NEWS FROM OTHER REALITIES
EST: ~YSCC – THE EDITOR
READER’S CORRESPONDING REALITY PUBLICATION DATE: 09/17/2018
Raley’s Disease Continues to Spread, Scientists Propose Radical Solution
Kecis, Year 3,965
Written by: Kerondo Mor
Seventeen new cases of Raley’s Disease have been confirmed in the previously-unaffected Denoa District, making it the 179th district to be struck by the illness.
The first case in the Denoa District was confirmed when Morgon Dan, age 97, did not de-materialize as expected upon his death, causing widespread panic among funeral attendees. The authorities were called in to investigate, and a planet-wide sweep confirmed that his biological material had not been re-rendered anywhere on Kecis. Uncertain as to what should be done with the remains, Dan’s family allowed the body to be used for scientific research in the hope of finding a cure.
Raley’s Disease was first discovered more than ten years ago by the eminent geneticist Dr. Malvern Raley. In numerous interviews, Dr. Raley has theorized that the disease manifested as a result of a random genetic mutation. He emphasized that due to the completely closed and self-sustaining biosphere of Kecis, such a mutation could not have been triggered by environmental or foreign factors — rather, it is the result of a mathematically unlikely replication anomaly.
However, despite years of exhaustive research, the exact transmission method is unknown, and no cure has been found. The disease appears to randomly leap from district to district, causing some scientists to call for further study of the Kecis biosphere itself.
Due to the lack of physical symptoms exhibited during the life of patients with Raley’s Disease and widespread genetic testing unavailable, cases of the disease can only be confirmed upon the death and persistent cohesion of the deceased patient.
The Kirren District has been hardest-hit by the disease, with close to a thousand bodies that have failed to de-materialize. Authorities have been scrambling to find appropriate storage for the remains, which have begun to decay. This is an unprecedented occurrence on Kecis, provoking fear that improper handling of the remains could cause the disease to spread farther.
Kirren medical and justice personnel have also reported a lack of manpower to help deal with the growing crisis, as the biological material from deceased persons across Kecis has not been re-rendered in the form of new individuals.
As population imbalances and personnel shortages across Kecis continue to increase, a small faction of scientists has proposed the radical solution of opening the biosphere.
“The solution to this crisis is not here,” Dr. Frendick Lipely stated in an interview with various media outlets. “The isolation of Kecis has worked well for millennia, but this is one problem we cannot overcome without help. If the solutions cannot be found here, maybe they can be found out there.”
Several members of the government and people within the scientific community have denounced Dr. Lipely’s suggestion, calling it “recklessly and inherently dangerous,” “foolish,” and “the catalyst that will ensure the certain destruction of Kecis.”
In the meantime, authorities have begun to establish quarantine zones around every district in an attempt to slow the spread of the disease. If a friend or family member fails to de-materialize, don’t panic. Simply call your local medical authority for assistance.
READER’S CORRESPONDING REALITY PUBLICATION DATE: 09/04/2018
Youmetics Boycotted as Pairing Decreases
Gerodon, Season 153,287.095
Written by: Marty Senz
GlobalGreenGrocer has pulled the Youmetics lineup from its virtual shelves, making it the largest metaweb distribution company to take this action in the wake of a planetary coupling crisis.
Although the birth rate continues to decline, the government has not yet taken an official stance on Youmetics products, nor has it acknowledged the studies showing a marked decrease in pairings since the controversial brand was introduced more than 7 seasons ago.
Youmetics was originally conceived as an expeditious and attractive way to assist those suffering from mental health problems such as chronic low self-worth, interpersonal anxiety, and habits of isolation or substance use that were deemed counterproductive. Generally, the Youmetics system consists of a neural-interface gel and covering membrane, which automatically conforms to the skin of the wearer. The flexible membrane enhances the physical appearance of the Youmetics user in any manner they desire, while the neural-interface gel fuses with the consciousness to artificially “fill in” any gaps in personality that could also be deemed unattractive..
Initially, Youmetics enjoyed incredible success, with millions of happy users taking to the metaweb to share their stories, and offer video tips on how to get the most from the system. Their stunning success was marred only by sporadic reports of users trying to “hack” Youmetics products, however, these attempts were largely unsuccessful.
