announced yet, but when they do, we could do a lot to protect the people at the bottom if we both support the overall initiative.

[Eldan]

Iron Helix, Public Statement

As part of the relocation, what will happen to companies with their headquarters in the affected areas, such as Iron Helix? Will there be compensations? Is there government assistance in relocating our lab space and sample specimen, some of which are building-sized? How will the secrecy of our research be guaranteed? The Plant Houses of Orchard Station and other districts represent a major investment by Iron Helix and Lockwood-Coban. Abandoning them, along with all our lab space, would ruin a company that has done a significant amount of humanitarian work.
Rebuilding everything we currently have in a new location would cost Iron Helix an amount of at least [45 cash], more likely [50 cash]. Money which we simply don't have. As such, we can not aford a relocation and must protest it. Iron Helix and its employees will stay and if we have to, we will resist in any manner we can, starting with hiring lawyers and taking the city to court over this decision.

[Thelonius]

Nianta

Furians [M]

''We need some equipment transported out of the Lucky Jacks and fast - but we are talking fairly heavy stuff and it shouldn’t get broken in transport. If you can get some forces to hit Kamakuri-Kai that would be good, we’ll pay them somehow.''


Lightbringers [M]

''Well, any help would be welcome, certainly. What exactly is happening with you?''


Internal [M]

1. Fairly strong.
2. They get pushed out.


Unit Blue

Killarz

Lies, Lies and more lies. That was a small group searching for bombs? You tried to move in on our turf, cause you thought we wouldn’t expect it with that bitch Kane ultimatum and Dire calling for ceasefire.

Mask [M]

Things do seem tense. I don’t know what can be done - just hope sanity will prevail.


Underground [M]

''We’ll try to do what can be done to keep peace. We have no political influence - but people on the streets would listen to us. Of course that doesn't always stop the politicians. And then there’s something brewing up in Mesh… But you must know it already.''


Fenix Rising [M]

''We’ll try up to a point, but I doubt authorities would keep things peaceful… We don’t want blood, but sitting and watching corruption grow… It’s not enough to keep winning small victories.''

''I'm concerned Radical... No I'm damned terrified - if we stick to peaceful ways, then if government gets violent we'll get killed. If we prepare for the fight, then we'll probably get it and might, if not survive it, make a strong enough statement to change things. But then chances for peaceful resolution would be slim. So prepare for war and get it or hope for peace and risk losing everything without a fight... Sensei's for peace, but she always seeks consensus, and I don't think she's seen what we have... We've been there on front lines and seen how evil people can be, how corrupt and callous those in power get. I'll trust your judgement over hers on this one. What do you think?''


Legion of Dire

Mercantile Gang [M]

''It’s an issue with Maestro’s loan. We want it repaid - then there’s no problem between us.’’


Sandra Kane: ''The fact that you consider what happened to be minor stuff just illustrates my point of how bad things are in the Outer City.''

Iron Helix

Administrator Keats

''I believe I can answer Iron Helix question. The Docks land is under my administration, as transferred by Mr. Banks. I’m working out the details with my financial advisor - there might be certain taxes to raise cash to pay Cape City for utilities, though I would prefer not to impose such burden on people. Anyway there should be few changes for the companies operating solely in the Docks.''

''I’m grateful to the Iron Helix for the gift of Tree Houses, and I hope your company will continue to play important role in the Docks community. I hope to hear of your plans for mass production of Tree Houses that you describe.''

Unity

Sandra Kane [M]

Thank you for your support. The relocation will require considerable resources and I was hoping Unity would be able to help make it go smoothly. Can you give us threat assessment and what would be required? Currently the plan involves both Highway 66 and maritime shipping, with assistance of both USA and Japan.

[Eldan]

Iron Helix

"We are not solely operating in the Docks. Iron Helix' plan is to improve the quality of life across the entire outer city and we have already replaced Trent Town with Plant Houses.

You are talking about supporting us. But just hours ago, you also spoke of evacuating the very areas the tree houses and our labs are in. You are talking about removing our potential worker base. How, exactly, are you supporting us if you are evicting us from our properties?

We will resist your plans. Every step of the way. My lawyers advise me that this is unconstitutional and we are prepared to take this to any court up to and involving the supreme court."

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to Mercantile Gang [m]

"MAESTRO TOOK OUT A LOAN WITH YOU? THAT'S NEWS TO DIRE."

"HM."

"NOT REALLY SURE THAT'S A SYMPHONY ISSUE. IF HE TOOK OUT A LOAN WITH YOU, HE DIDN'T SEE FIT TO MENTION IT TO THE GROUP, AND UNLESS THE LOAN WAS GIVEN BEFORE FIREPOWER MADE THEIR MOVE, DIRE LIKELY DIDN'T SEE ANY PART OF WHATEVER CASH YOU GAVE HIM. GUY WAS TIGHT-FISTED IN THE EXTREME WHEN IT CAME TO SUPPORTING THE FEW ALLIES HE HAD."

"DIRE DOESN'T WANT TO SEE YOU SHORTCHANGED. AT THE SAME TIME, MAESTRO WAS AN ENORMOUS GIT, AND IF DIRE STARTS MAKING REPARATIONS FOR EVERY DOUCHE-Y MOVE HE MADE, SHE'D SPEND THE REST OF HER LIFE DOING SO. AT THE END OF THE DAY, DIRE'S NOT HIS #%!#^#^ MOTHER."

"BUT, AT THE SAME TIME, YOU REPRESENT A MARKET THAT DIRE AND HER ALLIES WOULD RATHER NOT SEE CLOSED OFF. BE A SHAME TO LET FUTURE BUSINESS BE TAINTED OVER THIS."

"WHEN, HOW MUCH, AND UNDER WHAT TERMS WAS THE LOAN INCURRED? GOT A CONTRACT, ANY VIDEO OR AUDIO, ANYTHING WITH THE SPECIFICS?"

[Murska]

Greendale Incident

"Yes, we attempted to invade you by sending a handful of men to the northern edge of Greendale, about as far from where we camp as possible, avoiding any of your bases and, once pressed into a fight, retreating defensively and leaving as soon as it was possible while minimizing casualties on both sides. Of course. That was sarcasm, by the way.

We do have a full video of the entire encounter, if anyone requires it."

Unit Blue - Mask, Underground [M]

"We will hope that reason will prevail. But we should also discuss and prepare for what might come if it does not. Us who still believe in human rights, in peace over war and in equality. What can we do to avoid the worst case coming to pass, and if it does come, to mitigate the damages? We should find allies, at least, and come up with plans. Hope is important but hope alone won't be enough."

Unit Blue - Fenix Rising [M]

"Okay. Okay. That's pretty heavy.

I'm going to be as honest and clear as I can. You deserve it, and you can take it. What follows is my own belief, but tempered by experience of both myself and others I've met and talked with.

If you get into a fight, you'll lose out. In the end. At the best case for you, you manage to avoid getting shot down immediately, and there'll be a civil war. Those are bad wars. There'll be so much death and destruction, it'll be difficult to justify that by the results, whatever they might be. There's no guarantee of victory, and any victory will take months or years of devastation. And global politics are tense, we might be entering a new Cold War if not World War 4 - outside forces won't care about you. At worst, Japan will assist the Russian government.

But you're right in that it's too risky to trust in the humanity of those in charge. It's too easy to shut your eyes from the truth and justify atrocities. What you have to achieve if you are to win out is to make the reasonable solution be a cheaper one in their eyes than turning to guns. If you get the government to agree to moderate demands peacefully, you'll have that much more ground to stand on and people will hopefully see that slower, peaceful change is a valid option. If you drive for that big victory and fail, things will be worse than before. And even if you win, the costs will be large.

Concretely, what I advise is that you be ready to negotiate, don't overplay your hand but try for the most crucial changes that improve things. Meanwhile you ensure that the media and the world knows what's going on, knows that you're peaceful and reasonable, and finally, prepare for the worst case not by preparing to fight, but preparing safehouses, hideouts and escape routes so that if you're attacked unprovoked, you will survive to fight another day and to leverage the PR blow they'll be dealing to themselves.

If they think they can 'buy you off' with small concessions, don't let them realize that that only means you'll be back for more small concessions with a stronger position to demand them from. That's the best, least destructive route to real change."

Unit Blue - Cape City [M]

"What is the Cape City response to the growing tensions between Japan and the US? We don't want a new Cold War, let alone a hot one. And your position, your economic and technological clout, would be a great boon to the side of peace and negotiation - if you're willing to convert it to a political lever."

[Forum Explorer]

Administrative Site C

To Unit Blue
Alright who did you manage to piss off so badly? So far the trail for your kidnapped friend has been moving from hot spot to hot spot. Currently it leads to Lucky Jacks Hotel.

To Furians
Hi. Mind if we pop in for a little bit? We're following a trail but we need to follow it close to exactly how the object moved or the Power won't work. We honestly don't care about whatever you and the Kamakuri-kai are fighting about.

Relocation Plan
Considering that there were no major conflicts over the last period I'm surprised that you are going forward with this plan. Basically you never had any intention of honoring the 'terms' you laid out did you?

[Murska]

Unit Blue - Admin. Site C
We thought it was Ann but we're no longer sure... Whoever it is had very advanced tech, a Powers research project, advanced Mesh capability and plenty of resources.

I'll see if I can't help in Lucky Jacks...

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

Public Statement

"What a farce."

"Various groups are working on the power supply. There were no 'major upheavals', only minor skirmishes. The streets are safer than in recent days, even if there is room for improvement."

"And 'room for improvement' is the imperative term; things are not perfect, but they are starting to get better. There are new housing projects erected to put a roof over people's heads, and others have made progress on the goal of making Outer City self-sufficient in food requirements."

"Such things take time. Time, which Ms Sandra Kane and her lackeys have seen fit not to give the Outer City, even in the face of measurable progress. Have we regressed to the mere pretense of reasonable negotiations? Are such honourless dealings to be the way of Cape City in these dark days?"

"What 'democratic' choice, pah. True democracy would take the wishes of Outer City's residents into account. I contest the unilateral decision made by the elites of Cape City, and call for the policy to be suspended until as and when the votes of Outer City's people, the people most affected by such a policy, is taken into account."

"]Regretfully, it appears my men have paid a high price for their effort, Dire-sensei. Nevertheless, some of them still survive, as is their commander as well though he is wounded.

Unfortunately, Mave can no longer sustain the fight, and neither can my men; thus, I will be forced to withdraw them unless reinforcements are available.

On another note, Dire-sensei, I understand we have secured the Blackbird. What is the next step there?

Kamakura

"]Hmmm, mmmm... I am afraid I must defer to my oyabun on this matter, Mr Unity. He wishes to communicate his thoughts to you on this matter personally.

A word to the wise, Mr Unity; my oyabun would not have stated such a wish, if he did not believe the current state of affairs did not warrant it. Please forgive any roughness on his part in your upcoming discussion with him, and try not to antagonise him too much, hmmm. He has not been in good health lately, and I hope you will not aggravate him too much further.

Shifu

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mr Unity, I hope you have been well.

Unfortunately, if that is your thought on the matter regarding Sandra Kane's Relocation Plan, I am afraid this is where we might have to part ways. It is my fear that allowing the attempt to implement the Plan to go ahead would herald darker days ahead for us all, and it is my intention to oppose it to the bitter end.

Fear not; legal means, rather than violent ones, shall be my first resort to that end. However, Mr Unity, if your loyalty is truly with the people of the Outer City, this is my advice.

Listen to them, and what is truly best for them. Not what the politicians, ensconed and uncaring in their ivory towers, say is best.

Kamakura

"]At the wounded Jun Teng's command, one of the surviving Fuurinkazan troopers handed Trump a comms device. From it, the Oyabun's voice came.

"Very well, Trump-san. That is your right. However, whatever you decide here and now, my men will be retreating from the scene, just like Mave is now. I have already paid too high a price for your friendship, as it is."

"Still, I will give you another piece of advice; I assume, from your wish to stay with your Hotel, that you intend to attempt negotiations with the Furians. Let me just say this; that the last person I knew who attempted the same approach got only a near-fatal wound for his trouble. That is who the Furians are, Trump-san."

"I suppose you may want to try regardless, even having demonstrated that it was your last resort after force has failed. If you do insist on that, I would have to call in my marker now, Trump-san. After all, I do not expect you will live much longer to honour it, so it only makes good sense for me to do so while I still can."

"]Dear sir, I hope this message finds you well.

I would like to send a follower of mine in for treatment of combat wounds. Please advise me as to any costs and/or requirements I should fulfill, before I can deliver him to your esteemed facility.

Kamakura

"]Dear sir, I hope this message finds you well.

In light of the recent announcement, regarding the vote to terminate the Relief Initiative and initiate the Relocation Plan, I find myself in need of legal advice to tackle this very issue. May I make an appointment with yourself soon?

Kamakura

"][Politics 2] + [Crime 2] + [Bribes and Blackmail] + [Insightful II]: Which political figures in Cape City can be bribed or blackmailed right now to vote in the interests of Kamakura-kai regarding Relief Initiative and Relocation Plan, and what would it cost me in terms of Cash or Actions?

[Thelonius]

Legion of Dire

Mercantile Gang [M]

''Hmm… Doctor Dire. Let’s put it this way. We can be repaid our loan with interest - 20 Cash. Or we can obtain all the information pertaining to it, the circumstances of Maestro’s death, the location of his organization’s remnant and whether they are still involved with Symphony, that sort of thing. If we find nothing to indicate that Symphony was involved with Maestro, you would be in the clear. If we find something, then we’ll ask for the repayment of the loan and sell the information we’ve obtained either to you or on the open market. So which option would you prefer?''


Unit Blue

Killarz: Sure, show video of your men sneaking around the Greendale, ambushing our patrol and then refusing to leave. You are good at manipulating information and twisting the truth.

Mask, Underground [M]

''Well, the EU is trying to be reasonable, so hopefully they’ll inject some reason. And we can do what we can for the people - a humanitarian effort.''


Fenix Rising [M]

Very well. I’ll think on what you’ve said...


Cape City [M]

We of course desire only peace and prosperity for the Cape City.


Admin C

Furians [M]

''Whatever. We are leaving Lucky Jacks once Kamakuri-Kai turn tail as they no doubt would. Feel free to do what you want there.''


Kamakuri-Kai

Jack Mitchell [M]

''Certainly. I’m currently in the First District, so you can visit me there.''


Trump [M]

''Don’t be concerned Mr. Teng, I had my share of tough negotiations, so I’ll manage. I don’t intend to put myself in the Fury’s path. Still with my security forces depleted, once I get my hotel back, I was hoping you'd have men to provide protection for a fee.''


St. Margaret’s [M]

''He can receive either regular treatment for free or VIP arrangements for 1 Cash. If his wounds require extensive and expensive surgery, you will be billed additional cost.''


Internal [PM]

You need to gain sufficient traction to call for a revote - something to discredit the original vote or some new information. Otherwise you need to persuade one of the political factions in Cape City to press for one - which might require extra bribes.

The bribery cost will be 10 to 30 cash (to impossible), depending on who you try to bribe and how you go about it.

Bribery Difficulty
Unity Party - hard, high influence
New Interests - impossible, high influence
Autonomists (Purists) - hard, medium+ influence
Business Interests - easy & low influence
Power Interests - moderate/easy, medium influence
Autonomists (Moderates) - moderate/hard, medium influence
Anarchists - moderate, medium influence
Society of Light - hard, medium+ influence

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]Dear sirs and madams, I hope this message finds you well.

I would like to inform all of you that I will be pursuing legal avenues, as well as... certain alternative means, of influencing Cape City to delay or even reverse its recent decision regarding the Relief Initiative and the Relocation Plan.

If you are interested in assisting in this endeavour, please indicate your interest so that I may set up a meeting. If there are any other parties whom you believe might be interested in this endeavour, please bring them up so that I may think to inform them as well.

Kamakura

"]"Most certainly, Trump-san. Assuming you make it out of the negotiations alive, we can certainly come to an arrangement of this sort. Perhaps it would be best if we table our negotiations for the time being, until as and when you have concluded the negotiations you would most certainly need to have with the Furians now."

"I will be withdrawing my men at this point, Trump-san. Still, are you sure you do not want a small detachment as your personal guard, so that they can evacuate you should the Furians attempt to harm your person?"

"](OOC: I'm assuming I don't need to spend any actions, since it's First District.)

Arriving at the designated meeting spot, the Oyabun nodded to Jack Mitchell.

"Mitchell-san, thank you for agreeing to meet with me on such short notice."

"Allow me to get to the point. Mitchell-san, I would like to engage your services in stalling, or even reversing Cape City's decision to terminate the Relief Initiative, and implement the Relocation Plan. Surely, there must be some legal instruments which can be leveraged to that effect."

"In your view, what would be the best course of action?"

"]I understand. In that case, please make the VIP arrangements, and I will send him over shortly with the fee.

Kamakura

"][Politics 2]: Any way at all to find out whom voted what at the Relief/Relocation vote?

For Immediate Action
Faction Actions

Free Action: Fuurinkazan will retreat from Lucky Jacks.

Turn 13 VIP Actions
Oyabun

Free Action: Meet with Jack Mitchell in First District.

Jun Teng

1. Bring [1 Cash] to St Margaret's Hospital, and seek treatment there with VIP arrangements. If extra Cash is necessary, use the same action to pay the total bill.

[Eldan]

Iron Helix to the KK

Miss Dentity and Chimaera will be at your disposal, Kamakura-San.

[Orbiter]

Nianta

There was only the sound of someone typing in the semi-dark room, no source of light save a screen, the air was warm and the fans seemed to be in Overdrive, in retrospect this situation was a bit funny at the moment, it was time to begin now her ops.

Symphony[PM]

"Hm not exactly, its more accurate to say that Cradle made a move against my team, or it was the caretakers.
I am sixty percent sure about it that it had to do with me digging regarding Dulls.
I lost most stuff, but otherwise i am fine, had another trigger event...sort of gave me some regeneration, i cant speak about all the details, but we are in one piece for now, even if some people died."

(ooc: Hint hint there my good Dr.).

"Also Maestro if you are still around, the Furians would be interested in some forces, and they would pay them well, also if you wish to co-ordinate with me i am open to such a thing, oh yeah i might have a meeting you wanted ready soon, also sending you my messages with the Lightbringers so you know what i told them so far, so go ahead and read them, i am sure you can use what i told you here, now good luck on whatever you want to do with them."


Furians[M]

"Hm alas i am not that strong of course if by heavy you meant more like 50kg hm that would be possible, define how fragile they are?, can they handle a rough transportation?."

"Now getting forces to attack KK?, now thats easy, worst comes to worst i attack on my own heh, dont worry on the details, and nope i dont transform into a giant snake...no matter how cool that would be,......hm bah **** it i am gonna be doing stuff".

"You'l owe me a daaate Rav if it goes fine".


Lightbringers [M]

Ah yeah i forgot sorry, i am a bit scatterbrained right now.
I lost some of my team to that bombing incident you might have heard about.

The details and some of the more important things i need to tell you...well a person who helped me with everything could fill you in as to what exactly happened if you have a place without any prying eyes to meet him.
He also likes to back heroes and projects, (he is the same person who backed the M of L&O Fruit trees project a while ago).
So he could also help you if you need some funding and he can tell you everything about bombing(he was cool to me so far).

As for my personal changes....he will fill you in with more details, but lets just say i can help people better, and i can also take a bullet.....it will still hurt like hell though, and my paranoia is up until i am sure as to who tried this whole operation.


"]
That meeting....i think you know whats gonna happen there Thel. =),
Omnomomomom, plus i am sending Maestro a copy of my communication with the Lightbringers so far in this turn via the symphony channel so if the operation goes to hell, he gets to have a good cover story.

Another question
1 Do my followers use TP?, i cant find out
2 My new [power 3] should count for hacking? maybe?


Faction action(they got loyalty? seriously?)
1 Change/flip mesh encryptions

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to Mercantile Gang [m]

"HAHAHA! AH, SEE, THIS IS WHY DIRE LIKES YOU. YOU'VE CHOSEN A THREAT THAT WOULD ONLY IRRITATE DIRE, BUT POTENTIALLY BE MORE PROBLEMATIC FOR OTHERS DEPENDING ON HOW AND WHERE YOU INVESTIGATE. THE MERE ACT OF INVESTIGATION COULD POSSIBLY PUT CERTAIN OPERATIONS IN JEOPARDY. NOT TO MENTION SPOILING OUR SWEET PRIMETIME REVEAL WHEN WE SHOW THE FOOLS OF THE WORLD JUST HOW BONED THEY ARE..."

"DIRE SHALL PASS YOUR WORDS ON TO THE SYMPHONY. WE SHALL SEE WHAT OTHERS THINK OF IT, AND HOW MUCH THEIR PRIVACY IS WORTH TO THEM."


Legion of Dire
to Symphony [pm]

"ALL RIGHT. DIRE HAS SOME DETAILS ON THAT DEBT THE MERCANTILE GANG CLAIMS."

"THEY SAY THAT MAESTRO TOOK OUT A LOAN WITH THEM, THEN RAN. WITH INTEREST, THEY CLAIM IT COMES TO [20 CASH]."

"DIRE HAS POINTED OUT THAT IS MAESTRO'S BUSINESS. THEY HAVE OFFERED TO WITHDRAW THEIR CLAIM... IF AN INVESTIGATION OF MAESTRO'S DEATH, THE REMNANTS OF HIS ORGANIZATION, AND ANY BUSINESS HE HAD TURNS OUT TO BE ENTIRELY UNCONNECTED WITH MAESTRO."

"IF THEY DO FIND A CONNECTION, THEN THEY'LL STAND FIRM ON THE REPAYMENT OF THE LOAN, AND SELL THE RESULTS OF THE INVESTIGATION ON THE OPEN MARKET. INCLUDING ALL AND SUNDRY INFORMATION TURNED UP ABOUT THE SYMPHONY."

"SO. HOW SHALL WE HANDLE THIS?"

Legion of Dire
to Kamakura-Kai [m]

"YOU WENT UP AGAINST THE FURIANS AND SURVIVED... YOU SHOULD MAKE SOME NOISE ABOUT THAT. MAYBE BRING THAT TO THE COUNCIL, SHOW THEM EVIDENCE THAT GOOD CITIZENS OF OUTER CITY ARE QUITE CAPABLE OF STANDING UP TO EVEN THE MOST DANGEROUS THREATS."

"AS FAR AS DONATIONS TO ALTERNATIVE VOTING ADJUSTMENTS GO, YOU COME CALLING AT A BAD TIME. DIRE'S FUNDS MAY BE NEEDED ELSEWHERE."

Legion of Dire
to Mimir [m]

"MIMIR, HELLO. TWO FAVORS TO ASK. FIRST, DIRE IS HAVING TROUBLE LOCATING THE SCHEMATICS FOR THAT MAINTENANCE DRONE YOU SENT TO HER. PLEASE RESEND IT."

"SECOND, HAVE YOU MADE ANY PROGRESS ON DECRYPTING THAT DATABASE THAT DIRE GOT FROM THE RAID ON THE NEARBY LABS?"


Legion of Dire
to Kamakura-Kai, Legion of Steel, Shaper [m]

"ALL RIGHT. THE BLACKBIRD IS SECURED, AND OUR FOUR ORGANIZATIONS NOW HAVE MUTUAL ACCESS TO IT."

"AS DIRE SEES IT, THERE ARE TWO AVENUES TO MOST BENEFIT FROM THIS VEHICLE."

"THE FIRST AVENUE IS TO STUDY THE TECHNOLOGIES WITHIN, AND SHARE THEM. DIRE SEES THREE EASY GAINS HERE..."

1. ADVANCED AVIONICS TECHNOLOGY
2. RAILGUNS
3. ADVANCED STEALTH TECHNOLOGY

"THE SECOND AVENUE IS TO RESTORE THE BLACKBIRD TO FUNCTIONALITY, AND HOLD IT IN RESERVE FOR WHEN WE NEED THE DARN THING. WE'D PROBABLY HAVE TO STRIP OUT WHATEVER TRAPS ERIS PUT IN THERE TO PREVENT THAT, AND REPLACE THE POWER CORE, BUT IT'S DOABLE. IT'D TAKE RESOURCES, THOUGH."

"WE CAN EXPLORE BOTH AVENUES, MIND. DIRE CAN ASSIST IN EITHER AVENUE, BUT HER TIME IS ALWAYS LIMITED THESE DAYS. MORE SCIENTISTS WOULD BE WELCOME."

[CapJanus]

Unity

Sandra Kane
Before I can give a threat assessment, I think I need to know a little more about what the plan entails. Will residents be forced to leave their homes, or can they stay if they can support themselves? Does this affect the entirety of the Outer City, including the relatively stable areas like the First District?

And what of Iron Helix's proposal? I don't mean to tell you how to do your job, but hiring them as a partner in the Relocation Program could turn an enemy into an ally. Their treehouses seem reliable, and with some funding you could employ them to create new homes for the people who are relocating, or use their fruit to sustain a small, productive pocket of the Outer City. If the angry and misguided are relocated, districts like the Docks, First District, or even the Walls could potentially be turned into a safer community, or even a part of Cape City proper.

[Orbiter]

Nianta
to the Symphony[PM]

"Hrm somewhat tempted to let them investigate and then work with Mimir to hack them(as i got my hands on...stuff to help us with that) and get them in trouble.....but thats just the fact that i almost lost my very skull speaking, well that and the headaches".

"So....hm if i calm down a bit, there is potential trouble if those guys continue making trouble, first of all anyone connected with the Symphony will be looked with suspicion by them and possibly others, and if someone wishes to make some transactions with them....well we are in trouble".

"Anyway, if they investigate, it depends on how well Maestro covered his tracks, and what he thinks about the whole situation, i don't have trouble with either going against them or....taking a more diplomatic approach.....hmmm but what if they lie?, what if this whole situation is because of someone having made a deal with them to deal against us?, just saying that everyone in the Symphony....'dead' or alive, has enemies, what is the chance one of our enemies would do this?".

"Maybe....just maybe, i am being paranoid, as i am not 100% sure who was behind the attack against my team, or maybe there really is someone out to get us...well there is, but you know what i mean".

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to Mercantile Gang [m]

"DIRE HAS DISCUSSED IT, AND A POSSIBLE COMPROMISE HAS BEEN CONSIDERED."

"LAST MONTH YOU WISHED TO ORDER THREE DEFLECTORS, BOOK VALUE [18 cash]. WHY NOT LET DIRE GIVE THOSE TO YOU FOR FREE, IN EXCHANGE FOR CONSIDERING THE DEBT DONE?"

"DIRE IMAGINES THAT THEY'D BE EASY TO MOVE AT A MARKUP. NO ONE OUT THERE OFFERING MAN-PORTABLE FORCEFIELDS RIGHT NOW, EVEN FIRST-GENERATION ONES..."

[Thelonius]

Kamakuri-Kai

Trump [PM]

A small detachment would be useful.


Jack Mitchell [PM]

''Well. That’s a tricky piece of business. They don’t have a legal obligation to provide relief, and most of Outer City is on land that belongs to Cape City administration. I can see lawsuits against Cape City as compensation for damages in breach of trust, but to reverse the decision itself… That would need a lot of effort.''


Internal [PM]

Relocation:
In Favor
Unity
New Interests
Autonomists (Conservative)
Against
Society of Light
Anarchists
Autonomists (Moderate)
Business Interests
Abstained
Power Interests


Lucky Jacks

Kamakuri-Kai forces retreat from the Hotel Lucky Jacks. Shortly after Furians leave the hotel and head towards the Greendale District.

Admin C [PM]

[If you wish to engage them you can.]


Unity

Sandra Kane

''We won’t be forcing people out - but with relief and utilities shut down they won’t be able to stay. First District, Docks and Edgetown might survive, but I expect an exodus of willing people from the hellholes of Greendale, Trent Town and Walls. Of course the gangs will act up and there’ll be disorder among people. Both USA and Japan will be working together providing resources for relocation but we need locals people trust to prevent chaos.''

''Iron Helix has a reputation of refusing to work with others. I’m certain they’ll send me a letter full of insults, if I were to attempt negotiation with them. And I don’t see them as presenting much of a threat. I don’t see any profit in financing their bio-genetic schemes.''


Nianta

Lightbringers [M]

''****, your team was killed? That’s horrible - my condolences. I hope you are dealing… We can meet with that man, sure.''


Furians [M]

''Not exactly fragile, but not that robust either - and we can’t afford to get them damaged. We are on a tight schedule here and must move fast.''

''Well.. it looks like KK left sooner than we expected. We’ll be going to Docks then.''


Internal [PM]

Yes, I guess we wait and see.

You can use your power for hacking.


Legion of Dire

Mimir

I have been occupied by major projects. I have uploaded the schematics to your network.


Mercantile Gang

You are a as smart as they say. We’ll take the deal. We should be getting a bunch of high-tech weapon shipments by [Mid-Turn], so if you are interested, call us.

Mercantile Gang Influence +1

[Murska]

Greendale Incident

[Unit Blue uploads a video showing the engagement from the point of view of the UB troops. They appear to be fighting to minimize casualties and to withdraw in good order, as claimed. Curiously, there is no sound.]

"Well, the idea of us attacking with such a small force and in such a remote place to take over land is absurd. If you don't believe our story, feel free to provide evidence to the contrary."

Unit Blue - Mask, Underground [M]

"No... that won't be enough. If we could do something, but don't, and a war breaks out? The deaths and destruction will be part our responsibility.

