Our Official Cyberpunk History 1990 thru 2011
1990:
Start of the first Central American Conflict. U.S. engages in interventionist actions in Panama, Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador. Military forces are sent to secure the Canal Zone from an ex-U.S. puppet dictator.1,8,9
West and East Germany reunite. Warsaw Pact breaks up into separate nations.1,8
Breakup of Soviet state. From this point, the U.S.S.R. begins a new era of rapprochement with Western Europe; by the 2000s, the Soviets are the EuroTheatre’s most powerful allies.1,8
Soviet president Gorbochev appoints successor Andrei Gorborev.1,8
The US-EU “Quiet War” begins. It will last until 1994.11
Richard Night, a young partner in the Halsey, Ferris and Night construction firm, departs to found Night International and plan Coronado City on the central California coast.14
Jonathan Meta participates in “Operation Blind Faith,” attempting to control the Panama Canal Zone.9
1991:
EuroSpace Agency launches Hermes Spaceplane.1,8,11
Gorborev regime purges last of old hardliners.1,8,11
CHOOH2 developed by Biotechnica.1,8
First arcology built on ruins of Jersey City. 16 “Arcos” begin construction over the next 5 years, until the collapse of 1997, leaving the huge structures half completed, filled with squatters and the homeless.1,8
Artificial muscle fibers developed at Stanford Research Center.1,8
1992:
The Treaty of 1992 establishes the European Economic Community. Zones of control and protective tariffs regulate the activities of member nations. A common currency unit (European Currency Unit, ECU, or, as it is more commonly known, the EuroDollar) is established, based on the average value in gold of all currencies combined. As a result of individual nation’s currency inflation or deflation, only Denmark, Sweden, Austria and Germany are financially fit to join the EU-union. Trapped in paranoid isolationism, the U.S. declines to enter.1,6,8,11
In Vietnam, Doi Moi policies (and giving up on socialist economics) open the door to foreign investment.6
Arasaka, EBM and Petrochem provide Richard Night with the raw cash he needs to build Coronado City. In exchange, he provides the corps with the design and construction capacities to build the urban zones they are seeking to create.14\
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency develops and spreads several designer plagues worldwide, targeting coca and opium plants.1,8
As a result of the creation of the EU, economic turbulence spreads throughout Europe, especially in France and Great Britain. This results in labor uprisings and general rioting. The four core EU countries set up a prototype “Fortress Europe”, in violation of the EEC treaty. Closing their borders to European laborers looking for work results in a mass of illegal immigration. Most illegal workers are quickly found and expelled.11
Governments of Chile and Ecuador collapse.1
The Aldecaldo “clan” forms as a protection society in East L.A.9
As cropland dies and rainfall declines, farmers and rural populations are forced into migration to the larger cities. These “Jodes” are labeled as parasites by the media and some city governments.9
A savage drug war breaks out between EuroCorp -backed dealers and the DEA all over the Americas.1
First use of HELL (High Energy Laser Lift) arrays in U.S.S.R.1,8
Prototype massdriver established in Canary Islands by the eight member ESA (European Space Agency).1
Maoist Loyalist Cabal (MLC) is formed in Hunan Province (China) by Hua Yuchi.6
1993:
First TRC (Transferred Reflex Conditioning) biologic interface chip developed in Munich, United Germany.1,8,1
All western European countries, save for Italy and Portugal, are ready to join the ECU-union.11\
The EU Ministry for Economics is founded, to provide structure to advanced scientific progress and to prepare the government of the EEC for confrontation with the rising megacorporations.11
Interpol/Europe receives sanction to operate outside EEC borders.11
AV-4 aerodyne assault vehicle developed to deal with increasing riots in U.S. urban zones.1,8
Colombian drug lords detonate small tactical nuclear device in New York City. The bomb is detonated in the middle of the work week, destroying Carnegie Hall and Rockefeller Center, and gutting U.N. Headquarters. At least 15,000 killed are killed in the initial blast. Thousands more die and local government collapses over the next week as the city is abandoned. 1,2,8
The Japanese Self Defense Force (SDF) begins research and development of “Cyberwalk” legged vehicles. Foreign media and military establishments ridicule the idea.6
First organized Nomad “families” appear on the West Coast and in the South, and are identified by the corporates and the media.8,9
The Jodes leave Oklahoma, heading both north and west in an attempt to escape the “New Dust Bowl.”9
The Aldecaldo Clan, because of increasing pressure from police and gangs, is forced to move out of East Los Angeles.9
Gangs war openly with police and each other in Miami. After a six-month siege, the government gives up, unable to commit resources which are needed elsewhere. The gang war lessens and several power structures begin to form.9
