Siren's Pull

Friday, April 12th, 2013.

Weather: Mostly cloudy, chance of showers. Highs of 11°C and low of 5°C. (52°F / 41°F)

Current Moon Phase: New Moon

Morning sirens go off at 6:28 am, and evening sirens are at 7:57 pm.

News & Advertisements

BREAKING NEWS: SERO Claims Core Site

In a bold move today, SERO ousted SPPD forces gathered at the Core site with a surprising show of force. Ever since the incident on April 10th, when a band of Newcomers infiltrated the underground Core site, the Core has been giving off high levels of strange, unknown energy. The area was immediately roped off by the SPPD, and SERO lobbyists immediately petitioned City Hall for access to the Core itself.

Denied due to the gridlock still in play after the recent murder of Governor Townshed, SERO officials took it upon themselves today, despite protests from AGI, to take control of the baseball diamond. Turning the Voids against the police officers, members of the SPPD were escorted from the premises and then barred from re-entering. When met with a warning from the governor's office to "cease and desist", a SERO spokesperson claimed they were only acting in the best interests of the Port.

In light of these recent developments, reports have been received of new activity stirring in Sector One. Eyewitnesses claim they've seen a large number of AGI security forces mobilizing, but as of yet, the only action taken has been vocal.

"SERO can either get out of the Core, or face the consequences."

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Thursday, March 14th, 2013.

Weather Gentle morning drizzle, with a sunny afternoon . Highs of 10°C and low of 4°C. (50°F / 39°F)

Current Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent

Morning sirens go off at 6:29 am, and evening sirens are at 6:13 pm.

Breaking News!

- Terrorist Newcomer Rampages At City Hall
A massive breach of City Hall’s purportedly airtight security this afternoon has left the city’s most prominent AGI and SERO lobbyists dead, City Hall with a substantial electrical fire in the executive wing, and Governor Townshed’s whereabouts completely unknown.

Sonshiro "Sonny" Durante(62) and Aileen Eberhardt(46), longstanding rival corporate affiliates, were scheduled to meet with Governor Townshed for a casual dinner appointment to discuss issues of city economic policy.

According to an injured survivor on the scene, the Governor’s personal secretary Hilde Geurande, while they were waiting outside his office, bickering with one another, “a homicidal maniac showed up out of nowhere, whipped out his NV and a fistful of lightning, then- BAM! Hit both Sonny and Eileen. Everything went dark except for the sparks- I woke up spattered in blood, and by then security had finally responded and took him down. We had to evacuate because my paperwork caught fire, and no one’s seen the governor since!”

His actions were caught self-recorded on NV, sent to the news media by an anonymous source. Camera footage has not been released, but many are speculating if this plot was an inside job, and pending investigations may reveal traitors to the city government working in the building.

Although Null Security officers quickly apprehended the suspect on site at City Hall, and police have identified him as newcomer Sasuke Uchiha, they allegedly passed off the suspect in transit through sector 2 when stopped by an armed patrol of SERO Security. Chief Miller, too outraged to appear on camera, has had both officers fired and arrested, and is presently in “hard negotiations” with the head of SERO’s Security Division, who denies the reported hand off and claims they are not holding or protecting the suspect. SERO’s public relations have assured the nightly news that they will do “everything in their power to assist the SPPD locating this dangerous lunatic.”

Police are frantically searching for any records of the newcomer, who arrived in Port some time last year. Anyone with further information on his whereabouts is urged to come forward. St. Matthew has placed a bounty of 2 million on his head, Dead or Alive. Newcomers with networked connections to the suspect at the Tower Apartments and Newcomer Community Center will likely be called in for questioning.

As of evening sirens, Governor Townshed is still reported missing. Under the city codes set down in 1947, if the elected governor is missing or unresponsive for over 48 hours, the Police Chief may declared the city under a state of Martial Law.


News & Advetisments
- The Dog’s Breakfast Pub will be serving up a Bloody Ceasar on the house all day tomorrow, to anyone who can carry a quick conversation with the bartender in Latin. They’ll also be serving up ½ price Irish Draft Beer & Whiskey all weekend for St. Patrick’s Day, with live music all day Sunday.

