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By Project_Director, 11/15/2009 1:09 pm

April 27 to May 1, 2161
Frederick Douglass Johnson
Inland Empire Trucking Co., Attached to Recon CA-4

Tuesday April 27

We rolled into Barstow after visiting Edwards AFB, late evening. The rest of the Morrow Project contingent caught up later. It was still basically a shithole, although this time there were a lot more armed people hanging around. Farmers, vaqueros, cowboys, ranchers, Marines, Air Force, rich guys from Bakersfield. Some people before the war used to say an armed society was a polite society. You never hear them say that now that everyone is armed and they can shoot you for whatever insult they think you might have made, or for no reason at all. In my experience, a well-armed society is either a killing ground at best or an armed camp at worst. This was more of the armed camp variety, where the Marines kept the peace with an itchy trigger finger.

Our billet was the Dewdrop Inn, a prime location. We had to do a little negotiation to get the spot, but I think it was worth it.

Wednesday April 28

Morning came, and we had breakfast with Cathy Henderson. We also talked with MORGANA, where we made a plan to improve the High Desert’s water and electrical supply. We figure that this should provide an economic rationale for communities to work together for the future, and there will be a need for more centralised government both to oversee expanded public works, better regulate trade and create a fair and equal justice system.

First things first, Tim met with the local EmDees board and aced their exams. We shouldn’t have a problem with the EmDees or Doctors in the future. Good on him! We all went to the Militia shooting competition, where Vod and Keshawn had a good look at the local talent, so to speak. The Mexican “Peace Force” (the Imperial Mexican Army) arrived after the shooting competition was done. Fat and smug, they strutted around like they owned the joint. They also had some serious-looking mercenaries with them, under the command of a “Kira Krell”. It was hard to keep my eyes off of her, and the Krell mercs seemed to be tough customers. The team from Arizona gave us a head’s up that they were bad dudes and had a beef against the Project, which was good to know. It’s a shame that it seems unlikely we’re going to be able to bribe them to our side, like any self-respecting mercenaries. The BBQ at the Tribute Ranch and Holdings main house was held by David Briggs. That was a number one prime rib steak! We also met with General Thompson of the marines and Bill Johnson of Carsdale Construction.

Wednesday April 29

There were more events showcasing the militia’s skills and abilities. Again, fine horsemanship, some individuals were every bit as good as the marines and Morrow Project with regards to marksmanship but on the whole the overall units seemed ragged and uncoordinated in comparison when it came to tactics. The MARS guys put on a very impressive show of room-clearing and hostage rescue.

One thing worth mentioning is this guy in a pre-war uniform came up, and claimed to be Captain Mark Allise of the 5th Special Forces Group. He said he was there to make sure the Project fulfilled some kind of pre-war agreement. I would assume from what we heard of a similar group showing up a long time ago at the Abby to the south, and the shape of their gear, he was legit. If the Project and the prewar US government had some kind of agreement, then it makes sense that the cryotube technology would be shared, and soldiers would be frozen to keep an eye on the Project.

The barn dance was pretty impressive. Lots of people there, including that Kira woman. Again, she seemed to cast some kind of a spell on folks, myself included. We wouldn’t find out until later what may have been going on with her. She talked to Vod, and I’ll leave it to him to elaborate what she said on account I was distracted. Overall, not a lot of business was discussed as this was a purely social event. We gave invitations to our own shindig on Friday, when we could talk turkey with those we felt would be most sympathetic

Thursday April 30

This was an important day, as there was a big meeting. The Imperial Mexicans explained why they crossed the US border and invaded southern California. They claimed it was for defensive purposes and somehow blamed the Morrow Project for this. Which was difficult to understand, seeings how the Project hadn’t been south of the High Desert until long after the Imperial Mexicans invaded. Vod took the stand and blew them out of the water, and I think that’s when folks started to take not of the Project as more than just a small but well-equipped faction.

Thursday night was the formal ball. Bustles and hoop skirts for the ladies, Sunday best or tuxedos for the men. Daryl Bingartsen of the Steel Springs Ranch is interested in getting in on the ground floor of any development or projects we undertake, and what we could do to benefit his operation. More serious was Michael Comminigs of the 25th Guild branch of the International Brotherhood of Electricians was concerned about expanding electrical production and possibly threatening their monopoly on power generation. I merely explained that expanding electrical capacity would expand the market, and they would therefore benefit too. In other words, a rising tide raises all ships. Luckily, Commings saw the big picture, and promised to meet us the next day to discuss business, along with Bingartsen.

