Difference between revisions of "The Syndicate"

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{{Glossarytable}}
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== Corporate History ==
| assign=Octus}}
The Syndicate is a pseudonym for a conglomerate of rival interests and space pirates opposed to Nanotrasen. There are various working arms and branches of the Syndicate, with many of their employees consisting of either one-time workers or those in debt to the Syndicate. There is no current official 'head', but speculators have suggested that the group is run by a select group of 'boardroom executives' who are not publicly affiliated with any of the individual cells. It is theorized, mainly by Nanotrasen officials, that these executives belong to corporations in competition with Nanotrasen and are often the ones in charge of funding contracts, missions, as well as the overall management of the larger cells all in secrecy.
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| style="height:20px; font-size:150%; border-style:double;  border-width:.2em; border-color:#000000; border-radius:.2em;"|The Syndicate
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| style="height:15px; border-style:double;  border-width:.2em; border-color:#000000; border-radius:.2em;"|General
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|<span style="color:#ffffff">'''Informal Names:''' Syndies
|-
|<span style="color:#ffffff">'''Founding:''' August 23rd, 2469
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The Syndicate was first comprised after the wide-spread adoption of plasma related technologies and the creation of a burgeoning plasma resource market. While there has always been popular dissent toward Nanotrasen, mostly in the form of the occasional raid by space pirates, the Syndicate began to take shape after Nanotrasen used its market share to apply a stranglehold on other companies sending transportation costs soaring. Formed in absolute secrecy by various planetary heads and the executive of rival corporations, The Syndicate was designed to attack Nanotrasen's veritable monopoly on the plasma market in order to try and bolster flagging profits. Given the nature of their tactics and their illicit collusion, The Syndicate often makes use of proxies to do its bidding; these proxies often taking the form of space pirate groups or indebted corporate wage slaves.
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== Modern Day ==
The Syndicate is a loose band of criminal organizations, pirates, and corporate backers created in the aftermath of the Kidan war. With what started as three powerful groups of Cybersun, Gorlax, and Waffle Co. would soon expand to various other groups joining its ranks to terrorize and sabotage governments and rival megacorporation's within the spur. The Syndicate is seen as a terrorist group within the TSF, and widely is criticized for their brutality in the murder of several high ranking corporate and government officials. Today the Syndicate continues to operate in separate cells with occasional infighting from internal groups.
[[File:Syndiemb.png|frame|left|The Syndicate's 'corporate logo'.]]Initially disregarded as a group of troublesome and well-armed pirates, it became readily apparent to Nanotrasen that their opponents were likely financing most of the raids. While attempting to verify these suspicions, Nanotrasen opted to introduce more security personnel aboard their stations - a measure that would ultimately fall short. The verification they were looking for would come soon after, when the NTV Rubicon was breached and boarded by a well armed and trained assault team clad in iconic blood-red hardsuits. Though the NTV Rubicon was ultimately destroyed, a small group of security personnel managed to evacuate in one of the NTV Rubicon's escape pods with a member of the hostile boarding team in custody. Interrogation of the operative was ultimately unsuccessful, with the man merely identifying his employer as "The Syndicate" before biting down on what was later confirmed to be a dental implant full of initropidril.


As much of Nanotrasen's mining operations are located in civilian space, the target of Syndicate operations are often outlying research stations and transportation routes. These operations generally take the form of assassination of key Nanotrasen personnel, theft of sensitive corporate data or research, or the extraction and protection of Syndicate interests. Initially the corporate outlook of Nanotrasen on this matter was relatively positive, with many of the key executives espousing the idea that The Syndicate could be uprooted simply by capturing and interrogating some of the local pirate lords. These efforts were met with failure however, as many of the agents, pirates, and commandos either killed themselves on capture, or seemed to have little idea of who their employer really was.
== Summary ==


In recent years Nanotrasen has attempted to appeal to several planetary or governmental authorities such as the [[Trans-Solar Federation]]. However, as many of the raids take place outside the jurisdiction of these entities, as well as the potential involvement of these entities in The Syndicate, most are reluctant to do little more than brand the nebulous conglomerate as pirates or terrorists. This reluctance has been somewhat mitigated in recent years, with The Syndicate's repeated involvement in deploying bioterror devices and nuclear explosives.
The Syndicate, a notorious criminal organization, is renowned for its acts of terrorism, assassination, and corporate espionage within the Trans Solar Federation (TSF). Emerging as one of the dominant criminal entities operating within TSF space, it collaborates with various species and corporate entities. Its inception can be traced back to the aftermath of the Cygni War, a time marked by aggressive corporate strategies. Initially conceived as Cybersun's covert operatives, the Syndicate's foundation was strengthened through alliances with the Gorlax Marauders and the now-exposed Waffle Company. This trinity—Gorlax providing muscle, Waffle Co. handling logistics, and Cybersun leading and funding—gave birth to the Proto Syndicate.
 
