Intelligence Report/Soft Company/News You Can Use

Name: News You Can Use

Type: Independent Soft Company

Products/Services: Information/News

Company Line: Keeping the Downtown population in the know since 899SD. Knowledge is power!

Public Information: Since the burning of the Downtown Phoenix in 895SD, truly informative print media has all but vanished from the World of Progress. Without saying a word, SLA Industries made it perfectly clear that print media is for glossy idol worship and celebrity dirt, not creating an informed and aware public. SLA Industries especially does not want a print media that trains the populace in potentially subversive skills. This is exactly what News You Can Use (NYCU) does. It is an underground newspaper full of literally life or death information. For the savvy Downtowner, NYCU is a veritable survival guide.

A good old-fashioned black and white fold-up newspaper, NYCU does not have a set publication schedule. The paper, much like Channel Zero, goes to print whenever there is enough material to fill an issue. It is not abnormal for weeks or even months to pass in between issues, especially if the heat is on from SLA Industries. The contents of the paper range from the practical to the dangerously subversive. In a single issue you are likely to see updates of gang activity and territory, recipes for cooking rats, tips for waterproofing your apartment and reviews of recent books, films and Contract Circuit events. However, you are also likely to find Shiver patrol routes, detailed accounts of Operative activity Downtown, tips for making hooch in your sink and schematics for antipersonnel mines.

Distribution of NYCU appears to be handled through a large series of reliable drop points. These drop points are generally shops and bars, but some of the bolder newsstands carry NYCU as well. The newspaper is often concealed in another publication or tucked into a shopping bag. Requesting the paper is done by speaking a code phrase. The phrase differs with each issue. Authorities speculate that the phrase for the next issue is concealed in the current issue. SLA has people working on cracking the code.

SLA Intelligence: SLA Industries has given NYCU Soft Company status on the grounds that “the classified and restricted information reproduced in this publication constitute a training manual and field guide for DarkNight agents and other insurgents.” SLA suspects that NYCU is operating multiple “presses.” Shivers have located and destroyed five NYCU printing facilities to date but have apprehended no NYCU employees. Raids on presses have done little to stop publication. As there is no set schedule of release, it is often hard for SLA to tell if its raids are making an impact. Is the lag between issues a result of raids, or is it simply due to a slow news period? SLA hopes that the Dark Finders recently assigned to NYCU can find out.
The source of funding for NYCU is unknown. The paper runs no advertisements. The paper is free and anyone greedy enough to charge for it is quickly taken off the circulation route. DarkNight involvement is actually not suspected as the paper has, on several occasions, printed reports damning to DarkNight.

Employees: Unknown. Size of distribution area would indicate a sizable staff.

Facilities: Unknown. Assumed multiple facilities. Possibly mobile.

Addendum: Clip of recent edition attached for reference. Click link for larger image. Image property of Departments of Misinformation and Subversion. Misuse prohibited.

Intelligence Report/Soft Company/TRIAD

Name: TRIAD

Type: Independent Soft Company

Products/Services: Mercenary Squads

Company Line: Tactics - Recon - Infiltration - Assault - Defense

Public Information: TRIAD has only recently gained Soft Company status. Very little is known about this organization, which is quite bothersome to SLA. TRIAD is a Prop team. Generally SLA doesn't make a huge fuss over solo Props. Props generally want nothing to do with each other. Often they end up inadvertently helping SLA handling issues Downtown that Shivers can't be bothered with and Monarch aren't capable of handling. What is alarming to SLA is when Props start working in groups. A single Prop, though well trained and equipped, is generally no match for a seasoned Operative. When you have a squad of Props, solo Ops are suddenly outmatched and Operative Squads find themselves with a serious threat on their hands. Another point of concern is the question of from where is TRIAD is getting its Props? There doesn't seem to be any change in the current Prop population aside from normal attrition. All the regular faces like Spooky, Bane Root and Red Harvest are still at large. In fact, the “regular” Prop population is pissed about TRIAD:

It's a bunch of bullshit. People are running to TRIAD because they can hire out a full squad instead of one Prop at a time. Dumbasses see those flash uniforms and think that means quality work. Those plonkers are taking money out of my pocket! Free market, my ass.

