Neocronicle

After a painstaking investigation against the clock to save the lives of the people of Neocron, ProtoPharm have discovered what they believe to be the cause of the illness sweeping the City. After pouring over the reports and lists of symptoms reported by citizens, it has been the initial deaths which have provided the key evidence required to bring this situation under control.

In a press release earlier today, ProtoPharm had this to say.

ProtoPharm Press Office:

"After significant analysis of reports and the autopsy results of several of the sadly deceased available to our scientists, ProtoPharm is able to confirm the source of the recent epidemic tearing through the city. All of our evidence and a series of tests on both animal and human subjects confirms the disease is being carried by the most recent batch of Warbot Cola.

Anyone who has come into contact with this product is urged to seek urgent medical attention. If you or someone you know has consumed the product within recent weeks, you are in danger should the illness continue. The cure is simple; simply administer the all-purpose medication contained in our standard MedKit once every four hours for at least two weeks. If you have consumed more than 2 cans a day, extend the medication period to a total of four weeks."

While this is a sweet relief for everyone in the city, it is a massive blow that this advice could not have been given sooner. However the simplicity of the cause and cure provide a clear reason as to why those taken ill and lost to the illness were seemingly totally random.

The Neocronicle has reached out to WarBot Cola Inc. for a statement regarding this shocking discovery but at the moment they are still silent. We understand the Cola Girls have been escorted from the streets by CopBots this morning but will not be held or charged at this time.

As I’m sure you all do, we hope to know more soon.

Jake Davies

Neocronicle

The illness which has swept the City in the last few days has taken a significant turn for the worse. A number of bodies have been discovered in the streets of the Via Rosso and Plaza districts. We have even had reports of some people dying after rushing into the street screaming and clutching their heads before slumping to the ground. The latest from ProtoPharm is that they have still not identified the cause of the illness.

While this is incredibly alarming news, it is important to remember that the illness still cannot be transferred directly. Citizens should report anyone showing significant behavioural changes to their nearest MediCare personnel or CopBot so help can be dispatched.

A spokesperson from the City Administration had this to say:

"City Administration Spokesperson]We take the safety of our citizens incredibly seriously and as such recommend everyone remains calm during these trying times. Make sure to keep a look out for people experiencing the symptoms and report it as soon as possible. Any related information such as travel or changes in diet are vital in ensuring we are able to identify the cause."

Not a huge amount of information or action from our government but a statement after so much has gone on with nothing but silence from them is reassuring at least.

For all of our sakes we at the Neocronicle hope to see a cure, and soon.

Jake Davies

Neocronicle

In the last week a major threat to the people of Neocron has raised its ugly head. While attacks on the City and key locations in the Wastelands have been on the up, this threat comes from a troubling location. An unknown source within the city. 

What the ProtoPharm scientists and Medicare doctors are calling an epidemic is becoming worse by the hour. Hundreds of citizens have contracted an unknown condition causing vomiting and mental instability; a breakout of such a scale has not been seen within the City since the Bat Plague a number of years ago. For now it seems that the danger of contracting the illness is restricted to those who come into contact with the source and it is not transferable. The problem is no one knows what is causing it or how the condition entered the City and its population.

Right now ProtoPharm are trying to find the problem by testing those who first showed signs of the illness but progress is slow. In the meantime Medicare has dispatched some of their medics to the streets, to keep an eye out for troubled citizens and issue on the spot medical care where possible.

The Neocronicle will keep you up to date during this troubling time as best we can. Should you contract any out of the ordinary symptoms it is advised you contact a member of MediCare staff as a matter of urgency.

Jake Davies

Neocronicle

After a slow few years in the Cola industry with no direct competition, sales at Warbot Cola Inc. had slowly fallen to the point of near collapse. Without any real innovation in their product line and a stagnant marketing campaign, a number of their customers had moved to other alternatives.

