Debra Lancaster

I am só right, I must be wrong...

[tungsten-tribune-blog]

D17M53K18

Feature Article

The Death of Religious Freedom Came Not Quietly In The Night, But In The Stage Lights With Thunderous Applause

Tungsten has existed for long enough that we have seen many types of thinking come and go. We’ve seen our fair share of injustices and fights for equality. Today, however, we must bow our heads to the death of personal freedom. If you’ve been following the news, gossip, or just about anything recently then I am sure you know about the serial killer called the Lady Luck Killer terrorizing our beloved city. Over the past years you’ve no doubt also come to learn of the political rivalry of Felix Collier and Amadeus LaFontaine. You’ve probably also heard of the TorchBearers and their “good deeds” around the city that have sought to relieve some of the aches we feel in our financial and health burdens.

So it’s easy to see that some people (mainly those aligned with seeing LaFontaine staying seated in power) might find Collier and those who share his political and religious ideals to be a tad… strange and off putting. One wouldn’t be too surprised to see smear campaigns coming out against Collier and the “Torchies”. However, one might be surprised to see the current seated Governor using his power and authority to send a literal witch hunt after Collier and the Torchbearers for being involved with or being the Lady Luck Killer.

As much as this might sound like a smear campaign idea in and of itself, this is exactly what we see happening right now in our beloved city. By all accounts this appears to be a situation of someone in power using circumstantial (at best, and nonexistent at worst) evidence to tie and link his political opponent due to fear that the next time he threw his hat into the political ring the votes might be in his favor, especially after such a close election last time.

To make matters worse we have seen new decrees come down from the city council and the governor saying that the Torchbearer religion is now illegal, and sending citizens into a mad dash to round up any and all that subscribe to that religion. The outcry has been dampened by the terror of a serial killer committing ghastly and horrific crimes across the city.

This turn of events comes from the governor “taking things into [his] own hands” after the police tried and failed to find the killer originally. One cannot help but think that this move has more to do with politics than with the cities’ welfare. Especially when the council, in open and public intra communication channels, have referred to the victims and citizens at large as “votes” in reference to the damage the killer had done.

We believed that freedom meant that we could put those in power who would do what was best for us or in our interest. We believed we were free to live and love as we pleased. We believed that we could worship how we wanted. Instead we find that our freedoms are controlled by those we put in power - and who seem to want to stay in power for the sake of power itself, and not duty.

Let’s remind them of their duty, because if we don’t - it’ll be too late. Remember: Democracy Dies In Darkness.

— Eric N. Cross, politics

Community News

Congrats, Grads! As the school years draw to a close, both for our mandatory education districts and for TTU, we at the Tungsten Tribune would like to recognize and congratulate our fine city’s graduates. All of Tungsten’s students have worked hard this school year, but those going through this rite of passage and moving on to a new chapter in their lives deserve special recognition. Next week we will have a special segment in the newspaper dedicated to recognizing outstanding graduates, so if you would like to see your child featured, please contact us. Until then, congratulations, graduates! -Tungsten Tribune Staff

Thought of the Day

“If you play with snakes, expect to be eaten alive.” - Anon.

Advice

Editor’s Note: Dear Quinn is the Tribune’s new advice column. If you would like to have your questions answered in this column, please send them to our blog here, or email them to [email protected].

Dear Quinn, I am head over heels for this great guy that I work with. He’s absolutely brilliant, and I admire everything he does. Recently, I think he might actually have been flirting with me? I know he’s got someone else he’s interested in, though, so I’m not sure. Maybe I’m reading too much into things. How do I tell if he’s really into me? -Unrequited?

Dear Unrequited, While it is possible that you’re just projecting and seeing what you want to see in his actions, it’s equally possible that maybe he’s taken notice of how you feel about him and decided that a love like that is worth pursuing. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot by convincing yourself it’s not possible that he returns your feelings. Have hope! If he’s flirting, be receptive. Maybe flirt back and gauge his reactions. You’ve got this! -Quinn

Classifieds

PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR price negotiable, accepting all cases, contact at [email protected] or call 2-377S

[tungsten-tribune-blog]

Announcement

We here at the Tungsten Tribune have decided to make a public announcement about how we will be purporting a specific aspect of our business. We have always proudly advertised for businesses and persons of the utmost highest caliber. The classifieds have always been open to the public beyond our sponsored advertisements for any and all to use, however that will be changing.