- The Newsfeed’s Horoscope Writer has submitted to the editor this morning, pleading with him to remind the city to Beware the Ides of March. The warning goes to print with the caveat that if she is incorrect, this Sunday will be the last publication of her astrological drivel.

[OOC Et Tu, Brute? Mini Event The Core must be feeling like you all need a refresher on Roman History. Tomorrow, March 15th, all denizens of Siren’s Port will find themselves consumed by either one of two effects:

1) Hypervigilance & Paranoia of Betrayal - Everything! Everywhere! Is out to get you! From your bus coming late, to your best buddy giving you shady looks every time you turn your back, this day has it out for you, man!

2) The irrepressible compulsion to behave treacherously toward someone you normally are faithful to. Maybe it’s your partner, your best friend, your favorite client or customer. Maybe it’s your boss, or even your kid. Whatever it is, the urge is to Carpe Diem and take what you deserve while you can! They’ll forgive you.... right?]
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Sunday, February 24th, 2013.

Weather A mix of cloudy and clear skies. Highs of 8°C and low of 2°C. (46°F / 36°F) Forecast for the next week is mostly bright and crisp! A thunderstorm in the evening on Tuesday brings a brief hailstorm, centered around the downtown area.

Current Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous

Morning sirens go off at 8:06 am, and evening sirens are at 6:45 pm.

( Horoscopes )


Mckinley Aquarium Could be Sunk, Due to a Tragedy Late Last Night

It seems that a new exhibit was going to be unveiled early next week, an exhibit that would "shock and awe" the public. According to police, Shock and awe seemed to be correct as early this morning, just after the sirens, several members aquarium staff were arrested, as the exhibit had broken free and killed a night crew member.

The new exhibit was going to be of several types of so called 'darkness fish', several types of cephalopods and salt water fish that had been warped by the darkness and turned into new versions of the creatures. It was to be a night exhibit, with unproofed tanks and a proofed inner tunnel room.

None of these animals were licensed under the Darkness repeal act of 1982 which limited Darkness displays for public consumption, due to a proofing error in 1979 that lead to the deaths of four children and an employee of 'Regents Traveling Storytellers'.

It seems that one of the employees, name yet unreleased, tried to lock up the pens for the night and was pulled into the tank and eviscerated. The darkness creatures then spread to several of the surrounding tanks, causing the octopus, Mathilde, to escape to a nearby fishtank.

Mathilde, a staple of the Aquarium, was found in the tropical touch tank, having eaten a fifth of the exhibit and perfectly safe herself.

Most of the employee's body was found dragged across the floor between the dark tanks and the salt water tanks, including Mathilde's.

There is no real damage report as of yet to the other animals, though they do say the sea turtle is fine.

As for the darkness animals themselves, the majority were put down by local police almost immediately due to attack, and the rest were released into the sea by staff biologists.

"It's a huge shock," said Stephanie Wilde, one of the biologists for the aquarium. "We were told we would be getting a new exhibit, but it was very under wraps. We weren't even told the animals had arrived until two days ago. We knew it had to be something dangerous though, because they wouldn't let the general staff see them."

According to staff, only a handful of employees, including both the director and the secretary treasurer knew of the situation, and the rest were fed a party line.

"If we'd known, we never would've allowed for it." Said Wilde. "We were told there was a quarantine for safety. And that is the normal procedure for new animals. An animal that hasn't been quarantined can crash a tank. But this was a whole new situation."

The aquarium will be open again to the general public as of early next month, according to Wilde, and it's very likely the board of directors will assign a new director to the aquarium while the current one is in jail.

"We exist to educate the public." Wilde said. "And even though this was tragic, we think this did teach something."
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Sunday,February 3rd, 2013.

Weather Cloudy with sunny periods. Scattered showers in the morning. Highs of 7°C and low of 2°C. (45°F / 36°F) Forecast for the next week is overcast and rainy until friday- then, finally we’re in store for a sunny weekend.