That was certainly the case a few weeks ago, now Warbot Cola has seen a bit of a revival. With a new marketing campaign and promotion girls giving out free samples to everyone who passes by, the sales figures they happily posted today are certainly something to write home about.

Over the last two weeks Warbot Cola's sales figures are up 75% on the same period last year, with a 110% rise over each two week period in the last 2 months. For a company struggling to break even in the last few years, the 50% increase in their share price after the figures were announced, is a sure sign things are looking up.

That and the couple of empty crates lying around the Neocronicle office are a clear indication that whatever they're doing. It's working.

Jake Davies

Neocronicle

This just gets better and better. While the runners of this city defend against monstrous threats in the wastes, Tangent seems paralysed to provide assistance through internal wrangling! This press release just in from everyone's favourite masseuse and 'therapist'-cum-Faction Assistant, Paco Katido.

"Friends,

I would dearly like to thank you for the overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding my future plans for Tangent Technologies. While some of you have concerns regarding where profitability will come, rest assured there are plans, and while I know you are all terribly excited to hear them, I must keep them secret for now. 

I’d also like to thank the participants of the rally that recently occurred outside our offices. Such dedication! While I could not greet you there myself, reports were passed on to me, and I could not be more heartened to hear of your support.

I understand there are concerns regarding “contracts”, “assurances” and “obligations” between our stockists and Tangent, but it’s all very complicated – I’m sure you don’t want me to bore you with the details! All will be ok if you show a little faith in me and my vision.

Yours,

Felica Paco-Katido"

We shall, of course, keep you informed.

Chris Friedel

Neocronicle

A few nights ago there was a massive party down at Electric Vibes. It’s one of those parties that you just can’t write about, as you just simply had to be there. I tell you, the atmosphere was buzzing. There was beer, there was dancing, and there a very special A-List of celebrities present. If you weren’t there, then that’s too bad.

That was until the Techhaven Sensors alerted runners to a new, massive, threat at Desert Racetrack. I expected everyone to ignore the warning and carry on partying. Instead the club emptied, as runners grabbed their guns to give their own reply to the latest threat. It was obvious that no-one expected City Administration to deal with this latest incursion.

As soon as I arrived at the Desert Racetrack it was clear there was a big problem. Runners had a hard time fighting the mass army of Mad and Amok CopBots that had surrounded the GeneReplicator building. To begin with, a lot of runners appeared to be suffering from both the effects of Synaptic Impairment and too much alcohol. For an age, we were pinned down in the GeneReplicator building. I had to keep my head down, as if I even raised my head one inch, I would either have had bullets or laser beams shooting over my head.

There was one bizarre moment during the fighting when a runner decided to drive his flashy new car right through the piles of CopBot corpses with no regard for his safety and ask, "Is this the GR I have to activate?" How he managed to avoid taking a bullet to himself and avoid getting his car scratched will remain one of those mysteries.

Eventually the under-siege army of runners decided to break cover and charge towards the racetrack grandstand. However, no-one had spotted the CopBot Renegades and Defectors that had taken up position on the bridge.

When the runners charged, the CopBots opened fire and forced the group to split in two. One group dived back into cover in the GeneReplicator building while the other group managed to ran under the cross-fire to the cover of the racetrack building.

With the group split it was feared the groups of CopBots would just gun down the remaining force. However this unexpected split proved to be a brilliant flanking manoeuvre. The group down at the GeneReplicator was able to provided covering fire while the other group stormed and took control of bridge over the racetrack.

Now that the runners were in control of the bridge they pushed onwards to the end of the bridge. Renegade or Mad CopBots were either blown to a million pieces or quite simply pushed over the edge to plunge to their deaths. Finally there was only one remaining, a S.T.O.R.M Unit that was clearly malfunctioning as it opened fire on the group. However it was no match for the ensemble group of runners. As the Malfunctioning S.T.O.R.M Unit fell to the ground several runners ran quickly towards the smoldering corpse to scavenge it for parts.

