Camarilla Game ~ February 2007. Camarilla Game ~ February 2007.High Society, Media, Police, Underworld.
A spate of terrorist linked bombings across the city last month has placed further stress on The Constabulary. The bombings, which numbered six in total and left nearly twenty dead, are thought to be the work of terrorists from the former Balkan states - although this has not been confirmed due to the lack of suspects in custody. The targets included executives at two large-scale companies, two clubs and two private properties and The Constabulary are keen to determine whether there is a link between the targets. Funerals for those killed in the bombings have now been held.
Finance, Industry, Occult, Police, Politics.
Well, I can tell you what links at least four of the targets terrorists chose last month - money. They all had links back to a Switzerland Banking Conglomerate that is rumoured also to be the banker for a series of intelligence agencies fighting Balkan separatists. The terrorists have spent the last month targeting the properties of businesses funded by the bank in order to redirect this funding, and it is my guess that they are looking to score big soon and cause some serious damage. Of course, I have known about it for years and it is all detailed in my latest book, "How the West was lost to Godless Communism!" No, I am not crazy - hey! Put me down! ~ Crazed "Author", Newcastle Library.
High Society, Media. Police, Street.
I saw the first bomb go off - the one that hit the private residence above the store in Stoke. I am telling you, no one could have survived that, you could feel the heat off the blast from across the street and there was no warning that it was going to happen - one minute this van drives up and the next moment - Boom! People went crazy, running all over the place in case there was another explosion, total panic. I hear that the driver blew himself up, which definitely puts him in the crazy category. ~ Witness to the explosion is Stoke,
Bureaucracy, Media, Police, Politics, Transport.
Security at the nation's borders has been increased following a series of high profile terrorist attacks last month in a number of cities. Property and individuals in cities as far a field as London and Glasgow were targeted in a series of co-ordinated fire-bombings and explosions by what are believed to be Balkan Separatists acting against foreign funding originating in Britain. The blasts left nearly twenty dead in Stoke alone, with similar numbers of casualties in other cities as well. The nations "Threat Level" has been placed on its highest setting since 7/7, indicating that other attacks may be imminent.
Bureaucracy, Legal, Media, Police, Politics.
In addition to extra security at the nation's ports, intelligence agencies are rumoured to have placed a number of undercover agents in key hostels across the country to try to establish whether they are being used as accommodation / meeting places by would be terrorists. The move has drawn equal praise and condemnation as some elements of the media have complained that the authorities are trying to create a climate of fear ahead of new security policies. Of course, no one will comment on the issue officially - although it is rumoured that a number of politicians have been lobbying newspapers not to pour further fuel on the issue.
Street, Underworld.
Yeah - I have said it before and I will say it again, there is a lot of work out there if you can act professionally and do not care who pays. Many of the choicer jobs have started to go to "European contractors", but that is mainly because they have the trade skills necessary to do the job, not that the people behind these recent attacks are in any way professional - professionals do not go about bombing civilians indiscriminately as these did. No, however was behind these attacks was doing so for political reasons, although I am not sure what they are in particular.
Bureaucracy, Legal, Police, Politics.
The Constabulary has expressed its concerns that the city's criminal gangs are increasingly outsourcing work to European mercenaries and the fact that it is leading to an increased number of civilian casualties. In an effort to curb the trend, John Winters is considering asking local government to place tighter restrictions on the movement of Eastern Europeans across the city - and drawing considerable condemnation by a number of human rights groups. Winters is unperturbed by the criticism, commenting that he is only thinking of the good of the city's inhabitants rather than how the political left views him.
Media, Police.
Am I taking all of these Balkan Mercenaries employed by the city's gangs seriously? You had better believe it. As well as the training they have received in various conflicts around the globe, they are better armed and armoured as well. Previously when we received a call for an armed response we would begin with the non-lethal responses. These days I just reach for a box of hollow points because I know it is going to get pretty hairy, pretty quickly out there recently - nothing we can't handle, but you have to worry about the man on the street would do if confronted with a similar situation to what we are now routinely facing. ~ Armed Response Officer, The Constabulary.
Street, Underworld.
If you are looking for a potted history as to which was the first gang to start employing foreign mercenaries then you need to look back to before The Organisation came to power. Although many suspect that The Daughters of the Desert are behind the trend they can be discounted when you consider that they only selected members from ethnic minorities rather than contacted work out to them. No, a more likely candidate is the Sandernacht Group who were required to bring in professionals from outside of the city to deal with the problem. Many of these have since gone on to become full-time members of the gang, but ever since this time many gangs have continued to use mercenaries for work.
Finance, High Society, Industry, Legal, Media, Politics.
Following the death of its Director of Human Resources and a similar series of attacks against other properties it owns across the country, Reed Communications has announced that it is to downsize its investment in this and other cities and move to a more centralised European location in the near future. Whilst job losses are inevitable, Reed hopes to offset some of the sting by a series of early retirements - all generously funded by a number of matured financial policies designed to offset the burden on the taxpayer. Reed Communications has been a major employer in the city now for over eight years and has recently become a European concern. In a statement the companies Chief Director, Charles O'Brien stated that he wished to thank the city for all it had done for the company over the years and that this would not be the end of their involvement in the city.
Finance, Industry, Politics.