What worries me is that if we can only get people interested in what we’re doing with their hands stretched out, how’re we going to build a society and nation that’s stronger than people’s greed and self-interest. These are powerful motivations, granted, and we’ll need to make something as long-term and difficult as rebuilding the USA worth people’s while, but somehow people’s motivations should be deeper. It has to be something they want, something they will sacrifice for.

Ryan and Vod talked to an Intel officer with the Imperial Mexicans, LT Rodriguez. It seems likely he was the guy we kicked out of Big Jake’s place, where he was leading some kind of recon. He asked about the advanced weapons we used, like missiles and the laser. Also, he implied that not everyone in the Mexican Empire was happy with the Krell’s influence. If the Krell hate us so much, they could be behind the Imperial Mexican’s invasion, although this happened before the Project was really on the scene. If there’s dissent or even factions that want to act against the Krell that could be useful, but then again Intel guys are famous for spreading false information and rumours. Something to follow up if we can, but we’ll need to independently verify this. If the Intel guy wants to follow up, he knows where we are or can convince the Marines he’s serious. Otherwise, it’s up to him to prove his case.

Next entry: the KFS, the Mexican General, and the double-cross the next day.

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By Project_Director, 09/05/2009 9:43 pm

SUBJECT: The High Desert RoundUp

MISSION FILE : AG TEAM CA-7 – LAZY EIGHT RANCH – WESTERN REGION

DATE: 4/16/2161

BY: Political Science Officer Rachel McBean, CA-7.

As Morrow Project Teams are needed at the The High Desert Federation annual Roundup next week, I am forwarding this tactical update to the Morrow Project Data Network. It is important that all personal that attend this event read this as the current crisis in the HDF, this event will be more important than a normal RoundUp.

THE ROUNDUP:

The Roundup is a 7 days event that is both a political and social were the most important economic and political forces in the High Desert Federation meet to talk and settle differences. It is Part what the old records would could a “County Faire”, Political Po wow, Military Muster, Trade Show, and Society Function.

In theory, it is the meeting of the most powerful interests of the HDF to work out common interests, but in reality it is so much more than that as it is the foundation of the political structure that has allows the high desert federation to exist.

POLITICS:

In the High Desert Federation, the Ranch’s, City’s, and Economics concerns all struggle with each other for economic power but share enough concerns over security, infrastructure, and stability to work together.

The Council is a 2 day meeting in the middle of the roundup of the top power forces of the HDF. In reality it is broken down in smaller meetings in the day with larger meeting of all the council at night to talk about broad issues effecting everyone.

The Roundup is a chance to talk in the council in public, then get the real work done in private meetings.

For all the Power of the 7^th Regiment of Marines holds, its commander does not wield much power on the council. In Many ways they stay out of the politics of the area which allows for them to be a neutral player which everyone respects.

It is of great importance that Morrow Project personal be careful about what they say as anything a MP team says will be believed at face value. If the team makes promises that the MP can not keep, then the entire MP mission will be that much harder to fulfill.

MILITARY:

The HDF Militia commanders will all be at the Roundup. It is a time that militia commanders get new instruction of weapon systems, tactics, and review by the marines.

The Military roundup also has a its own military competitions for the militia companies to prove themselves as well as for individuals. These are of great interest as the reputation of the ranches and cities to a large extent rest of these competitions.

A Team could make great impression on the Militia if it preforms well in the competitions. Likewise it could do a lot of harm if it preforms poorly.

SOCIAL:

This is the supreme social gathering of the year. It is a chance for all the leading families to have young meet there social equals to form alliances. Of course this is not the only reason to have a get together, but it is one of the prime reasons.

There are both society dances as well as the more common barn dances for the militia and lower classes.

There are some dances are more important than others so make sure you ask the political officer for help accepting offers. It is vital that the team again makes a good impression at these dances as the social aspect of the Roundup is just as important all the other aspects.

