Advertising Supplement/Convenience Stores/Honest Akhbar's

Honest Akhbar's

Type: Convenience Store

Locations: Suburbia, Upper Downtown, Lower Downtown

Description: Honest Akhbar's is a chain of dubious convenience stores located predominantly in Suburbia and Upper Downtown. The occasional franchise can be found on the first few levels of Lower Downtown. Honest Akhbar's does not maintain franchises in Uptown or Mort Central.

Honest Akhbar's stocks most mundane and sundry items and has a limited grocery section. Alcohol, tobacco, low end civilian drugs and a rather shockingly large selection of pornographic magazines are available, but kept behind a barrier of bullet proof glass along with the clerk. Akhbar's also features a menu of surprisingly good hot and cold foods for a quick meal. The average meal of a sandwich, chips and drink run about 2-3u.

Some may question how theft is controlled if the clerks are sealed up. The answer is quite simple. Honest Akhbar's has a posted policy that Operatives, Shivers and Monarchs never pay for a meal. While this does not extend to the rest of the store's inventory, the lure of free meals is enough to ensure that at almost any time of day or night, there will be some form of armed SLA employee or law enforcement agent on the premises at any given store. Wise people also know that Akhbar's clerks are a great source of information on what's going down in the streets; it pays to stay on the good side of the clerks. As a last stand against thieves, Honest Akhbar franchises are universally equipped with a unique security system. At the push of a button, metal grates drop from the ceiling to cover every door and window in the store. Once activated, these grates can not be raised by anything short of industrial equipment unless the clerk deactivates the system. With the thieves caged in, the clerk need only wait in his bullet proof kiosk until help arrives.

Advertising Supplement/Fine Apparel/Feingold's

Feingold's Fine Tailoring

Type: Fine custom apparel

Locations: Mort Central

Description: Tucked away among the myriad shops of Mort Central is a small, unobtrusive storefront. There is no gaudy marquee announcing the shop. Simple gold scripts on the window advertises “Feingold's Fine Tailoring.” This unassuming shop produces some of the finest clothing on the planet. Apprentices at Feingold's have gone on to work for Arducci and some of the most prestigious designers on New Paris.

Anyone working at Feingold's is trained under the careful and exacting eye of Martin Feingold. He required all his apprentices to work with him one on one for no less than six months before he will even consider letting them work unsupervised. Even once they are past the apprentice stage, employees will never directly make a garment; employees are only permitted to do measurements and simple alterations. Feingold creates all the garments himself. All employees know the old man's strange job terms. When an apprentice feels they can make a garment to Feingold's standards, they are free to do so at their own expense. Feingold will then inspect the garment carefully. If it meets his strict requirements for quality and aesthetics, the apprentice is fired on the spot. This may seem strange, but it is the highest compliment Feingold can give. He has nothing more to teach at that point. Many fashion designers would kill to be able to say they were fired by Feingold on their resumes.

So how can a shop that only has one master tailor stay in business in Mort Central? Uncompromising quality. Customers know that when they walk into Feingold's, they will not be purchasing anything off the rack. The entire outfit will be custom made from the finest materials the World of Progress has to offer. Even accessories like ties and socks will be made to order. Feingold even keeps a jeweler on retainer to one-off cufflinks, tie pins and other accessories as needed. A shoemaker is also available if needed.

Feingold's operates on an appointment only basis. On entering the shop, the door will be locked and the curtains drawn. The customer will be offered a selection of imported coffees and teas to enjoy while they are measured. The customer then explains what it is they are looking for. Feingold then provides a quick sketch to verify the vision. Materials are discussed, but generally people let Feingold decide the details. Price is never discussed. If you have to inquire about price, you certainly can not afford to wear a Feingold garment. Depending on the garment and the customer, the order can take anywhere from a day to a month. On the average, a man's suit will take about a week. Elaborate ball dresses can take much longer. For those who really need to know prices, a man's ensemble (suit, shirt, tie, pocket square, socks) will cost in the area of 3500-5000 credits. An elaborate formal dress can run easily over 10,000c depending on the materials.

While the idea of a suit of clothing that costs more than a suit of Dogeybone is a little off-putting, one needs to keep certain things in mind. First, the item will be one of a kind and made by hand from the finest materials the World of Progress has to offer. Second, Feingold clothing is guaranteed forever. Once purchased, the customer may return for unlimited alterations. In the impossible event that an item is defective or wears out, Feingold will provide a replacement free of charge. Third, he's been doing this for 213 years. Being Mr. Slayer's personal tailor has its advantages.

