The following appeared in the Atlantis Patriot:
Guerrier Inc Consolidation
King Renkek issued forced sale orders for all outstanding shares in Amue and Ragnarok Inc this evening. All minor share holders were forced to sell their shares; so, Renkek could merge the three companies. Most of the share holders also own part of Guerrier Inc; so, they benefitted from the merger twice.
The Amue Club will remain in operation, but is now directly owned by Guerrier Inc. King Renkek said in a statement to the employees, "No one will lose their jobs. This merger was done for logistical reasons and the only visible change to our clients will be some storefront names changing; however, the employees will not be required to transfer."
As seen in Soldier of Fortune:
This anonymous audio feed was send via the ACN to our office. While we can't vouch for it's accuracy, it certainly gives an interesting insight into recent events:
Sharper says, "After much consideration, I am considering promoting you to the rank of Regent and asking you to join the Board."
Sharper says, "If that occured, are there any special goals you would have as a Regent?"
Sorin says, "Hmm..."
Sharper says, "Currently, with Regent Hawk missing, I am able to direct the path of Atlantis in more peaceful directions. I presume you've noticed the lack of major wars lately. I like to think that I could trust you to help me continue keeping the peace, instead of causing contention and strife amongst the few remaining humans."
Sorin says, "I certainly wouldn't mind if the refugee war could be kept from spilling over into public areas as often."
Sharper says, "We've also had a bit of a piracy problem in the past. It's harder to hold any specific group accountable when something occurs in the open ocean."
Sharper says, "Ultimately, we need the various groups to work together so that we can reclaim the surface and return to space."
Sorin says, "I haven't noticed that being a huge issue lately. Occasionally a rogue group will cause some trouble in the upper ocean, but generally that's kept to a minimum."
Sharper says, "That's hard to do when everyone is wasting materials and resources killing each other."
Sorin says, "Do we even know the surface to be habitable?"
Sharper says, "There has been occasional exploration, but other than some nice pictured taken from the mouths of caves that we've drilled up to from below, no, it isn't. That's one of the major problems we scientists must solve."
Sharper says, "Some of the magical healing and shielding practices that have been developed are useful to protect against the radiation levels, but they're hard to sustain."
Sorin says, "Presumably some of the less inhabited areas would be the least contaminated. They wouldn't have been primary targets."
Sharper nods, "The issue is of course that the most accessible areas to us are those near the coastlines, which also tended to be hit the hardest."
Sharper says, "If we can get the Caves reopened and cleared, that would provide us with access to the western North American mountains, where we might have more success.""
Sharper says, "Are you familiar with the story?"
Sorin says, "Only the heavily industrialized portions. The Philippians probably didn't get hit too hard, for example."
Sorin says, "Which story?"
Sharper says, "You forget the extensive Naval bases the Capitalists had there."
Sharper says, "The story of the initial cave exploration."
Sorin says, "Can't say I have."
Sharper says, "Not many have. It's been hushed up over the years. Too dangerous if someone were to stumble into them accidently."
Sharper says, "You've seen the damage that the Spiders have been doing somewhat recently, right?"
Sorin says, "Not as much now that Arachno's dead."
Sharper says, "They are a mutation. Probably mostly natural, although there is some evidence that their intelligence has been enhanced with genetic manipulation and training at some point."
Sharper says, "Now imagine a race that started as human. Highly intelligent humans, and then mutated into a new species."
Sharper says, "Early on, a team was sent into the caves to explore and see how close they could get to the surface. That's when the cave dock was initially built."
Sharper says, "The public story is that the team was lost."
Sharper says, "The truth is not as pretty,"
Sharper says, "They were lost and further exploration was put on hold."
Sharper says, "Most think that the cave-ins that blocked the entrance to the caves was accidental."
Sharper says, "Some members of that initial team survived near the hell that is the surface world. They mutated for survival. They still mostly look human enough, but they can no longer cross breed."
Sharper says, "They developed a regeneration ability that while it led to that ability as a skill here in Atlantis, they all now possess naturally."
Sharper says, "They are also severely inbred."
Sharper says, "Which has led to some mental disorders, to put it politely."
Sharper says, "Their society degenerated into a tribal one, with the strongest warrior leading, until killed."
Sharper says, "Eventually, some of the remnants found their way back to the Cave Dock."
Sharper says, "They decided that they would convert Atlantis to their tribe."
Sharper says, "Rather then resort to genoicide, as some suggested, the Board blocked the lower Cave entrance permanently."
Sharper says, "Eventually, they are going to find their way out again, or we will want to explore again, this time with a team better prepared for the hazards. Either way, it's up to the Board to be prepared."
