opnet [OpNet] N News Update

[N News Service]

The nova world is hot with news today!!

Court Upholds Lawsuit Against Erupting Nova

The California State Supreme Court upheld the decision a lower court today regarding the case of Novak v. Stephanie "Goth' Gage. The nova Goth caused over $3.6 million in damages during her eruption two years ago. Normally damages during eruptions are considered "acts of god' and victims have no legal recourse. Marion Novak, the owner of an office building severly damaged during Goth's eruption successfully argued that Ms. Gage was aware that she possessed latent nova potential and that her eruption was a direct result of her intentionally putting her life in danger. The Court agreed that Ms. Gage was therefore responsible for the damages she caused in a way that most novas are not.

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Sotheby's to Hold Second Nova Memorabilia Auction

With the incredible success of the first nova memorabilia auction, Sotheby's is holding a second later this year. Items to be offered include:

• The original signed Utopia contract for Jennifer "Slider' Landers.
• The headpiece worn by Saxon during his televised outburst supporting the Teragen.
• A menu for the First Annual QNA Fundraising Dinner signed by Andy "Ironskin' Vance , Ragnarockette, and the recently outed Javier "El Hombre Supremo' Losordo of the XWF.
• Tape Recordings of the Terat Ashnod taken during her appearance at a lecture at the University of Missouri, Kansas City.

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UN Calls on Japan to Limit Production of Novatech

The UN officially reprimanded the nation of Japan today for its "continual lax enforcement of the restrictions placed on nova engineered technology.' This comes on the heels of the latest incident of nova technology shocking the world with the appearance of a new personal aircraft on the black markets of the world. This aircraft, smaller than a full size sedan, is capable of movement in all directions at a high degree of maneuverability and is supposed to have a range of over 3,200 kilometers. While no hard confirmation of the aircraft exists, accusations against Japan's government and certain corporations have been leveled.

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[Sakurako Hino]

Although I don't agree about restrictions on technology enforced by Utopia, I do know about this aircraft. It is DANGEROUS. There will be many lives lost if this aircraft gets any further out on the markets. Trust me. I know aircraft. That vehicle's stall speed is danced upon using thruster technology my mother had been working on. Her research was incomplete. What pisses me off is that whatever corp is building this death machine stole my mother's INCOMPLETE work. Innocent blood will be on their hands.

That is EXACTLY why I try to keep mom's designs under lock and key.

When I find out who built that contraption, there will be a few lawyers paying them a visit.

[ 10-05-2002: Message edited by: Sakurako 'Endeavor' Hino ]

[Fortune's Son]

Did you consider the possibility of independent concurrent development? 'Cuz that's exactly what they're going to claim to a judge after lawyers show up on their door step. That is, after you've tracked the design transactions through half a dozen "procurements".

Even if you're right LNSE, the company doing the work on this aircraft may have no idea who originally did the R&D.

[Sakurako Hino]

All I know is, someone opened pandora's box. That aircraft... It ain't no cessna. That's just a... prototype. I know what the REAL deal is. Think of it, a jet plane that can out-maneuver Denshi of Nippontai. Not to mention you could arm it with the latest bleeding edge tech. That isn't no pleasure craft my friend. That's the start of something NASTY. I've seen video of that bad-boy. It could turn circles and cheat it's stall speed. But, those engines they have are not exactly safe. The magnetic coils that harness the combustion system have a tendancy to overheat and crack. Causing something similar to a shrapnel explosion. You don't have to worry about crashing, because you'll probably be dead before you hit ground. Or at least what's left of you. I really don't care anymore. They'll have to deal with it.

[Fortune's Son]

Hey LNSE, if you say they ripped off the deceased then they ripped her off. I'm just trying to point out that if:

a. They already stole the intellectual property of a dead woman, and;

b. Thumbed their noses at the U.N Security Council by way of the baseline messiah known as Utopia;

Then takin' 'em to the county courthouse is going to accomplish zip for the zips.