Intelligence Report/Soft Company/Randolph Logistics

Name: Randolph Logistics

Type: Independent Soft Company

Products/Services: Smuggling/Illegal Shipping

Company Line: We get it there, no questions asked.

Public Information: Randolph Logistics started innocently enough in 901SD as a small freight handling company run by a pair of brothers, Jim and Ray Randolph. They established themselves as a quick, clean and reliable shipping and moving company. Their big break occurred when transporting some crates to the new home of a rich corporate. While loading the crates on their truck, one fell off and broke open. Inside was a cache of DarkNight weapons. The corporate, who was observing the procedure, offered the brothers a staggering 20,000u if they would just seal up the box and forget they saw anything. The Randolph brothers took the cash. The corporate let them know that if they were willing to continue to ship with no questions asked he could send a lot of work their way. Within six months Randolph Logistics ballooned to 150 employees and were operating an ion-drive cargo ship. Monthly income went from 10-20,000u per month to 125,000u per month; some jobs commanded at least that amount on their own.

What's the secret to Randolph Logistics' success? They truly ask no questions about what they are shipping. They only want to know if any special precautions need to be taken in storing or moving the containers and an honest assessment of the relative risk of the trip. They warn up front that if these critical pieces of information are inaccurate, misrepresented or withheld, the cargo will be unceremoniously dumped, at a Shiver Station if at all possible.

SLA Intelligence: Obviously, Randolph Logistics is a godsend for DarkNight, gangs and any other illegal or subversive group or individual. SLA has been almost helpless in curbing Randolph Logistics' shipping. Cloak Division strongly suspects (correctly) that Randolph Logistics must have SLA Industries employees on their payroll, as shipments are getting through the perimeter walls far more frequently than could be attributed to smuggling via the sewers or other means. On the rare occasion SLA has managed to intercept a Randolph Logistics shipment, the results have been consistent. The Randolph employees simply ditch the vehicle and flee on foot. The escapes are ensured by the fact that employees wear Keshangs, which suggest possible cooperation with Conway Motorsports, Tek Trex and Kustom Killa Chassis. As a rule, no Randolph employee will ever attempt to engage their pursuers in combat. On inspection of abandoned Randolph vehicles, all that will be found are the shipping containers. There will be no bills of lading or paperwork identifying contents, point of origin or destination. The method by which Randolph Logistics keeps track of everything remains a complete mystery.

SLA is stepping up their efforts to curtail Randolph Logistics' shipping. It is estimated that SLA's best efforts are only preventing about 7% of all Randolph traffic from reaching its destination. The threat of a shipping organization that asks no questions is obvious; SLA's promotion of Randolph Logistics to Soft Company status was inevitable.

Employees: Estimated at 150

Facilities: Unknown. The use of an ion-drive ship would necessitate the operation of a shuttle and spaceport of some description. Facilities would also have to be expansive to accommodate the large amount of business Randolph Logistics does. Satellite imaging have yet to locate any Randolph facilities.

Dept. of Psychology & Psychoses/Employment Record #3211/2a/Operative Status

Date: 3.9.903
From: Dr. Kirstin Randolph, Department of Psychology and Psychoses
To: Department of Employment
Re: Operative Craig Ferguson, Strike Squad, Team Spartan (Record #3211/2a), SCL: 9B.5

UPDATE OF CONDITION:
Ferguson appears to be making very little progress in returning to normal Operative life (work, improving his personal situation). He does very little other than talk about his plans to move past his crippling self-doubt and start recovery. He is very convincing when making these claims. When Ferguson tells you for the twentieth time how he is going to "get well, get back to work and find a nice place to live," you want so much to believe him even though the previous nineteen times he did nothing more than talk about it. Each time nothing comes to fruition, he returns to the same bitterness and self-pity he had on checking in.
This cyclical self-destructive extreme optimist/pessimist behavior, if unchecked, is likely to lead to further psychological issues. Bipolar disorder, paralyzing vacillation, egrophobia are all possible if a treatment is not found.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
Operative Ferguson will remain on "medical leave" until further notice.