Due to recent events we have elected to hold our classified advertisements to the same standard as our sponsored advertisements in that we will be taking at least a month to verify classified advertisements. This will not affect the current backlog of classifieds, but all new and incoming will be subjected to verification.

A second change to this rule is one we do not take lightly and has been decided on after much thought. This will not come as a surprise to some, but recently one of our journalists has come under suspicion of being behind or involved with the Lady Luck Killer. The paper would support this journalist only in so far as to not be unseemly, however we will not tolerate games being played at his expense. Not at anyone’s expense, even if trying to find a known and feared serial killer.

That is why we have elected that from here on we will not be advertising (sponsored or classifieds, from here until the future, for personal use, business use, or election use) anyone involved with the unlawful false reporting to the police in regards to the staff of this paper, forceful kidnapping (whether by the graces of the Governor or not), or persecution of those whose religious beliefs do not align with yours - theologically or politically.

There has been enough corruption in this city. Now is not the time for mob rule, mafia or otherwise.

We must stand against the terror in our streets, and attacking innocents in vigilante methods as opposed to letting the police handle it is not acceptable by any standards.

[tungsten-tribune-blog]

D13M53K18

Community News

We here at ‘The Tungsten Tribune’ are delighted to report of the safe return of Dr Bartleby after his grueling ordeal in the hands of 'The Lady Luck Killer’. Bartleby lost part of one of his arms in the ordeal, suffered cuts on his back, ligature marks on his feet and was injected with anticoagulants, resulting in significant blood loss. He is currently being held at the 'Eastside Municipal Hospital’ where he is in a stable condition, and good spirits.

We will endeavor to bring you an interview at a later date, but currently we are respecting the Doctors privacy while he recovers from both the physical and mental scars of what he has endured.

Briefcase

Business Spotlight

Luck’s Jazz Lounge Long standing as a cultural hotspot in Tungsten, Luck’s Jazz Lounge is understandably one of the most jiving places in town. As a wise man once said, candy is sweet, but liquor is quicker, and at Luck’s the drinks flow like a fountain, with an ample selection to choose from, with choices from all over tungsten, as well as nearby townships. Even if drinking isn’t your thing, Luck’s has a thriving music scene for all you lovely beatniks out there. Some local favorites call Luck’s their home, like Uncle John and the Risky Ravagers, The Sages of Swing and The Sort, and you can even try your hand at singing yourself on wednesday’s karaoke nights. Luck’s is overall brimming with culture, and a welcome place for any who choose to enter its doors, there will be friends, music, and drinks aplenty to anyone interested enough enough. overall, a simply lively, lovely, lounge.

Thought of the Day

“There’s a saying that we have in the Stags, it comes from way back, and is in high english, which is a pretty garbage language but translated it essentially means “There’s always darkness before the fire is lit, but when it is, take heed that it does not consume the camp”. Essentially, we’ve been facing some strife within the past few weeks in our city, I’ve been hit by it pretty hard myself, but I just can’t bring myself to succumb to that sense that I should just give up, because at some point I know that that fire is going to be lit and it will warm us with the love of prosperity. So in honor of those who I’ve lost yet, I continue onward towards tomorrow. I have a life to lead. I have the Black Stags to lead, my Black Stags, and none of this is going to slow me down. But then there’s the second part of that saying. Essentially “Don’t get too ahead of yourself” in that weird, metaphorical, cryptic way that only Stag elders talk in. I think that’s the crux of the whole thing. While I strive toward tomorrow, we should seek to not forget about the camp. We must keep the present stable while we seek the future. But even still, even with that holding me back, I’m going to push. We all need to push. “ - Lexi Oppenheimer

Advice

Hey Quinn, So I’ve been having a big problem lately. I’m trying to get some decent sleep so I can be well-rested for finals, but with all the big things that’ve been going on recently, I haven’t been able to sleep for a while. I’m exhausted, and as well as being worried for my safety, I’m worried about my grades. Should I stop being so paranoid, or just move out to the farlands and see if the ghosts will take me in at this point? Either way, thanks for the help. -Sleepless in South Tungsten

