“Boiling the ocean”, a Jennifer Government RP (OOC)

[Esternial]

This thread is currently hibernating during the months of December and January. It will be re-opened afterwards and I'll allow new players to join in immediately after a brief timeskip.

“To undertake an impossible task or project or to make a task or project unnecessarily difficult.
Generally means 'to go overboard'.”

Inspired by Max Barry's Jennifer Government:
Boiling the Ocean

---

In-Character-Thread: "A High Risk investment"

"Let's begin this board meeting, shall we?

We have been running steady for some time, so I believe now would be the best time to act. There is no conceivable method for us to end up ahead of the current top unless we partake in some benchmarking. Corporations such as IBM and Pepsi are know to partake in shady, under-the-table business, and it's about time we adopted this best practice methodology. But since AD is currently the flavour of the month, I doubt we could do this unnoticed.

Fortunately, I may have found a solution to our predicament. I intend to throw them a curve by outsourcing our newest project to a new corporation and let them spearhead operations that will benefit us one way or another. Of course, to lure away any suspicion, we'll also have them operate in favour of other corporations - hopefully eliminating them from the market if we tip off the right people with information about these corporations' involvement.

The name? Eris International."

---

Globalization has reached an unprecedented level. Corporation now influence every facet of our daily lives as the world has slowly turned more and more anarcho-capitalistic. Taxation is a thing of the past - to some people's rejoice - and the Government is privatized, having been stripped of most of its former influence (that are now managed by the corporations) with the only thing left for them being the prevention of crimes. Crimes can also be solved, but the Governments' budget only covers retaliatory investigations if the Government can be paid by the victim or the victim's family.

People take the surnames of the corporations they work for, and a person with two jobs hyphenates their name (e.g. Julia Nike-McDonalds). Charity workers can also use their charity's name in a hyphenated surname. Schools are now sponsored and controlled by corporations, such as McDonald's and Mattel. Though little is said of the education given at them, it is hinted that much of it is corporate propaganda. Children who attend school are given the corporate sponsor's name as a surname, but are parenthesized with their parents' employers in school directories, such as "Kate Mattel (Government).

I'll sketch out the situation across the world:

North/South America and Australia are governed by a coalition of American Corporations, essentially replacing the government as the legislative and judicial power. Agencies such as the FBI still exist, more or less retaining their purpose with the exception that they are now funded by the corporations and now also serve the role as mercenaries.

If you want a list of corporations in the American Coalition, you can use this

Japan, India, China and several other Asian countries are governed by the Toyota-Samsung Conglomerate. Every other corporation within their territory is a pseudo subsidiary and are prevented from growing too large. The Conglomerate keeps a tight grip on their people and often partakes in censuring and other activities that have attracted the American Coalition's attention. Their public relationship is steady, but behind the scenes both parties are on shaky grounds.

If you want a list of corporations in the Conglomerate, you can use this (note that Toyota and Samsung are technically on the top of this list.)

Europe and parts of Africa/Asia more or less retain their original borders (some smaller countries have been annexed by larger ones) and are still united under the European Union, with the sole exception that corporations now control each of these countries - either individually or through some kind of agreement with other corporations on the same soil. Because of the intricate structure of the Union, it often reacts slowly to any unforeseen events, but excels in keeping stability because nobody really bothers to understand it.

If you want a list of corporations in the Union, you can use this.

Central Africa has slowly unified as several confederate states, following the example of the old EU and ironically notorious for their outstanding political freedom. Globalization is regarded as a pest and rejected by the majority of the population, reflected by the Socialist government which promotes small, family-owned industries and equality for all. Despite being the closest to a socialist's wet dream in this wretched world, there are still plenty of terrorist cells remaining in states like Somalia that test the government's abilities.

Corporations aren't involved in this part of the world.

IF you've watched Babylon A.D., you can get a rough sketch of what Russia looks like. Local warlords hold the power through strength of (outdated) arms and the entire society has adopted a 'survival of the fittest' mentality. Corporations rarely venture here, but their mercenaries are often recruited for their advanced technology capable of dispatching AK-wielding conscripts with ease.

Visual representation

Other relevant content:
IDD (IDentification Device)

You are a single person living in this world. Your choice where. The only thing that binds you is Eris International, but how is still a mystery to you until you actually join the gorram RP!

If you have any questions, post them here. This RP will feature cyberpunk/biopunk.

Code: Select all

[b]Name:[/b]
[b]Age:[/b]
[b]Sex:[/b]
[b]Appearance:[/b]
[b]Personality:[/b]
[b]Skills:[/b]
[b]Occupation:[/b]
[b]History:[/b]

This list in incomplete, and some sources have little content being represented in this RP compared to others.
Jennifer Government
Machine Man
Ghost in the Shell
Babylon A.D.