The Australian government announces intentions to recognize Aboriginal ownership of traditional lands. Pressure from mining and farming interests prompts government to give priority in land claims to holders of existing leases. While most Aboriginals protest peacefully, some begin quests for foreign recognition and aid for their cause.6
1994:
World stock market crash of `94. U.S. economy teeters, then collapses. Other industrialized nations scramble for bigger markets and cheaper labor. EU countries are not as hard hit as the rest of the west, due to internal trade. SEA countries thrive.1,6,8,9,11
Nuclear accident in Pittsburgh kills 257. Cancer deaths soar over the next ten years. The government declares “The Pitt” a superfund site, but no assets are allocated to deal with the problem. After a very public debate it is determined that nomad labor will be used in reclamation. The Aldecaldo Clan is hired to administer the project. The clan must travel almost two thousand miles to Pittsburgh, but accepts the contract.1,8,9
Coronado (Night) City, California, is incorporated in May.14
A new wave of immigrants hit Europe’s shores. EU uses military to enforce its borders. As a result, many refugees are killed. Numerous new human rights groups begin to form as word leaks out. Some of these groups form terrorist cells to articulate their position.11
After suffering from extensive strikes, Poland’s’ President Walesa declares martial law.11
1995:
Kilimanjaro massdriver begins construction, under joint agreement between ESA and Pan African Alliance.1,8,11
The EU decides to implement the “Fortress Europe” system continent-wide.
A surveillance-satellite program is initiated. A totalitarian ID card system is also started. These cards are programmed with the individual’s fingerprints, retina scans, DNA prints, profession, health status, and any licenses. Many civil rights groups fear a “1984” scenario and react accordingly.11
The MLC conquers Guangzhou Special Economic Zone (SEZ), working its way towards Hong Kong.6
The Bloods officially run (or own) all of Miami. Other gang structures are subsumed into the Bloods by relatively peaceful treaties or agreements.9
The “Grand Unification of Ministries and Agencies” is carried out in Japan. The political influence of Arasaka and right wing parties increases.6
The beginning of the Emergency Welfare Relocation Program in the U.S. The program is administered by the newly created Bureau of Emergency Relocation.9
1996:
The collapse of the United States. Weakened by losses in world stock crash, overwhelmed by unemployment, homelessness and corruption, many city governments collapse or go bankrupt. The U.S. government, snarled in a staggering deficit and the machinations of the Gang of Four, is totally ineffective.1,9
First appearance of boostergangs in the U.S.1,8,9
The Japanese Constitution’s Article 9 (renunciation of war) is suspended for an indefinite period. Due to intense outrage and riots by the public and left wing groups, no “Japanese Army” is re -established.6
After years of support, Portugal and Italy finally join the EEC.11
The Far Asian Co-prosperity Sphere (FACS) is established to counter Arasaka.6
Lawyer purge. Irate citizens lynch hundreds of criminal defense attorneys. 1,8
The U.S. military in Japan and Korea is withdrawn to the American mainland. 6
On August 17th, U.S. President and Vice President are assassinated in separate incidents. With the Speaker of the House undergoing cardiac bypass surgery, the Senate President Pro Tem refuses to assume the presidency. Secretary of Defense Jonathan Seward, as ranking member of the executive branch, suspends the constitution and declares martial law. The “Gang of Four” (NSA, CIA, FBI, and DEA) operate with near total autonomy within the U.S. federal government.1,8
Nomad riots. (In actuality, few of the aggressors are actually nomads; the term is misused by a popular media figure and sticks.) By now, 1 in 4 Americans is homeless. Hundreds of thousands riot for living space throughout the U.S. Nomad packs spring up on the west coast and spread rapidly through the nation. Millions of homeless people are killed or imprisoned.1,8,9
1997:
Toxic spill kills off most of the salmon population in Pacific Northwest. Seattle economy destroyed.1,8
In Thailand, Rama XX repeals the anti-drug and smuggling laws, making it a truly open market.6
Arasaka Security moves into paramilitary contracting. Training of one of the world’s first “corporate armies” is begun at the Arasaka guard and agent schooling facility in the northern wastes of Hokkaido.2
Rockerboy Manson killed in England.1
The “Bald Hill” political scandal occurs, as 60% of the members of the Japanese Diet (from all parties, including ministers and the Prime Minister himself)are arrested by the civilian police on charges of bribery.6
Conflict between Arasaka/right wing/SDF vs. FACS/bureaucracy rises to the surface in Japan.6
