Advertising Supplement/Restaurants/Hoffman's Delicatessen

Hoffman's Delicatessen

While Mort Central and Uptown boast an almost countless selection of dining choices, Suburbia is home to one of the successful independent eateries on Mort: Hoffman's Delicatessen. The décor is strictly utilitarian with plastic tables and chairs and white tiles floors and walls. Pictures and news clippings of celebrities and Operatives are scattered on the walls. Hoffman's, however, does not lack atmosphere. Abe Hoffman and his staff fill the shop with lively chatter about sports, politics and life on Mort in general. Like The Pit, Hoffman's maintains a strict “no weapons or heavy armor” policy. Facilities are not even provided for their temporary storage.

“Why do I do it? I run a deli, not a farkakt shooting gallery! Leave that drek in your car or at home. And these armor suits, OY! You'd think they were going to Cannibal Sector One and not for a nosh. You don't need five hundred pounds of ceramic to eat my Reuben. The worst that could happen to you here is a bit of gas. And that's just because the sauerkraut is so fresh! We use only fresh ingredients here.”

• Abe Hoffman, age 67

Hoffman's claims of freshness appear to be accurate. The constant lines at the counter indicate his food is as good as he claims. His suppliers are a closely guarded secret. The Shivers and Operatives refuse to look into it for fear they might find some illegal activity that will shut down the deli.

“Who knows where he gets his stuff from? It could be Randolph Logistics. Hell, it could be Thresher making nightly deliveries via powersuit drop. I don't know and don't intend to find out. I'm not doing anything to risk my daily knish.”

• Shiver Sergeant (name withheld by request)

In the end, Hoffman keeps his nose clean and his food fresh and delicious. Hoffman's serves traditional deli fare. Comfort foods are the order of the day with a fine selection of meats and cheeses, bagels and bialies, and assorted breads, soups and sandwiches. For over forty years Hoffman has faithfully served the people of Mort, gladly joining the Racial Equality Program.

“And why not? Stormers and Shaktars? Absolutely. It warms the heart to watch the big boys eat. Such appetites! And so polite. Wraiths? A dream customer. Rare brisket, what could be easier? The Frothers can be a bit meshuge, but what can you do? You don't complain about people who buy macaroons by the gross. Ebons? A bit tightly wound but such sheyn ponems! Brain Wasters? They can be schmucks sometimes but can't we all? They behave if they want to eat. I bet even Carrien would play nice here. You can't be mad at anyone when you have a bagel and schmear with a nice piece of lox.”

• Abe Hoffman, age 67

Hoffman's Deli is located in Suburbia; Maxwell Sector; Laughann's Walk 4213. Open 5am-Midnight daily.

Intelligence Report/Citizens of Interest/Madame Valeria's House of Wonders

Madame Valeria's House of Wonder

In a reasonably quiet corner of Morley Sector, on Crandon's Walk in Level 8 of Lower Downtown sits the tiny storefront of Madame Valeria. People expecting to see a wizened old woman running the store are sorely mistaken. Madame Valeria is twelve years old. Her store is full of interesting and potentially illegal items. Doc Jug trades with her for some of her more unusual pieces. The services she provides are myriad. Curios, charms and talismans are available. Potions can be brewed. Information can be located, be it in the past, present, or future. Even hexes, curses and assorted whammies are available for the right price.

Valeria works for cash or trade, but don't consider cheating this little girl. The Johannas hold her in the highest regard and revere her as a wise-woman and healer; she enjoys their unquestioning protection. Most people treat her with respect and fear. If the protection of the Johannas is not enough deterrent from harming her, the sawed-off Bully Boy she keeps under her desk works just as well. What really keeps everyone in line is the fact that her concoctions, talismans and spells all seem to work. They work so well that some have suggested that she is able to tap the Ebb.