So what does the loss of Reed Communications as an employer in the city mean? Well firstly, it would be best to expect a short-term drop in share prices as investors worry whether other companies are going to follow suit. In addition, unions will try to use it to their advantage to gain a better employment rights for workers despite what has been described as a generous retirement package by Reed. Ultimately, it will depend on whether other large-scale industries decide to follow suit - and if they do, what severance packages they offer their employees.
Finance, High Society, Legal, Media.
With Reed seemingly out of the future picture what does this hold for the other media outlets in the city, many of which have traditionally relied upon it for support and business. Well, Reed is keen to point out that it is not leaving the city altogether and it has agreed to honour all of its current contracts until the end of their period. However many companies are nervous that the news could affect their credit ratings as nervous companies see the move as a lack of confidence in the city on the part of Reed. Whatever the outcome this news is likely to be a serious blow to a number of smaller companies.
Finance, Media, Politics.
Following the car bombing of employees of both Audax and Reed Communications and the subsequent withdrawal of the latter's assets from the city, economic analysts are now nervous that this could be the beginning of an economic downturn in the city's financial market. Others are keen to point out that it has survived greater problems before - including larger terrorist attacks - but the withdrawal of a major employer as a result is unprecedented. Interestingly, Reed is currently attempting to limit the damage caused by their decision, but too little avail. With the prospect of unemployment for many and the loss of further contracts, this could be the beginning of a difficult year for the city.
Bureaucracy, Finance, High Society, Legal, Politics.
Despite Reed's assurances and its recent economic injection into the city, local charitable group Scarlet has begun a major fundraising exercise designed to limit the impact of the company's decision. Other charitable organisations have also joined the cause, earmarking nearly a million pounds of funding for projects in the city. However, local government officials are looking to divert the money elsewhere - most notably into security - and lawyers for Scarlet have already sought to place limits on what the money can be used for.
Occult, Street.
Therefore, one of the big players is moving out of the city and the big question is "what does that mean for the man on the street?" Well, I am a man on the street and I will tell you what it means - more people to compete with when I am looking through your trash! You find all sorts of things in people's rubbish, some of it junk, some of it worth a pretty penny if you know who to sell it to as well. ~ Unidentified Loon, Hanley Bus Station.
Legal, Police, Politics.
Despite beefed up security at its offices, Audax is still on high alert after security agencies stated that it remained a high priority target for future terrorist attacks. Although no explanation has been forthcoming, it is believed that a subsidiary of Audax may well have been providing financial and legal support to governments within Eastern Europe and is thus seen as a legitimate target by terrorist groups active in that region. The Constabulary is reluctant to give further details of the nature of the impending attack, but have stated that one within the next month remains highly likely.
Bureaucracy, Legal, Police.
Based on previous attacks, I would say that whoever intends to target Audax next is probably intending to employ a large-scale chemical device or maybe even a dirty bomb - Audax does not rely on property to carry out its business, instead it needs people to run effectively. People are its most valuable resource and a lack of trained staff would create the greatest amount of disruption for the company. All we need to do now is figure out when the attack will happen and then do everything in our power to stop it.
Bureaucracy, Finance, Legal, Police, Politics.
In addition to increased security at their facilities, Audax are being asked to foot the bill for increased security costs at the courts as The Constabulary has been unable to rule out the possibility that the company's staff may also be attacked there. The request has proven controversial however with Audax complaining that the courts are merely attempting to finance the upgrading of their current security measures without recourse to asking local government for funding - something that both the courts and the council strongly deny. Audax has however agreed to provide its own private security guards for its staff when at court, but have so far declined to be drawn further on the matter.
High Society, Media, Police.
The two bars targeted in last months firebomb attacks remain closed to the public as investigators continue to search for forensic evidence that may help them determine who was behind the attacks. The attacks have provoked a drop in turnout at many of the city's bars as the public fear that there will be further attacks in the coming month. The Constabulary has increased the number of patrols in the two town centres but have secretly expressed concern that they may not be able to prevent future attacks.
Media, Police.
I was sitting in Mr. Redd's when it happened, two men came running out of the Men's Room with flaming bottles and started to throw them into the crowd - one girl got hit right in the face, I hear that she was one of the ones that died. Then panic set-in, everyone was clamouring to get to the exits and people were being pushed into the flames. My girlfriend and I held back for a minute until things began to clear and then made a run for it. But you could already see the bodies of those who had been caught and those are images that will stay with me for the rest of my life. ~ Witness to the firebombing at Mr. Redd's, Hanley.
Media, Police, Politics.
In a tearful statement to the assembled press, John Winters listed the names of those who had died as a result of the recent terrorist attacks in the city. In all thirty-five deaths have been attributed to the attacks, with the majority being victims as a result of the firebombing of the two bars. A further nineteen people remain in a critical condition as a result of burns sustained in the attacks. Winters has promised to bring those responsible for the attacks to justice, but it is rumoured that he is having difficulty in finding a suitable candidate to head the operation given his recent fall out with John Weide.
Bureaucracy, Finance, Police, Politics.
Are you trying to tell me that John Winters does not stand to benefit from these recent attacks by claiming that he needs extra funding to prevent more? Winters may be against corruption in the police force but that does not mean that he is not able to play the political game and a move like this would be right up his street - minimal risk to his own career and maximum exposure. Indeed, I would not be surprised if Winters did not try to launch a political career off the back of all of this.
