Corporations try to Run TaQud! (IC)

[TaQud]

OOC

Opening: Chaos has roam through the streets of TaQud. The only power left in TaQud is the army and any wealthy person. The senate has struggled to find an appropriate leader to run TaQud. The senate members all agreed the leader should have much money to have great power. The senate has chosen 8 corporation's CEOs or Owners to have a chance for ruling TaQud. The corporations must somehow get the army on their side in order to get support for becoming ruler. The Senate is getting many ballots passed out to help in choosing the future ruler of TaQud...

---

Will Morrison: Chaos is just a few blocks ahead from this very window. We need to get the army over here... *Dials Army Number*
Operator: Hello?
Will Morrison: Yes can you send about 150 soldiers around the Shamrock HQ? These so called people are basically setting fire to anything in sight...
Operator: The army would like to know what you can do for them in exchange?
Will Morrison: I've got $5 million dollars in one of our vault that the army can have...
Operator: We are on our way sir...
*Army Jeeps drive through the streets. Then Arrive*
SGT Myers: I heard you have $5 million in a vault somewhere for the army to have?
Will Morrison: Yes they are back in bags over in that corner.
SGT Myers: Boys get the $5 million on the jeeps...
*Starts throwing the bags onto the jeeps...*
SGT Myers: Now you said you needed protection for this HQ? Just leave that to us...

[Corporate Councils]

Ever since Bill Reace retired from the military as a former counter-insurgency intelligence officer and inherited his family's confectionary company, he had looked for opportunities to show others once again that he was a hard man. Somehow, running a candy company makes it difficult to intimidate opponents in the board room, especially when he couldn't waterboard them. Ever since the government started to look unstable, he started looking for ways to consolidate power that existed outside of the government and now was the time to implement his plans.

He called his secretary and told him to make the call to the B&Os, the Black and Oranges, a collection of gangs that he hired to occasionally run security for his offices and factories around the city, named for their black shirts and orange bandannas. They would defend his facilities at a far cheaper cost than the military, won't talk about it, and would be much more useful in the future.

[Wagdog]

Lucky Video Games Corporate HQ, Ta'Qudopolis
"And so, gentlemen..." continued Jasmine Q. Lucky, Ower and CEO of Lucky Video Games by virtue of being founder Aboniah D. Lucky's only daughter and heir, "Our Development team has completed adapting our latest first-person shooter engine to the baseline requirements forwarded to us by the Armed Forces. I estimate that within six months..." She didn't get the chance to finish before the building's fire sprinkler system activated, drenching all the board members gathered as well as sundry others on every floor of the office tower.

"Damnation!" Of course it had to come to that. "What the Devil is this all about?!"

"Ma'am, I do believe i see what it is." Reginald Grosely, her Chief Financial Officer and the main reason Lucky Video Games was still holding onto what wealth it had was looking down the windows at the anarchy below. "The mob is already assaulting our building; specifically, the loading docks area. Shall I call security upwards...?"

Jasmine stared agape-eyed at the very thought; violet irises seeming to go neon-lit with fright. But not long, for she knew what she needed to do. "No! Gentlemen, dismissed... Grosely, get to the phone and get the Army on the line to secure us some blazing reinforcements; followed by whatever banks haven't been pillaged already..." There was more than mere physical security to be seen to here for sure, even if that foremost.

As the board hurried in panic to their offices, doubtless to try and lock up or hoard whatever trifles they'd piled across them over years of work, Grosely nodded once in assent as he set to. "Indeed, Ma'am. We will need to have something to offer the Army, even if we have to pawn off half this building to raise it I suppose." It wasn't as if Lucky Video Games had only its fixtures to offer, even.

"And SECURITY!" Jasmine spastically motioned to Chief Tir'katz, summoning her briskly to her side. "Madam Chief, you and your officers are to get to what riot gear you have and contain this thrice-damned insurgency at the loading dock area; spare only what reserves you feel necessary to guard the development labs as well. The mob can pillage all the hard-copies they want from the shipping crates but they cannot, end of, be permitted to destroy the seed from which that hardcopy grows."

"Ma'am!" Chief Tir'Katz sprinted off to the elevator without further need for orders, leaving Jasminne playing anxiously with her raven hair's strands in thought. Her plan: Draw the company's scarce, irreplaceable security force back to a defensible front within the building until the Army could arrive, and then secure as much protection from them as all her company's liquid assets could buy; using her company's non-essential fixed assets as collateral for emergency loans to continue game-development operations on her "ace in the hole" which shuuld, also, quite interest the Ta'Qud Armed Forces indeed.

[TaQud]

Mobs outside of the Lucky Video Games HQ. They kept throwing rocks setting fires to cars in front of the HQ entrance and setting fire to trucks out side the loading docks in the back of the HQ. Constant Chants of "We want video games!" could be constantly heard from outside of the building. Even an effigy of Jasmine Lucky was thrown into the entrance's doors and then lit on fire. A group of soldiers in about 5 jeeps (estimated 27 soldiers) arrived by the entrance. The army then started to fire warning shots in the air to calm the citizens. The army then threw tear gas in front of the mob and caused the mob to retreat. The soldiers then went into the HQ to cover any parts where mobsters could enter.
Lt. Burkman: I got a call saying my troops needed protection for some video game company. So now that we have hold off the mobsters for now, what do you have to give us?

[Wagdog]

Mobs outside of the Lucky Video Games HQ. They kept throwing rocks setting fires to cars in front of the HQ entrance and setting fire to trucks out side the loading docks in the back of the HQ. Constant Chants of "We want video games!" could be constantly heard from outside of the building. Even an effigy of Jasmine Lucky was thrown into the entrance's doors and then lit on fire. A group of soldiers in about 5 jeeps (estimated 27 soldiers) arrived by the entrance. The army then started to fire warning shots in the air to calm the citizens. The army then threw tear gas in front of the mob and caused the mob to retreat. The soldiers then went into the HQ to cover any parts where mobsters could enter.
Lt. Burkman: I got a call saying my troops needed protection for some video game company. So now that we have hold off the mobsters for now, what do you have to give us?