Dear Sleepless, I know things have been tough for all of us during recent events. But we’re strong. You’re strong. I have all of the faith in the world that you can ace your exams and go on to do great things with your life. There’s certainly no need to retreat to the outlands to escape your problems. Try finding a trusted friend that you can stay with for a while. I can say from experience that, during these trying times, not being alone goes a long way towards having restful sleep. Good luck to you, and to all of Tungsten City. -Quinn

Classifieds

SECRETARY WANTED for foreman of outer city projects. Must be able to write in shorthand, foster connections within the group and partners, and utilize a handgun. Wage negotiable, and entry-level applications encouraged. Infernal Infrastructure LTD 555-0162 LOST KITTY Answers to the name of Oldtown Bed and Breakfast. Contact Anastasia Sokolov if found. PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR price negotiable, accepting all cases, contact at [email protected] or call 2-377S

[idansemacabre-blog]

Attention Torchbearers

5th Chair Lucan-Today at 4:02 PM

Attention all Tungsten citizens.

 Effective today, the pseudo-religious organisation known as Torchbearers has been declared unlawful, charges pending a full investigation into the group’s financial support of terror activities, specifically the West District fire and related crimes. All members of the organisation are obligated to come forward and publicly announce, and denounce, their membership of the organisation. Failure to do so will result in prosecution according to Tungsten anti-terror laws. Any citizen who knows of anyone who is secretly a Torchbearer: It is your duty to report them. Failure to do so will result in prosecution. Any citizen possessing information about the group’s clandestine activities: It is your duty to inform Tungsten authorities. Failure to do so will result in prosecution. 

 Thank you. God bless Tungsten and it’s citizens.

[tungsten-tribune-blog]

D10M53K18

Feature Article

An Update On The Lady Luck Investigation

When last you heard from us, here at the Tribune offices, we wrote of the now-infamous municipal terror, known only as the Lady Luck Killer. To briefly recap what we already know, it all seems to have begun with a cryptic ad run in this very paper- “What comes to be served, must be served. Midnight. Under Luck’s. Knock Thrice.” We could not have known, then, that things would progress as they have. Shortly thereafter, I, myself, received a disturbing and cryptic email from one who has confirmed themself to be our murderer-at-large. You can read about these events further in last week’s edition of the Tribune.

Since then, many more things have happened. Both myself and my colleague, Dante Niccals, who normally writes these articles, have been held in police custody under suspicion of involvement in these horrid events. A young man by the name of Porter Fellows was found to have been stabbed, and the letters “LLK” carved into his flesh. On this poor boy’s clothing was found, somehow, one of my own hairs, as confirmed by DNA analysis. I have, obviously, been cleared of suspicion since this event, or else I wouldn’t be here to write this article for you all, but this gives me particular pause. This killer seems to be going out of his way to frame as many others for their murders as possible, presumably to disguise their trail. Even more concerning - how on earth did they get my hair? Who could this person be, that they would have access to such a thing?

But I digress.

Continuing with known facts, the body of missing person Beverly McMillan was dumped at Bar None, announced over the Intra-City Communications Network by one using the alias “Lucky Lancaster.” My colleague, Dante, was present at Bar None and was the one to call in the police report. He was taken into police custody, as his presence at the scene was deemed suspicious, but has since been released on bail, pending further investigation.

The most recent development is the kidnapping of well-loved local therapist Bartleby Beaumont. This “Lucky Lancaster” seems to have challenged the citizens of out City to some sort of game in exchange for his return, with his implied torture and dismemberment as punishment for not following the “rules.”

Tungsten City Police Department has issued an official statement that rounding up this Lady Luck Killer is their utmost priority, and LaFontaine Industries Citizen’s Police has made a statement to the same effect. It is this journalist’s opinion that, despite their claims, I have seen very little evidence of their efforts. I only pray that we are soon relieved of this looming terror. -Quinn Curry

Community News

West District Fire; UPDATE

Nowhere near enough time has passed for us to recover even a little from the fire that took over West District, but enough time has passed for eyewitness reports to start coming out of the woodwork. From these reports we have received a description from the TCPD for our citizens to look out for from here on out. We would like to say that this report is unfortunately vague, but it is what we have so far. Please keep an eye out for: Male, between the ages of 25-40, height between 5’7”-6’2”, weight around 140 lbs, dark hair - light facial hair. The suspect was seen wearing dark clothing, including gloves, boots, and a hooded coat. An eyewitness claims that he was “entranced” by the flames, thus why they called in the report. Please keep an eye out, citizens.

