OK, I think I'm just about Bad Fictioned out; I could flesh out a few more of the DJ's (after all, BFR has about 30, and I've covered 9 I think), but I like to leave room for other people to do what they want with them.
I might also throw together a few BPN plot hooks for using BFR in games depending on how much time I have this afternoon.
In the meantime; here is the last section on Transmission Teams, SLA's responses, and Hunter Sheets.
Enjoy.
Rich
a.k.a.
Kennicky, Wraith Raider Contract Killer
SCL7a-CK
"KPS: Always the final chapter"
Bad Fiction Radio transmission teams operate to a fairly strict routine when it comes to preparing for a transmission. With an average of 25-30 shows being trasmitted per day in order to keep the station '24 hour', there are over 100 BFR 4-man transmission teams operating in Downtown.
That means that each transmission team works 1 day out of every 3, with a team constantly in a 'standby' position in case the original team gets taken out before the broadcast can be set up. If the team gets busted after the broadcast has started then, well, there's just a hours gap in the programming for that day.
A transmission team traditionally consists of 4 people; A producer, who's job it is to regulate the transmission as it is being broadcast, a technician, who's job it is to establish the uplinks, and the assemble and dissemble the equipment before and after broadcasts, and two 'sweepers'. Sweepers are a combination of Roadies (because they are often made to carry the heavy transmission gear) and security guards. They are normally armed, occassionally armoured, and often have some degree of combat and surveillance training.
The working day of a transmission team begins 16 hours before the transmission. The producer gets in touch with a KnapStar consultant to determine which of the thousands of SLA transmission towers dotted around Downtown are currently 'hacked' for use by BFR. Once a list of possible sites has been determined, the Sweepers are dispatched to the area of the tower to locate and secure a transmission area for the broadcast.
It can take up to 4 hours for the Sweepers to locate a useable transmission site. Sweepers methods are much more the carrot than the stick; the reputation of BFR amongst Downtown residents often means that the sweepers can just quietly ask the local gangs where a good place to set up would be. Once a transmission site has been located, the sweepers then 'sweep' the area, looking for dangers which could interfere with the transmission, anything from active Operative squads in the area, to nests of Carrien, mutants, or Carnivorous Pigs.
Once relatively sure the site is secure, the Sweepers convey that information to the remainder of the transmission team. Then, until 4 hours before the transmission, the team are 'off duty' once more.
Four hours before transmission, the team meet again. By this time, the Producer has been in touch with BFR's 'Newsdesk' (a few DN Insurgency agents who provide the BFR 'headlines' each day) and obtained the copy for the days show. Once that as been done, the entire team retrieves their transmission gear from the secure area in which it has been stowed, and proceed to the transmission site. Once there, the gear is placed in the transmission area, and the Sweepers once more sweep for dangers. At this point, it has also been known the producer to arrange additional protection from any gangs or props in the area if they feel the site is particularly threatened.
Finally, 2 hours before transmission, the producer contacts their DJ to let them know the location of the transmission site, giving them plenty of time to travel. Once the DJ arrives, the transmission gear is set up, and connected to the 'hacked' transmission tower, the DJ's choice of tunes is uploaded, and the DJ and the producer go over the newsdesk copy, and the format for the show.
Finally, the show goes on air. While on air, the sweepers unobtrusively patrol the area of the transmission site, looking for signs of trouble. A single code word from one of the sweepers to the producer can cause the entire show crew to bug out - but more often than not the producer will ignore the warnings of the Sweepers in order to keep the show on air for as long as possible.
Once the show is over, the technician quickly and efficiently disconnects the transmission gear and stows it for transport. The producer contacts KnapStar to let them know that the 'hacked' transmission tower has been compromised, and the team quietly and efficiently stands down for another 2 days of R&R.
Given that Bad Fiction is such a publicly outspoken opponent of SLA Industries, not to mention that it is in fact run by a dangerous subversive organisation, the question is; why haven't SLA Industries done more to combat or shut down Bad Fiction?
The simplest solution would seem to be to 'zorch' it; SLA Industries easily has the capability to produce interference on the same wavelength that BFR transmits on. However, the fact that BFR transmissions are now using power from hacked SLA transmission towers means that the strength of the interference required to blot out the BFR transmissions would likely interfere will just about every other radio transmission in Downtown, including those of SHIVERS and Operatives.
In addition to this technical problem, SLA are also conscious that BFR as it exists today has a large following, and in many ways engenders a feeling of community within Downtown. If SLA Industries were seen to be the ones responsible for that loss of community spirit, they could well find themselves creating a powerful 'martyr' out of Bad Fiction, solidifying hatred against them in Downtown, as well as giving DN excellent fuel for further subversive activities…'They shut down BFR - what is it that SLA doesn't want you to hear….let me tell you'.