Hordes of SDF members decide to leave the hobbled forces. Arasaka quickly recruits 95% of them for their new army.6
A freak earthquake, with its epicenter in the Bay of Biscay, devastates part of the Basque Country. The major damage comes from giant tsunamis that sweep the coasts. The town of Bilbao, Spain is especially hard hit.11
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff forms the MIC (Military Intelligence Cooperative) in an attempt to deal with the vast amount of duplication among the nine intel agencies in the U.S. military. The Gang of Four, assuming this act signals the discovery of its actions, begins sabotage efforts by delaying or withholding vital intel.8
Mideast Meltdown. Tensions in Middle East escalate to nuclear exchange. Iran, Iraq, Libya, Chad, and the Arab Emirates reduced to radioactive slag. World oil supply drops by half. U.S. military assets in the region are devastated. Moslem tribesmen flee into Western China, away from irradiated bomb impact sites. Other Islamic refugees swarm to the Islamic countries of SEA, compounding population problems.1,6,8,11
Australian economy rallies slightly as oil prices rise dramatically.6
In Europe, border skirmishes occur as Greek troops try to stem the flow of Turkish refugees fleeing spreading fallout from the nuclear exchange. In the suburbs of Melbourne (Australia), Greeks and Turks riot as protests get out of hand and several square kilometers of inner city suburbs are burned to the ground by a fire started during the riots.6,11
Turkey is vetoed again from the EU.11
The nomad and agricultural community scramble to become less oil dependent. Most vehicles are converted to synthetic lubricants.9
Hurricanes and spring tides hit Europe with unexpected force, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without shelter. The rising tides force the EEC to construct a system of dams that spans most of the coastal regions. The expected building completion time is ten years. Germany decides to abandon parts of its coastal regions. A brief moment of fear strikes Europe when Germany is slow to pull its 10,000 man relief force out of flooded Gdansk.11
The MIC, under the direction of de facto President Seward, begins investigation of the Gang of Four.8
Tycho lunar colony established. A massdriver is constructed to provide raw materials for orbital platforms.1,5
Hong Kong officially reverts from Britain to China. There are no celebrations, as China is in the middle of a civil war.6
In the U.S., COGs (Combined Operation Groups) are formed; U.S. military reorganizes.8
1998:
Neo-Luddites re-established in western Kentucky. Over the next ten years, the “Luds” are responsible for bombings of airports, factories, freeways and mass transit systems.1,8
President Suharto of Indonesia dies. Factions start infighting.6
The Drought of `98 reduces most of the Midwest to parched grasslands. Between AgriBusiness Corps and drought, the family farm all but disappears. American food exports end. To stabilize the New Central Europe (NCE) governments, the EEC ships food into major East European cities.1,11
Richard Night is killed on the night of September 20 while in his penthouse suite at the top of the new Parkview Tower. His killer is never apprehended and the city council renames the city “Night City” in his memory.14
Control of largest U.S. electro -industrial conglomerate is assumed by Dr. Gerhard Kessler and his Berliner Industrie Kapital Gruppe. This core company of the International Electric Corporation (IEC) will ultimately absorb Aerospatiale, General Electric, Fukuoka International Industries, Korea-Pacific Steel, and many other world companies.2
The “Nights of Fire” (KGB coup) take place in the USSR. The Russian Mafia, supported by KGB splinter groups, increases its efforts to expand into the EEC. This is countered by EuroPol, which begins its own “Shadow War” against organized crime in foreign countries.11
After massive aid from Spain and the EC, the independentist movement recedes in Euskadi (the native name for the Basque region.) “Basque Fatherland and Liberty” (“Euskadi Ta Asakatasuna” in Basque, or simply ETA) terrorists begin an indefinite truce.11
Tokyo Railroad companies finish the construction of linear-rail lines.6
In Night City, A power struggle begins between the corporations. They control the Corporate Center and the government and the Mob, which controls almost all of the city’s service-related businesses. Forced to kowtow to both Mob and corporate interests, the police become ineffective. Gangs supported by both sides, begin to establish themselves in the remaining suburbs of the old city.This results in the infamous Combat Zone of today.14
10.5 quake shatters Los Angeles. Ocean inundates 35% of the city. An estimated 65,000 are killed. Northern California is untouched by the quake. Over three million Angelenos are left homeless or starving. Total economic loss is estimated at 250 billion EuroDollars.1,8,9
Construction of the U.S. intercontinental Maglev System is begun. In a last minute change, the western terminus is moved from L .A. to Night City.9