So you can just sit back and chill to the sight of Utopia playing a futile mind-numbing public relations campaign against the people that pried the widget out of your family's ownership. What else can you do; hack their computers? You don't even know who "they" are. And even if you did know what would you and the gremlin cyber-posse do against someone that tore through the best security protocols mom could come up with when she wasn't racing the clock?

So suck it up, turn the other cheek even when this gets used for an assassination or a first strike, smile when the papers drag the family name through the mud and keep telling yourself that the dead don't mind.

Or get serious.

At the moment no money's changed hands and the tech is proprietary. Once the first unit hits the open market so does the tech but I can tell you from experience that Utopia S&T doesn't get involved until three minutes before midnight. If they're bitching to the court its because they know the tech is real and all of PU's resources couldn't locate the prototypes or the schematics.

So get serious girl. Or get somebody serious to do what needs to be done. This isn't a critique kiddo. Maybe a dutch uncle talk but not a put down. You got somebody dissin' the family name that Utopia can't handle? I know somebody else Utopia can't handle either.

Operators are standing by.

[Sakurako Hino]

So, what you're saying is that I gotta get... Physical?

If it's to get after the potential deathdealer coproration that made that... thing? Where do I sign up?

BUT I REFUSE TO TAKE ON UTOPIA. They'd chomp me up and spit me out faster than a bored salary man getting tricks at a bordello.

That's right, Jack. I'm righteously PISSED OFF. You know, I'm about 3 seconds away from accepting an offer of employment from DeVries. I'm entertaining getting "serious".

Your phone is ringing, and I want IN.

[ 10-02-2002: Message edited by: Endeavor ]

[Fortune's Son]

LNSE;

I'm saying there's a difference between venting off steam and having the courage of your convictions.

If you want the deed done but can't do it yourself then break out the cheque book, put off your plans to get the multiple doctorates for a few years and sit back to wait for the phone call reporting the matter has been taken care of. That's the easy way. The safe way.

If this is something you need to do with some hands on then we need to talk. Especially about your aversion to finding yourself on the opposite side of the table from an enthusiastic and well meaning Utopian. The first part is about being an Elite. There's training and lots of it - you'll be doing it for three months solid, part time for the next six months after that and if you're smart you'll keep at it. You're not going to have time to engage in personal vendettas. If you plan on dealing with this ~now~ then you'd be better off breaking out the cheque book.

Then there are the ocuppational hazards like Utopia. Do you have any idea how many times VB and I have sat in a room with bare walls being asked hard questions knowing it was an uppie that put us there to take the heat off their own unilateral wet dream? Or the endless days we've sat giving depositions to a team of uppie lawyers with smiles so bright it made your head hurt, as they tried their best to get us to admit something in a particular wording just so they could run screaming to the World Court about how reality wasn't matching their collective expectations? Or the times we've flat out had to throw down with someone who thought they were in the right just because they were wearing a pretty blue suit and just following orders. Don't confuse the smiling plastic faces on TV with the nova trying to take your head off for the sole reason that its what they've been ordered to do.

Didn't you ever wonder why I know so much about Utopian S&T operating protocols? Why I can name every nova on T2M, what they're reputed to be capable of and where they're stationed? How they plan their missions? Who heads their legal, "peace keeping", and research departments? What the current trend of thought is within their geopolitical analysis division? What lattitude they allow their personnel before they snap them back like an unruly pup?

Utopia is another occupational hazard and one I prepare for just like any other. I don't go off the reservation with the intention of declaring war on Utopia. As a matter of fact there's a couple of them I like just fine but even they don't get slack just because of their employer. You're afraid of Utopia, LNSE. The question is; can you deal with that fear or not?

That's where the courage of your convictions comes in. Look - if this is making you uncomfortable maybe you should call Preston, file a complaint, and go shopping for a new blazer. Or just kick back in the pit and let the Uppies handle it. Your call but like I said there is a limited amount of time and then the matter is out of your hands.