Nobody seems to know the history of this enigmatic girl or her shop.. She speaks little, and of herself, nothing. In Downtown, some stories claim that Valeria does not age; she has been twelve for as long as anyone can remember. As far as anyone can tell, she is as ageless as Mr. Slayer and possibly as mysterious. Ebons who have attempted to read her are unable to get concrete information and are always shaken by the attempt.

“When I attempted to touch her mind it was like stepping into the cosmos. There was at once a sense of terrible limitless emptiness. Then you felt the power lying underneath. The power to either bend this universe to her will or simply rend it asunder. I truly fear this child more than Mr. Slayer or any of the nightmares of his World of Progress.”

-Othin, Ebon SCL 6B.4 (Not for reprint)

While there is concern over the power she allegedly wields and the dubious legality of the items in her shop, SLA Industries officially treats her as a persona non grata. Her shop brings genuine comfort to the people of Downtown. She never engages in any business that is needlessly detrimental to the citizens. When her services are requested for anything of a dubious nature, she makes it perfectly clear that fate does not smile upon people who would use her powers for ill purpose.

“I can do what you ask. I can bring your desires to light. Be warned though, my child. If you would bend my will to bring woe to those who do not deserve it, I will know. I will return that ire unto you amplified a thousandfold. Misuse my gifts and I will destroy you. This is as sure as the rain.”

-Madame Valeria

In the end, the Shivers either avoid her entirely or are regular clients, Monarch knows better than to be anything but reverent and the Dark Finders are unable to find out the slightest bit of useful information about her. SLA simply just ignores her at this point. After all, what harm can one little girl do?

Advertising Supplement/Sports/Mort Hockey League

Mort Hockey League

Type: Professional Hockey Organization

Location: Stadiums in Central, Uptown, Upper and Lower Downtown

Description: The Mort Hockey League (MHL) maintains four divisions of three teams each. The Divisions break down as follows:

Mort Central Division

Camden Sector Sanguines

Pegram Sector Rainfall

Carver Sector Fusion

Uptown Division

Runyon Sector Legionnaires

Striplin Sector Ennui

Rascette Sector Infernos

Suburbia Division

Maxwell Sector Ice Clowns

Freedman Sector Reapers

Macklin Sector Highlanders

Downtown Division

Lowell Sector Sewer Rats

Lower Hambelton Pest Control

Upper Hambelton Smoking Octopi

Each team has its own arena which is used for other events (concerts, conventions, other sports and Contract Circuit events) when the team is at an away game and during the off-season. It comes as a surprise to many people that the Downtown arenas are kept in very good repair and have their own Shiver Station attached.

Shivers have a special connection to the MHL, as the Lower Hambelton Pest Control began its life as an all Shiver hockey club. It is a matter of pride that the Shivers have had at least one of their ranks playing for each team in the MHL since the inception of the league. Each Shiver department in a league sector works hard to get a player on the local team. Shivers who go pro are excused from active duty during their time in the league, though they can be called to active duty in times of emergency. Shivers playing in the MHL are permitted to draw their regular Shiver salaries on top of league pay. Pay in the MHL is based on time and talent. Rookies can expect to make around 2,000c per season while veteran stars command 20,000c and up. Production and post season bonuses add to the pay and endorsement money can also sweeten the deal. Ennui star Jacques Forlaine brings in upwards of 50,000c per season with endorsements and bonuses. Not bad for a Shiver Sergeant.

The MHL is co-ed, with most teams having one or two women on the roster. On interesting side-note, over 65% of the women in the MHL play goalie. The MHL is exempt from the Racial Equality Program; Shaktars and Stormers are not permitted to play (even if they wanted to). Ebons and Brain Wasters, while not strictly prohibited, show no interest in playing the sport, let alone watching it. Wraith Raiders have become huge MHL fans, likely due to the ice and cold of the venues. Wraiths are permitted in the MHL; their speed and grace make them natural players, and several Wraiths have found fame in the ranks of the MHL. Frothers are permitted to play; the Macklin Highlanders is actually an all Frother team. The incredibly strict anti-drug policies tend to keep more Frothers out of the MHL, regardless of how much they enjoy the fighting and hitting people with sticks.