Sharper says, "Still interested in a position as a Regent? It means that you will have to become even more Neutral than you have been, as you will need to put the needs of Atlantis ahead of your personal desires."
Sharper says, "We've seen what comes of a Regent not doing that."
Sorin says, "More neutral how?"
Sharper says, "That's not to say that you can't continue to pursue your own interests, you'll just need to be more mindful when your actions can affect all of Atlantis."
Sorin says, "So basically what we discussed awhile ago about neutrals staying out of the war?"
Sharper says, "That's part of it, certainly. However, you will no long have any blind responsibilities like that."
Sharper says, "Rather than follow the rules, you will be part of making them."
Sharper says, "Making them in the best interests of Atlantis, the Board and the human race as a whole."
Sharper says, "So, what do you say?"
Sharper says, "You don't have to decide right away."
Sorin says, "Does sound like it might be interesting."
Sorin says, "So what else does it entail?"
Sharper says, "Helping to run the Commodity board, a quarter of Regent Corp., the immunities and such spelled out in the Regent Laws, some other odds and ends."
Sharper says, "Appointing officers such as the head of the Shore Patrol. Things like that, some largely ceremonial, others mostly power based."
Sorin says, "I'm thinking."
Sorin says, "Very well. I'll do it."
Sharper says, "Congratulations, Regent."
Sorin says, "Thank you, Regent."
As seen on Atlantis Holovision:
After the mysterious vanishing of Regent Hawk, the Board of Regents today met and decided to promote noted scientist and businessman Sorin to the vacant office. In related news, Regent Sorin has also assumed a large minority interest in Regent Corporation, Neutral makers of submarines and related articles.
It is hoped that this new Regent will help lead Atlantis to greater prosperity and safety.
As seen on Atlantis Holovision:
Last night in a battle raging from Merctown to the Plaza and finally culminating in the underground, Arachno, the evil genius who declared himself to be responsible for summoning the ongoing spider attacks on Atlantis, was defeated and killed by a team led by Regent Sam Harper. Joining the Regent were Senior Professor Sorin, Doctor Warwick, Master Deremus, Captain Graf and Baroness Mason.
Since the defeat of Arachno, Atlantis hasn't experienced any further spider attacks in populated areas.
From Atlantis Holovision:
With the Shore Patrol sitting idly by after several high-ranking officers resigned rather than face the recent Totalitarian port invasions, Senior Professor Sorin, Doctor Warwick, and Master Deremus took it upon themselves at the behest of the Board of Regents to free the besieged Neutral ports of Genetica, Dark Moon and Tempest from the grip of the Totalitarian Party.
Recent Totalitarian expansion seems to have been focused on the outer ports. While the Graf Free Company appears to have held it's own against the Party and the Board has taken up some of the Shore Patrol's slack enforcement and protection, two former Mercenary and Independent Ports are still currently in the hands of Party forces. Neutral scientists are advised to avoid Omnis Bustom and Idrica Centro until the Party makes it's intentions clearer.
From the Atlantis Times:
Comrades, our forces march on inexorably with the tide of history. Our forces clever diversions elsewhere have left us in unopposed possession of our true targets and clearly ahead in our goal to provide real social justice to the populations of the outer ports.
From Atlantis Holovision:
From Atlantis Holovision:
From the Atlantis Patriot Editorial Section:
From the Atlantis Patriot:
The following appeared in the Atlantis Times, Atlantis Patriot, and Soldier of Fortune. The headlines vary greatly.
The following appeared in the Atlantis Times:
From a special presentation on Atlantis Holovision:
From the Atlantis Patriot:
From the Atlantis Patriot:
Continuing our breaking news coverage of the inter-cap conflict, we return to our Captown footage.
Graf nods to Renkek, "Your Majesty."
Renkek nods to Graf "Captain."
Jenkins says, "Do not underestimate me, or the rest of the council. I am not looking for a war between us, but I will not hold back to protect my people."
Graf says, "I have offered to negotiate terms of recompense for the damages done to me last night, but you have refused my generous offer. You are in no position to dictate terms, Chairman.
Jenkins says, "Do you see Captain Graf? I am a tool of the people, I do as they decide we should do. You dont seem to understand that, it was not solely my decision last night to accept the Regents proposition"
Graf says, "No, that drunken fool Billy Guerrier was leading you, wasn't he?
Jenkins says, "If one man alone wanted to accept, it would not have been possible"
Jenkins turns to Renkek, "So you will turn your back on the Defense Council and its decisions?"
Graf says, "Isn't he a member of the council now?