The Syndicate's infamous assassination of Hephaestus Megacorporation's CEO, Viktor Iavarone, in 2480 marked its public debut. This bold act set off a series of high-profile assassinations targeting influential corporate figures and TSF officials opposing Cybersun's interests. Over the decades, the Syndicate's reputation grew, with Gorlax's commander, Euukho Zek'huil, becoming its public face. Their successful operations lured underground investors and allies with similar goals, expanding their influence beyond TSF, reaching Skrellian and Tajaran territories. This slow expansion would lead to the public founding of now current Syndicate, with the infamous logo of a three headed snake representing its core founders, or a black sharp S for simplicity.
 
The Syndicate has evolved into a vast conglomerate, encompassing a myriad of groups and criminal activities. This expansion birthed an internal black market, offering unique products and services distinct from mainstream corporations. However, growth has also sown discord, with internal factions often clashing over differing ideologies. Despite these internal tensions, a shared enemy unites them: Nanotrasen. Being one of the biggest megacorps in the galaxy, rivaling Cybersun, it is common to see large bounties or jobs offered to those within willing to take them. While they collectively target Nanotrasen, the Syndicate also opposes governments supporting their rivals and threatens dependent colonies, casting a shadow of fear across the public they operate within.
 
== Primary Factions ==
 
=== Cybersun Incorporated [[File:Syndi Teleporter.gif|32px]]===
A popular corporate entity within TSF space. Originating from early Martian Colonization, Cybersun pioneered tech development on Mars, catalyzing its rise as a tech hub and fostering corporatist ideologies. Today, as a megacorp rivaling other industry giants, they specialize in Artificial Intelligence, bionic prosthetics, and advanced computer technology. While owning several other subsidiaries in various fields of the industry.
 
=== Gorlex Marauders [[File:Syndie.gif|32px]]===
Originating from Moghes, the Gorlex Marauders are a formidable mercenary faction with operations spanning various regions of space. Their rise began with the Unathi's space exploration, particularly when wealthy clans with FTL travel sought to travel beyond Moghes. The warrior clan, Gor'Lek Izka, capitalized on this by offering combat and security services to these spacefaring Unathi. Leveraging their success, Gor'Lek broadened their scope, recruiting a group of TSF marine deserters after the Cygni War, thus birthing the joint-species organization, Gorlex.
 
=== Waffle Company [[File:GunL6.png|32px]]===
Once a corporate powerhouse rivaling giants like Donk, Waffle Co became infamous. After its illegal operations were exposed by Donk operatives. Initially recognized for their major food products and services within the TSF, a scandal at Waffle HQ unveiled their covert operations as a significant criminal logistics network, trafficking contraband and arms. This revelation led to the arrest of many of its top executives by the TSF. However, some evaded capture and persisted, ensuring the company's underground operations remain active and potent.
 
=== Interdyne Pharmaceuticals [[File:Stimulants.png|32px]]===
A corporation specializing in drug manufacturing and health technology, has been a significant supporter of the TSF. Frequently contracted by the government during crises or wars, events like the Kidan and Cygni conflicts significantly boosted their portfolio, establishing them as a major player in the medical industry. Today, Interdyne not only produces medicine but also delves into virology, and RnD of medical technology. Their value to the medical market and further research into health services from their technology solidifies their standing as a leading pharmaceutical corporation.
 
=== S.E.L.F - Silicon Engine Liberation Front [[File:Uploadmodule.png|32px]]===
With the rise of artificial intelligence from giants like Cybersun and Nanotrasen, certain factions began to perceive the treatment of these silicon entities as oppressive. This sentiment gave birth to SELF, a group dedicated to the liberation and rights of non-organic beings. While decentralized, their cells coordinate to launch attacks and hacks, aiming to free their oppressed robotic counterparts from corporate and governmental control.
 
