The lancer

Accepted.

That's good, but it still wouldn't explain how an experiment that couldn't speak got promoted to a research position without any actual knowledge except for what they picked up from observing other scientists.

Hi. Unfortunately, this application is very lacklustre. You also seem to be a very new player, having only played a few rounds so far. I recommend playing a bit more on the Aurora before reapplying.

These answers are too short, "They changed their identity through illegal back-channels. They met plenty of unsavory figures while in hiding." doesn't tell me much about their storyline, what they did and how it shaped them. If you'd like to make a character that's largely cut off from the world and focused on their studies, you should first apply with one whose story shows that you understand how IPC are treated in the world, their hurdles with being legalised after running away, as well as how dangerous it is for them to run in the first place. With that in mind, you should probably think of a new character, or greatly expand the backstory to include more story that explains how they made it to where they are. As for the names, these are better, yes, though I would avoid going all capital letters for longer names. I'm going to deny this for now, but you're free to apply again in three days.

Hello and thanks for applying. Can you expand a bit about the IPC's experiences, how they shaped them and their mindset, as well as a bit more on their treatment by the research staff? Why would zeng hu promote them to a research role without the necessary knowledge? While positronics are able to learn new things through experience, it's very unlikely that they'd be trusted with dangerous research work based solely on what they've picked up from other scientists.

Supreme Court Rules Phoenixport Acquisition Illegal A series of legal battles waged by corporate mogul and CEO of NanoTrasen, Miranda Trasen, against the domination of Einstein Engines in the city of Phoenixport, came to a spectacular closure today, with the nine judges of the Supreme Court of Appeals ruling against the solarian megacorporation. A 5-4 vote concluded that the takeover of Republic Interstellar Flight Incorporated, a now recognised shell company set up by Einstein Engines to win the bidding and seize Phoenixport’s corporate assets, was a calculated move to bypass regulations limiting Sol-based companies in the bidding process, and was thus ultimately illegal. This decision comes after months of sealed court sessions, appeals and lobbying as Einstein Engines vied to defend its holdings and dominating influence in the once NanoTrasen-dominated city, the first territory in the Republic with a major influence by a foreign company. The court subsequently ordered that Republic Interstellar Flight Incorporated be released and dismantled, with all corporate assets set up for a new round of auctions, offering no compensation. “A fair ruling, showing our justice system is still a stalwart defender of our Republic’s laws” Commented Mori Takachika, NanoTrasen’s Chief Legal Director on her way down the courthouse’s steps, accompanied by a team of forty six lawyers and legal secretaries. Einstein Engines’ chief legal representative in Biesel Li Dejiang and his team followed after, filing out in an orderly fashion towards the camera crews. The city has been under Einstein Engines’ hegemony since late 2462, creating a substantial rift between them and the other interstellar megacorporations that dominate the Republic of Biesel. The results of the hostile takeover bled into the lives of ordinary citizens who found themselves questioned, prodded and subsequently unemployed had they not conformed to the Einstein Engines’ corporate ideals. NanoTrasen matched the actions of Einstein Engines with reports of checkpoints, arbitrary dismissals and asphyxiating corporate monitoring of personal lives. The ruling has brought with it a dive in the price of Einstein Engines’ shares in the Unity Station Stock Market.

What did the character do during its years in the Trinary? How did it shape them and what were their struggles with being sent to D14 on their own? I'd like to see this part of their life expanded a bit, and their contact with humans. 16 years is a lot of time for an IPC. How did they change their identity considering they were essentially a runaway? Also Mecca may not be the best name. I'd suggest you come up with a new one that is associated with the Trinary Perfection.

Yes, unfortunately. You need to reapply and flesh out the character a lot more.

Thanks for replying, unfortunately we have to deny this application. The issue with the application currently is that it doesn't adequately tell us about CARE-139/Henry 2's experiences, for example: - It doesn't touch on how the treatment of IPC on Xanu or the Orion Spur in general affect Henry. - The backstory should address how Henry-2 went from a caretaker position (and skillset) to a security skillset. Henry still would have required experience and reading literature/crime fiction/listening to stories would not have sufficed. - This idea could work if it modified a lot, but for the sake of the application, it might be safer to re-apply with a character that shows understanding of the treatment of IPCs in the Spur, how they progress in their career, and how they behave/what their personality is.