Current Moon Phase: Last Quarter

Morning sirens go off at 8:43 am, and evening sirens are at 6:10 pm.

( Horoscopes )

News & Advertisements

- The following is a pamphlet distributed from the air by an unknown source. Thousands flooded the streets today, and onlookers were baffled by inverted AGI and SERO logos side-by-side on the back.

Humans truly are selfish creatures.

A man frames his time and energies around his own desires, caring little for those around him. He fights, he squabbles and nags for trifles that have no meaning. It is no surprise, then, the state this city has fallen to, deprived of knowledge and direction.

The companies do not provide it. They can no more provide impetus to a dying city than scavengers can heal a festering wound.

The government? They are mired in their tangled bureaucracies.

No -- if there is to be any change, it must first begin with us.

A storm will soon be coming, and I shall welcome it with open arms. What reason have I to fear -- I who am Nothing but a Memory?

Signed,
GW

- The McKinley Zoo is happy to report that their groundhog did not see its shadow yesterday, and that means spring is on the way in just a few weeks!

- Upcoming Underground Mall Cultural/Entertainment Events:
Memorial Auditorium - Jr. Miss Siren's Port Pagent - Monday, 2pm
Twins Nightclub - GuettAppreciaton Night Tuesday, starting at 10pm
Major’s Club Lawn - String Quartet - Wednesday, 7:30pm - 11pm
White Star Hotel - Craft Beer Flights & Cheese Pairing & Tasting $25, Thursday, 7pm
The Felton Stage - Opening Night for the new production of The Fantasticks Friday
Sparks Casino - Double Jackpot Night Saturday
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Sunday, January 20th, 2013.

Weather A foggy morning, spotted with snow flurries. Highs of 4°C and low of -1°C. (40°F / 30°F)

Current Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous

Morning sirens go off at 9:00 am, and evening sirens are at 5:47 pm.

( Horoscopes )

News & Advertisements

- Special Report; Some Freed Slave Microchips Still Active!
Although AGI has denied they hold any claim of property over persons that have completed their contracted debt labor to the company, and part of this contract termination by law now includes the safe surgical removal of tracking and ‘safety control’ microchipping, over twelve debt slaves released last summer have recently discovered that these were never actually taken out when they were put under.

The two research doctors at SERO Hospital who made this discovery among an experimental testing group of ex-slaves quickly reported to their supervisors, who have been in contact with their legal teams to pull these cases together and build a lawsuit against Afterglow. They have scheduled surgeries for all twelve cases, but it was a letter from one of the study participants writing home with her compensation pay an an explanation for the prolonged hospital stay that finally broke the story to the Independent News Network.

GloTV news sources have not been silent on the matter, as AGI is equally “shocked and outraged” at the news, but strongly suspects the accusations are false and that SERO themselves planted the chips, gleaned from unlicensed black market street doctors who specialize in illegal removal.


-Strange Homeless Man Sighted in Sector Nine; Disables SERO's Security

Locals in Sector Nine were shocked yesterday when a homeless man dispatched an entire team of SERO's finest security.

According to eyewitnesses, the individual in question, whose name is currently unknown, surfaced late at the end of last year. His hands and face wrapped in bandages, locals claim he made little effort to approach or speak anyone, only wandered the abandoned alleyways and slums well into the late hours of the evening.

As such, it came as a shock when a SERO neutralizing unit suddenly appeared not to far outside a residential area an hour before last evenings sirens and surrounded the man deliberately. Barbara Alken, a longtime resident of area, claimed she never saw anything like it.

"It was like he walked right through them," she said. "They just fell! They couldn't even touch him!"

SERO has refused to release a statement at this time, but the police have promised to get to the bottom of this incident.
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Weather: Overcast, with cloud breaks later in the day and light winds. High of 4°, low of 2° (39°F/36°F).

Current Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent

Morning sirens go off at 9:05 am, and evening sirens are at 5:42 pm.