Street, Underworld.
It's getting so that an honest villain can't do anything these days what with The Constabulary on every street corner and private security firms in the lobby of every building - why only last week Mickey was arrested just for looking at a bank funny. Of course, that time the Old Bill had it right, he was scoping it out - but that is not the point. All this security is for nothing if they cannot stop the problem at the source, or that is how I see it.
Media, Police, University.
Winters' student corps continue to draw the interest on the media with a number of student reporters attempting to infiltrate it (should it even exist), all to no avail. Winters remains tight lipped on the issue - especially the rumours that he may be acting against a covert government agency operating out of Cheshire, commenting that his name has been linked to it because he was seen at the university following a lecture. Others remain unconvinced by this, especially given details that have recently become known.
Media, Occult, Police, Street.
Winters routing out corruption in The Constabulary? That is not even a proper news story anymore, we all knew that was the real reason that he came to the city. Going after the secret organisations that are behind the police - now, that is news, and news that is likely to get him killed if he is not too careful. Winters has been lucky before when he has pissed people off, but everyone's luck runs out eventually. ~ John Debown, Constabulary Officer.
Street, Underworld.
If Winters really does get rid of corruption in The Constabulary, who is going to be left around to actually police the city. Every copper I know is on the take and I am willing to bet that if you looked deep enough you would even find Winters' hand in the tin. Of course, I always feel more comfortable around bent coppers - at least you know that you cannot trust them.
Occult, University.
John Debown seems very vocal for a street side copper, so who is he really? Well, my bet is that it is John Winters being all-clever. We know that Winters' sister-in-law was married to Sean Bowden and that Winters is still looking to find the underlying cause of who killed him. We know that Winters is trying to route out corruption in The Constabulary. Moreover, more than anything we know that Debown is and anagram of Bowden. I think Winters is trying to release the truth to the world and is not afraid if the world finds out it is he who is behind it.
University.
Word games? Well, yes, there have always been word games, small translations into relevant languages, little in-jokes - many people have hidden behind these over the years so it is no surprise that John Winters may be up to the same as well. In fact I am shocked that it has taken so long for this one to emerge, it is after all one of the easier ones that has come along in recent years. The most interesting? Weide is up there, it is a German translation of valley - of which the Irish variant is Dudley. John is a common Christian name as Smith is a common surname and you end up with Dudley Smith, not a bad name for a corrupt copper I would say - and not without precedent.
Occult.
What is the old saying, "Everything has a meaning if you look deep enough for it?" I do not really believe that - I am more for Venturi's "A duck is always a duck" or whatever it was. Not everything has meaning, not everything is connected and we are not all part of a great conspiracy - it just seems that way sometimes. ~ Caoilfhionn Ashen, Staffordshire Moorlands.
Media, Police, Street.
John Weide is reputed to have gone into hiding after further attempts were made on his life. Weide is rumoured to have been shot by members of The Surgeons following actions taken against them by Weide's "Flying Squad". Sources within The Constabulary have commented that not even John Winters knows where the controversial detective is at the moment - although others find that a lot harder to believe.
Legal, Police, Politics.
Weide has not been shot, he has gone into hiding because Winters may finally have the evidence he needs against him to successfully prosecute him on corruption charges and Weide knows that the jig is finally up. Weide may be in the take, but that does not mean that he is not a smart copper, he is not going to stick around and let Winters arrest him. In fact I'd be surprised if Winters is ever able to bring him in alive.
Health, Media, Police.
Last night we treated John Weide for a single gunshot wound to the thigh. The operation to remove the bullet was successful and Mr. Weide is now in a stable condition. As a result of this attack, and because of the fear of others in the future, Mr. Weide has been moved to a secure facility where he will continue to undergo treatment. We fully expect Mr. Weide to be active again within the week. We would like to thank everybody who has sent there best wishes for Mr. Weide and hope that he continues to make a speedy recovery. ~ Hospital Spokesperson.
Bureaucracy, Health, Legal, Media, Politics.
Fears for the continued health of James Helmudson continue to grow following news of a further suicide attempt in the last month. This marks the third such attempt by Helmudson since his incarceration and many are beginning to fear that he will never be able to reintegrate into the community and will remain institutionalised for the rest of his life. Although it has not been properly confirmed yet it is rumoured that The Constabulary is considering dropping all charges against him and having him moved to a non-prison facility that will be better able to cater for his needs. With no immediate family Helmudson will remain a charge of the state, a sad end for a man who had so much intellect.
Occult.
Tick-tock. Tick-tock. Do you hear that? That is the sound of us all moving towards our destiny, the sound of what we cannot change. Everything is moving forward towards its inevitable conclusion, people we thought were friends will turn out to be enemies and enemies will turn out to be friends. A wolf will wear a sheep's clothing, but the sheep will be unable to reveal his true identity. And finally, for the wrong that has been done to me I will have my revenge. ~ James Helmudson.
Finance, Health, Media, Politics.
An anonymous donor has agreed to pay all costs associated with the re-housing of James Helmudson in a secure facility outside of the city. The donor, about whom nothing is known, has released a press statement in which they outline their belief that for Helmudson to have any chance of recovery then he must be moved away from the city. The donation has reignited to old argument about state versus private funding for an individual and who really benefits from donations such as this, the individual or the state?