These considerations, along with the fact that BFR, while obviously undesirable and subversive, seems relatively benign in comparison to murderous sprees, bombings and executions, and as a result, receives considerably less attention than the more 'obvious' DarkNight activities.
There is, however, an ongoing operation within the offices of Station Analysis to discredit and destroy Bad Fiction Radio. While most of the details of this operation are under high SCL lockdown, it has been known for a number of Station Analysis BPN's to be directed towards this ultimate goal.
In addition to this, whilst being very cautious about attacking BFR as a whole, there are a number of Hunter Sheets issued against the more prominently dangerous members of the BFR Broadcast Roster. SLA Industries feels that the negative publicity of eliminating these 'celebrities' is far outweighed by the benefit of having them off the air, permanently.
Hunter Sheets
Name: Albus Joiner Crime: High Treason, Subversion. Description: Elderly human male of medium height and build, brown eyes. Age-enhanced photograph available upon request. Profile: Mr Joiner is a former SIC executive believed responsible for the generation of subversive transmissions in Downtown. He is not believed to be combat trained. Connections: Mr Joiner has connections to several gangs and numerous Props, as well as immediate connections with DarkNight and the Soft Company known as KnapStar. Location of Target: Downtown, exact location unknown Notes: Albus Joiner is the believed head of a subversive transmission organisation operating in Downtown. He has connections to a variety of seditious and anti-SLA organisations operating in Downtown, and is highly valued for his expertise in broadcasting. While not considered to be dangerous himself, Joiner will almost certainly be well protected at all times. Bonuses is available for Ultraviolent termination of this subject, and for admission of guilt and public slander of his former employees as a live feed. Bounty: 1500c + Ultraviolence Bonus + Admission/Slander Bonus
Name: Salva Mea Crime: Subversion, Heresy, Membership of an Illegal Cult, Enticement of citizens into Cult Activity Description: Unconfirmed reports list her as female human, 1.6m tall, back and red streaked hair, blue eyes. Profile: This target is an active member of a subversive transmission operation in Downtown, as well as being an active member of an heretical cult known as the 'Cult of Whispers'. No further information is available at this time. Connections: The target is connected to the illegal DarkNight transmission station 'Bad Fiction Radio', as well as being a member of the aforementioned cult. Location of target: Unknown; However, the target is known to visit Downtown on a regular basis for her seditious transmissions. Notes: Very little is known about this target, with the exception of her name, and her dangerous affiliations. However, the target does have a small musical following, and it may be possible to track her location through black market sales of her music. This subject could be extremely dangerous, and caution should be taken when approaching her. Bounty: 1500c
Name: PlayMisty Crime: 24 counts of Serial Murder, Subversion Description: Conflicting descriptions of the target exist; either female human 1.8m, slim build, long blonde hair, or female human 1.48m, overweight build, dark hair with noticable skin complaint. So far, neither of these descriptions has been able to be confirmed or discounted. Profile: Little is known about this target. All her victims have been dismembered, with long, bladed implements, believed to be knives or similar. Nothing else is known about this targets background or training. Target is an extremely seductive and charismatic speaker, and seems to suffer from some form of sexual compulsion. Connections: The target is connected to the illegal DarkNight transmission station 'Bad Fiction Radio'. Location of target: Unknown, Downtown. Notes: This target is a serial murderer who prays exclusively on young attractive women. The target has been known to describe their latest target weeks in advance during their transmissions; it may be possible to use this information to locate the target. Bounty: 1200c
Name: Blink Blink Crime: Subversion, Gang Membership, possible Cult connections. Description: Target is a human male, 1.77m tall, heavy build, with long black dreadlocks. Profile: Longtime member of the Johannes Gang. Assume at least basic combat skills. However, the target is reputed to be addicted to Flip and similar relaxants, making him slow and sluggish. Connections: Connected to the large Downtown Gang, the Johannes, as well as the illegal DarkNight transmission station 'Bad Fiction Radio'. In addition, evidence could suggest connections to an illegal Cult, that is unconfirmed at this time. Location of target: Presumed to be somewhere within Johannes gang territory, Downtown. Notes: The target is a prominent member of an anti-SLA gang, as well as an important asset to DarkNight. While the targets combat skills may be poor, expect the target to be protected both by fellow gang members or DarkNight personnel. These may be terminated as deemed necessary in the pursuit of this sheet. Bounty: 400c
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