-Ground Chuck (Prop)

SLA Intelligence: TRIAD has things that have Props mad and Shivers nervous. TRIAD has a standard kit for all of its Props. The standard TRIAD squad wears armor equivalent to HARD armor and carry 10mm automatic rifles. What's of particular concern in the armor and weapons don't appear to be of SLA or DarkNight manufacture. Recovered hardware shows that SLA and DarkNight technology are being used, but the overall construction is being done by a third party. While weapons and armor are third party, other equipment (medkits, communicators, etc.) are salvaged and repurposed SLA and DarkNight gear.

According to intel, TRIAD does not hire out individual members. The smallest available unit is the “Fire Team” of three Props. There have been confirmed reports of squads as large as twelve in the field. Prices for TRIAD tend to be a bit higher, with 200u/squad member being average. Prices can go much higher if heavier armor or weapons are requested/required or if the job is particularly risky. TRIAD's members are highly skilled and motivated and are well versed in small unit tactics. TRIAD's base of operations is currently unknown. They do not operate out of the Depth Charge and regular Props have been quite clear that TRIAD members attempting entry will be in for a violent welcome.

SLA has dispatched a team of Dark Finders into Downtown to locate and disrupt TRIAD operations. Several White BPNs are in the works to do the same.

Employees: Unknown. Estimated between 25-100.

Facilities: Unknown. Size of organization would indicate necessity of a base of operations.

Entertainment/Magazine/Uptown Woman/Interview

The Mouth That Roared:
An Uptown Woman Interview With 3ird Eye's Rita Hurley

Rita Hurley graduated from Meny with a Media Package in 899SD. She joined two fellow graduates and formed the Operative Squad “The Blue Deuce Trio.” Hurley acted as the squad's camera operator and medical support. Her camera skills were shaky at best, bad enough to earn the nickname “Hurl-O-Vision” among her Third Eye controllers. However, she did have two things going for her: she was very pretty and could talk endlessly. Her running commentaries during BPNs gained an almost cult-like following. Betting to see how long she could talk before taking a breath was common in the Third Eye control room. Unfortunately, her combat skills were a bit lacking. She was always so focused on her commentary she became a liability to the squad. Hurley was forever giving away their position with her constant chatter. Undercover operations were totally impossible. After a handful of BPNs, Hurley was asked to leave The Blue Deuce Trio.

Third Eye, seeing raw talent and a modicum of potential offered Hurley a low-level position in the news room. Hurley would work mostly as an errand girl, running coffee and copies for the front line employees. She stagnated there for a couple years until she miraculously managed a scoop on a DarkNight insurgent living undercover in her apartment building. Operative squad “Team Spartan” was on Blue BPN in her building when the insurgent, fearing blown cover, opened fire on the Operatives. The insurgent was quickly neutralized. Hurley, sensing opportunity, grabbed her camera and set up an impromptu interview with the squad.

She showed the report to her superiors at Third Eye, who gave her a break and a 20 second spot on the evening news. Team Spartan would eventually set up a deal with Hurley, ensuring their team's camera footage would always go to her first. Hurley now had a fairly regular supply of solid combat footage and Team Spartan had an advocate in Third Eye. Hurley has risen on the ranks, now commanding as much as 90 seconds for her reports. As long has first dibs on juicy footage from a charismatic, up-and-coming squad, her career can only improve.
Uptown Woman caught Rita Hurley in a rare moment of downtime and put her on the other side of the microphone to discuss her big break and her relationship with Team Spartan.


UW: Let's start with the scoop that gave you your break with Third Eye.

RH: It was totally nuts! I was doing some post-production for a couple of fluff pieces on my oyster when I heard gunfire down the hall. I'll be honest; I hid in the tub until the noise stopped. Then I grabbed my Ronker and went out to film the aftermath.

UW: And that's when you got the interview?

RH: Not just then. Fiddich, the squad's Frother, was still totally whacked out of his skull on UV. When the Shivers showed up, he went after one and they had to Hotline him. I just filmed the DarkNight's body until things cooled down.

UW: What did you think when you approached the squad for an interview?

RH: I was pretty nervous. They were still pretty worked up from the fight. Their squad leader, Obsession, is this Ebon who is...how do I put it? She's beautiful beyond description. I'm sure you've seen her on the vid by now. Then there was Craig Ferguson. He was all guns and attitude but you could tell that was just a game face. Last was Glen Fiddich. He was still a bit twitchy from the Hotline and coming down off UV. He might as well have had a flashing “DANGER” sign over his head.

UW: How did you finally talk to them?

RH: Just looking at this squad, I could tell they would make great video. I just took a breath and asked Fiddich for an interview.

UW: We all saw the piece; he wasn't very talkative, was he?