Underground has the ear of the common folk, which in the EU translates to actual political power. At least somewhat. A strong anti-war movement might get them to take a stronger stance. Mask, I know you don't like involving yourself with politics but you're my only link to the South-American governments. If we can push the rather heavy political weights of the EU and South America behind the anti-war sentiment now, before it's too late, it might be enough to affect the UN, the US and Japan to do something about the tensions."

Unit Blue - Cape City [M]
"Only that? What about the peace and prosperity of the rest of the world?

There is a very real danger of the tensions between Japan and the US escalating to an outright war. I hope Cape City will publically issue a strong statement urging for reason and negotiation over rash actions. If for no other reason, then because a war between the two superpowers is likely to cause great harm to Cape City as well."

[Forum Explorer]

Administrative Site C

GM
/Why would I do that? I'm just trying to follow that trail for Unit Blue.

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]"Restoring the Blackbird for the next major event is indeed a good idea, we could use all the trump cards we can get. However, you did damage it to the point of being grounded, Dire-sensei. To restore it to full functionality would take a lot of time on top of the resources, would it not? It seems to me that such an endeavour would be a long-term prospect, either way."

"I would suggest that our initial efforts be focused on gleaning all the knowledge we can obtain on the technology used in the Blackbird. We would get quicker gains by such, and restoring the Blackbird can be undertaken at our leisure afterwards."

"As for additional scientific help... I am not sure whom else we can bring in to assist in studying the Blackbird. Perhaps we can cut a deal with LCAI or Toshiko?"

"]Thank you for agreeing to meet with me, Dentity-san. I will inform you once final arrangements have been confirmed.

In the meantime, I understand from your public statements that you are intending to commence legal proceedings against City Hall for the Relocation Plan? I too am pursuing the possibility of that avenue; what do you think about the prospect of us pooling our resources together in a common endeavour?

Additionally, I believe Maxwell Inc. should have the capacity to undertake restoration work for your Orchard Station this [Turn]. What is the extent of the reconstruction work you would like done?

Kamakura

"]Radical-san, I hope you have been well. It seems that the Greendale housing projects have proven relatively successful thus far.

I understand that you have been seeking to undertake similar work for the Junks district recently. I believe Maxwell Inc. should have the capacity to undertake that work this [Turn], so would you be interested in giving us the contract?

Kamakura

"](OOC: Right, so apparently my guys pulled out before I even had the chance to fulfill Trump's request for a detachment. What now?)

"]"Hmmm. What if we were to combine all the individual lawsuits into a single class action lawsuit? Would that be doable, and how effective would it be? It may perhaps be possible to force City Hall into reconsidering their policy, should it potentially be too damaging to their own pockets."

"It has occurred to me as well, that City Hall's attempt to force the relocation of an entire population through the denial of basic necessities may be tantamount to a human rights violation. Perhaps a legal attack of some sort can be mounted on that premise?"

"]Dear sir, I hope this message finds you well.

I have noticed your abstention from the vote which resulted in the termination of the Relief Initiative, as well as the implementation of the Relocation Plan. Your decision to do so was instrumental to the eventual outcome, and if you had voted against both measures, that could have been the deciding factor.

May I seek an understanding of the reasons behind your decision?

Kamakura

"]Dear sir, I hope this message finds you well.

May I enquire if you are still selling generators?

Kamakura

[Orbiter]

Nianta

Lightbringers[M]

Thanks, but no time for mourning, gotta find out who did it.
Sending my man a message to come and talk to you.


Symphony[PM]

Hm looks like there isnt any need for your troops Maestro, oh well.
Also I got the meeting ready, have a cover story just in case, you have assess to all my Lightbringer messages so you should be able to easily make up one, with what you know.


Furians[M]

"Please have some nades and bombs to throw to people next time, it would keep people from messing with you a bit more".

"So to keep it short, since you are all fine and dandy, have a good rest first and then tell me.
Have anyone interested in sparring or fighting with me?, i wont use my bio-shaping, just curious on how combat ready i am unarmed(i will not hold any of my punches, but i can heal up people well enough if i do something very damaging to them, and no i don't have super strength of any sorts or lazer beams, only related to my body and it ain't poison).

I do have ideas on payment if you think that a nice fight ain't worth it, but only up close if you wanna know"


Internal[PM]

And Nianta lets out a sigh of wary relief at news of KK backing down, and gets back to get ready for work, or maybe some sparring if she was lucky.

Faction action.
2 Spend an action for the Musician to start making some short music for Nianta to listen(aka some short musical soundtracks to see how good it does its job).

[Murska]

Unit Blue - KK [M]

"I'm recovering from some wounds, but should be okay to be up and about soon. More importantly, I wish you luck in the legal battle, but unfortunately I have to focus on more important matters in the global agenda. Namely, preventing World War 4 or at least mitigating the damage. If you can convince Cape City to take a stand on that matter, that would be good.

As for the construction, give me an offer for Junks infrastructure improvement."

[Eldan]

Iron Helix to the KK

"Pooling our resources on this matter should be very beneficial, yes. Perhaps we should start by hiring lawyers, however, if we are to take legal matters.

As for the matter of Orchard Station: I do not need it to be functional, just to serve as a stable base for the tree houses. Everything else is not my concern."

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]Convince Cape City to take a stand on an impending World War IV... I am not sure whether I would possess sufficient clout to manage that, but obtaining that clout is precisely what I am working on at the moment.

Which, of course, is also the agenda behind my invitation to you and a number of other parties, regarding the alternative means of influencing City Hall; if you can indicate your interest or lack thereof in pursuing this alternative means, please let me know as soon as possible so I may make the arrangements accordingly.

As for improving the infrastructure of the Junks, I understand. Please allow me to consult with my business partners regarding this matter.

Kamakura

"]Indeed so, Dentity-san. As a matter of fact, I am currently in consultations with just one such lawyer; his name is Jack Mitchell, and I have a meeting scheduled with him in the First District, as a matter of fact. Would you like to join in as well?

As for the Orchard Station, I understand. Please allow me to consult with my business partners regarding this matter.

Kamakura

"]"Maxwell-san, Sheldon-san, I would like your advice regarding possible opportunities this [Turn]."

"Unit Blue has requested a quotation for a job to improve the overall infrastructure of the Junks District. Do you think you can send some people down to take a look, and come up with an offer? I would like to do something similar for this project what we did for the housing projects previously, and see if it is possible to employ local labourers in the Junks to undertake the work in their own living spaces."

"Also, I do believe now would be a good time to look at the Orchard Station again. What would be the type of restoration work that would be most conducive to fulfilling its potential as a stable base for Iron Helix's tree houses, and what would be the cost of this?"

"Finally, the Borders neighbourhood in the First District is land owned by my own organisation. If I recall correctly, you had mentioned it would be ideal if Maxwell had additional room to expand without incurring high rentals within the First District. Would Borders be a good place to built the headquarters of Maxwell, Inc., and what sort of an investment would we be looking at here?"

[Murska]

Unit Blue - KK [M]
"I am afraid I can't condone subverting democracy to fix it."

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]I suppose that is fair enough, Radical-san. I am surprised that you would consider a decision made by the elites, which would impact upon the common man without his having any say in the matter, as an example of 'democracy' though.

Kamakura

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to Kamakura-Kai, Legion of Steel, Shaper [m]

"NOPE, WE'VE GOT ENOUGH PEOPLE WITH A SHARE IN THIS PROJECT ALREADY. THE MORE WE BRING ON BOARD THE MORE WE DILUTE THE USEFULNESS OF OUR GAINS, HERE."

"WELL, IF NO ONE ELSE CAN PROVIDE SCIENTISTS, DIRE WILL START WORKING ON THIS PROJECT. ANYONE GOT A PREFERENCE FOR WHICH AREA OF TECHNOLOGY THEY WISH RESEARCHED FIRST?"

Legion of Dire
to Symphony [pm]

"HA! SIDE NOTE, THE DIRE DUERGAR MAINTENANCE BOTS HAVE A COST OF 5, NOT SIX. MY MISTAKE."


Legion of Dire
to the DIRE CATALOG MAILING LIST [m]

"PRICE UPDATE! THANKS TO TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS, THE DIRE DUERGAR IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR [10 cash] RATHER THAN [12].

Legion of Dire
to Mercantile Gang [m]

"HEH. THE THINGS DIRE DOES TO PROTECT HER SECRETIVE ALLIES. AH WELL."

"HIGH TECH WEAPONRY, HUH? SO THAT'S HIS GAME... INTERESTING. PRAGMATISM IS A GOOD SIGN, HERE."

"ANYWAY, TEMPTING AS YOUR HIGH-TECH OFFER IS, DIRE'S SHARE OF THE PRODUCTION COSTS TO SETTLE DEBTS IS GONNA SET HER BACK SOME. NEED TO FIND A WAY TO REPLACE LIQUIDITY BEFORE PURCHASING MORE GEAR... THANK YOU FOR THE OFFER HOWEVER, AND DIRE WILL KEEP THAT IN MIND."

"OH, HEY, A MINOR FAVOR. WHEN YOU RECIEVE THE DEFLECTORS AT THE END OF THE MONTH, PLEASE PASS WORD ALONG TO THOSE YOU TOLD EARLIER OF OUR PERCIEVED DEBT, THAT WE HAVE SETTLED IT."

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]"Most of us would not have the necessary equipment to best take advantage of Advanced Avionics. Railguns may be easier for us all to utilise, especially if it can be miniaturised into personal weaponry, but I do not believe they offer a significant edge over currently available heavy weapons."

"However, I believe Advanced Stealth could prove to be an ace in the hole that all of us here can utilise. Thus, that would be my stated preference."

[Thelonius]

Relocation

Cape City begins putting the relocation plan in effect as fleets of vehicles arrive through Highway 66 and ships that would transport people dock in the Dockside. It appears both US Army and JSDF are actively participating, providing their resources to assist Cape City.

Unit Blue [PM]

US Military clearly intends to establish Edgetown as one of the logistical centers for the relocation program, requesting assistance of Edgetown authorities. The people of Edgetown would probably refuse to move, but the program appears to be voluntary. In Greendale and Trent Town the people begin to stir, many planning to take the offer of the relocation plan.


Unit Blue

Underground/Mask

Underground: ‘’We’ll push for that. People on the ground are afraid on both sides. Japan is scaring everybody with their radical reforms and technological advancement, and USA has cold war projects. Maybe if we can reaffirm that neither side is a threat...’’

Mask: ‘’Can we stop war that way? If they wanted or could do something about the tensions, wouldn’t they have done so already?’’


Cape City [M]

We could do that - but how effective it would be? If there’s no carrot or stick, anybody can proclaim anything and it won’t matter. We’ve got US and Japan working together on the relocation plan - so maybe that joint project would lead to understanding and reconciliation. Let’s hope.


Kamakuri-Kai/Admin C

Lucky Jacks [PM]

It appears two group now seek to control Lucky Jacks - a sizable special ops of Admin C and Mr. Trump, backed by Kamakuri-Kai’s forces and his personal security.

Mr. Trump: ''The hell you forgot here? Hotel’s closed for renovations, so scram.'' The short man looks red in the face. ''I’ve got important reports to read and I don’t have time for g-men looters.''


Kamakuri-Kai Only [PM]

You did put it as immediate orders.

I assume Trump got some of your troops as escort. You can specify which. Plus it looks like a bunch of hotel security holed up in a wing of the hotel and now rejoin Trump as he seeks to reclaim control.


Legion of Dire

Mercantile Gang [M]

Of course. Though I should warn you, if a certain party were to contact us and offer a lot of cash for our bestest guess of where Maestro would be, if he was alive, we might consider the offer, unless we had reasons not to make this… guess. Hypothetically speaking. Well, good luck.


Kamakuri-Kai/Unity

Jack Mitchell [M]

''Well, a class action suit can work. But that’ll be needing work, talking to people, getting best legal minds on the case, seeing about that human right violation angle. How much are you willing to spend?''


Lightbringers [M]

Sure, though we’ll be rising prices, if it’s not directed to places where people need it. We are fiddling with city’s power grid, so hopefully we can get the lights on everywhere.


Maxwell [PM]

''With our technology and taking into account that Junks isn’t the best place for this sort of thing… I’d say it would cost us, 40 cash to improve Infrastructure from 2 to 3. Well, I’ll send a man to do a better analysis. ''


Junks (Infrastructure Values):
Edgetwon: 3 (+1 Improvement)
Highway 66: 2 (+1 Improvement)
Recycling Plant: 2
Hampton Hills: 2
Junk Tower: ? (Junk Mage)
Junk Tower Influence: ?
Unused Land/Junk Tower Influence Encroaching: 0 (Legion Steel is there)
Toxic Land: -1?
Toxic Land: -1?

Maxwell Costs/Time to Do Job:
Improvement of District Infrastructure from 2 to 3: 12 Cash, 3 Turns
Improvement of Location 3 to 4: 10 Cash, 2 Turns
Improvement of Location from 2 to 3: 5 Cash, 1 Turn
Improvement of Location 0 to 1: 2 Cash, 1 Turn

*Maxwell can complete jobs faster, but that would add to costs.
**Maxwell’s Construction Technology is 3 -> they can’t handle Tech 4 jobs well.
***Maxwell’s men don’t want to go to Junk Mage’s place or to Toxic Land


Unity/Kamakuri-Kai

Company [M]

Gentlemen. How about we meet and discuss the future of the Outer City. Things are changing and those who change with them will prosper, while those who will cling to old and refuse new opportunities will wither and die. The Company has a plan to reforge the Outer City and as active members of the community who care about our city, you deserve your place in the future.

[*Meeting place is a small cafe in First District.]


Nianta

Furians [M]

Training… sure. We were planning to go rip some people apart - best sort of training is the one in the field.

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to Mercantile Gang [m]

"FEEL FREE TO TELL ANYONE COMING TO YOU WHATEVER YOU LIKE ABOUT MAESTRO. ANYONE LOOKING FOR HIM WOULD START BY POKING AT HIS KNOWN ASSOCIATES ANYWAY, AND DIRE'S UP THERE ON THAT LIST."

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]A power armoured representative of the Kamakura-kai moved forward, signalling for parley with the Administrative Site C counterpart.

"Sir, as you can see, Mr Trump is currently busy. May I know your purpose here?"

"]"Thank you, Maxwell-san. This is most helpful."

"Now, how about the Orchard Station?"

"]Okay, deploying [Fuurinkazan 1] as Trump's escorts.

[Politics 2]: Any way to find out the exact details of the Relocation Plan?

Also, are the completed Greendale housing projects affected by the power issues, and would any of the generators offered by Lightbringers resolve the issue if so?

[Murska]

Unit Blue - KK [M]
"The method to combat flawed democracy is not to subvert it further. Either repair it, or break it and build a new system. Poor methods do not make for stable results.

What are the payment plans for the construction? I can't agree to pay everything for a three-month project up-front, given how unstable things can get in Outer City."

[Imperial Psycho]

Maestro

To LCAI
So, how is my little project progressing?

Aftermath [Gargantua PM]
OOC: Setting this immediately after the heist, since Maestro and Gargantua were both in the same place at the same time, so that we can clear some stuff up without going for a full PM action

The scruffy looking man whistled as he inspected the piles of loot. "Not bad for a day's work, eh?"

"Let it not be said I am not a man of my word. You may have the larger share of the cash. Though I think I pulled my own weight, in truth."

"As for these vials... hmm. No idea what they are. How about this, Gargantua. How about I buy you out of your share of the vials. Call the split... 21: 9 to you. But I keep the vials. Seem fair?"

Eclipse [PM]
(Lightbringers)

The man who meets with the Lightbringers has an air of calm and coolness about him. A Business like attire. Hair carefully combed and arranged. He would not look out of place running a corp, which makes him look all the more out of place in the Outer City.

Upon seeing the Lightbringers, he smiles a genuine smile. "Ah, Prism and Swarm! I am a greater admirer of your work! I have wanted to meet you for some time."

(Activate Triggers)

"Come, walk with me a moment."

OOC: Maestro is testing his triggers, and whether they have taken hold. The speed of their response should help him judge whether they are choosing to obey, or simply obeying. I am sure this is not the first time he has encountered such a problem.

Symphony [PM]
"Ah, let them begin their investigations. Then, when they start to look, kill the lot of them. That will send the message that the Symphony is not be trifled with."

"Nianta. You have done me a service, and it will not be forgotten. "

[Orbiter]

Nianta

Furians[M]

Hmmmm, i will say yes, so who is the poor fellow that got you angry and bothered.....and i hope it wanst me, i pinky swear on being a little angel so far.

Of course if you gonna be attacking who i think you are.....heh, doesn't seem you need any help as someone would expect.......oh shoot i am over-thinking it.

Btw don't shoot the aberrant shadow or i ain't responsible fer how i will make my chew toy for the months to come whoever shoots me, unless i asked them to do so...........no comment on the thought that crossed your mind dudette.


Internal[PM]

Hm okay, Gonna PM how i go to the fight?, depends on if this is gonna be a mid-turn thing or not.

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to Symphony [pm]

"TOO LATE, DIRE'S ALREADY NEGOTIATED SETTLING THE DEBT. NOT GONNA WELSH ON THAT NOW."

"ON THE OTHER HAND, IF ANYONE WANTS TO GO AFTER THEM AFTER THE DEBT IS PAID, DIRE FULLY SUPPORTS THE IDEA. THEY'RE A GOOD TARGET, AND THEY COULD STAND A LESSON IN HUMILITY."

[Eldan]

Symphony [PM]

"We'd be up for that. Humility is the word indeed."

[Forum Explorer]

Administrative Site C

To Kamikura-kai PM @Lucky Jacks
Sniper Specialist Taricson steps forward, his cybernetic eyes focusing on the power-armored solider. We are following a trail of a kidnapped individual. However since we are here, we can take this opportunity to talk about the Relocation Plan in privacy.

[Thelonius]

Admin C/Kamakuri-Kai

Lucky Jacks [PM]

Trump: ''I don’t know nothing about any kidnapped people and I don’t care about relocation plan. Right now I need to put my business in order and I have no time for visitors. Come again next wednesday.''


Kamakuri-Kai

Maxwel [PM]

Maxwell: ''About Orchard station, I say since Iron Helix got that wondrous bio-tech to make tree houses, why not grow himself a new administration center. That maniac is proposing to start growing trees instead of regular houses, which companies like ours build. I just hope nobody would be foolish enough to fund him. If that relocation plan doesn’t hit any snags, our business is going to shrink even without mad science competition.’’


Internal [PM]

They are affected by power failures and generators would help. Plus a lot of them were looted or damaged in fighting.


Maestro

Eclipse [PM]

[Prism isn’t there - it’s Swarm.]

Swarm walks with Maestro - it appears the triggers worked.


Nianta

Furians [M]

''Well, not over the Mesh. You can join us on the hunt or stick around the house, so nobody tries to break in.''

[It’s a Mid-Turn thing, feel free to do other stuff before it.]


Maestro

Gargantua [PM]

''Hmm… Okay, but I’ll keep a couple just in case.''

[Imperial Psycho]

Maestro

To Gargantua [PM]
"IKnock yourself out. "

"A pleasure working with you, Gargantua. I hope we can work together more in the future."

Eclipse [PM]
"So... Swarm. Where is Prism?"

[Murska]

Unit Blue - Underground, Mask [M]

"I do not know if it will work. But what I do know is that I'll never forgive myself if I don't try.

This I do know - public opinion does matter. A strong international condemnation, backed by the political might of the neutral bloc, can in fact force any hawks to reconsider. And at least it will limit the scope of the conflict if we can keep anyone from allying with either side. Peacekeepers, neutral negotiation grounds and safe places for refugees in neutral countries will help the worst case.

I also know that it is difficult, through human psychology, to be the first one who stands up. But it is much easier to join once someone does. By being loud and public about this, we can get the ball rolling - and the vast majority of people on this planet do not want a major war."

Unit Blue - Cape City [M]

"Cape City is a global economical power player. People will listen to what you say. I'm working on getting the EU and South America on board the anti-war movement as well, of course. It's too cynical to say that words don't matter - I'm a living counterexample.

And what do you have to lose by it? Can you live with yourself if there is a war, and you never lifted a finger to try and prevent it? A strong international condemnation of any hawks, any use of force to resolve differences, could be what pushes us on a safer track. And it definitely won't make things worse."

[Orbiter]

Nianta

Furians[M]

"Heh it figures i need to make those bear dogs one day....see thats why i like the Outer City, way to easy to make all sort of things out there....oh well moving in the Outer city sooner or later to set up shop, so who knows? perhaps i will see you more often then"

"Now if you will excuse me i need to prepare some of my stuff, but yeah i am joining you in the hunt, if you dont want 'outsiders' just tell me, now i will tell you a joke because you are just to serious".

Joke:
"Mom and Dad were trying to console Susie, whose dog, Skipper, had recently died.

"You know," Mom said, "it's not so bad. Skipper's probably up in Heaven right now, having a grand old time with God."

Susie stopped crying and asked, "What would God want with a dead dog?"

"Now Mylady hoped you enjoyed it, gotta go catch that flying turtle....dont ask"


Internal[PM]

Okay, gonna write a bit later my action on, but hmm, i need a plan.

[Cognimancer]

Masquerade

Internal [PM]
Helping Dire move her stuff. Mirage and a faction action's worth of effort to cover our tracks while transporting the lab.

Also, did the deal with Onichrome go through? My current Cash is 32, when I was expecting 35 + 8 (City Hall) + about 7 (other Wealth). And I'm assuming I'll need to get the money from the Onichrome deal to LCAI for their expenses.

[CapJanus]

Unity

Sandra Kane
There wouldn't be any direct profit from contracting Iron Helix, no. But if the wealthiest members of the Outer City had sustainable housing in the First District or Docks, there could yet be business opportunities for those who stay behind. But that's your call.

I'm actually surprised at how little fuss there's been from the major players so far. Surely threats will rise in response to the relocation, but nothing vocal so far - which means any criminal outlash will probably try to take the city by surprise. I can keep my volunteers on standby in case of danger from organized crime.

Lightbringers, Silver Shield, Techno-Trickster, Nice Guy
Greetings, fellow heroes of Outer City. This is a critical time for us, and for all those we've sworn to protect. I'd like to open some communication between all of us, since the last thing this city needs is to have its heroes divided. Where do you all stand on the relocation, and do you plan to stay in the Cape City area in the coming months?

The Company
I'll hear what you have to say. This relocation business has me very busy, so I hope you'll understand if I send a trusted representative in my stead.

Internal [PM]
How are the residents of the Walls and Shanty Towns viewing relocation? In particular, are the gangs packing up or trying to stick around?

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]The soldier nodded, and spoke into his comms. After a while, a black limousine approached and pulled up near the soldier and the Specialist, disgorging a craggy-faced mobster whom looked old enough to be the senior mobster at the scecne.

"Greetings, Specialist. My name is Park, and I will represent my oyabun in these discussion."

"First, about this kidnapped individual. I understand that Mr Trump is not feeling especially cooperative? If you would care to share as much of the details as you are comfortable with, my oyabun might be willing to have a word with him on your behalf."

"Now, as for the Relocation Plan, what would you like to talk about?"

"]I am not sure my business partners would be amenable to offering you a payment plan, Radical-san. Nevertheless, I will check in with them on your behalf anyway. If they are not willing, you may have to consider making similar arrangements with a bank.

Kamakura

"]It appears we might have hit a snag in our negotations, Dentity-san. Specifically, my business partners are rather... reluctant to assist you in reviving your business operations, for the sole reason that you would prove to be a new competitor in the market for housing, and a market which may be in danger of shrinking thanks to the Relocation Plan, at that.

Going by this logic, I would assume that it would not be possible for you to acquire the services of any other construction company for your planned works on the Orchard Station, for the same reasons. However, I have a workaround in mind, if you would care to hear it?

Incidentally, I am waiting to hear if you would be interested in attending the meeting between Jack Mitchell-san and myself.

Kamakura

"]Ah, in that case, you have my gratitude for your efforts at restoring the power supply. I pray that you will find success in that particular endeavour soon.

In the meantime, I would like to acquire generators that would be able to supply power to the recently completed housing projects in Greendale. Would you care to recommend a particular product for this purpose?

Kamakura

"]"How much do you project would be necessary to pull it off, Mitchell-san? Are there most cost-effective and efficient avenues of legal challenge we can make use of to stall the Relocation Program?"

(OOC: Seriously, this guy is supposed to be the legal professional, why is he not volunteering strategies?)

"]"Hmmm, well. I do agree the tree houses might pose an issue for our business, but they have proved to be able to fulfill more than one purpose. Let me talk to Iron Helix, and see if I cannot convince them to shift their business model such that it would not conflict with ours."

"On another note, I have received a response from Radical-san. He is asking if you would be open to offering him a payment plan for the Junks infrastructure project, instead of a lump sum up front."

"]Very well. I will hear your proposal, and judge for myself.

Kamakura

(I assume this can be a free action as well?)

"]Dear sir, I hope this message finds you well.

I have noticed your abstention from the vote which resulted in the termination of the Relief Initiative, as well as the implementation of the Relocation Plan. Your decision to do so was instrumental to the eventual outcome, and if you had voted against both measures, that could have been the deciding factor.

May I seek an understanding of the reasons behind your decision?

Kamakura

"]A lot of what was looted/damaged in what fighting? Did something happen last Turn I'm not aware of, or is this referring to earlier events?

[Forum Explorer]

Administrative Site C

Lucky Jacks Meeting PM
Sir, I assure you we would be in and out in a matter of minutes. Specialist Taricson says to Trump.

Good day. Now I'll be blunt. We don't like the Relocation Plan, but we aren't attending on opposing it physically. If it must happen then we want it to happen with a minimal amount of anarchy and chaos. Knowing this city however, it seems that it will be a foregone conclusion that something will go wrong. Also many people will choose to stay despite aid being cut off. We intend to make sure that those people are not left out in the cold. So what are your plans regarding the Relocation Plan?

As for our reason for being here, we are on a mission to find Pythria, a kidnapped individual from Unit Blue. This was intended to be a test run of our abilities but we're running out of time. We are only authorized to continue tracking her for the next week. After that we are to begin our next mission, regardless of the success or failure of this one. Like we told Trump, we only require a few minutes to determine the next location for us to search.

To Militia of Law and Order
Hello, what are your plans regarding the Relocation Plan?

To Iron Helix
What is the current price of your Treehouses? Also what is a full comprehensive list of what they provide? We may be purchasing a large number of them for as many districts as we can afford.

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]"Well. From what I know of my oyabun's plans, he intends to mount a legal challenge to the Relocation Plan, and is consulting with a law professional as to the best possible avenue of attack via that method. It seems that such a challenge will incur heavy financial costs, and he is looking for partners with whom our organisation can share the burdens of taking out a lawsuit against City Hall."

With that, the senior mobster Park moved in closer to Taricson, whispering.

"Apart from that, we have recently identified several means by which City Hall's politics can be... influenced, with infusions of cash to... certain parties. From my understanding, my oyabun has actually attempted to contact your group recently, in order to float just this very idea to your management. He has been fretting over why he has yet to get a response from your side, in fact."

"As for the Outer City residents themselves, my oyabun has been working on bettering their conditions since the previous [Turn], as a matter of fact. Our organisation has recently acquired a controlling stake in Maxwell Inc., a construction company. It was due to our influence that led to the recent completion of the two housing projects in the Greendale District, with funds from two different investors. We would like to continue improving upon the infrastructure and rebuilding homes in the Outer City, provided it is possible to secure more investments to that effect."

"In light of the situation around the Relief Initiative, my oyabun is now turning his attention to the issue of alternative food supplies, as well. We are negotiating with Iron Helix in this regard, and hope to come to an agreement in due time."

Pausing, Park listened to the Specialist's reason for Admin Site C's presence at Lucky Jacks, and spoke into his comms. After a while, he gestured to a subordinate, whom ran over to Mr Trump and handed a comms to the latter. With that, he turned back to the Specialist, and nodded.

"My oyabun will assist you in this matter, for he too has an interest in looking out for Unit Blue. As Mr Trump is preoccupied with the renovation works which has to be undertaken at the Hotel, it might be easier to convince him if for your part, you would agree to have only as many personnel as is necessary to continue the tracking enter the Hotel, and conduct your work with all due haste."

"]"Trump-san, I have gotten wind of the situation. I have previously worked with this group during the Cannibal crisis, and I feel confident in assuring you that they have no interest in seizing control of your Hotel. If I were to have some of my men, along with yours, escort a small number of their personnel while they go about their work, would you be amenable to giving them permission to go ahead?"

"On another note, you have previously mentioned the need of renovation work for your Hotel. Would you require the services of a construction company for that?"

[Zemalac]

LCAI

Maestro [M]

Project is 100% complete, save for actual construction of the device. Final price is [15 Cash], for production and delivery. If you want absolute exclusivity, as in we won't even make any for internal use, that would be another [10 Cash].

[Thelonius]

Update: Part 1

Admin C

Militia of L&O

We’ll act within the law - most of Trent Town is in shambles, but we might be able to restore southern part of it - and hopefully deal with that pit of corruption and crime that is Night District. We need to secure legal ownership of the land - we’ve got some political contacts, if we deal with Unity Party, maybe they’ll see about extending the lease and giving us some sensible contracts for food supply and utilities. And we must convince people it’s better to stay, then we can preserve part of the Trent Town. I admit we can’t succeed alone - the biggest help we can get in Trent Town itself would be Anarchs - they kept their territory safe, secure and people trust them. Plus their factories produce consumer goods that are vital to keeping people happy. If we work together with them we can pull this off… But they are not the most reasonable of people, so whether we can manage that, I don’t know. I mean Law and Anarchy don’t mix together. There’ll need to be concessions on their part, which I don’t think they’ll agree to. Well - maybe if you helped out we can pull this off on our own.