Jenkins says, "He could be a member of the council, that is all up to him"
Jenkins says, "But I am sure there are many others who are eager for a seat on the council"
Graf says, "Have you heard some of the stories about what Regent Hawk does to
Graf continues, "Does it bother you to be allied with him and apparently the Totalitarian Party?
Jenkins says, "You speak of peace to me Captain, and than you speak of this."
Jenkins says, "If you wish for the Defense Council to discuss and vote on the matter of negotiations, I will bring it up in our next meeting. But until than your forces are to be considered as hostile invaders of our ports."
Renkek sighs "I'll turn my back against you yourself I'm sure my cousin billy will see the truth once the family talks to him." he looks to Jenkins "no they're his ports for now I understand that, thanks to a decision you made and wrongly convinced my cousin to decide as well with you."
Jenkins glares at Renkek, "Have you lost your wits?"
Renkek shakes his head "not at all."
Graf says, "I don't think you should insult the honor of the Guerrier King, Chairman. Your decisions recently have been quite costly to your faction.
Jenkins says, "Really? I dont see it that way. But if that is how you wish to make it appear, than so be it."
Graf says, "Your own constituents will judge you.
Jenkins says, "As for the Guerriers, it is apparent that they no longer have the will to govern and protect our people. No wonder they left it up to a Mercenary"
Jenkins says, "I will no longer allow this spineless yielding however. The Defense Council will once again become powerful and we will no longer need outside protection."
Renkek sighs "Chairman, even if we have the money to buy a few droids they're not as good what the Captain trains, and we don't have the resources he does either." he sighs "Maybe one day we will have, but for now we need the protection such as the Captain can provide."
Jenkins says, "As I mentioned before, I will bring up the Negotiations in the councils next meeting. As to how the vote will go, that I cannot say"
Graf says, "In the meantime, any attacks upon my forces will be met with return force upon the instigator.
Graf says, "Good day.
As you can see, recent events have sparked quite a conflict within the Capitalist Defense Council and raised the specter of all out war once again over the head of the residents of Atlantis. This is Atlantis Holovision breaking news, reporting from Captown.
We have breaking news concerning the recent events transferring possession of Syria, Guerrier and Liberty Ports to a Mercenary Free Company. This footage was shot recently and uploaded to our affiliate station in Captown.
Jenkins says, "I am willing to lead the attack force, but I do need another vote in order to requisition funds for the droids needed."
Renkek shakes his head "I will not help I'm not the one that fired the Captain and still wish to remain friendly with him."
Jenkins says, "So you will have our people in Syria and Guerrier dock kept under his occupying force?"
Jenkins says, "All I wish to do is liberate our docks and leave them under our own guard."
Jenkins says, "Does it not bother you that your own dock has been claimed by the GFC?"
Renkek shakes his head "I hate to do such but I trust the captain more than you may. Also I would like to know why you decided to end the contract to begin with?"
Jenkins says, "We have deemed that the contract with the captain is no longer needed, the Defense Council now has the neccesary funds to maintain and operate its own defenses."
Jenkins says, "It is foolish to leave our entire defense in one mans hands."
Renkek shakes his head "As King of the Guerriers all Guerriers will be encouraged to vote against you and replace you with someone else Chairman." He shakes his head and leaves saying nothing else.
Graf appears.
Graf says, "Your current actions aren't calculated to extend your life expectancy, Chairman."
Jenkins smirks, "Captain Graf, how nice of you to appear.
Jenkins speaks into his Radio.
Jenkins says, "fleet move 1."
Graf says, "I would suggest that you try negotiation before you attempt to raise an army against me."
Jenkins says, "fleet move 1"
Jenkins says, "You underestimate the Defense Council, Captain Graf."
Graf turns back to Jenkins, "Really? You don't think those droids hold any intimidation value, do you?"
Jenkins says, "Captain, if I meant to intimidate you I would do so myself."
Graf chuckles.
Graf says, "Perhaps you would like to join me in the Arena so that I may show you the error of your ways?
Jenkins says, "Negotiations you ask for? That would be up to the defense council to vote for or against, but I highly doubt we would think of such a thing. Our ports will be liberated soon enough."
Jenkins says, "Now lets put it this way Captain. You can choose to wage a personal war against the Defense Council if you like, but that would be silly wouldnt it? Our contract with you has been terminated and we are taking back our ports with or without your consent"
Graf says, "Your ports? The Defense Council didn't control them until I captured them for them. I merely asked for reparations for the attack upon me and my droids in your HQ last night, but apparently you aren't even willing to negotiate that. You are a poor leader for your people.
Jenkins says, "The defense council thanks you for your services in the past, but that time has come to an end."