RH: (Laughs) No. I've found he generally isn't. Glen's not like most Frothers you see on the vid. When he's not juiced for combat, he's very quiet and reserved. If you can get a handful of words out of him, you're pretty lucky.

UW: So the Frother wasn't talking. Amazing. Who was next?

RH: I tried Ferguson. It was really cute, you could tell he was trying so hard to look tough for the camera. He was nice enough, but he lacked...(frowns and looks to the ceiling)

UW: Charisma?

RH: Exactly! Cookie cutter Strike Squad. There was no doubt he was good at his job, but gunheads are 10 unis a dozen on Mort.

UW: Why hadn't you approached Obsession? Why not start with the team leader?

RH: Oh my God. I was so intimidated by her. Her looks literally take your breath away.

UW: Until she opens her mouth.

RH: (Laughs) I know! I think Ferguson had said something she didn't like, because she laid into him hard enough to make a Waster blush! Then there was the bandoleer of coffee.

UW: A bit of a caffeine addict?

RH: (Shrugs) Not my place to say. She just might really like coffee. She had about a dozen self-heating cans in a bandoleer slung over her shoulder. As soon as the fighting stopped, she cracked a can.

UW: You must have hit it off with the squad. They won't give any footage to Third Eye unless it goes through you first.

RH: I was blown away when they requested that. There was no doubt in my mind they were going to be big and they wanted me as their mouthpiece. When they got a Financier, they even instructed him to deal solely with me as far as media coverage went.

UW: What does the future look like for you and Team Spartan?

RH: Amazing. They've made some changes to the squad. They picked up K'Dgh, a Shaktar, and Tawna, a Wraith. The Shaktar is one those Sector Rangers, so we can hope for some great footage from the Cannibal Sectors. They've already pulled off a couple of high profile BPNs and even worked with Symbiote on a joint operation.

UW: That can only be good for their image. And it looks like Ferguson has left the squad?

RH: Not exactly. He's on a “medical leave.” The squad hasn't told me what that means and his files are sealed.

UW: Well, if anyone can find out, I'm sure Team Spartan's personal media liaison can.

RH: I hope so. I love those guys. We've been nothing but good for each other's careers.

UW: Thanks so much for you time. Best of luck to you and Team Spartan.

RH: You're quite welcome! It's been a real pleasure!

Copyright 902 Uptown Woman Magazine. All rights reserved.

BPN Resolution: THIRD EYE NEWS-BLACK

Issuing Department: Third Eye News
Color Code:BLACK
BPN #: TE/119250/DN
Surveillance: Third Eye News
Squad/Operative Undertaking: Team Spartan
Date Issued/Date Completed: 7/24/902, 7/24/902

Summary:
- Following up on BPN#IN/119224/ST, Department of Extraction interviewed captured Delicacy employees.
- Interview revealed Delicacy planned to sell a large lot of civilians to DarkNight for the purpose of being reprogrammed as Sleeper Agents.
-Further interviewing revealed location of DarkNight Sleeper Education Facility. Facility located in unused sewer/maintenance tunnels under the Bayou section of Downtown near the Cannibal Sector 1 wall.
-Squad dispatched via access hatch in CS1 wall.
-Squad encountered DarkNight picket en route to facility. Picket engaged and forced to retreat to facility.
-Facility electronic surveillance defeated by Operative Tawna.
-Facility sealed behind hardened service door. Operatives Fiddich and K'dgh attempted to physically force door without success.
-Operative Fiddich attempted to overload a SLA Fusion Recharger in an effort to breach the door. Unsuccessful until Operative Obsession applied an Ebb Blast, causing the recharger to reach a critical state and explode.
-Subsequent explosion breached the door and several feet of surrounding wall.
-Team executed a dynamic entry and proceeded to neutralize 60 DarkNight insurgents with extreme prejudice.
-Squad incurred several serious injuries but maintained high level of combat efficiency through use of Ebb Healing and KickStart+.
-Once the area was secure, Squad maintained a watch while Operative Fiddich destroyed all portions of facility not damaged during the firefight.
-On communication from Operative Obsession, Shiver Recovery Team sent to collect and inventory all DarkNight equipment.
- [D-NOTICE]
- [D-NOTICE]
-Team returned to the CS1 wall access without incident.

Collateral Damage to SLA Property:HEAVY. Unauthorized detonation of a fusion device. Extensive use of firearms on SLA property. Extreme damage to service area and surrounding tunnel . Area will likely have to be sealed and/or demolished. Damage mitigated by nature of BPN and need for high impact entry and level of violence required. Suggest no penalty to Squad for damage caused.