Drug screening in the MHL is regular and stringent, and no biogenetic enhancements are permitted. There is a zero tolerance policy for both, with a lifetime ban for the first offense. No explanations or excuses are accepted. There is no appeals process. Since the league began in 826SD, only eight players have been ejected for violating the drug and biogenetic policies. Players know better and respect the MHL far too much to risk it.

The MHL has worked to keep game tickets affordable, considering that a quarter of the teams in the league operate in low-income sectors. Ticket prices start at 5u for a standing room only pass to 125u for a seat on the glass at center ice at a marquee game. Each stadium can hold around 20,000 fans, so there are plenty of tickets in all price ranges. All games are televised, so fans who can't afford to get tickets can still follow their favorite teams.

Dining choices at games vary from stadium to stadium, with companies annually bidding on vending rights. Expect to see choices like BacBurger or Paramour Pizza in Suburbia/Downtown arenas, while Uptown/Central arenas offer selections from establishments such as Chez Bummin' or Hey! Fondue! Private boxes are often catered by fine restaurants like Martindale's.

An MHL season is 82 games, half played at home and half on the road. The playoffs is an elimination tournament consisting of four rounds of best-of-seven series. The first three rounds determine which team from each conference will advance to the final round. The grand prize in the MHL is the Progress Cup, a large platinum trophy etched with the champion roster for each year. Despite using small print, the Cup has grown to over five feet tall; when space runs out on the cup, another level is added.

BPN Resolution: SHIVER UNIT ORGANIZATION: WHITE

Issuing Department: Shiver Unit Organization
Color Code:WHITE
BPN #: SHS/9758076/DT
Surveillance: Station Analysis
Squad/Operative Undertaking: Team Spartan
Date Issued/Date Completed: 2/6903, 2/7/903

Summary:

• Squad dispatched to Lower Downtown Level 25, Wentmore Sector to ascertain whereabouts of missing Shiver Sleeper Unit.

• After checking Shiver communication logs for APC, Squad investigated site of factory bombing. Interview with on-site Shiver Forensic team resulted in no useful information.

• Began search for gang “Killer Headaches,” suspected of attacking APC in retaliation for previous altercation with Shiver Sleeper squad.

• During search, squad ambushed by unidentified gang. Gang member captured and interrogated. Interrogation revealed possible black market supplier for “Killer Headaches.”

• Squad radioed for Shiver Fire team dispatch to location of ambush to suppress blaze caused by gang members. Fire contained with minimal property damage.

• Squad traveled to location of suspected black market supplier*. Interview revealed “Killer Headaches” attempted to purchase heavy weapons. No transactions were made. Interview also revealed names and locations of two other possible suppliers.

• Squad traveled to first supplier*. Interview showed further proof that “Killer Headaches” intended to purchase heavy weapons to use in APC attack. Gang apparently lacked resources to make purchase, instead opting for small arms. Interview also revealed location of local gang hang out.

• Squad traveled to “Combat Chef” restaurant where employees informed squad of overheard discussion of a planned attack on a Shiver APC on the Hutchinson block.

• Squad traveled to Hutchinson block and began canvassing the area for the Shiver Sleeper Squad.

• Squad discovered group of Scavs stripping Shiver Sleeper APC.

• Squad subsequently came under heavy fire but was able to drive off Scavs. NOTE: Scav weapon was recovered and turned over to Stearman Ballistic Labs for analysis.

Collateral Damage to SLA Property:MINIMAL. Fire started in civilian area. Firearms discharged in a civilian area. Any damage mitigated by prompt dispatch of Shiver Fire Unit and extenuating circumstances.

Squad Fatalities:None. Operative Tawna required medivac services due to loss of limbs in firefight.