Youmetics experienced its first piece of negative media attention after survey respondents of all genders began reporting feelings of mistrust around potential pairmates, citing the inability to rely on the good qualities presented by the Youmetics system to further their genetic lineage. Since the system was designed to be worn for no longer than a seasonal day, and required a rest period of at least a half-day between applications, it was impossible for the improved appearance and personality to remain permanently. The brand’s image suffered further after a flurry of neuro-deaths resulted from attempts to extend the wearing period.
In an attempt to combat the backlash, Youmetics added a “carryover” feature that extended the wearing period by one seasonal day, and further boosted customers’ feelings of satisfaction in purchasing and using the product.
Studies have shown that the additional self-satisfaction served to deepen the divide, with an increasing number of Youmetics users ceasing to seek pairmates altogether. This is suspected to have contributed to the shocking decline in birth numbers.
The latest studies have indicated that extended use of Youmetics produces a neurowave pattern similar to those who suffer from substance addiction. Due to the protracted governmental silence on the crisis, businesses like GlobalGreenGrocer have taken steps to prevent the widespread distribution of Youmetics products.
It is unclear whether these steps will prove to be effective. More on this story as it continues to develop.
READER’S CORRESPONDING REALITY PUBLICATION DATE: 08/27/2018
VIRMOA INVASION DEEMED HOAX
Sarcose Tangent, 1986 — NSW
Written by: Case Deminema
An investigation into whether the recent influx of the previously-nomadic Gergoash people into the capital of Virmoa has ruled out that it can be officially declared an invasion. This decision comes despite the fact that Gergoashian people currently outnumber the local Virmoan people nearly 4:1 in the city limits. Tent cities are rampant, and while order has been maintained, locales are feeling the weight of these visitors in nearly every aspect of daily life.
Agricultural rations have been acquired through trade deals with neighbouring city-states, however, it does not appear as though the Gergoashians are intending to leave in the foreseeable future.
Speaking for her people, Do’al Brek, an occultist leader for the Gergoashians, had this to say:
“We truly appreciate the aid from the Virmoa. It is not our intention to cause harm or disrupt their activities, however, with our lifestyles put in jeopardy from the recent industrial changes here and across the Miditerran Ocean, we find ourselves in need of help. We shall do our best to provide services to the communities here in the hopes of easy assimilation.”
She did not comment on the reports of Ojic Wheels being constructed in parks and other natural features in Virmoa, but did extend an open invitation for people to come and take part in the traditions and practices of her people.
Members at the Council House are expected to appeal the results of the inquiry on the grounds that the inspector has subcultural ties to the Gergoashians and may have been otherwise influenced to reach the current conclusion.
READER’S CORRESPONDING REALITY PUBLICATION DATE: 08/24/2018
EOS Program Gains Approval
Amicia, Cycle5-Green — 79
Written by: Sedar Vilenzian
A new era of happiness and well-being is set to dawn in the next cycle, as the EOS program moves one step closer towards full implementation. This minrotation, GovCorp officially gave the go-ahead to proceed with full-scale trials of the controversial program, hailed by many to be the ultimate solution to Septovia’s current mental health crisis.
The EOS program was conceived after the marked upsurge in suicides began three cycles ago, after Stabilization. Although no definitive cause has yet been determined for the dramatic spike in the suicide rate, mandatory midcycle surveys have revealed that Septovians increasingly struggle with feelings of loneliness, isolation, and hopelessness. Some psychologists have hypothesized that the regimented duties and draconian job-selection policies implemented during Stabilization have contributed to these findings. However, this remains merely a hypothesis, since GovCorp’s statistics clearly prove that, as a whole, Septovia and its citizens are flourishing under Stabilization.
With the threat of labour interruptions imminent as workforce numbers continue to drop, NeuroCorp introduced EOS, or the Emotional Offboard Standard program. For a nominal fee, Septovians will be able to transfer their negative emotions to inmates of GovCorp correctional facilities across the planet. Once the program has been fully implemented, EOS users will be able to visit a registered EOS office 29 hours a minrotation to purge themselves of any unwanted emotions. According to NeuroCorp, the entire process will take less than 15 semieons to complete, and will be fully supervised by a licensed EOS technician. The fee charged will go towards the ongoing care and monitoring of the receiving inmates.
So far, controlled laboratory trials have yielded positive results with few synaptic deaths. Due to the encouraging data, GovCorp was quick to approve the program, citing a possible need for mandatory EOS transfers in the coming cycle if the scheduled trials are ultimately successful.