Squad Fatalities:None.

Conclusion:BPN satisfactorily completed. Individual payout: 2,970c/including equipment retrieval bonuses. Squad Financier Burke negotiated Team Spartan appearance on upcoming episode of Killzone in lieu of Media Bonus. SCL +1.0/Operative.

ADDENDUM: Squad only required 21 seconds from time of door breach to neutralize 60 DarkNight Insurgents. Squad warrants consideration for other high violence missions.

Intelligence Report/Soft Company/Brommley Hydronics

Name: Brommley Hydronics

Type: Independent Soft Company

Products/Services: Waterproofing/Water filtration

Company Line: Brommley Hydronics strives to improve the lives of Downtowners by installing rain protection and collection systems on the roofs of buildings. With the help of Brommley Hydronics systems, Downtowners can enjoy drier homes and a limitless supply of clean, filtered water for their use.

Public Information: Brommley Hydronics (BH), on its face, seems fairly harmless. Most people would say BH is actually trying to make Mort a better place to live. BH manufactures rain protection/collection systems for buildings in the Downtown areas of Mort. The systems provide a protective shell on the roof of the building as well as a series of gutters and drains. Rain and runoff is collected and run through a series of filters. The filtered water is collected in cisterns on the buildings with any surplus being released harmlessly back into the sewer system.

What truly makes BH look like heroes is that they do not charge for their services. BH never contacts the Department of Housing directly for permission, ostensibly to speed up the process of getting their systems installed. Permission to install a BH system is always asked from the landlord/caretaker of the building. Most building managers are happy to have a BH system installed as they provide rain protection, which lowers the amount of building maintenance. More importantly they are free, and nobody in Downtown is going to turn away a handout. Once installed, BH begins making regular visits to clean and change the filters on their systems. BH does not charge a single UNI for any of their equipment or services. They even go as far as waterproofing the buildings to increase the amount of runoff the filters have access to. To a poor Downtowner, BH is a godsend.

SLA Intelligence: Brommley Hydronics is the brainchild of William Brommley. Brommley worked as a tech in a SLA water treatment facility. As he daily analyzed the filth and pollution in the water, he saw opportunity. Over time he began stealing equipment from the facility. One day he simply disappeared, taking over 75,000 credits of SLA equipment to help start his new business.

Despite the theft and job abandonment, Brommley Hydronics primarily earned the Soft Company label due to what happens after the filters are cleaned. The filters in the BH systems are incredibly high tech, capable of filtering for specific particles. BH takes the sludge from the filters back to their labs where any useful chemicals are removed and purified. The rain in Mort is an absolute cornucopia of chemicals by the time it makes its way Downtown. Drugs, industrial waste and other bits of interesting detritus are all carried in the water which would normally collect in SLA's reservoirs or simply wash out into the Cannibal Sectors. Given the amount of rain that falls each day in Mort, the amount of chemicals pulled from the rainwater is staggering.

Once the chemicals are separated, purified and refined, they are made available to anyone willing to pay BH's fees. This is the crux of SLA's issue with BH. BH is giving Soft Companies like DarkNight access to chemicals they normally could not easily procure. DarkNight chemists are able to use these chemicals to manufacture illegal drugs, explosives and bioweapons.

SLA is at an impasse regarding Brommley Hydronics. On one hand BH provides a useful service. They free SLA from what little worrying they do about residential and other building maintenance in the Downtown area. BH also makes a marginal impact on reducing pollution. On the other hand, BH is putting industrial and military grade pharmaceuticals and chemicals in the hands of some very dangerous and subversive people. In the end, SLA has been reluctant to issue a Grey BPN or Hunter Sheet directly for William Brommley, as BH is currently doing more good than harm. SLA risks public outcry and possible civilian retaliation if they simply shut down BH outright.

Employees: CEO: William Brommley.

Exact number of regular employees unknown. SLA estimates that it would take at least 300 employees to keep an operation like Brommley Hydronics running. This includes everyone from installers to lab technicians to sales staff.

Facilities: Unknown. The Department of Architecture, Construction and Planning as well as the Department of Resources have issued White BPNs to locate BH facilities as well as Yellow BPNs to recover the stolen merchandise. It is assumed that facilities are located in remote areas of Lower Downtown. There has also been some speculation of potential facilities located in the Outskirts of the Cannibal Sectors.