Unity

Internal [PM]

Shanty Towns - people are packing up and preparing to move. There are various rumors flying around - that you can’t take any stuff with you, that people would be forced to move, that there’ll be compensations paid. Generally most of people want to leave, while criminals are trying to find an angle on how to profit from it. Many expected Killarz to get mad violent about the whole thing, but things are quiet with them.

Walls - people are uncertain. As things are now many would probably move. Sixes and Lightbringers are preparing to speak - and what they say may sway people. Unity's voice carries some weight as well.


KK/Unity

Cafe Hilde [PM]

Four men gather - representatives of Unity, Kamakuri-Kai, Boris Ivanovich of EVRAZ and representative of the Commpany.

Company Man: ''Gentlemen. The Outer City as it is won’t survive. The body is dying because certain areas have been too damaged and they must be cut, for the healthy tissue to survive. As of now I believe only First District, Docks and Walls both can be saved and are worth saving. Other Districts - they need a clean slate to be rebuilt stronger and healthier than ever. So instead of trying to save them, a new kernel of Outer City must be formed from which it would regrow anew''

''I believe that Unity can run Walls, Mr. Boris control the Docks and Mr. Oyabun settle in First District. The Company will provide guidance and support to fortify your power and would either remove or control all irregular elements that would pose problems to the new organism, if left unchecked - Iron Helix, Lightbringers, Sixes, Admin C, FDC, Goats, Herr Tod and Freaks. All I would ask of you is to follow Company’s directives and regulations in our drive to create a healthy and strong society. To impose a subtle control and guidance to teach humanity the right steps to the future.''

''Now, gentlemen, tell me - what can I offer you to get you on board of this enterprise?''

Boris: ''And if we refuse, we become the… irregular elements.''

Company Man: ''Yes. You were approached because you are in position to serve our interests the best or because your removal would require excessive efforts. We do not seek confrontation, but any attempt to interfere with progress of our operations would be dealt with. Though if you keep a low profile and don’t make waves, there’s no need for conflict. And of course cooperation would lead to substantial rewards.''


KK

Jack Mitchell [PM]

[Mostly due to law being on the side of Cape City. There aren’t that many options.]

''The costs can go as high as 25 Cash - if you wish to secure an injunction to stall the Relocation Plan and try to get Relief flowing. Through Cape City might relent on that if we stop the move - wouldn’t want people starving on their doorstep. It’s a tricky case and New Interests have several powerful law firms on their side - hell, Sandra Kane’s husband is a hotshot attorney in Welk & Kane.''


Maxwell [PM]

''Well, if you could convince him...''

''I trust the development of payment schedule to you - I’m certain you can give him an offer to maximize our profits. Don’t have much experience talking to Blues, and you seem to know them better. Just don't get suckered into their charity causes - we are here to make money to feed our families.''


Company [PM]

[This one will take an action - do you use it?]


Power Interests [M]

''Well, we didn’t see much reason to vote in favor of preserving Outer City - where gangs like Killarz are murdering Powers just because. When Firepower took control in Trent Town they were brought down right away because they were Powers. If compared to the Chains who were left alone or Killarz, there’s a clear picture of hatred against Powers in the Outer City.''


Internal [PM]

1. Fort Chain blew up (though not that big a deal economy wise)
2. When Firepower took control, Killarz + Mobs came from Greendale and burned/looted Trent Town. We are talking broken windows, abandoned Malls where squatters moved in, looted shops.
3. Main Street was destroyed in fire.

Lucky Jacks, Night District, Southtown, Factories, Sleepy Pines and Mercenary Camps are more or less okay.

Meadow Falls, Black Markets, Malls, Main Street and Fort Chains are in a very poor shape.


Admin C/KK

Trump/KK [PM]

''If you trust any intelligence agency, that means they played you for chump. These MIB are trying to feed us some bull**** story about some UB bitch. That’s a load of crock. They are here for information, plant some surveillance, tap into my networks. Information is my business and all those spooks want is to get their paw into my honey pot.''

''You did make me a big favor, so if Oyabun wants to cash his chips, I can let two of them in - under heavy surveillance and quick - in and out. But you certain you want to let these government spooks snooping around? My advice - send them packing and let’s discuss business - that renovation stuff and how we can make some profit out of this dirthole. I've got important reports I need to review. Coincidence that Admin C shows up right now? **** no.''

[Trump will let Admin C team in for 5 Influence.]


Kamakuri-Kai/Admin C [PM]

Trump and KK man discuss something briefly, with Trump clearly arguing against Admin C’s presence - his voice rises a few times with unflattering words about ''government spooks''.

Trump: ''Well… If Mr. Oyabun here would insist…’’ He waits for KK man response, but it’s clear he wants no Admin C boots inside his hotel.''

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to Legion of Steel [m]

"HEY, QUICK QUESTION... DIRE IS COMING UP SHORT ON A BILL. WOULD YOU LIKE A PERSONAL FORCE FIELD AT A DISCOUNT FROM DIRE'S USUAL PRICES?"

"IT'D BE [5 Cash] RATHER THAN THE USUAL 6."



Legion of Dire
to Night Crews [m]

"HM. DIRE'S GOT SOME MACHINERY IN STORAGE. [5 points] WORTH. HAVEN'T FOUND A REAL USE FOR IT YET, WOULD YOU LIKE TO BUY IT?"

[Orbiter]

Nianta

Anise seed[M]

Thank you for your help after all the events.

Do you still need help for the Cannibal Cure?
Dont worry its pro-bono work, although i did study some stuff to help you with simple super-science as well, figures my brain needed to be rattled for me to have it work so well.



Internal[PM]

Okay, how hard is it to buy a handgun?, nothing great, i just want some weapons to have with me for when i fight with the Furians, i kinda doubt i lack one.

Do i know how much a building in the Upper Circle will cost?
Also what happened to my Traits that Nianta had? (all gone? even Ravagers? =O, although i can understand the Anti-Telepathy Implant being removed =P).

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]"A tempting offer, sir. Essentially, you would have us take advantage of the Relocation Plan, and use it to build our power bases from a clean slate. In addition, you would provide crucial backing to us in this endeavour, and remove possible impediments on our behalf. And in return, you would simply have us contribute our share to your master plan, and basically follow your lead as and when you make your play for... whatever your goal is."

"Interesting. Most interesting indeed. What is the catch here, sir? What in your view is a 'healthy and strong society', and what manner of 'subtle control and guidance' are you asking us to assist in?"

"]Park listened to something on his comms device, nodding as he listened to the instructions, before looking at the Specialist again.

"Specialist, I will be blunt. My oyabun says he could ask Mr Trump to allow a select few of your personnel into his Hotel, but it would cost him more in goodwill than he is willing to pay at the moment. Unless you can make a counter-offer that is good enough, I am afraid we will probably be directed to back Mr Trump's refusal."

"Alternatively, my oyabun would like to ask whether it is absolutely necessary for your people to enter the Hotel, and whether the tracking cannot be sufficiently resumed outside."

"]"Trump-san, I happen to know for a fact that the thing about the Unit Blue girl is true, and not some 'bull**** story' as you put it."

"However, I can tell that you feel strongly about this, Trump-san. Let me negotiate with them, and see if they cannot agree to go about your business without trespassing upon your property."

"]"Very well, Maxwell-san. I will begin with offering Unit Blue a three-time payment of 50%-25%-25% over the entire three [Turns] of the project. This should give us some room to negotiate down to 40%-30%-30%, if necessary. Would this ensure that Maxwell Inc. would not risk losses at any point?

(Had another look at what Maxwell said earlier... is it [40 Cash] or [12 Cash] to improve Junks infrastructure?)

"]In that case, I am afraid you might not have had the whole picture, sir.

The Chains brought about their own downfall, precisely because being relatively unmolested was not enough for them; they could not leave well enough alone, and their ambitions led them to single out the Power Gangs for elimination. If not for that, they would not have given cause for the rise of the Power Gang coalition which eventually brought them down.

As for Firepower, it was not their status as Powers which provoked the backlash. The real cause was their failure to learn from the mistakes of others, and commit the same error of ambition which felled the Chains; it was a number of missteps on their part which provided the spark, and the Killarz merely capitalised on it to stir up the anti-Power sentiments they then used to great effect against Firepower.

Speaking of the Killarz themselves... if anti-Power sentiments were as mainstream in the Outer City as you have implied, the Killarz would have succeeded in their goal to dominate the entire place. It is precisely because of the joint effort of those whom did not subscribe to their ideology - of which my organisation was one of them - that the Killarz have been pushed back before their mad scheme could be accomplished.

The Anti-Killarz Coalition represented those in the Outer City whom recognised that Powers are as human as any other, and deserve the same rights and consideration as any other human. They were the ones whom fought for your interests on your behalf. Even now, many of these same people - of which my organisation is, once again, one of them - are working to make things better in the Outer City for Powers and baselines alike.

And, in light of what you had just told me sir, I am afraid your party has trampled upon all of us here in the Outer City whom had your interests at heart. I hope you understand the implications of your inaction, sir.

Kamakura

"]Yeah, sending Oyabun to the Company meeting, and using one of his VIP actions.

[Neighbourhood Watch]: What is the word on the street in Trent Town about the Relocation Plan?

[Insightful II]: Iron Helix, Lightbringers, Sixes, Admin C, FDC, Goats, Herr Todd, Freaks - There must be something these disparate entities have in common, especially if it has the Company bent on eliminating them as possible spanners in the works. Can Oyabun figure out what it is?

It's especially curious that Company omitted Legion of Dire and Unit Blue from that list, considering they are the two factions most likely to mobilise in order to prevent the takeover of Cape City by a mysterious organisation. Use that to further pin down what is it the Company is aiming for exactly.

Finally, Company said they approached whom they did because 'you are in position to serve our interests the best or because your removal would require excessive efforts'. Try to figure out which category Kamakura-kai falls under.

[Murska]

Relocation - Fort Kronus [M]

"You can use Edgetown as a logistical centre, if you offer fair compensation for any land and buildings required and limit the presence of military within the town itself.

I can offer guides and other local expertise if such is needed."

[Eldan]

Iron Helix to Admin C

"We charge [18 cash] for a treehouse district, but that includes profit. For a large order, we could go down to, say, [14] per district. Also, once we have a basic population of them in the city, they could start spreading themselves via growth, though that would be slow.

The basic model provides housing, warmth, water, light and food to inhabitants, as well as producing some surplus food. However, the food production can be increased dramatically: an additional investment of [8 cash] generates a permanent [1 wealth] in highly nutritious fruit."

[Thelonius]

Maestro

Gargantua [PM]

Gargantua gives a quick nod and leaves into the streets...


Eclipse [PM]

''Recovering in Cape City.''


Nianta

Anise Seed [M]

‘’We don’t require assistance at this moment.’’


Internal [PM]

Well in Outer City it’s not that hard.

A building would be 6 Cash.

No Traits I fear.


KK/Unity

Cafe Hilde [PM]

Company Man: ''We just want to bring things to order and stability. Minimize the conflict so the world can get to actually being productive and have some direction. That will require taking control - the current systems are unable to fulfil their functions and an invisible hand is required to guide the administration of the society. When there’s a hurt in the body, an inefficiency in the system, somebody must take an action to correct the problem and those who are able to, are the ones in the right.''



KK

Maxwel [PM]

''Okay 50-25-25. My thoughts were to charge UB with 40 cash - so 20/10/10?''

*It’s 12 Cash/3 Turns to improve infrastructure. Though it is possible to speed things up by spending more cash, if there’s available labor and materials.


Power Interests [M]

''And yet many members of this Anti-Killarz coalition fought on the side of Killarz against Firepower. And then let the Killarz do as they pleased. Only when they tried to grab more territory, this AK coalition was made - clearly not because of their repugnant ideology, but as part of power struggles and turf wars in Outer City. The fact that they fought for our interests could be attributed to the fact that their own interests were running parallel to ours, not that they were shared. Your account paints your actions in a favorable light, but just how much Killarz were and still are tolerated shows the deep prejudice of the Outer City.''


Internal [PM]

Trent Town: The destroyed parts are in favor of move, the southern part are talking about possibility of Trent Town being salvaged, in which case they might stay, but many are uncertain if it would happen.

Well, they are all located in Docks, First District and Walls. And it’s either elimination or control. There could be something more to this list, but you don’t have enough information.

Well, first is the fact that UB and Legion are located outside of area that Company plans to take control of. But there could be another reason - from all the talk it looks like Company plans to control things from shadows. Though the fact that they are so open with you - despite the possibility of you passing this information bears notice. Whether there are precautions - like those who reject the offer or try to betray suffering from an accident or them being so confident, you rising the alarm won’t matter is unknown. Anyway - Dire can strike only at visible targets and being a villain it’s easier to subvert the law against her. UB has other means to obtain information and they are smart and resourceful. They should be a threat - so why Company doesn’t fear them, you aren’t certain.

You suspect Kamakuri-Kai holding political influence is one factor. It could be valuable for a shadow organization or annoying, if you start sending wrong waves. If it’s the only reason or there are more you aren’t certain.


Legion of Dire

Night Crews [M]

Okay, we’ll pay you 6 Cash for it.


Unity

Sandra Kane [M]

''I don’t quite understand what business opportunities you speak of. And I did expect stronger reaction - it would probably be a surprise attack.''


Techno-Trickster/Nice Guy

Nice Guy: ''I’m okay with getting people to safety, so I guess I’m leaning pro-relocation.''
Techno-Trickster:''I think we can fix things and this is waste of effort - we just need to bring down the bad guys, who are sucking the blood from the people.''
Silver Shield: no reply
Lightbringers: no reply


Masquerade

Internal [PM]

The deal went through - I’ve actually assumed you acted the middleman and the transactions occurred.


Unit Blue

Underground, Mask [M]

''Well, we must do our best and it is better than doing nothing.''


Cape City [M]

''We’ll discuss this issue.''

[CapJanus]

Unity

Cafe Hilde [PM]
"I think we all want the same thing in the short term. We want a stable Outer City, or at least the parts of it that can sustain themselves. And the Unity Organization is willing to work with others to achieve that goal.

"That said, I have a feeling that the devil is in the details, here. I can't help but notice you didn't elaborate on the question of what kind of 'subtle control and guidance' you wish to enforce. Unity isn't opposed to this plan, but we won't harm any innocents in supporting some shady agenda."

Sandra Kane
All I meant by "business opportunities" was that, unless people are going to be forced from their homes, some will stubbornly try to stay and make a living in whatever areas can sustain them. There will be pockets of stable communities, and those communities will need food and services. They could get those things from Cape City - not as charity, but as paying customers. I know it wouldn't be much compared to the city's international trade, but it's a market nonetheless.

But that's secondary to the relocation plan itself. I've noticed there's a lot of confusion around the Outer City about the details. People are unsure if they can take their belongings with them, or if they'll receive compensation for relocating, or a number of other issues. If you have any organized documents that describe these details, I can work on distributing the information to these people.

The way I see it, the biggest threat to the plan is the common people. If somebody twists their opinions far enough, they could spark the biggest riots the Outer City has ever seen. Keeping everyone informed and organized will be our best defense against that kind of plot.

Techno-Trickster
It's a lot of effort, sure, but so is keeping the Outer City fed through charity and relief programs. I agree that the real problem here is evil-doers, but think of this. If the starving masses are elsewhere, being fed and taken care of, then there are a lot less innocent people for the real villains to prey on. They'll be forced out into the open, where we can finally take them down. After that, who knows - maybe a stable Outer City will finally thrive, and all those people will come back to a city without villains. The plan has potential, if we play to its advantages.

[Forum Explorer]

Administrative Site C


Lucky Jacks
We can try circling the building and seeing if we can catch the trail that way. Other then that, well we aren't authorized to expend many resources for such a minor thing. We could disarm and allow ourselves to be escorted around if that would work.

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to Night Crews [m]

"SOLD."

(Handing over the machinery for the 5 cash.)

(Also, I'm assuming that with Masquerade's help we can move before mid-turn, yeah?)

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]"I see. A truly noble goal, indeed. With all of the chaos and troubles facing the world these days, a little order and stability would certainly be nice. If it requires that events be directed from behind the curtains... well, some might say that the ends justifies the means, would they not?

The Oyabun said, smiling at the Company representative.

"Most noble of your organisation to step up to the plate, sir. Especially when you know it's absolutely necessary that you are the ones who must shoulder that burden. How did you realise you are the right people for the job, if I may ask?"

"]"Mr Trump really does not want any of your people in here, Specialist. It seems that this is one of those times the unknown nature of your organisation works against you, I am afraid."

"Perhaps you could do as you suggested, and try circling the Hotel to see if you can get a sufficient lead on her?"

"]It appears we might have hit a snag in our negotations, Dentity-san. Specifically, my business partners are rather... reluctant to assist you in reviving your business operations, for the sole reason that you would prove to be a new competitor in the market for housing, and a market which may be in danger of shrinking thanks to the Relocation Plan, at that.

Going by this logic, I would assume that it would not be possible for you to acquire the services of any other construction company for your planned works on the Orchard Station, for the same reasons. However, I have a workaround in mind, if you would care to hear it?

Incidentally, I am waiting to hear if you would be interested in attending the meeting between Jack Mitchell-san and myself.

Kamakura

"]Radical-san, regarding the Junks infrastructure project, would you agree to a three-time payment plan over all three [Turns]? [20 Cash] for the first [Turn], and then [10 Cash] each of the subsequent two [Turns].

Kamakura

"]"I understand, Maxwell-san. Allow me to handle it, and I will get back to you soon."

"]Just because the eventual members of the Coalition had initially fought against Firepower together with the Killarz do not necessarily mean they condone the latter's ideology, sir. For that matter, the Killarz did not play as large a part in the general violence that rage in the Outer City, in the initial stages; it was the Greenmen whom took the initiative, and they did so only because of what Firepower had done, not whom they were.

The Killarz were not as tolerated as you assume sir, once it became clear they would not give up on their ideology so easily. Every other faction in the Outer City were gearing up to eliminate them from the equation for good... or at least, they were until your inaction led to the implementation of the Relocation Plan, sir. The distraction that the Plan has posed to these same group of people has, ironically, ensured that the Killarz got their much-needed reprieve; meaning you have worked against your own interests, sir.

[Murska]

Unit Blue - KK [M]

"I'm unable to pay for such a large-scale project. I currently only hold 19 Cash and have an income of 6-8 Cash a turn. But we can start the project on a slower schedule - as I recall, the list you sent me had several parts of the overall project that could be done."

((I'm not sure I understand the listing... paying 40 Cash for a job that costs Maxwell only 12 Cash to do seems a bit much. Unless it's 12 per turn for 3 turns, which seems like quite a bit. Regardless, I could pay for the improvement of Hampton Hills and Highway 66 perhaps, if I can't afford to upgrade only the District Infra.))

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]Indeed. It is also true that Maxwell Inc's workforce are leery of working in the Toxic Lands and the Junk Mage's sphere of influence as well, so perhaps a piecemeal approach to upgrading Junks' infrastructure would be best.

Let me consult with my business partners again regarding this matter.

Kamakura

[ArcaneStomper]

Shaper

To the Legion of Steel, Kamakuri-Kai, Legion of Dire [M]
I. Am. Working. On. Replicating. The. Alloys.

Which. Make. Up. The. Hull.

Of. This. Vessel.

To the Corpse Emperor [PM]
When you transfer minds can you also interrogate them?

[Thelonius]

KK/Admin C

Lucky Jacks [PM]

A man from Admin C party speaks: ‘’No point in going around the place. Either we go in or we might as well pack things and go back to the base. I could use some good sleep.’’ He doesn’t look like the rest of the men surrounding him - clearly he has some special status. ‘’That trail doesn’t go around the building, it goes inside.’’


KK

Power Interests [M]

''Well, most of the Greenman signed up with the Killarz after that. And they attacked Firepower, because people were willing to believe Powers are evil without any proof, that they were stealing relief, which recent evidence is showing wasn’t the case.''

''I understand what you are saying - I do think most of the fighting against Firepower was about turf and settling old scores. But this Anti-Killarz Coalition was clearly born because they tried to swallow more turf than others were willing to give them.''

''The issue of hatred against Powers in the Outer City may be ambivalent. So our faction abstained from voting. There are Powers in Outer City that this relocation plan may hurt, though I dare say as many would be saved. And if our intervention prevented this coalition from destroying Killar, then we spared them ''martyrs'' death, that would have inspired more copycats around the world, to condemn them to wither away in impotent rage as the base of their power is eroded. A more fitting end for such scum.''



KK/UB

Construction

Opportunity Cost - 3 Turns of working there, means Maxwell isn’t doing other work. It’s not expensive for them, but it is time consuming.


Shaper

CE [PM]

''Yes, but such close connection brings risks of insanity for everybody in the network. The old Harvesters earned their reputation - they were not stable. The current system has a distance, a very limited connection between minds, like a mesh stream’s broadband limited to all just a little data. Sower can’t increase the connection just for a single mind - all of the connections to all minds in the network will be affected. It could have worked before, if there weren’t many people or there was some training and consensus - but the network has many damaged minds - insane and screaming. At current transfer rate they are barely audible whispers - but if connection were to grow strong it would risk... unhinging us. It’s risky. All we can do right now is maintain simple telepathy and swap minds between bodies. For some reason the latter can be done at any transfer rate - so the network analogy doesn’t work there. Or maybe it’s like switching hardware pieces in the sockets instead of transferring their content. Sower is trying to figure out if he can cut out people from the network. He’s got a trick in drawing on skills of network members - can do it without causing a mass PTSD for everybody, but memory and consciousness won’t work, unless we take a huge risk.''


Unity

Sandra Kane [M]

I agree. If you provide the correct information to the people it would be of great assistance to the plan. I’ll send you the details.

[The details are a bit complicated with a bit of legal talk. It’s not the worst example of informative document, but it’s not the best either. It’s clear nobody will be forced to leave, there’s an amount of things one can take with him and certain procedures to claim compensation for abandoned property, though it must be documented, details of the locations where people would be relocated and what relief and assistance they can expect.]


Techno-Trickster [M]

''I fear villains will follow and as any government program this one will go wrong somewhere - I checked the materials and sure on paper it looks nice, but what happens if the war breaks out? Government will pull the resources from this plan and into building tanks. Here Cape City will have to feed people and they can do it. Outer there, if things go wrong, will assistance arrive?''


KK/Unity

Hilde Cafe [PM]

Unity

Company Man: ''People on the streets would hardly notice our control - no issue of them getting hurt. What we need to do is take control of the government structures - Docks Administration, FDC and establish one in the Walls, most probably through some democratic elections. Then we simply expand the extent of the structures authority, perhaps establish a covertly loyal opposition and we are in control. The rest of the Outer City will be in shambles after Relocation Plan and the New Outer City will be able to rebuild and suborn it. A new structure with greater control and order. It will be harsh for those who refuse to follow rules, it would involve surveillance and loss of privacy and it would subvert the institution of democracy for an enlightened rule of the select, educated elites. But it would work. It would bring order to the world and it would give us all a bright future.''

Boris: ''Well, ideology aside, you talked about compensation. My organization would want cash and more power, if I am to consider your offer. We’ve invested a lot of effort in order to control the Docks and I ain’t selling our gains cheaply.''

Company Man: ''Certainly, both we can provide. I should mention that this offer is a one time deal. Discussing it with others will be tantamount to rejection. I should also point that collapse of situation outside of areas of our control would be beneficial for our cause - but the Company doesn’t see increasing chaos as most efficient use of our resources. However, If you could lay foundations for future conquests, that would be beneficial us all.''

KK

Company Man: ''We are the right people for the job, because we have power to do it. If you need something fixed, all you should care about is whether repairmen has the skills and tools. We have both. Morality is dependent on power - an omnipotent being can solve any problem without resorting to any immoral actions. We are no gods, but we hold the most power today and on the scale we are operating, our actions would bring the most ‘’good’’ to the society. Issue of scale of course - you destroy a tree to build a house - people who liked the tree think of you as a monster. Same people who’ll survive the winter thanks to the house.''

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]"Hmmph. Interesting that you would say that, sir. I do admit, recent events have made me somewhat more inclined to such a perspective as yours."

The Oyabun said, sighing.

"Well. I suppose you will compensate us well enough for what you will be asking us to do. Which raises the question; what, exactly, would be the sort of assistance you will be expecting us to render?"

"Also, the organisations you are planning to remove from the equation aside, there are bound to be others whom will go out of their way to put a stop to your plans, if they catch wind of it. How do you intend to counter that, if and when they make their move?"

"Finally, I hope you will forgive my bluntness, but I have found this is always a pertinent question to ask of every such offer. You have spoken twice now of bringing order and a brighter future to the world... but your offer, as it stands, will only buy you control of a portion of one city. And not a particularly important part of said city, at that."

"What are you getting out of this, sir?"

"]"Inside? In that case..."

Park looked thoughtful for a while, before looking at Specialist Tavicson and the other man square in the eye.

"In that case, the Furians probably have your girl. They were here earlier, after all, and I have previously been informed that the girl was an asset they wanted to get hold of, by force if necessary."

"If the trail is leading to where they have been present not so long ago... I would agree with Mr Trump that this is not a coincidence, though for an entirely different reason. They must be dragging her all around the Outer City."

"My conjecture could be off the mark, of course. Specialist, do you have a description of the girl you could show Mr Trump, if it happens that he may recall her as being one of his guests?"

"]Radical-san, after consultations with my business partners, I believe I should be able to make you a better offer. [35 Cash] total for improving the infrastructure of the Junks District as a whole, with a 15-10-10 payment plan. I believe this should be within your means.

If instead you would prefer to undertake individual improvements on Hampton Hills and Highway 66, both would cost [8 Cash] each.

I understand these prices may still be a significant burden on your funds, but it is also my intention to hire labourers from the local population in the Junks. So, for your purposes, you would be killing two birds with one stone; improving the living standards of the people under your care, as well as giving them employment opportunities.

Kamakura

"]"Witters-san, you are capable of doing that? Does that mean you may be able to replicate the chemical composition of any earth-based materials with your Power?"

"Interesting. In which case, it may be possible I might have a business opportunity for you there. I will drop you a note about it."

"]As I have mentioned earlier, Witters-san, this is regarding the opportunity I had in mind.

To summarise, how easy would it be for yourself to produce a large quantity of raw materials for construction purposes? I am thinking stone, concrete, the basic stuff.

Kamakura

"]"A thought had just occurred to me, Maxwell-san. Where does Maxwell Inc source its raw materials for construction from, and what percentage does it typically make up in the overall costs generally? I may have an idea that would allow us to benefit from cost savings in that area."

[Orbiter]

Nianta

Anise Seed [M]

"Very well you know how to contact me until otherwise."


Internal[PM]

Hm okay.

No traits....well that explains a lot. Here is the love theme song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZr_Re6nr4Q) for Nianta who has literally lost everything then, even Ravager if what you say is true....woah, we almost broke the cutie er snake (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BreakTheCutie) cutie that is, well whatever she will try stuff and if she fails.....**** happens heh.

Can my current followers give me any TP? perhaps if they work a bit with Nianta?

[Lost Demiurge]

Dire picked her way through the stones, her cane tapping as it hit the ground. Finally reaching her favorite sunrise-spot, she gazed out to the sea.

"How's the leg doing?"

Dire shot a look back, and nodded. Liho was leaning against one of the scraggly trees, assault vest already on.

Such an evolution. Half a year ago she wouldn't have given a damn. Now... Courtesy, concern. Maybe even a touch of empathy.

We'll make a human of this wild child yet.

But she voiced none of her thoughts, instead choosing to simply answer the question. "Better. The new kneecap's holding up well."

"I'm half surprised you insisted on actual vat-grown bone. Couldn't you whip up a cyberleg?"

"Oddly enough, robotics expertise doesn't translate to cybernetics expertise. Well, not so oddly. Sure, Dire could make a cyberleg far superior to the original model, but making one that wouldn't rip her pelvis in two whenever it was pushed beyond its limits... Well, that's trickier. And it's kind of important to Dire that she stay as human as possible."

"Weird way to put it."

"Eh. Not really. Dire takes a perverse amount of pride standing toe to toe with the worst this world has to offer, and triumphing with no more than what she's built to assist her. It's... Pride, really. That and a bit of optimism. That no matter the foe's powers or advantages or whatever, a human can still beat'em."

"Be nice if that were true. If that stuff you were talking about with the Corpse Emperor is correct, day's coming when that won't be doable..."

She lets the thought trail off. Dire sighs, and frowns.

The sea offers no answers. And who's to say what's watching her back?

"If you're there," she murmurs, "It's yours now. Dire's done here. The usefulness of this place vanished with the attention you drew to it, all the business of the last two months was just delaying until she could find a new home."

Waves come in, waves go out. She turns, and click, clack goes her cane as she moves back inland.

Liho falls in next to her.

"So. What now?"

"Heal. Build. Grab resources. Avoid major conflicts unless absolutely necessary. Did a lot of work for free in the past, didn't get paid for it. That @%#%!% stops now. Dire doesn't get off the couch unless there's direct gain in it for her."

"Done being a noble demon?"

"Noble, hell. Half the things she did to support allies that never seem to support her... Well, with a few exceptions. The other half was to sabotage enemies that were getting too strong."