George ''G'' Apple (CoolLand)
Alexandra Target (Zarkenis Ultima)
James Silver (Len Hyet)
Daniel Mercury (Firstaria)
Marco Dell (SSTxReaper)
Akio Samsung (Lenciland)
Alexi Suárez (Gaveo)
Anitra Shell-Union (Great Siam)
Carl Government (Legital)

[Legital]

This seems interesting, not sure if I will be able to follow through with it, but something I'll definitely try to give a shot.

[Zarkenis Ultima]

I'd join, I like the concept. I'll probably end up screwing up constantly though, .

[Esternial]

This seems interesting, not sure if I will be able to follow through with it, but something I'll definitely try to give a shot.

No worries. I intend to keep the pace low enough.

I'd join, I like the concept. I'll probably end up screwing up constantly though, .

If it happens, it happens. We'll deal with it as it comes along.

[Zarkenis Ultima]

This seems interesting, not sure if I will be able to follow through with it, but something I'll definitely try to give a shot.

No worries. I intend to keep the pace low enough.

I'd join, I like the concept. I'll probably end up screwing up constantly though, .

If it happens, it happens. We'll deal with it as it comes along.

I'm just sayin'. If this involves any sort of espionage my character is probably going to fail, fail, fail, due to the write what you know rule. .

[Esternial]

No worries. I intend to keep the pace low enough.

If it happens, it happens. We'll deal with it as it comes along.

I'm just sayin'. If this involves any sort of espionage my character is probably going to fail, fail, fail, due to the write what you know rule. .

Oh, but it probably won't. I don't think the people recruiting you are going to assuming you're good at anything.

[Bayondante]

Interesting. I have very little experience in RP, but if I join, I won't disappoint you. So...any comments?

[CoolLand]

I will definitely join this RP, it sounds great.

[Esternial]

App is up in the OP, here is mine;

Name: Jolt "Two-bit" Microsoft
Age: 42
Sex: Male

Personality: Jolt tends to act a little arrogant at times, often fuelled by his ambition. He prefers to plan ahead all the time and is often upset if things don't go as he wanted them to.
Skills: Significant experience in programming and IT
Occupation: Chief Technical Officer
History: Jolt has always been a dreamer. Ever since he was young he spent his time taking apart computers and tinkering with their programming to see what would happen, and that hobby led him to his current profession. Working up from ground, he quickly gained much respect and eventually become the CTO of Microsoft, but found this achievement to have a bitter aftertaste. Rather than develop new and ground-breaking technology, Jolt was tasked with developing products that were mainly centred around aesthetics rather than performance, which he blames on the current CEO, Longhorn Microsoft.

---

Name: Pace Hewlett-Packard
Age: 35
Sex: Male

Personality: Pace is a very talented, cold-tempered man with an above-average charmisma. His persuasion and confidence are valuable traits for his profession, which - combined with his excessive ability to lie his way out of everything - makes him a very dangerous foe in this corporate world.
Skills: Extremely charming and charmismatic. Persuasive skills. Law school degree.
Occupation: Corporate lawyer
History:

[Esternial]

Relevant Content: IDDs

---

When you live in corporate territory, you are given an implant called an IDD (IDentification Device) for both the corporations' and your own convenience. Some of the information it gives access to is your personal identification, medical history, medications, allergies, and contact information. In addition, it also replaces the role of the credit card and solid currency (both are nonexistent within corporate territory), allowing you to purchase things by merely waving your hand in front of a scanner and thinking about the password. The IDD also features a rating system, which determined whether you're allowed to acquire a driver's license - also stored on your IDD, which allows you to access certain vehicle controls depending on your rating and clearance level - or even leave the corporate zone. How the rating is determined is a mystery.

People that live outside corporate zones (Central Africa, Russia) still use physical currency - Africa even uses credit cards.

[Zarkenis Ultima]

I can't think of a good app atm, Esty. I'll probably sign up tonight or tomorrow.

[Esternial]

I can't think of a good app atm, Esty. I'll probably sign up tonight or tomorrow.

No problem, Zark. I've experienced some troubles in making an app as well

[CoolLand]

Name: George ''G'' Apple
Age: 24
Sex: Male
Appearance: I'll add a photo soon.
Personality: Quirky, friendly, funny, nice
Skills: Designing, computing, science, hacking, IT
Occupation: Apple CFO and Head of Design
History: George Apple had always loved technology as a child, being raised by the renowned Steve Apple, CEO of Apple Inc, George wanted to work where his father had worked. When he was 18, he began to design new designs for Apple, and new products. He developed the iEye, an ocular implant that allowed the user to see holographic images projected onto his visual cortex. He designed other devices,a nd soon he was named their head of design, and their CFO. Where life will take him next, he does not know.