News & Advertisements

-Sirens Port Postal Services Flooded With Urban Legend Hopefuls

Mail carriers have been baffled this week as hundreds of letters- each addressed to a “Mrs. Applewood” at a house which has been left derelict for years, poured into outgoing mailboxes.

After sending dozens back to their return addresses, finally curious, the postmaster ordered the remainder of the letters to be opened and found strange similarities in the contents each sealed letter.

They each contained a piece of dental floss, a toenail clipping, a coupon clipped from weekly circulars (which coupon didn’t seem to matter, it varied letter to letter), and a torn scrap of something handwritten which did not match the childish printed hand of whoever wrote out addresses on the front of the envelope.

Upon explaining his confusion over the mysterious letters to a non-existent recipient over family dinner, the Postmaster’s son mentioned that some girls at his elementary school have recently picked up a new jumping rope rhyme:

Missus Applewood, Missus Applewood,
Bring us something good, Bring us something good,
Look inside my mailbox, Take a little peek,
Make another wish and wait another week.

When questioned, not a single child at the school has offered explanation for the letter, although the school psychologist suggests the children invented their own local myth which involves letter-sending and wish granting, and that the rumor quickly spread through word of mouth to other schools throughout the city.

The Post Office aims to hold special assemblies at schools in the upcoming week to address proper use of the island’s mail system, as well as to try and draw out the source of the legend in full.

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Tuesday, January 15th, 2013.

Weather Areas of fog and low cloud throughout the morning. Cloudy afternoon, with sunny breaks. Highs of 3°C and low of -1°C. (38°F / 30°F)

Current Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent

Morning sirens go off at 9:05 am, and evening sirens are at 5:39 pm.

News & Advertisements

- A pair of AGI employees, Cenzio Piccota and Gregor Matthews, were found dead outside their homes this morning. There was a sign of a brief struggle with some damage to the grounds outside, but it appears as though they were ambushed and silenced quickly. Police haven't ruled out foul play, but Darkness monsters seem the more likely culprit. Both men were involved in the community and were well known to many. Police are reminding residents that they should maintain constant vigilance if they must go out at night, even if dawn will be approaching soon.

No Background Checks, No Jobs, says M.A.N.
Mothers Against Newcomers are back to lobbying for more legislation that will enforce stricter mandatory background checks for all jobs which primarily involve contact with children, effectively blocking Newcomers, (who can’t produce their records on more than unreliable personal accounts) from taking jobs in schools, pediatric doctors offices, day cares and even public libraries.

“It’s not that I have any problem with most newcomers, but their lack of documentation is a serious problem and a standard we let slide far too often. These people could be perverts, child molesters, scumbags, or just plain poor role models! They can’t be trusted with our children on their word alone.” Winny Foregood, who became involved with M.A.N. last fall.

As of now their petition has over 3000 signatures, and their door to door campaign continues before it will be brought to Governor Townshed’s attention.


FOR SALE: One microwave
Was an ordinary microwave until last week when I sold my toaster. It appears that whatever spiritual entity was living in my toaster has moved venues. It is an almost brand new microwave, very clean, the blood dripping inside of it is just an illusion. Screams of the damned alert you to when your food is ready. I am angry to part with it so soon after buying it, but I cannot have the lights flickering messages from the beyond at 4 AM, it makes the dog bark.
Also features an extremely accurate heat sensor. I have never once bitten into a frozen hot pocket.
Please contact Sue with your best offer.
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Saturday, January 12th, 2013.

Weather Sunny & Clear, but Chilly. Highs of 3°C and low of -3°C. (38°F / 26°F)

Current Moon Phase: New Moon

Morning sirens go off at 9:07 am, and evening sirens are at 5:35 pm.


News & Advertisements

Attack of the Foliage

The House of Flowers is known for intricate arrangements and high end quality in their flowers, so most of the staff has abilities relating to growth, healing, or empathy with plant life.

James Haines, owner of the shop in Sector Two, discovered something strange this morning when he went to open his shop.