– Dante V.N.

Council Considers Removing Iconic Ship After Second Incident

Tungsten Parks Council is considering removing the sunken ship from the lake at the East District Children’s Park after a second incident where a child went into the water to swim to it. The child in this latest incident, whose name was not released, was taken to the hospital after being rescued from the lake by her older brother. A fence was recently erected around the lake, but the child was able to climb it.

As a reminder, the lake is not intended for swimming.

Thought of the Day

“Make sure to count your chickens before they hatch; you can launder your money through the rest of them.” - Anonymous

Advice

Editor’s Note: Dear Quinn is the Tribune’s new advice column. If you would like to have your questions answered in this column, please send them to our blog here, or email them to [email protected].

Dear Quinn, You are my last hope. I am still looking for a man I met in Cobalt City during the last conflict. We only spent one evening together, but it was the most wonderful evening of my life. All I know is that he had “HERB” tattooed on him and he’s from Cobalt City. I thank you. Sincerely, CANT FORGET HIM

Dear Can’t Forget, I don’t know how widely-circulated our little newspaper is, but I have some friends in Cobalt and I will personally see that this gets passed around. I have your contact info, and i assure you if I hear anything you’ll be the first to know. I wish you all the luck in the world, and I hope things work out between you two. -Quinn

Classifieds

FRENCH LESSONS Learn French over some damn good margaritas!!  Contact Mitch Bradford at Luck’s. PSYCHIATRIC CONSULTATION , Northside Mines shaft E-7, D12M53K18, 1800. Price: greater than you can imagine. PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR price negotiable, accepting all cases, contact at [email protected] or call 2-377S

Obituaries

Abbott Ambur Neely - South District Abbot Ambur Neely, 27, was born on D19M62k991 and died on D9M43k18, in the City Center location known as Bar None. He was a well loved therapist who had graduated from our own TTU! He was the son of no one important, and died alone and in pain.

[marconisamuel-blog]

D7M53K18

I don’t have a lot of time to write this out, but I feel like I ought to update you.

For the first case: from the scene of the crime I picked up a hollow metal children’s sports bat, the end of which  had been flattened to make it more effective at breaking things; I got a pretty clear shoeprint that I sketched down the  fine details of; and I asked around the suspects’ neighborhoods and neither group has a solid alibi for that night. I’ll be doing a more thorough investigation tonight.

Wish me luck.

-Sam Marconi, PI

[tungsten-tribune-blog]

Announcement

We were unsure of whether or not to announce this publicly, but have been given clearance by the Tungsten City Police Department to do so.

Last night, we received a package at the Tungsten Tribune offices which contained two severed hands. Both hands appeared to have been detached from female bodies. “Bodies,” plural, as both were left hands, and both wore wedding bands- one silver, one gold.

Under scrutiny by the Coroner’s Office it has been confirmed, though the assumption was obvious, that the two hands were from different people.

We can only assume that this is a message from the “Lady Luck Killer.”

We at the Tungsten Tribune pray that our City is soon rid of this scourge and that he is brought to justice.

[marconisamuel-blog]

D5M53k18

I’m going to warn you in advance; this is going to be a bit of a long one. There’s a lot to cover since last I posted here.

Let’s start with the ‘showing’ I did with Suzette.

I needed a place to stage a stakeout. Luckily Suzette is friends with just about everyone in the neighborhood, so I ended up in the second floor apartment that’s used as storage space for the laundromat across the way from Suzette’s apartment building. I set up shop there at about 0800 sunday morning, before the papers went out at ten. I was there all the way through to monday, keeping watch. Nothing of note happened most of the time I was there, but that’s how stakeouts generally go. They’re considerably less interesting than the crime novels make them out to be. About 0200 Monday morning, I was sitting out on the fire escape indulging in a nicotine stick while I watched for any suspicious activity. I heard the sound of breaking glass from across the street, and immediately went to go investigate. I could see they’d broken in the window by the fire escape to get in, and I knew the front door was locked, so I headed in after them in hopes of cornering them. All I managed to do was get a glimpse of them before they saw me and took out one of the front windows as they ran off. There were two of them, pretty average all around in size, dressed all in black, with their faces covered. That eliminates our first suspect for sure, unless he’s hiring someone, but I don’t think he makes enough money to do something like that. I grabbed what evidence I could find from the scene of the crime, and I’ll see where that leads me with our remaining two groups of suspects, but that’s a story for another blog entry.

