Loading
This section is an onboarding talk to new Rhodes Island employees, followed by a classified S.W.E.E.P. document revealing the organization's hidden history.
The speaker explains that Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals is headquartered on a landship that travels constantly so the company can gather data on Oripathy, which manifests differently across regions. Recruits choose dormitory preferences, receive employee badges controlling system access (using another's badge is forbidden), and work standard hours in most departments. All operators must pick code names for communication, privacy, and safety. The ship offers leisure facilities including a 24/7 cafeteria, bar, game room, and laundry, uses internal tokens alongside national currencies, and hosts interest clubs and public spaces. Safety rules cover deck handrails, emergency vests, closing doors near Medical's Oripathy patients, and emergency Oripathy medicine availability.
The restricted portion states that Rhodes Island inherited the legacy of Babel, a Kazdelian military organization, and engages in paramilitary activities through its Field Operations Department, partnering with countless government and civilian organizations. S.W.E.E.P., whose members see this document, is described as Rhodes Island's covert dagger.
Babel maintained Theresa's influence during the Kazdel Civil War against Theresis and the Military Commission. Rhodes Island entered service in 1089; the Doctor helped achieve victories and, with Dr. Kal'tsit, an Oripathy suppressant breakthrough. Theresa was assassinated in 1094, leading to Babel's collapse. Amiya, inheriting the Black Crown, was named heir. Dr. Kal'tsit recalled Ascalon to rebuild S.W.E.E.P., suppressed calls for vengeance, and Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals was born, ultimately under Amiya's authority.
The text then describes departments: Medical (mobile Oripathy treatment), Engineering under Closure, Field Operations directed by the Doctor, HR with intelligence and monitoring roles, Logistics, and Procurement, also headed by Closure. The ship itself, second in size only to Blacksteel's Fort Barron among non-government vessels, was excavated from Rim Billiton starting 1083, served as Babel's trump card, and was overhauled into a corporate vessel. Its laser mining module, Catastrophe warning system, and deck layouts are detailed. A repaired PRTS audio log from Kal'tsit closes the section, referencing Londinium and requesting monitoring of the Cradle Process.
This section takes the form of a welcome briefing to new Rhodes Island employees, beginning with everyday life on the Rhodes Island Landship. Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals is headquartered on a ship, which makes life and work unusual for employees. As a company focused on the Oripathy problem, its primary function is developing Oripathy medication and providing medical solutions for sufferers. Because Oripathy manifests differently across regions—in symptoms, patient demographics, and how governments and society respond—Rhodes Island must gather sufficient data by constantly traveling. Crew members wear earmuffs while the ship moves and must adjust to climates from northern blizzards to southern thunderstorms. Those not in Field Operations can simply set their cabin temperature, though walks on deck are recommended.
Crew quarters come in various configurations, each with its own washroom; employees submit dormitory preferences, and HR assigns cabins, with a recommendation to pick one far from the Power Deck. Those unsuited to constant travel may transfer to one of Rhodes Island's local branch offices. Every employee receives a badge that serves as identification and controls access to systems, cabins, and the employee channel. Badge types include standard employee badges, partner badges for affiliated organizations, and temporary guest badges, each with different shapes and identification marks. Using another person's badge, or letting someone use yours, is prohibited; lost badges must be reported to HR immediately. Except for Field Operations, Medical, and power plant operation, most departments work 8:30–11:30 AM and 1:30–5:30 PM. Operators receive two days off per week and twenty days of annual leave, depending on department and position.
Because operators come from every corner of Terra, all must choose a code name to facilitate communication and protect privacy and safety. A succinct, unambiguous name is recommended—one operator codenamed Durin caused confusion since there are multiple Durin operators. Lifestyle facilities include a 24/7 cafeteria, the bar "Just One More Pint", hairdresser, coffee shop, game room, laundry, and reception; employees may open their own shops with approval. Goods can be bought with internal tokens or official currencies, with exchange rates on personal terminals. Multifunction and activity rooms are open 24/7; public cabin reservations must be made two days in advance, with a 24-hour maximum. Interest clubs can be created or joined with timely application. Part of the top deck is open while the ship is stopped; hand-rails should be used in motion, and inflatable vests and fastener fiber panels are installed for emergencies. Because the Medical Department houses outside Oripathy patients, doors must be closed to keep patients from operational areas. Emergency Oripathy medicine is available throughout the ship; operators on long-term medication obtain theirs from Medical. Operators may contact Procurement and Logistics for specific supplies, delivered by a Messenger via a branch office, and a standard terminology guideline (found in the envelope at the reader's feet) governs ship communications.
The section then shifts to a hidden, restricted account addressed to S.W.E.E.P. members and prospective recruits approved by Ascalon. Beyond the recruiting pamphlet image, the text gives a "quick and dirty" summary: Rhodes Island inherited the legacy of Babel, a Kazdelian military organization, and its landship was the throne of a King of Sarkaz; its operations include paramilitary activities; it partners with countless government and civilian organizations and wields influence far beyond a pharmaceutical company; and it runs S.W.E.E.P., which will find and neutralize anyone reading without permission. S.W.E.E.P. is described as "the dagger under Rhodes Island's cloak, its eyes in the shadows."