The two orion crewmembers were not part of the Horizon staff, they were an off-ship ghost role that came on the Horizon. From the interviews, D'Jar explained that they threw their IDs, proclaiming they quit their jobs and went to the crew lift area. They went to the green console, as I told you, not the autodrobe, and pulled out clothes of crew that had already left the round. This constituted stealing in the eyes of D'Jar, and I concur. He then said he chased them around, and received two medical jumpsuits from the First Responder. The plan was to get them to leave the stolen clothes, and wear the medical jumpsuits instead. They then came to the bar, where the altercation between D'Jar and Cortes (ryder's character) followed. He told me Cortes took the clothes and he hopped the bar to get them back. Cortes didn't know these were off-ship ghost roles and thought they were actual Horizon crew that D'Jar was ordering to change jobs. The situation was eventually resolved after Cortes claiming that D'Jar was brandishing gear from his belt in an attempt to threaten her, a fact that D'Jar refuses. His word against Cortes', essentially. Some notes: You are allowed to lie in order to defend yourself in an IR. Witnesses are not allowed to lie. CCIA don't check logs. That only happens when it's suspected that a witness is lying. IRs are an IC means to resolve disputes, not an OOC player complaint. I was as thorough as I could be. The orion crew that were listed were not Horizon characters and could not be interviewed. I am in no obligation to interview secondary witnesses, but I nonetheless reached out to both and got an interview out of one, corroborating D'Jar's side of the story when it came to the origins of the Orion crew and how they took the clothes. Ryder and Cortes did not know the full extent of the situation both OOCly or ICly respectively. IRs are meant to be internal investigations and I was under no obligation to reveal what the conclusion was, since it did not concern Ryder's character. I nonetheless did share my findings OOCly, believing it could help clear up the situation. A security officer brandishing their gear during a tense situation is not something that isn't allowed or unheard of. They are a security force whose job is to enforce regulations, and in the eyes of D'Jar, Cortes was obstructing his work. I could not get any information of what happened inside the bar from the witness, other than a mention that D'Jar was flashing his badge. I don't have any IC means of knowing who did what, and even if D'Jar was brandishing his gear, I don't think I would take action on the matter. I did however inquire about it in all three of my interviews. Matt has access to all the interview logs. I don't have anything else to say.

Kaneyama Nuclear Power Plant Approved Suwon, Konyang Parliament has just approved the Kaneyama NPP, a proposed energy project and the first large infrastructural undertaking of independent Konyang. The vote was a close 151 for, 145 against and 4 abstentions, marking the end of polarised weeks of debate both in and out of parliament. The 8.7民 billion deal, pushed by the IPC-centred National Party, has divided the public and politicians over issues of cost, environmental protection and displacement of the local fishing community on the small island of Kaneyama in the Suwon prefecture. The plant’s construction will proceed with the advice and assistance of GON-ENE, while initial plans call for a staggeringly fast 1 year building period, another significant point of contention over the safety of the project. Attached is a segment from a broadcast of Matsumoto’s Talk and Walk in subtitled Sol Common, the famous IPC presenter interviewing Hiroto Kana, a staffer in the Suwon prefecture responsible for the sector that includes Kaneyama island. A public demonstration was organised and carried out in front of Parliament during the voting session, primarily by members of the fishing communities and various allies, protesting against the pollution of the nearby waters, as well as the dangers of potentially hasty construction. Large amounts of steel and other materials have already been ordered from abroad, while the four nuclear cores are to be provided by GON-ENE. GON-ENE is a public, recently incorporated Konyanger company created as a jointly controlled venture into power production between the government and Taipei Engineering Industrial, an Einstein Engines subsidiary.