In the U.S., the Emergency Welfare Relocation Program ends in total failure.9
1999:
In the U.S., the Federal Weapons Statue is established. Semi-automatic firearms may be carried openly “for protection of self and property” nationwide, without a permit or license. Urban crime rates immediately drop by 30%.1,8
The second Korean War begins, initiated by the South, which claims North Korea violated its airspace. No foreign radar can corroborate the claim.6
Federal government opens the bidding for a contract to salvage and rebuild Los Angeles. A bitter feud begins when the Jodes are awarded the contract over the regionally local Aldecaldo Family. A series of skirmishes between the two clans is reported; no federal action is taken. The Jodes begin reconstruction of Los Angeles.9
General Donald Lundee, resigns from his position as U.S.M.C. Chief of Staff, and accepts the CEO position at Armatech-Luccessi in New Hampshire. Together with Antonio Luccessi (founder of the company), they lay the groundwork for what will become the world’s largest weapons manufacturing conglomerate. After a short period of rapid growth and expansion, the name Armatech-Luccessi is retired, and Militech Arms International is born.3
The EC Ministry for Economics forces the break-up of BASF, a large chemical manufacturer, for attempting to dictate prices for contracting firms.11
The Korean War brings tension, but also prosperity. Under the threat of the North’s “Nodong 13” nuclear missile, Arasaka’s “Family Kabuto” personal shelter makes record sales.6
The Bloods, formerly a Miami gang and now nomads, take over “The Greatest Show on Earth.”9
Texas secedes from the U.S. to become the first independent “Free State”. The Federal Weapons Statute is declared invalid within the state’s borders.8
Millennium cults begin to appear, predicting an apocalypse on Jan. 1, 2000. Thousands migrate to isolated communes and temples to “await the end.”1,8
Hong Kong riots. MLC agitators take to the streets in battles with crime triads and corporate security firms. Many corps pull out of Hong Kong. Martial law is declared.6
2000:
Millennium cults run amok on Jan. 1, in an orgy of suicide and violence. Most destroy themselves.1,8
On Jan. 1, the world’s biggest rave in Berlin is disrupted when a Millennium Cult floods the area with combat gases. The final body count approaches 19,000.11
The U.S., Japan, China, and the Neo-Soviet Union all take neutral stances towards the new Korean conflict, at least, on the surface. In reality, Cold War lines are redrawn, and behind-the-scenes aid is supplied, but sides are too evenly matched. The war becomes a stalemate.6
First “extended family” posergangs established.1,8
Sydney’s attempt to stage Olympic Games fails due to bankruptcy and boycotts by nations supporting the Aboriginal cause. New Zealand is one of the boycotting countries.6
A Japanese government official quoted as saying “In the long run, the KoreanWar will only benefit us” is discharged.6
The Bloods leave Florida for their first “National Tour.”9
ESA/Orbital Air purchases a large portion of the Cape York Peninsula in northern Australia for construction of a spaceport. Environmental activists violently protest the destruction of vast areas of rainforest.6
The Aldecaldo Clan begins the reconstruction of Mexico City.9
Alaska secedes from the U.S., becoming the second independent Free State.8
Massive firestorms rage over northwestern U.S., destroying millions of acres of farm and grasslands.1,8,9
Crystal Palace space station construction begun at LaGrange Stationary Point L-1.1,5,8,11
Wasting Plague hits U.S. and Europe. Millions die. Germany is especially hard hit. After the first cases appear in Europe, the EEC closes its borders, finalizing “Fortress Europe”. Severe immigration control and draconian measures reduce the spread of the plague in the Iberian Peninsula to a minimum. Widespread racial violence erupts against illegal immigrants from Africa.1,8,11
U.S. President Seward is killed with touring the country. He is replaced by General William Newell, the current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.8
EBM uses its political and economic power to buy up the drowning Hamburg municipal area over the next five years. 11
A cure for the Wasting Plague is developed at a Bioweapons lab at Newstrelitz, Brandenburg, Germany.11
2001:
The framework for the Net is now firmly in place with construction of the WorldSat Network.1,8
King Charles III, his brother Andrew, and the Royal Marines are killed in an anti-MLA coup. Operation Cromwell is immediately launched by D.I.5 and agents begin locating and terminating all possible heirs to the throne. The plan succeeds in eliminating all but two of the most legitimate heirs, Beatrice and Eugenie Ferguson. D.I.5 learns that the Duchess of York has taken her children to the U.S. and sends a squad of ARMINTAC (Army Intelligence Active Service) agents who track the three to Texas, only to find no trace of them. In reality, “Cartel” agents quickly moved the three to a location somewhere in the Caribbean. Stymied, D.I.5 begins to purge any mention of the Monarchy from libraries and universities. The purge is (luckily) incomplete, with citizens and corporations hiding away a large wealth of information on the Monarchy.12