Haines had been allowing a college student, Eric Rodan, to work on the weekends for the shop as a part of an internship due to his plant related empathy. The setup seemed to work well enough, until Haines came to the shop this morning to find it unlocked and the back door wide open. Rodan, who was supposed to close, was nowhere to be found, though his belongings were found in his locker, so Haines called the SPPD.

After a police report and about three hours of trying to figure out where the student had gone, an officer heard a sound finally looked a little closer at the mass of plant life by the door.

It seemed, as Rodan was trying to leave, the plants in the store decided not to let him, and wrapped the student up instead.

Haines and several other members of the staff set the boy free, though he was sent to the hospital for cracked ribs and overall bruising.

"We'll have to be more careful next time" Said Haines. "I've always said these plants have a life of their own, it seems I was right."

No word on how the shop will deal with the plants growing more possessive, but if you've experienced any problems with things purchased from the House of Flowers, they're suggesting bringing it back in for a refund.



CLASSIFIEDS: For Sale- One Haunted Toaster
Fair warning: this toaster levitates a foot off the counter and makes the room feel cold every time you use it. I have heard voices coming from inside of it on more than one occasion, so be aware of that. However, it has never burned my toast, and makes perfect freezer waffles every time, so I believe it’s worth the inconveniences of poltergeists in your kitchen.
Please call Sue with best offer.

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Thursday, January 10th, 2013.

Weather Sunny & Clear, but Chilly. Highs of 2°C and low of -4°C. (36°F / 24°F)

Current Moon Phase: Waning Crescent

Morning sirens go off at 9:08 am, and evening sirens are at 5:32 pm.


News & Advertisements

- Houseplant Appreciation Day @ Guildenferns Greenhouse in Sector 7! Feeling down in the dumps this winter? You can keep fresh green plants growing in your home year round, sure to perk up any room till spring! Come down today and buy 2 potted plants of any variety for the price of 1!
[OOC: Most deals are too good to be true. Plants purchased from this greenhouse are very sentient and very affectionate to people who take good care of them and see that they are watered daily and put in a sunny spot...but beware, they can be vindictive to neglectful owners!]

- Custom Chopper Bike Shop Seeking Expansion! Now Hiring Garage Apprentices: Creative people who enjoy pushing design into the unique & outrageous! Help design, build and paint customized, one-of-a-kind themed motorcycles & bikes for our clients. Must be able to haul in interesting parts for repurposing.

- Creepy Doll Support Group Do you have an heirloom antique in your home that may be haunted, but you just can’t seem to part ways with it? Seek help with others who are unnerved by their knick knacks, and get help from our professional network of “Doll Whisperer” spirit mediums. Meet us today, 3:30pm @ Holly’s Hobbyist Shop & Tea Attic, Sector 5 near Orchard Street Station.
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Tuesday, January 8th, 2013.

Weather Rainy. Slight chance of mixed rain and wet snow. Highs of 6°C and low of 3°C. (43°F / 37°F)

Current Moon Phase: Waning Crescent

Morning sirens go off at 9:09 am, and evening sirens are at 5:29 pm.

BREAKING NEWS: Newcomers Re-Appear After Week-long Absence

Authorities standing guard over the Core site in Sector 4 were shocked this morning when a brilliant flash of light heralded the return of the city's Newcomer population, shortly after morning sirens.

“Just our luck- pulls ‘em all away, pulls ‘em right back a week later! How are we supposed to deal with this < yo-yo routine, Newcomers always coming and going. Thought that for once, maybe they’d all be gone for good!” Spokesperson Wendy Thrallbrush for Mothers Against Newcomers cried shortly after witnessing the event, on her way to drop children off at school.

The Newcomers, who had vanished exactly one week ago today, left a mess of confusion in their wake as the jobs and businesses they worked for were required to compensate for their absence. Many business owners expressed relief if not distaste for the lost Newcomers, claiming most of them were "unreliable" as well as "dangerous".

The bounty hunting system has also been in a tailspin this week due to the disappearance of its overseer Deathstroke the Terminator. St. Matthew, though asked, has declined to make a statement regarding its future management.
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