The history: Babel was a Sarkaz military organization active in the Kazdel region, maintaining the political and military influence of Theresa, Sovereign of the Royal Courts, during the civil war. Theresis was supported by the Military Commission and courts such as the Vampires, while Theresa's loosely organized allies were widespread, even within courts backing Theresis. Both sides avoided open confrontation inside Kazdel city to protect the Sarkaz's greatest achievement of the past two hundred years, and at Theresis's express orders the Military Commission allowed Theresa to leave the only Sarkaz nomadic city with Babel. Babel also retained research and medical organizations whose members were recruited by a Feline doctor, at which point Babel ceased to be solely Sarkaz. Rhodes Island entered service in 1089, and the Doctor joined soon after, inferring the complex relationships among Theresis's Royal Court units and launching counterattacks; the Doctor and Dr. Kal'tsit also achieved a breakthrough on an Oripathy suppressant. A plan to retake Kazdel began, but ended when Theresa was assassinated in 1094. Ascalon, then the King's bodyguard and counter-infiltration specialist, had been away that night on a surprise attack under the Doctor's orders, and PRTS gave no warning despite being active. S.W.E.E.P. exists to prevent this from happening again.
The King's death collapsed Babel; Rhodes Island lost almost half its crew. The Doctor's injuries seemed beyond modern medicine, until Amiya was found to have survived and inherited the Black Crown from Theresa, who had chosen her as heir. Dr. Kal'tsit recalled the self-exiled Ascalon and rebuilt her black ops unit as S.W.E.E.P., first suppressing calls to restore the young King and take vengeance on the Regent. Less than one-sixth of Babel's members stayed. Through Theresa's final wish, a consensus was reached to serve more than just the Sarkaz, and Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals was born. Dr. Kal'tsit sent the Doctor into the Sarcophagus of Chernobog while remaining resources were redirected; Theresa's sponsored Oripathy research became Rhodes Island's foundation. Staying soldiers formed the Elite Operator Council.
The Elite Operator rank and Council stem from Theresa's wish to create a martial decision-making institution unbound by Royal Court bloodlines, giving Babel adaptability, flexibility, and morale advantages over the Military Commission's standing military. In the field, Elite Operators command squads drawn from various departments, and their Council votes guide Amiya's final decisions. Any operator of outstanding ability is eligible, pending leadership and Council approval. Dr. Kal'tsit later transferred ultimate authority to Amiya, who plans operations and makes key decisions; during the Chernobog-Lungmen Incident, more than one high-ranking Reunion commander fell before her.
The departments follow. Medical, inheriting Babel-era facilities, runs sections including Emergency, Rehabilitation, Analysis, Medical Administration, and Medical Equipment under Dr. Kal'tsit, and has built a leading mobile Oripathy treatment center—Oripathy treatment is Rhodes Island's primary revenue generator. Engineering, under Chief Engineer Closure, maintains everything from the power plant to PRTS, provides personalized equipment modifications, and designed much infiltration equipment such as image jammers. Field Operations, directed by the Doctor, comprises a Field Mission Section and Operator Training Center; a standard team is a captain plus eleven operators in three units. It fights on behalf of the Infected—the Chernobog-Lungmen Incident cost forty-one operators. HR handles recruitment, background checks, ongoing psychological and Oripathy assessments, and postmortem arrangements, effectively doubling as external intelligence analysis and internal monitoring. Logistics delivers supplies and operator welfare; many Oripathy patients with service contracts join it. Procurement, also headed by Closure, picks suppliers, markets products, and has set revenue records since she took over—possibly because a quarter of local branch employees are connections she "planted". Branch offices assist local business and support field operators.
S.W.E.E.P.'s two jobs are preventing infiltration, assassination, and sabotage against Rhodes Island, and conducting such covert operations itself. A conversation fragment notes Ascalon was once Theresis's student and Babel's counter-intelligence expert, and is asked to lead S.W.E.E.P. and meet Amiya.
Since Amiya became leader, Rhodes Island has aided Infected settlements and Catastrophe-stricken areas, but intelligence shows ordinary sufferers distrust its motives, corporations find its investment inconceivable, and governments are uneasy about its employment of the Infected—making it more like a fusion of a security contractor and an international medical NGO. Rhodes Island has chosen the path of fighting Oripathy and protecting the Infected from oppression.
The ship itself rivals the largest military flagships; among non-government active vessels it is second only to Blacksteel Worldwide's Fort Barron. It carries laboratories, a medical center, a crew of 2000, and more than 1000 inpatients. Officially, its hull was built in Rim Billiton on a repurposed mining platform—paperwork Dr. Kal'tsit submitted that no one has faulted. In truth, beginning in 1083 Dr. Kal'tsit hired a crew to excavate technology known as the Legacy, discovering the ship in 1084; Kazdelian Messengers said workers believed they had stumbled upon the tomb of a god. Kazdel funded the rebuild in 1084. The ship predates recent decades—Rim Billiton never knew such a ship—and data inside suggests it was already named Rhodes Island when first built. In 1090, a convoy attack killed Amiya's parents; the not-yet-ten-year-old Amiya was rescued by the Doctor, and adopted by Theresa on their 1091 return to Babel. Reconstruction finished in 1089, the civil war's fourth year, and the ship was secretly delivered to Theresa past the Military Commission. Never armed with battleship-grade firepower, it served as Babel's mobile command center and spearhead; Theresis's hunts and sabotage all failed until 1094.