"If you say so."

Dire squints at Liho as she goes.

The girl in the lame costume who Dire saved during Firepower's betrayal, so long ago, has grown into a young woman. She's aged, her frame's not half as scrawny now that she's eating better, and her clothes are... Well, still kind of clashing, but now there's a style to them. A better make, more utilitarian and rugged. Liho's finding her balance, now that she's out of the gang. In a better headspace. It's been healthy for her.

She'll go soon, maybe. Most do, or they die. All things considered, she didn't want to see Liho die. She liked the kid.

"Well." Dire looks back forward, picking her way through the rocks. "Yes. Some of it was done because she hates to see bastards win."

"Those who aren't you."

"Well, yes. Meh. If it comes down to a bastard winning, better Dire than Cradle or similar scum. Though honestly, the way it's going, Cradle's probably going to win out."

Her lips stretch thin. "Jackal tactics. Get enough power to not be worth messing with, then sit there and scare people off, then develop in secret and grab opportunities to come along. Maybe hit someone when they can't hit you back. Boring. Cowardly. Contemptible. Bullying."

She sighs. "Effective. Working out great for Shaper, Cradle, and all the other long-term problems."

"Shaper?"

Dire scowls. "Maybe just an annoyance. Maybe a long-term problem. He stands for nothing, so no one can stand against him. The great stone god-king of all earth and metal, nothing more than a scavenging coward and bully, growing fat off of the hard-earned victories of his betters and taking toys and profits from those who have no way to resist him."

"Heh."

Dire's cane taps along. "Mm. Well, time to be quiet for a bit anyway. Try THEIR tactics, see how it goes. No pressing business that'd hurt Dire right now anyway, once the move is done."

"Half the outer city's gonna run for the hills, relief shut down, and you don't think that's pressing business?"

Dire shrugs. "Docks are doing fine, so Dire's promise to Robin is still holding. The civilians thinning out means less collateral when Dire has to go to war. And it hurts possible competitors worse than it does Dire. Mostly self-sufficient, not dependent on civilian-saturated areas. Mind you, this whole thing is part of a conspiracy's scheme, so it'll all go pear-shaped at some point. But you know what? That's someone else's problem. If they want help with it, they can cut a deal with Dire then."

The rest of the walk is spent in silence, before she ends up next to the Devastators. her armor awaits, and she tosses the cane to Delta, before clambering in, and letting it seal around her.

"Guess we're done here, then."

"YES." Dire takes one last look around, and nods.

"IT'S A BRAND NEW DAY..."

[Murska]

UB - KK [M] [/GM]
((So the main costs are opportunity costs due to the amount of time spent.

The work itself costs 12 Cash. If I can lower the amount of time spent on it, the costs go down. Therefore, if I hire another construction group to assist, and give materials from my own Salvagers plus have my own men assist in the work, that should be enough to cut it down to one turn: 1 construction company does X work in 3 turns, so 2 construction companies do X work in 1.5 turns and 2 construction companies with extra assistance from locals should be able to squeeze that down to 1 turn.

Then they both want profits. So I'll pay 9 Cash each, that's 18 Cash total for work that costs 12 total. And 1 Cash bonus to whichever company manages to complete the most work in the first month.

Seem ok?))

[Forum Explorer]

Administrative Site C

Lucky Jacks PM
*Physical description of Pythia is provided.*

[Imperial Psycho]

Maestro

Eclipse [PM]
Maestro's face darkens. "I see."
The guileless smile returns.
Alright, Swarm, here, take this."

From his pocket he pulls an earpiece, one of LCAI's Communication devices.

"You can use this to stay in touch with me. Pass on anything you hear. Let me know when Prism recovers. "

The smile seems almost serpentine. "Wish him well from me, won't you? And tell no-one of this meeting."

[Eldan]

Iron Helix to the KK

"That is a pity. But please, do explain your alternative idea. And of course we will be more than happy to meet Mr. Mitchell with you.

Meanwhile, we have another business proposition for you. Would you still have any business contacts in Japan, Kamakura-san? We are looking to expand the market for the Plant Homes internationally and Japan, given it's views on technology, may well be a great customer in this regard. If you could make any arrangements, we would of course give you a cut of the profit."

[Thelonius]

Maestro

Eclipse [PM]

Swarm nods. ''I’ll do that.'' She takes the LCAI bead from Maestro.


Nianta

Internal [PM]

They can but only Mesh type TP - either medical information or in realm of invention.


KK/Admin C

Lucky Jacks [PM]

Trump brightens up: ''See, Furians have that girl. So off you go after them.'' He takes a brief look at the photograph and shrugs. ''Never seen her in my life.''

The man with Admin C looks unhappy with this development. ''Listen, I explained that there were some shenanigans with Jumping involved. The trail’s gone completely haywire - I don’t think it’s still there, just some afterimage. And I figure it happened at the end of the fight Furians had here. So there probably was some kidnapper Jumper, who maintained a portal or pocket dimension or something, whom they killed so the path to the girl no longer exists and it’s a wild goose chase. This mission is over and we should get back to base and get to your next project, whatever it is.''


Unity/KK

Hilde Cafe [PM]

Company Man: ''Trust me when I say all of them would be within your power to grant and in some cases beneficial for your organizations. I will await confirmation of your interest before speaking further.''

''Some of the organizations have allies and supporters, but we are no amateurs and those complications can be dealt with. Besides, life in the Outer City is very dangerous. Who knows what will happen tomorrow? Perhaps a number of the issues would resolve themselves soon enough.''

''As for the scope, it’s not the only operation of the Company. But there is value in creation of the New Outer City.''

[Forum Explorer]

Administrative Site C

Lucky Jacks PM
Mission failed then. You can inform your superiors that we will try and assist you in keeping the Outer City supplied and stable. Politically you might look to the Militia of Law and Order as a possible ally.

Regardless our next mission takes priority. We'd best start preparing for it.

To Unit Blue
We regret to inform you that Pythria is MIA, presumed to be dead. Pathfinder theorizes that one of the kidnappers was a jumper who traveled through a some sort of portal or different plane of existence. The Furians apparently killed this jumper, stranding Pythria inside his power. Regardless of the truth, the trail has gone cold and we are diverting our attentions elsewhere.

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]At that, Park suddenly shook his head.

"No. No, if anything, the Jumper was on the side of the Furians. We had encountered them utilising tactics with Jumper assistance during the fight. Knowing the Furians, it's likely they assigned the Jumper specifically to the girl, to ensure they keep hold of her."

"And if what your man said here is true... well, that would explain where Hellscape disappeared to."

Nodding, he turned back to the Specialist.

"Thank you for your assistance in regards to Outer City, it will be much appreciated."

[Murska]

UB - Admin. Site C [M]

"Damnit!

Give me the full details of your operation. Being stuck in a pocket dimension isn't a death sentence, we know that from experience. Perhaps there's still something to be done."

[Forum Explorer]

Administrative Site C

To Unit Blue
We'll forward you our records of the operation.

OOC: Feel free to read all of the Lucky Jack's PM conversations I was able to read.

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

[/GM]"]OOC: Problem with that is, the only reason hiring labourers from Junks is even an option in the first place is because I have controlling stake in Maxwell - they would just hire from Walls otherwise as is their usual practice. How are you going to convince the other construction company to play ball, assuming you can bring one in?

Also, hiring from Junks means I may have to deal with a less experienced workforce, effectively handing a free advantage to the other company for the [1 Cash] bonus. Knowing that, why would I want to hire from Junks in the first place?

[Murska]

KK - UB [M]

((OOC: What do you mean, hire? I'm providing free untrained labour out of my own followers to make things go faster.))

Thelonius [GM]

If I correlate the trail I followed Pythia on with the one Admin. C followed, do I spot anything strange or does it seem like the robots headed straight to Lucky Jacks and probably then Jumped somewhere?

Also, how likely does it seem that Lucky Jacks would have a weaker Mesh defence right now given that they've just been devastated by the battle?

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]"Just to be sure we are not working on different meanings when it comes to the word 'interest', and end up with a terrible misunderstanding further down the line. When you said you would like confirm our interest in your proposal, you did not intend anything binding by it, do you?"

"If so, yes, the Kamakura-kai is definitely interested in hearing you out."

[/GM]"]OOC: Means exactly what I said; that's how I completed the Greendale housing projects, hiring Greendale folk over the Walls workers Maxwell usually prefers. It's not just about improving their homes, it's also helping them improve their own situation through employment opportunities.

Thel, would the Strength Suits I have help to reduce time taken and subsequent opportunity costs if I loan them to Maxwell for this project?

"]Well, my alternative idea is this; is it possible for Iron Helix to tweak the formula of the Plant House to produce a result different from what is currently available? If so, it may be a good idea to consider a variant product which significantly increases the yield of food items, at the cost of living space.

As Iron Helix's Plant Houses are currently, they pose potential competition to the construction industry in the Outer City - not just Maxwell Inc - which is why you would probably not find any other company willing to undertake any restoration work which would help Iron Helix get back on its feet. At the same time, the food-producing capabilities of the Plant Houses, while very useful, is at present not sufficient for the impending circumstances that will come with the cessation of the Relief Initiative.

However, if Iron Helix could give up the housing market to specialise in food production, it should remove any reluctance on the part of the construction companies to undertake restoration work on the Orchard Station, and at the same time gear up Iron Helix to better take advantage of a market with relatively few competitors and potentially high demand in the coming days. Something worth thinking about.

As for business contacts from my country of origin... I will speak to a number of contacts, and get to back to you soon.

In the meantime, I look forward to meeting you and Chimaera-san.

Kamakura

(OOC: Please feel free to read the 'Jack Mitchell [PM]' convos I have had this turn.)

"]Good day my compatriots, I hope this message finds you well.

May I ask if you would know of anyone, whom might be interested in a business opportunity involving alternative housing arrangements and/or food production techniques? I am in contact with someone whom has a product designed to suit these needs, and is looking to break into the international market.

Kamakura

[CapJanus]

Unity

Hilde Cafe [PM]
"As you've said, these are turbulent times. And if a little deception is necessary in the service of the greater good, now is the time it would have to happen. We'd still like to hear more details about our part in this plan of yours, but for now, consider the Unity organization interested."

Unit Blue
Hey there. We haven't talked in a while, so let me say that I admire the strides you've made in bringing stability to the Junks. In fact, in my talks with City Hall over the relocation plan, Kane mentioned Edgetown specifically. Said that there might be enough infrastructure in place, almost entirely your doing, for that community to not just survive, but thrive when this is all done.

All that said, it seems like you aren't too enthused about Relocation in general. If it helps, I've got some information that might clear up any confusion, if you're interested in helping the people who are trying to move. How are your people feeling about the initiative?

Techno-Trickster
I understand your concerns. There's no easy way to handle this, but right now, there's a lot more war going on in the Outer City than in the areas people will be moved to. Out there they don't have to worry about their homes being crushed by giant robots, or blown up in a war for territory.

The villains will stay here, because they were never after the citizens of the Outer City. They all have their greedy eyes on Cape City itself, and soon they'll have fewer shadows to hide in and far less innocents to use as pawns in their schemes. Then we can make the city safe again, and put this whole business behind us.

If you still have reservations, I understand. I just hope that you'll give this a chance, and most importantly, keep doing what you're doing - protecting the people, best as you can.

Internal [PM]
Spreading the information I got from Sandra Kane to anyone thinking of relocating. Particularly trying to clear up the confusion in the Shanty Towns.

[Thelonius]

Unity

Techno-Trickster [M]

That does make sense, though it would mean that the villains have won. I can’t say I like it… but I guess I need to accept it.


Internal [PM]

That would be Mid-Turn action.


KK/Unity

Cafe Hilde [PM]

Company Man: ''Well, let’s do it like this. I’ll pass on our requests - if you complete them and accept our rewards, it would confirm that you accept this arrangement. I sincerely tell you that accepting would be in your best interest. The new order is coming, whatever you do, but unlike the masses you have a choice - be rulers or ruled.''


Unit Blue

Internal [PM]

You went from Junks, they went from Docks, no significant correlation.

As for robot trail, if you use your own information, then Lucky Jacks is a possible location to where they went. If you add information on robots you got from Killarz, then Lucky Jacks becomes much less likely as destination.

You aren’t certain - maybe LJ is more vulnerable right now.


KK

J-Interests [M]

‘’If this is an offer from Iron Helix, then we may be able to work out a certain arrangement.


Junks

KK/UB [PM]

1. Do note that level of project can affect efficiency of the work force - untrained labor is passable for 1-2 Level, but efficiency begins to fall at 3 and really fall at 4.
2. There’ll be need for some investment in materials, tools, etc. for the work done by free workforce.
3. Strength Suits could be helpful, yes.

[Thelonius]

Relocation

The relocation is in progress, with people in Trent Town and Greendale leaving. There are rumors, some disorder and logistical troubles, yet the expected storm of opposition doesn’t come. For Outer City things are proceeding reasonably calmly.

Yet it looks like Relocation Plan won’t come to pass as events in the Cape City begin to unfold...

KK [PM]

On streets of Night District people are concerned that with people leaving, there'll be fall in profits - and those that stay will be under control of Militia of L&O who dislike crime of Night District.


Dire [PM]

Your move proceeds relatively smoothly, except for TP & production of Deflectors - you don't have time to make them before move. In Lotlands lack of energy imposes a penalty on your Tech Points...


Unit Blue [PM]

Powers 4

A. More info on request about Powers
B. A few tidbits.

There’s been strings of strong empowerments in the aftermaths of the Limit Break attacks.

Walls has been center of Power Gangs because a statistically significant number of people empower there.

Herr Tod has accumulated a group of several Powers since coming to city, all recently Empowered. Either he can detect empowerments or he can trigger them.

Kings Mercenaries tried to establish a foothold in the Cape City before - during the previous Limit Break attack. Apparently there’s a bit of a conflict between the two groups. Probably their plan was to make a deal with Power Gang alliance that seized Trent Town, while weakening Limit Break through some unknown plot. That fell through when Firepower was brought down.

Good Doctor is an alias. The woman who calls herself that lived for around hundred years, changing identities. She was a member of Godlike before breaking relations with them. She worked with Singularity Architects for a time and there appears to be some contacts with Ansie Seed. Her dream to transform human race into new species. Her objective is finding way to change human brain into something different, more advanced.


Splicer [PM]

In Bolthole Maestro’s man passes you a pyramid shaped vial with a clear liquid inside.


Nianta [PM]

Nianta tries to hack Mave’s Mesh and triggers some alarm. Mave’s Mesh shuts down. Just a bout of bad luck…

A messenger brings a pyramid shaped vial with a clear liquid inside.


Kamakuri-Kai/Mr. Trump [PM]

''Well. I had a chance to look over the reports, despite all those idiotic distractions. So as a bit of a thank you for your support and in expectation that you’d make sure I don’t get more unwanted visitors on the doorstep, here’s a bit of info, you maybe find some use for. I’ve been doing this research for a certain client - slippery, cheeky bastard. But I’ll pass results to you as well. It’s about Cradle. They got big influence in global politics and I can read the waves they are making. So from the reports, my little ‘’special intuition’’ tells me they’ll be starting World War IV real soon. I think that Japan and their global game spooked them - they’ve been doing some ass weird ****. So whatever shadow plans Cradle had they accelerated them to block a competitor. And it paid off real well for them. Plus I think Dr. Ann’s goin out of the picture also benefited them somehow - frankly she was like one giant stop gap, maintaining status quo around the world, somehow. Everything’s coming apart since she got brought down. Anyhow. I say Russia’s invading some nations of EC soon enough and then there’ll be a chain reactions of conflict, blamo World War IV. Cradle will come on top of that. So that’s that. I suggest doing some investments that do well when the world burns. Underground vaults? Ha, ha. Good thing my hotel already has them and they weren’t affected in recent events.''

[Trump gives you info on several things he believes will happen to set off global conflict, starting with Russia invading Kazakhstan, after a coup happens there.]


Singularity City

The video images begin to arrive. From the water in the Cape City Docks emerge crab-like vehicles, deftly climbing to the shore and sporting a healthy amount of what looks like guns. From the waters of the ocean a large, long ship emerges - the Onichrome’s Chromatic Battleship.

In Industrial District a large group of robots appears, that apparently was repurposed for combat. They are loaded up with strange looking devices, yet all give an aura of danger - that of weapons.

The skies of the Cape City fill with Power Suits, some flying in formations, some one their own as several floating platforms descend from clouds.

In East Gardens a group of armed men and several figures in lab coats appear. The lab coats are riding on floating disks, have exosuits or have some strange devices strapped on their backs.

In the Outer City, Dr. Franklyn’s robots are making their way to the Cape City Walls.

In the Mesh the Singularity Architects Speak: ''We are taking control of the Cape City. It must be done to secure the future of the humanity - the survival and growth of our species must be ensured. Cape City will become the bastion of technology - the beacon of reason and progress in the world of fear and darkness. People of Cape City - remain in your houses until new order is established and you will be safe. Authorities and factions of Cape City - do not resist us. You can’t stop progress.''

To Doctor Dire

''We had reasons to mistrust you, but we are willing to give you a chance to show your true allegiance. You must understand that by establishing control over Cape City we can create techno-utopia that would fulfil your vision. Join us Dire.''

To Iron Helix

''You have been misunderstood and feared. The Singularity Architects embrace progress, innovation and change. We accept the dreams of visionaries. Join us and your projects of sustainable Tree Houses will become reality. Join us and dream even bigger.''

No Connections

The Outer City and Cape City have been cut off from the world wide Mesh. Nothing comes in. Nothing goes out.

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

Public Announcement to City Hall

"Well then, Kane-san. Good job, I must say. The civilians of Outer City were your only buffer against the myriad external threats hoping to claim Cape City itself as their prize... and would you look at that, you just sent them away, did you not?"

Congratulations on a job well done looking out for Cape City's best interests, Kane-san. What will you do now, with the Huns at the gates?"

"]"Sounds reasonable enough to me, I suppose. Except for one last thing, if I may bring it up."

"On the doubtless miniscule chance that any of us here today decide to accept your arrangements, only to decide somewhere down the line that it is not in our best interests... what escape clauses would your organisation be willing to offer us? Beyond the gunshot in the dark or the bomb in an inconvenient location, of course."

"]Aaaah, Radical-san! Sprightly young twerp like you, you're probably going to try holding up the impending war with your honeyed tongue, hmmm?

Well, this old man would like to sit down for some tea and talk before you go do your thing. Where shall we meet for tea?

Shifu

"]Most excellent. In that case, I would like to invite a representative from Iron Helix to discuss terms with yours at a place and time of your convenience. How shall we go about arranging this?

Kamakura

"]"Interesting. Thank you very much indeed for the information you have provided, Trump-san. It is very much appreciated. Underground vaults... I just might have a business investment in mind. Perhaps with the involvement of Witters-san and Iron Helix... would you care to make an investment to this end, Trump-san?"

"On another note, a particular name has been making the rounds around the area in recent days... Company. What would you know about them, Trump-san?"

[Zemalac]

LCAI

Singularity Architects [M]

If I am not distracting you too much from your rather grandiose plans to take over a city that neither requested nor requires your interference, may I ask why you are attempting to incite World War Four in my backyard? I would have thought that a place where millions of people weren't living and wouldn't get caught in the crossfire that is inevitably going to erupt here would have been better for that purpose.

Do not mistake my words as hostile. Your purpose--that of arming the world against its many problems--is the same as LCAI's. However, I feel that perhaps you could have chosen a time where there weren't multiple armies on the doorstep to make this move of yours.


City Services [M]

Sent to the same Mesh address that called us about Shaper tunneling in a while back.

There seem to be armed robots surrounding LCAI property. Do those have clearance from City Services, or should we be alerting our security teams to a problem?


Internal [PM]

Action: Security team get armored and equipped with the HTM-50s. Black-Ops team mobilizes more quietly, ready for fast insertion and elimination of key targets if necessary. If those robots come onto company property, they will be given a warning to move off of corporate grounds or be destroyed. If the Singularity Architects are planning on just running the city, that's all well and good, but if they are hoping to steal company secrets then we are going to have a problem.

Action: Coban and Lockwood are going to work together, using Coban's magnificent brain and Lockwood's technical expertise to try and work out the best way of disabling the robots in the Industrial District. If a good firing solution is worked out, feed that data into the smartgun systems of the security team.

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to Mimir [m]

"WELL. THE TIME MIGHT FINALLY BE HERE. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE SINGULARITY ARCHITECTS' OFFER? THEY HAVE LITTLE CHANCE OF SUCCESS OF COURSE, BUT DIRE COULD STAND TO GAIN FROM THIS..."


Legion of Dire
to Symphony [pm]

"HM... DIRE SEES A CHANCE FOR GAIN, HERE."

"NOT THINKING THE ARCHITECTS' LONG-TERM CHANCES ARE GOOD, BUT EVEN SOME MINOR HELP FROM DIRE COULD MAKE THEIR STRUGGLE A BIT MORE EFFICIENT. MORE DAMAGING TO THE OTHER CONSPIRACIES AGAINST THEM. OPINIONS?"

[Orbiter]

Nianta
to Symphony [pm]


True true
I dont trust them long-term, but short-term it would be interesting to see what happens.

I say go for it, the populous sees you as a Villain either way, and so long the end goal is as promised(Utopia) and the price is not extremely high, you dont really care about how, do you Dr Dire?.
You might as well make the best out of it and assist them...for now, just take care, and be prepared for the either possible backstabbing or the fact they are more arrogant than most or perhaps its the way they worded their offer to you that makes them look like that.
It reminds me of the join or die by Benjamin Franklin(no not the mad scientist).

I also find it interesting they make such big promises to people, and targeted Iron Helix.....do they know something?

My stance might change however ((OOC: Thel forgot an action that sets stuff by me XP))

[CapJanus]

Internal [PM]
EDIT: Uh, nevermind. Misread something.

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to Singularity Architects [m]

"UTOPIA WITHIN HER GRASP... A TEMPTING OFFER."

"WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE OF DIRE, SHOULD WE ALLY IN THIS?"

"AND WHAT SUPPORT CAN YOU PROVIDE DIRE, SHOULD SHE ACCEPT YOUR OFFER?"

[Thelonius]

Lockwood-Coban

Singularity Architects [M]

''Dr. Kill is a very recent member and he is somewhat unstable. If you give him access to your production and research facilities we’ll compensate you. This should prevent conflict.''


City Services [M]

''Those are rogue machines. Treat them with extreme caution and avoid contact. We are trying to get people to deal with them.''


Robots [PM]

A loudspeaker booms, as robots begin to gather outside of LC Compund ‘’I see you are locking down. Access needed. Data purging requested to reconfigure the system, data erasure. You have right software to develop tools of reconfiguration. I am Dr. Kill. Would be needing access to your production to upgrade designs and make some Ripping. Current tools of insufficient potency. Incomplete sterilization, conflicts last too long. Faster resolution hardware needed to expedite process of global power rebalancing.’’


KK

Trump [PM]

''Don’t know about Company. As for investment - give me the plan and I’ll consider investing. Not the best climate for that with Cape City in trouble - I like to have some cash if there’ll be need to bolt, but if the project is good enough...''


Legion of Dire

Mimir [M]

''You should accept their offer. Their efforts can advance the cause of unified and advanced Earth.''


Singularity Architects [M]

''We need more energy on the ground in case of resistance or our enemies making a move. Help us secure Cape City and we can set you up with an advanced lab and resources to do your science. How does that sound?''


KK/Unity

Cafe Hilde [PM]

Company Man grins.

‘’Well… If you decide to pull out as in retire, then you won’t be bothered. I should say if you join, then you can consider yourself signing a future no-compete clause. We’ll take certain precautions so you wouldn’t be able to use information and influence gained from our association against us.’’

‘’Mr. Oyabun. How about as proof of your commitment you will not discuss with outside parties whatever Mr. Trump told you. Just keep quiet… oh say for a month. And Company will establish you as one of the primary players in Outer City.’’

‘’Mr. Boris, a certain matter will soon come to your attention as well as a request for information. Do it and you’ll have generous payment and a certain favor done for you.’’

‘’Mr. Unity. There was a robbery recently in First District. I’ll forward you information on the criminal responsible. I wish return of a certain briefcase and it’s contents. You’ll be generously compensated.

‘’Do these favors, and your future will be secured. As you see some of them are as easy as doing nothing.’’

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
Public Announcement

"UTOPIA... A NIGH-IMPOSSIBLE GOAL, BUT THE ONLY ONE WORTH CHASING."

"VERY WELL! THE LEGION OF DIRE SHALL RIDE WITH YOU! FOR THE GREATEST GOOD!"

"ALEA IACTA EST..."

Legion of Dire
to Legion of Steel [m]

"DELTA AND THE DEVASTATORS ARE GOING TO BE BUSY FOR A LITTLE WHILE, DIRE FEARS. AS SUCH UNAVAILABLE FOR CONTRACT WORK."

"DIRE DOESN'T EXPECT THIS INITIATIVE TO INTERFERE WITH OUR MUTUAL WORK ON THE BLACKBIRD. IS THIS ACCEPTABLE TO YOU?"


Legion of Dire
to Singularity Architects [m]

"THROW IN AN INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH GENERATOR AND DIRE'S IN. GIVE IT TO THE NIGHT CREWS, THEY'LL SHIP IT ON TO DIRE. NO SENSE IN ABANDONING GOOD OUTER CITY LABSPACE."

"DEVASTATORS WILL BE APPROACHING THE AIRSPACE YOU MOVED THROUGH SHORTLY. WE SHALL SEE WHO STANDS AGAINST US..."


Legion of Dire
Actions [pm]

Right, committing a faction action to moving the Devastators, plus Delta and Liho if she wants to come along with Dire to Cape City proper, supporting the Singularity architects. We'll go holographic from our lab to Trent Town, then find a place to roar out from behind the rubble, fly over Trent Town and Walls, and land in Cape City.

[Zemalac]

LCAI

Singularity Architects [M]

You are, of course, joking. Our research facilities contain data and cutting-edge developments that any competitor of ours would give an arm and a leg to get their hands on, and many of our production facilities are one-of-a-kind proprietary machines that we are, if I may be frank, not willing to share with someone mad enough to call himself "Doctor Kill."

If you or the good doctor want to make purchases from us, that is another matter entirely; but I am afraid our facilities are not available for rent.


City Services [M]

Rogue robots are requesting access to corporate facilities for purposes of upgrading and possibly stealing company secrets. We will stall them as long as we are able.


Robots [PM]

There is a quick discussion as reports are relayed to people higher up the corporate chain.

For safety reasons, the response is delivered via drone.

"I am afraid our facilities are not available for use by non-LCAI entities," says the voice from the speakers. "If you wish to purchase LCAI products or commission custom equipment, I can direct you to a sales representative to handle your case."

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to Symphony [pm]

"HM. COULD USE A LITTLE SUPPORT. DIRE'S GOING TO GO TACKLE CAPE CITY."

"MAESTRO, DIRE COULD USE A PLAN TO TAKE AND HOLD THE HEARTWAYS."

"CHIMEARA, IF YOU ARE FREE, YOU'RE WELCOME TO COME ALONG ON THIS."

"DEPARTING NOW!"



AMENDED PLANS[PM]

Okay. Amended plans.

We're going to touch down in West Garden, just long enough to verify that there are no opposing forces there. Send a message to Anise Seed "YOU ARE IN NO DANGER FROM DIRE. CARRY ON WITH YOUR BUSINESS, AVOID RESISTANCE, AND TELL ANYONE WHO COMES THAT DIRE HAS PLACED THIS LAND UNDER HER PROTECTION."

Then we're going to move on the Heartways, taking it from any opposing forces we encounter, and shutting down travel through it to all but the Singularity Architects and allies.

We'll bring along a Dire Deflector for Dire, the Three Devastators, Delta, Liho (If she's willing), the DISK system, and the containment foam.

DISK for drones and vehicles, we'll set it up on a good vantage point somewhere once we secure the district and man it with Delta. Containment foam for heroes, to slow them down until they can be subdued. (Especially mister trap. He's a priority.) Nonlethal methods when civvies are in the line of fire or when we're up against cops or heroes we can handle. If we run into something we can't reliably put down with lethal force, they'll be told "TREMBLE AND FLEE BEFORE DIRE, OR FACE ANNIHILATION!" And then we'll carry through with the threat.


I'm trying to get Maestro to put together a plan for taking and holding the Heartways. Trying to enlist Chimaera to ride along on this. We'll see how it goes.

Oh, once we get set up, check in with the Architects, see if they can shift any defenses here. Also see if Doctor Franklyn is an ally or an enemy, we might need to let him through.

[Cognimancer]

Masquerade

Symphony [PM]
No objections - this turn of events is ripe for exploitation. The Masquerade may be able to extract you or handle small surprises if need be, but I think most of our attention will be elsewhere...

Tunnel Rats [M]
Gentlemen, opportunity is knocking. If there's any time to move on one of our opponents, it's while the heroes will be tied up. Or we can bring down one of these villains and claim their spoils for ourselves. Do we have a priority target?

Internal [PM]
Do I have any intel from my databases (or word on the street) about these attackers? I know Onichrome and Dr. Franklyn, but don't have a positive ID on Industrial District robots, the Power Suits in the sky, or the labcoats on flying disks. I'm guessing one of them is Eclipse?

[Forum Explorer]

Administrative Site C

To Singularity Architects
Dire supports you, and we trust her. Can you promise to restore order to the Outer City, or at least to not prevent us from doing so?

