Update 0
2212 CE
On December 27, 2212 deep within a labyrinth of offices, a nameless bureaucrat did what nameless bureaucrats are paid to do, stamp the piece of paper that came across his desk and send it to someone else to do whatever it was that they did. It may surprise some to find out that even now, with all the technological advancements we have experienced, something so archaic still took place. Bureaucrats, however, were noted for being archaic, especially bureaucrats of the nameless variety. Eventually this piece of paper made its way down various corridors, finally breaking free entirely of the labyrinth to reach the light of day.
Planet 573412c, called Ares has been opened up per Protocol 321.45.1 for a limited war to determine colonial boundaries. Interested parties should fill out form A67D with Interplanetary Oversight Agency.
The announcement of another planet opening for colonization brought an immediate reaction in the corporate community. Exactly 1.32 seconds after the announcement was made, Black Inc. had already filed its paperwork. Feeling that no one would take them seriously because of their racial background, Black Inc. had determined that Ares would be the stage where they would show the corporate world that they were a force to be reckoned with. As a result they sent Malcolm King Jr., the son of their CEO Malcolm King, to oversee their Ares investment and pledged that the success of the Ares colony would be a top priority of the corporation (+1 eco spending point for next turn).
The eagerness of Black Inc. didnt dissuade other corporations from throwing their hat into the brewing limited war. In fact, truth be told, most corporations didnt even care, viewing Black Inc. as a brash upstart that would soon learn its place in the harsh realities of a limited war. One of the companies that thought this was A.C.E. A.C.E. is, as all business watchers know, one of the most ruthless companies around, victor of several bitter limited wars that forced a couple of their competitors to declare bankruptcy and fold. A.C.E.s executives are boldly predicting another such victory on Ares, and are backing up their boasts with actions (+5 heavy tanks).
A.C.E., however, wasnt the only big-gun company setting their sights on controlling Ares. Though their public image is one of cute cartoon characters and campy music, DPB is not a joke. As rival corporations have found out to their dismay, the public image is only the silk glove that conceals the iron fist beneath. Rather quietly, DPB has shipped quite a few fighter/bombers to bolster their air force on Ares, and kids, they dont drop cartoon bombs (+5 fighter/bombers).
If their dream is to rule the skies of Ares, DPB is going to have some competition. It is said that you must never trust Germans, and though there was no such thing as a Germany anymore, the ThyssenKrupp AG, proves that it is still good advice. With their combination of heavy industry and aerospace technology, theyve perfected a modern day blitzkrieg spearhead by their feared
Panzerkampfwagen, which ThyssenKrupp is ensuring their forces are well supplied with (+5
Panzerkampfwagen).
Drexler and Merkle is another captain of industry that is eyeing Ares. Already theyve been brashly demanding the surrender of other companies on Ares, a move which hasnt won them many friends. Of course, since there are no friends on Ares among the companies, perhaps there moves havent been all that harmful. Just on the off chance that other companies dont surrender immediately, theyve been stockpiling their famed Nanotanks (+5 nanotanks).
Not all companies are so warlike. However, just because they arent so overtly violent doesnt make them weak, as enemies of the Central Intelligence Corporation have found out to their dismay. If knowledge is truly power, than the CIC is one of the most powerful corporations in existence. Already they have started building an excellent network of spies on Ares (+1 eco into construction of Intelligence Center Level 2).
Another peaceful corporation is the famous Dar al-Allah Inc. Though the majority of religious companies have adopted a watered-down, pro-capitalist televangelist Christianity, Dar al-Allah used charismatic Muslim clerics to tap into the still formidable numbers of practicing Muslims. This religious force is then turned into making money for the family business of the sheikh-run company, a family business which is the business of well, making money. Under the leadership of Sheikh Hamad Bin Tamim Al-Thani, a second tier prince of the Qatari al-Thani dynasty, Dar al-Allah Inc. is already well under way in its goal of making as much money possible as quickly as possible (+1 eco into construction of Bank Level 1).
Speaking of watered-down, pro-capitalist televangelist Christianity, Dar al-Allah Inc. had the unfortunate luck in having one start a colony right next to their own, the United Church. Led by self proclaimed Apostle Cardale, the United Church is intent upon overrunning Ares with their theocratic consumerism. Meanwhile, Cardale seems intent on proving that religion can enflame as well as sooth as his fiery preaching has prompted many to join his Crusaders (+1000 Crusaders).
The United Church is joined on Ares by another peddler of religious wares, Christo-Berkshire-Hathaway Company Inc. Theres not much to say about them, really. They are just like every other church around, followers of a charismatic preacher, in this case Billy Warren Graham-Buffet the 16th, who preaches health and wealth. They do, however, have some weird fetish for guns, with Graham-Buffet frequently seen preaching cradling a high powered energy rifle. His example has inspired many of his followers to a similar love, frequently cumulating to cries of Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition! (+1 eco into construction of Barracks Level 1).
Last, but certainly not least, a rather queer company called Sea Dog has claimed the inner-most island. Colorful may be the best word to describe this company, which specializes in 16th century artifacts and reconstructions, specifically 16th century pirate artifacts and reconstructions. It would almost be a joke were it not for the fact that the companies research and development wing is among the best in the business. After all, while strange poor people are called crazy and locked up, strange rich people are called eccentric and admired. By any account, Sea Dog is eccentric, though granted a very militarized eccentric (+1000 Marines).
NPC Diplomacy
To: Aura
From: Drexler and Merkle
Surrender to us now and we may let you keep your outpost on Ares.
To: Aura
From: Sea Dog
We see ye have run afoul of those scurvy dogs at Drexler. For a mere 3000 doubloons (thats 3 eco points for ye landlubbers) wed be willin to make dem walk de plank.
To: Dar al-Allah
From: United Church
There are many things that God hates, such as homosexuals, liberals, commies, and unbelievers like you. Convert now or die.
OOC
Update 1 is Thursday, 10th. Since I am hoping to update as I get orders, the sooner you send them in, the better your section of the update will be.
Stats are in the process of being PMed, if you don't get your stats PMed to you within the next few minutes, let me know.
I was very generous with bonuses this turn because starting next turn things are going to go to quickly spiral downward. You have been warned.
New players are still welcome. They will be given a small competitive bonus to make sure they're not completely burried. They are also welcome to take one of the NPC's.
Considering I still intend to run that idea (or some form of it) this will serve as an interesting... observation, however.