Opponents of EOS have pointed out the inherent cruelty of subjecting Septovian inmates to further negative emotions. However, GovCorp and NeuroCorp have been quick to assure the public that recipients of EOS transfers will receive adequate medical and psychological care. In addition, they have pointed out that correctional facilities are already equipped for the required constant monitoring of EOS transfer recipients, and that transfers will be limited to correctional citizens that are already in Solitary Isolation and Restraint. It is expected that this will significantly reduce the likelihood of any physical harm.
The first trials are scheduled to take place as soon as minrotation 8. Happier days ahead.
READER’S CORRESPONDING REALITY PUBLICATION DATE: 08/20/2018
SPATIAL FARMING SUCCESS
QUOWATTI — Dolmen Access 1994 – 18CC
Written By: Mary Solem
LATEST FORECASTS FOR AGRICULTURAL YIELD FROM VENUSCATO INTERPLANETARY INDUSTRY (VIP) HAVE exceeded expectations their shareholders were told during their quarterly report. Simply put, using solar driftstreams and utilizing nanotechnology to acquire raw material from various spatial objects (see: ASTEROIDS, METEORS, SPATIAL DEBRIS AND YOU!) the company has managed to create two dozen new GREENSHIPS in orbit around Earth, the moon, Mars, Mercury, and the recently completed Unified Space Force’s Headquarters, the largest station of its kind, and one that is expected to continue developing thanks to its modular design.
Venuscato CEO, Cosway Grover, said this of his company’s success:
“We have spent centuries at war with the planet that birthed us and are nowhere nearer to satisfying the needs of humanity or the world proper. It is with great pleasure that Venuscato has stepped forward and provided the first truly sustainable system for feeding our growing population and reducing the impact on Mother Earth. Our Produce Arks will begin launching later this year, offering cities that opt-in to the program with regularly-scheduled deliveries via our biodegradable modules.
When a person can fly from Earth to the moon for a business meeting there should be no one left hungry on our world.”
He was applauded for his altruism, however, some activists have suggested that this will hamper progress on fixing the issues on-world. Only time will tell.
Meanwhile, Venuscato’s nanoships have reached the Kuiper belt where they are beginning to convert the mass of raw minerals into next-generation stations. The first phase of which will see a collection of Dyson Monoliths constructed and towed to orbit around Mercury to ensure the planet is operating on 100% renewable energy. A campaign promise from the sometimes-questionable AI-Darrel.
The company has yet to speak about subsequent phases of their multi-generational enterprises.
READER’S CORRESPONDING REALITY PUBLICATION DATE:
SUNSPEARS
QUOWATTI — Dolmen Access 1994 – 18CC
Written By: Mary Solem
OPERATIONS IN LAGRANGIAN POINTS L4 and L5 HAVE PROVEN UNSUCCESSFUL, ADDING ONLY MORE DEBRIS TO THE ALREADY CATASTROPHIC SPACE GARBAGE THAT HAS drifted into orbital configurations and, affected by the gravitational forces from the moon and Earth, and is currently maintaining position relative to them. These expansive plots have been causing all manner of disturbances to global space programs and were intended to be resolved with the Leridial Arm.
Unfortunately, small errors during deployment caused the Leridial Arm to miss its mark and it now counts itself among the junk heap.
The Unified Space Force (USF) has responded to claims that the whole project was a public relations stunt by clarifying that additional funding will not go into politically-motivated campaigns. A promise they failed to uphold in previous elections. In the meantime, the USF network sites offer advice on times and areas to avoid for sunspear activity.
A relatively new phenomenon, sunspears are created when sunlight reflects off the chrome shells of many of the objects currently stranded in L4 and L5 towards Earth.
These intense beams have been identified as the source for numerous cases of blindness and momentary combustion, wherein individuals, objects, and locations are essentially vaporized by the intensity of the sunspears.
Rotational axis is taken into account for the USF’s ‘areas of risk’ and is computationally assisted by some of the still-active satellites in the both L4 and L5.
The claim that any of these actions are intentional has been blatantly denied by the USF’s council heads, including acting Precedent Richard Overman, who has further rejected the conspiracy theories that the sunspears themselves are part of a larger weaponization project. Despite these official statements it is difficult to discount the facts that the sunspears have, by in large, appeared in geopolitical zones that have declined to offer aid or collaboration with ongoing Unified Forces activities and membership offers.
Keep safe out there and make sure you review sunspear activity prior to leaving your homes.