TREATMENT:
Operative Ferguson will receive a full spectrum of antidepressants in addition to continued counseling. If course of treatment is not successful, more extreme methods will be suggested for consideration.


Attending Physician,
Dr. Kirstin Randolph, SCL 4B.1


NOTES [NOT FOR REPRINT]
So maybe my initial assessment was off. This guy is fucked up like Hogan's Goat. I haven't seen quite such a spectacular meltdown in a while. This guy is throwing a pity part for the ages and I'm not sure what to do to snap him out of it. I may have to drag out "Old Sparky" for a little EST. Exploratory surgery may not be out of the question.

Dept. of Internal Affairs: Discipline Report #43211041/Craig Ferguson

CC: Dept of Requisitions
Re: Vehicle requisition and weapon possession of Operative Craig Ferguson SCL 9B.7
Date: 3/9/903

Due to Mr. Ferguson's extended stay in Bethlehem Asylum, his vehicle (Lancer Motors 03337 Third Eye News Van) had been tagged for return to the company motor pool to fill vehicle distribution shortages. The vehicle was found in unacceptable condition. The following damage was noted on impound:

EXTERIOR
- Extensive non-spec paint/graffiti on majority of the body
- Extensive front end damage consistent with a head-on collision with a pole and/or static barrier
- Fire damage to the rear of the vehicle
- Extensive damage from small-arms fire

INTERIOR
- The interior of the vehicle was converted into a permanent living space in clear violation of the Operative's Handbook (Section 14B Paragraph 3).
-Upholstery and interior saturated with a pungent odor that can be best described as "taco-based."

An inventory of personal effects in the vehicle turned up a FEN204 that was reported missing during a BPN worked by Ferguson (BPN #: HS/48761/SU) It can be safely assumed that he stole the weapon during the BPN.

In response to the damaged vehicle, Mr. Ferguson will be banned from requisition and use of company vehicles for a period of no less than twelve (12) months. Mr. Ferguson will also be charged the cost of repairing/refurbishing the vehicle (1250c).

In response to the weapon, Mr. Ferguson will be charged with Intentional Misappropriation of Company Resources and Possession of a Weapon Without Proper Documentation. He will be tried in absentia. Penalty will be a 0.2 deduction of SCL and a fine of 250c.

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.

Entertainment/Television/Programming Update/Pound of Flesh with Lumpy Jaw

Pound of Flesh with Lumpy Jaw

Pound of Flesh is rapidly becoming one of the more popular television shows on Mort, featuring two of the populace’s favorites: violence and fabulous prizes. The premise is simple; when two people can’t resolve their differences peacefully, one of them contacts the production staff at Pound of Flesh and states their beef. If the producers feel the beef is genuinely interesting (no petty gang squabbles!) they’ll call the other person and see if they are interested in resolving the issue in the ring. If all parties agree, they are booked and eventually brought to Lumpy Jaw CCS for training.

This is really the hook of the show. For one week, each contestant receives intense, one-on-one training with and established Contract Killer. The killer will also act as ringside manager during the fight. At the end of the week the contestants duke it out. Fights are three rounds of five minutes each and are fought to knock-out, submission or, in the event the fight goes the full time, decision. No weapons, armor or drugs are permitted in the fights.

Prizes for winners can be as simple as cash (usually in the area of 1000u) to ringside tickets to upcoming Contract Killer events. Sometimes special prizes are awarded for specific deeds. A Calaharvey motorcycle is the standing prize for anyone who knocks out their opponent in a single blow in the first five seconds of a match. Killers also like to sweeten the pot by offering additional prizes for their fighters if they win. Ridiculous cash prizes (10,000-20,000u), custom replicas of signature melee weapons, even use of the Killer’s home for a weekend catered party have been offered. Regardless of who wins, both contestants receive a selection of Lumpy Jaw clothing and selected memorabilia autographed by their trainers.

The CK trainers take these fights quite seriously, as they’re seen as a reflection on the abilities of the Killer. Smack talk flies from trainers and contestants alike, and trainer grudge matches are common, taking place immediately after the contestants finish their match.

The format of the show is virtually the same from week to week. The first half of each episode covers the training of the two contestants. This is often hilarious, as the trainers attempt to teach complicated signature moves to total novices. The second half features the actual match, any trainer grudge matches, interviews and awarding of prizes.

Pound of Flesh airs Tuesdays at 7pm on SIC Channel 4.