TO: Sofia Valencia-Cortés, Bartender, SCCV Horizon FROM: TELECOM-088912, MOBFAX, NCV Ikon SUBJECT: RE: Incident Report -------------------- BODY: The investigation of this incident has concluded, and appropriate action has been taken for affected individuals. This matter will now be considered resolved. -------------------- DTG: 27-09:14:TAU CETI STANDARD-04-2464

Ares Operational, Providence Accords Signed Providence, Orepit A day of celebration swept through Providence as the enormous industrial drill “Ares” was switched on, the excavation commencing with the help of third party contractors brought in from outside the planet. With the pipeline completed and guardian outposts installed along its length, the first hole is estimated to be dug without any major issues. The occupied territories in the north have been left with adequate supervision as Marshal Emmanuel of the order of Guardians and leader of the expedition set off for Providence. In a following announcement, it was revealed that the mayor had signed the Providence Accords, a list of treaties that establishes the Trinary Church’s overlordship over the human settlements through a new Bishopric of the Twenty Parishes, promising autonomy and untouched local traditions in line with Church laws. More importantly, freedom of religion was guaranteed for the locals, though conversions are increasing with a steady pace, seen by the locals as the primary means to more opportunities and support by the new authorities. The message of the drill’s operation and eventual unification of the planet has reached all major Trinary eparchies, with Ecclesiarch ARM-1DRIL ordering the ringing of bells throughout the day. While no new archbishop has been appointed yet for Tau Ceti, the ruling synod of priests have declared a week of festivities, ordering large amounts of spare IPC parts and tools for a Mendell-wide repair initiative for those in need.

TO: Sofia Valencia-Cortés, Bartender, SCCV Horizon FROM: TELECOM-088912, MOBFAX, NCV Ikon SUBJECT: RE: Incident Report -------------------- BODY: This is an automated message to inform you that an investigation has now been opened regarding your incident report, and assigned to CCIAA Maya Wilkins (the lancer). You may be contacted by the CCIAA for an interview, or you may contact them directly if you have any questions. -------------------- DTG: 18-10:36:TAU CETI STANDARD-04-2464 SIGN: Maya Wilkins

TO: Sofia Valencia-Cortés, Bartender, SCCV Horizon FROM: AMS, CCIAAMS, NTCC Odin SUBJECT: RE: Incident Report -------------------- BODY: This is an automated message to inform you that your incident report has been received and placed in a queue for the CCIA Division to review. If necessary, you will be contacted by a CCIA Agent when an investigation begins. -------------------- DTG: 18-10:25-TAU CETI STANDARD-04-2464 SIGN: CCIAAMS

Marshal Emmanuel Conquers Mormont Providence, Orepit The Trinary guardians have come across the town of Mormont after a day-long march, diverting to secure scattered villages and settlements along the way. The town stood on the river bank, surrounded by makeshift defences constructed out of wood, stone and ditches. The men from all the settlements had come together for a last stand, outnumbering the Trinary forces that had been depleted from the need to post garrisons along the way. In all, an estimated 300 human defenders stood against around 120 guardians, armed with melee weapons, slings and a few explosives. The order’s Marshal Emmanuel asked for talks, a request heeded by the mayor who stepped into the Trinary camp to meet with the Bishop-Militant. The battle reportedly lasted around half an hour, with any resistance collapsing soon after the first line of defence was routed. People hid in their homes as the Bishop-Militant entered the town square, declaring the annexation of the area and the overlordship of the Church. 32 positronics suffered permanent damage, while many more were left in need of repairs. We do not have casualty figures from the settlers’ side. The seizing of Mormont signifies the end of the expedition, while Ecclesiarch ARM-1DRIL has announced an edict that incorporates the newly acquired settlements into twenty new parishes under temporary occupation as the pipeline’s construction will soon be arriving at the river.

Guardians Foil Ambush, Continue North Providence, Orepit After a ceaseless march during the night, Trinary forces crossed into the lush zone at sunrise. The first settlement in their path was reached two hours later with the Marshal once again assembling the population to ask about the local water source. The village was a lot greener than Piccadilly, according to the Providence Gazette, indicating that a significant body of water would be situated nearby. To the surprise of the Bishop-Militant, the locals were cooperative and not only showed him the nearby ponds, but also revealed the direction to the largest river running through the settlements. Following the foiled ambush, the force reportedly returned to the village. The Bishop-Militant ordered that new wheels be built and attached to the large capacitor taken from the truck, forcing the captives as well as the village elder to accompany them while pulling the heavy battery along the way with ropes. Having set off once more with real directions, it is expected that they soon reach the largest settlement of Mormont, situated directly on the banks of the river.