Refitted as a pharmaceutical company, its fixed armaments were removed, the hospital expanded, and living areas corporatized in six months under Closure, who repainted over the marks of war. The top deck is covered by hardened alloy plates with elevators, emergency hatches, and a closable sunroof, plus a flight pad, Catastrophe warning system, radio base station, sensors, and a heavy electric crane on the stern. The warning system pairs a top-deck data station with a sensor needle carrying Originium sensors; it needs overhauls about every five years, and a black plaque records its service dates and major Catastrophes. A Rim Billiton-built laser mining module at the bow cuts rock for shallow Originium harvesting, and was used against Military Commission earthworks in the war.
The upper decks (5F–6F) hold the bridge, control hub, intelligence center, offices, and hangar—Rhodes Island's eyes, ears, and brain; automation lets the huge ship run on a skeleton crew. The middle decks (3F–4F) hold quarters, the cafeteria, botanical garden, Closure's supply shop, and the bar, plus the well-protected PRTS server room and, aft, the hospital and patient wards. The lower decks (1F–2F) contain the power plant, high-energy Originium boiler, turbines, independent steering generator, drone hangar, backup power, storage, and the retractable vehicle ramp.
The section closes with a restricted PRTS repaired audio log from Kal'tsit: the dust has settled in Londinium but peace in Victoria seems dim. She asks PRTS to restore monitoring of the Cradle Process in the middle decks' under-development area, and to prepare to grant Closure her permissions under authorization "Abyss," noting there is much left to do.
NONPUBLIC MATERIAL
MAY I KNOW MY LIFE AND PRACTICE MY ART
RESPECTED BY ALL MEN AND IN ALL LANDS!!!
RHODES ISLAND
v.106.2
Now, I understand you've already heard three of my colleagues talk about the work you'll be doing. I'm sure you're just about ready to fall asleep if I carry on with the serious stuff. So, why don't we turn our attention to your everyday life at Rhodes Island?
First, about the Rhodes Island Landship.
Naturally, the most unique thing about Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals is that we are headquartered on a ship. This might have caused some trouble in your application process, and it will undoubtedly make things a little different for you in your future work. As you get acclimated to this unusual environment, let me answer the basic question of why we live on a ship.
As a company focused on tackling the Oripathy problem, Rhodes Island's primary function is developing Oripathy medication, and providing medical solutions for Oripathy sufferers. The Oripathy problem manifests itself in very different ways across different regions, not only in how governments and society deal with it, but also in its symptoms, and in patient demographics. We would likely get wildly diverging information if we asked all of you, right now, to share what you know about the Oripathy sufferers around you.
We need sufficient data in order to systematically study Oripathy. That is why Rhodes Island is constantly on the move. It's not an easy thing to do. We wear earmuffs most of the time while the ship is moving, just to maintain our sanity. We have to adjust to the climates of different regions, and face all sorts of extreme weather from blizzards in the north to thunderstorms in the south.
Of course, if you're not working in Field Operations, all you need to do is set your cabin temperature to whatever makes you most comfortable. I would, however, suggest that you take the occasional walk on the deck, rather than hole yourself up in your quarters all the time.
Rhodes Island crew quarters come in various configurations for different numbers of occupants, and each room has its own washroom. You should also take the location and layout of the room into account as you make your choice. You will be asked to submit your dormitory preferences before you go. HR will inform you of your cabin assignment, then a Logistics Operator will lead you to your room. My personal recommendation? Pick one
far away from the Power Deck, unless you're already used to living on a landship for extended periods.
Not everyone is made out for a life of constant travel. If you don't think this is for you, we encourage you to apply for a transfer to one of Rhodes Island's many local branch offices, where you can work on Terra firma.
The head of each individual department will explain their responsibilities and requirements, so I won't repeat it here. I see that Dr. Kal'tsit from Medical and Closure from Engineering are already here.
Every employee of Rhodes Island gets an employee badge. It's your identification document and controls your access to Rhodes Island systems. For example, which cabins you're allowed to enter, and the employee channel that grants you quick entry into and exit out of Rhodes Island.
There are several types of employee badges that you may see while working here. These include the standard employee badge for Rhodes Island operators, partner badges for Rhodes Island's affiliated organizations, and temporary guest badges for visitors. Each of them has a different shape and identification mark. Field operators should pay particular attention to identification documents when working away from the ship. Your respective department will brief you on their individual policies regarding badge management.
For security reasons, using another person's badge or allowing someone else to use your badge is prohibited under any circumstances. In the event that you lose your badge, please inform HR immediately. If it happens when you're off the ship, an HR operator will verify your identity upon your return and issue a replacement. Please note that you will not be able to access any operational areas without your badge.
With the exception of Field Operations, Medical, and power plant operation under Engineering, the hours of most departments are 8:30AM - 11:30AM and 1:30PM - 5:30PM. Please report to your operational area on time. I recommend you plan ahead and make allowances for congestion, in particular when it comes to the cafeteria and elevators. In general, operators get two days off each week, plus twenty days of annual leave. Your actual leave time will depend on your department and position.
Our operators and partners come from every corner of Terra. As such, all operators are required to choose a code name in order to facilitate communication, and protect the privacy and safety of some of our operators.
Some of our code names have been received enthusiastically, while others have had a, lets say, mixed reception. For example, there is an operator codenamed Durin, even though we have multiple Durin operators here at Rhodes Island. I should add that it was not her intention to cause any confusion. In fact, we take full responsibility for our negligence. We recommend that you select a code name succinct and unambiguous enough to avoid confusion.
That’s all when it comes to work. There are also a few other things worth noting.