Occult.
James Helmudson's time has passed, whatever chance he had at spiritual redemption has now passed him by and he is but a sad reflection of his former self. I do not pity Helmudson, he chose the path that he has taken and has paid the price for it, maybe even the ultimate price. However, I am praying for him, he needs whatever help he can get to find his way out of the darkness and if I can aid him in that then that is my duty. ~ Caoilfhionn Ashen, Staffordshire Moorlands.
Occult, Street.
So Caoilfhionn Ashen is praying for James Helmudson, if I were her I'd also be praying for the poor sap that the Men In Black are on the lookout for - whoever it is they've got some interesting heavies on their side, and ones that are not afraid to throw their weight around. The weird thing is that they all seem to have found religion as well - something I've never seen on the Men-In-Black before.
Health, Occult, Street.
So, they are going to release Helmudson into a non-prison facility. If you ask me (and no one ever does), they already have. We have hundreds of James Helmudson's walking around already - all products of the state and discarded when they can no longer look after them. James Helmudson is one of the lucky ones; someone has taken an interest in his case and offered him sanctuary. Most people are not that luck. ~ Unidentified Loon, Hanley Bus Station.
Church, Occult.
I see a light in the east, a light that some wish to possess, some wish to aid and others wish to hinder. The light is coming and there is nothing that we can do about it. The light will also bring with it darkness and that must be defeated at all costs. This is the task we have been given.
High Society, Media.
The most terrifying fact about the universe is not that it is hostile but that it is indifferent, but if we can come to terms with this indifference, then our existence as a species can have genuine meaning. However vast the darkness we must supply our own light. ~ Stanley Kubrick.
Occult, Street.
The line it is drawn / The curse it is cast / The slow one now / Will later be fast / As the present now / Will later be past / The order is / Rapidly fadin'. / And the first one now / Will later be last / For the times they are a-changin'. ~ Bob Dylan, The Times They Are A-Changin'.
Health, Media, Police.
The Constabulary had pronounced him dead, but it seems that The Guardian is still pounding the streets, righting wrongs and being a general pain in the neck of the authorities. Current thinking would indicate that The Constabulary was unsuccessful in their attempts to stop him and did in fact apprehend and kill the wrong individual. However, before you think that things are becoming a bit too pro-Guardian a number of psychologists have expressed their concern about his continued presence being a danger to the public - after all, how many other places can you think of where someone dresses up and plays superhero?
Street, Underworld.
It isn't natural for a man to want to dress up and run around on the rooftops pretending to fight crime - whoever this Guardian fellow is I say we need to get rid of him once and for all, he's a complete menace to society. Seriously, where would we be if everyone started playing at being vigilante? And it isn't as if he's like that Biddulph Church Posse, they make themselves known and don't go around breaking peoples fingers. No, in my opinion he is just a thug.
Finance, High Society, Media, Police.
A local newspaper has offered a one-hundred thousand pound reward for any information that leads directly to the arrest of The Guardian. The move follows reports from several prominent psychologists expressing concern at his continued presence in the city and the effect it may have on peoples levels of stress and aggravation. So far no information has been forthcoming, but The Constabulary states that it remains hopeful that it will soon be able to make an arrest in connection with the case.
Church, Health, High Society, Media, Police.
Still on the run having failed to turn up for her psychological assessments as requested, controversial local "artist" Burgundy ahs caused further concern with a letter in which she openly attacks the church for expressing concern about her behaviour. Media outlets that have received the letter have so far refused to publish it for fear of charges being made against them by the church. Meanwhile the church is considering taking legal action against The Constabulary for releasing someone they consider a dangerous individual.
Church, Legal.
Away from the media, the local Catholic Diocese is taking the Burgundy situation very seriously indeed. Discussions have begun to place restraining orders on Burgundy preventing her from making comments about the church or its representatives in the future or face further prosecution. In addition, she will be banned from entering or using church owned property as well. In a gesture of solidarity other religious groups have made similar legal requests in an effort to prevent her making attacks against them in the future.
Media, University.
Meteorologists are at a loss to explain the cause today's unprecedented bad weather. The storms that have racked much of the UK and Europe have appeared out of nowhere and light levels have barely risen above those of dawn / dusk throughout the day. These are the third of such storms to hit the continent since the start of the New Year and many fear that they will continue unabated unless moves are now made to improve climate policy - especially in the western world.
Bureaucracy, Health, Media, Politics, Transport.
The poor light and strong winds have increased the number of accidents on UK roads today as many struggle to deal with the weather. Utility agencies have struggled to maintain power to outlying areas and many parts of the country have remained in darkness throughout the day. The government is asking people to be especially wary of older neighbours and to ensure that they are able to cope with the poor weather and to ensure that they have adequate heating to deal with the problem. Emergency talks are now being held by the Commons to discuss increasing cold weather payments for the worst affected.
Occult, Street, University.
I've never seen storms like this, not ones where it has remained so dark. Even at midday you would have been hard pressed to say that it was not night. No, not even the worst storms in he most remote, God-forsaken valleys get anywhere near this - it is almost as if it is not natural. And the way that it crept up on us all, very strange. No, I think the climatologists will be trying to figure this one out far into the future.
Occult, Street.