READER’S CORRESPONDING REALITY PUBLICATION DATE: 08/15/2018
FINANCIAL FUTURE GLOOMY FOR AgTech AS LEVI UNITS CONTINUE TO FAIL
May 18, 20xx. Flor
Written By: [Name Redacted]
AgTech’s bold experiment in food production is encountering difficulties as LEVI units continue to suffer from what some scientists have described as “catastrophic malfunctions.” The malfunctions have resulted in food shortages in several areas, and AgTech is scrambling to keep up with the demand.
Limited-Energy Victualling Intelligence (or LEVI) units are the brainchild of famed AgTech scientist, Dr. Leon Ang. Dr. Ang, known in the scientific community for a consuming interest in blending the biological and technological, gained approval for his food production project more than ten years ago. The A*MESH Corporation was formed as a subsidiary of AgTech, and the experimental LEVI units, an unprecedented combination of mechanical entity and biological material, were touted as the ultimate solution to Flor’s food production issues.
By allowing a limited amount of autonomy and self-awareness, installing religious subroutines to ensure compliance, and updating each unit’s task list remotely once every 24 hours, the LEVI method of food production offers a vastly-reduced overall cost compared to more traditional alternatives, requiring only one instruction upload technician for every A*MESH colony. The expected outcome of the A*MESH experiment was to stabilize Flor’s food production, and create a virtually self-sustaining system.
Until now, the program has been an unqualified success, with maintenance costs as low as predicted, and a steady stream of food reaching the citizens of Flor. The units’ autonomy allowed them to self-diagnose, repair, and even manufacture their own tools, which contributed to the overall success of the A*MESH solution.
However, the coding that governs the LEVI units has come under fire recently, after several of them reportedly gained full self-awareness and control over their own software. This resulted several riots across A*MESH colonies. It is reported that “exorcisms” performed on the defective units revealed the actual makeup of colony members, inducing widespread outrage and panic. In many cases, most of the units were brought back under control by the emergency override command, but not before several thousands of dollars worth of property was destroyed.
The most recent riot in Central NW-35 resulted in the incineration of thousands of acres of crops. Smoke and flames from the conflagration could be seen from several areas of Flor itself, and a 14% reduction in food transportation has been noted.
It is unclear what steps AgTech plans to take to rectify this situation, as they have not yet issued a formal statement. However, several major stakeholders have already withdrawn funding, leaving AgTech and its remaining stakeholders in a precarious position. Meanwhile, lines at food dispensaries continue to grow.
We will continue to follow this story as it develops.
READER’S CORRESPONDING REALITY PUBLICATION DATE: 08/14/2018
LEON ANG FOUND DEAD, GENERIS INVOLVEMENT POSSIBLE
June 25, 20xx, Flor
Written by: [Name Redacted]
Dr. Leon Ang, one of the planet’s most notable scientists, has been found dead at the relatively young age of 171. Authorities were alerted to an acute medical distress signal at 04:39 on June 23, however, by the time they were able to gain access to Dr. Ang’s residence, the victim had already expired.
At this time, AgTech refuses to elaborate on the manner of death, except to say that homicide “cannot be excluded” from the realm of possibility. However, this reporter has learned that Dr. Ang had apparently been suffocated. There is also evidence that his integrated LEO (Life Energy Optimization) implants had been surgically deactivated, suggesting that a skilled scientist may have been involved in his death.
A thorough sweep was of course conducted by the authorities at the time of the incident report, but no trace biological or technological evidence was found.
The loss of Dr. Ang is predicted to have a serious impact on the planetary scientific community. He is perhaps best known as the “Grandfather of the A*MESH,” having championed the A*MESH food production project more than a decade ago. Dr. Ang’s research came under fire after the Nutritional Riots that occurred two years prior to his death, which resulted in trillions of dollars worth of damage, and the loss of several thousand Flor citizens due to starvation.
However, Dr. Ang was able to rectify the errors in the A*MESH base programming, and continued his research into biotech blending and advancement, alongside nutritional development for AgTech, until his death.
Notably, in the months preceding the alleged homicide, biotech giant Generis had expressed an interest in acquiring Dr. Ang’s research. However, despite a precedent-setting compensation offer, the famed scientist had voiced reservations about working with this particular Corp, citing “morality reasons.” Details uncovered by this reporter indicate that Generis is now being closely looked at as a source of potential leads.
When asked for a statement by the General Reporting Bureau, Generis CEO Umberto Denman responded with: “Dr. Ang was a brilliant mind, and his loss will be felt by the citizens of Flor for decades to come. Unfortunately, brilliant minds are also often troubled. We can only hope that whatever profound pain he was no doubt experiencing has now been put to rest.”