Jenkins says, "And of course you know why we dont need you anymore, dont you?"
Graf says, "Certainly. Regent Hawk has found a way to bring war and strife back to the lives of ordinary Atlanteans, where peace was found before.
Graf says, "By bribing greedy Capitalists.
Graf says, "You risk much when you take sides in conflicts between Regents. Things aren't always what they seem, nor do they always turn out how you might anticipate. That's something the Mercenary Guild discovered years ago.
Jenkins shrugs, "I know this much, we are not your enemy. Last night an opportunity came for the Defense Council to reclaim its former glory. What would you think we could do? Reject his offer? Dont be a fool."
Graf says, "You've made a good start back to glory by having your forces defeated inside your own headquarters and losing all your outer ports. What's next, mass ritual suicide?
More After this word from Regent Submarines and our other sponsors.
Earlier this evening the newly elected councilors on the Defense Council, Chairman Jenkins and Councilor Billy Guerrier voted to accept 35 million oxy from Regent Hawk in order to break the DC's defense contract with the Graf Free Company. They were also promised 10 million more, in addition to the Tote bounty of 25 million oxy, if they could capture Captain Graf. Regent Hawk was not available for comment.
The Editorial board of the Patriot deplores this action by the Defense Council and urges all Capitalists to withdraw their support from the councilors that voted in favor of it. Not only did their effort to capture Captain Graf fail miserably, but we've also lost Syria, Guerrier and Liberty to the forces that yesterday were protecting those locations on our behalf. Was that really worth 35 million Oxy? Only time will tell for sure, but trying to fulfill Tote bounties is not what we expect from our elected officials.
From Soldier of Fortune:
Earlier this evening the Capitalist Defense Council ended a prominent contract with the Graf Free Company and attacked the owner of the company. Of course, the Free Company prevailed, but this should give caution to other Mercenaries seeking contracts with the Caps and Totes.
Captain Graf had this to say on the radio, "Due to recent unprovoked attacks upon my person by the Defense Council and their prior stated desire to cancel their contract with the Graf Free Company, I am announcing that the Free Company is taking over Syria, Guerrier and Liberty Ports, effective now. Nothing will change in terms of visitors, but large groups of droids are temporarily forbidden in those locations until the situation settles down. The Free Company is willing to open negotiations for battle reparations for the return of some of the Ports."
Mercenary forces are advised to avoid those ports in large numbers until things settle down.
From the Atlantis Times:
Our diplomatic corp has negotiated a great victory tonight, convincing the Capitalist Pig Dogs to drop that overrated Mercenary Company. In the confusion, they even lost several Ports to the Mercs. As usual, the Party's master five-year plan is proceeding on schedule. In unrelated news, the Party coffers are filled to overflowing with the products of our people's work. Our managed economy is proving itself completely superior to the chaos of the Capitalists.
Captown, Guerrier Port and Syria Port have all been reclaimed on behalf of the Defense Council by forces of the Graf Free Company. Reports of droid causualties among the Party forces were high, while the Graf Free Company claimed to have not lost any men or droids in the counter attack operation.
From the Atlantis Times:
Today the officer in charge of outer port defenses was put in front of a firing squad for high treason and gross incompetence. According to Defense Ministry officials, the officer squandered many of the recent territory gains and was picked out by a confidential informer as having been seen speaking with a Capitalist recently.
From Soldier of Fortune:
The Tote and Cap war recently escalated, with Captown, Syria and Guerrier trading hands to the Totes and then back to the Caps. It is rumoured that West Dock and Totetown were also cleaned out of Party Droids, but as no permanent presence of Cap forces is present in Totetown, that rumour must stay unconfirmed. In unrelated news, Squid attacks seem to be up recently, with at least one squid making it's way into West Dock.
Last week, members of the Shore Patrol, Guerrier Family, and Totalitarian Party witnessed Graf Free Company droids invade Genetica. The invading forces were defeated quickly by joint forces of the witnesses. Captain Graf has denied that these droids were acting under his orders and has offered a 5 million oxy reward for the capture of the one responsible for framing his company. The droids did belong to the Graf Free Company faction; however, the vehicles they arrived in were standard-issue Mercenary Guild and thus did not have a record of the original owner.
While the invasion of Genetica was occurring, spiders attacked and captured Zion for a short time. The Graf Free Company acted quickly and removed the invaders.
The Totalitarian Regime invaded CapTown, Guerrier, and Syria on July 21, 2115. The forces were led by Premier Calisto, and, newly promoted, Admiral Kliv. Defensive forces stationed by the Graf Free Company were unable to withstand any of the attacks without their captain.