The collapse of the British monarchy and the imposition of martial law in England remove the last objection of the Monarchists to the formation of the Federal Republic of Australia. The new republic’s constitution does little to address Aboriginal land problems. Koorie Nationalist Front becomes the first of several native groups to take up arms to fight for an independent Aboriginal homeland and the return of sacred lands to their traditional owners.6
The EU ID card system comes into operation. Even the strongest opposition is defeated by vote, due to the mass of illegal immigrants in 2000. In addition, the surveillance satellite system is in working order. Still, immigrants are smuggled in through Greece and via submarines. To combat this, the EU Council develops the plan for a “Kill Zone” at their borders, akin to the old Berlin Wall. Later in the year, following the destruction of an intruding nuclear submarine, the Council orders the construction of several submarines capable of boarding incoming vessels.11
Revival of Stanley Kubrick’s famous Sci-Fi movie sparks space fever.6
Greece suffers a sharp drop in population in the aftermath of the Wasting Plague. Following a loosening of local immigration laws, there is a strong Arab migration into the country.11
The salvage of Los Angeles is completed. Three nomad clans successfully bid construction jobs (including small elements of the Jodes), but most of the Jodes “organization” are out of work.9
Western Australia secedes from the Federal Republic, declaring itself to be the Republic of West Australia. The sales of mining rights and vigorous expansions (in conjunction with Indonesia) of the North West Shelf oil fields, makes West Australia quite wealthy over the next decade.6
The Federal Republic of Australia refuses to recognize West Australian independence and declares a trade embargo against the new nation.6
A brief naval encounter occurs at the North West Shelf oilfield between Australians, Indonesians, and Arasaka -backed West Australians.6
2002:
Food crash; mutated plant virus wipes out Canadian, Australian, and Soviet wheat crops. U.S. AgriBusiness crops survive due to new biological counteragent. U.S.S.R. accuses U.S. of biological warfare. Northern China becomes deserted and Southern China’s population explodes as everyone from the wheat-growing north flees to the embattled, rice-growing south. Southern China, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam make record profits exporting rice, seafood, and synthetic foodstuffs.1,6,8,9
Huge sections of the Pacific Northwest are tilled over to farmland. The Jodes go back to agricultural labor for a time.9
SovOil privatizes the Soviet state-owned petroleum industry.11
California becomes the third Free State to secede from the U.S.8
A bio plague strikes Lockerbie, Scotland.12
In an effort to decrease Spanish influence in the country, the Portuguese government contracts all police and defense services to two foreign corporations: Amazonian Security and Arasaka. This “Sell Out” initially does not concern the EC.11
The Parliamentary system breaks down in Spain when most of the professional politicians are shown to be corrupt. As all of the traditional political parties collapse, there is a movement towards “amateurism” in politics, which, when combined with yearly elections, makes any long-term government decision nearly impossible.11
In New South Wales (Australia), Angus Youngblood, anticipating the development of virus -resistant strains of wheat, buys vast areas of farmland at bargain prices. At the same time, Tasmania is quarantined in an effort to keep the virus from spreading there. New Zealand begins a “self-sufficiency” program, and stops importing or exporting food.6
Honda merges and reorganizes with several other car companies.6
Second lunar colony founded at Copernicus.5
Renewed vigor in the Chinese civil war, as both MLC and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) make money selling rice, seafood, and artificial foods at inflated prices.6
The PLA forms a bio-research center to try and neutralize the Food Crash plague.6
With the aid of FACS, JAB (Japan Space Bureau) is established, based on the remains of the previous NASDA (National AeroSpace Development Agency) from the Ministry of Science and Technology.6
2003:
Second Central American war. U.S. invades Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. The war is a disaster that costs thousands of American lives.1,8,9
Many EU weapons manufacturers record giant profits selling weapons to South American governments.11
The Cambodian army drives the Khmer Rouge out of Cambodia, into Laos. The Khmer-Rouge immediately deposes the legitimate Laotian government.6
In the Aegean Sea, the Santorin volcano erupts. Many surrounding islands are hit by massive tidal waves.11
Nevada becomes a Free State.8
