Whilst many Megacorps are run by a board of directors drawn from their different subsidiaries, the corporations called Zaibatsu are instead controlled by individual families. These families may act as a board of directors, running the holding company that manages its subsidiaries, and therefore they share a great deal with the other Megacorps. The subtle … Continue reading Z is for: Zaibatsu

The most recent health epidemic to sweep the world, the Yellow Plague was killing hundreds of people daily across the globe as recently as a few years ago. Related to Streptococcus pyogenes, which even in the early 21st century was killing 500,000 people a year, the Yellow Plague was much more effective at harming the … Continue reading Y is for: the Yellow Plague

Following a series of political, social and environmental disasters, the former state of Greece fell into civil war. One of the factions that arose called itself the Ten Thousand, modelled on the ancient army of the same name. Espousing a fascist ideal in their interpretation of Ancient Greece, a country they claimed direct heritage from, … Continue reading X is for: Xenophon

From the solar array atop the beanstalk, cheap electrical energy is available across the Pacific, with interchangeable, rechargeable batteries powering most vehicular transport, from motorbikes and buses to speedboats and ferries.   Private transport is mostly used by the rich, though autonomous vehicles acting as a taxi service help get individuals from point A to B … Continue reading V is for: Vehicular transport

On a clear day, from the base of the Beanstalk, it's just about possible to see the small object at the top of the tether, known generally as UP. Of course, small is relative. What was once a small, pristine microgravity habitat has extended outwards, with extra habitation and industrial modules added until now the small … Continue reading U is for: UP and DOWN

Being surrounded by constantly updating technology has long been a difficulty for those still running wetware to keep up with. As hardware and software begin to take over from the human animal on an increasing internal level, much of baseline humanity has begun to know a creeping sensation of obsolescence.     Those who have … Continue reading T is for: Technophoria

From the public vidstreams to the avatar blackrooms on the darkmesh, fame and infamy abound.   Becoming the latest vidstream spokesmodel gives a fleeting pass at fame, having any kind of reputation or ability to maintain a public persona is what keeps it. Corporations have been happy to turn to those with reputation from criminal activities, and … Continue reading S is for: Stardom

Elections to the Committee of Representatives are held every two years. They form the largest part of the legislative branch of the Bureaucracy. Representatives are elected based on population sizes - one might work on behalf of a small island out on the fringes of the IICP, whilst another might represent a small neighbourhood in … Continue reading R is for: Representatives, the Secretariat, and the Board of Executive Trustees

Most quangos were originally set up to move relationships with various Megacorps a step away from the government itself after protests about corruption. They also helped by taking money of the budget. However, many quangos now have a bigger role in the lives of some citizens than the government itself.   The Office of Public Works … Continue reading Q is for: Quangos

Whilst many materials once considered illegal drugs are available for sale and regulated y the government, there's still a thriving black market for narcotics and other unsavoury substances.   Stims are a perfectly legal substance, however their use is strictly regulated to prevent substance addiction. Because of this, pushers carry some at all times, knowing … Continue reading P is for: Pills, stims and other illicit materials

One of the largest Quangos in the Pacific, the Office of Public Works raises funding and provides grants for artistic works and installations throughout the Islands. The OPW also works with corporations to source new artistic and architectural talent for new construction, and has been responsible for the start of many careers of young artists, … Continue reading O is for: the Office of Public Works

The Nomads travel the open waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and many make their home in the waters of the IICP.   Sailors, fishers, traders, the Nomads are all of these. They follow the currents to catch fish, they seed and farm banks of seaweed, they carry information and new hardware from port … Continue reading N is for: Nomads

In recent times, it seems like Kathmandu Holdings has a stake in everything, everywhere you look, even though it doesn't have the funding of a Megacorps.   Kathmandu Holdings owns a minor share in the Beanstalk, and funded jobs for foreign workers during its construction. They now fund some production of ship parts for future … Continue reading K is for: Kathmandu Holdings