to: everyone

[assembles]

Hey there, everyone. My name is Steve Rogers and I'm one of the people most recently summoned to the Free Cities. I'm also a good friend of Sam Wilson's — we've worked together for a number of years. I know he's made quite the name for himself here.

I've only been here for a little over a month, but in that time I've noticed a sudden increase in military activity within Cadens. There's increased drills and training exercises, equipment moving in and out, that kind of thing. I went by Fort Wilbridge and tried to ask some questions, but all they really had to say was that they were acting out of an abundance of caution. Almost like they're expecting something.

It seems suspicious, so I was wondering if anyone else has noticed a change in how the factions are behaving, whether it's something I haven't picked up on in Cadens or something going on in Thorne or Solvunn. I figure it might be a good idea to compare notes so we won't be completely blindsided if something else is coming our way.

That's all I've got for now, but it's nice to meet you all. In a manner of speaking, anyway.

Comments

[itookashot]

The one and only!

[industries]

She told me you had viral marketing chops. Streetside marketing, whatever.

Do you actually know a third of the city?

[itookashot]

Yeah that sounds about right. I'm a mover and a shaker. Why?

[industries]

[ Sure, kid. Still– ]

Some buddies and I are starting up a venture and would love to point people to our state-of-the-art products and services. Could use some introductions, if you know anyone who'd be interested in increasing their production efficiency by a factor of, like, a hundred.

[ "State-of-the-art" for Abraxas, anyway. The orphans have been pretty quick on the uptake. ]

[itookashot]

I would think someone in and out of the Talis-Viktor workshop would know who to ask, considering Talis got their name on the side of the building and they're already fairly successful in Cadens.

[ That's right, Jesper knows everyone and where they've been. ]

[industries]

Yeah, exactly. I'm asking you. Haven't been paying as much attention as you think, if you're assuming I have literally any time to hunt people down.

Happy to take your affiliate ad revenue elsewhere, your call.

[itookashot]

[ Ugh. Jesper did say he'd be nice to Inej's friends. ]

It depends on what your state-of-the-art products are. I will say if you can make anything good for wartime, your profits will skyrocket right now. Another angle would be that independent merchants are doing exactly that, so other areas like academics or the museums/theaters are going to be neglected. If you're altruistic, there's not much coin in it, but the poor neighborhoods and the workers (like miners) are struggling. I know people everywhere but depends on what you're hoping to sell.

[industries]

Wartime's not on the table. Been there, done that.

I'm told my esteemed colleagues have the miners covered. Roll back a sec – what was that about "independent merchants"?

[itookashot]

Most of the inventive merchants like you lot end up being poached by the academy and/or military for weapons or equipment. Then you've got everyone else who are the garden variety blacksmiths, gunsmiths, tanners, butchers, clothiers, jewelers, etc. I'm from a city run by merchants, they were the ruling class, so I'm pretty familiar with the type.

I can bring you round the business area, not sure what'll end up being helpful for you, but it's easy to make introductions.

[industries]

Let's make it happen. The Victorian duo's got engineering chops, but I have a feeling their idea of marketing involves academic dissertations and ads on soap boxes that have lead in them.

I'll reach out on a private line. Mental synapse. Whatever.