Rhodes Island provides a variety of lifestyle services. Leisure facilities are located in the forward section of the mid-level decks, including a cafeteria that operates 24/7, the bar “Just One More Pint”, hairdresser, coffee shop, game room, laundry, and reception. You can also open your own “shop” in the living area by submitting an application to the HR and Logistics Department.
Since compensation is paid in different ways, goods and services on Rhodes Island can be purchased using internal tokens, or with the official currency of various countries. Check your personal terminal for exchange rates.
There are many public spaces on Rhodes Island. Multifunction rooms and activity rooms are open 24/7, while reception rooms are also open when there are no visitors. Public cabin reservations must be made at least two days in advance, and the maximum length per reservation is 24 hours. Please be considerate of other users and keep the cabins clean.
Rhodes Island operators have a wide range of interests. You are welcome to create your own interest club, or join one of the many existing ones provided that you apply and file in a timely manner. Feel free to check out their posters on the notice board in the cafeteria dedicated to club activities.
Part of the top deck is open to all employees while Rhodes Island is stopped. A walk on the deck can be quite pleasant when the weather is good. Please use the hand-rails when climbing the stairs while the ship is in motion, in case of any sudden bumps. A ship-wide announcement is made when the ship is about to accelerate. Please
brace yourselves when you hear the announcement. Inflatable vests and fastener fiber panels are installed throughout the ship. Put on a vest and affix yourself to a panel in preparation for emergency situations.
Pay attention to any signs you see throughout the ship and follow their instructions to the letter, especially the danger ones. As the Medical Department houses a number of outside Oripathy patients, please remember to close any doors behind you. This is to avoid patients accidentally accessing an operational area, which presents a safety risk for both the patient and our operators. This is especially true when Rhodes Island is parked and a large number of outside Oripathy patients enter the Medical Department for treatment.
Emergency Oripathy medicine is available throughout the ship in the event of a, well, emergency. Operators on long-term medication should obtain their medicine directly from Medical.
Finally, a few other things to know before we wrap up.
While Rhodes Island makes its utmost effort to provide diverse services, these services on their own may not be able to meet everyone’s needs. Operators may contact Procurement and Logistics to make requests for specific supplies. Approved purchases will be processed by a branch office and delivered to the ship by a Messenger.
Because of the complex, diverse, and insular nature of Rhodes Island’s environment, we have established a set of standard terminology, in order to facilitate communication, and respect the emotions and perspectives of all operators. We’ve compiled a guideline with all the terminology that you need to know for Ship Operations. These terms are used in Rhodes Island announcements and communications to convey important information. The guide can be found in the envelope at your feet. It is very important that you familiarize yourselves with it.
ONCE AGAIN, WELCOME TO RHODES ISLAND, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU. THANK YOU.
AVAILABLE ONLY FOR EMPLOYEES OF RHODES ISLAND PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
Acquiring Connection to Database
An image of Rhodes Island is found easily enough in recruiting pamphlets created by the HR Department— “Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals is committed to delivering Oripathy solutions for everyone, everywhere. Rhodes Island's mobile headquarters recruits from every corner of Terra, regardless of Oripathy condition. Rhodes Island's excellent medical care and cutting-edge research environment has attracted many skilled Oripathy sufferers, and those who are determined to make life better for Oripathy sufferers”. If you're authorized to read this, but for some reason still believe that the above is all there is to Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals, let me give you the quick and dirty: 1. Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals inherited the legacy of Babel, a Kazdelian military organization. Most of our early members experienced the Kazdel Civil War first-hand, and Rhodes Island itself was the throne of a King of Sarkaz; 2. Rhodes Island's solutions go beyond medication and treatment. Paramilitary activities are also part of our operations, which is why we have such a well-organized and effective Field Operations Department; 3.
Rhodes Island partners with countless government and civilian organizations. We are far more influential than a pharmaceutical company has any right to be, and we're very good at using this influence to solve problems; 4. We, S.W.E.E.P. If you get to this point without the proper permissions, we'll find you and make sure you won't be a problem to Rhodes Island anymore. Back on topic. Does this mean that Rhodes Island is just a bunch of black ops agents in disguise, and all that talk about making life better for Oripathy sufferers is just talk? What role do Rhodes Island partners and other affiliated organizations play? You're not the only one who has these questions. My job, here and now, is to answer them, in the most direct manner. This document and its appendices are made available to S.W.E.E.P. members and prospective recruits approved by Ascalon. S.W.E.E.P. is the dagger under Rhodes Island's cloak, its eyes in the shadows. We see further than anyone else.
The King of Sarkaz is dead. Babel has fallen. Will we build a new Babel upon these ruins? No... that is not what she wanted. Can I decide what we should do? No, Ascalon. That's not for me to decide. I'm not your leader. It's not my place.
The meteoric rise of Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals since 1094 was not a coincidence. Babel, precursor to Rhodes Island, was a Sarkaz military organization active in the Kazdel region, responsible for maintaining the political and military influence of Theresa, Sovereign of the Royal Courts, during the civil war. In the siblings' war that had such far-reaching consequences for Kazdel's future, Theresis was supported by the Military Commission and backed by powerful courts such as the Vampires. Meanwhile, Theresa's allies were loosely organized but widespread, her supporters present even in the Royal Courts that had expressed their support for Theresis. The two sides avoided open confrontation inside the city of Kazdel, in order to avoid destroying the Sarkaz's most important achievement of the past two hundred years. At Theresis's express orders, the Military Commission allowed Theresa to leave the only Sarkaz nomadic city on Terra with Babel.