"Well Lieutenant Burkman, since you so dispersed the mob so efficiently, I believe some compensation is of course in order. It's not like the government's going to pay you for your fine work for some time yet." Jasmine Lucky cast a violet eye towards the growing chaos outside the building's windows, "Three million international standard dollars should work, I suspect; one-hundred thousand for each of you fine soldiers and an extra three-hundred thousand in bonuses for you, Lieutenant, your Sergeants and those most distinguished of your subordinates to divide among yourselves as you see fit. That should be both several times any of your annual salaries, as far as I know, and also more reliable than if I paid the equivalent in Qet and left your reward to the mercy of the government's probably awful credit rating in the international markets at the moment." She summoned Grosely over. "He'll see to the arrangements, if you please." He was ready to cut the checks in question, for now from Lucky Video Games' own accounts. It would not be long, however, before those loans Grosely was already hounding the surviving banks for would be needed to pay any future "protection" money; the collateral for which would likely be large chunks of the furniture or other paraphernalia dotting the building at the moment outside of the development labs which were to be held sacrosanct per CEO Jasmine's direct order.

After allowing some time to see to it the men were issued their cheques, Jasmine Lucky then approached Lieutenant Burkman and got to the more important business. "Now Lieutenant, my company would be interested in making a deal with both you and your superiors; we can see that this nation is in need of 'new management', and I understand I and my company have even been nominated by some among the surviving authorities for that role." She tossed her raven hair in a chuckle at that thought; though it was not ridiculous to her. Squaring her violet eyes with the Lieutenant she continued, "If so then those authorities' confidence is well-placed; I and my company are willing to step up when our nation needs us.

"To that end, when you next communicate with your superiors tell them this..." She began to emphasize what of her company's survival strategy, she thought, the armed forces could just perhaps turn into a conquest strategy instead. "We have within our development labs the current version of a comprehensive, soldier-training software that they contracted with us for mere months before this chaos began. I assume they still want to get their money's worth out of their more than generous investment, correct? She let a few eye blinks as she cocked her head, exposing some fair amount of tanned neck for what she thought would suffice towards persusasion's needs.

"If so, then naturally it is in your superiors' interests two-fold to make sure that Lucky Video Games survives this inconvenient little mass-uprising; survives and yes, prevails in the end. Already, Lieutenant, our prototype training software is able to adapt itself to any of the combat arms', supporting services', or other branches' needs for meeting individual-competency targets." She handed Lieutenant Burkman copies of the relevant documentation, along with copies of summary memos that had originally been drafted for press usage six months from now upon release of the finished product. "Within six months' time, under the old schedules, we were set to have a full secondary architecture in place to allow the program to be adapted to encompass any number of collective-performance targets too; as well as other forces' doctrines, structures, armaments and so on as they became known to our nation's intelligence.

"Although not perfect, for no system is..." Best not to oversell, she remembered. "It would be adaptable beyond any other first-person and vehicular-based shooter game I know of; which adaptability in turn would allow your forces' training to be second-to-none in the region, at least. You, your superiors, and those who flock to us will not merely be commanders of a bigger army if we help each other to prevail; but of a truly better army. An ideal to strive for, I believe; probably your superiors too if their money invested in my hands is any guess." She flashed a welcoming smile; she'd been paid well by those superiors so far, and Jasmine knew it would profit her best to show her gratitude for it at every chance.

"Now do please think of just how much more quickly this company could finish this program for your superiors' contract if we not only didn't have to worry about being stormed by the mob again, but also if we managed to step up to the leadership of this nation and gained even a fraction of its full resources to devote to our projects. Threatened workers are panicky workers; inefficient workers; unhappy workers; unproductive workers. But protected and supported workers? Confident, efficient, happy, and therefore productive are they. Enough for us to meet each others' needs sooner than either of us suspects, I would wager." She was coming to the matter at hand.

"In short, Lieutenant, when you and yours depart do please bring my regards and those documents to your superiors; you have my thanks for your swift, disciplined response and I offer more to come. I offer you fine warriors not only money, although yes I do pay for services rendered, but also the chance to become incomparably better warriors down the line; in return for but reasonable support to me. First protection for my staff, their families and homes while they continue to work as best as the situation allows; so they can honor your superiors' contract by finishing the program documented in those papers you have. And, if your superiors would be so kind as to get in touch with me and discuss strategy for calming the nation down and providing needed services to the people, I can even accelerate that contract's fulfillment."

[Former Soviet Socialists]

Entertain TaQud HQ, TaQud
5th street, Building 4, 101st Floor, 8:00 AM

In the wake of rapidly falling profits and the city nearing destruction, Irahim Duestovy, CEO of Entertain TaQud, has called for a conference among his high ranking officials within the company. On the count of the ensuing chaos, three councils members did not attend, whether it was out of safety or some other matter. Mr Duestovy wasn't going to hold it against them. He understood that council members have families to protect from the uncivilized hordes ravaging the city. Speaking of families, Mr. Duestovy's family was protected by three guards armed with assault rifles at their home. He offered all council members protection of their families, but some refused and chose to do the protecting themselves.

"Council members, I've called this meeting to discuss the recent situation in this city," proclaimed Irahim Duestovy. "The government has fallen and order ceases to exist. Crime is rampant. And our profits are falling. What is our plan?" The room was silent for a moment and everyone waited for someone else to speak. "We should start an organized propaganda campaign Mr. Duestovy," stated hesitantly by council member Michael Hesaly. Mr. Duestovy then said, "Yes, that's what I was thinking. Maybe we should broadcast on all our radio signals and television stations that everyone keep calm and trust the military. Does anyone know any other mediums we can use for our campaign?" Another member, John Sercy, spoke up, "Well sir, there is posters, emails, text messages, and speeches by figureheads." "How do you suppose we use text messages effectively? And who will be our figurehead?," asked Mr. Duestovy. John then stated, "We could contact Will Morrison who heads the company Shamrock Phone. Surely his company is not profiting from this madness and would be willing to help. As for our figurehead it could be you sir. The city is looking for a new leader to bring stability and it could be you." "Me?!," said Mr. Duestovy as he was slightly taken aback. He thought to himself fore a few seconds. Mr. Duestovy has never really sought to hold political office and focused on running his business. Since the city was in crisis and nobody else stepped up to the plate, he thought to himself, 'Ah, what the hell. Why not?' "I'll think about it," he said.

