Turn 10 - 2183-10
Faith
Some idea of what I'm doing.
- Location
- Land of Waves and Warmth
===
"Administrator Zannis," the turian begins, a little more warmly than he did last time you spoke.
"Chairman Laekus."
"I hope a lack of complaints about your new secretary is a good thing?"
"Absolutely, sir. Miss Kioka has already proven valuable, and I look forward to continuing to work with her."
"Glad to hear it. Can you believe she was planning on retiring? Too much talent to let go to waste, so I'm glad she's found a use with you. Now, to business.
"I've received your third-quarter report. I admit, I'm impressed. Even discounting the budget freed up by relocating everyone to the new Corporate Spire, the profit figures are above where we wanted them and still trending upwards. None of the executives are concerned about your performance and the mood amongst the corporate liaisons seems generally high. We're receiving little in the way of complaints, and they're not that much worse than we'd have expected to hear anyway.
"Further, the Kaskadan Syndicate have so far been amicable to developments, and don't seem particularly concerned about their present lack of representation on my board. So long as you continue to avoid any disruptive favouritism, I expect we'll see additional foreign groups looking to establish operations on Noveria in future. Executive Veers has indicated that Binary Helix may be looking to return to Noveria shortly, as well. If we get confirmation on that, we'll pass it through to you immediately.
"Now, Administrator - obviously, we're drawing to the close of your Contract. We'll be beginning more in-depth reviews of your performance starting next month, and considering options for moving forward into the new year. Rest assured, you'll be informed before the end of your tenure whether or not we're planning on offering you a renewal - and, given the current state of the Executives Board, I'm sure a renewal would go through without complaints. But, as a precaution, I would advise cleaning up any loose ends."
"Understood, Chairman."
"I had reservations about bringing you in on this role, Zannis, but you've exceeded all expectations. Keep up the good work. Laekus, out."
===
You're not sure if it's a stroke of luck or Kioka's interference, but even the more negative reports that cross your desk as the new month starts tend to be a little more tempered.
Astra Financial is agitating over the lack of results from the investigation into the sabotage at their office, apparently tiring of the platitudes of the ERCS investigators. Proof that you performed full investigations into potential suspects within the NDC itself has brought you some time, however.
Meanwhile, the Ahial Syndicate's calls for revisions to Port Hanshan's firearms regulations have continued, and whilst Abec have not publicly supported the motion, they have made inquiries to your office regarding changes that may streamline their new manufacturing operations on-world.
===
"Creator Nil'Zannis," your VI says, one fine if slightly cold morning as you pore over your rental reports. "One priority news article has been published by Citadel News Network. It matches the following high-priority tags: geth, Saren. Would you like to listen to the article?"
You put your drawing tablet down and wave for your VI to continue. It hums in response and a female voice begins playing through your speakers.
"Early yesterday morning, geth forces made an incredible and inexplicable attack on the heart of the galactic community. The Citadel found itself under siege for the first time since the Krogan Rebellions, as a large geth fleet, including an enormous super-dreadnought, emerged from the Serpent Nebula and engaged Citadel defenders.
"The Citadel Defence Fleet, and several Human Alliance fleets, were eventually able to destroy the geth invaders, but not before the super-dreadnought docked with the Citadel, disgorging legions of geth troopers onto the station, led by ex-Spectre Saren Arterius. The fighting, in space and on the ground, has caused massive amounts of damage across the Citadel.
"Lieutenant Commander Jane Shepard of the Human Alliance, the first human Spectre, led a counterattack on the geth as they invaded the Presidium, reportedly killing Saren personally. Despite Saren's death, many geth remain on the station, and C-Sec are urging residents to stay inside unless they are at immediate risk.
"The goals of the rogue Spectre, and what he hoped to accomplish with this attack on the Citadel, are still unknown. Council representatives have refused to comment, but Spectre Shepard has alleged that both Saren and the geth were merely servants of entities called 'Reapers', who she claims were responsible for the extinction of the protheans fifty thousand years ago. The Citadel Council has dismissed these claims.