You can let the little people define your world or you can do it for yourself.

[Sakurako Hino]

Like I said, your phone is ringing.

I'm already... procuring talent. As I'd say.

This has gotten me suficiently p'oed enough to say, "screw the rules and let's get dirty". As for becoming one of the elite myself, it's still in the back of my mind.

Also, if you'll need help in what plan of action is taken, I'm more than willing to help you.

[Hugin]

Quote:

Originally posted by Endeavor:
As for becoming one of the elite myself, it's still in the back of my mind.

It is my fondest wish that you are simply engaging in a humorous statement. Young lady, while I cannot claim to have the intelligence network of Utopia nor DeVryes, I do try to be somewhat in the know regarding those who regularly post on these boards. Simply a precaution, nothing more. However, from what I know of you, youthful vim and vigor aside, the likelihood of you surviving the the rough and tumble world of the professional killer is slim at best.

Please, reconsider.

[Sakurako Hino]

Somebody gotta do something...

And from what I know, it ain't all about killing.

And you don't know me completely. There is a whole side of me that NO ONE has seen. Not even myself. Ever since my thrashing recently, I discovered that I haven't been using my full potential. I'm sick and tired of pouting about. I gotta get... as you'd say, busy.

And I know you're not the best on intel for PU. I just know that an organization which is too big for it's own good, and operating with the UN without any curtailment, is a bad thing.

[Fortune's Son]

LNSE, make ready to arrange the transfer of $12M USD. The account and routing numbers will be supplied shortly. If you really want in on the coup de grace then stay at home and be ready to travel on five seconds notice. No joke. The schedule is tight and timing is everything. Start the clock 'cuz its going down in minus 29Hr 32Mins.

When the genie insists on coming out of the bottle you just have to show 'im what happens when the game is played by downtown rules.

Oh.

And ditch the costume. You'll be wearing real armor for this for several different reasons. I know what the deceased came up with and it isn't going to cut it on this field.

[Sakurako Hino]

Already done about the costume. I have just a simple black jumpsuit for occasions like this one. I already synched the clocks on the residence.

Already made the final transactions as well. I officially have no liquid assets for a whole year. Looks like I'll be eating ramen noodles and instant rice. Well, at least if I get outta this fully functional that is. I'm sorry I just gotta see this one through. And thanks for the offer of armor. I'm sure I'll need it.

When you need me, ring me. If it's in my hove country, I can get there in no time flat. Unless you're in the extreme north or south regions of Japan, then It'll take roughly 20 minutes. So you'd better make your timing count.

I'll be following your orders, and you'll find I take direction QUITE well.

Untill we unleash the hounds of hell, I'll be preparing and waiting.

[ 10-03-2002: Message edited by: Endeavor ]

[Fortune's Son]

Careful what you ask for.

I'll need the design specifications on the power requirements, and especially the construction specifics of the magnetic coils. Heat dissipitation capabilities, energy transfer ratios, cascade inception specifications and chemical composition of the ceramic matrix. I don't need the aerodynamics specs. Have the info ready for transfer and you'll receive the protocols after I've spoken with a friend.

[Sakurako Hino]

Okay, the datafile is enroute. But, there is something you should know. The flaw is something my Mom always had to deal with with the MHD drive on our yacht. It's a piezo-magneto resonance problem. The vibrations cause nanoscopic fissures in the ceramic coil restraints. These fissures add up, and at a certain moment, the engine containment collapses. Shooting out shrapnel like a magnetic-coil railgun. Except in an uncontrolled manner.

The main thing to worry about if they perfected the tech, is it's EMP radiation output. It scrambles tech within a certain range. I can see they've sealed their computer tech, but I reccomend to increase your EMP pulse defenses. Standard hardening should be sufficient.

Again, I await the proper moment.

[Sakurako Hino]

One more thing, it seems they're using a hinopolymer hull, strangely enough. I do have solvents that turn hard hinopolymer into liquid. It may be useful.