Also, I’ve been getting a lot of emails about this “Lady Luck Killer.” I assure you I’ve already begun my own investigation into this. I don’t have a lot of leads just yet, but I’ll definitely be keeping you all up to date on any info I have. I’m not going to sit idly by while someone brutalizes people in the city I call home. If any of you have info that you feel would be useful, please share it with me.

-Sam Marconi, PI

[quinncurry-blog]

Rather Concerning...

I had this blog sitting here for a bit, not sure if I was ever going to actually use it, but I seem to have found a good enough reason.

I got an email this morning for my Dear Quinn column at the newspaper, and we’re, uh, definitely not publishing this. But I felt like it was important enough to document it somewhere.

Here’s what it said:

“What are your opinions on the bountiful crimson nectar which crashes through our veins and into our hearts? Don’t you love how it drips how it drops how it sparkles and shines. Truly a wondrous sight, don’t you think? I know the Tribune is busy. I’ve arranged for you to get a helping hand. Or two. Enjoy!“

And this right after the article yesterday about the woman with her hands cut off… It’s rather concerning, to say the least. It could certainly just be an opportunist taking advantage of the situation to get a rise out of people. Or, alternatively…

Well, at any rate, I just wanted this taken down for posterity. We’ll see where it goes.

[debra-lancaster-me]

Has some one identified this woman yet? Im afraid i know who it is.....

[tungsten-tribune-blog]

D3M53K18

Feature Article:

Fire Takes Out West District A fire took place this past Friday in Tungsten’s West District’s Westside Downtown area. Sources inside the Fire Marshal’s office report that the cause of the fire has been determined to be arson, although the City Council has requested that a secondary investigation take place to “confirm” the Fire Marshal’s original reported cause before the report is to be publicly released. Another source has confirmed that the devastation of Friday’s fire will cost the city somewhere around $1.5 billion credits in reconstruction fees. This total, however, is only in regards to rebuilding businesses and homes that were destroyed. Our source in the council’s offices are saying that they will not be reimbursing any civilian’s personal or business property beyond the buildings themselves. The same source has also reported that this cost total does not include the cost for repairing the now damaged or destroyed air filters from the smoke and ash. Air quality in the West District is feared to decrease substantially until the repairs and replacements can be made. Lastly we were able to secure a final number of deceased victims of the fire from the coroner’s office. The death toll has raised to a total of 150 people. The causes of death vary between simple old age unable to handle the pressure of the situation, to smoke inhalation, to being trampled, to being caught and unable to escape the fire. This is indeed a sad and unfortunate event, but hopefully with some help we will be able to rebuild and move on. With a little luck will also see the person or persons behind this troubling crime caught and forced to stand for justice. More information will be released as we get it.

Sources have not been named due to ethical standards and concern for their safety - both physical and career wise.

— Article by Dante V.N., Crimes

Community News

Officer Involved Shooting A robbery suspect was shot in the leg late yesterday by Officer Taylor Hutchinson, according to a police press release. The suspect, Russel Franks, 36, was reportedly in the middle of robbing a local bodega at gunpoint when Officer Hutchinson arrived on scene. The officer assessed the situation and concluded the best course of action was to disable the suspect as quickly as possible in order to protect the life and property of the bodega owner, the statement said.

Woman’s Body Found The body of an unidentified woman was found early this morning, washed up on the shore beneath the Blank Boulevard Bridge. Police stated that she was found stripped nude and her hands had been removed at the wrists. The woman is described as a caucasian with blonde hair, brown eyes, approximately five foot, six inches tall, and 160 lbs, appearing to be in her late thirties. Anyone with information is asked to contact police or this newspaper.