"Despite this disagreement, in recognition of the sacrifices of the Alliance Fleet, and the actions of Spectre Shepard, the Citadel Council has offered humanity the chance to join their ranks. Human Ambassador Donnel Udina is expected to officially join the Council in a ceremony at the end of the month - with much of the Presidium in ruins, the location of that ceremony is still to be determined.
"Ambassadors representing the Volus and the Hanar, as well as the Batarian Hegemony, have denounced the Council's offer, claiming it shows unfair and undeserved generosity to the galactic newcomers.
"This has been Emra Tos'ele, with the Citadel News Network."
You sink back into your chair and let out a deep, deep sigh.
===
Resources Banked: 31
Resource Income: 240 - 10 (Favour) + 25 (Refund) = 255
Total Resources Available: 31 + 255 = 286
Cargo Capacity: +18 (Massive Surplus)
Network Capacity: +22 (Massive Surplus)
Power Capacity: +5 (Minor Surplus)
Housing Capacity: +17 (Massive Surplus)
Executive Support: 75
| Corp | Profit | Funding | Favour |
| NDC | 52 | 52 | n/a |
| Port Hanshan | 6 | 6 | n/a |
| Tevura Media Group | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Synthetic Insights | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Sannovi Industrial | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Noveria Now | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Narhu Combine | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Abec Territorial Ordinance | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Kaskadan Syndicate | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Elanus Risk Control Services | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Korten Machines | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Jaeto Investigations | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Hassan Atomics | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Tiber Extraction And Refining | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| The Preni Group | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Solemni & Olde | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Long Winter Studios | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Kantor Robotics | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Itavan Skyworks | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Dora'vua Cyber Systems | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Domain Ecological Services | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Baria Frontiers | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Nezo Aerospace | 2 | 1 | -1 |
| Astra Finanical | 1 | 0 | -1 |
| Epherea Biomedical | 1 | 0 | -2 |
| Ahial Syndicate | 1 | 0 | -2 |
Quota Target: 80 >> 92 Profitability
Quota Progress: 16/12 ( 133% )
CONTRACT FULFILLED
Free Dice: 3
Facilities & Key Staff
Secretary Kioka: Once per turn, add +1F to any Corporation targeted by any action that turn
Heavy Industry (3D, +8 Bonus per roll)
[ ] Glacial Fusion Plant
Fuel-efficient and climate friendly, fusion power plants are the standard for developing and developed worlds across civilised space. By burying the fusion plant deep within Noveria's frozen glaciers, they and the limited radioactive waste they produce can be safely and securely contained away from more densely populated areas, and without ruining the view as more economical renewable generators would.
(Progress: 267/300 - 20 Resources per die) (+16 Power)
(Hassan Atomics: +1P, +1F)
[ ] Destructive Testing Range
For all the power and sophistication of computer modelling and simulations, it is difficult for them to surpass the level of realism of reality itself. But live testing, especially of vehicles and weapon systems, can often lead to significant damage. Little more than a series of hardened walls to contain blasts and stop speeding debris, dedicated destructive testing ranges give engineers a place to cut loose and put their prototypes through thorough testing without endangering their neighbours.
-[ ] Peak 12 (Progress: 0/150 - 10 Resources per die) (Abec Territorial Ordinance: +1P, +1F)
-[ ] Peak 22 (Progress: 0/150 - 10 Resources per die) (Kantor Robotics: +1P, +1F)
[ ] Secondary Artificial Biome Cluster Site
Before an artificial biome can be created, with its own atmosphere mixing stations and climate control systems, a container for that biome must be created. These facilities are, by necessity, relatively large, and as such require substantial land clearing. Additionally, Noveria's extreme temperatures necessitate a high degree of environmental hardening to ensure the artificial biome is not adversely affected by outside weather.