As the King of Sarkaz left her throne, the rain of fire once again fell upon Kazdel, like the curse the Diablos placed upon Qui'lon in the ancient ballads.
Babel was forged in the fires of a war, the likes of which had never been seen before, but its significance went beyond winning the war for Theresa. In addition to the military units that participated in the fighting directly, Babel also retained research and medical organizations that the King of Sarkaz had placed high hopes in, even before the civil war, their members recruited by a Feline doctor that I'm sure you're familiar with. That was when Babel ceased to be a solely Sarkaz endeavor.
Rhodes Island entered service in 1089, and the Doctor joined soon after, bringing the light of hope upon Babel, which until this point had been pursued closely by the Military Commission. Observing subtle changes on the battlefield, the Doctor was able to infer the complex relationship between the Royal Court units under Theresis's banner, successfully launching several counterattacks. At the same time, the Doctor and Dr. Kal'tsit also achieved a major breakthrough in the development of an Oripathy suppressant. A series of victories galvanized Babel. We even started working on a plan to retake Kazdel from Theresis. But the light of hope was short-lived.
Much is still unclear about Theresa's assassination, but one thing is known: Kazdel and Babel lost their King in 1094. Assassins were employed on both sides of the war, in the hopes of breaking the stalemate with as low a cost as possible. Ascalon, Director of S.W.E.E.P., served as the King's bodyguard and counter-infiltration specialist, and had commanded numerous espionage and elimination missions under the King's orders. The night before
Theresa's assassination, however, Ascalon was away from the ship, undertaking a surprise attack that could have changed the war, under the Doctor's orders. Also suspicious was the fact that PRTS failed to provide any warning, despite being active at the time. As this document represents S.W.E.E.P.'s official position, I will refrain from any further speculation. All you need to know is that S.W.E.E.P exists to prevent this from ever happening again.
The death of the King led to the collapse of Babel, and left the survivors scrambling to survive. Rhodes Island remained operational, but it had lost almost half of its crew in the attack. Dr. Kal'tsit did her best to treat the wounded, but even she was helpless when it came to the Doctor's injuries, which seemed beyond the reach of modern medicine. We might have been routed there and then, scattered to the winds, until someone found that Amiya had survived the attack, and inherited the Black Crown from Theresa, who had chosen her as heir.
Dr. Kal'tsit recalled Ascalon, who had gone into self-exile, and rebuilt the black ops unit that she had once commanded, which was given the name S.W.E.E.P. The first thing we did was turn on our one-time comrades, suppressing in the most direct manner calls for the young King to be brought back to Kazdel and vengeance exacted on the Regent. Those were hard times. We lost everything and saved what we could. Less than one-sixth of the members of Babel stayed behind. Finally, Dr. Kal'tsit negotiated a consensus through Theresa's final wish. We would serve more than just the Sarkaz. Perhaps we will bid a final farewell to the suffering of a past, when the day comes that Oripathy is no longer a death sentence.
And so, Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals was born. Once again, Dr. Kal'tsit was at the center of things. She sent the Doctor into the Sarcophagus of Chernobog, while the others began diverting the resources that were not yet committed to the war in another direction. Theresa had sponsored Oripathy research before the civil war, and continued to do so even after she was exiled from Kazdel. Rhodes Island kept this legacy, and its facilities paved the way for further research into Oripathy. The veterans of Babel also found their place. The soldiers who stayed with Rhodes Island — members of the Elite Operator Council, whose code names I will not utter here — became Rhodes Island's spearhead.
> Restricted Access: Elite Operator Council Vote #058 Date: [?][?]/[?][?]/1096
> Open File
Vote Result: YEA NAY ABSTAIN
> Outcome: Motion carried to initiate rescue operation for Subject #B101, current location Chernobog "Sarcophagus"
Accessing Additional Information
The rank of Elite Operator and the Elite Operator Council was born out of Rhodes Island's heritage in Babel military tradition. Theresa wanted to create a martial decision-making institution that was no longer bound by Royal Court bloodlines, in order to create an advantage over the Military Commission for Babel's armed forces, which was at a disadvantage in terms of numbers. Those who demonstrated outstanding military talent were quickly promoted to positions of command, even participating in Babel's highest levels of decision-making. The risk of intelligence leak was significant, but it also gave Babel a significant edge on adaptability, flexibility and morale, in comparison to the Military Commission's standing military. Babel's military institution was part of Theresa's legacy that Rhodes Island inherited. In field operations, Elite Operators command a squad of indeterminate size, the members of which are
drawn from operational units from various departments. The Elite Operator Council was formed of the Elite Operators' own volition, their votes representing the collective opinion of Elite Operators, providing important reference for Amiya's final decision. Becoming an Elite Operator is not especially complicated. One does not need to be able to cleave a building in two, or Originium Arts that melt one's optic nerves with mere words. Any operator with outstanding ability is eligible, contingent on approval by Rhodes Island leadership and the Elite Operator Council. Being an Elite Operator entails being always ready, and assuming risks greater than what the average operator is expected to handle. In this sense, Elite Operators and us are like two sides of the same coin, except they fight in the sun, and we bleed in the shadows.