IMPORTANT FACTIONS:

It is likely that you might meet some or all of these persons or organizations:

• Tribute Ranch and Holdings: These are close friends of the Lazy Circle 8, and should support our operations.

• Carsdale Construction Company: These are important as they are part of the Carsdale Families industrial network. They have been neutral as far as politics goes, but economically very important to HDF.

• Searles Holding Company: These are the owners of the City of “Torna”. This provides important metals and export goods to the HDF and Bakersfield. They are consertive in out look and have not supported liberal policies in the past.

• Marines of the 7^th Regiment: These are the most important military units in the HDF but stay out of politics as long as the members up hold the Bill of Rights and the Constitution.

• City Council of Ridgecrest. This is the largest city in the HDF. They are very important and tend to focus on trade with Bakersfield and a strong defense policy. They are in the middle of the political spectrum.

• Eagle Air Freight Company. You have already meet them. They are important as far as the outside of state information that they provide. Be careful with them as have a grudge with you losing there helicopter.

• Inland Empire Trucking Company. The Largest trucking combine in the HDF. We are on good terms with the Inland Empire Trucking Company, but they are not MP so stay on guard around them. Remember they are not family or project.

• Black Eagle Ranch. This is Big Jakes Ranch. You know these people. They are good people and strong on Defense. They will back you and are good sources of information.

• Strong Wind Ranch. This a large Holding Ranch. They treat there bondsman very poorly and tend to fight against anything that strengthen the HDF civil liberties.

• Bakersfield Defense Council: They will have representatives there. Be very careful with these people. The MP stands for many of the things that they would fight a war over to stop. There is a peace with Bakersfield and no ones wants to change that. There has been some strange rumors about a shakeup in the BDC. We are hoping to find out more whats going on with the BDC.

• Mexican Imperial Forces: They are supposed to sending an envoy to talk about peace treaty with the 7^th Regiment. We would like the team to give them a wide birth.

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By Project_Director, 07/03/2009 10:03 pm

SUBJECT: Economic dependency of Regional Governments
MISSION FILE : AG TEAM CA-7 – LAZY EIGHT RANCH – WESTERN REGION
DATE: 1/16/2161
LOCATION: Southern California Region

Compiled by Chief Economics Officer Charlot Jackson


OVERALL TRADE:


There is a lot of Trade with Bakersfield and the High Desert Federation Towns and the California Coast Republic. Even though the political sides might now like each other, the merchants do and all areas make a large amount from taxes and tariffs on each others goods.


 

Most of the Taxes take place at the border check points between the governments on the Major connection Highways. All vehicles are forced to pay a “Tax” to travel to each of the areas lands. This tax varies between the governments, with the highest with Bakersfield, and the lowest being with the High Desert Federation.


 

When the vehicle pays the Tax, it is given a special plate (much like a Old license’s  Plates  that allows the vehicle to travel on assign trade routes (Highways)for a given amount of time.


 

In theory these Taxes pay for road work on the trade routes, but this is different for each area, with the High Desert roads being in the worse repair.


 

SALVAGE:


 

With the HUGE amount of savage from the Deadlands, people have been looting the Los Angeles area for 150 years now. Because of this, it is big business for all three governments, and quite well organized. Each Government gives special salvage licenses to select companies to operate contracts for goods. These contracts are much sought after as the rewards are great.


 

It is not unheard of to have competing salvage companies sabotage each others teams or even attack them. Once the Teams leave the civilized lands, anything is up for grabs, though there are alliances and treaties between various companies.


 

Also some teams are known for cutting deals with local Los Angeles clans or gangs while others just move into an area and take what they want.


 

As a standard, most Teams are well armed and travel in large caravans then break into smaller teams when in a target area.


 

Metals (Copper + Steel + Almost anything else), Car Parts, Machinery, Heavy Manufacture Equipment, Computers, pumps, weapons, aircraft, tires, ect.


 

Because of this, there is not a lot of heavy industry in the civilized Lands as most of it has been taken from the Los Angeles area and no one has needed to make car parts or other machined parts.


 

Another side effect of this is that Most working electrical items are now made up of many different parts of different time periods and equipment. So a working radio might be made up of 3 to 4 different pre war radios. This is a nightmare for support, but there is many a handy man who makes there livings from knowing what parts go with what equipment.