The fight was over. Runners sat down to dust their armour down and reflect on the latest battle. Then they all started to ask the same question over and over again...

After the Maulers and the other recent incursions, when is this madness going to end?

Eddie Walker

Neocronicle

This press release is just in from the Fallen Angels.

"Fallen Angels,

A few days ago, a new Faction Assistant was appointed to Tangent Technologies. My normal reaction to any new appointment at Tangent is to tell them to stay out of Techhaven.

This time my reaction was different. I felt I had to drop into MediCare and get some drugs.

So Felica Paco-Katido, I’ve got one question I want to ask you. Are you out of your mind?!

However I would not be the Fallen Angels Faction Assistant if I didn’t keep a free mind. The peace proposal isn’t something we can ignore or dismiss. I suggest to all Fallen Angels to keep a free mind in regard to this peace proposal, however keep in mind that it could be a trap.

Finally I appeal to any Tangent Technologies clans. I’ve heard all about the protests outside Tangent Headquarters. If you wish to defect to Fallen Angels, you would be very welcomed. I appeal to the leaders of the clans in Techhaven to assist any Tangent clans who wish to defect.

Alex Conlaoch

Fallen Angels Faction Assistant"

Well, it seems Mr Conlaoch has finally found his office in Techhaven, and is already being kept busy by Tangent's new crazy faction assistant. Also have you seen Alex in your nearest MediCare? If you have, contact the Neocronicle today and tell us your story today!

Eddie Walker

Neocronicle

Just in from Warbot Cola Inc.

Warbot Cola Marketing:

"Warbot cola, Neocron’s No.1 selling cola is excited to launch it’s brand new advertising campaign. 

Our new slogan is “Each sip is like getting hit in the face with a Warbot’s laser!”

Remember, there is no other cola out there like it. Don’t just ask for Warbot Cola from your barman, demand it!"

All the reporters here at the Neocronicle office love hearing any news from Warbot Cola’s marketing department, especially when they send in some free crates. You know, there isn’t a better feeling than hunting warbots, while sipping Warbot Cola!

Eddie Walker

Neocronicle

This just in from Alex Conlaoch, the Fallen Angels Faction Assistant.

Alex Conlaoch - Faction Assistant, Fallen Angels:

Last week, the Techhaven Sensor Network Project was tested successfully for the first time. Upon activation, it detected a threat that at Calida Village and it alert runners on the global channels.

During the attack at Calida village, Fallen Angels scientists were able to fine tune the sensors to detect the hostile types at the village. It counted over 500 Spiderbots and Hoverbots attacking the village.

The Sensor Network has a greater range of detection than the Point Red Defence mechanism. It can cover all the mountain regions and grasslands. The next stage of the project is to cover all the wastelands sectors to improve runner safety while travelling in the wastelands."

Us reporters at the Neocronicle office are impressed with the Techhaven Sensor Network's capabilities. However the unanswered question remains. Where are these hostiles coming from?

Eddie Walker

Neocronicle

The Stock price of Archer & Wesson and HEW dropped on the news that their contracts with Tangent Technologies could be cancelled. Shares fell rapidly to a record low of 1.02nc per share while runners sold their shares when StockX opened for trading earlier this week.

Shares in Boobs 'N’ Guns and Fist Weaponry rose sharply with rumours of both firms planning to launch a hostile of takeover of both Archer & Wesson and HEW.

A spokesperson for Archer & Wesson released a short statement in response to the panic selling of their shares:

Archer & Wesson Spokesperson:

"Our contracts with Tangent Technologies are still valid and rock solid. Investors should not fear cancellation of our contracts. We have no further comment to make at this time."

However HEW, Boobs 'N’ Guns and Fist Weaponry all declined to make any comment to the Neocronicle.

Crazy things have been happening since the appointment of Felica Paco-Katido as the Faction Assistant, and we have yet to hear any reaction from Biotech or Fallen Angels.

Eddie Walker

Neocronicle