Once things have largely settled, Dr. Kal'tsit transferred the ultimate authority of Rhodes Island to Amiya. That meant Amiya is now responsible for planning Rhodes Island's operations, attending important meetings, and taking charge of key decisions. She is young, active, easy-going, and willing to listen to different voices, but it should not be forgotten that the King of Sarkaz personally named her as heir. More than one high-ranking Reunion commander fell before Amiya when she led the rescue of the Doctor and the final assault on the core city during the Chernobog-Lungmen Incident. It is a landship that Amiya oversees, plus a pharmaceutical company with a number of different departments, largely autonomous but operating in conjunction.
The Medical Department will forward the relevant data to you later. – Kal'tsit
Inheriting the medical facilities of the Babel era, the Medical Department is responsible for the care and treatment of Rhodes Island operators, visiting patients and other personnel on-board. Subsidiary sections include Emergency, Rehabilitation, Analysis, Medical Administration, and Medical Equipment, among others. The department operates Rhodes Island's key medical and pharmaceutical projects, trains medical personnel, and works with the Engineering Department to develop Oripathy treatment equipment. Dr. Kal'tsit personally oversees virtually all of these projects. Since 1094, Medical has built one of Terra's leading mobile comprehensive Oripathy treatment centers, able
to provide proper treatment to a large number of patients, and effective long-term Oripathy management. During the Chernobog-Lungmen Incident, Rhodes Island temporarily sheltered around one thousand Ursine refugees and provided treatment to those afflicted with Oripathy among them. Such altruistic idealism has often led to outside observers ignoring the practical elements—Oripathy treatment is Rhodes Island's primary revenue generator, allowing Rhodes Island to stay true to its path of finding a cure for Oripathy, and to provide assistance to more patients.
The monarch herself showed up and walked into my little room. Then she told me she was looking for someone to break the shackles of tradition, and for that she needed an engineer, the key to her plans. — Closure
Like Medical, the Engineering Department also has a strong Babel lineage; many of its core staff have served on Rhodes Island since its final assembly. Chief Engineer Closure would be considered young among them, but she was one of the first of the Babel old guard to come onto Rhodes Island, quickly becoming the head of Engineering, thanks to her incredible talent. The Engineering Department subsidiary sections include Fixed Assets, Operational Maintenance and Construction, among others, and they are responsible for maintaining the operation of everything on the ship, from the power plant to circulation systems to PRTS. Their duties may appear similar to the engineers on the average high-speed battleship, but Rhodes Island operators always go one step further.
Research and development is also an important part of Engineering's responsibilities, providing personalized modifications to operator equipment based on individual needs, and providing technical support for the development of onboard systems, such as advanced medical equipment, smart operating platforms, and automated production lines. Much of our infiltration equipment, such as the image jammers that interfere with video equipment, were designed by Chief Engineer Closure herself.
Put your faith in me, and I put my faith in you. You command, I fight, simple as that! — Blaze
The Field Operations Department is divided into the Field Mission Section and the Operator Training Center. Its responsibilities include assessing operator ability, combat training, and undertaking field missions. Most operators with an aptitude for combat are recruited into this department, carrying out missions based on Rhodes Island's current policy. A standard Op team consists of an experienced captain and eleven operators, which can be further divided into three operating units of four operators each. As Rhodes Island's field commander and consultant, the Doctor is the director of the Field Operations Department, and has full authority over most important field missions.
The Field Operations Department supplements Rhodes Island's regular business activities by providing protection for the ship, and stationary security service for partners. Rhodes Island's Field Operations Department differentiates itself from standard security contractors in its mission to fight against Oripathy by fighting on behalf of those afflicted by it. The ideals underpinning this mission are often the reason why Field Operators are deployed. For example, the Chernobog-Lungmen Incident. Rhodes Island stopped a war, at the cost of forty-one operators, including multiple Elite Operators.
Finally, please remember that as members of the HR Department, we would never recruit an unstable person into the ranks of Rhodes Island. That's the most important condition for employment, after all. —■■■
Human Resources is responsible for recruiting new personnel, investigating their backgrounds, and providing onboarding training. Its subsidiaries include the Recruitment and Assessment sections, among others. New recruits are subject to extensive background checks, including their personal relationships, behavior, and other aspects that I will not discuss here. HR's work continues throughout an operator's career. They continue to monitor an operator's performance, with regular psychological and Oripathy assessments, while making reasonable efforts to respect the operator's privacy. HR will warn management in a timely manner if an operator is no longer fit for duty, whether due to physical health, mental health, or behavioral issues. HR is also responsible for executing an operator's will and other postmortem arrangements in
the event of the operator's death. As such, the scope of the Rhodes Island HR Depart- ment extends far beyond that of their counterparts in other organizations, taking on the dual roles of external intelligence analysis and internal monitoring. Peruse the files that HR keeps on individual operators, and you will come to know why few understand a Rhodes Island oper- ator better than they do, though I would not read my own profile, if I were you.
If you leave it in Logistics's hands, they can probably work something out. – Podenco
The Logistics Department is responsible for delivering supplies to Rhodes Island projects and for operator welfare in general. They are responsible for the roof over operators' heads, the food they eat, the clothes they wear; for Rhodes Island's legal and administrative matters; and for managing the majority of the landship's automated production lines. Most Oripathy patients who have opted for a service contract to pay their medical bills choose to join Logistics rather than become field operators. This gives cooks, drivers, tailors, and other skilled workers who lost their jobs due to Oripathy an opportunity to once again make a living with their skills in a safe environment, whether on the landship or at one of our local branches. There are also many operators who previously worked in civil service or the corporations, seeking an opportunity to do something for the Infected, rather than continuing to be a bystander.