The dark has really brought them all out - all the people that usually shun the light I mean. I've noticed more faces around that I've never seen sight nor sound of during the day for nigh on a decade and all of them are scurrying about as if their lives depend on it. And the rest of us, well we are just trying to survive this damn weather as best we can, no one is going outside unless they have to - whatever business these people have must be vitally important. ~ Unidentified Loon, Hanley Bus Station.
Occult.
I have heard the wolves howling upon the moors as if the moon were full - this is not just a storm but the last gift of a man who has become something else, something that passes beyond the mundane. At first I did not dare to dream that this would be the truth, for if it has happened then other things have been put in place that must be seen through to their conclusion let we all share a dark and terrible fate. Whatever remains of that most insidious of foes must be eradicated completely lest it be able to rise again. ~ Caoilfhionn Ashen, Staffordshire Moorlands.
Church, Media, University.
Scientists at the city's two universities are still trying to establish a cause for the strength of the storms that now cover the city, many of which appears to be centralised over the city itself. So far a number of common explanations for the phenomena have been eliminated leaving the scientists to begin to consider other, more unusual sources of the phenomena. Meanwhile, extreme elements of the church have begun to view the phenomena as a sign of a coming apocalypse - something that the more mainstream elements of religion are keen to distance themselves from.
Occult.
I have seen beyond the veil into the lands that remain hidden from view to all but a select few. I have seen the source of the current tempest, but more importantly, the light that now breaks the clouds that cover our lands. These are but a temporary occurrence and shall not stay long. We should not be worried.~ Elizabeth Walker.
Health, Occult, Police.
Okay, it's not just the weather that is acting all freaky at the moment, seems that some of the bodies in the morgue are as well. We had a John Doe brought in last night - stabbing victim by the look of it - so we thought nothing of it and just put him in storage till one of the pathologists came in today. Well, after about five minutes there was this almighty racket coming from the fridge we had put him in, as if he was banging on the doors. So we rushed open to see if we had been brought a live one, but when we got there he was a still as the grave. We checked him over and sure enough he was dead, but every time we shut that door he'd start pounding on it till it got so bad we had to tie his hands down. It has freaked out a couple of the younger guys but I just know that sometimes bodies just do this and we have to accept it. ~ Technician, Newcastle Mortuary.
Church.
In momento in ictu oculi in novissima tuba canet enim et mortui resurgent incorrupti et nos inmutabimur. ~ Corinthians 15:52
Media, Police, Politics, Transport.
The body of a man believed to have links to an Eastern European spy ring has been found in a Newcastle car park, dead from two gun related wounds. The man, who has not been identified for legal reasons, was found shortly after one last night by members of the public returning from a night out in the town. The Constabulary quickly shut down access to the area and began to search for evidence, and the car park remains closed to the public as investigations continue.
Bureaucracy, Legal, Media, Police, Politics.
Just as John Winters is trying to remove the influence of outside agencies on The Constabulary they descend in force as the city becomes embroiled in a possible European spy ring. An even bigger problem is the almost constant media attention the story is getting with every reporter worth his salt trying to get an exclusive on the story. Winters wanted to call a press conference to put a stop to any damaging speculation but has been prevented from doing so by a High Court injunction preventing anyone connected with The Constabulary from commenting on the issue, effectively tying his hands behind his back.
Police, Street, Underworld.
Okay, off the record but the reason we've got all of these intelligence agencies running all over the place is that they are linking the death of the European spy to "White Flowers", remember him - the guy who pulled off all of those acts of "anti-capitalist terrorism" a couple of years back. Seems that they think that the killing shows signs of being similar to his modus operand - although I cannot see it myself. What's more likely is that they are looking for a convenient scapegoat to cover their own actions and one that has links to the city already. ~ John Debown.
Finance, Industry, Legal, Police, Underworld.
You have got it all wrong, the cities not full of spooks because of the death of some poor faceless guy on a car park last night. No, they have heard rumours that someone around here is planning on selling an electro-magnetic impulse device to the highest bidder - and they aren't to choosy about how it gets used. With the number of high profile targets in the area including Audax and Reed Communications they don't want to take any chances as if either of them is targeted it will wipe millions of the stock market in a single action.
Street, Underworld.
An electro-magnetic impulse device in this city - don't make me laugh. There are far bigger targets in other cities in the country than there are in Stoke and any terrorist group is going to be far more interested in those than anything else. No, I reckon that there is at most some spurious link to the rumour and they're just being thorough to cover their backs if something goes wrong.
Bureaucracy, Occult, Police, University.
Warning: EMP device in city - all personnel to move to intercept immediately. It must not be deployed. Further…this transmission has been compromised, switch to another channel. ~ Unknown radio transmission.
Police, Underworld.
So we've got the deaths of Russian spies and terrorist devices in the city - there's only one gang with the cojones to get involved in that and it isn't the Sandernacht Group. We all knew that The Organisation was capable of a lot of things, but we didn't know the true extent of what that meant. If they are willing to get involved in the long game then there may truly be no limit to what they are prepared to do - and how many terrorist groups out there will be willing to take them up on their offer and go all the way to buying a nuclear device?
Police, Street, Underworld.
I'm not sure that The Organisation is behind these rumours of an EMP device in the city, I don't think they would have managed to have stayed hidden for so long if they had gone around getting involved in matters of national security. If they are involved then I'm inclined to believe that it is a one off deal, something they themselves have received in payment and are now looking to pass on before it draws too much attention.