After a couple hours of discussion the meeting was finally came to a close. Mr. Duestovy made his final statements before dismissing the council, "So our plan is finalized. First, we will launch an organized propaganda campaign. All of our TV channels and radio stations will broadcast propaganda every hour. We will also use posters, emails, text messages, and speeches by myself to accomplish this goal. We will get on the military's good side and come up with some sort of deal to restore sanity. Through various mediums and through the military we will ultimately take over the city's government and create stability. We can then use our position to take over other media companies. After we take over the government we will then, surely but slowly, take over the military. Finally, we'll use the military to then keep peace and for other stabilizing measures. I hope all is agreed. You all have you assignments, now get to work." Everyone exited the conference room and went to their office to work.

Mr. Duestovy went to his office and pondered some more about him being in a position of leadership in the government. 'It sure would make me a whole lot popular,' he thought to himself. He also thought about the violent hordes ransacking the city and of his family, especially his two little girls. Certainly they would need much more protection. Mr. Duestovy was still deep in thought when he was interrupted by the buzzer on his office phone. Mr. Duestovy pressed the button for speaker and it was his desk clerk, Jane Soppllefield, who was on the base floor directly facing the entrance. "Mr. Duestovy! There are a mob of people with poles, bats, and other weapons amassing right outside the building! I locked the entrance, but what else do I do?!," Jane said fearfully. "Jane, stay calm. Then contact the military for assistance. I will send the building security forces to the main lobby. Once you've contacted the military get to a higher floor," commanded Mr. Duestovy. "OK, I'll get right on it sir."

The main lobby was in chaos. Papers were everywhere and people were screaming. Everybody was rushing to get in the four open elevators, packing themselves in like sardines. Two elevators were guarded by ten security guards for the arrival of the elite security forces. All the while, the mob was hitting the glass with weapons trying to break it. Luckily, Mr. Duestovy ordered upgrades for the main lobby windows before the city fell to barbarism. Jane contacted the military and then went to get in an elevator. As Jane was entering an elevator, the two elevators security was guarding opened up. Ten elite security forces in all black, armed with shotguns and assault rifles, rushed towards the lobby. The ten security guards, who were armed with pistols and pepper spray, did the same. The twenty men took positions in the main lobby and waited for the breach.

To The General of the Military,

Entertain TaQud is under assault by civilians. We are requesting military assistance in quelling the mob. Hurry!

Sincerely,
Entertain TaQud  Headquarters

[TaQud]

"In short, Lieutenant, when you and yours depart do please bring my regards and those documents to your superiors; you have my thanks for your swift, disciplined response and I offer more to come. I offer you fine warriors not only money, although yes I do pay for services rendered, but also the chance to become incomparably better warriors down the line; in return for but reasonable support to me. First protection for my staff, their families and homes while they continue to work as best as the situation allows; so they can honor your superiors' contract by finishing the program documented in those papers you have. And, if your superiors would be so kind as to get in touch with me and discuss strategy for calming the nation down and providing needed services to the people, I can even accelerate that contract's fulfillment."

Burkman: I'll consider the offer to the others in command of the army. But right now my top priority is protecting this building.

An angry mobster then drove his car through the entrance doors and creating a giant hole for mobsters to go into. Some Soldiers immediately started to fill the gap and throw more tear gas and flash bombs to scare the mobsters.

Burkman: Damn! These mob people don't ever quit! Operator send more troops to Lucky Video Games HQ pronto!

To The General of the Military,
Entertain TaQud is under assault by civilians. We are requesting military assistance in quelling the mob. Hurry!
Sincerely,
Entertain TaQud  Headquarters

Sgt. Weckle: Boys we got a mission on our hands! We need to go help Entertain TaQud!

The 7 jeeps then exited the army base and headed towards the HQ. The soldiers could see other major corporations' Headquarters being savagely surrounding by mobs of people. Once Weckle arrived, he threw tear gas straight at the mobs causing them to flee but still get angry. The 36 soldiers with Weckle entered the HQ. The employees with shotguns started to fire frantically thinking it was the mobs.

Weckle; Hold your Fire! *Silence* Now I've been ordered to help guard this place but I need to know what I'll be receiving first...

[Lost heros]