-[ ] Peak 11 (Progress: 215/250 - 15 Resources per die) (Domain Ecological Services: +1F)
-[ ] Peak 44 (Progress: 0/250 - 15 Resources per die) (The Preni Group: +1P, +1F)
[ ] Lower Hanshan Commercial Manufacturing
The majority of Noverian-manufactured consumer goods are novelty clothing, snow globes, winter-sports equipment, and snowbounders - goods appropriate for the holiday-goers and long-stay tourists common in the resort cities, but less appropriate for the corporate staff living full time on the planet. Creating local manufacturing for things like furniture, clothing, and home computer terminals would help cut living expenses in Port Hanshan - particularly for the city's small but growing labor, retail and service underclass.
UPDATE: Long Winter Studios, of all people, have thrown their support behind this project, citing difficulties in procuring more mundane props due to shipping and cargo handling fees.
(Progress: 0/300 - 15 Resources per die) (-5 ES) (-2 Cargo, -2 Housing)
(Long Winter Studios: +1F)
[ ] Lower Hanshan Platinum Refinery
With approval granted for development work on the Horuvak Valley Platinum Mine, Tiber has moved in to perform proper site surveys and establish their operations. Per the terms of the agreement, the construction and handling of the mine itself is entirely their problem. However, metal refining is not something you can or are willing to outsource, so that is something that must construct yourself. The Lower Hanshan sector would be an ideal place for such a thing, with easy access to the mine site and the spaceport, and far from the view of Port Hanshan's egotistical white-collar residents.
(Progress: 0/250 - 15 Resources per die) (-5 ES) (-8 Cargo, -2 Housing, -4 Power)
(Tiber Extraction And Refining: +2P, +1F)
Advanced Industry (3D, +15 Bonus per roll)
[ ] Dedicated Computation Cluster
Personal or desk scale computation and data storage devices are both cheap and widely accessible galaxy-wide. However, as has been the case for centuries, there is a cost to miniaturisation. Dedicated room-scale hardware has always had an advantage in processing speed and power, from antique server racks to modern quantum supercomputers. Installing some computation clusters within Port Hanshan's office complexes and renting them out could prove mutually beneficial.
-[ ] Astra Financial (Progress: 117/150 - 15 Resources per die) (-2 Power) (Astra Financial: +1P, +1F)
-[ ] Dora'vua Cyber Systems (Progress: 0/150 - 15 Resources per die) (-2 Power) (Dora'vua Cyber Systems: +1P, +1F)
-[ ] Itavan Skyworks (Progress: 0/150 - 15 Resources per die) (-2 Power) (Itavan Skyworks: +1P, +1F)
[ ] Prototyping Workshop
For all the power and sophistication of computer modelling and simulations, it is difficult for them to surpass the level of realism of reality itself. But producing prototypes only to find minor issues that require the reproduction of components or even the entire system is a source of constant frustration. Many designers prefer actual workshops, so that minor adjustments can be made swiftly and in direct response to problems that arise during the prototyping and testing phase without requiring constant digital redesigning.
-[ ] Peak 09 (Progress: 0/150 - 10 Resources per die) (Ahial Syndicate: +1P)
[ ] Peak 7 Vertical Farm
The keyle moss has a number of properties that makes it highly appealing as an ingredient in a variety of pharmacological products. Epherea Biomedical believes that recent advances in artificial environment technology would make it viable to grow the plant on-site, which would both save on import costs and potentially allow for greater stockpiles to devote to research.
(Progress: 0/150 - 10 Resources per die)
(Epherea Biomedical: +1P, +1F)
Infrastructure (3D, +25 Bonus per roll)
[ ] Expanded Distributed Windworks
Noveria's weather and the terrain of the Skadi Mountains means that there are many, many valleys near Port Hanshan suitable for the deployment of distributed wind farms. Cheap, dependable, and clean, they're an ideal source of power, and distributing generation across multiple areas has benefits of its own. With additional logistics lines laid out to Peak 12, the potential exists to roll out a few more turbines and eke a little more power from the wind.
(Progress: 0/100 - 15 Resources per die) (+4 Power)
[ ] Lower Hanshan Clinics
Though most of Lower Hanshan's reserved spaces are for stores, gyms, restaurants, and other commercial and retail services that should happily move along to fill the void of their own accord, healthcare is one service the NDC believes it is directly responsible for providing. Constructing a clinic operating under similar principles to the Hanshan Medical Centre above, and allowing Baria Frontiers to tag along, would help preempt any medical issues in the district and mend relations at the same time.