[SSTxReaper]

Seems interesting enough. Give me less than half an hour to make an app.

[Esternial]

Name: George ''G'' Apple
Age: 24
Sex: Male
Appearance: I'll add a photo soon.
Personality: Quirky, friendly, funny, nice
Skills: Designing, computing, science, hacking, IT
Occupation: Apple CFO and Head of Design
History: George Apple had always loved technology as a child, being raised by the renowned Steve Apple, CEO of Apple Inc, George wanted to work where his father had worked. When he was 18, he began to design new designs for Apple, and new products. He developed the iEye, an ocular implant that allowed the user to see holographic images projected onto his visual cortex. He designed other devices,a nd soon he was named their head of design, and their CFO. Where life will take him next, he does not know.

An Apple guy? Okey, accepted.

I was hoping for some less higher-positioned people, because it's hard finding a reason as to why Eris would contact you considering you'd probably rat them out as soon as they called you. You can probably make one up, though, I'm sure.

Also, a few Russians or Central African (people outside the corporate zones) may add some more variety to the mix as well

[Zarkenis Ultima]

Name: George ''G'' Apple
Age: 24
Sex: Male
Appearance: I'll add a photo soon.
Personality: Quirky, friendly, funny, nice
Skills: Designing, computing, science, hacking, IT
Occupation: Apple CFO and Head of Design
History: George Apple had always loved technology as a child, being raised by the renowned Steve Apple, CEO of Apple Inc, George wanted to work where his father had worked. When he was 18, he began to design new designs for Apple, and new products. He developed the iEye, an ocular implant that allowed the user to see holographic images projected onto his visual cortex. He designed other devices,a nd soon he was named their head of design, and their CFO. Where life will take him next, he does not know.

An Apple guy? Okey, accepted.

I was hoping for some less higher-positioned people, because it's hard finding a reason as to why Eris would contact you considering you'd probably rat them out as soon as they called you. You can probably make one up, though, I'm sure.

Also, a few Russians or Central African (people outside the corporate zones) may add some more variety to the mix as well

Regarding that, what would be their role? Would they be contacted by Eris as well?

[SSTxReaper]

Question: Does our character have to be working for a corporation? Or could they just be regular citizens?

[Zarkenis Ultima]

Question: Does our character have to be working for a corporation? Or could they just be regular citizens?

You must mean unemployed, because regular citizens usually have jobs, .

[Esternial]

An Apple guy? Okey, accepted.

I was hoping for some less higher-positioned people, because it's hard finding a reason as to why Eris would contact you considering you'd probably rat them out as soon as they called you. You can probably make one up, though, I'm sure.

Also, a few Russians or Central African (people outside the corporate zones) may add some more variety to the mix as well

Regarding that, what would be their role? Would they be contacted by Eris as well?

Everyone will - or through a contact - be contacted by Eris. Of course, some of you can remain independent as an FBI inspector or the antagonist corporate douchebag.

Question: Does our character have to be working for a corporation? Or could they just be regular citizens?

Well, you can be a regular citizen, but how would you earn a living? As soon as you take a job, your last name becomes that of your employing corporation. The exception here is Russia and Central Africa, which have no corporate influence. Read the OP for some more info.

[SSTxReaper]

Question: Does our character have to be working for a corporation? Or could they just be regular citizens?

Well, you can be a regular citizen, but how would you earn a living? As soon as you take a job, your last name becomes that of your employing corporation. The exception here is Russia and Central Africa, which have no corporate influence. Read the OP for some more info.

Thank you. You have given me a wider understanding. App shall be up soon.

[Esternial]

Well, you can be a regular citizen, but how would you earn a living? As soon as you take a job, your last name becomes that of your employing corporation. The exception here is Russia and Central Africa, which have no corporate influence. Read the OP for some more info.

Thank you. You have given me a wider understanding. App shall be up soon.

No problem. It sometimes gets confusing, I must admit.