TaQud Sports HQ
John Ball sat at his desk.
"Any news?" He asked looking at his top sports reporter.
"Sorry sir, but the chaos has allowed very little organized sporting events to occur," the reporter said.
"How about any unorganized sporting events? Or competition of any sorts."
"No or at least none that we can find."
"We have been sentenced into damnation," John said getting up.
He approached the window outside his office. There were riots outside just like every other company. He had bolted the doors so no one could get in.
They chanted in unison, "We want sports.'' It was so loud that when John opened his window he could hear them.
"They want a game," he said, "then we make them a game."
"Hal," he said pointing to the reporter, "We need 2 things money and support. In order to get money we need a game to report. In order to get support we need the army and the people on our side. Phase one is the game. Who has money?"
"Your company and 7 others," Hal said sheepishly.
"So they don't," John asked knowing the answer already.
"No they don't have any money."
"Excellent," He put 50,000 bucks on his desk, "I'll call this game the money grab."
"What game?" Hal asked.
"It is very simple. I leave the money on my desk and leave the building. We open the doors. They charge in, race upstairs, and try to grab the money. First one to grab it wins it."
"But how do we make money?" Hal asked.
John laughed and pointed to a small camera, ''Those hidden around the entire building some editing to clear out all the violence. We put it on air and voila we make money."
"Sir how does that make us get support?" Hal asked.
"Wouldn't you vote for a leader who gave you the opportunity to get money." John smiled and turned back towards the window.
He opened it and grabbed a megaphone.
"ATTENTION ATTENTION EVERYONE," he screamed into the machine loud enough so people on the floor could hear him.
The crowd stopped talking and looked up 20 stories.
''Good news. I, John 'Foot' Ball, has decided to give away some money. In my office there is 50,000 dollars in cash on my desk whoever gets there first gets to keep it, so that you can feed your families. We will be opening the doors in 30 minutes."
John closed the window and hit the intercom button.
"Everybody evacuate the building through the back exit immediately."
John headed down the hallway with Hal behind him. They entered a stairwell that went to the roof.
After some walking John and Hal entered the Sport copter located on the roof.
''Sir where are we going?" Hal said getting into the helicopter.
"Nowhere. After someone grabs the money there will be a riot. That is when we call in the military to get their support," John said after tapping the pilot on the shoulder signaling him to go up.
35 minutes later
"How are we going to open the doors?" Hal asked, "The crowd is getting even more violent then before."
"Exactly," John said, "They will knock down the doors themselves.''
John was right and in 2 minutes the doors were knocked down.
The race had started. "However to my office window to wait for the winner," John told the pilot.
They sat there for 15 minutes until 12 bloody men charged into the office.
3 grabbed thousands of dollars in cash, and ran out the open window.
This of course was on purpose because there was a ladder descending from the helicopter for them to grab.
They pulled themselves into the helicopter, sat down, and let Hal and John clean them up.
"Hal interview them while I call the military,'' John said moving into the cockpit while Hal started interviewing the three men.
John dialed the military's number and waited for the operator to answer.
"Hello," the operator said.
"Hello there is currently a riot within TaQud Sports Headquarters. I am requesting military service immediately. Thank you."
John hung up and sat back in the helicopter.

[TaQud]

"Hello there is currently a riot within TaQud Sports Headquarters. I am requesting military service immediately. Thank you."
John hung up and sat back in the helicopter.

Col. Floyd: Troops we need to get to TaQud Sports HQ immediately!
*7 jeeps arrived in the entrance...*
People kept trying to pile into the doorway that was still remaining.
Col. Floyd: Troops! Get your mask on!
The troops threw tear gas in front of all people in the entrance. Forcing them to flee or go upstairs. Floyd managed to catch the last mobster and threw him out in front of the doorway remains. Troops now guarded the back and entrance of TaQud Sports Etc. Floyd and 5 other men went all the way to the roof top of the building to meet John.
Col. Floyd: So now that we mob-proofed your HQ what do you have in return to give us?

[Lost heros]

"Hello there is currently a riot within TaQud Sports Headquarters. I am requesting military service immediately. Thank you."
John hung up and sat back in the helicopter.

Col. Floyd: Troops we need to get to TaQud Sports HQ immediately!
*7 jeeps arrived in the entrance...*
People kept trying to pile into the doorway that was still remaining.
Col. Floyd: Troops! Get your mask on!
The troops threw tear gas in front of all people in the entrance. Forcing them to flee or go upstairs. Floyd managed to catch the last mobster and threw him out in front of the doorway remains. Troops now guarded the back and entrance of TaQud Sports Etc. Floyd and 5 other men went all the way to the roof top of the building to meet John.
Col. Floyd: So now that we mob-proofed your HQ what do you have in return to give us?

"Ah my good men," John said, "Why of course I have something for you."
"In these hard times there really are only two things you can count on. 1. The army when you are in trouble. 2. And proper compensation for the armies help.
Col. Floyd is it? Well my good colonel for you and your men's hard work I award you 300,000 and your men 3,000,000 splitting it between them equally."
John reached into his pocket and took out a checkbook. He ripped out checks and scribbled on them before handing them to the Colonel.
"Colonel I would love to pay you more, but unfortunately my profits have been down. There is no organized sports and the organized group is the army."
John acted as if something huge hit him when in reality he already had this idea.
"That is it!" John said, "Would your soldiers and yourselves like to compete in organized sports? It is so simple. You play the game. I sell the game. I make money, and with that money pay you all a good salary." He paused pretending this all just hit, "And in case there is a mob you all can provide me protection, and I will pay you for that too. This is great. You and your men have the perfect body type to be athletes and the abandoned stadiums are free to use. What do you say Colonel. Do you want to become a star athlete?"
John looked at the Colonel with anticipation hoping that Colonel Floyd would agree to become an athlete.

[Former Soviet Socialists]

Sgt. Weckle: Boys we got a mission on our hands! We need to go help Entertain TaQud!

The 7 jeeps then exited the army base and headed towards the HQ. The soldiers could see other major corporations' Headquarters being savagely surrounding by mobs of people. Once Weckle arrived, he threw tear gas straight at the mobs causing them to flee but still get angry. The 36 soldiers with Weckle entered the HQ. The employees with shotguns started to fire frantically thinking it was the mobs.

Weckle; Hold your Fire! *Silence* Now I've been ordered to help guard this place but I need to know what I'll be receiving first...

A security guard spoke up, "Sir, none of us are in a position to offer you anything. I'll call the boss." The guard then walked away to call Mr. Duestovy, who was still in his office. Mr. Duestovy had been waiting anxiously for news from the lobby. He didn't want a bloodbath in his expensive building. A sigh of relief hit him when the buzzer on his office phone lit up. "Yes?," he answered. "Sir, the main lobby is secured. We've also got the military down here, and they're looking for compensation," stated the guard. "What?! Even the military has turned corrupt? Who is asking for compensation? The general?," said a flabbergasted Mr. Duestovy. The guard replied, "I don't know sir. I'll ask." He finished his talk with Mr. Duestovy then he returned to the lobby. Everyone was still in position and people were still running and screaming outside. He went up to, what looked like the captain, and asked, "Who are you? What is your rank? Are you the one we should be bargaining with for protection?"