Refugees from Hong Kong begin flooding into New Zealand. This continues for the next four years.6
Sugo Manufacturing merges with Mitsubishi-Koridansu and emerges as Mitsubishi-Sugo. The new corp starts building AFVs and tanks, as well as cars.6
WNS media star Tesla Johanneson exposes secret NSA transcripts of the First Central American Conflict.1,8
2004:
First human cloned tissue growth in -vitro at Johns Hopkins by a young Ph.D. candidate named Francis Holliday Young. Only Stage Two is achieved.1,7,8
General I (pronounced “Ee”) Ryong Yon gains control of South Korea in a coup. I declares his military junta “United Korea,” and his private army takes control of the sympathetic national army.6
Microsutures and sterilizer fields developed.1,8
Tesla Johanneson assassinated in Cairo.1,8
Thomas Matthews, WNS Special Correspondent, reports participation by Arasaka troops in the 2nd Korean War. Both the Japanese government and General I deny the reports.6
In Europe, campaigns begin to legalize certain crime syndicates, like the Sicilian Mafia or the Neapolitan Camorra. Instead of working indirectly in politics through bribery and blackmail, they enter it as overt political parties. As these criminal organizations try to clean up their public image, new movements (like the Nuova Mafia) begin to appear.11
The Gang of Four is wiped out in an Army-CIA counter-coup.1,8
The European “Kill Zone” and associated submarine fleet are operational.11
Golden Triangle drug plantations nearly wiped out by DEA virus attack.6
I HoTong, General I’s brother, leads a bombing raid on Subunho dam. Its destruction cripples China’s ability to aid North Korea.6
First Corporate War begins. EBM attempts hostile takeover of financially crippled Transworld Air. Orbital Air enters conflict in September as major player, bailing out Transworld Air.1,8,9,11
2005:
CyberModem invented.1,8
Second Korean war ends when Hanguk wins, depriving China of one of its markets.6
The Mob is effectively “King of the Hill” in Night City. The corporations hole up in the surrounding suburbs and their loft Corporate Plaza fortresses, pulling the strings of the civic government.14
EBM completes its acquisition of Hamburg and begins building the Hamburg Wall. Peacefully, they declare Hamburg to be an independent nation in association with the EEC. Closely monitored by Europol, they divide the economic interests of EBM Corporation from the nation, EBM Hamburg.11
Victory for General I. The United Republic of Korea is born. General I is elected as the first president of the new country by a landslide.6
EBM solos attack Tokyo office of Kenjiri Technologies, killing 18.1
The Los Angeles construction contracts are completed and most of the nomad community leaves southern California.9
The MLC effectively controls all of Southern China. The Portuguese colony of Macau is burned to the ground.6
During a press conference (to deny rumors of an Arasaka alliance) at Ch’ongwat’ae palace, President I and hundreds of medias (and others) are killed by a bomb blast that levels the building. The same day, I HoTong is shot down in his F -16 by Korean Air Force pursuers, on his way to China. His F-16 crashes on Chinese soil and his body is never found. His reasons for fleeing to China remain a mystery.6
Strong corporate pressure to acquire land and concessions begins. The Greek socialist government threatens nationalization of assets in retaliation.11
Operation Big Stick (Nov.): First military destruction of a corporation. The Mantoga Corp is wiped out by April 2006.8
Korea elects national war hero General Park as the new president.6
Gang activity reaches an all-time high with the Blood Razors and Slaughterhouse gangs making their debut. The Mob War begins. This will continue until 2009.14
An Italian research team publishes a paper announcing the premorphogenesis of cloned human tissue.7
First Corporate war delays construction on Crystal Palace as Orbital Air plunges resources into defense of Transworld Air against EBM.5
2006:
First morphogenic human clone grown in vitro. Mindless, Stage Three(a) gastrulae, they only live for 6 hours.1,7,8
Vietnam joins ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations).6
First Corporate War ends in January. EBM concedes full control of Transworld Air to Orbital Air. By the end of the war, ARC, ZetaTech, Advanced Developed Research, Militech, TTA Properties, Bronleigh Development, TechnoStations, First Continental Bank, Xoma Corporation, Applied Technisystem, Dynamic Media, Orbital Metals Partnership of Jamaica, and Nakamura-Mamoru LTD have all contributed to one side or the other.1
In preparation for the planned Euro/Sov mission to Mars, EU scientists begin experimenting with human genes. The goal of Operation “Green Man” is to create a human fit to colonize the red planet. The operation uses breeding and cloning techniques with an eye towards producing hardier and more intelligent humans.11
