March 3rd, 2118"And in the news the fighting has intensified in the conflict between the United States and the Latin Union over the ownership of Monsanto United. The fighting continues to be intense in Tucson, which erupted earlier this year into armed conflict. A runner team were able to infiltrate the city power grid, shutting down security systems across the city before launching a series of assaults on automated drone manufactories. The damage is said to be non-critical to the war effort, however the blackout led to a riot that has so far caused two hundred million kilocredits in damage to civilian properties."
"In local news, Akras stock price surged to 65 credits/share after a series of stunning successes."
The Akras logo shifted across the screen, then, a ship.
"First in the news, confirmation today of alien life in our universe, as the crew of the Starship Zarastro returned with sensor data detailing a battle with a four-dimensional life form. Though damage to the ship was extensive, these new sensor models have allowed the development of more advanced, four dimensional sensors, which promise not only to expand our understanding of the cosmos, but circumvent most known jamming systems, including faraday cages. The Zarastro's scans indicate valuable sources of rare earth minerals used in laser construction, and, with the war on Earth progressing, Akras Heavy Industries is poised to expand into weapons and military technology, supplying our astronauts and personnel the very best equipment the galaxy has to offer."
The Akras logo flew up from the corner of the screen, and spun again, then receded, settling on a new image.
"Excavation of the New Australia site continues after a successful mission to secure the surrounding area, promising a safe work environment for all of us here at Akras as we move into our new home. Bids are already being arranged for real estate in the rich atmosphere, which as yet has no pollution laws. Akras has announced that proceeds from these sales will go towards an alien research facility and preservation. Akras personnel were able to save a family of spiderbeetles during the construction process, who have since hatched in our medical bay. They'll be moving to a larger enclosure on New Australia as they grow. Now, for something really special, we've licensed this month's episode of 'Will it spiderbeetle!'"
The spiderbeetle logo spun, along with the signature jaunty light jazz music.
"Hey this is Ramone, head of biology at Akras Mars, and we have something very special for you, because last week, our team brought back some amazing, intact spiderbeetle eggs, and today, they've hatched. And it looks like... we've caught ourselves.."
The camera panned to a small, adorable infant spider beetle, with an extended abdomen. "A baby queen. First hatchling - I think that queens might hatch in the absense of certain pheremones. Anyway, science junk aside, this is Princess, and she'll be one of the new stars of the show, along with three brothers."
More tiny spiderbeetles wandered in the enclosure. Ramone continued. "So now.. what you've all been waiting for. Will! It! Spiderbeetle!"
Lights switched on, and a camera recorded the inside of a steel box. In picture in picture, you could see it lowering into the enclosure, the spiderbeetles circling and eyeing it slowly. Inside... a beautiful birthday cake.
The box fell open and a chorus of spiderbeetles leapt into the cake. The shot shifted to the pen-view, as the spiderbeetles leapt into the cake and it practically exploded, covering the window in a slosh of pastry and frosting. Another line of it struck like a bloodsmear, and the camera picked back up inside, showing happy spiderbeetles rolling in cake, making adorable happy noises as they ate and squirmed playfully.
The news show resumed with the anchorwoman laughing cheerfully. "Wasn't that a treat. This has been Akras News."
The show faded. The jobs board came up. It looked like Akras wasn't scheduling the next gate incursion for some time, giving people a chance to sign up, and enjoy some time to work on special projects. Beside the screen, crowds gathered in Vircardo for a class. Vigil and Ricardo found themselves with time again to reach out to their Russian contact.
Players may take a mini mission, or work on an invention, or a project related to a business during this time period, or just take down time.
Upcoming Mission: New Gate ExplorationApply now! Paying 5kc. The team will be expected to explore the castle on the far side, deploy an aerial survey drone, and complete and additional exploration objectives set based on those scans. Payment extensions upon negotiation if mission lasts beyond 2 months.
Jobs Board Sell Factory Space on New Australia
Type: Marketing
Description: Meet with representatives of manufacturing firm. Play host, present Akras Gate Program as fun and glamorous. Convince representatives that New Australia will be a safe and lucrative investment over a 3 day, 5-star holiday.
Pay: 1kc
Investigate Spiderbeetle Symbiote/Parasite
Type: Biology
Description: Analyze and genetically sequence DNA from samples collected on New Australia to determine the nature and origin of these creatures, and any useful chemical functions.
Pay: 0.5kc plus 10% of the sale value of your findings
Establish Laser Manufacturing Plant
Type: Engineering
Description: Travel to Sirius to oversee design of an Akras Model Laser Cannon, and automate it's construction.
Pay: 3kc
Author
Topic: Castle:Reboot [Headquarters] (Read 13497 times)