[Fortune's Son]

Quote:

Originally posted by Endeavor:
Shooting out shrapnel like a magnetic-coil railgun. Except in an uncontrolled manner.

I know. I'm counting on this.

[Sakurako Hino]

*grins* I'm starting to like you. That's exactly what I was thinking.

[Sakurako Hino]

Thanks for the help, I needed it. Now I can be much more focussed.

[Fortune's Son]

Da nada.

Solving problems is our specialty.

[Sakurako Hino]

Quote:

Originally posted by Jack Chance:
Da nada.

Solving problems is our specialty.

Arigato, again.
I hope you don't spend that money all in one place now!
Sorry, gotta go, I'm going to take a few minutes to enjoy the view here. Wish you were here! The view of Jupiter is AMAZING! ...and intimidating.
Seeyas!
PS: The "equipping" process was quite... interesting. Not to mention the gear was sweet! Any chance of telling me what that cool stuff was?

[Fortune's Son]

Watashi no nozomi dori no shinikata deshta ne.

Not as much profit as doing black bag work for my favorite Uncles Sam and Ivan but it beats hustling for the uppies and this one was fun.

The gear was mostly designed by our tex-pert on staff, a lady named Rachel, with some assembly assistance by a friend named Diesel. As a rule most our gear is usually designed from one of two approachs. Either dirt simple with the sophistication coming in at the planning and assembly stages, or very special purpose and usually highly complex. We try to keep it simple on the battlefield although DeVries makes it a point to send operatives out with the very best in tech equalizers. When Rachel works with assembly wizards like Diesel all bets are off though. Stuff that no one could touch because of construction expense suddenly becomes reality within hours.

The Iranian's are incensed, the Utopian's are aghast, Kuro-Teck stock dropped thirty point on the Neshiki, and the US congress is crowing about Utopian complicity.

Not bad for a day's work.

[Sakurako Hino]

MwhahahahahaHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHahahahaha!

*Insane Mad Scientst glower*

Don't you love it when the chickens start running. Lucky my stock options are in other zaibatsu.

This should be entertaining indeed. Better than shooting fish in a barrel. And much more educational.

Gotta go, I'm going to lug a few transmitters to a point 30 clicks from the landing point at Europa. Don't worry, you'll hear from me soon.

[Sakurako Hino]

Hey, anything new?

Hate to keep it short, I'm sweating bullets here.

[Apep]

So did anyone actually pay to hear another one of Ash's tyrades? I swear, they'll buy anything.

[Doutor da Reducao]

I enterred the bidding by proxy, with a bid cap of 2.5 million, and was out bid within 30 seconds by a boardmember of Viacom.

Silly I know but, even as a nova, there is a certain allure in possessing an actual piece of history.

[Fortune's Son]

Doutor, you can't buy history!

Well, not for a lousy 2.5 million anyway. Although I know a couple in the business that would help you make some history for that kind of chump change.

And by the by, you never did give me a clue on your previous professional name. Was this an oversight of did you not want to admit it rhymes with "tight" and used just a touch of alliteration, oh mighty one?

Personally I just can't believe you were the one that asked Bruce to turn the "insipid music" down? Whitey said to tell you hi and that you still owe him for losing the bet.

[Doutor da Reducao]

You are "fishing"?

I am slightly familar with Mighty Mite and would draw your attention to the fact that his retirement was due to a medical condition that persists to this day. When last I heard he was still institutionalized.

Eu ofereço o apology sincere. I did not realize that you really wanted to know.

[ 10-10-2002: Message edited by: Doutor Reducao ]

[Sakurako Hino]

Actually, the thing I'm waiting to go on the auction block is the first manga based on the exploits of Nippontai. I might have a little cash to thrown down by that time. I hope. I'm looking at four applications right now, between nova-grade hedache medication doses.

Getting owned by Dr. Troll is NO laughing matter!