Also we hope that you will not reduce the Inner City to chaos as well. If you can maintain order then we will support you.


Internal GM
Whoops. Forgot about the midturn. Can I do it anyways? It doesn't effect what was going on in Cape City at the time.

it was simply this,

1. Pathfinder is to begin the hunt for Typhoon (one of the surviving members of Limit Break)

2. The rest of my forces will load up special equipment into armor vehicles (mortars, heavy machine guns, RPGs, and flamethrowers.)

and a question, what are the capabilities of that black market sniper rifle?

[Murska]

((If internal Mesh messages don't work anymore, switch 'M' with 'Directed Radio Transmission' in my posts.))

Unit Blue - Singularity Architects [M]

"Okay, I'm pro-technology. I believe technology is a way into a better future. It can solve our problems and propel us to the stars. But that's if it is used correctly.

There's going to be a reaction to you. Most likely, World War Four. Japan and the US, Russia and whomever, Cradle.

I'm asking, do what you can to ensure this battle is in the Wastes, not in Cape City or Outer City or anywhere else with innocents on the line. If you do that, you'll have my respect and, probably, support. I wished for peace, but it looks like I can't make that happen."


Unit Blue - Cape City Officials [M]

"Well. Japan's going to back up the Singularity Architects, and the US is going to fight them. So I think our time is up. Do whatever you can to ensure the war is waged away from the civilian populations of Outer City and Cape City. I'll see if I can't do anything about the global angle."

Unit Blue - Fort Kronus [M]

"Please tell me you have a working fiber-optic line to the outside? I'm going to need to send a message. I believe that if I don't, even more people will be in danger of losing their lives than are now as a result of this crazy situation."

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]The Oyabun simply stared sternly at the Company representative for some time, not saying a word. If anything, his frown seemed to grow even deeper with every passing second.

Then, with a sigh, he nodded.

"Very well. I will accept those terms, and not mention them to any external parties for the month. I assume that is a satisfactory beginning to our business relationship?"

"]If ever there was a time to take down the Killarz, I do think now would be the time. However, perhaps we would be better advised to focus on a more lucrative target? Perhaps a slice of Cape City itself?

Kamakura

"]Dentity-san, I have managed to secure the interest of some business contacts from Japan, with regards to your Tree Houses. Would you like me to arrange a meeting between you and them?

Kamakura

"]Dear sirs, I hope this message finds you well.

It seems great tribulations are about to befall Cape City. In this, I have an investment in mind which just might pay great dividends. Would you be interested?

Kamakura

"]Company apparently know of Trump's poking about into Cradle business, and has an interest in not letting his knowledge becoming public. They probably also have agents in Lucky Jacks, considering the timing of the warning they just gave Oyabun. However, why is it that Company wants Oyabun to uphold an information blackout for only a month? If it is looking out for its own interests, wouldn't they warn him to bring the gag order to his grave?

Knowing Cradle's reputation for engineering unfortunate ends for anyone poking into their business, it's strange that Trump hasn't met his, as yet. On the flip side, Trump has no information on Company, and the latter did debut in a fairly mysterious manner.

Also, the Company representative has been harping on 'control' and 'order', which doesn't seem to be Cradle's thing, but is plausible for an organisation from Oyabun's homeland. And for them to come to the table with their offer, just before the Singularity Architects attack on Cape City itself...

Speculation: Company has the backing of Japan, and they want to impose the temporary gag order on Oyabun so as to ensure Cradle doesn't get tipped off about their intentions before it is too late.

Does Oyabun get another [Insightful] level from this?

[Lost Demiurge]

FURTHER AMENDED PLANS
Internal Action [pm]

Hm. Well, in the cold light of day, my plan could use a little revision. This is CAPE CITY, dammit, and I'm liable to smack my face into a woodchipper if the assault is half-arsed.

I'll put the amended plans in my turn document. When is the deadline for action, here?

[Thelonius]

[Wednesday: Mid-Turn Update]

Cape City

It is yet unclear where the forces of SA are planning to strike in the Cape City.

The Sentinels prepare for defence as well as Wardens. Magister’s Circle is away from the Cape City. The Cogworks have made no statements and haven’t been seen - some speculate that the Techno-Heroes will stay neutral or even join SA.

An explosion happened in Newman’s Rehabilitation Center. Connection with the facility was lost.

City Police seems to be waiting for orders.

In the Power Block, Powers have formed a unified front and have issued a statement warning anybody from attempting to invade.

Grimble Bank offices drop black-metal shutters and it appears they are offering a service of securing people in the safety of their Vaults.

Dr. Agamya has made a public statement declaring that any fighting in the West Gardens will be met with force by Anise Seed security. It appears Kings have been paid to bolster corporation’s defences.

In the Power Stations Solaris Inc. rolls out mobile Shields alongside corporate security forces.


Outer City

The Goats are demonstrating on the streets - Serves Cape City Right seems to be their sentiment. Let Outer City solve it’s own problems - we stay here and we prevails.

US and Japan’s forces appear to be in a tense stand off, as rumors fly Japan is conquering Cape City through SA. The relocation efforts have halted.

In the Outer City many people now fear the future - with Cape City gone and relocation plan falling through, there might not be relief, power and future for them anymore.


Nianta

Furians [PM]

Ravager greets Nianta. ’’You ready to rend and tear? We are going to kill us a Fury.’’ A bunch of machinery buzzes and and sparkles as the air vibrates with a portal opening and shutting. A beaten, blooded man is held by Brute - his left hand a cybernetic prosthetic. ’’Mr. Eclipse have been uncooperative with helping us set up the thing. But we have our own expert.’’ An old, thin man is hovering above the controls of the machinery. He looks sad and tired. There are several Furians near him, assisting and clearly keeping an eye on him.


Legion of Dire

Anise Seed [M]

This is Dr. Agamya speaking. If I am not in danger from you, then you are definitely in danger from me. Leave my airspace NOW. I have the best security systems money can buy and they include state of the art Anti-Air Defences. If you wish to declare your protection feel free to do so, outside of West Gardens.


Singularity Architects [M]

We’ll give you a generator.


Lockwood-Coban

Services [M]

Police and heroes are on the way - we are trying to confirm identity of the man responsible. If you could gather more information on the opposing forces.

’’This is Clockwork, from Cogworks - Dr. Kill is utterly insane. Do not let him get access to your facilities and materials! Try to stall for time!’’


Robots [M]

’’Okay, get me the stuff, I’ll organize it myself. SA will redress the balance.’’

It appears Dr. Kill would be willing to leave you alone, if you provide a large number of components for military tech. Looks like SA will be willing to forward you 20 Cash for the goods.


Masquerade

Internal [PM]

Power Suits are similar to Toshiko’s, either stolen tech or modified. Probably Level 4, maybe more.

Lab Coats would be SA’s mad field scientists. Not soldiers, but their advanced technology is something to be feared. People with them would be mercs or allies.

Robots - you can’t tell.


Admin C

SA [M]

We will not interfere with Outer City. Do what you wish there.


Internal [PM]

It’s a Level 3 Sniper Rifle. All the good works.


Unit Blue

Singularity Architects [M]

’’How do you expect we accomplish that? They'll come for the Cape City, not for the wastes. We will try to rig some sort of energy shield or dimensional rend, so it's secure. The legacy of Architect must be preserved for the world's future.’’


Fort Kronus [M]

’’We do not have connection.’’


Kamakuri-Kai

Cafe Hilde [PM]

Quite. What rewards would you like to draw from this?


Internal

Maybe you gain EXP. I won’t confirm or deny anything.

[Orbiter]

Nianta

Furians[PM]

((ooc: Oh boy...can i spent extra actions to ensure my survival?, also do you need which VIP levels are applicable here?.....hmm GO go Nianta XD,and kick ass and chew bubble gum.....for we might be all out of Furies soon enough))

Nianta smiled to Ravager, the morality of the situation...she dint care about such things.
"Hm, Sure, last time you....told me it was a mind related fury, does it hold true now?, and since i haven't been hearing anything dangerous happening....i will assume its one of the sneakier Furies eh?".

She flexed a bit "Well i am as ready as i can ever be, just tell me what tactics to follow for your plan, i think i am best as support, unless i get to use my bio-power on a fury?...thats its own problem i suppose".

"But eh whatever, lead the way"

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to Anise Seed [m]

Muttered voices over the comm. "SHE SAID WHAT? OH FOR THE LOVE OF STEMBOLTS, GOT NO TIME TO WASTE ON PENNY-ANTE NONSENSE. ALRIGHT, PUT DIRE ON."

"WE'RE ALREADY ON? GREAT."

"*AHEM*"

"DOCTOR AGAMYA, GREETINGS."

"YOU ARE MISTAKING DIRE'S INTENTIONS. THIS AIRSPACE AND THE GROUND BELOW IT IS THE MEANS TO AN END, NOT A GOAL IN OF ITSELF."

"THE GARDENS DO, HOWEVER, NEED TO BE PRESERVED. YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED THAT THE CITY IS CURRENTLY SWARMING WITH MADMEN AND MADWOMEN WITH POWERFUL AND DESTRUCTIVE TECHNOLOGICAL WEAPONS."

"DIRE HAS NO DESIRE TO SEE THOSE YAHOOS ANYWHERE NEAR THE FOOD SOURCES THAT FEED SO MANY. AND SHE HAS OBLIGATIONS TO FULFILL TO THOSE WHO DREAM OF UTOPIA. SO WE'RE KILLING TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE HERE. BY ACCEPTING DIRE'S PROTECTION, YOU WOULD BE IGNORED BY THE OTHER MADMEN, WHO WOULD PROBABLY LEVEL YOUR CROPS AND EQUIPMENT TO GET TO YOU, OR THINK NOTHING ABOUT IT IN THE GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS. AND THIS WOULD LET DIRE GET ABOUT HER TRUE BUSINESS OF HONORING HER OBLIGATIONS."

"NOW. THIS CAN GO ONE OF THREE WAYS."

"THE FIRST WAY IS YOU THINKING YOU CAN SUCCEED WHERE MANY OTHERS HAVE FAILED, AND OPENING FIRE UPON DIRE'S WAR MACHINES. IF YOU DO THAT, THEN THIS COULD GO EITHER WAY, DEPENDING ON WHAT YOU HAVE LINED UP, AND WHAT DIRE'S GOT PREPARED FOR THIS SITUATION. YOU CAN DO THAT. BUT DIRE WON'T HOLD BACK, AND DESPITE HER BEST EFFORTS IT'S QUITE LIKELY COLLATERAL DAMAGE WILL OCCUR."

"THE SECOND WAY, IS THAT YOU CAN SURRENDER, AND BE ALLOWED TO GO ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS, UNDER DIRE'S PROTECTION. DIRE HAS NO DESIRE TO INTERFERE WITH YOUR BUSINESS WHATSOEVER. YOU ARE A NECESSARY COMPONENT OF THE FUTURE. FURTHERMORE, DIRE'S PROTECTION MEANS THAT OTHER MADMEN WON'T BOTHER YOU UNLESS THEY WANT TO FIND OUT WHAT THEIR OWN INTERNAL ORGANS TASTE LIKE."

"THE THIRD WAY, IS THAT WE PUT ON A SHOW BATTLE, MAKE IT LOOK GOOD, AND IN THE END OF THINGS OUR FORCES BOTH WITHDRAW A BIT. DIRE TO A MORE IMPORTANT DESTINATION, AND YOU TO PREPARE AGAINST THE NEXT MADMAN TO COME OVER THE WALL. ANYONE ASKS, YOU TELL THEM THAT YOU COULDN'T HOLD DIRE, AND DIRE LATER PRAISES YOUR SOUND DEFENSE, THAT PREVENTED HER FROM FINISHING YOU OFF BEFORE MOVING TO HER NEXT OBJECTIVE."

"DIRE'S GOING TO BE PAST THE POINT OF NO RETURN IN YOUR AIRSPACE IN FIFTY SECONDS. IF YOU WANT TO TAKE OPTION TWO, BROADCAST IT NOW. IF YOU WANT TO TAKE OPTION THREE, FIRE THE FIRST SALVOES OF THE DEFENSES EIGHTY DEGREES ALONG VECTOR SIX NINETY, AND WE'LL HAVE A SHOW BATTLE TO WOW THE PLEBES."

"ANY OTHER RESPONSE WILL BE TAKEN AS OPTION ONE."

"AND IF YOU DO THAT, THEN GOD HELP YOU, FOR THE DEVIL WILL NOT. HE FEARS DIRE..."


Legion of Dire
to Symphony [pm]

"A NEW PLAN MIGHT BE REQUIRED. THINK YOU CAN COORDINATE AN ASSAULT TO DISABLE ANISE SEED, PREFERRABLY WITHOUT DESTROYING ALL OF THEIR CROPS? THEY'RE A BIT STURDIER THAN ANTICIPATED."

[Cognimancer]

Masquerade

Tunnel Rats (GM heads up)
Cape City is a tempting prize, but we must consider what long-term gains it would have. City Hall (or the Architects, if they succeed) would not tolerate any of us holding ground publicly within the walls, and the inevitable counter-attack would likely crush us, even combined. Best to focus on the Outer City, I think.

That said, Killarz are vulnerable, and we could eliminate a very sizable thorn in our side, if we are so inclined.

[thoughts from Mercantile Gang or Freaks?]

Kamakura-kai
If you'll pardon the misdirection, I don't think the other members of that particular mailing list are interested in cracking the walls of Cape City. What I told them remains true, but you're correct - the City holds the greatest dividends for us right now, if we can claim them. Ideally, without drawing the attention of the entire city's defenses once this situation calms down. Are you interested in gaining a subtle foothold, or just a smash-and-grab looting?

[Eldan]

Iron Helix

Symphony [PM]

"Describe their defences?"

Singularity Archictects

"Well, look who's coming now. Splicer sent you barrels of messages over the years and you ignored him. And now that I'm running the company, you're back.

What do you want?

-Chimaera

Kamakura-Kai

"We would be very grateful for those contacts, Kamakura-san."

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to Symphony [pm]

"WELL, THIS IS WHAT DIRE'S SEEN SO FAR..."
Dire describes what her sensors have detected on their trip through Anise Seed airspace.

[Zemalac]

LCAI

City Services [M]

We have managed to discourage Dr. Kill from attempting to access our facilities. Further efforts are pending, but I am afraid Mr. Coban does not feel it safe to discuss further details over the city's possibly-compromised mesh network. We will keep you updated as much as we are able.


Robots [PM]

"Most excellent, sir. Delivery will take place [at EoT], as we require time to produce the materials you require. Give us a list of ordered parts and a delivery location and we will begin production. Also, due to the unusual circumstances, I am afraid we will require payment up front."

[Thelonius]

Nianta

Furians [PM]

Ravager nods. ‘’Sure. One of the sneaky ones. But from what I gather it can influence only the minds of the science geeks. Isn’t that right?’’

The young man with prosthetic answers, trying to keep his voice calm. ‘’It’s not like that. We are using it. Just like you do - that blackwater armor comes from Thalassa, doesn’t it? And I heard you were resorting to cannibalism to take advantage of the Cannibal Fury’s Power.’’

Ravager shrugs. ''Well, I would say we are responsible drug users, compared to you junkies. And when were you planning to kill this one? Hmm? Letting it roam wild for all this time has been doing all sorts of freaky things to the world. Why I've been hearing it's almost World War IV out there. Time’s due to put it down. And we won’t be keeping quiet about things, once we are done. The world needs to learn the truth, ain't that right professor?''

''Professor'' the old, frail man nods. He speaks with heavy accent ''Their lies... I can't forgive them...'' A Furian standing next to him urges him to continue working on the machine.

Eclipse appeals to Nianta: ''Furians don’t understand - we are trying to preserve technology. The Architect secured it for us, but it's not fixed. If we do not do this then the world would...'' The Brute tightens his grip on the young man. ''Less talking bull**** and more telling us of the defences at the place.''

[I should mention Nianta can’t communicate what happens here to others in Outer City as Furians politely asked her to turn off Mesh devices. Wild Hunt explains it to her - ‘’Mesh’s been watched and infiltrated. Can’t tip off them’’ He collects her devices and the unceremoniously smashes them into little bits. (If you decide to make something of that, feel free)]

[Let's say before departure you have 2 ''Actions'' (not actual actions) - talking to somebody, preparing for the fight, using your powers, trying to send a message - whatever you want to do.]


Legion of Dire

Anise Seed [M]

I made mistake of trying to see reason in mad ambitions of megalomaniac before. I’m not doing it again. I will not be intimidated by the likes of you. Pass through the airspace and leave West Gardens alone Dire.

[The defences… Are very hard to detect - the West Gardens are covered in green and while Dire’s sensors go off about some stuff being below the tree tops and thick mass of vines, the Cape City has much stuff that would set them off.]


Singularity Architects

Iron Helix [M - High Encryption]

''We are well aware that Splicer is alive and what he’s been up to. If he wants to join, then we’ll accept him. If he wishes to pursue independent research, then we aren’t people to say no to dedicated scientist.''


Lockwood-Coban

Robots [PM]

Now you imbeciles! I don’t need finished products, give me parts and fast. I’ll assemble them faster than your inferior inefficient workers ever could. Payment upfront - sure. But start bringing the stuff NOW or I’ll start blasting.

[Bank transfer arrives for 20 Cash.]


Solaris Inc. [M]

Mr. Coban? I’m Alex Velcrow, CEO of Solaris Inc. This move by Singularity Architects is certainly changing the board and I’m concerned about the state of our investments. I believe that it would be better if Industrial District remains secure and in hands of sensible businessmen, if only to give a stronger negotiating position, should SA come on top. They need our factories to manufacture their tech - and their philosophy of freedom of science doesn't have much in terms of paying for patents or production.

Now, Solaris Inc. has a strong security force, including several Mobile Force Field Generators Lvl. 5. I’m in a teleconference with Mr. Morris as well as Reinhard from Eisenhart. M&K have a small, but potent security team, while Eisenhart’s security is unfortunately lacking, being fully automated, passive defence measures. As weapon’s manufacturer you should be able to field some firepower.

What I’m proposing is working together to deliver a strong statement, that private property is private property. Are you with me?

[The communication is in LC Resonance by the way.]

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
to Anise Seed [m]

"OPTION FOUR IT IS. YOUR COMPROMISE IS REASONABLE, AND ACCEPTED. STAY AND DEFEND YOUR GARDEN, FEEL FREE TO GIVE DIRE A CALL IF ANYONE ELSE TRIES TO KILL IT."

"IT'S A MAD WORLD, DOCTOR AGAMYA. SOMETIMES SANITY IS THE ONLY TRULY INSANE RESPONSE. HAVE FAITH, ONE DAY WE SHALL CHANGE IT."
(Dire's forces move through West Garden Airspace, toward the Heartways, descending as she does so...)


Legion of Dire
to Symphony [pm]

"ALL RIGHT. BARRING STUPIDITY, ANISE SEED SHOULDN'T OPPOSE DIRE. ON TO THE MAIN EVENT..."

[Zemalac]

LCAI

Robots [PM]

"I'm sorry, I was under the impression that you wanted high-technology, precision-machined LCAI programs, batteries and alloys, not quickly-produced scrap. The latter, I am afraid, we do not offer; the former, I fear, will require some modicum of patience on your part. We do not work in the sort of common nuts and bolts that you might find lying around Junks in the Outer City. LCAI provides quality equipment, which means we create quality parts, and quality, my dear Doctor, requires time."

"Should your patience fail you and you begin, as you say, 'blasting,' LCAI will not be held responsible for the subsequent destruction of property or loss of life you or any person in your employ may suffer as a result. Please refer to page four, subtext three of our standard client contract for further details."


Solaris Inc. [M (LR)]

Mr. Velcrow, I cannot express how pleased I am to hear from you. I have spent my entire morning arguing with an idiot with an army of robots at my front door while receiving repeated assurances from City Services that someone would be sent to deal with the situation; it is good to converse with someone more reasonable, and with a more immediate solution.

LCAI would, of course, be happy to assist in this effort, so long as we do not draw a harsher attack from the remainder of SA's forces. I think if we can locate the individual known as Dr. Kill and remove him from the picture we will be able to buy ourselves enough of a window to clear the robots off our streets and secure the district before the larger SA collective can notice and respond. Of course, that's just one idea, and I cannot deny that there may be better ones already proposed.

In addition to the forces you have already mentioned, LCAI has a well-equipped, if rather small, security team, as well as some off-the-books resources that I would prefer not to detail at the moment.

[Orbiter]

Nianta

Furians [PM]

Nianta was silent for a couple of moments....as she is when serious matters happen and she needs to use her actual brain, smart remarks and her usual perverted pesudo-craziness will come after everything is done.

"Well.......what a fine mess we are in again...let me guess its Prometheus eh?, if memory serves it should have been him before i think, but the Cannibal came up instead...hmm one of these days i got stuff to share Ravager, remind me to tell you later, dont worry nothing that cant wait".


"hmm..lack of biomass......and things eh, got a weapon to spare?, i dont share...that super strength or sharp claws some have, other than that...let me see if i can help with anything".

"Oh yeah, i got some ideas to help you prepare if you are interested in, just need hmm a dog or a person or many bugs or fish....okay plants work as well for some stuff, also interested in a combat-stim if you got any"

[....whatever eh?, dont tempt me, read my internal for ideas of how i can help]

______
After stuff.

Looking Ravager from her cloak Nianta shrugs "Hm? dint i tell you it function already?, It Gives me some flight when i am not under the sun or under floodlights and some extra stuff, thats why i told you back then i could help a bit, but eh, i am ready to rock and roll".


Internal[PM]

Spending an action to help my action bellow.
Namely 1 Help prepare the Furians survive/win this fight (Resourceful 2,Genius 1, Hard worker 1,Quick thinker 1, Healer 1,Bio-mods 1, Bio-symb 1 and all my powers).
Come on, i can make mini biological bio-bombs, symbiotic and stuff!
Or i can simply help Rav or whoever prepare some solid tactics, or make bio-adaptations specific to countering some stuff.
(Nianta can also be a front lines medic for whoever needs it as a start)
(And what she could make?, biological smoke screens, meat shields to throw heat signature readers off and acid filled creatures for more stuff, are you telling me Nianta cant make any of these things? seriously?).

My other 'action', that i dont spent an action for.
2 Prepare for the fight, get a weapon one or two promising to return it if possible, get a combat stims if they can share and put up her shadow cloak if she hasnt already.

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]"The price for my cooperation? Very well. It may not be yours to give, sir, but I will rescind my request if that is so, and make an alternative request instead."

"As my reward... I would like to know whom your organisation really represents, and what its true goal is. If you are whom I think you are... then you have my full support and cooperation in the service of your goals. If you are the other faction... I will at least not make any attempt to hinder or obstruct your goals."

"Either way, if you would care to share that information with me, I will not divulge it to anyone else, even if I were to face the Lord of Hell himself. You have my word on this."

"]Misdirection it may have been, but you did make a pertinent point, Cloak-san. Cape City would not have remained the independent entity it is for as long as it has, if it were so easily subverted through overt means. Like you mentioned, the Singularity Architects would probably face the full brunt of Cape City's defenses soon enough, and our making a public claim to its assets would just put us in the bulls-eye as well.

Thank you for checking my thoughts on this matter, Cloak-san. Perhaps we should try for a subtle foothold, as such would promise more long-term gains than the alternative. It has occurred to me that perhaps we should figure out an avenue of attack on Cape City's political structure itself; even if they should push back the SA, Sandra Kane and her New Interests would be as weak as they would ever get, as their policies have arguably been the direct cause of this chain of events. Perhaps this can be exploited.

Kamakura

(ATTN: Thel)"]Very well. I will make the necessary arrangements, Dentity-san.

Kamakura

(OOC: How do I go about arranging a meeting with Iron Helix and J-Interests?)

"]"Well, Mitchell-san, I suppose recent events have made my previous enquiries quite moot, at least for the time being."

"Being that as it may, I would like to seek your expert advice on a different matter. What do you know of the legal process as it applies to Niccolo Carrera, otherwise known as Allegiance?"

[Thelonius]

Legion of Dire

Internal [PM]

As you approach, your sensors begin to pick up opposition - Cape City Police and Wardens.

The SA forces - Lab Coats and their armed support might come to reinforce you or they might go to Business District or bypass Transport Hub for Lower Circle.

You are fairly certain SA Power Suits are flying northward - to either Core or Upper Circle.


Nianta

Internal [PM]

You make your preparations - the portal flares up and Furians prepare to go in. Wild Hunt spreads a cloak of shadows that seems to take in abilities of the Powers and spread them to the regular Furians.

Brute: ''Shame our stims are running out, we were buying them from Green Court.''

Furian’s Forces
Ravager [Wound Intensification Field][Black Claws 2]
Brute [Strength][Black Armor 4][Black Mace 2]
Wild Hunt [Spreading Powers][Black Armor 5][Black Whip 3]
Dauntless [Regenerator][Black Armor 3]
6 Furians Followers [Level 4][Black Armor 2][Assault Weapons 1]

[B]Nianta -
Action 1: oh yes, she can make those things, but can you pick 1?
Action 2: Nianta acquires Black Armor 2 from Furians, a suit that seems to be made of some strange substance, that is solid and hard at one moment and fluid/liquid at another. It doesn’t constrain her movements, but apparently the areas hit in combat will harden, providing excellent protection.


Lockwood-Coban

Robots [PM]

The robots outside of LC Compound grow restless (or rather start moving more, constantly shifting positions). Clearly they are waiting for LC to start delivering materials to them, and making a display of power.

It appears that there are more rouge robots in the Industrial District, though it’s hard to say where they came from and where if anywhere, they are going.


Solaris Inc. [R]

Well, Mr. Coban, you are the expert - at least more so than I, in military matters. I think removing this Dr. Kill would sort this problem. Be careful - we don't have much information on him, but he appears to be a highly dangerous weapons developer. I feel confident in any plan you’d suggest on accomplishing that. Our forces are:

Solaris Forces
1 Mobile Shield Generator [Level 5]
1 Light Transport [Level 1]
2 Solaris Inc. Security [Level 3][Heavy Lasers 3][Sol Strength Suits 2]

Solaris Arsenal:
2 Experimental Power Disruptors [Level 5]
3 Light Grenades [Level 2]
2 Light Lasers [Level 3]
1 Sol Strength Suit 2

Cape City Police (They seem to answer to Solaris Inc.)
3 Cape City Police [Level 2][Armor 1][Detainers 2]

Morris & Clark
1 MK Security [Level 1][Augmentation 4](Hidden Package)
1 MK Security [Level 2][Augmentation 6](Experimental Combat/Infiltration Package)

*Hidden Package: Concealed Weapons, Visual/Data Implants, Physical Enhancement
*ECI Package: ?
*Heavy Lasers have been calibrated to shoot through the Shield.
*Detainers -> a non-lethal takedown weaponry.
*SSS appears to be a cheaper/lighter knock-off of your PFP armor, optimized for security
*EPD - will disrupt energy flow, in theory can disable powered devices in close proximity and scramble electronics.



Kamakuri-Kai

Cafe Hilde - KK Only [PM]

The man nods and passes a napkin to Oyabun. On it is scribbled word - ‘’Cradle’’. He flash a smile, showing perfect white teeth as Oyabun’s eye rise after reading the word.


Jack Mitchell [PM]

A very expedite one. He’s already in Chills as far as I know and the final ruling should have been this month - though it could get delayed with this trouble. Courts don’t like mind controlling Powers. Nobody likes them. Even Powers community wouldn’t be voicing much opposition, for fast trackin such cases.


Internal [PM]

They’ll meet representative of Iron Helix in Licht Residences.

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
Internal [pm]

Hm. Wardens are bad news. Well, the SA's wanted reinforcements, so let's follow the power suits and see.... Soon as we get within visual range, use tightband mesh to check in, and ask what the plan might be.

If I don't have tightband mesh, I'll just rendezvous, fly up, and ask verbally.

[Orbiter]

Nianta

Internal [PM]

(Ohhh Wild Hunt is tres cool, i assume i am not included based on how you wrote it? or i am?, if not then probably they worry for my science powers or something....bah whatever, i shouldn't have told them i became....a Geek! rawr XD).

To Brute and stims: "If you have a sample of one keep it safe, i promise you, i know people who can try to reverse engineering one of them after this".

1 Sigh okay okay, i biological smoke screens for the Furians to use(i use one to ensure they work after making one).
Also spending an action for this to ensure i make enough and strong enough to be of use.

2 "Danke schon"

Google sheet, has all the stuff to help you(for this mid turn i suppose).

(Rav takes priority for the most part against others if you wonder, and Nianta would risk her life to save her.....as evident by her vip level =P).

[Zemalac]

LCAI

Internal [PM]

Time to try and pull some conclusions from my data.

1) The Doctor's Inventory. What is Dr. Kill requesting we deliver to him? I am hoping we can tell from this how sturdy his robots might be, what kind of weapons they might use, and (most importantly) how they communicate with Dr. Kill and each other. Mesh? Radio? Resonance?

2) Once we know how they're communicating, my Mesh Scientists are going to start tracking the signal.


Solaris Inc. [R]

To your forces we can add 2 LCAI Security [Level 1][PFR2][HT-50] and 2 LCAI Special Operations Security [Level 1][Augmentation 4](Agent Package, Custom)[PFR2][HT-50]. We also have a spare set of Powered Fast Response mk.2 and a spare Hard Target Model 50 in storage, as well as 2 Assault Kit lvl.0 and 3 units of Iron Helix's containment foam that we were experimenting with. I believe we also have an old Anntech warbot that we never got around to reverse-engineering lying around somewhere, but I rather doubt that would prove to be particularly useful in the current situation. I suppose as a last-ditch effort we could turn it on and try to roll it towards Dr. Kill, but that seems like it might be more risky than not.