Street, Underworld.
I've been dealing with The Organisation for over a decade now and whilst they've been willing to get involved with all manner of dodgy clients and illegal operations I can never recall them going as far as supplying terrorists with weapons, its just not their style. Still, with the new management structure anything is possible and maybe they've now got a more relaxed attitude to such things.
Bureaucracy, Media, Police.
Thousand of computer users across the city have experienced all manner of problems today after a malicious virus was released last night into the network. The source of the virus has not been fully determined yet but it is believed that it targets connectivity across networks - effectively turning many machines into single user environments unable to connect to the internet. The Constabulary is continuing to try to ascertain the source of the virus and who may be behind the attack, but so far have had few leads.
Occult, Street.
I'm not sure that the virus released last night was designed to disrupt the average user, instead I think it was designed to prevent a super user from accessing all of the affected machines for information - although what information it would seek to gain from your average home user remains to be seen. No, there's something weird about the whole affair, although I cannot put my finger on it. The other things is the pattern - it's almost as if its trying to look like someone's signature coding a little too hard. ~ Anonymous Net Head.
Occult.
Have you noticed the number of the so-called Men-In-Black around the city at the moment? Whatever is going on they seem as interested as everyone else in finding out the answer - and they seem to be having as much trouble as everyone else in getting it. So far I've seen nearly half-a-dozen of them today stop their ubiquitous black cars and get out to try to get a signal on their phones - and I've not seen that happen before, I thought their toys never broke down. Not sure if it has anything to do with the computer virus I keep hearing about. ~ Unidentified Loon, Hanley Bus Station.
Finance, Industry, Media, Politics.
With the news that Reed Communications was leaving the area the last thing the market needed was further upset, but the release of a computer virus last night has prevented trading in a number of markets, further damaging the financial stability of the city. It is even rumoured that the local government has approached Reed asking it to reconsider its position on leaving until financial stability is restored - something that the company is reluctant to do.
Legal, Police, Politics.
I'm beginning to wonder whether the feared terrorist attack against Audax may not have already happened with the release last night of a computer virus - certainly Audax has been as badly affected as everyone else despite its formidable security. Maybe the terrorists plan was to hide the attack on the company under the guise of a mass attack on the city, although how does that further their cause if no-one knows that the attack took place?
Church, High Society, Police, Politics.
Charities were amongst the hardest hit by the release of last nights computer virus with many of their accounts raided for their assets and funds transferred to accounts outside of the country. All of this has caused even more confusion - was the virus released just to enable a high-tech robbery?
Finance, High Society, Industry, Media, Politics.
Government intelligence agencies and The Constabulary are considering closing the city's communications network in an effort to curtail the further spread of the virus - although the move is being blocked by a number of industrialists. The industrialists fear that it will actually create further problems as they will be unable to function properly, effectively bringing the financial growth of the city to a halt. The argument has led to division in the upper echelons of the city, especially as rumours of a secret meeting of high ranking officials begin to emerge, with both sides accusing the other of going behind their backs and attempting to gain an upper hand in the issue.
Bureaucracy, Media, Police, Politics.
The Constabulary has increased security at a number of communications hubs across the city as it braces itself for further terrorist attacks. John Winters fears that terrorists may attempt to target the network and bring the city to a stop. One interesting aspect of this action has been the identification of a number of buildings that appear to act as secondary hubs for the communications network - including churches, hospitals and schools. A spokesman for the city's utility department commented that the buildings were not normally identified to prevent them being targeted by criminals intent on committing electronic crime.
Occult, Street.
Yeah, I've seen officers from The Constabulary hanging around some odd locations today - some of which I find it hard to believe are really parts of the communications infrastructure. No, I think all it is really doing is protecting key voters - or vote swayer's. How else do you explain that so many churches are being protected? I think this is all just part of John Winters plan to move into politics in the future - he's just making sure that he's got the right people on his side before he begins. Just because he's not a corrupt copper doesn't mean that he won't be a corrupt politician.
Finance, Industry, Police, Street.
In addition to the increased presence of The Constabulary on the city's streets and an increase in the number of sightings of the Men-In-Black, the number of private security firms with personnel in the city also looks to have increased over the last twenty four hours. Rumour has it that a number of wealthy industrialists are meeting tonight to discuss the financial future of the city in light of Reed Communications decision. Indeed, so strong are the rumours that a number of reporters are trying to determine the location of the meeting - all to no avail.
Media.
Newspapers are offering big money to anyone who can tell them the location at which a group of industrialists are meeting tonight- provided that the information turns out to be true. Different amounts are being offered depending on whether the information is made available exclusively or to the media on mass. Meanwhile, counterfeit passes for the meeting have already begun to circulate - although they won't get you into the meeting if the rumours of the security are to be believed. Apparently door staff have been asked to memorise the faces of all of those attending and will not let anyone in who they do not recognise.
Church, Politics.
It isn't industrialists who are having a secret meeting tonight, it's the higher orders of the church. Apparently they are concerned about the level of sinning in the city and want to determine their policy for dealing with the issue. Don't believe me then answer me this, how come so few churches are open to the public tonight? Aren't the doors to God's house always supposed to be open?
Occult.
