Prelude Chapter 10: Lines of Departure
International Negotiables Consulting's (INC) goal since the emergence of the Humans was to create a stable environment amongst the three major races through which it could conduct its business deals on an equal basis. Chaos, lack of communication, and general abrasiveness towards everyone were all very bad for business, and INC would have none of it if possible. Fortunately, for INC, its attempts to mediate the immediate conflict and create a more stable environment in the Central Wastelands bore some fruit.
The composition and inner workings of INC were very much a mystery to the races. Throughout the years they had always existed as a neutral entity to the Biomeks and Mutants, discussing and negotiating business first and foremost, mixing a bit of politics behind the scenes. In ancient scriptures and nearly obsolete datamines, one could find reference to INC doing the exact same thing it does presently: conduct business on a global scale, providing general goods and services that benefit its partners. The upper levels of Hestia management were very familiar with the old INC, though they were surprised to find out that INC still existed; the creation of INC nearly predated Hestia in the pre-Apocalyptic world.
Of course, there were others to deal with. All sorts of people populated the Central Wastelands: cast-off dregs from the struggles between the Biomeks and Mutants, isolated groups of survivors from the original holocaust, religious fanatics, scavengers, and other miscellaneous peoples. These groups or factions were not just exclusive to humanoids; for instance, TemperNet managed to persevere through the Apocalypse and flourish, fulfilling its pacification programming with a draconian flair. Large areas filled with Contamination have created their own treacherous ecology, brimming with strange creatures and plant life that dominate their surroundings. Other mysteries and oddities await those that are brave enough to delve into the wastelands but have as of yet remain undocumented.
Exhausted from their previous struggles, the races instead settled to a war of attrition: probing defenses, establishing raids, and developing strategies for the struggles to come. New recruits and fledgling warriors would cut their teeth in the rear areas, honing their skills and gaining valuable experience before assignment to the front lines. At the same time, the cities would grow and expand at their own pace, providing the region with an economic foundation for continuing the campaign. There would be victory, but this would not be a lightning war – instead it would be a steady rain that would create a flood. Then the thunder would come soon enough.
The INC discovery of the Ground Zero site and its vacant Outposts, located near the conjunction of the three races, stepped up the attritional war to a new level of hostility. All three races had shown a vested interest in occupying the Outposts and the Ground Zero region, as it could be easily used to dominate the surrounding regions (and hence the other races). With increased tensions, INC saw a unique opportunity to profit from the localized struggle for Ground Zero while attempting to keep the general conflict and chaos confined. As the battles raged, INC would step up AirLift operations and other minor ventures, for the appropriate increased fees.
A new battle between the three races had begun. Metamergence was at hand.
© 2006 NC Interactive, Inc. All rights reserved. Auto Assault, NCsoft, the interlocking NC logo and all associated logos and designs are trademarks or registered trademarks of NCsoft Corporation. NetDevil is a registered trademark of NetDevil LTD. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