[TaQud]

Col. Floyd: Troops we need to get to TaQud Sports HQ immediately!
*7 jeeps arrived in the entrance...*
People kept trying to pile into the doorway that was still remaining.
Col. Floyd: Troops! Get your mask on!
The troops threw tear gas in front of all people in the entrance. Forcing them to flee or go upstairs. Floyd managed to catch the last mobster and threw him out in front of the doorway remains. Troops now guarded the back and entrance of TaQud Sports Etc. Floyd and 5 other men went all the way to the roof top of the building to meet John.
Col. Floyd: So now that we mob-proofed your HQ what do you have in return to give us?

"Ah my good men," John said, "Why of course I have something for you."
"In these hard times there really are only two things you can count on. 1. The army when you are in trouble. 2. And proper compensation for the armies help.
Col. Floyd is it? Well my good colonel for you and your men's hard work I award you 300,000 and your men 3,000,000 splitting it between them equally."
John reached into his pocket and took out a checkbook. He ripped out checks and scribbled on them before handing them to the Colonel.
"Colonel I would love to pay you more, but unfortunately my profits have been down. There is no organized sports and the organized group is the army."
John acted as if something huge hit him when in reality he already had this idea.
"That is it!" John said, "Would your soldiers and yourselves like to compete in organized sports? It is so simple. You play the game. I sell the game. I make money, and with that money pay you all a good salary." He paused pretending this all just hit, "And in case there is a mob you all can provide me protection, and I will pay you for that too. This is great. You and your men have the perfect body type to be athletes and the abandoned stadiums are free to use. What do you say Colonel. Do you want to become a star athlete?"
John looked at the Colonel with anticipation hoping that Colonel Floyd would agree to become an athlete.

Floyd: I'm 42 years old and in no interest in sports. But my soldiers seem to be fan of sports so I guess we got ourselves a...
Floyd then paused a moment to think of what else to get in this bargain. He looked around at what was still here
Floyd: I'll make it a deal if you give my that helicopter. is that a deal?

[TaQud]

A security guard spoke up, "Sir, none of us are in a position to offer you anything. I'll call the boss." The guard then walked away to call Mr. Duestovy, who was still in his office. Mr. Duestovy had been waiting anxiously for news from the lobby. He didn't want a bloodbath in his expensive building. A sigh of relief hit him when the buzzer on his office phone lit up. "Yes?," he answered. "Sir, the main lobby is secured. We've also got the military down here, and they're looking for compensation," stated the guard. "What?! Even the military has turned corrupt? Who is asking for compensation? The general?," said a flabbergasted Mr. Duestovy. The guard replied, "I don't know sir. I'll ask." He finished his talk with Mr. Duestovy then he returned to the lobby. Everyone was still in position and people were still running and screaming outside. He went up to, what looked like the captain, and asked, "Who are you? What is your rank? Are you the one we should be bargaining with for protection?"

Weckle: First, I'm Sgt Weckle from the most bestest army in the world, the TaQud army. Second, We are not corrupt. No one is willing to pay us for protection right now in this nation so we either get what we want or let the nation go into chaos and Anarchy. You Choose.

[Icamera]

Longhorn Auto

A car alarm chirped along the road in front of the entrance to the Longhorn Center, a feat of modern engineering unsurpassed by few, if any, skyscrapers in the city, perhaps -- debatably, of course -- in all of Taqud. That Benjamin Joer was able to hear the beeping from such a great height while standing a reasonable distance from the window was not unexpected; following the city's descension into anarchy, the company's R&D department's experimental anti-theft technology was in higher demand than ever. For the most part, they'd been developing cheap methods of burglary prevention such as passworded ignitions, facial and voice recognition devices, and the so-called "alarm amplifiers" used by the car down below.

These innovations were rather easy to mass-produce, and tended to sell better than more expensive security gadgets considering the uncertain state of affairs many clients were in. However, there was still a sizeable niche market for the most effective thief preventers: weaponry. It all started out with the first waves of anarchism, when Joer and the board of directors had decided to invest in a private army of mercenaries, including some men who were bribed to desert the government armed forces for the Longhorn Stability Enforcement Agency. The LSEA was at first armed with guns purchased from military contracters, but Joer soon came to the conclusion that vertical integration of Longhorn Auto's defense force would be more cost effective, and he began buying out small weapon manufacturers. He still had a long ways to go, but Longhorn's defense sector was growing steadily.

Returning to the loud honks emanating from the car at ground level, Joer was, as mentioned, not particularly curious as to the use of his own firm's technology. What did perturb him, however, was the proximity of the sound. Criminals didn't usually try to pull anything right on the headquarters's doorstep. Unless...

"Patrol Alpha-2, ground report," Joer barked into his headset.

"Possible hostile activity," came the head guard's reply. "Four to five men. We couldn't see if they wore RB masks. We're scouting out the situation now."

"Only the Red-and-Blacks would try that kind of shit within our area, captain. Shoot first, ask questions later." The young chief executive officer was not as ruthless a man as a non-LSEA member might believe upon hearing this order. "SFAQL" commands meant that his police force was to switch to the objective of detaining suspects as quickly as possible, and was typically used on those believed to be members of the Red-and-Blacks, an extremist gang of anarcho-communists who frequently attacked LSEA patrolmen and were growing increasingly daring in their raids.

---

Pulanco Placeed began muttering into his communications device as he approached the designated position. "Target located," he announced to the rest of his team.

"On my count," another voice came in his headset. "3. 2. 1."

With that, five triggers were pulled simultaneously. Each of the five snipers found their mark, and five college-age men felt five darts shoot an experimental drug, meant to induce lethargia, into their bodies. They were hardly able to put up a fight once a group of LSEA officers moved in, and were soon thrown into well-armed silver cars with the LSEA logo emblazoned on the doors.

---

"Good work, captain. Take them to interrogation."

[Corporate Councils]

Reace's Candy Company Headquarters

Only two hours after having his secretary make the call to the B&Os, Bill Reace heard the distinctive popping noise of gunfire down below. Looking out of his window on the top story of his headquarters, he saw armed thugs firing into a crowd of looters who had overturned a truck of Reace's Buffs, a newly released, sugary, cereal. His gangsters had arrived.