Briefcase

Business Spotlight Desideratum Clothing, owned by Karina Byers

Desideratum Clothing is located at 22 Filament Ave in City Center.  With an ample selection of clothing for everyone, it has made a wonderful addition to the block.  If you’re looking to update your wardrobe, or just that perfect piece to complete your look, Desideratum Clothing should be your first stop.  The owner, Karina and their staff (Galehaut O’Healaighthe and Summer Yazhu) are all extremely well versed in the current fashion trends, and are eager to help you look and feel your best. The changing rooms are private, the store is beautiful and well maintained, always stocking the finest and latest trends in fashion.  It also doesn’t hurt that complimentary mimosas, or flavor-infused waters are always always at the ready.  Good conversation, and great threads make Desideratum a must-see for anyone and everyone in Tungsten.

Thought of the Day

“Today’s thought of the day: If you plan to shepherd sheep, perhaps it’s best to use the carrot first instead of the stick.” By Dante V.N. - inspired by recent events

Advice

Editor’s Note: Dear Quinn is the Tribune’s new advice column. If you would like to have your questions answered in this column, please send them to our blog here, or email them to [email protected].

Dear Quinn, I recently met someone who I think is completely amazing. They are intelligent, charming and talented. The problem is they don’t realize how wonderful they are and seem to have self esteem issues. What can I do to show how much I care and what that person has meant to my life? CHARMED

Dear Charmed, I know exactly the kind of person you’re talking about. You’ve just got to be persistent and communicative, and eventually it’ll get through their head that you really do care about them. Sounds like you and the target of your affections are lucky to have found each other. I wish you both the best. -Quinn

Classifieds

Citizens of Tungsten, There are families in need after the recent fire, please bring donations (Canned food, clothing, jackets, socks, shoes, toiletries and other hygiene items)  to Esposito’s, 118 West. Rd.

FRENCH LESSONS Learn French over some damn good margaritas!!  Contact Mitch Bradford at Bar None WANTED Bedding, sheets and pillows. Ours was destroyed in the fires. Please contact Lucy Harvey. Urgent Ahwt moces ot eb ervsed, ustm eb vrsede. Midnight, Under Luck’s. Knock Thrice. APARTMENT 2 bed, 1 bath. 47 Brine St. West District. Inquire at building office, ask for Suzette Conley PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR price negotiable, accepting all cases, contact at [email protected] or call 2-377S

[debra-lancaster-me]

Could this woman, who's body found near de BB Bridge actually be Beverly McMillan... That would be very sad, but also mean clarity for her family. RIP

[debra-lancaster-me]

My assigment for Public Works

Public Works Staff:  “We are planning several new greenspaces in the South District, and would like to hear your ideas on locations and features. You may reply to this thread to pitch your ideas.”

My answer: It needs to be social space, or spaces, where people meet together and chat and go on walks, that kind of social contact and interaction builds social networks. That’s probably where the real impact is coming from that gives people a sense of wellbeing. Parks without those features do the opposite. If a green space is difficult to get to, has poor lighting or is not clean, it may be seen as unsafe or inaccessible and probably wouldn’t boost peoples mood. Therefore it needs to be build in the West District. People there need more green spaces and opportunities to interact with each other, gaining back a kind of hope and spirit to rebuild, together.

So, Im saying West district instead of South. We need to prioritize our means, and the West needs us! Badly. Like, reply or reblog if you agree with me!

[marconisamuel-blog]

D1M53K18

I just got a copy of the newspaper, and in the obituaries it lists a couple of young kids who died in West District. I asked around to get the scoop on what happened, and I can’t believe what people told me, even though I should expect it by now. It’s a perfect example of the class separation that goes on in this city.

The two kids were a couple, but the girl, Hannah, was from a poor family in W.D. and the boy, Levi, was from a rich E.D. family. The boy’s family was trying so hard to keep them apart that they tried to force him into marrying off to another rich family’s daughter against his will. Rather than face a future where he was married to a woman he didn’t want and she was forced to live with no hope of ever being with the man she loved, they committed suicide together in a tragic reenactment of the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet.

It just disgusts me that something like this had to happen.

-Sam Marconi, PI

[debra-lancaster-me]

So sad...