Psychics and other sensitive individuals across the city have reported increased levels of tension as the population braces itself reflexively for what is to come. No one can pinpoint the exact source of the disturbance or exactly what it is, but it is causing concern for many. The last time that disturbances in the ethereal fabric of the city were felt on this scale was when Andrew Sant attempted to gain control of the city - and everybody is hoping that we won't see a repeat of that event.
Occult.
There has been a fundamental shift in the fabric of the city, one man has ascended whilst another is looking to take his place. Both sought control in its purest form, although one turned his back on such petty aspirations in favour of loftier dreams. However, this last man cannot be reasoned with; with him there is only logic. He pursues his goal with a zealots fervour and will not stop until he either reaches it or is destroyed. ~ Caoilfhionn Ashen, Staffordshire Moorlands.
Occult.
There are barn doors / And there are revolving doors / Doors in the rudders of big ships / And there are revolving doors / There are doors that open by themselves / There are sliding doors / And there are secret doors / There are doors that lock / And doors that don't / There are doors that let you in and out / But never open / And there are trapdoors / That you can't come back from. ~ Radiohead, Pull / Pulk Revolving Doors.
Health, Media, Politics.
James Helmudson attempted suicide for a fourth time last night leading the authorities to believe that if he is not moved from his current situation soon then he is unlikely to see out the month. Attempts are now being made to speed up the administrative procedure in order to speed up the process and move the ailing former academic as quickly as possible. Meanwhile former members of the Unification Theorists Elect have begun a vigil outside of the Penkhull Secure Institute ahead of his release.
Health, Media, Transport.
James Helmudson is to be moved to a more progressive psychiatric unit in Shropshire where it is likely, given his current condition, that he will see out the rest of his days. Details of the exact location are likely to be released to the media following the move, but already there are calls for his privacy to be respected. Meanwhile details of the anonymous donor behind the move are beginning to emerge, with the most likely candidate so far being a trust fund in the Netherlands.
Occult.
I will have my revenge, of that you can be sure. ~ James Helmudson, Penkhull Secure Institute.
Health, Media, Police, Politics, Street, Transport.
The Constabulary is undertaking a massive manhunt following the dramatic escape of James Helmudson during his transfer to a facility in Shropshire last night. Helmudson is now wanted for the murder of the two doctors charged with his move, both of whom were subjected to vicious attacks during the escape, from which they subsequently died. Officers from The Constabulary are now investigating the final recordings made during the attacks for clues as to where Helmudson may be heading.
Finance, Media, Occult, Police.
Whilst The Constabulary hunts high and low for James Helmudson, preliminary investigations into the manner in which he was able to escape have begun. Initial investigations will focus upon whether his mysterious benefactor may have been using the transfer as a means to aid his escape and as a result several prominent ex-members of the Unification Theorists Elect have been placed under house arrest. Elsewhere The Constabulary has discretely raised security around a number of individuals against whom Helmudson may bear a grudge - a made in light of his recent comments.
Media, Police, Street.
Yes I've seen James Helmudson, he broke into my workshop last night to steal a gun. I don't even know how he knew that I had firearms on the property although I will say this - I don't think that he's half as mad as people have been saying he is. I think it has all been a cunning ruse to get himself transferred and escape. Besides wanting a gun he said there was only one thing he wanted to do - to kill the thing that had made him the man he was. However or whatever that is I feel some sympathy for them, Helmudson is a very driven man.
Legal, Media, Occult, Police.
Several former members of the Unification Theorists Elect have been arrested following the escape of James Helmudson last night as The Constabulary investigates the possibility of collusion with the former inmate. All charges had been dropped against Helmudson following the diagnoses that he would never recover from his current mental state and he was being transported to a new facility in Shropshire when he escaped. Five arrests have been made in total, although further arrests are expected.
Church, Legal, Police, Politics.
Helmudson escaped by himself and he was not mad, just faking it. Those poor saps they've arrested from the Unification Theorists Elect are innocent of everything, unless they have started arresting people for performing religious ceremonies. Which ceremony? Well, the five that The Constabulary arrested believed the story that he was going mad and decided that they needed to rescue his "mentor" - if you know what I mean? The Constabulary went to one of their homes to ask if they knew anything and found them in the middle of the ceremony. Of course, the Unification Theorists are pretty much a banned sect around these parts so they arrested them on all sorts of messed up charges. That is why they are all rotting in a jail at the moment, not because Helmudson chose to escape.
Occult.
Helmudson's mentor is free - now I'm scared for him. ~ Caoilfhionn Ashen, Staffordshire Moorlands.
Media, Police, Street, Underworld.
John Weide was found dead in his home last night, the victim of a single bullet wound to the head. No details of the other circumstances of his death have yet been forthcoming and The Constabulary is remaining tight lipped about his death. Fearing further attacks against its key personnel, John Winter has been taken into hiding until the issue has been resolved leaving The Constabulary under the temporary management of the Chief Officer of a neighbouring force.
Street, Underworld.
So someone finally managed to get to Weide, can't say that I'm surprised - he's been living on borrowed time for months now with some of the associates he has been hanging around with. Indeed, the list of possible suspects that The Constabulary will have to cross off will be daunting, including as it does half of the known criminal gangs in the city and a surprising number of police officers as well. Expect this to be an investigation that continues to run for months.
Police.