 BAKERSFIELD COOPERATION COUNCIL:


 Bakersfield survived the war with a large surplus of refugees from Los Angeles Area who in time functioned as SERF slave labor. This means the large farms around Bakersfield are run much like the old southern slave plantations in character so manpower is not a problem.


 Thus Bakersfield does not use much in the way of mechanical devices for the plantations even though they do have them if needed.


 Bakersfield also by far is the most populous of the three areas but 60% of the people are serfs so they do not consume much in the way economic goods. The Top 5% of the population, the Bakersfield Elite (The Plantation Families, technical elites, and the Family heads of the council) consume most of the trade goods in the region.


 The Economy is a planed one with a highly conservative  autocratic view point. Because of the tight restrictions on commerce, Bakersfield economy is growing very slowly at best. Many of the middle class are watching all the wealth go to the elite, and are slowly be priced out of the society. This is causing a lot of strain in the society and there is talk of some sort of redress for the middle classes, but it is being fought tooth and nail by the ruling family council.


Bakersfield do have some factories left that combine old prewar equipment to finished lower tech goods


 Examples. Coffee Pots, Shoes, Cloth, wool, cotton, food stuffs, Meat, leather working, some electrical goods (toasters, washing machines (For the Rich Only), simple sowing machines (Foot Powered), Some Light Tools.


They do grow sweet wines as it is to Hot in the central valley to grow good red or white wines.


Because of the control of the Oil wells and the Bakersfield Refinery:
Tires, Oil, Diesel, lubricants, some rubber products.


 HIGH DESERT FEDERATION:


 The High Desert Federation is a very lose alliance of the Desert Cities. It does not have a per say economic policy as every area has its own rules. The One thing that all HDF members share, is no tariffs within its membership on goods within the HDF.


 The Economic power of the High Desert Federation rests in its Rancher Elites, Its Mining companies, Its High Tech Manufactories, and abundant amount of surplus power from its solar, wind, and geothermal power plants.


 The Major trade good for the High Desert communities is power. Most of the electricity that Bakersfield uses comes from the High Desert, while most of the High Deserts Fuel comes from Bakersfield. This causes large amounts of friction with the politicians, but the agreement has lasted over 150 years.


 It is also the closest to the Los Angeles Area, so it has the greater share of the Salvage goods.


 The High Desert areas also have the largest amount of prewar factories still in operation as climate and the raiding of Los Angeles keep them in operation.


Aircraft are still being “Built / Combined” in the area as well as other higher tech goods. There are factories (like Bakersfield) that combine old prewar goods with modern goods to keep systems in operation such as phone, electrical, radio, and most important water delivery.


 The High Desert was also the site of many secret company projects, research centers, and operational testing grounds scattered around Edwards AFB. Thus one might even find ultra modern equipment mixed in with older equipment.


The High Desert Trades:


Cattle, Horses, Leather Goods, pre war salvage, High Tech equipment, Aircraft, raw metals, power, some food stuffs, some manufactured goods. 


CALIFORNIA COASTAL REPUBLIC:


(Area of Coast from Ventura to past San Luis Obispo)


 This is more democratic in nature than the other governments. It still uses the Bill of rites, and the constitution, and most of the business is done by companies or partnerships. In many ways its is a Andrew Jackson styled government with light on government and more on the Citys to run things.


 It does not have the manufactory base of the HDF and is mostly agriculture based in character. Average level of Technology is 1940’s in the countryside and 1980’s in the cities with economies to match.


 San Luis Obispo still has an operational university (The Only one in any of the three governments)which is why the technology level is as high as it still is.


 It is the Major trading route for both Bakersfield and HDF to the outside world vial the Deep Sea Port at Port Hueneme, and Morro Bay.


There is trade with Hawaii, central American countries, and the pacific rim, though this has only really started to become a force in the area within the last 10 years.


 There is always the thorny issue of the pirates operating on the coast islands, and there leader, Dead John Parsons, but so far most merchants simply pay off the pirates rather than battle them.


 The only source of Coffee, Tea, Cane Sugar come from these trading ships.


The California Coastal Republic Trades:

Horses, Wine (Some of the best California wines before the war were in this area), Leather Goods, pre war salvage, Shipping, Oil, some food stuffs, some light (Pre 1940’s) manufactured goods.