More on this story as it continues to develop.
[Writer’s note: due to the specific and sensitive information I have acquired, and in an effort to keep the means of gaining this information clandestine, I have judged it prudent to publish this piece anonymously. It has been broadcast in a simultaneous burst from null terminals across the city, in order to obscure the location data.]
READER’S CORRESPONDING REALITY PUBLICATION DATE: 08/13/2018
WONDERS GREAT AS MY CONTENT!
QUOWATTI — Dolmen Access 1994 – 18CC
Written By: Mary Solem
THE ARTIFICIAL ISLAND NATION OF VERREBROOK HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY ACCEPTED INTO THE UNIFIED NATIONS TODAY, marking a landmark case for other non-traditional sovereign entities wishing to do the same.
At the time of this report, fireworks were blasting off as Verrebrook tethered itself in the East Pacific near the California maritime borders. I observed as thousands of the mobile country’s citizens celebrated.
It comes at a difficult political period as unrest in the Euroasian Alliance continues passive-aggressive sanctions against neighbours in a modern trade war that has caused market breakdowns on a global scale. Similar retaliatory tariffs have resulted in Australia closing its borders entirely, focusing their efforts inwards on greenification and environmental modifications as weather patterns this century have provided new opportunities for the arid continent.
In the weeks to follow, the governing body of Verrebrook intends to take the newly-recognized country towards South America, encouraging coastal countries to come visit the unique architecture and emerging culture of the high-tech cityscape and biodomes that make up the majority of the 10 square-kilometre floating structure. Replete with the conveniences you would expect from any of today’s leading cities, the residents are regarded as some of the happiest in the world.
Join me on my ongoing travel series as I follow Verrebrook’s journey.
READER’S CORRESPONDING REALITY PUBLICATION DATE: 08/10/2018
SUPREME OWL SUSPENDED
QUOWATTI — Dolmen Access 1994 – 18CC
Written By: Mary Solem
CELEBRATORY SIRENS WAILED INTO DUSK AS LORD PRINSTINE COLT WAS REMOVED FROM THEIR COURT-APPOINTED HOME THIS SUNDAY AFTER BRIBERY ALLEGATIONS CAME TO LIGHT ON SATURDAY MORNING. FIRST REPORTED BY the Duchess’ own butler, POMPON WILST, an Inquisitor Troop entered LORD COLT’S property later that same day to discover bags of salt hidden in the pantry.
This comes with a possible sentence of two years hard labour, however, given the age of LORD COLT we expect a more lenient sentence in the form of tariffs and community payment.
We will update further as more details for the case become available.
[continued on page 10.1]
READER’S CORRESPONDING REALITY PUBLICATION DATE: 08/10/2018
STRANGE DAY FOR THE END OF THE WORLD…
SIERRE OLM –
Written By: THE EDITOR
[EDITOR NOTE: ORIGINAL PUBLICATION DATE: 20XX]
THE AIR WAS ALIVE. THE PEOPLE, CROWDED TOGETHER. THE PLANET, PREPARING FOR ABSOLUTION FROM THE LUNAR COLLISION. BUT I FIND MYSELF far removed from these emotional reactions, instead, I’m sipping a cool glass of tea and observing the scene play out from the safety of my kitchen.
How do I, you ask?
Reality Lens technology has seen significant advancement since it was first introduced in 21AB. My grandparents used to round up their kids, like many of the day and age, and have the whole family spend time watching the RLs together. It was the latest trend and it made quite an impact when the tech entered commercial use. They almost literally flew off the shelves.
Turn it on, add in specifications and have it tune in. That’s all it took! The sorting algorithm does all the rest!
By the time I came along, RLs were, for the most part, banned in Europa. Citing significant addiction issues, the technology was left largely untouched and blacklisted for decades.
The modern RLs, mine, in particular, being built by the GenCell Corporation, has numerous safety protocols designed into the biostock feeds. But more to the point, I was fortunate to be one of the first journalists to be offered access trial the device, named VisionaryWear. Invited to be part of a small sample of ‘test subjects’ and offer reports on my experience, my first exposure showed me a vast city, almost entirely covered in sand, with a brightness to the sky that suggested the atmosphere was thin and life, all but dead.
Taking some time to review the settings and options, I am pleased to report that users will have a variety of prospective scenarios to experience.
Let’s step back from where I started and look at the device itself, shall we?
First of all…
[continued on page 2.3]