[Zarkenis Ultima]

Name: Alexandra Target
Age: 23
Sex: Female
Appearance: Like this, but with different clothes, and her hair is not so epically long, .
Personality: Cheery most of the time, not excessively outgoing but not shy either, doesn't tend to plan ahead and prefers to 'live in the moment'. One could consider her loyal to friends and family (Not particularly so to her corporation). She is also a kind and charismatic person. She has a positive perspective on life. Kind of a daydreamer, gets easily distracted when the situation isn't serious.
Skills: As a result of her occupation she has learned how to persuade people (Mainly to get people to buy stuff, ). She also has a good memory and is quite agile.
Occupation: Works at a retail store. Nothing fancy, but nothing too bad either.
History: Since she was a kid, Alexandra had always been of a mindset such that she didn't particularly worry about the events that would take place in the future, instead deciding to enjoy the present as she could. This doesn't mean that she went out of her way and did illicit or otherwise deplorable actions just for a bit of joy, no, but she simply preferred to have fun rather than worry about the future. Due to this, she didn't ascend particularly high, but she didn't end up too bad either, getting a job at a retail store. This was fine with her, as it provided her with the money she needed, and she didn't really have much ambitions, so to her, the situation was perfect.

[Esternial]

Name: Alexandra Target
Age: 23
Sex: Female
Appearance: Like this, but with different clothes, and her hair is not so epically long, .
Personality: Cheery most of the time, not excessively outgoing but not shy either, doesn't tend to plan ahead and prefers to 'live in the moment'. One could consider her loyal to friends and family (Not particularly so to her corporation). She is also a kind and charismatic person. She has a positive perspective on life. Kind of a daydreamer, gets easily distracted when the situation isn't serious.
Skills: As a result of her occupation she has learned how to persuade people (Mainly to get people to buy stuff, ). She also has a good memory and is quite agile.
Occupation: Works at a retail store. Nothing fancy, but nothing too bad either.
History: Since she was a kid, Alexandra had always been of a mindset such that she didn't particularly worry about the events that would take place in the future, instead deciding to enjoy the present as she could. This doesn't mean that she went out of her way and did illicit or otherwise deplorable actions just for a bit of joy, no, but she simply preferred to have fun rather than worry about the future. Due to this, she didn't ascend particularly high, but she didn't end up too bad either, getting a job at a retail store. This was fine with her, as it provided her with the money she needed, and she didn't really have much ambitions, so to her, the situation was perfect.

Hell, this is great! Accepted. You have to fix the link, though. I had to find the picture myself

[Zarkenis Ultima]

Name: Alexandra Target
Age: 23
Sex: Female
Appearance: Like this, but with different clothes, and her hair is not so epically long, .
Personality: Cheery most of the time, not excessively outgoing but not shy either, doesn't tend to plan ahead and prefers to 'live in the moment'. One could consider her loyal to friends and family (Not particularly so to her corporation). She is also a kind and charismatic person. She has a positive perspective on life. Kind of a daydreamer, gets easily distracted when the situation isn't serious.
Skills: As a result of her occupation she has learned how to persuade people (Mainly to get people to buy stuff, ). She also has a good memory and is quite agile.
Occupation: Works at a retail store. Nothing fancy, but nothing too bad either.
History: Since she was a kid, Alexandra had always been of a mindset such that she didn't particularly worry about the events that would take place in the future, instead deciding to enjoy the present as she could. This doesn't mean that she went out of her way and did illicit or otherwise deplorable actions just for a bit of joy, no, but she simply preferred to have fun rather than worry about the future. Due to this, she didn't ascend particularly high, but she didn't end up too bad either, getting a job at a retail store. This was fine with her, as it provided her with the money she needed, and she didn't really have much ambitions, so to her, the situation was perfect.

Hell, this is great! Accepted. You have to fix the link, though. I had to find the picture myself

Sometimes it doesn't work, you just have to try again and it will, eventually. It also takes a bit to load, but meh, .

And thanks. .

[Len Hyet]

Meh. Well, you did say mercenaries, so I assume it's a safe bet that the individual Corporations tacitly approve of international mercenary companies, yes?

Name: James Silver
Age: 34
Sex: Male
Appearance:

Personality: Rough, racy, and generally not the easiest person to get along with. Loathes the thought of being tied down, and thus operates from a ship in international waters.
Skills: Smuggling, Sabotage, Shooting, Climbing, Rappelling, Lying to Grand Juries
Occupation: Mercenary
History: Born James Wal-mart, Gold went through his childhood quickly, graduating top of his class in High School, and joining the FBI straight out of it. Having done that, his surname changed to Government, whereupon, after five years of field work, Gold made it to the still legendary and vaunted FBI Hostage Rescue Team, or HRT. Called in when the mission is so difficult that the local SWAT can't handle it, the HRT are the best of the best. James served for ten years, building relationships and working hard. Then, he left suddenly and without undue explanation, to parts unknown. He went dark for two years, and resurfaced on a hundred and fifty meter Yacht in International Waters, with a band of twenty five fiercely loyal and exceptionally skilled Mercenaries. Since then, they have been cruising through international waters, with James' new surname reflecting his employer. Money. They worked well and they worked for money, whomsoever paid the most, got the services of Silver's mercenaries.