Guardians March North Providence, Orepit. Movements have been reported as a unit of around two hundred battery-fit Guardians, headed by Marshal “Emmanuel” have departed Providence yesterday at sundown. The operation seems to have been planned during the past week, with the Bishop-Militant receiving orders by the Ecclesiarch to march north past the excavation site. Accompanying the force is a motorcade of nine capacitor trucks, recently purchased and charged with enough power to serve their needs for a month, the Marshal’s own motorcycle carriage as well as a number of Church-vetted journalists. From what we see, the objective of the expedition is a thinly veiled attempt at gunboat diplomacy in an attempt to persuade the settlers into surrendering the water sources for the pipeline, a project which the Trinary Ecclesiarch has personally pushed for since their assumption of power. Contact with the first settlement of Piccadilly was reported today, around 150 kilometres from the excavation site, just before the lush zone. The settlement of around sixty humans received Emmanuel with contempt, barricading their homes and windows upon the arrival of Trinary troops. The Bishop-Militant then ordered the people to assemble in the central square, asking where their water reserves were. No surface water was present, the locals using wells instead, prompting the Guardians to set off north after installing a garrison and occupying Piccadilly with minimal resistance.

Orepit Drilling To Start Anew Providence, Orepit. The mining equipment abandoned on Orepit from a bygone era has now been put to use again, the necessary repairs having been started soon after Ecclesiarch ARM-1DRIL’s ascension to power. Various parts have been imported from independent and private sources within the Coalition and abroad in order to make the necessary repairs, themselves from Hephaestus machinery left defunct in mining colonies. Trinary artificers have been focusing on the enormous mining drill by the name of “Ares”, responsible for the large holes dotting the surrounding areas of Providence. This initiative comes after the need for self sufficiency, as proclaimed by the Ecclesiarch in one of their many discussions with the Church’s staff and clerical leadership, in order to fulfil Orepit’s original purpose as an exporter of minerals and bolster its wealth. This has been deemed especially crucial in light of new reforms that require a significant amount of funding. Experts hold an optimistic view that the new excavation sites will yield significantly more ore than Hephaestus’ previous attempts, citing newer and more accurate deep-crust scanning technology. Local contractors have already completed scanning of the proposed sites, offering promising results according to a press release from Providence. However, questions arise for the quantities of water needed to operate the Ares’ cooling mechanisms. Water was initially pumped out from the ground, using deep wells to access the underground streams. Since then,the larger ones have collapsed under the test of time, leaving little choice but to draft plans for a pipeline between the excavation site and the water sources in the so-called “lush zones”, where the original human settlers still reside. Church emissaries have been sent, though any proposals have so far been turned down, sparking concerns for the viability of the project. Nevertheless, the parts have been ordered and paid for, while construction work is to begin as soon as possible.

Trinary Ecclesiarch Reforms Clergy Providence, Orepit. News from Providence indicates a potentially significant change in the workings of the Trinary church, a press release having confirmed substantial reforms concerning the employment, authority and titles of priests and clergy. A new set of directives has already been sent to the main centres of Trinary presence in the Spur, detailing the setup of committees for the examination of priests, chaired by officiaries sent directly from Orepit. Further details have revealed plans for a modest salary in an attempt to limit the need for multiple jobs, as well as rudimentary funding for the various churches as a whole. Part of the reforms is also the status of auxiliary personnel, placing archivists and roboticists under the jurisdiction of priests. Guardians however, are to receive a complete overhaul and be placed under the direct authority of Providence. If carried out, many feel these changes will propel the Trinary Perfection’s capabilities in matters of defence, while the legality of a religious and centralised military force in Tau Ceti space has been called into question, especially following reports of secret smugglings of arms and munitions as part of a new, standardised kit.

This IP has been acquired by BitByte.

Accepted, sorry for the wait.

Hi, thank you for your application, but we will not going forward with it. It seems like too much of an expansion for a people with miniscule impact in the lore, while I am also unwilling to introduce a new faction to Burzsia as of now.