A military coup d’état topples the government of Greece. Prime Minister Ioannis Lacanos is murdered. The Greek National Reconciliation Caucus (GNRC) (consisting basically of the former Greek Joint Chiefs of Staff) takes power, with corporate backing. The surviving elements of the former Greek government and parliament take refuge in Rhodes, with support from Turkey.11
Col. Emile Lazarus, U.S. Army, Congressional Medal of Honor winner, resigns his commission and leaves the service.3
The Korean military and police are reorganized along the lines of the new American military.6
Full cyberlimbs are now in use with all U.S. military forces.8
2007:
New Zealand legalizes marijuana. Widespread use in medicine, textiles, fuel, and other areas begins immediately.6
BrainDance developed at U.C. Santa Cruz.1,8
The MLC enters Hong Kong in force and starts the pogroms.6
In Mongolia and Northern China, food riots break out among those who were prevented by the government from relocating.6
Funds for the quake -damaged town of Bilbao, Spain are re-routed by the Spanish government to Madrid for preparation of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Basques are outraged.11
Corporate leaders from SovOil and PetroChem convene a conference in Djakarta, Indonesia, in an attempt to settle the dispute over the Spratly Islands oilfields. After a week of discussion, an agreement is reached. A line of demarcation is established along the 10th parallel. SovOil will explore the area north of that line, and PetroChem will do the same in the area to the south. Both companies sign the agreement, which is also a non-aggression pact.4
2008:
U.S. assault on Soviet weapons platform Mir XIII. EuroSpace Agency intervenes and orbital war breaks out between the “Euros ” and the “Yanks,” lasting only a few weeks until Tycho colony massdriver drops a rock on Colorado Springs and other strategic U.S. sites worldwide. An uneasy peace is reached.1,5,8,9,11
One of the Tycho massdriver strikes occurs in Australia. A near miss at the Pine Gap Space Tracking Facility (in the Northern Territory) destroys the town of Alice Springs. 25,000 lives are lost.6
On Tuesday, March 18, at 2:34 AM, PetroChem off-shore oil platform Sabina Bravo (in the S. China Sea) explodes, killing all 173 personnel on board and destroying 22 well heads. A 300 meter geyser of flame is visible from Palawan Island in the Philippines, 240 kilometers away. While the true cause of the explosion and fire will never be discovered, PetroChem accuses SovOil of sabotage Second Corporate War begins. Even though the Spratly Islands are claimed by China, it is too involved in the MLC war to do anything. Pollution fallout destroys thousands of miles of coastline in Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines, as well as destroying millions of people’s livelihoods.1,4,6,8
At the opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Madrid, Spain, ETA terrorists fire a rocket-launched grenade at the authority’s tribune. King Juan Charles I is among the 12 casualties that also include other members of the royal house. The future king, Philip VI, survives unharmed. Renewed support for the monarchy and strong anti-Basque sentiment sweep the country.11
The Lazarus Military Operations Group (or simply Lazarus Group) is formed, with Nelson Katzadoulos as a silent partner and financial backer. Construction of a training facility is begun in Fort Powell, Montana.3
Taiwan officially declares permanent independence from the mainland, and hires Arasaka to retrain its military. Again, China is too involved in internal problems to react.6
In southern Europe, agricorps begin to apply strong pressure to acquire arable land. This will continue for the next 2 to 3 years. The chaotic Spanish government and the resistance of the small landowners blocks most attempts, but the Portuguese government, in effect, begins to sell its country.11
“Reformation”/Reorganization of U.S. government. First post-martial law elections are held.8
General Jiang Xiaxi is elected to the head of the Chinese Communist Party, and signs the 2008 China-US Mutual Aid Pact.6
The new Greek “military” government attempts to annex both Cyprus and Macedonia. Both attempts fail. Most other governments support the Greek government-in-exile in Rhodes, impeding military action against it. Rhodes becomes a free port.11
The U.S. Transcontinental Maglev System is completed and begins service.8,9
Militech buys into a joint-venture with China International Trust and Investment Company (CITIC) to form CCMMC (Combined China/Militech Manufacturing Corporation).6
The Second Homestead Act begins as an attempt to repopulate the abandoned Southwest. Some nomad families see this as another government attempt to shut down their life -style.9
2009:
Second Corporate War ends with SovOil in total control of petroleum resources in the South China Sea.4
Joint ESA/Soviet mission to Mars departs.1,5,8,11
In Night City, Arasaka-trained paramilitary troops and armored support lead corporate troops in a campaign of death and destruction against the Mob’s cadres. The campaign destroys the Mob’s influence in the city, allowing the corps to place a puppet mayor in power.1,8,14