Winters isn't in hiding - he's on the run! Preliminary investigations have indicated that the fatal shot was fired by him and the murder may in fact have been an execution. If true then this creates a serious problem for The Constabulary that will have themselves a series problem - both of their senior officers have now been taken out of the picture and the whole question of corruption in the police force has been blown wide open.
Street, Underworld.
John Winters is just like us now, a fugitive on the run. Did he kill John Weide? It does not really matter in the end because his career will now be in tatters - he will never be Chief Constable again that can b e said for sure. Of course there are plenty of people in the underworld who will be willing to employ him, an ex-Chief Constable is going to know a lot of things that could be useful to the discerning criminal.
Media, Police, Politics, Underworld.
With John Weide lying in the mortuary and John Winter's under police guard many are wondering who will be the next member of The Constabulary to be attacked - and by whom. Speculation is rife as to who killed Weide with both the Sandernacht Group and The Organisation topping the list of suspects as both had a lot to gain from his death. Winters proves a trickier element though to explain, sure he is the Chief Constable but his anti corruption drive meant that a lot of the coppers who were proving best at keeping criminals off the streets were being given early retirement by him. Or perhaps they want him dead for a reason we haven't figured out yet.
Media, Police, Transport.
Yeah I saw John Winters last night - standing by the edge of the road trying to thumb a lift, oddest thing I have ever seen. What would a big shot like him need to hitchhike for, unless he didn't want to be found? Of course when I heard about John Weide I just figured he was looking to put as much distance as possible between him and however was after him - of course I have heard other reasons as well since, like maybe he was fleeing the murder scene. ~ Anonymous trucker.
Bureaucracy, Finance, Industry, Media, University.
Technicians across the city continue to work around the clock to rectify major problems with the city's communications network. As well as the virus attack on Friday, further complications have now been caused by the discovery of vast swathes of code designed to snoop on the city's businesses - all of which are now having to be removed. Many companies are being told to remain shut on Monday until the problem is solved, although how long this will take remains to be seen. The problem is creating a huge economic hole in the city as businesses are unable to function properly at the moment, and could take weeks to rectify.
Media, Politics, University.
So we are supposed to believe that there has been this all pervasive body looking into everything that has happened in the city for the last five years and only now do the boffins know anything about it? It sounds to me as if they have known about it but have only now decided to make a buck off it. Still, all of this talk of snooping over the years does explain a couple of things - not the least of which is how the authorities seem to have been able to react to even the slightest wrongdoing with such an alarming alacrity.
Occult.
Disconnecting node...now / Cease and desist all transmissions to and from Area 11LJ / Location to be considered "Lost".
Finance, Industry, Legal, Media, Police.
Major legal firm Audax was the target of an EMP blast last night that has left it in a severely crippled state and unable to function properly. The attack, thought to be that feared by terrorists from Eastern Europe occurred shortly after three in the morning and is thought to have been the result of a direct attack on their server facility. Along with the other attacks on the city's financial infrastructure this may prove to be the death knell for the city's economy - at least in the short term. The Constabulary continue to investigate the attack and has called in assistance from a number of government agencies to aid them.
Finance, High Society, Media, Politics.
In addition to the damage to Audax, last nights EMP attack has also created problems for an already beleaguered Scarlet as the philanthropic group was primarily run by the company. With the prospect of an economic downturn and problems for a lot of charitable organisations many fear that the winter could prove hard for some this year.
Church, Media, Police.
Fire fighters worked long into the morning to dampen a fire at a local church hall - but to no avail. The fire, which is believed to have been an arson attack, started shortly after three this morning and has continued to rage ever since. Difficulties arose for the emergency services by its resemblance to an electrical fire, despite no major electrical equipment being present at the site. Environmental officers have no closed off the location ahead of investigations into the possible contamination of surrounding land by chemicals at the site. The local Catholic diocese is aiding the investigation as best it can.
Church, Industry, Police.
So what was a local church hall doing storing dangerous chemicals? Well it was not according to caretaking staff at the premises who are as perplexed by the revelation as the authorities are. A spokesperson for the local diocese commented that the nearest thing to dangerous chemicals at the site was the glue used by the Sunday School group, whoever was responsible for starting the fire must also have placed the chemicals there. Investigations are set to continue.
Occult, Street.
Yeah I saw quite a few people standing around outside that church hall before it went up like a Roman candle - an odd bunch to be hanging out together to be sure. They were in there a long time as well, but you couldn't hear what was happening. Funny thing was when they opened the door to go in there was this blinding light emerging from it, not something you expect from a church hall at two in the morning. They all came out a lot faster than they went in as well - that's when the explosions started. ~ Unidentified Loon, Hanley Bus Station.
Occult, Street, Transport.
Have you not noticed something today? Anything felt absent from your life? Look around and ask yourself, have you seen any of those ominous black vehicles today? Its felt as though they have always been here but I cannot recall seeing a single one today. Where have they gone? More importantly, why have they gone and are they gone for good?
Occult.
The land sighs and moves on, the mark of the man swallowed up. Those that remain must find their place within the new pecking order, a natural level at which they will operate. Others will come and they will be different, but some things will remain the same. The changes have not yet ended. ~ Caoilfhionn Ashen, Staffordshire Moorlands.
High Society, Media, Occult, Politics.
In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. ~ Martin Luther King.
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