The Procurement Department can get you anything on the shopping list. – Closure
The Procurement and Market Operation Department, usually shortened to the Procurement Department, is responsible for procuring supplies, and putting Rhodes Island's business development plans into action. The department's responsibilities are twofold: Picking reliable suppliers for Rhodes Island and getting the best prices; and marketing Rhodes Island's products to its partners, persuading partners to allow Oripathy sufferers access to treatment and medication at reasonable prices. Chief Engineer Closure is also the head of the Procurement Department. She claims to have developed an "AI-driven and PRTS-verified methodology that would cause an economic crisis if published." While there are few who take her seriously on this, it is true that the Procure- ment has consistently set new records for revenue since Closure took over. Part of the reason may be because as much as one quarter of all Rhodes Island employees at local branches are connections that Closure has "planted". This presumably has much to do with her new interior design business.
Accessing Additional Information
Rhodes Island has branches in many areas, hiring operators locally or dispatching them from our headquar- ters. Branch offices assist Rhodes Island's local business activities, secure channels for supplies, information, and talent, and provide support for field operators in the area.
S.W.E.E.P. has two jobs: prevent infiltration, assassination, and sabotage attempts against Rhodes Island. Engage in covert operations employing the aforementioned measures to deal with issues. Just like old times. No, Ascalon, this is not atonement. You were once Theresis's student and Babel's counter-intelligence expert. I want you to lead S.W.E.E.P.. Before you give me your response, I have one request: Go and meet with Amiya.
Since Amiya became the leader of Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals, operators have been active in areas severely afflicted by Catastrophe and Oripathy. We have provided medical aid to Infected settlements, helped areas stricken by Catastrophe rebuild their healthcare systems, developed Oripathy suppressants, and continued clinical testing on advanced Oripathy treatments. But Oripathy is a powerful foe. The silent reaper takes lives, while bringing fear and prejudice that have existed since time immemorial.
Our intelligence analysis paints a grim picture. Ordinary Oripathy sufferers find it difficult to trust Rhodes Island's motives, because Rhodes Island's benevolence goes beyond their comprehension; other medical and healthcare corporations find Rhodes Island's investment in tackling Oripathy and treating afflicted patients inconceivable based on corporate logic; while governments are uneasy about Rhodes Island's employment of Oripathy patients, and its frequent contact with Infected groups. One could say that Rhodes Island operates more like a fusion of a security contractor and an international medical NGO, rather than a corporation that profits through medical services and drug development.
This is the reality that Rhodes Island must face. We have chosen the path of fighting Oripathy and solving the problems that ail the Infected. Fear and prejudice have severed the Infected's connection to society. Mistrust is the most pronounced and most difficult part of the Infected
problem. As Amiya said in her speech, however, war has never left Rhodes Island. As the Infected problem grows, so does the social crisis that has arisen from it. Rhodes Island's actions are intended to protect the Infected from further oppression and prevent their situation from deteriorating. While not every operation requires Rhodes Island to pay a heavy price, daunting challenges await us as we continue to spearhead the fight against the Infected problem.
Acquiring Connection to Database
Registration Type Large Medical Ship; Corporate Headquarters of Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals Identification Code ■■■RSI-■■■■■■■ Armament None
BASIC DATA LENGTH 600 m WIDTH 306 m HEIGHT 136 m MASS 130,000 tonnes
Max Speed 80 km/h Power Plant High-Energy Originium Boiler; 8x Turbine Generators Crew 2,000 Special Equipment Catastrophe Warning Platform; Laser Mining Module
Acquiring Connection to Database
By any account, Rhodes Island is an impressive ship, its size on par with the largest flagships of any military. Considering only active vessels not operated by a government, it is second only to Blacksteel Worldwide's Fort Barron. Its size allows it to carry Rhodes Island's laboratories, medical center and other facilities, a crew of 2000, and more than 1000 inpatients. Public registration records say the ship's hull and key components were built in Rim Billiton, while the chassis was repurposed from a retired mining platform. At least, that was the paperwork that Dr. Kal'tsit submitted, and no one has been able to find a fault in it.
Beginning in 1083, Dr. Kal'tsit had hired an engineering crew to excavate technology known as the Legacy, and the discovery of Rhodes Island was made one year later. According to accounts delivered by Kazdelian Messengers, everyone stopped breathing for a moment when the workers dug up Rim Billiton's red rock and soil to discover this forgotten metal monster, believing that they had stumbled upon the tomb of a god. In 1084, the team received further funding from Kazdel to rebuild the hull of Rhodes Island, under the guise of refurbishing an abandoned mining platform. But we know that this landship was not left here
in the last few decades. Rim Billiton has never known a ship like this. This was a true legacy. From analysis of data found inside the ship, we believe it was already named Rhodes Island when it was first built.
Accessing Additional Information
In 1090, a convoy carrying Rhodes Island's laser mining module was attacked, killing both of Amiya's parents, who were part of the engineering team. Amiya, not yet ten at the time, survived the attack and was rescued by the Doctor. The pair embarked on a journey that seemed, to Babel intelligence, without aim or purpose. Amiya was adopted by Theresa when she and the Doctor returned to Babel in 1091.
The reconstruction project took until 1089, the fourth year of the Kazdel Civil War. As Babel retreated from Kazdel, Theresa had an increasingly pressing need for a landship. Under the watchful eye of the international community, Kazdel's factories had yet to produce its own battleship. Theresis had secretly armed many mobile plat-forms, but these were no substitute for a true landship. It was clear that Rhodes Island gave Babel a key advantage. Babel convoys began traveling back and forth between Rim Billiton and Kazdel in secret, delivering the nearly complete Rhodes Island to Theresa, right under the noses of the Military Commission.