Within only a few minutes the mob had dispersed, leaving behind several corpses and bloody streaks across the ground, but he couldn't be sure that they wouldn't be back. He doubted that military or police wouldn't come to quell his thugs, they had enough on their hands, but just to make sure, he went downstairs to go talk with a few of their leaders.

As he sat in the lobby of his headquarters with a few troubled and armed youth, he put on a poker face, not betraying how nervous he was to be undergunned and outnumbered by them.

"Gentlemen, so good of you all to meet me here. Rest assured, you all will be paid finely today for your brave defense of our corporate headquarters.
The reason I've called all of you in here is because I would like to negotiate some stronger bonds between us all. You see, with our country in chaos I'm going to need some more permanent retainers to help keep my corporate assets secure and you and your friends have done an excellent job so far and if you all look under your chairs, you will each find two briefcases, one with 50,000 Qets and another with 100,000 Qets, the former is your payment for the next few days, while the latter is for your men. I recommend spending that money soon though, who knows how long stores are going to take it, which brings me to my second point.

In 3 days from now, each of you will return to this building and bring with you every gang leader, distributor, dealer, fence, snitch, and dirty cop you can get your hands on. You each will get another 5,000 Qets per person brought in. Our economy is going to go through a rough patch, whether it starts tomorrow or next month, I don't know, but we need to find a way to enrich ourselves in a manner that isn't dependent on the international currency market. I believe you all know what I mean.

Now, we will speak of this no more, until everyone you know is assembled here, but rest assured if we pull this off, you all will be the richest men on the streets. Until then, blow some of that cash, get drunk, get laid, have a good time. Just keep some men posted around here for security.

His monologue to the gangsters finished, he excused himself and returned to his office. The gang leaders, opening the briefcases right there in the lobby, looked at each other and agreed. This was too easy, or so they thought at least.

[TaQud]

Myers: So how's the new Shamrock Phone "LongTalkk?"
Morrison: Oh its a good phone for now. But that our latest due to these riots...
*Windows shatter*
Myers; What the heck was that?
Morrison: The mob people are throwing my non data plan phones into the HQ!
Chants: *We Want Better Phones!*
Myers: Throw a flare their way to give them another warning signal.
*Flare is lit and thrown. Car Explodes*
Car explodes in front of about 15 mobsters. Body parts are flying everywhere.
Morrison: Oh my God!
Myers: that should hold them back for a while...

[TaQud]

Election Results- First Round

This is a special news Bulletin coming from the TaQud Government Channel. The election results has been confirmed. Here are the results.
1. McDonQad's (4)
2. Lucky Video Games (4)
3. Entertain TaQud (3)
4. TaQud Sports Etc (2)
5. Shamrock Phones (2)
6. Reace's (2)
7. Longhorn Auto (1)
8. Royal Insurance (1)

Longhorn Auto & Royal Insurance have been eliminated from the Election.

[Lost heros]

"Ah my good men," John said, "Why of course I have something for you."
"In these hard times there really are only two things you can count on. 1. The army when you are in trouble. 2. And proper compensation for the armies help.
Col. Floyd is it? Well my good colonel for you and your men's hard work I award you 300,000 and your men 3,000,000 splitting it between them equally."
John reached into his pocket and took out a checkbook. He ripped out checks and scribbled on them before handing them to the Colonel.
"Colonel I would love to pay you more, but unfortunately my profits have been down. There is no organized sports and the organized group is the army."
John acted as if something huge hit him when in reality he already had this idea.
"That is it!" John said, "Would your soldiers and yourselves like to compete in organized sports? It is so simple. You play the game. I sell the game. I make money, and with that money pay you all a good salary." He paused pretending this all just hit, "And in case there is a mob you all can provide me protection, and I will pay you for that too. This is great. You and your men have the perfect body type to be athletes and the abandoned stadiums are free to use. What do you say Colonel. Do you want to become a star athlete?"
John looked at the Colonel with anticipation hoping that Colonel Floyd would agree to become an athlete.

Floyd: I'm 42 years old and in no interest in sports. But my soldiers seem to be fan of sports so I guess we got ourselves a...
Floyd then paused a moment to think of what else to get in this bargain. He looked around at what was still here
Floyd: I'll make it a deal if you give my that helicopter. is that a deal?

John looked somewhat shocked.
"A helicopter?" He thought, ''That is what he wants? A helicopter."
John spoke, "Of course you can have this helicopter. And besides with the money we make from the sporting events, we can buy 5 helicopters."
John put his arm around Colonel Floyd and started talking about plans for the games.
"Okay, by far the most popular sporting event worldwide is the Olympics. Now due to this annoying Anarchy, our bid for the Olympics was immediately declined. So that got me thinking, how can we replicate games as big as the Olympics in an Anarchy. No way the citizens would do. All they do is riot around buildings. But now with your squadron, we can host a games similar to the Olympics with changes of course. We can call it the Army Games. It will be a huge hit. We could have 100 meter bear crawl races or a hand to hand combat competition.
We can have extreme JEEP races that can be a combination of motorsports and car racing. This is going to be a huge hit."
John patted Colonel Floyd on the back.
"I am going to my office. I have a lot of work ahead of me."
John headed down the stairwell and headed to the office. Hal was finishing his interviews in there of the three men that had won the Money Grab.
"You men can go home now," Hal said.
The three men got up and thanked Hal and John.
"Cut the tape," John ordered, "and air it immediately."
"Yes sir," Hal said about to exit the room.
"Wait," John stopped him, "I need to you to advertise for the Army Games."
"What is the Army Games?" Hal asked.
"The Army Games is going to be a sports competition featuring members of the Army. They will participate in sporting events that combine traditional Sports with Army features. It is what going to really boost our standing in the election."
"How is it going to do that sir?" Hal asked following everything except the last part.
"Advertising. TaQud Sports a proud sponsor of the Army Games. John Ball creator of the Army Games,'' John explained, "With these messages playing constantly viewers are going to go, 'Wow this John Ball is really good for country. John Ball is really smart. I am going to vote for John Ball.' And so on and so forth."
"Okay sir, I will get on advertising for it. Oh and sir a call came in that said you made it to the second round of voting," Hal said exiting the room for good.