(Progress: 0/125 - 15 Resources per die) (+Port Hanshan Livability)
(Baria Frontiers: +1P, +1F)
[ ] Kaskadan Branch Office
The Kaskadan Syndicate have been running out of a small set of offices since their initial arrival, with just enough office staff to manage paychecks and orders for the Hanshan Processor and Microframe plant. The group is now looking to expand into a larger set of offices and use Noveria as a financial and administrative centre for operations throughout the Traverse, making use of generous corporate freedoms to dodge annoying Citadel taxes and fees.
(Progress: 0/125 - 15 Resources per die) (-2 Network, -1 Housing)
(Kaskadan Syndicate: +1P, +1F)
[ ] LWS Dedicated Media Link
Increasing network traffic, and the loss of the offsite auxiliary relay near their Peak 28 studio, have left Long Winter Studios facing longer and longer upload times over slower and more congested connections. They have requested a dedicated media link like those used by some of Port Hanshan's more data-focused customers to improve their network stability.
(Progress: 0/100 - 10 Resources per die) (-2 Network, -1 Power)
(Long Winter Studios: +1F)
Security (4D, +7 Bonus per roll)
[ ] Mandatory Audit (Targets 1 Corporation)
In addition to the physical security staff provided by ERCS, the NDC has access to a suite of in-house corporate assessors, auditors, and investigators, trained to dig out corruption, noncompliance, and assorted chicanery wherever it takes root. Sending them after a company ensures that the appropriate rental fees and taxes are being paid, promptly and without any shenanigans.
(Breakpoints: 20 / 60 - 5 Resources per die) (For six turns, negative corporate favour does not reduce income.) (Reduces risk of Corruption / Shenanigans)
(Target: -1F)
[ ] Corporate Defence Satellites
There are only a few major stations in Noveria's orbit. In addition to the standard comm buoys, that is. Itavan Skyworks and Narhu Combine maintain a starship service station, the Tevura Media Group runs an orbital hotel for the wealthy and influential, and of course the NDC Head Office is aboard the luxury station Profit's Retreat. Which means that there's plenty of room for the installation of defence satellites. The realities of space combat make actual dedicated combat stations impractical, but a satellite network armed with sensor arrays and GARDIAN laser batteries could provide security of the tripwire variety. The Executive Board believes this kind of development would be too far a divergence from their intended aesthetics, although they admit that, given recent events in the Traverse, it may be warranted.
(Progress: 128/250 - 35 Resources per die) (-10 ES)
[ ] Routine Emergency Drills
Prior negligence has made it clear to the NDC that not everyone on Noveria is taking their security as seriously as they should be, even if recent events caused them to shape up. Regular but unscheduled security drills should ensure that the various corporations continue to do their part in keeping everyone safe should the worst happen. Also, watching the corporate types scurry like rats when Matsuo lights a fire under their ass is kind of fun.
(Progress: 0/100 - 5 Resources per die)
[ ] Corporate Security Review (Targets 1 Corporation)
Whilst Port Hanshan can submit to standard security standards with minimal risk, the corporate facilities around Port Hanshan have far more specific risk vectors that must be addressed directly. ERCS professionals should be sent to perform detailed reviews and generate new security plans specific to the corporate client in question.
(Progress: 0/100 - 10 Resources per die) (May unlock Security Revision actions)
(Target: +1F)
Administration (4D, +10 Bonus per roll)
[ ] Internal Sweeping (Targets 1 Department)
The NDC may occupy a place of privilege on Noveria, but the fate of your all-too-recent predecessor is a reminder that it is not immune to corruption. With some help from the NDC's Internal Affairs division, you can sweep a department to search for embezzlement, ineptitude, nepotism, and other forms of corruption. It's unlikely that much, if any, corruption remains after Anoleis was removed - and any who escaped notice the first time are likely to be keeping their heads down low for a short while anyway - but it never hurts to check.
UPDATE: With your VI monitoring the networks for any sorts of mischief, identifying and monitoring corruption is much easier and much less likely to devolve into a tangled mess.