Due to various restrictions, Rhodes Island was never equipped with heavy firepower on par with a battleship's main battery, but it remained one of Babel's trump cards. The landship became Babel's mobile command center and spearhead when necessary, allowing Babel and its mercenaries to break through the Military Commission's lines. Theresis tried to surround and hunt this metal beast, and sent infiltrators to sabotage it. But all his attempts failed, until 1094.
The ship was overhauled when we embarked on our new path as Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals. Once, we had smuggled Rhodes Island into Kazdel; now, we had to smuggle it out of the Regent's sight. All fixed armaments were removed during the repairs; the hospital area was expanded, and the living areas and offices were re-de- signed to corporate standards. Under Closure, a process that should have taken years was completed in six months. She even managed to get a new coat of paint on it, covering the marks of war from the Babel days.
To bolster Catastrophe resistance and reduce the risk of incursion, Rhodes Island's top deck is covered by hardened alloy plates, leaving behind only a few elevators, emergency hatches, and a sunroof that can close completely. The top deck is connected to the other decks by a large, internally controlled elevator, and it is equipped with a flight pad for aircraft to take off and land, or for temporary parking. Other important facilities, such as the Catastrophe warning system, radio base station, audio-optical sensors, and heavy crane are also installed on the top deck. The prominent, electric-powered heavy crane on the ship's stern is used to lift heavy items or spare ship parts, playing an important role in resupply and construction projects.
Rhodes Island top deck plan.
Rhodes Island's Catastrophe warning system consists of two main modules. We have the data processing station on the top deck, and the associated sensor needle. Highly sensitive Originium sensors on the sensor needle monitor atmospheric conditions, sending data back to the station for preliminary processing. Visualized data is then further analyzed by specialized staff. Working around the clock, often under harsh conditions, the system typically needs to be overhauled every five years or so, particularly the needle. This advanced system should have been widely implemented in nomadic cities, but prohibitive maintenance costs and technical requirements have limited its application. A black plaque is installed when the system leaves the factory, recording the date that it entered service, and major Catastrophe events that it recorded during its service.
Rhodes Island is equipped with a Rim Billiton-built industrial laser mining module, the yellow tube structure clearly visible at the bow of the ship. The frontal emitter fires a high-energy laser capable of cutting rock formations into smaller pieces which are then reduced to even smaller ones by the crusher in the rear, before being sent inside the ship by a conveyor belt for further processing. The mining module is able to harvest crystal shards on the surface and shallow-level Originium, ensuring a certain level of self-sufficiency. It was also used to attack Military Commission earth-works during the civil war to great effect.
Rhodes Island's Catastrophe warning system.
The original Rim Billitonian paint job was painted over during the Babel days and was later restored by Closure.
The two upper decks (5F-6F) are of particular importance to Rhodes Island's operation. They contain the bridge, control hub, and intelligence center, as well as various departmental offices and the aircraft hangar. It is, in effect, Rhodes Island's eyes, ears, and brain. Pilots, navigators and other bridge crew work round-the-clock behind the bridge's massive windows. The Doctor plans Rhodes Island's next moves from the command platform. A fully automated control system greatly reduces
the manpower needed to operate Rhodes Island. Despite its massive size, Rhodes Island can operate on a skeleton crew no larger than that required by the average battleship.
The bridge of Rhodes Island.
The middle decks (3F-4F) contain Rhodes Island's crew quarters, living facilities, and storage space. Facilities include a cafeteria, botanical garden, Closure's supply shop, and the bar Just One More Pint, operated by the Logistics Department, among others. The middle decks are well-protected against external threats, making it the ideal location to place Rhodes Island's important assets, including the PRTS server room. For the same reason, the hospital and patient wards are also located in the aft section of the middle decks, housing Oripathy patients seeking treatment from Rhodes Island.
The Rhodes Island Cafeteria.
The Rhodes Island hospital ward.
The lower decks (1F — 2F) contain Rhodes Island's power plant and propulsion systems. Other than Engineer- ing operators, few have any reason to be here. This is the heart of Rhodes Island, the high-energy Originium boiler installed on its chassis, which supplies the energy for the turbines that drive the ship's tracks. An independent power generator provides electrical power for the ship's steering. The drone hangar, power systems, backup power supply, and engineering material storage are also located in the lower decks. Engineers feel more at home in the hot and noisy corridors of the engineering section than the clean and tidy offices. The ship's ramp and logistics center are also located in the lower decks. The retractable ramp, which allows vehicles to enter the ship, serve as many operators' introduction to Rhodes Island.
Engineering corridors of Rhodes Island.
Rhodes Island's ramp area.
> Restricted Access: PRTS Repaired Audio Log #■■■■ Date: ■■■/■■■/■■■■■
> Play Log: Under-Development Area
> Subject: Kal'tsit
The dust has settled in Londinium, but hopes for peace in Victoria seem dim.
How much time do we have?
I know you're listening, PRTS.
I need you to do everything you can to restore monitoring the Cradle Process,
in the middle decks' under-development area.
And... prepare to grant Closure access to my permissions.
Authorization "Abyss".
Thank you.
There is a lot left to do...
How much will I manage myself?
> Session will terminate and lock in three seconds.
> 3
> 2
> 1