The Atlantis Patriot and Soldier of Fortune editions include:
The Graf Free Company is expected to liberate the capture ports without much difficulty. The Capitalist Alliance is safe and secure.
The Atlantis Times edition includes:
The Party has won a glorious victory! Our worker's paradise is near at hand! We may be nearing an end to our war for peace!
Mystery
Produced by Cloud Strifer.
Earlier this year, the young company owner Sephiroth was killed by Marti trying to escape a crime scene, or was he? I've gotten some information from sources I cannot reveal that state Marti killed Sephiroth; so that, Renkek could live in peace, and Marti could get paid millions from the Defense Council funds and armies of highly trained droids to destroy the Regents and gain power over the whole world.
Before this all happened, Sephiroth killed Smith and Ilidio the Guerrier Inc. king. (I'm glad that filthy pig is gone.) My resources stated that Renkek asked Sephiroth to kill Ilidio for his postion and to kill Smith; so, the murder wouldn't leak to him.
Now to when Marti killed Sephiroth, my resources caught Renkek speaking to Marti on an radio channel telling him to kill Sephiroth for unknown reasons. I'm guessing that in the future the Regents will have a problem with Renkek and Marti.
This report was conducted by Cloud Strifer and the information by "A Friend of the Party".
Droid technology has often been a source of conflict in Atlantis history. From the attempted military coup led by the original droid tycoon, Lefty, to the droid skirmishes constantly waged between the Capitalists and Totalitarians. At an early stage in Atlantis history, several ambitious entrepenuers from Atlantis decided that one research port was not enough. Among these relatively unknown pioneers was a man named Deremus Weil.
Deremus' vision was realized with the construction of what he named the Twin Ports - Dark Moon and Tempest. Originally, Tempest was planned as a commercial port and Dark Moon was designed for research and development. In a short time, development at Dark Moon created several significant breakthroughs due to outside technology gathered by Deremus, who became the creator of the fledgling Dark Moon Cybernetics department. This enabled the first droid construction outside Atlantis to be open to the public.
The breakthroughs of Dark Moon did not end there. Soon, a brilliant scientist from Genetica Research named Sam joined the Dark Moon team after Deremus offered him a place to conduct experiments without resriction. There, with Sam as lead scientist, Dark Moon announced the completion of their first prototype all sentient droid. Upon completion of it's droid project, Dark Moon continued to grow, but turned it's focus to Cybernetics, forming the official Dark Moon Cybernetics company.
Deremus, for unknown reasons retired and disappeared, leaving his company to the care of one Esprit D'amorce. Esprit would eventually become a Dean of Economics, but disappeared shortly therafter. After Esprit, Dark Moon Cybernetics shifted it's development completely to cyber research, abandoning their sentient droid development after running into several legal conflicts. The company was run by many CEO's in a relatively short time, in the process losing it's market dominance. Eventually, the Board of Regents invested in Dark Moon Cybernetics and took over ownership.
Recently, the original founder, Deremus Weil, has reappeared and purchased DMC from the Board.
Several recent deaths have led to a reorganization of the Defense Council. After a protracted election battle following King Ilidio's death, Councilor Renkek managed to get himself and Councilor Ayos elected to the Council in the place of the Ragnarok members. Concurrently, former Councilor and Ragnarok Inc owner Sephiroth was reported as shot while attempting to escape the Shore Patrol on a charge of Excessive Combat Droids.
In related moves, it is rumoured that Renkek is now King Renkek of the Guerrier, while Ayos was elevated to the title of Prince.
The new Defense Council revoked the transfer of Syria Port to Ragnarok and finalized the sale of Guerrier Inc, Ragnarok Inc and Amue from the Defense Council to King Renkek. They also paid for the DC contract with the Graf Free Company for several months using General Products as the payment.
Unnamed sources point to the emergence of the new company Ragnarok Inc. as a recent destabalizing force within the Defense Council. Not only was the previous DC Chairman and King of the Guerrier, Ilidio, killed by the head of Ragnarok, but now two Ragnarok members have siezed control of a majority of the Defense Council seats.
A highly-placed Defense Council source indicated that the fight with Ilidio was over a dispute about DC finances. Specifically, millions of Oxy missing from the DC accounts.
Shortly after assuming control, the Ragnarok Councilors transferred title for Syria Port from the Capitalist Alliance and the Defense Council to be now owned by Ragnarok Inc.
They apparently closed Syria Port to the public, Commander Sephiroth declaring on the radio that "No one enter syria port accept the faction of C:Ragnarok, Droids will attack". However, shortly afterwards he declared it open to the public.