[TaQud]

Floyd: I'm 42 years old and in no interest in sports. But my soldiers seem to be fan of sports so I guess we got ourselves a...
Floyd then paused a moment to think of what else to get in this bargain. He looked around at what was still here
Floyd: I'll make it a deal if you give my that helicopter. is that a deal?

John looked somewhat shocked.
"A helicopter?" He thought, ''That is what he wants? A helicopter."
John spoke, "Of course you can have this helicopter. And besides with the money we make from the sporting events, we can buy 5 helicopters."
John put his arm around Colonel Floyd and started talking about plans for the games.
"Okay, by far the most popular sporting event worldwide is the Olympics. Now due to this annoying Anarchy, our bid for the Olympics was immediately declined. So that got me thinking, how can we replicate games as big as the Olympics in an Anarchy. No way the citizens would do. All they do is riot around buildings. But now with your squadron, we can host a games similar to the Olympics with changes of course. We can call it the Army Games. It will be a huge hit. We could have 100 meter bear crawl races or a hand to hand combat competition.
We can have extreme JEEP races that can be a combination of motorsports and car racing. This is going to be a huge hit."
John patted Colonel Floyd on the back.
"I am going to my office. I have a lot of work ahead of me."
John headed down the stairwell and headed to the office. Hal was finishing his interviews in there of the three men that had won the Money Grab.
"You men can go home now," Hal said.
The three men got up and thanked Hal and John.
"Cut the tape," John ordered, "and air it immediately."
"Yes sir," Hal said about to exit the room.
"Wait," John stopped him, "I need to you to advertise for the Army Games."
"What is the Army Games?" Hal asked.
"The Army Games is going to be a sports competition featuring members of the Army. They will participate in sporting events that combine traditional Sports with Army features. It is what going to really boost our standing in the election."
"How is it going to do that sir?" Hal asked following everything except the last part.
"Advertising. TaQud Sports a proud sponsor of the Army Games. John Ball creator of the Army Games,'' John explained, "With these messages playing constantly viewers are going to go, 'Wow this John Ball is really good for country. John Ball is really smart. I am going to vote for John Ball.' And so on and so forth."
"Okay sir, I will get on advertising for it. Oh and sir a call came in that said you made it to the second round of voting," Hal said exiting the room for good.

Floyd: Now hold up. Instead I want the helicopter now. What really bugs me is that all you care about is advertising. How about just enjoying the game and not even mattering about how much money you can buy with how many things. Just let me have the helicopter right now so I can do something with it...

[Lost heros]

John looked somewhat shocked.
"A helicopter?" He thought, ''That is what he wants? A helicopter."
John spoke, "Of course you can have this helicopter. And besides with the money we make from the sporting events, we can buy 5 helicopters."
John put his arm around Colonel Floyd and started talking about plans for the games.
"Okay, by far the most popular sporting event worldwide is the Olympics. Now due to this annoying Anarchy, our bid for the Olympics was immediately declined. So that got me thinking, how can we replicate games as big as the Olympics in an Anarchy. No way the citizens would do. All they do is riot around buildings. But now with your squadron, we can host a games similar to the Olympics with changes of course. We can call it the Army Games. It will be a huge hit. We could have 100 meter bear crawl races or a hand to hand combat competition.
We can have extreme JEEP races that can be a combination of motorsports and car racing. This is going to be a huge hit."
John patted Colonel Floyd on the back.
"I am going to my office. I have a lot of work ahead of me."
John headed down the stairwell and headed to the office. Hal was finishing his interviews in there of the three men that had won the Money Grab.
"You men can go home now," Hal said.
The three men got up and thanked Hal and John.
"Cut the tape," John ordered, "and air it immediately."
"Yes sir," Hal said about to exit the room.
"Wait," John stopped him, "I need to you to advertise for the Army Games."
"What is the Army Games?" Hal asked.
"The Army Games is going to be a sports competition featuring members of the Army. They will participate in sporting events that combine traditional Sports with Army features. It is what going to really boost our standing in the election."
"How is it going to do that sir?" Hal asked following everything except the last part.
"Advertising. TaQud Sports a proud sponsor of the Army Games. John Ball creator of the Army Games,'' John explained, "With these messages playing constantly viewers are going to go, 'Wow this John Ball is really good for country. John Ball is really smart. I am going to vote for John Ball.' And so on and so forth."
"Okay sir, I will get on advertising for it. Oh and sir a call came in that said you made it to the second round of voting," Hal said exiting the room for good.

Floyd: Now hold up. Instead I want the helicopter now. What really bugs me is that all you care about is advertising. How about just enjoying the game and not even mattering about how much money you can buy with how many things. Just let me have the helicopter right now so I can do something with it...

"I don't care just about advertising," John said in protest, "Ever since I was a little boy I have always cared about the love of the sport more then money. I remember as a little kid joining the Pee-wee football team, and the running for a touchdown 20 yards away." John started becoming sentimental.
"You know how I first got the nick name 'foot ball' because the first team I coached was my nephew's soccer team. All the Hispanic mothers heard my last name was ball, and they started calling me Futbol. Anyways that is not the point. The point is for that 6 months I coached them I had spent over 3,000 dollars. I have no idea how that even happened. The next year my sister suggested I start investing in the team so I could make all the money I had spent. That year I made 10,000 dollars, and that is how I became involved in corporate sports."
John took out a picture of a smiling 10 year old boy, "That was my nephew the year we made it to state competition. Every time I look at it I remember how sports is more than just advertising and money. It brings enjoyment and entertainment to everyone win or lose. That is what I care about. That is why I want to win this election. If I give something people can be happy about and that people can truly enjoy, then I have done my job of C.E.O. of TaQud Sports the right way. If I win this election then I can try to give the people the same enjoyment and the same happiness, and that is the job for the future leader of this country."
John stopped talking and put the picture away, and stopped being sentimental. He put on his business face, and looked at the Colonel.
"The helicopter is all yours. You can take anywhere you want to go. Tell your men that training for the Army Games will start on Monday. Thank you for your time and cooperation."