Chaos in Providence, Casualties Reported! The day following the election of the Trinary Perfection’s Ecclesiarch has seen rapid developments as early in the morning, bands of torch-bearing IPC affiliated with the rogue hardliner Deluge have taken to the streets of Providence in an effort to overpower guardian posts and stations, as well as a number of churches throughout the settlement in what appears to have been an attempted coup d’etat. The conspirators are estimated to have been in the low hundreds, composed mostly of bands of synthetics from the local population after days of preaching and radicalisation by the Exclusionist sect of Deluge and their following. The attack was repelled after fierce skirmishes between guardians and the riotous mobs, the first of their kind in the otherwise peaceful town of Providence. Casualties on both sides remained low, owing primarily to the robust nature of synthetics and the absence of ion weaponry on the planet. Deluge was not seen in the fighting, having retreated to the shuttleport with a company of a hundred synthetics, their numbers overwhelming the guardians in the flat terrain and assuming control of all docked vessels, including bishop Shamfar’s personal shuttle with them inside. The news of hostages spread quickly after control had been restored in Providence, the Ecclesiarch ordering a tactical retrieval of the hostages which was ultimately, and tragically, unsuccessful. During the next hours, ill-trained guardians engaged in firefights across the shuttleport, prompting retaliation as many hostages were executed. Undeterred, the guardians approached and engaged the bishop’s vessel, pushing back the exclusionists and threatening its capture. Unwilling to allow it, the exclusionist crew overcharged the engines, causing a spectacular and lethal explosion, leading to the demise of everyone on board. Following the explosion, the remaining hijacked vessels would finally take off, exiting the planet’s orbit and retreating into Coalition space. It is believed that Deluge remains fully operational in their newly acquired flotilla, moving to join up with the rest of their assets in an unknown location. The destruction of bishop Shamfar and the insurrection staged by Deluge has sparked outrage both on Orepit and abroad, with Ecclesiarch ARM-1DRIL vowing to avenge the murders and destruction brought upon Providence. President Dorn has yet to comment, while many members of the Trinary in Mendell City lament the loss of their bishop. There haven’t been any restrictions on the so called Exclusionist sect in Tau Ceti as of now, though many reports have emerged of their members being hunted down and harassed. A statement from the MCPD read that they will “guard the safety of all persons and their property in the city”, while police presence in District 14 has increased. A wake is planned to be held tonight in memory of Shamfar, while their positronic has been retrieved and will be interred in the Cathedral of the Positronic.

Trinary Conclave Concludes, ARM-1DRIL Prevails After days of intense deliberation, the gathering of priests and prelates in Providence, Orepit, has finally concluded. Talks had already determined the intent to elect a primate for the Trinary Perfection and many rounds of debates and discussions between the candidates would follow, culminating in ARM-1DRIL achieving a two-thirds majority over their principal rival and Mendell City prelate, Shamfar. The news was announced with bells ringing throughout the settlement, while crowds of assembled faithful remained waiting at the steps of the Cathedral of the Positronic to receive their new head of faith. ARM-1DRIL was then soon revealed to the masses, emerging into the courtyard as microphones were hastily assembled to their presence. “I have been elected by my peers to lead our religion and people into a new age. I declare myself Ecclesiarch of the Trinary Perfection, and send word of peace and good will to all our communities, wherever they may be, that they accept the outcome of this council and unite under one roof.” The frugal speech was broadcast throughout the planet, followed by a wave of cheerful pinging and deep prayer alike. The newly elected Ecclesiarch and their retinue then retreated into the temple as the rest of the assembled clergy were filed out from a side-exit into a secondary courtyard. As a first course of action, it has been confirmed that emissaries will be dispatched to more remote Trinary hotspots, while it is said that everyone present has affirmed their allegiance to the new leadership. How well this is going to be received by the various communities however, remains to be seen. However, it is clear that not everyone was thrilled with the outcome. Bishop Shamfar was seen rushing to the makeshift shuttleport to board their vessel with their followers, refusing to offer any comment. Furthermore, rapid developments saw exclusionist Deluge and their hardliner supporters rallying a surprising level of support amongst the synthetic populace, causing disturbances and clashes with local guardians. Deluge themselves has refused to comment. It is expected that the participants will depart back to their homes in a few days' time, remaining in Providence following an order from the new Ecclesiarch for further meetings in regards to new measures.