We currently have some people trying to track the source of whatever signal the good Doctor is using to control his robots. Once we have determined that location, I believe a surgical strike will be in order. If Dr. Kill is at all intelligent, the source of the signal may be a relay rather than the man himself, but that should still give us enough time to dismantle most of the robots in the district before he can regain control, under the pretense of protecting our property from suddenly-directionless and dangerous machinery.

Do you by any chance know how the robots are deployed throughout the district? I am afraid my perspective is somewhat limited due to being trapped in my building.


Singularity Architects [M]

Dr. Kill seems to be displeased with the rate at which we are accustomed to working, and has been making threats with his robots to encourage us to move faster. I will not attempt to convince you to control your unstable membership: I understand that you are busy attempting to take over a city. I merely wished to inform you that in the event that the Doctor loses patience and we are forced to destroy his minions, we are prepared to refund up to 50% of your initial payment. Should the good Doctor suffer injury or death during this hypothetical alteration, we will raise that to 75%, with deductions for damage to LCAI property.

Please refer to page five of our standard client contract for further information.

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]A foreboding, even oppressive silence fell over the Oyabun's demeanour, as he read what was handed to him. When he finally looked up at the Company representative, his eyes looked like they belonged on a dead fish, even as his expression remained neutral.

"You have my oath of silence, sir. As was promised."

"]Dentity-san, the business contacts from Japan are ready to meet your representative at the Licht Residences. I hope you do not mind if I send one as well to sit in, if only so introductions can be made.

Kamakura

"]"That is good to hear, he should be made to pay for his crimes. That said, Mitchell-san, I do believe that Allegiance may still attempt to drag my name, and that of the Kamakura-kai, down into the mud with him."

"Specifically, it is my concern that he might testify, or otherwise imply that my organisation is partially responsible for the crime he is bound to be convicted for. Can I possibly ask you to prepare a defense on my behalf, just in case that eventuality does come to pass?"

[Thelonius]

Core

Cogworks have been sighted at the Architect’s Tower.

At the City Hall, a sub-group of Singularity Architect - MOD-DOC have infiltrated the government building by modifying their bodies to look like clerks and faction representatives. Heavily bio-modified they overpowered security and are currently holding the building hostage.

A similar attack on MISA has failed and Director Coldberg is currently in control.

CCP, Sentinels and Legion of Dire are preparing to square off in the Core.

Legion of Dire [PM]

It appears a group of SA Power Suits are coming in low, trying to avoid detection. You aren’t certain what their numbers are and they maintain Mesh-silence.

There are two Sentinels on the location… And one of them isn’t anybody you recognize. In fact he’s wearing smart cloths instead of costume and only S-insignia identifies him as a member. The second is Unmaker.

Forces:

Sentinels
??? [?][Equipment ???]
Unmaker [?][Personal Armor 4][Equipment ???]

CCP
1 Cape City Police [Level 2][+?][Armor ?][???][???]
3 Cape City Police [Level 2][+?][Armor 2][Detainer ?]
2 Cape City Police [Level 2][+?][CCP Mech: Defender ?][???]
4 Police Flying Drones [Level 2]

MOD-DOC
???

Cogworks
???

SA Power Suits
2 Power Suits [Level 3+][Equipment ???]


Heartways

Wardens and CCP are clashing with the Labcoats and their mercenaries. The city is lit with discharges of energy.

It appears Labcoats are employing flashy methods, but aren’t actively seeking to kill their enemies. The their mercenaries aren’t showing the same restrain.

Globe

TEA armed forces are moving to the Lower Circle - whether to reinforce Core or to repel attack on the Heartways, is unknown.

Upper Circle

The SA Power Suits come under fire from AA defences, though the fire is much more mild then expected. Their objective turns out to be Reald Psychiatric Institute. It’s security refuse to surrender and the building proves to be well-fortified, though whether it’ll hold against SA is a good question.

First District

Dr. Franklyn’s four giant robots have arrived to the First District. It appears FDC is considering letting them be, hoping they won’t step on anything important. Unfortunately two of them are walking through Hive, where thick construction would get in their way.

Outer City Docks

Meanwhile from Trent Town a convoy of barely visible vans, employing some sort of camouflage tech, makes it’s way to the Docks and proceeds to the walls of Cape City.

Waterways

Onichrome has secured the District without much resistance and is proceeding to the Business District. The corporate security forces, reifnroced by mercnearies in flying power suits seem to be rallying, organized by Solaris Inc. CEO Alex Velcrow.

Lower Circle

A force of Autonomists has rallied in the streets and prepared to reinforce Core.

There’s an active negotiation, published in the Mesh between Autonomist Factions and Singularity Architects, as SA are trying to convince Autonomists that Cape City under their control would follow the Architect’s true vision. It’s clear that a number of Autonomists militia commanders are on the fence.

Industrial District

It appears the robots in the Industrial District are meanancing Eisenhart and Lockwood-Coban Industries.

LC [PM]

Your experts detect Mesh communications to one of the Eisenhart Factories, where the second group of robots is located. Your experts suspect basic commands - which means that Robots have a certain degree of autonomy, though just how intelligent they are is hard to tell.

Eisenhart confirms that one of their facilities was taken over - the robots would be repurposed construction workers. They believe that Dr. Kill wouldn’t have more than 6 Units of Robots. They send video footage. In theory if robots have been initially built as construction machines, they wouldn't be terribly powerful.

LC Compound
? Robots Units [Level 1?][Equipment ?]

Eisenhart
Source of Mesh messages
1 Robots Unit [Level 1?][Equipment ?]
1 Robots Unit [Level 1?][Equipment ?]


Admin C

Contacts [M]

US Government Representatives: ''We can't let Cape City fall to the Singularity Architects - can we count on your forces - the JSDF are blocking out own action.''


Docks Police [M]

Sir, should we let those vans pass or try to stop them?



Kamakuri-Kai

FDC [M]

''Mr. Oyabun, we are convening an emergency meeting to decide what to do over those giant robots. Hives construction is terrible - if they aren't careful they might collapse a lot of buildings.''


Jack Mitchell [PM]

‘’A wise man is well-prepared for any eventuality. I bill by the hour so tell me how effort should go into it.’’

[Fee between 1-5 Cash, mention it in your EoT]


Nianta

The Very, Very, Very, Dangerous Place [PM]

Actually Wild Hunt is clealry planning to add your abilities to the pool as well. Apparently it’s not as effective, since it’s first time he employs his ability for Nianta.

The portal flickers and you are in… Hell. Well, Japan, a facility that’s VERY, VERY, VERY, Well Guarded.

There are corridors protected by [Automated Systems] and small combat drones swarm from the maintenance holes.

The Japanese troops are surprised at the sight of the Furians, so you have a momentary element of surprise advantage at your side. They all wear some sort of high-tech armor with full face helmets. Most have advanced assault rifles, but you notice a few with odd looking guns.

Ravager calls for a charge - ‘’It’s going to be tougher, the deeper we go. Smash them!’’

The place seems to be some sort of high-tech facility, with cables running through the rooms and corridors, a large number of rooms filled with machinery and low temperature all across the complex. You are probably somewhere underground.

Stage 1, You are facing:

3 Defense Drones [Level ?]
2 Automated Defence System [Level ?]
1 Japanese Troops [Level ?][Armor 1+?][Weapons 1+?]

[*You can use your VIP knowledge and skills to analyze situation or help here and there.]

[ArcaneStomper]

The Shaper

Kamakura-Kai [M]
What. Investment. Did. You.

Have. In. Mind.

Also. If. You. Are.

Still. Interested.

Raw. Materials. Could. Be.

Easily. Provided.

To the Corpse Emperor [PM]
Could the telepathy be used to detect lies.

To the Corpse Emperor and the Freaks [PM]
What. Approach. Should. We. Take.

Given. Current. Developments.


Tunnel Rats
What. Information. Do. You. have.

To. Indicate. That. The. Killarz.

Are. Any. More. Vulnerable. Than. Before.

Given. That. They. Are. Not. Involved.

In. The. Current. Fighting.

Internal [GM]
Did Kabuto leave the Factories to go invade Cape City?

Can I probe to see if the Alchemist is still monitoring the underground of Cape City? Would that take an action?

[Thelonius]

Shaper

CE & Freaks

CE: I’m not certain. Perhaps we shouldn’t get involved.
Freaks: ‘’Go in and get us some stuff, while everybody is distracted. I’ve hear rumors Firepower knew a way through the Walls. Pity we don’t - unless you try to tunnel under?’’


Internal [PM]

Indeed, Kabuto has left. Maybe he’ll come back?

It would take an action to do a probe, though you can extend it to moving into Cape City, if you detect nothing.

[ArcaneStomper]

Shaper

CE & Freaks [PM]
I. Have. Tunneled. In. Several. Times.

Unfortunately. The. Alchemist. Took. Exception.

To. The. Proliferation. Of. Tunnels.

And. Set. Up. An. Energy. Field.

Which. Hinders. Excavation. Under. Cape. City.

I. Can. Still. Get. In.

But. It. Would. Be. More. Difficult.

Also. I. Believe. There. Is. Some. Sort. Of.

Artificial. Guardian. Underground.

But. I. Only. Sensed. It. In. Passing.

The. Last. Time. I. Was. Near. The. Walls.

So. I. Do. Not. Know. What. It. Is.

[Zemalac]

LCAI

Solaris Inc. [R]

We have traced Kill's signals to one of Eisenhart's factories that was taken over by the robots. Basic commands, nothing more--the 'bots must have some degree of intelligence and autonomy with which to interpret those orders. I suggest a strike force drop in on that factory. Lead with an experimental power disruptor to disorient any defenders, then take them down quickly with HT-50s and other heavy weaponry. My suggestion would be to use our External Security Service and M&C's Experimental Infiltration/Combat gentlemen to execute this strike, with the remainder of LCAI Security maintaining positions against the robots surrounding our headquarters and the rest of our various forces led by Solaris to clean up after the surgical strike, using your transport to get to wherever reinforcements are most needed. Seem reasonable?

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
Core Wars (Fluffy)

Silence, save for the low roar of Devastator engines.

She slips out from behind them, looking down on the defenders... Arms crossed, mask's faint smile drowned in shadow.

Her gaze roams across the mechanized units, pause at the Sentinels, then continues on.

"NORMALLY, THERE WOULD BE ULTIMATUMS. DECLARATIONS. A MONOLOGUE OR TWO."

Her eyes glow red.

Her cape, still full of bulletholes from the battle aboard the Blackbird, stirs in the breeze.

"BUT NO, NOT THIS TIME. AFTER ALL WE'VE BEEN THROUGH, IT WOULD BE TRITE, AT BEST."

She glances back toward the lower city, looking at the flashes and explosions on the horizon.

"YOUR CITY BURNS PRETTILY."

"THE SOONER DIRE WINS, THE SOONER IT CEASES BURNING."

She turns back, arms uncrossing. Palms starting to glow. That CRACK-CRACK-CRACK noise, as the barely contained energies inside the emitters stirs within their containment fields, destroying the random atmospheric molecules that slip through.


"ANY WHO WISH TO SURRENDER NOW, MAY DEPART. GO BACK TO YOUR FAMILIES, YOUR HOMES. TELL ANY FOOLS WHO COME THAT YOU ARE UNDER DIRE'S PROTECTION..."

She knows their answer, but she waits anyway. To do any less would be uncivilized...


Legion of Dire
to the Symphony [pm]

"WELL, THIS IS WHAT WE'VE GOT, IN THE CORE."

Video Feed

It appears a group of SA Power Suits are coming in low, trying to avoid detection. You aren’t certain what their numbers are and they maintain Mesh-silence.

There are two Sentinels on the location… And one of them isn’t anybody you recognize. In fact he’s wearing smart cloths instead of costume and only S-insignia identifies him as a member. The second is Unmaker.

Forces:

Sentinels
??? [?][Equipment ???]
Unmaker [?][Personal Armor 4][Equipment ???]

CCP
1 Cape City Police [Level 2][+?][Armor ?][???][???]
3 Cape City Police [Level 2][+?][Armor 2][Detainer ?]
2 Cape City Police [Level 2][+?][CCP Mech: Defender ?][???]
4 Police Flying Drones [Level 2]

MOD-DOC
???

Cogworks
???

SA Power Suits
2 Power Suits [Level 3+][Equipment ???]


"ALRIGHT MAESTRO, LET'S DO THIS!"

[Forum Explorer]

Administrative Site C

To US government
Unfortunately this attack came at the worst possible time. All of our forces have already left the city in order to hunt Typhoon and the other members of Limit Break.

To Dockside Police
Try and stop them, but be careful. You shouldn't get involved in the fight between Cape City and the Singularity Architects. Just make sure that it isn't some third faction trying to make a move while those two fight.

If resistance is high then immediately retreat.

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]If you haven't noticed, Witters-san, World War IV is about to commence. And, it does not seem likely it would ever be averted. It is probably a better idea to go with the tide, than to fight against it.

It may be worth investing in the establishment of some underground vaults; they may prove to be hugely in demand once the violence starts. Thus, it has occurred to me that Witters-san may be uniquely suited to contribute a very important third of the requirements for such underground havens from the war, thanks to your Gift. Would you be interested, by any chance?

As for raw materials, how much can you produce per [Action], and how much [Cash] would you ask for each [Unit] of raw materials?

Kamakura

"]I will be there at once.

Kamakura

"]Arriving at the meeting with all due haste, the Oyabun quickly got down to business.

"First things first, ladies and gentlemen. It is my opinion that we should sound a general evacuation of the Hives, lest lives are lost needlessly. I will offer the Borders as a rendezvous point for the evacuees, and will contribute some manpower to assist in the effort."

"]"Thank you very much, Mitchell-san. Please give all your attention to it, and I will pay you the appropriate fee accordingly."

"One last thing. Mitchell-san, I do believe there is a... significant chance, that I may meet an untimely end quite soon. Could you, perhaps, assist me in drawing out a will?"

[Thelonius]

Unity

Message From Cafe [PM]

We’ve mentioned our interest in recovery of certain object. We believe that it’s now held by a certain member of Symphony. A briefcase filled with vials. If you can return them - preferably all and unopened you will be richy rewarded. And pass a warning to the Symphony not to mess with our territory again.’’


LC

Solaris Inc. [R]

''Very well. We’ll execute the plan, according to your recommendations.''


Admin C

Contact [PM]

This is regrettable.

[Government Influence -4]


Kamakuri-Kai

FDC [M]

''Evaluations in order, hopefully everybody will make it out in time. And then if the Hives are damaged we’ll have people without houses - Hives have been holding a lot of people, and First District is heavily populated, with distinct shortage of housing and locations to build. It’s a concern.''


Jack Mitchell [M]

Outer City is a dangerous place, but I trust you’ll stay on top of it Oyabun-san. I will draw your will, but hopefully it’s a document that will stay closed for years to come.

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]"Not perhaps as pressing a concern as you might have imagined, sir. If those robots do make a mess of the buildings in Hives... well, if they are as shoddy as you had just implied, it would be the perfect chance to rebuild the area, better than ever. And there is ample space in the Borders for the construction of substitute living spaces, as well. Costly, no doubt, but it is something we can work out in the future. If nothing else, are you not glad that we had the foresight to put up some new housing projects nearby in recent days?"

"The matter of people's lives, though? That is an urgent matter. I have not heard how you intend to treat with Dr Franklyn, but I would say we should minimise the risk to their lives as soon as we can. So, how shall we handle the evacuation process?"

"]"Such is my dearest wish as well, Mitchell-san. However, as you have just pointed out..."

"...never mind, it is not something to dwell upon over much. I would like to nominate Mr Wong Han Seng, otherwise known by the alias 'Shifu', as the sole candidate for my position as 'Oyabun of the Kamakura-kai', in the event of my demise. As such, I would like to make him the beneficiary of all [Cash], [Equipment], as well as all holdings currently held by the Kamakura-kai, with the exception of my shares in Maxwell Inc., as well as my land deeds in the Borders at the First District."

"As for my Maxwell Inc. shares, and my Borders land deed... I will like to make Ms Kamakura Keiko, my one and only daughter, the beneficiary of these particular assets, should my demise come to pass. I will also include an additional item to her entitlement, which I intend to acquire soon. I wonder if there is a gift shop in the area...?"

"]OOC: Oyabun will locate and purchase a music box playing the tune of 'Rock-a-bye Baby', and add it to Keiko's entitlement.

[Imperial Psycho]

Maestro

To Symphony [PM]
"I thought you'd never ask."

Internal [PM]
Maestro:
-[Strategist 4] [Fast Thinker 1] Maestro will come up with a plan to direct the SA and Dire forces in their attack on Cape City. The plan will be designed to maximise causalities on both sides.

[Zemalac]

LCAI

Internal - PM

Opening Moves

My black-ops team is going to get their first mission somewhat ahead of schedule. According to my spreadsheet, I have some PFR2 suits and some HT-50s in storage, so I’m going to equip my 2 Black-Ops followers with power armor and heavy LCAI weaponry. The combination of the armor and their increased durability, as well as the mobility boosts from the armor and their augmentations, should serve to make them faster and tougher than anything they’ll face today. I’ve also invited M&C’s Experimental Infiltration/Combat guys along, because I think they’re the same sort of people as my External Security Service.

Strike Plan: 2 LCAI Black-Ops and 1 M&C ECI quietly prepare to strike the factory we detected the signals coming from. The freerunning boosts from the PFR2 and the M&C guys infiltration augs should make approaching the facility undetected a simple matter. Initial scouting will be done by passive scanners and M&C’s infiltrators, to determine the extent of the opposition and hopefully locate Kill within the building.

(I'm also keeping track of this stuff in my Google Doc, in case you want to reference it elsewhere. This action is basically a little more scouting, so we don't go in blind and run into a trap)

[Thelonius]

Legion of Dire

Battle [PM]

MOD-DOC Forces [?]
Techno-Trickster [?] [Power Armor ?]
Unmaker [?][Personal Armor 4][Equipment ???] Foamed
CCP [5]
1 Cape City Police [Level 2][+2][Armor 3][GG 2]
3 Cape City Police [Level 2][+1][Armor 2][Detainer 2]
1 Cape City Police [Level 2][+2][Mech: Defender 3][S-Cannon 3] (10)
2 Police Flying Drones 2 (4)

The MOD-DOC draw away most of the police’s attention, so the main threat are the flying drones. Following Dire’s plan they rush to take out the police, while neutralizing the Drones with DISK - which works, destroying almost half of them. Unfortunately the sheer number of drones means they take up Devastator’s attention. Not due to the threat to Devastators, but because they concentrate their fire on Delta and Liho. Their high mobility means they are still in the fight. The third Devastator begins assault on the police Mechs destroying one of them.

Unmaker raises into the air - apparently something in his costume gives him ability to levitate and he’s got jet boots. But Dire’s ploy works perfectly as she lures the hero with fake retreat and then launches the containment foam immobilizing the hero.

''Dire!'' Liho’s voice over the comm sound distressed. Our reinforcements are toast. Dire is surprised for a moment as her suit’s systems failed to pick that happening. With Liho pointing she gets the visual - the second sentinel is floating in the air - at least Dire presumes it to be him as he is wearing a powerful power suit, that looks much like Dire’s own. The SA Power suits are on the ground, broken by the surprise attack. To Dire’s annoyance she realizes that SA could have confused him for her.

''Well, hello there Dire. I’m Techno-Trickster''. The other suit hails her.


KK

Jack Mitchell [PM]

‘’Very well. Who would you like to name executor of your will?’’


Maestro

Internal [PM]

You do your best to make a plan - lack of info on the SA is main obstacle, but all, for your purposes it will suffice.


Lockwood-Coban

Factory [PM]

Your troops arm themselves. PFR2 and HT-50 are not fully compatible with stealth mission parameters - power armor that’s not designed specifically for stealth is generally less suitable and HT-50 are a bit bulky. On other hand for the straight attack they certainly boost your forces. Thus losing a bit in ability to launch a surprise attack, but gaining in firepower your forces advance. They give your forces greatly enhanced mobility - in case you wish to close the distance fast or relocate.

The M&C Infiltrators are a bit like your guys, except they are dressed in skin-tight suits, that don’t seem to offer them much protection. They are also a faster (outside of PFP) and their movements much more deliberate and calculated.

You don’t have specific detection technology, beyond basic, so most of the intel comes from the M&C Infiltrators. They quickly determine that there are 2 Robots [Level 1], both units carrying different armament. One type appears to be mostly unchanged from the basic construction model, though they seem to have some basic camouflage - nothing enhanced agents won’t be able to detect. The second type looks to be heavily armed with beam weaponry and additional armor. The robots have taken very advantageous position for defense, so an attack on them would be difficult and infiltration through their perimeter quite perilous. But not perilous enough to deter M&C team. Robots appear to be connected by a mesh network that doesn’t permit outside connections - something a skilled hacker can overcome, but it certainly would make things much trickier.

The M&C team makes it inside, but the only thing they manage to determine is that the location has been converted to a lab and a new unit of Robots will be operational soon. The reason for the scarcity of information is a highly advanced sensor system inside, that M&C stealth tech is barely keeping up with. They doubt they can advance any further without alerting Dr. Kill or more robots - whatever force is inside the facility. The sensors would probably pick up on the attack on the robots outside the lab, unless it’s done fast and quietly or they are distracted.


LC Compound

City Services: ’’You should have some defence drones arriving to help you, but the whole city is under siege, so we simply can’t spare much.’’

2 City Drones [Level 3] arrive from maintenance hatches. The look like dog-sized techno-cockroaches

Dr. Kill’s robots beging to advance on the compound, cutting holes in the walls with high-power beam weaponry.

Dr. Kill Loudspeakers: [I]’’I’m advancing schedule. Resources will be acquired now’’



Nianta

Danger Zone [PM]

As Furians bear on the enemy, Nianta sneaks ahead, deciding to scout what they can expect next. She passes through several corridors and descends an elevator shaft, dodging several guard posts and rushing security, she thinks Furians would tear through like tissue paper, until she arrives to what looks to be a bad spot. The place has reinforced blast doors and automated cannons and at the choke point a group of japanese soldiers are preparing defences in a well-fortified position. They are carrying heavy packs and strange guns connected to them - clearly some sort of high-tech weaponry. Furians are bound to arrive to the scene soon. Nianta can double back to get them intel or try to act on her own and hope they’ll be there fast enough to reinforce her. The JSDF forces are just setting up defenses, so rushing them could take them by surprise - or get Nianta killed. Just behind them appears to be a control point - if Nianta can sneak past the unit of soldiers, perhaps she can try to hack the controls to disable security systems.

*Note that you do not have mesh to contact Furians.

Enemy Forces:
1 Japanese Troops [Level ?][???][Armor 3] [Weapon: ???]
3 Automated Defense Systems [Level 3](Blast Doors, Automated Turrets)

Locations
Narrow Corridors - Furians will have to charge them with little cover.
Fortified Positions - JSDF are setting up defence here.
Service Hatches - almost too small for Nianta to get through and closed by covers.
Control Point - controls local systems, secured by JSDF.
Elevators - lead deeper into the commplex.


Industrial District

It appears the trouble at the LC’s Industries is about to go hot as robots breach the perimeter.

Heartways

The Lab Boys and Wardens, supported by CCP clash. The collateral damage is huge - from the Lab Boys weapons and Wardens reckless tactics. It appears that the winner will gain nothing but a transport system too damaged to use.

Lower Circle

TEA forces are moving - to reinforce Core or Heartways is unknown.

Upper Circle

SA has won and Reald Psychiatric Institute is now under their control. The Power Suits take to air again.

First District

Dr. Franklyn’s robots smash through the hives destroying the flimsy constructions and leaving thousands homeless and without possessions. Only a quick evacuation prevented loss of human life - perhaps, as many fear that some people might have failed to flee their apartments.

East Gardens

Dr. Franklyn’s robots climb over the wall and enter East Gardens.

'Tremble you meat-sacks'' gloats the insane Docotr from the shoulder of his robot.

Business District

Despite best efforts of corporations the Business District falls under control of Onichrome and unknown mercenaries.

Waterways

Onichrome’s forces grow complacent and his ship is suddenly boarded by unknown force, that somehow managed to sneak up using small watercrafts. While Onichrome’s forces celebrate victory in Buisness District, Professor himself might be lost if boarders reach the command deck.

However from the Outer City Docks the vans ''jump'' the wall and a force of Lab Boys disembarks in the Cape City port, ready to reinforce Onichrome.

Core

It appears that Dire is winning, but the tide of combat may shift soon as a second powerful power suit has appeared, taking out SA’s Power Suits in the area and Autonomists militia has arrived to reinforce the CCP and Sentinels.

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]"Executor of my will... yes, of course."

Saying that, the Oyabun pondered the question for some moments, before beckoning one of his accompanying mobsters, who promptly walked off to speak into his comms.

Some minutes later, another black limousine pulled up, and Stephanie Malone stepped out of the car. Approaching the Oyabun and Jack Mitchell, she held her hand out to the latter.

"Good day, Mr Mitchell. I understand that Mr Kamakura has a task for me?"

"Yes indeed, Malone-san. Mitchell-san, I would like to name Stephanie Malone-san here, as the executor of my will."

That caused Stephanie to whip around, an expression of shock on her pretty face.

"Your... will, Mr Kamakura...?"

[ArcaneStomper]

Shaper

To Kamakura-Kai [M]
What would be the specifications of these bunkers.

Internal [GM]
How much builing material like Kamakura-Kai wants can I supply per action?

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

"]With regards to the specifications, Witters-san... Well, that would be precisely why I would recommend that a meeting be held between you and I, as well as Iron Helix and Maxwell Inc, to discuss the details. Maxwell's professionals would certainly be better equipped to furnish you with the appropriate specifications to meet building regulations.

Kamakura

[Zemalac]

LCAI

City Services [M]

Thank you very much, sir. I believe we can take it from here.


Robots at LC Compound [PM]

Compound Public Address System

"Doctor Kill, please remove your machines from the premises and cease destruction of LCAI property. This is your final warning. Failure to comply within ten seconds will result in your immediate demise by sustained kinetic strike bombardment of your current position, followed by a refund of SA's payment minus any damages you may have caused."


Internal - PM

Some quick questions before I lay out my full reaction plan:

1) How easy is it to jam mesh signals? Could my mesh scientists start jamming Kill's signals from within my HQ? These guys built the Mesh, after all, if anyone can do it they can.

2) Are the advanced sensors in the factory within range of a power disruptor? If not, can I throw a power disruptor into range of them?

3) What sort of weaponry are the cockroach drones equipped with? Also, can I give them orders, or do they only report to City Services?

4) How large is the explosion from the level 2 explosives I have in storage?

5) How sturdy is the containment foam I have? Could I, for example, use it to fill the breaches that the robots have made, and have it be structurally sound?

6) Are all the robots outside my compound equipped with beam weapons, or just a few of them? If they all are, then that might be a problem. If it's just a few, then I think I have a pretty good plan for countering them.

[Orbiter]

Nianta

Nianta sighed....history repeats itself (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXAwolUpz4g), or at least it will soon enough from the looks of it, depending on how this goes........still she cant say she wouln't try to change anything from history and her own destiny.
But those thoughts are worthless now she had a job to do, so without further fuss she would try to win...or at least survive. Taking a deep breath she shook her head, it was time to move for she had a score to settle later, fight for today, live for tomorrow and survive forever.


Danger Zone[PM]

I am totally not going LEROY JEEEEEKINGS..........okay maybe i am.


Nianta cursed inwardly as she caught her breath and tried to think how precious the intel was.....hm troops had better armour, but if she sneaked.....okay she had a new plan easy peasy.
((I assume i dont need to spent another action?, but could i do so to....make my current action have a better chance of success? also i assume my so called shadow cloak is working? right? so i can rush them a bit better if i wanted?))

So that said: Sneak and try to hack, if that fails or i hear/see the Furians are fighting them and i am not making any important progress then join the fight(i got powers....and stuff i will be disappointed if i fail getting control)....Also Nianta is a genius! XP i am sure with all her VIP levels that apply she can pull this off.


So if that happens ZERG RUSH just kill them.

____

Nianta smiled it was time to rock and roll and prove her worth, no time for jokes or anything on the battelfield only cold realism and pragmatism to achieve her goals.

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
In the Skies... [pm]
Symphony may read

Dire clicks through her HUD, assigning priorities to the devastators, checking on the carnage, and tripping a brief channel to Liho.

"Get to Louie, (referring to Devastator 3) and keep an eye on Unmaker. Take him out if he starts getting loose, or anyone tries to help him. Trickster's mine."

"If things go bad, get clear and get out. Work with the others, figure a way ahead."

"If things go really bad, lastwillandtestament.bat, Hardakker knows where it is."

She assigns Huey and Dewey (the other Devastators) to finishing off the police drones, and supporting MODOC.

Then she goes to verbal broadcast.

"YOU USED A MODIFICATION OF A BASIC DIRE MARK THREE CHASSIS, WITH STEALTH AND POTENTIAL CAMOFLAUGE CIRCUITRY, AND... ARE THOSE CYBERNINE MANIFOLD PLATES? DEAR HEAVENS, YOU'RE GOOD. FINDING A WAY TO MAKE THOSE THINGS WORK WITH THE UNDERWEAVE LAYER, THAT'S GENIUS. YOUR CAPE NAME IS DUMB, BUT GIVEN THAT MOST OF THE GOOD ONES ARE TAKEN, EH."