[TaQud]

Floyd: Now hold up. Instead I want the helicopter now. What really bugs me is that all you care about is advertising. How about just enjoying the game and not even mattering about how much money you can buy with how many things. Just let me have the helicopter right now so I can do something with it...

"I don't care just about advertising," John said in protest, "Ever since I was a little boy I have always cared about the love of the sport more then money. I remember as a little kid joining the Pee-wee football team, and the running for a touchdown 20 yards away." John started becoming sentimental.
"You know how I first got the nick name 'foot ball' because the first team I coached was my nephew's soccer team. All the Hispanic mothers heard my last name was ball, and they started calling me Futbol. Anyways that is not the point. The point is for that 6 months I coached them I had spent over 3,000 dollars. I have no idea how that even happened. The next year my sister suggested I start investing in the team so I could make all the money I had spent. That year I made 10,000 dollars, and that is how I became involved in corporate sports."
John took out a picture of a smiling 10 year old boy, "That was my nephew the year we made it to state competition. Every time I look at it I remember how sports is more than just advertising and money. It brings enjoyment and entertainment to everyone win or lose. That is what I care about. That is why I want to win this election. If I give something people can be happy about and that people can truly enjoy, then I have done my job of C.E.O. of TaQud Sports the right way. If I win this election then I can try to give the people the same enjoyment and the same happiness, and that is the job for the future leader of this country."
John stopped talking and put the picture away, and stopped being sentimental. He put on his business face, and looked at the Colonel.
"The helicopter is all yours. You can take anywhere you want to go. Tell your men that training for the Army Games will start on Monday. Thank you for your time and cooperation."

Floyd:Well I would just like to say I'm impressed on what you have accomplished to get where you are today. Boys I'll substitute this for a real army helicopter. The rest you keep watching this Headquarters to make sure no mobster gets allowed. in this building. When I come back with an Army copter I give you the signal by saying Delta with your walky talkies.

[TaQud]

Breaking News!

McDonQad's HQ been blown up by mobsters with guns and Bombs. According to reports now. A bomb had gone off in the 8th floor causing the building to fall forward while a little tilted to the left and collapsed. An estimated 68 people have been killed 119 injured. One of the deaths were the founder and owner so the McDonQad's spokesman has suspended the campaign while McDonQad's recover.

[TaQud]

Will Morrison: Well we have advance to the next round. But how do we keep winning to get to the finals?
Myers: Maybe if you give more money to the Army to make things even more corrupt.
Morrison: Sarcasm?
Myers: Well fifty, fifty on that.
Morrison: Fine I'll donate. hello Operator I'm donating $50 million qets to the army. Send a helicopter to get the money stat!

[Corporate Councils]

Reace's Candy Company HQ

The die has been cast, there was no going back at this point. Yesterday to show that he was serious about taking power in TaQud, he ordered some of his more technically-minded thugs to blow up MacDonQad's HQ building. There were a few other buildings on his kill list, Longhorn Auto and Royal Insurance. He had gotten wind that they were also vying for supremacy and therefore had to be eliminated. He also heard of a few other corps trying the same thing, but they were smart enough to get some troops around their offices first. They would be much more difficult to eliminate.

On the bright side, he was beginning to garner support, not with the elites and powerful of the country, but with the common people; after all, the best way to have a million followers was to add a bunch of zeros. Last week, he held a meeting with a good number of the city's criminal elements and fashioned an elaborate system in which Reace's Candy Company would function as a laundering service and also a front for a major cocaine smuggling operation, in which they would smuggle it into the country disguised as sugar (what else) and then distribute it to dealers once it arrived in their factories. This ensured a constant flow of wealth, regardless of the form. With the Qet in danger of becoming worthless, he could exchange drugs for International Credits, gold, favors, and he had even gotten offers of arms from a few especially unscrupulous customers.

Wealth; however, was meaningless if it wasn't spent, and spend it, he intended to do. In the inner city and slums, he used his newfound wealth as a form of Candy Carrots® and sticks to keep the mob in line and under his thumb. Furthermore, he was attempting to consolidate his control over the criminal elements of the city, whether it be from hiring them, bribing them, or pitting them against each other. It was too late for him to turn to more 'established' sources of force, such as the military or police, they were already in his rivals' pockets. However, the military had much left to offer him, whether they knew it or not.

He had recently dropped a line to the commander of the TaQudian Ordinance Corps, the branch of the military responsible for acquiring and distributing weapons, along with a hefty bribe, inquiring whether the military could afford to keep all of those weapons while their paychecks weren't a sure thing these days. His intention was to acquire as many weapons systems, along with the appropriate training. The B&Os had no chance of competing with the military if it ever came to street clashes, but he intended on leveling the playing field a bit more.

[TaQud]

He had recently dropped a line to the commander of the TaQudian Ordinance Corps, the branch of the military responsible for acquiring and distributing weapons, along with a hefty bribe, inquiring whether the military could afford to keep all of those weapons while their paychecks weren't a sure thing these days. His intention was to acquire as many weapons systems, along with the appropriate training. The B&Os had no chance of competing with the military if it ever came to street clashes, but he intended on leveling the playing field a bit more.

Commander:What's this?
The commander received a parcel package. He read the box and it said "To the Commander of Ordinance Corps." The commander immediately opened the package and found stacks of cash in the package. On the stacks read a note that said: "We will keep paying if you give us some weapons. Sincerely, Reace's Head of Ownership" The commander never believe in bribery and corruptness. he always thought it was an immoral then to do. But he kept his promise. He sent some beebee pistols and toy grenades as "weapons he wanted" and immediately shipped it with a note saying... "here are the weapons you wanted. "