UPDATE: Your rapport with the Infrastructure department is such that, whether out of respect or genuine satisfaction with their current status, they will refuse to engage in meaningful corruption. The Infrastructure Department is not a valid target for this action.
(Breakpoints: 40 - Requires 1 Admin dice and 1 from Target department) (Remove corruption, other consequences unclear)
[ ] Firearm Regulation Revision
Port Hanshan maintains a strict policy of prohibiting possession of firearms or firearm components for all parties, with exceptions for on-duty security staff and, by decree of the Executive Board, Spectre agents of the Citadel Council. Though information about the geth attack on Noveria was widely suppressed, news of geth incursions across the Traverse continues to spread, and some are calling for weapon restrictions to be loosened to enable self-defence.
(Breakpoints: 30 - 5 Resources per die) (-5 ES) (Further options on completion)
[ ] Data Security Law Revision
Noveria was founded and built on the principle of privacy being paramount. By the terms of the colonial charter, all data is to be treated as the private and inviolate property of the responsible parties. Whilst this is obviously preferred by many of the corporations who have established operations, the deliberately sweeping law makes the personal data of individuals equally secure, which makes data harvesting, content targeting, and behavioural analysis relatively difficult.
(Breakpoints: 30 - 5 Resources per die) (-5 ES) (Further options on completion)
[ ] Recruitment Drive
By tapping into the vast corporate network the NDC has access to and making it known that opportunities exist, a number of skilled workers, white and blue collar both, can be brought to Noveria and slotted into the workforce. Additional hands will increase the amount of work a given department can do at one time, and with luck (and a big enough recruitment budget), you may be able to headhunt some of the best workers from around the galaxy to fill the ranks.
UPDATE: By leveraging his own reputation and contacts within the Migrant Fleet, Nil'Zannis may be able to attract quarian workers, allowing the NDC to benefit from their technical skills just as they benefit from the NDC's wealth and prestige.
(Breakpoints: 60 / 90 / ???)
-[ ] Heavy Industry (20 Resources per die) (+1 Heavy Industry Dice) (Chance for new trait)
-[ ] Advanced Industry (20 Resources per die) (+1 Advanced Industry Dice) (Chance for new trait)
-[ ] Infrastructure (20 Resources per die) (+1 Infrastructure Dice) (Chance for new trait)
-[ ] Security (20 Resources per die) (+1 Security Dice) (Chance for new trait)
-[ ] Administration (30 Resources per die) (+1 Administration Dice) (Chance for new trait)
-[ ] Quarians (15 Resources per die) (-15 ES) (Chance for new trait)
[ ] Make Amends (Targets 1 Corporation with Negative Favour)
Corporations who are otherwise reclatricant may be brought back into the fold - or rather, bought back into the fold, by the provision of NDC funding with minimal questions to support their expansions, boondoggles, or executive passion projects. Though committing to these projects may cause conflicts with existing plans, the chance to shore up relations with the corporations most unimpressed could be of value, particularly with the end of the Contract looming.
(Breakpoints: 40 / ???)
(Target: +2F) (Begins a Priority Project for Target)
[ ] Lease Renewal
After what was no doubt an incredibly intensive round of internal investigations and no small amount of scrutiny from the Citadel, Binary Helix has finally recovered from the Peak 15 disaster sufficiently to look into reopening their operations on Noveria. Peak 15 has been sitting empty and idle since they left, so getting it operational (and therefore profitable) again would be nice for your bottom line.
(Progress: 0/150 - 5 Resources per die) (-2 Housing)
(New Corporation: Binary Helix (+2P, +1F))
Other
[ ] Secretary Kioka
-[ ] Target
===
Hm, I sure hope 2 past-midnight updates in a row doesn't become a trend. Vote will open in uh, six or so hours? Let's go with that. Assuming I did this right, the correct time should show here:
This update brings us the official Fulfilment of the Contract, although we've still got this turn, and two more, until the Contract ends. Just a little extra time to suck up to the corporate overlords (and line your pockets, of course).