She circles around, a veteran gunfighter sizing up a challenger.

"MISTER TRAP MADE A GOOD CHOICE WITH YOU. AND YOU HIM. HE RUNS A TIGHT TEAM. CAN'T HOLD THE LIMIT BREAK LOSSES AGAINST HIM, THOSE GUYS ARE NUTS."

"HELL OF A JOB FOR A ROOKIE HERE, THOUGH. ON THE UPSIDE, IF YOU WERE TO SOMEHOW, CONCIEVABLY, AGAINST EVERY ODD, BRING DOWN AND ARREST DIRE, YOU'D PROVE YOUR WORTH WITHOUT A DOUBT. ACTION FIGURE DEALS. LATE NIGHT WITH LENO. A BOOK, EVEN."

Dire flexes her gauntlets. CRACK, CRACK, CRACK...

"NOT THAT THAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN. BIGGER THINGS THEN YOU TO WORRY ABOUT. GOT TO WIN HERE TO DRAW CRADLE OUT."

"AND RIGHT NOW? YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE BETWEEN DIRE AND VICTORY."

"THAT PLACE..."

Says she who invented the doom of Erebus, who broke Duty, who threw the Killarz back in two districts, beating them pillar and post, she who singlehandedly took on Eris and a plane full of her best troops and WON, she who rescued Maribel from the Guardians...

"THAT IS A VERY BAD PLACE TO BE."



Legion of Dire
to Singularity Architects [m]

"ANY CHANCE OF REINFORCEMENTS?"

[ArcaneStomper]

Shaper

Internal [GM]
I spend an action to probe the underside of Cape City to see if the Alchemist is still there. Or if anything else is.

[Thelonius]

KK

Jack Mitchell [PM]

''A mere precaution.'' The lawyer speaks reassuringly. ''Mr. Oyabun created many things and he wants to be certain they would be in order, whatever tomorrow brings.'' He falls silent, letting Oyabun explain the situation.


Lockwood-Coban

Internal [PM]


1) How easy is it to jam mesh signals? Could my mesh scientists start jamming Kill's signals from within my HQ? These guys built the Mesh, after all, if anyone can do it they can.

Your scientists can do it - but with a chance of failure and detection. The odds aren’t that good, but not abysmal either. A specialized jamming tech in the field would have made automatic success, unless enemy had counter-measures.


2) Are the advanced sensors in the factory within range of a power disruptor? If not, can I throw a power disruptor into range of them?

Well - you need to pintpoint the source of sensors to make it go all blank. Power disruptor might be able to affect localized areas in which case they will go dark on the enemy’s radar.


3) What sort of weaponry are the cockroach drones equipped with? Also, can I give them orders, or do they only report to City Services?

They presumably will follow your orders, unless they get a higher priority action or you request illegal things. And human lives are more important than their preservation, so they will execute risky orders. You aren’t certain about their weaponry, but they are fairly fast, durable and reasonably smart for machines.


4) How large is the explosion from the level 2 explosives I have in storage?

If deployed with good precision it would kill all robots (if they don't have extra defenses & anti-explodium shields). Do note that Cape City construction is very sturdy - this type of explosion won’t knock a building down.


5) How sturdy is the containment foam I have? Could I, for example, use it to fill the breaches that the robots have made, and have it be structurally sound?

You can try, but it’s doubtful that it would do more then slow them down. They’ll cut through foam and while it’s good human containment, robots are stronger.


6) Are all the robots outside my compound equipped with beam weapons, or just a few of them? If they all are, then that might be a problem. If it's just a few, then I think I have a pretty good plan for countering them.

About half of them are equipped with beam weapons. The other half seems to be better armored.


Nianta

Danger Zone [PM]

You can spend action to give greater chance of success (it’s part of the actions you spent on the whole operations).

Shadow Cloak is working.

Tomorrow’s the action results.


Legion of Dire

Techno-Trickster

''Lady, I kick your shiny metal ass, I’d be able to call myself Puppywag and it’ll strike fear in the hearts of criminals.'' Tech-Trickster’s face projected on his helmet grins. ''I guess I should thank you for the opportunity to make it big. Let's give the folks at home good show.''

SA [R]

En route. We’ve got more firepower then the enemy, but we need time to bring it in. Unfortunately Dr. Kill being a complete loon is making a bit of a mess in the Industrial District and Onichrome is a plundering supervillain with personal agenda. Good thing we can count on you doing the right thing, eh Dire.

Take control of the Architect’s Tower. If we give AIs access to the city’s servers we are are in the clear. Plus our whole purpose is to secure the architect's work against the damn reactionaries. Unfortunately we are on the tighter schedule than expected. The alternative is to go directly to machinery in the Aurora, but only Power Armor can get there fast enough and they are fastest way is to reinforce you.


Internal [PM]

Your sensors ping a presence of large number of city drones and Cogworks automatons at the Architect's Tower.


Shaper

Internal [PM]

Unfortunately the energy and something else is there - maybe Shaper can try to sneak in himself, though he’s not sure of success, but making a tunnel for others to use is out of question.

Excavating Materials (affected by chance, unless you scout for deposits and find good ones)
1 Action: 1 Resources
2 Actions: 4 Resources
3 Actions: 9 Resources

If you spend just one action you get little return. Two or more actions would allow you to organize your work more efficiently, greatly expanding the output.

*KK is asking for basic construction materials, correct? Tungsten would be much harder to come by...

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

The Last Will and Testament of Kamakura Koujirou

"But, that's... Mr Kamakura, that almost sounds like as though..."

Stephanie stammered with her hands over her mouth, her voice growing just a little tremulous, her knees just a little weak, as she stood there before her boss, and the attorney who was with them. The Oyabun himself had a gentle, even paternal look on his face, as he regarded the pretty young woman, whom had come into his employ with such trepidation about a year ago. Only about a year, and yet it seemed like the distant past to him. Where had all that time gone?

Leaning to one side, he pulled a chair over, facing it to himself and Jack Mitchell, and beckoned to Stephanie.

"Come... Stephanie. Come, have a seat."

The Oyabun said, gingerly rolling the sound of the name over his tongue; it seemed so alien to him, to address his accountant by her given name. It seemed so informal, even intimate in a slightly inappropriate sense, even if the gravity of the situation seemed to warrant the divestment of all the formalities that had characterised their working relationships all this time.

Hesitating slightly, Stephanie finally walked over, and sat down on the proffered seat. Leaning forward slightly, the Oyabun fixed his gaze on her eyes, waiting to be sure he got her full attention before he continued.

"Listen to me. There is no telling when any of us may pass on from this world. In fact, this is even more true for us, whom call Cape City our home. As, of course, you know all too well."

"So, remember this; any one of us may pass on before our time. That is the world we live in. It is because of this, that if we have committed ourselves to a cause during our lifetimes, it then falls upon us to ensure that our legacy will be inherited, that our responsibility will be taken up, by a successor we can trust. Then, and only then, can we be assured that our work was not in vain, that it will carry on even when we are no longer here to carry it out."

"And you, Stephanie, are the only one who can help me now. To give this responsibility to anyone else of the few I still trust without reservation, would sadly cause a conflict of interest; thus, you are the only one I have left, who can do this for me. So, I must ask you, Stephanie Malone. Would you do this for me?"

Silence. The young blonde woman stared at the older Asian man, a flurry of mixed emotions crossing her face. It was not so much what the Oyabun had said to her that put her at a loss; it was what he did not say, what was left unspoken, yet which she was still very much aware of.

Perhaps, of all in the inner circle of the Kamakura-kai, she was the one most recently acquainted with the Oyabun, yet even she had known him long enough to be familiar with his state of mind. Had she not witnessed how he stayed at his desk late at night, every night, brooding over the latest tragedies which had befallen the people of the Outer City? Had she not seen how every day that passed saw his hair going ever more gray, his face ever more haggard, as he wrestled with the compromises, disappointments and losses he had to contend with all of this time?

Still silent, Stephanie turned away, looking off to one side and downwards, her eyes closed. It would not do to look emotional and unprofessional in front of her boss and the attorney, no indeed. She raised a hand to brush away a lock of her golden hair, hiding in that motion the wiping of the one tear that escaped her eye. And when she looked back at the Oyabun and Jack Mitchell, her mein was that of Stephanie Malone, accountant of the Kamakura-kai, personal aide of Mr Kamakura Koujirou, cool and professional.

"I... understand, Mr Kamakura. Mr Mitchell, I will accept the responsibility of being the executor of Mr Kamakura's last will and testament. What do I need to do?"

[Zemalac]

LCAI

Lockwood-Coban Augmented Headquarters [PM]

Mr. Coban is going to use footage from security cameras and our defender's helmet-cams to put together an optimal firing solution for removing the robots armed with beam weapons. That data will then be fed to the security division's smartgun systems. Hopefully this will provide a targeting boost of some kind and increase kill efficiency.

As soon as they have the data (which shouldn't take Coban more than a few seconds, with his brain), the security team is to open fire (unless the robots take my previous bluff/warning to heart and back off). Every robot with one of those heavy beam weapons is to be put down with concentrated burst-fire. They aren't as sturdy as the other bots (which I assume are close-assault units, hence the need for the heavier armor), so it shouldn't take much to eliminate them.

The remaining robots shouldn't be able to punch through my walls, because if they could they would have helped the beam-weapon bots in doing so; thus, they will have to come at me through the breaches that were already made before I took out the beam weapon guys. The techno-cockroach-drones are going to be positioned around the breaches, out of sight from the outside, to ambush the assault bots while the security team provides covering fire and engages targets of opportunity.

That's the basic plan, anyway. Plan may be subject to modification by order of the Security Director or Mr. Coban.


Sinister Corporate Black-Ops [PM]

The attempted mesh jamming (see Control of Information) combined with a power disruptor should sow enough confusion for my extremely-fast forces to breach the perimeter. A power disruptor will be used on a small section of their defensive line, which should disable the defending robots and the sensor array for long enough for the PFR2s to get past and into the facility, thus rendering the robots' lovely defensive positioning useless. Launch this operation five seconds after security at LCAI headquarters opens fire: that is approximately the amount of time it will take Kill to switch his full attention to that situation, and thus he is more likely to not notice the sudden blackout from a section of his defending forces.

Kill will, inevitably, notice the superfast, heavily-armed guys in power armor headed his way, however. Fortunately, that is part of the plan. While the sensor array is devoted to tracking my fast-movers (which should be rather difficult, considering these are guys who can run on walls at 50mph), the M&C Infiltrators will be locating Doctor Kill and, hopefully, eliminating him. If they don't think they can eliminate him personally, we will move to Plan B, which involves sprinting Powered Fast Response units into the room with him and opening up with anti-armor rounds.

Main advantages of this plan: Kill will be distracted by the situation at LCAI Headquarters, his communications will be interfered with by our mesh jamming, and his sensors will be distracted and won't notice the M&C Infiltrators).

Disadvantages of this plan: my External Security people are going in loud, and will have to face whatever security Kill has set up inside the factory, as well as any robots he summons in from outside. I'm hoping the Dragonsteel armor and Wired Reflexes both prove their worth for me here. Dragonsteel is pretty damn good at heat dissipation, if I remember correctly, so it should at least be somewhat effective against the beam weapons--however, I'm not willing to bank on that, so if it comes to an engagement, hit the beam-weapon bots first.


Control of Information [PM]

Mesh Scientists are going to commence with undoing all of their hard work in building the mesh in the first place and start attempting to jam Kill's signals. At this point I don't much care if he detects me doing this, so don't bother trying to be undetected: brute-force it if we have to. We're going to be opening up with heavy weapons at the same time, so I feel like he'll know we're up to something.

[Lost Demiurge]

Dire laughs, and laughs. The first honest laugh she's had in a while, since this whole thing started. She stops with a cough, as her still-mending ribs throb, painfully.

"ALL RIGHT KID. YOUR NAME IS NOW PUPPYPAWS. LET'S DANCE! YOU FOR GLORY, AND DIRE FOR THE SALVATION OF THE WORLD. SURVIVE TWO MINUTES, AND DIRE'S GOING TELL YOU THREE THINGS YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW RIGHT NOW..."

And then it's blasters, and high-speed manuvering, and metal upon metal as gauntlets bash armor, and jets flare, and it's the old, old dance that she's danced so often before...


Legion of Dire
to SA [m]

"YOU SAVED MIMIR. DIRE OWES YOU FOR THAT, AND DIRE ALWAYS PAYS HER DEBTS."

"THE TOWER IT IS. MEET YOU THERE."


Legion of Dire
to Cogworks [m]

"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..."



Legion of Dire
Internal [m]

Getting the group moving to take the tower. Using DISK to finish off the police drones. Dire will personally engage Techno-Trickster to keep him busy, then go help take the tower. Once we take it we'll fortify up, and hold it as best we can.

Fighting Technotrickster....

Battlesuit x2, natch. Scientist, Roboticist, Backwards Engineering to figure out his capabilities and have counters for them, Paranoid and Prepared to see through his tricks, and Intelligent Leader to get my group taking the tower.

At the end of two minutes, or if he wins in that timespan, Dire's going to tell him this...


"NOT BAD, PUPPYPAWS. BUT THOSE THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW? THEY'RE KIND OF IMPORTANT."

"THING 1 IS THAT OLDER MODEL CONTAINMENT FOAM? IT'S ORGANIC. UNMAKER CAN'T DISSOLVE IT."

"THING 2 IS THAT IT'S NOT AS PERMEABLE TO AIR AS IT SHOULD BE. IT'S BEEN THREE MINUTES SINCE UNMAKER WAS COATED. HE'S EITHER UNCONCSCIOUS RIGHT NOW OR WILL BE SHORTLY. BRAIN DEATH WILL FOLLOW IN APPROXIMATELY THREE MORE MINUTES."

"THING 3 IS THAT YOUR ARMOR IS THE ONLY THING IN THE AREA FAST, STRONG, AND PRECISE ENOUGH TO CUT HIM FREE AND GET HIM TO A HOSPITAL IN TIME TO SAVE HIS LIFE."

"SO NOW YOU GET TO CHOOSE. TRY TO FINISH DIRE, OR SAVE YOUR TEAMMATE? CLOCK'S TICKING..."

If he loses, she'll leave him operational enough to save Unmaker, tell him to cut him free and get him to a hospital, and move on to taking the tower.

EDIT: Also, if it becomes necessary, we'll try the camo fake out wreck thing to lure Techno Trickster into being blasted from behind. Same thing we were going to pull against Unmaker.

[Thelonius]

Nianta

Danger Zone: Where Fury Dies [PM]

Nianta rolls through the corridor on the wings of shadow. The japanese soldiers are easy to bypass - they fail to notice her, but the automated security systems succeed in tracking her and a turret opens fire. Between slowing down and seeking cover, Nianta makes a split second decision to go through to the control point, despite being torn by bullets. The fact that she is wearing an excellent armor turns devastating wounds into annoying ones - her regeneration begins to work on fixing the damage.

The control in Japanese, but Nianta’s quick to progress through them to the language of numbers. There however she meets resistance - serious one. The software running in the systems of the base and active defences are truly impressive and despite her best efforts they lock Nianta out.

The Furians have reached the corridor and started their assault. They got ambushed by masses of security drones pouring from the maintenance hatches - a swarm of them descending on Nianta. The Japanese troops unleashed their weapon - that seems to all motion in wide areas, catching and immobilizing some of the Furians.

Nianta’s wounds fixed she charges into battle with blind abandon. Her lack of weapons or powerful offensive Powers limits the assistance she can render Furians, so she tries to make it through the fury of her assault.

Third of Furians falls in the assault, a costly victory. Ravager and Wild Hunt are wounded. Dauntless and a number of Furians are frozen in place by the Japanese weapon. Ravager orders to move forward: ‘’We stay here to regenerate and they box us in and evacuate our target. Move!’’

The elevator takes Furians down, deeper into the complex. By the sheer number of opponents you guess that your objective is just after the massive metal doors. Unfortunately an army stands between you and them:

Regular Japanese troops have taken defensive positions behind cover, some of them appear to be armed with advanced weaponry. One unit situated at a guard post placed at the high celling appears to be armed with high-tech grenade launchers or something worse. There are a few drones running on the walls and ceiling, but it appears you managed to destroy most of them. The soldiers defending the metal doors look to be better armed and equipped, then those you fought earlier.

And the last line defence are two units of Power Armor - one appears to be heavily armed model with missile-packs attached to their backs. The second model is massive, weighted down by tons of impenetrable armor.

The rage of Furians is prepared to clash with the cool discipline of the JSDF. Who’ll win, you don’t know...


Lockwood-Coban

All You Need is Kill [PM]

Compound

Coban’s firing solutions are excellent - too bad that he doesn’t have means to transmit them efficiently to the smart-gun systems. As such his work is efficient only for the first volley - after that the conditions on the battlefield change too fast for his ability to input data into smartgun systems to keep up.

The exchange between LC Security and Robots is fast - the HT-50 rounds strike the robots. They aren’t exactly anti-robot weapons, but they are fairly close. The robots launch missiles in retaliation and turn their lasers against security. However the engagement is over fast - most of the heavily armed robots destroyed and missiles detonations mostly stunning and knocking out security, rather than killing. The remaining robots launch mini-bots (your specialists confused them for armor) that scramble to pull out the damaged heavily-armed robots and some begin fast repair work, in some cases becoming spare parts to return the damaged robots to operation. They are however expertly countered by the city drones, who quickly neutralize most of them. The repair-platform robots don’t appear to be armed and in theory should be easy pickings for your forces, though you aren’t certain if they don’t have some hidden surprise.

Your security aren’t exactly seasoned soldiers, but they feel that the battle was fairly easy with enemy squandering their superior firepower.

1 Security [Out-of-Action, Shocked]
1 Heavily-Armed Robot [Destroyed]
The remaining Robot lost Repair Mini-Bots and appears to be unarmed.

Mesh & Kill

The only reason your scientists succeed is because mesh connection was doing a bit sloppily. Even then all they do is force a reboot - buying a short period of time, during which Mesh will be down.

The lightly-armed Robots regroup to focus defences on the point your PFP are trying to breach, but their heavily armed brethren stick to their positions, which now have a few blind spots, due to the use of Power Disruptor. They unleash beam weapons which cut through reinforced metal like butter - PFP armor would be as useful as a cloth against sword strike. Certainly a dedicated armor suit of Dragonsteel would have given them some trouble, but PFP’s armor isn’t thick enough, suits being optimized for mobility. If Beam-Bots have better reacted, your forces would have been toast. As it is, the Lightly-Armed Robots make a few shots, that leave dents on PFP armor and your team makes it safely in. Now the big question is how fast Beam-Bots organize to follow your forces - because inside the facility, there’s not much room for dodging and if your forces get cornered the beam weaponry will kill your men fast.

The M&C forces move deeper into the facility and locate Dr. Kill. He is alone, working on equipment that automated machines will equip the converted robots the team has passed, while they were getting close. Unfortunately a shimmer extending a couple meters from him betrays a force field or something similar protecting the mad scientist. Or at least that’s what M&C assume - they don’t trust their weaponry to penetrate it. Dr. Kill looks disheveled, wild eyed and a bit pale. Simply put he doesn’t present a picture of a sane man.

A half helmet on his head is probably the control unit for the sensor system. He’s got a belt with some devices on it, one that looks like an injector and a compact power pack on his back with a wire running to his ear. A small device there looks like a camera.

The PFP units arrive to catch Dr. Kill on the move and unleash their weaponry, while he responds with powerful laser beams. One things becomes apparent - a direct HT-50 hit won’t breach his shield, even several won’t do. Now a couple dozen simultaneously might do the trick, seeing how Dr. Kill seems unwilling to just stand there and take it. And hence lies the issue - Dr. Kill is moving fast, whether it’s some external enhancement or body boosters is unclear and his laser weapon, capable of carving up PFP suit operator with ease, lets him hold off LC’s fire teams attacks. In the open terrain he’d be toast, but in the factory and with assistance of his sensors he manages to avoid getting swarmed. The LC Security can try for furious assault, which would mean a number of their men running into his lasers or they can try to play it smart, maneuver the troops in the position, where they can get enough HT-50’s lined up on his force field at the same time, to break through. Perhaps there’s another way to victory as well… The choice of strategy will be difference between victory and defeat, as well as it’s costs.


Legion of Dire

Blood For Miracles [PM]

Well... we resolved Dire's misadventure.


Liho's Rising [PM]

Techn-Trickster swore as Dire veered away to fly to the Tower. ''Oh really! Don't be a chicken Dire!'' His Power Suit suddenly shimmered turning into another Power Suit... a bit less impressive looking. Still it packed enough firepower to send one Devastator crashing down.

Behind Unmaker made his move, as foam binding him suddenly disappeared. He surged towards the Devastators and they had to veer off course to avoid his touch. A missle flew in his direction, but dissolved into nothingness before hitting him - in fact the entire missile reserves of Devastators were suddenly gone, reducing their firepower by a good margin. Unmaker accelerated and managed to get foothold on a Devastator his hands almost touching it, before Liho managed to knock him down with a flying kick. They flew from Devastators punching and biting each other. Whatever system in Unmaker's suit made him able to fly was enough to slow down their fall. On the ground Liho's hoot managed to make him stagger back and fall.

Meanwhile Alpha managed to shoot down the remaining Drones with DISK.

-1 Devastator



Cape City Battle

Industrial District

It appears that Lockwood-Coban security forces are prevailing against Dr. Kill's robots, though fighting isn't yet over.

Heartways

Wardens and CCP forced the Lab Boys to retreat to the East Gardens. With transportation system damaged Wardens are moving to Core to help in it's defense.

Core

Dire abandons her forces to fly to the Tower. Without her the heroes rally as Techno-Trickster brings a Devastator down. However Liho steps in as leader of Dire's forces, having it out with Unmaker, who manages to break out of the foam, where Dire trapped him earlier.

Autonomists and SA Power Suits clash - Autonomists prove to be surprisingly well armed and trained, as the resulting clash is a draw.

Police executes and operation liberating the politicians in the City Hall. Most of the MOD-DOC men surrender, though some appear to have escaped.

Lower Circle

TEA forces deploy special equipment to neutralize the Dr. Franklyn's robots marching on the Core. Unfortunately for them Dr. Franklyn appears to have upgraded his designs since the last fight his giant Robots had with Wardens. The Robots smash their restraints and continue their march on the Core.

In the skies Devastators fly - yet their color scheme isn't that of Dire...

Docks & Business District

Dr. Onichrome is captured by US Special Forces Unit ''Blackout-6'', despite attempts by Lab Boys to rescue him. His forces in Buisness District are thrown in confusion with the loss of their leader, as Onichrome's ''lab assistants'' turn on each other to determine who is worthy to take his place as leader of the Onichrome Force.

Aurora

It appears a small SA forces arrived to Aurora from Upper Circle...

[ArcaneStomper]

Shaper

To Kamakura-kai, Iron Helix, Maxwell Inc [M]
I. Will. Meet. With. Your. Representatives.

To Kamakura-kai [M]
As for your materials it is a question of scale. The more you wish to purchase the cheaper it will be per unit. As the more time I can put into the excavation the more efficiently I can mine what you desire.

To Corpse Emperor and Freaks [PM]
Getting. Into. The. City. Is. Currently. Impossible.

From. Underneath.

It. Is. Still. Protected.

Internal (GM)
Instead of crossing into Cape City the Shaper merely sends out a query asking if anyone is there.

(What are things looking like in regards to my employees right now?)

[Orbiter]

Nianta

Internal[PM]

Oh boy....dint i adapt against the attacks? =P, that is all.

Other than that......awesome, I place my last actions relating to the battle at my EOT.

[Lost Demiurge]

Legion of Dire
Core Wars [pm]

Liho kicks Unmaker a few more times, making sure he'll stay down. Then she glares up at the sky...

The Devastators unload upon Trickster, and Alpha turns the DISK upon him. Cursing, Liho looks around for a place to go to ground, until the way is clear for the Devastators to pick her up...

[Zemalac]

LCAI

Operation Overkill [PM]

Some questions, to aid in setting up the perfect plan.

1) How effective was the first power disruptor? What was the disruption range? It seems to have been fairly large, from the description, but I thought I should make sure. Kill's forcefield only extends a few meters from himself, and is likely powered by a device on his person, so using my second power disruptor on him should drop the shield. Even if it only goes down for a moment, both my guys and M&C Infil have wired reflexes and should be able to take advantage. All it would take is one shot from an HT-50 getting through, and this is over.

2) How stable is the structure of the factory? Can I bring the roof down on Kill's head using the HTM-50s, in the event that Plan A fails?

3) Would it be possible, during the reboot, to have Kill's network recognize LCAI HQ as its owner instead of Kill? I imagine that while the system is rebooting would be the easiest time to change that sort of thing, while it's going through and setting up all of its base parameters again.

4) Now that the shooting has paused at HQ for a moment, can I use Coban's brain to set up another firing solution for the remaining robots? I'd rather not take any chances with them, and despite only working for one round of fire I think it really helped last time.

5) How are corporate forces doing elsewhere in the city?

[Thelonius]

Nianta [PM]

You've gained adaptation against bullet fire. Your rolls were not good... very not good. That turret blasted you beyond your regeneration threshold, before I recalled you had armor.


Lockwood-Coban [PM]

1. Fairly effective against robots with perhaps 25-40 meter range. It was sufficient to create a hole in the defenses. There aren't that many robots in a single unit and they were spread thin to cover the approaches. It's effectiveness would be affected by shielding - basically those were modified construction bots, strapped with powerful weaponry sure, but in no way military grade themselves, which would have been built with better protection and redundancy systems.

You aren't certain what effects of power disruptor on shield would be - it might work, it might not. Both are technologies that LC haven't dealt with before.

2. You can try - it's Cape City construction, so it's good. HT-50's are sufficient to break it, but unless you know where to shoot it might take a lot of shots.

3. You can try to get admin rights to mesh network, and try to send your orders through it. Basically the first step would be to make it accept outside connections, a bit hard, and then find away to crack security. If Dr. Kill's password is ''Password'' the second step would be pretty easy, if it's heavily encrypted, it would be very hard.

4. You can - basically it's a choice between hitting them quickly or taking time to set up next attack.

5. It appears Solaris Inc. is planning to take advantage of situation with Onichrome to retake Business District. Onichrome Force is fairly strong there, but Solaris considers bribing one of the Onichrome's Assistants or their mercenaries, who turn out to be Killarz. The latter appear to be willing to switch sides for cash and contacts. Coban is asked to provide his input - as he's got some experience with Outer City gangs.


Shaper [PM]

The query goes unanswered.

With Relocation halted the workers have no choice but to remain (you would have lost manpower in Factories and Farms otherwise).

[Zemalac]

LCAI

Solaris Inc [R]

My experience with the Killarz has shown them to be willing to do just about anything for cash, especially if they can somehow make it look as though they are fighting for the "common people" they claim to represent. Phrase your offer of money in revolutionary terms and they should be agreeable enough, but don't for a moment trust them once this is all over.


Street Legal [M]

Assistance needed with urgent mesh work in Industrial District. High pay, high risk. Respond in person if interested.

[Thelonius]

Lockwood-Coban

Solaris Inc. [R]

I have some reports on these Killarz, though they are a bit outdated. I think your analysis is correct. They'll be good for one betrayal, but long-term partnership they seek would be unwise. Not that I would tell them that of course.


Street Legal [M]

''You got us at high pay. The minimum we would work for is 6 Cash - more depending on the job's size and risks involved.

[Zemalac]

LCAI

Street Legal [M]

Job is acquisition of physical assets controlled by an isolated network. We are working on a means of gaining direct access for yourself and our own Mesh experts, but the nature of that direct access may be hazardous. Further details will be explained when you reach LCAI HQ. Job size is rather small, but it needs to be done very, very quickly. We are willing to pay more for speed.

[Thelonius]

Lockwood-Coban

Street Legal [M]

Well, sounds like you are in a real bind there. If job's small, then 6 Cash, plus 1 Cash for having a back-up team on location, if something happens to the first one. We will work on credit for your mesh-goodies, if you are so inclined.

[Zemalac]

LCAI

Street Legal [M]

Cash or credit, [7 Cash] is acceptable. You are cleared for teleport into LCAI HQ, so get moving.


City Services [M]

We are expecting to receive mercenary specialists at our HQ via teleportation power to assist with the situation. If you have teleport denial tech or powers up over Industrial District, please turn them off for a moment.

-B. Coban

[Thelonius]

Unit Blue

Anarchs[M]


UB: "Well. I've decided to make a move now, because with the Mesh cut-off and the war arriving, it's probably the last chance. I'd like to hear your take on what's going on, though, and perhaps see if we can't work together."

Anarchs: "We’ll try to provide for the people of the Outer City, and prevent others from taking advantage of the situation, what else to do?"

UB: "That's basically my plan as well, but hopefully on a large scale. See, to my knowledge which is admittedly still spotty, the Singularity Architects and Japan are basically one unit while Cradle is opposing the SA and the US is opposing Japan, which makes me think that Cradle and US might have a connection. Regardless of that, SA attacking Cape City with both the Japanese and the US army here is very likely to spark a war."

Anarchs: “Could happen. The authoritarian governments lend to that and the system lends to violence.”