Internet Corp. “extracts” Nobuhiko Ihara from Zetatech’s Night City office.10
Indonesia invades and conquers Papua New Guinea, renaming it “East Irian Jaya.” The Australian government decides not to send troops, favoring diplomatic means of persuading Indonesians to leave. Larger military forces are moved to Darwin and North Queensland in case of Indonesian invasion of Australia.6
Following the example of Portugal, the north-controlled Italian government begins to cede wide areas of southern Italy to corporate interests.11
An abortive takeover attempt by U.S. “terrorist group” of Crystal Palace construction occurs. ESA discovers Defense Intelligence Agency plot and drops 12 ton rock off Washington as a warning.1,8,11
“Net Wizard” Janice A. Grubb is enticed away from Kenjiri Technologies by Internet Corp.6
A Korean terrorist group, led by someone using the name “I HoTong,” starts attacking Japanese corporate installations.6
Instituting draconian policies, the corps begin cleaning up the city, forcing many people out of their homes.14
Papua New Guinea’s government-in-exile sets up in Wellington, New Zealand.6
Francis Young quietly leaves academia for a job with Biotechnica, which promises unlimited funding and resources, and full credit for his achievements in return for patent rights on his successful work.7
ASEAN disbands.6
2010:
End of Second Central American Conflict. The U.S. government, almost totally bankrupt, simply maroons half a million nomad workers and so-called “civilian contractors” in South America. They begin the “Long Walk” back to the U.S. A little over 10% are still alive with they reach the States in 2011-2012. 1,8,9
Network 54 now controls 62% of all media broadcasting in U.S.1,8
Food riots in Denver kill 52.1,8
Mitsubishi-Sugo develops prototype ACPA (Assisted Combat Personnel Armor) for the SDF. Soldiers nickname it “Kakashi” (Scarecrow).6
Southern Romania is devastated by a powerful earthquake. 267 people are killed in Bucharest alone.11
The Ecoterrorist group EcoAction starts a campaign against spaceports and other large construction projects.6
The New Homestead Act is shut down and considered a failure. Most areas opened to the public required vastly more infrastructure than could be provided.9
Corps and Triads in Hong Kong-Victoria make an alliance against their common foe, the MLC, which has complete control of the former colony up to Kowloon Bay.6
Construction of O’Neill One orbital colony begins.5
2011:
Crystal Palace is completed. ESA now has a permanent hold in high orbit zone.1,5,8,11
ESA/Soviet mission reaches Mars.1,5,8,11
President Ramos of the Philippines is killed; President Aguilar is elected. He promises a new constitution.6
An experimental nanotech package designed to clean up radioactive contamination grows out of control at Maralinga in South Australia. European nanotech engineers go back to the drawing board, but don’t offer any solutions to the massive and potentially dangerous growth in the desert.6
Compulsory land sales in Portugal begin in earnest. If productivity falls below the level marked by the government, landowners are required by law to sell to bidding agricorps. As agricorps increase their own productivity (by means fair and foul), small landowners are forced out of business.11
Most productive land in southern Italy is transferred to corporate control. The northern regions, richer and more industrialized, are much less effected.11
Construction of L-3 and L-4 colonies begins.5
In Japan, opposing corporates take their warfare onto the main roads that link their cities. Along with corporate sabotage, many Bosozoku gangs raid long range trucks and mail transports. People begin to rely entirely on the Net or on fax machines for personal mail.6
A large group of renegade “civilian contractors,” under the leadership of John Meta, hijack several ships and an abandoned oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico. Pirates call the flotilla MetaKey.9
The Greek military government, economically crippled, begins a new taxation policy in an attempt to generate desperately-needed funds to fight against the recently-formed partisan movements. The EC does not intervene, but many megacorps begin removing their operations from Greece in response to the taxes.11
Respected biochemist and Nobel laureate Edwin C. Poole publishes a monograph in which he states that there will never be Stage Seven(a) human clones.7
Bibliography:
- CP2020 Rulebook, pages 176-179.
- Corporation Report 2020, Vol. 1, pages 9-10, 47-50.
- Corporation Report 2020, Vol. 2, pages 7-9, 43-44.
- Corporation Report 2020, Vol. 3, pages 4-9, 12-14, 50-53.
- Deep Space, pages 6 -9.
- Pacific Rim Sourcebook, pages 7 -8, 44, 60, 84, 110-111.
- Land of the Free, pages 8-9.
- Home of the Brave, pages 6-7, 105-114, 131-132.
- Neo Tribes, pages 6-8.
- Rache Bartmoss’ Guide to the Net, page 8.
- Eurosource Plus, pages 29-30, 52, 96, 118.
- Rough Guide to the UK, pages pg.3, 5 -6, 17, 21, 26, 61, 117, 118, 121.
- Protect and Serve, page 59.
- Night City, pages 33-34.
- Live & Direct, pages 38, 40-42, 42-43,