Conclusion:Search of the area revealed bodies of several gang members and nine of the ten Sleeper Shivers. The Shiver Sergeant for the unit is still missing and presumed dead. Forensic analysis of the scene shows that “Killer Headaches” were outfitted with DarkNight heavy weapons. It can be safely assumed that the gang was subverted into joining DarkNight. The gang disabled the APC with heavy weapons and was in the process of engaging the Shiver Sleeper Unit when Scavs ambushed and finished off both sides. Team Spartan, responding to the sounds of the firefight, was able to drive off the Scavs before they could successfully strip any equipment from the field.

BPN satisfactorily completed. Individual payout+recovery bonus: 930c/Operative. SCL +0.5/Operative.

ADDENDUM: *Identities of black market suppliers withheld. Value as contacts/informants outweighs benefits of incarceration of these individuals.

BPN Resolution: Defence-RED

Issuing Department: Defence
Color Code: RED
BPN #: CS/443899/WD
Surveillance: Third Eye News
Squad/Operative Undertaking: Team Spartan
Date Issued/Date Completed: 9/27/901, 9/27/901

Summary:
- Squad dispatched to Wall Gun 207 on CS1 wall to support Wall Shivers in protecting repair team and repelling Carrien attacks while gun system is brought back on line.
- Major Carrien attack occurred while gun was off line.
- Squad and Shiver team were able to hold Carriens back with minimal casualties.
- Gun 207 brought back on line within 3 hours.

Collateral Damage to SLA Property: MINIMAL. Application of Wall Wash will remove staining of the wall.

Squad Fatalities:K'Dgh. LAD activated and successfully revived victim.

Conclusion: BPN satisfactorily completed. Individual payout: 1,070c/Operative for time and Carrien bounties. SCL +0.3/Operative.

ADDENDUM: Frother Operative Fidditch was witnessed going over the wall alone to engage a large party of Carrien hand-to-hand. Suggest observation of Operative for possible Blaze UV sponsorship or consideration for the Contract Circuit.

BPN Resolution: SHIVER UNIT ORGANIZATION-YELLOW

Issuing Department: Shiver Unit Organization
Color Code: YELLOW
BPN #: SH/5893527/DT
Surveillance: Third Eye News
Squad/Operative Undertaking: Team Spartan
Date Issued/Date Completed: 9/18/901, 9/20/901

Summary:
- Squad dispatched to Warren Sector of Downtown to recover crashed SCAF bike.
- Interrogated local citizens as to whereabouts of equipment.
- Recovered Power Reaper and majority of SCAF unit.

Collateral Damage to SLA Property: MINIMAL. Firearms were discharged in civilian areas. Damage and civilian casualties mitigated by return of majority of SCAF unit and weapon systems.

Squad Fatalities: None

Conclusion: BPN satisfactorily completed. Squad Payout 1,500c. SCL +0.2/Operative.

BPN Resolution: SANITATION - BLUE

Issuing Department: Sanitation
Color Code: BLUE
BPN #: SN/332194/SM
Surveillance: Station Analysis
Squad/Operative Undertaking: Team Spartan
Date Issued/Date Completed: 9/02/901, 9/02/901

Summary:
-Squad to accompany repair crew and clear sewer blockage
-Secondary objective: locate/rescue Shivers and previous repair crew reported missing in same general area
-Squad and repair crew located blockage. Carcass of large sewer pig was lodged in pipe. Carcass was being consumed by swarm of rats.
-Squad inadvertently caused stampede of rats.
-Stampede and subsequent gunfire alerted nearby pack of Carrien.
-Squad engaged Carrien with minimal losses to repair crew.
-Pig successfully cleared from pipe.
-Further investigation revealed location of three surviving Shivers and five members of the previous repair team. Survivors successfully rescued.

Collateral Damage to SLA Property: MINIMAL. No appreciable damage caused to area of operation. Repair crew suffered minimal casualties.

Squad Fatalities: None

Conclusion: BPN Satisfactorily completed. Individual payout 125c/Operative + Rescue Bonus + Carrien Bounties. SCL +0.1/Operative.