UB: "And with Cape City busy fighting for survival, nobody's here to care for Outer City. We're as likely as not to end up a battlefield, and we're full of civilians."

Anarchs: “Again could happen. You making some sort of point?”

UB: "My point is, there's nobody to speak for Outer City except Outer City. And right now, I'm looking at it and I say that's going to either mean me plus whomever I can get to back me up, or nobody. I think we need a revolution."

Anarchs: “Didn’t Killarz try that? What’s your end game?”

UB: "I don't know how the world is going to end up, and who's going to end up at the head of Cape City. What happens then depends on that. But what I want to do here is to organize, get as much of the frankly still considerable resources in Outer City used to keep people fed and clothed, treat the injured and sick and pull together enough firepower and enough people that we can tell anyone who intends to fight in our areas to piss off or make an enemy of us. Hopefully they'll be too busy bashing each other that they won't want to face us, if we can get something real set up."
"The Killarz don't care about the people, not really. I tried to work with them, but it didn't pan out."

Anarchs: ”Okay your plan sounds like something we can get behind. And Killarz were and are scum. Now what’s your plan - you need what to get city’s **** together?”

UB: "Well, I'm going to need, most of all, the people. I've got good-will pretty much all around, but I need to get my message heard. So, specifically, talk to others who are trusted by people and who trust me, hack the Killarz Mesh network and make some broadcasts. I'm spending what funds the UB has to get food and supplies, then sending my people on the ground to deliver them to areas that don't have any right now, and having all the medical-trained people setting up points around the City where people can get treated for injuries and illnesses. I'll need fighting people to guard those supplies and stop criminals from taking advantage, and I'll need what I'm calling a 'contingency unit' to organize a response in case of superpowered threats, attacks by any of the big groups around, large fires or bombings, anything like that."

Anarchs: ”Well, getting message across is unfortunately isn’t our strong point. Most people don’t understand us and we are often out shouted by populists and propagandists. We’ve got some factories producing goods, but the only source of raw materials is EVRAZ and they are taking advantage of that. We’ll try to spare as much as we can without running in red so we can’t produce no more. And as far as strong hands, we suffered losses from those sicko Jokers, but we’ve got some trusted men with guns left.”

UB: "Ok. I'll trust your assessment on where you'd be most useful. And from what I've seen of you, you've got people who can work without constant supervision by experienced leaders. I've got raw materials from the Recycling Plant, I've been selling to Shaper's little alliance mainly to get funds to improve things in Junks. But I can start handing that stuff to you, if that helps. Just need enough to keep paying the workers. At the very least that'll force EVRAZ to reconsider their price points."



Goats & Sixes [M]


To speed things up, I'm going to use a rather similar and only slightly tailored pitch for Goats and Sixes, in the former case asking for their help in the PR department and any volunteers they can get to handle the distribution and in the latter case emphasizing that we have to put together an organization to help people in general, avoiding talk about the Killarz much and noting that contingency units will fight 'superpowered threats' as well as other big problems, I'll ask for their PR expertise and volunteer people as well.

Sixes and Goats appear interested and pledge their assistance, though both are more vague on it’s size and scope than Anarchs.


Inquirer [M]


For Inquirer, I'll need to start more cautiously, try and get a feel for what he thinks about the situation personally and how likely it would be that he'd support me. But the end goal is basically for him to either allow me to use his network or for him to use it himself backed by his good reputation in order to support my move in the eyes of the people. I helped him with the Switchman situation just last turn and we've worked together before, so I feel we're on good terms, but he's quite noncommittal generally.

Inquirer remains noncommittal, though he promises to pass good word. He also warns you of growing corruption in the Docks. ''It's moved from simple greed to lust for power. You are not the only one who is trying to build a new Outer City. And the other vision isn't as idealistic as yours. I wish you luck, you probably won't get another shot.''


Lightbringers [M]


I'll start with inquiring about their current situation, because I don't know what they have to put into action and how wounded their members are, then proceed to hearing their opinion about the situation. I'll try and ask for them to either join the contingency unit in case they have the strength or to assist in the supply network thing by forming a good base location at the other end of the city for me and giving out if they have any funds or goods they are willing to spare. Regardless, I'll ask them to use all their rep and influence to support my PR actions, focusing on the 'get people away from the Killarz' propaganda' thing. They probably dislike Killarz quite a bit.


You get little from Lightbringers - their replies are short and noncommittal. You get a sense that something isn’t right, but for whatever reason they aren’t discussing it, maybe due to fear that mesh communications could be intercepted.


Militia of L&O [M]


MoL&O is a larger issue. They don't like me, they're very big on Law, but they're also big on Order. I'll ask for their help in combating criminals, opportunists and profiteers specifically in Trent Town, due to the danger of the situation at hand, but I'll not ask any more of them.

They appear willing to maintain law and order, though you suspect that’s what they would have done anyway. Still your plans benefit here, if only indirectly and it doesn’t look like they’ll oppose you.


St. Margarets & SoL[M]


Once things start to be more in the 'stuff is actually happening' stage, I'll talk to St. Margaret's Hospital in the hopes that they've got people willing to assist in the form of medical expertise and/or medical supplies. Same with the Society of Light over in Cape City, in case they aren't busy with the war there. *shrug* worth a shot

St. Margarets mires you with requests for confirmation that the assistance would go where needed and paperwork. You get very little from them.

[Society of Light’s actions will depend on Cape City situation.]


Robin Industries [M]


Oh, right, and Robin Industries. I'll ask for them to contribute to the supply network administratively or with goods, but I won't be very pushy about it, just in the hopes that the goal of assisting refugees would be close to their ideals.

It appears Mr. Keats is away at some important meetings, probably arranging things for Docks. You fail to get in touch with him. Instead your queries are rerouted to his administrative assistants and secretaries. In the end your request for help is lost in bureaucratic machine.

[Murska]

Lightbringers [PM]

Radical heads to them. Anti-Stranger and Anti-Master protocols in effect, as mentioned over Skype.

St. Margaret's [PM]

Ruby travels to the hospital, attempting to engage the individuals instead of the machine.

[Thelonius]

Turn 14: Tale of Three Cities

Cape City War

The battle for the Cape City ends with Singularity Architect’s defeated in a great battle in the Core. Their forces are scattered - Dire’s forces, bereft of their leader and Dr. Franklyn retreat to the Outer City.

In the Industrial District Dr. Kill is foiled, but remains at large, building up his forces in the shadow of the district’s automated factories.

The Corporations triumph against Onichrome as their mercenaries turn on his forces.

Adrian Banks?

A man claiming to be Adrian Banks has emerged from the Architect’s Tower and a number of signs, such as presence of the Red Queen point to the fact that he might be telling the truth.

''I was revived by Architect Tech. One of his latter projects was brain uploading and I was one of the recipients of the prototype tech. The Zues weapon attack didn’t leave Cape City completely unscathed - it was a concentrated shot against Architect’s Tower to break through city’s protection and it hit the room where I was in, causing my boosts to malfunction and putting me into coma. When I awoke, the tech was still not working properly, and eventually my body was destroyed with my mind stored and stuck in limbo. Cogworks realized it existed and managed to repair the system, which revived me.''

Dire In Chains: Supervillain on Trial For Murder

The Singularity Architect’s attack was characterised by minimal bloodshed, except for actions of certain mercenaries and somewhat excessive property damage in the Heartways fight. Therefore deaths of two members of the Cogworks superhero team has drawn public’s attention and anger. The Cogworks have never been popular or celebrated by many felt them to be part of the Cape City, the science hero team of the world’s center of science. They were chill guys, who often ate at fast food restaurants, exchanged jokes and pulled harmless pranks, while building and working on their projects. It appears that their final efforts were to revive Adrian Banks, mayor of the Cape City slain by the assassin, only to be killed by Doctor Dire. The cunning megalomaniac gained access to the Architect’s Tower claiming to be able to help their work only to execute them in cold blood. Fortunately she underestimated the Tower’s defenses and was captured in turn.

Their murder has turned even hardcore fans of Doctor Dire against her, apart from a small minority who claim that she’s been framed for the crime. Chief Prosecutor Anderson refutes such conspiracy theories: ''The evidence against Dire is incontrovertible and it will prove beyond shadow of a doubt her guilt. I will try for indefinite suspension in Chills Prison as her punishment.''

The Trial will be shown by both Cape Inquirer and Sun Channel. It’s unknown who will represent Dire, who is currently held in upper level of Chills Prison, awaiting her trial. Additional security was assigned out of fears for SA attempt to bust the tech-villainess out or actions by remnants of her robotic army, rumored to be led by an obscure villainess, recent Dire’s protege, Liho.

WWIV - That Was Over Fast

The conflict in Asia is sparked as coup in Mongolia escalates border tensions, that lead to Russian invasion. Soon the whole Asia is in flames as EC is torn asunder by internal conflicts and militarism. The fires of war spread, but the global community’s drive for peace and public opinion means that they soon burn out and the world comes out of it relatively unscathed. Few conflicts have lasted more than a month and nations with heavy guns have minimized their use. There are a number of smouldering hotspots here and there as well as old issues reignited, but the cool heads are prevailing.

The public is furious with politicians for almost causing a new WW and in many nations the ruling parties lose influence, while men in power are replaced with new faces.

Corporations For Peace

As governments are seen as failing at keeping peace, many call for new systems, one of which is expansion of free trade and relaxation of regulations on corporations. It’s the trade that has always bound nations together and it’s the corporate self-interest that would prevent eruption of new conflicts. Even weapons manufacturers don’t want wars - the greatest buyers of weapons are nations seeking to maintain global peace and order. Such is the talk spreading across the globe among the intellectuals and prominent personalities on the mesh.

The India’s status as nation under corporate governorship is solidified - it’s laws made to accommodate the business and at the moment nobody finds the political will to contest it. Meanwhile there are rumors that a number of PMC that operated in India will be arriving to Cape City at bequest of Corporations concerned with security of their holdings.

Russia Fracturing

Russia's participation in the war has left it in control of Mongolia and it’s vast natural resources, however in victory it finds itself in deep crisis as internal infighting besets Kremlin, while public unrest mounts. Unless somebody comes on top of power struggle fast or situation improves for the people on the streets, the state might find itself falling into a civil war.

Economy Benefits From Science. Hurt By War. Evens Out.

The fears that the short-lived WWIV would destroy the world economically prove to have been exaggerated. The economists claim that the world lost an opportunity to benefit from recent scientific advances as stock markets fall and lack of government investment prevented proper investment into new technology.

Underground Reports: Plague

On the alternative sites, blogs and mesh-casts the rumors of new, more virulent strain of Dulls spreading fast are reported. They appear to be affiliated to some mesh-community ''Underground'', which is highly respected as an impartial and truthful information source. They also claim that traditional media is underreporting the scope of the problem and certain nations are sweeping the problem under the rug entirely.

There have also been some stories of ''Dulls-Zombies'' circulating, which has either been treated as a joke or provoked anti-dulls attacks.

Outer City Relief

Food shipments continue with support of Anise Seed. Society of Light and a number of figures in Cape City organized limited help - overall the Outer City sees relief shipments cut in half. In Greendale and Walls barely anything arrives to the people.

Lower City is Blue

Unit Blue calls for Outer City to unite:

Radical steps before the people. After a moment, the whispering of the crowd settled into an uneasy silence. A number of men are facing outwards from the impromptu stage, silently scanning the gathering for potential threats. But they weren’t many in number, nor did they fundamentally differ from the civilians.

Radical himself stood on the stage, actually just some pieces of wood piled to place him slightly higher and to cover the equipment necessary to extend his voice over the clearing. He raised his arms, and then lowered them slowly, as a sign to begin.

“Who are we?” A moment, just long enough to grab everyone’s attention without giving anyone time to try and answer. “We of the Outer City. We’ve been called a lot of things. Refugees. Criminals. Sheep. Civilians. Numbers on a ledger, faces in the hunger line. We’ve been used and abused for long enough.

I was raised in a camp near the south edge of Trent Town. There is no clear line where Trent Town ended and where Junks or Greendale started, but we kids learned where that line was, we knew the buildings and ruins that we were not to cross. We knew that past the known dangers, outside the boundaries, They were waiting. The scary unknown. Once I was older, I snuck over those lines a few times. Seeking thrills with my friends, or trying to prove that I was brave enough to face Them. But one time I did. I came face to face with another kid, in the Junks. We ended up fighting, and then we made up, and we were friends, just like that. That kid grew up to be a man called Daniel Revila. He’s dead now, shot by assassins, hired by someone for whom lives count as cash, who does not care about you or me or anyone else but himself. Before he died, he and I set up as much as we could to help families just like our own, and in his memory I have continued that work, because I still believe in it.

But while some things are worse than all those years ago, and others might be better, one thing is the same. To us, who live in Outer City, the people across those lines are still Them. They are still the unknown, the dangerous. I hope to show you that They are just like us. The real dangers are elsewhere, they play with our lives but they do not live among us. Cape City can’t decide whether it wants us to fight to protect them or to go away and leave them to their games. The US is willing to send troops to us, but only so they’d be closer to Cape City, and not if there is any opposition. Villains try to mark their territory, Cradle or Singularity Architects or Syndicate want to use us as a resource or a springboard to get over those walls Architect made. I say enough.

Can you hear me? Enough! With these hands, I want to take what belongs to me. With these hands, I want to lift up every man, woman and child in Outer City, lift them over these lines and walls built between us so we can see each other for who we are. With these hands, I want to protect them and the City that we have lived in and died in, fought in and celebrated in. My hands are not enough, but our hands together will be. It’s time we have a voice, so that we can speak out and choose what we want. It is time that Outer City decides for Outer City. Let the generals and heroes and politicians come to us and talk to us, not over us, if they want something of us. It is not their land, their homes, their lives that serve as their battleground. It is ours. Anyone who disagrees can take it up with us.

It is in their interest to make us think we’re weak. But we’re not. We defeated Limit Break, even as splintered as we are, and nobody has ever done that. We fought a Fury here, and lived. We’ve been invaded more times in a few years than most nations in their centuries of history. There is nothing we can’t do together, if we take pride in who we are and realize that all of us are Us, and none of us are Them.

With your hands, take your city! With our hands, grasp our destiny! Can you hear me? We rule Outer City, because it’s OUR city! No-one else!

OUR HANDS! OUR CITY! OUR LAND! WE NEED NO PITY!”

Many factions support Unit Blue directly, while some cooperate with their work to create some proto-government to manage distribution of supplies, keeping of order and to show leadership to the people. As relief supplies are partially cut and things were already going downhill the task before Unit Blue and their allies seems insurmountable, yet somehow, if only by a thread they manage. The order is kept in the city, people are safer and there’s hope.

In Junks, Lotlands and Greendale the people are clearly speaking in support of Unit Blue and united Outer City - a power to oppose those who would seek to exploit the people. Radical is seen by many as speaker for the men on the streets.

UB’s Coalition [PM]

Junks:

Things are stable in the Junks and the region could be on verge of actual growth, if the economy gets bet or there’s more investment. The crime is still an issue, despite UBs best efforts.

Factories:

Factories are getting by - Shaper’s being doing some minor investments that have kept things from collapsing. Of course the current levels of production are a joke and place is old and obsolete, with constant material shortages. With Cogworks gone, who knows what will happen...

Lotland:

Lotlands don’t have much in terms of population, which is good since it’s easier to care for people and bad, since lack of people means Lotlands won’t be growing much on it’s own. Still, there’s immigration from Greendale, which brings more people and increases demands on housing.

For now situation in the District is stable and Playing God’s efforts are keeping things decent.

Docks:

There’s some assistance coming from Docks, though much less than expected.

Abattoir

What happens there? Who knows...

Walls

The Unity’s crusade has prevented spread of drug problem and the district remained free of violence. It’s currently stable, though growth would require investment or active community leaders. FDC and Unity are taking the lead here.

Trent Town:

Trent Town was on the edge of the knife - the Killarz proved to be less of a problem, as Playing God, as well as presence of armed forces of Anarchs and Militia have kept them down. A number of old residents begun to openly express their disdain and anger against Killarz, emboldened by Unit Blue.

As it is, with assistance from Walls and First District Trent Town things were made better, but without Grimble Bank things could have been worse. The Cape City financial institution has arrived on the scene unexpectedly, buying a bunch of real estate and paying vagrants to vacate it, which gave people enough cash to keep things in the district from going worse as relief dwindled. Of course much of that money went into purchase of drugs...

Greendale:

Killarz opted not to provoke UB’s work, but they did their best to be as obstructive as possible, without drawing fire. Playing God’s efforts have weakened them alongside with UB’s softer strategy of slowly eroding their support, but the Killarz managed to hold together to remain a problem.

Still even though things are getting worse in Greendale it’s clear that they aren’t as bad as they would have been without UB’s plan.

Overall:

Greendale, Junks, Lotlands: the people seem to trust UB and get behind the plan, though Greendale is in awkward positon of being occupied by Killarz.

Trent Town: there’s much uncertainty here. Anarchs, Militia of L&O, Kamakuri-Kai, criminal bosses and Herr Tod snooping around and them mercenaries. Who to chose? Who to follow?

Factories: sure UB talk the good talk, but who’s going to make Shaper mad? Not me sir. Not me.

Abattoir: Here be Harvesters.

Docks, First District: We shall unite under New City Council!

Walls: Unity, Sixes, New City Council and Unity Blue… Who are we following?


Upper City is New

Docks and First District are about to unite - a vote shall be held by FDC, while Administrator Keats has already expressed willingness to ratify the unification. There are rumors that Walls will join shortly, especially if FDC votes yes. The Unity’s popularity in Walls is high and he is respected member of FDC.

Together, the three wealthiest Districts in Outer City would be able to establish a police force to keep order, invest in commerce and tourism and deal with Cape City, if not on equal footing then certainly from a stronger position.

Anarchists & OC

It appears a number of Anarchists around the world are considering moving to Outer City, despite it’s many troubles. It’s no picnic, but certainly one can work to improve things and Outer City’s unique position means it’s outside government control. As around the world the police state tightens it’s grip to leave in the wild, lawless frontier may be dangerous and hard, but at least you’ll be living it by your own rules.

Song for Killarz

As Unit Blue was calling for unification, one faction was very local about who should be excluded from the new Outer City. Playing God have held a grudge ever since the Killarz captured Venue and held their men hostage. And while many criticized Killarz, nobody was as vocal and vehement as Playing God. They succeeded in weakening Killarz, though their strength wasn’t sufficient to break them completely. Many of the recently recruited members have left the gang as a result and it’s support among population has mostly eroded.

The remaining Killarz however entrench and organize, going on defensive…

[Killarz lose 2 HS Morale, Unknown Soft Stats]

Symphony

Internal [PM]

It appears Mimir has left the Bolthole, his robots taking most of the equipment into the parts unknown...


Communications

Kamakuri-Kai - Investors [PM][Delivered via Follower]

Mr. Oyabun, we are looking how UB is planning to help the city. Nice kids, but idealism doesn’t put food on your plate. Still, they’ve got something about reviving the city - that’s why you are helping them right? But certainly you want to have some food on your plate as well? Maybe time’s right to rebuild Trent Town. Chains, they had their own plan, and it wasn’t that good in our opinion. They were soldiers, not right businessman. Now what we need to do is build some casinos, houses of ill-repute and private compounds for rich folk to indulge in their vices. Get people from good places like Las Vegas to come here, maybe set up some global black market hotspots. The cash will flow - and some of will go to the poor folk on the street through you. If you are interested in such project and you think you can pull it off, give us a call.


Databases

Cape City 1

Cape City Police is recruiting more men and looking for upgrades, as city issues extra funds to bolster law enforcement.


Technology 1

There are rumors of an ideological split within SA.


Technology 2

The TSA are led by Mimir, while Implement is led by MOD-DOC Fleshman. It appears SA tried to harness power of a Fury.


Technology 3

The split was caused by Adrian Banks. Mimir is an AI advocating accelerated singularity, while Implement wishes to work with Cape City to achieve smooth and gradual implementation of technology to improve the world.


Mesh 1

UN is moving ahead with a number of resolutions to bring Mesh under control - ''After what happened in Cape City, it’s clear a new, more secure Mesh is needed.''


Mesh 2

There are rumors that somebody found legendary Mesh 1.0 archives...

An elite hacker ‘’Mesh Whale’’ is seeking work. He’s waiting to hear offers of cash and interesting jobs.

MISA will be watching Mesh closely - hackers beware. Of course for some it’s an extra challenge.


Mesh 3

Mesh 1.0 archives have been found by Code Monkeys - of course whether they manage to keep them is a good question…

Edvard Ranta was tinkering with something in the Cape City servers.


Powers 2

Looks like Powers in Cape City have a new leader - Miguel Torres and he is going to shake things up...


Powers 3

Miguel Torres has established contact with Herr Tod and the are planning something...


Crime 1

The city’s drug trade continues uninterrupted, though people are buying a bit less out of fear for tomorrow.

Criminals in Greendale has been acting quite quiet recently. The crime rate is pretty low these months.


Crime 2

About 70% of the city’s drug deals are controlled by the man called Garza. He recently recruited most of the Greendale Gangs to do his bidding.

A Brotherhood remnant is trying to rebuild their old empire.

A lot of drugs on the market are Black Mark, causing strong physical addiction.


Crime 3

The man behind Garza is Shaper, who they say is allied with Harvesters.

Brotherhood is making a bid in Russia - they are working to secure a number of black market deals for weapons, technology, mesh attacks and assassins.


Outer City 3

Dire recently moved her base to Lotlands. Megamalls are a thin-cover for her operations.


Politics 2

JSD will probably intervene in the Asia to restore order to the regions affected by recent war. It’s possible they may even support Mongolian government in exile.


Dulls 2

Cradle would be harvesting more Dulls soon...

The rumors of new strain are true.


Dulls 3

Cradle has been infecting people with new strain of Dulls in First District and Docks. It appears can overcome vaccination. There appears to be something more sinister than simple spread of the virus at work here...

Cradle took advantage of the chaos of SA attack to sabotage Fairbanks Foundation cure and vaccine research.

[ArcaneStomper]

Internal (GM)
Can I liquidate my assets in Walls and pull my people out? I don't really want to get into a turf war with Unity when I have other fronts to deal with. Especially now that the ML&O and Anarchs are pushing at me.

Actually why are the Anarchs mad at me. They're all about freedom from rule right. Well it's not like I'm forcing people to buy anything at gun point. It seems kind of hypocritical that people who embrace living by their own rules are trying to limit what people can and cannot buy.

In Factories I would like to purchase the remaining unaffiliated territories. Can I get a cost estimate. The Workers camps are obvious and I'm guessing the Burned is a district full of derelict buildings. But what are the Collections and Education Center?

Who is the TF and do the Cogworks still exist? I'm not entirely clear on what is going on with them.

[Ascaloth]

Kamakura-kai

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

Good work over the past month, for the vast effort and toil you must have invested in putting Outer City back on its feet. Naturally, I am sure your work is nowhere near done, but one step at a time.

In the meantime, I would like to ask a small question of yourself; what is yours, and Unit Blue's, plan for the Night District, if there be any? I would like to take this opportunity to offer this reminder; the Night District is still under the protection of the Kamakura-kai. Thus, if you have any intentions there, I would appreciate it if you run them all by myself first.

Kamakura

"]Thank you very much, Witters-san. I am willing to honour the favour... though, I must confess, it was actually my intention to pay you in [Cash] for your services. May I enquire as to the price you'd set, as well as the means you'd prefer for us to use in this transaction?

Kamakura

"]"Maxwell-san, an idle question if I may. What is the cost Maxwell Inc. usually incurs for [4 Construction Materials 1 Lvl], through the usual suppliers? Depending on the market rate, I may just be able to secure us a... more affordable alternative, should I say."

"]The Oyabun arrives promptly, tired and haggard though he looked, for the vote on joining the First District and the Outer Docks. He did not however volunteer any words this time, preferring to wait and see where the wind is blowing.

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

It has come to my notice that the Grimble Bank has made significant real estate investments in the Trent Town, even as badly damaged as it is in its current state. Given this, I presume you have great plans for the District?

If these plans include reconstruction work of any sort, I can offer some assistance in that regard. Please feel free to contact me, if you would like to take up my offer.

Kamakura

"]Dear sir, I hope this message finds you well.

My attention has been directed to your message, and I would like to indicate my interest in your proposal. Consider myself all ears, with regards to what you would like to propose.

"]Ganta-san, it has been long since we last met. I hope you have kept yourself well since.

With the draw-down in all of the troubles that have wracked Outer City until recently, it may finally be time to take stock, and to fix things back to the way they were. Trent Town may be largely razed to the ground, but with time and attention, it may perhaps be rebuilt, better than ever. And such has been the proposal that the Investors, whom purchased the Night District from yourselves, have recently offered to me.

Your dealings with EVRAZ can not have been worth all the stress that you had previously alluded to, in your last communications with myself. I could use a man with your irreplacable skills and your vast experience in district management, if I am to restore Trent Town to the prosperous District it was, and should be.

Thus, I would like to extend my invitation to you, Ganta-san, to join me in this new enterprise. I hope to hear your favourable reply soon.

Kamakura

"]Dear sir, I hope this message finds you well.

I would like to enquire as to visiting hours and regulations regarding inmates in your establishment. It is my intention to make a personal visit to one such inmate, and I would like to know what rules needs to be observed before I am granted access.

Kamakura

"]To whom it may concern,

It has come to my attention that a new and more virulent strain of the Dulls virus is spreading in the Outer City. I would like to request all and any information on the nature of the new Dulls virus and its origins, to the furthest extent that your organisation is willing to entitle myself, as a business partner of the Company.

Kamakura

[Lost Demiurge]

It was a harried flight out of the city.

Explosions, gunfire going off left and right, those idiot SA pukes trying like mad for the big gold apple they couldn't... Quite... Grab.

But the boss had left instructions, and they were pretty clear. Waiting too long would burn more resources, and they couldn't afford that.

So once the writing was on the wall (It had been on the wall before chalk even @%#!#%@!% scarred the @%@!%! wallpaper, but meh) Liho was secured in the Devastator pod, nursing her bruises as she left.

They got back to base without trouble, pausing for a second to stare at the other Devastators (Da #%%@^%?) but hurrying on.

And there she waited.

Day turned to night turned to day again. Usual chaos on the news, nothing good for a few days, confused images and @%!%!. But eventually it got tied together.

Hardakker chewed her out later for breaking the television. #%#%#%#er had it coming.

Alpha, Alpha was going nuts.

"There must always be a Doctor Dire..." She paced one way. "There is a Doctor Dire..."

"There must always be a-"

"Shaddap."

"But..." Alphas' tear stained-face looked up at her, yearning. Not for the first time Liho wondered why Dire hadn't made Alpha good looking. She'd just muttered something about uncanny valley when Liho asked. Must've been some place in the past she visited or something like that. At least she wasn't going on about caves of shadows again.

"There IS a Doctor Dire, we just have to hold on until she's back." said Liho. Alpha gulped, and instantly her face cleared up.

Damn, that was easy.

Unseen to Liho, Beta moved back to his position, putting away a taser.

"She's just... Out at the minute. %!@%# went down in that tower. No way she killed Cogworks, but try getting those chuckle@%#!@% to believe it. They're all like OOOh, HEROES DEAD! Oooooho, VILLAIN TO BLAME! So yeah. Something went down in there I don't know what."

"But she'll either get out or we'll have a shot at getting her out. Just gotta hold @%#%#@ together until one or the other, yeah? Long as she lives, life goes on, yeah?"

Hardakker sighed. "She thought so. Me, I don't know."

Liho pointed at him. "Nerdboy. You've got the science, yeah?"

"Nowhere near HER-"

"Shaddap. You've got enough. We can keep working THERE."

Liho pointed at Kerberos. "You. She fixed you, yes?"

"Yes. We should talk about contingencies. With her captured we are compromised."

Liho nodded. "Yep. Far as the hoopleheads know, the boss is beaten, we're reeling from a big defeat, and we're vulnerable."

Her eye gleamed as she grinned.

"We can use that..."

Legion of Dire
Internal [pm]

Right. Kerberos will flip the mesh protocols, I think.


Doctor Dire
Handwritten message[Sent through prison channels]

To: Adrian Banks
From: Dire

You're welcome. Be more careful next time.

[Eldan]

"I know Kung-Fu"

A short mesh clip, advertising new Iron Helix technology.
A car, speeding a long a highway. Cut.
Darkness, the scream of metal bending. Cut.
Fire, flickering, quick shots of blood, pooling on a road. Cut.

THIS COULD HAPPEN TO YOU.

A woman in her thirties, walking along a city street, a child on each hand. She smiles at them, then at the camera.
"I am so glad I got SkillSoft. Without it, my children would not be alive today."

Two mountain climbers, roped together, scaling a cliff. Then, sitting together , on a sunny peak, looking out over a vast landscape. One of them nods at the other.

"If Harry hadn't purchased SkillSoft, I would have died of Hypothermia."

WHAT IS SKILLSOFT?

A friendly Doctor, in his thirties, wearing a lab coat with a bit of stubble on his sqare-jawed face, steps around his desk.

"SkillSoft is a revolutionary new achievement in neuromedicine. With SkillSoft, Iron Helix can upload new skills, talents and knowledge directly into your brain, while you sleep. You, too, could have much of the knowledge of a trained medical professional, tomorrow.
And not just medicine. Iron Helix is researching new areas of expertise tirelessly, working on a world where knowledge can be shared, so that we can all grow, together, as people."

SkillSoft. Knowledge for a brighter future. Contact Iron Helix today.