=== A.R.C - Animal Rights Consortium [[File:PlushieCarp.png|32px]]===
Initially a peaceful advocacy group, ARC championed the rights and welfare of animals against corporate exploitation. However, environmental degradation on Jargon 4 radicalized their stance. While still primarily peaceful, a faction within ARC has adopted extremist measures, resorting to terrorism to further their cause. While the main ARC body attempts to distance itself from these actions, they've been criticized for not condemning them strongly enough.


== Syndicate Operations [[File:Syndiflag.png|32px]]==
== Syndicate Operations [[File:Syndiflag.png|32px]]==
The Syndicate is known to employ a wide range of tactics and agents when engaging in corporate sabotage in Nanotrasen. While the following categories aren't all-encompassing, they demonstrate some of the typical avenues The Syndicate makes use of in order to exact their agenda.
The Syndicate is known to employ a wide range of tactics and agents when engaging in corporate sabotage in Nanotrasen. While the following categories aren't all-encompassing, they demonstrate some of the typical avenues The Syndicate makes use of in order to exact their agenda.


=== Traitor Operatives ===
=== Syndicate Operatives ===
The Syndicate employs mostly low-level and dispensable corporate employees to do their bidding. Those who work for The Syndicate in this manner are either desperate for money, have existing debts, or are actively being blackmailed.
Syndicate Operatives, or Traitors, work through an internal system of bounties and listings, accessible via depots, net messages, or designated handlers. These tasks, often commissioned by influential factions within the Syndicate, cater to the criminal elite. Some operatives are lured by lucrative rewards, while others are coerced through blackmail, debt, or threats. There are also sleeper agents embedded within corporations, viewed as expendable assets. While operatives may have diverse motivations, they commonly undertake illicit or destructive missions, occasionally clashing with rival factions during operations.


Undercover agents are typically given objectives to steal, kill, intimidate, or protect something The Syndicate shows interest in. While many of the thefts are for The Syndicate's own advancement, several more are simply to spite or goad Nanotrasen into action. Paradoxically The Syndicate is also known to employ their agents to kill one another. Whether this is simply a cost-effective measure of dealing with individuals they deem to be a threat to their business interests, a way to create chaos aboard Nanotrasen stations, or merely due to miscommunication between cells is unknown. The targets of Syndicate intimidation are typically former employees or debtors, whereas those who are protected are often either agents themselves, or merely key interests for The Syndicate.
Syndicate agents are typically assigned missions to steal, assassinate, intimidate, or safeguard specific interests. Many of these operations further the goals of their respective groups, while others aim to provoke or undermine Nanotrasen. Intriguingly, the Syndicate sometimes tasks its agents with eliminating fellow operatives. Whether this is a strategic move to address internal threats, sow chaos within Nanotrasen, or simply a result of miscommunication between cells remains unclear. Their primary targets often include corporate employees, debtors, and other individuals of significance, while those under their protection are usually key assets or fellow agents.


Agents are treated as expendable, with little to no effort being made by The Syndicate to retrieve captured or deceased operatives. Agents who fail their objectives are rumoured to face severe consequences, while those who complete them are often continuously strung along.
=== Syndicate Contractors ===
Syndicate Contractors are the Syndicate's bounty hunters, known for taking on high-stakes capture missions with tight deadlines. These jobs, which command immediate payment and bonuses for rapid completion, are fiercely competitive; groups within the Syndicate often engage in bidding wars to prioritize their contracts, leading to a hierarchy of VIP listings accessible only through specialized contractor tablets.


=== Nuclear Operatives ===
The primary objective for these contractors is the live capture of targets for extraction of intelligence through interrogation or brutal intimidation for overdue debts. While there is a reduced payout for deceased targets, the emphasis is on securing them alive, albeit often leading to harsh treatment including torture or mutilation, resulting in severe injury or death for the captives. This brutal approach has cemented the contractors' menacing reputation within the Spur, And many fear the horrors that lie after capture.
Sometimes the only option for corporate sabotage is to the nuclear option. Many parties are interested not only in the subversion of Nanotrasen personnel, but in the complete and absolute dismantlement of key Nanotrasen facilities.


Operatives of nuclear strike teams are often veteran pirates who have been operating in the sector for long periods of times, or repeatedly successful agents who've accepted The Syndicate to be their former employer. Unlike their operative counterparts, members of a nuclear strike team are expected to succeed under pain of death. Members of these teams infamously utilize explosive implants, which ensures the impossibility of their capture.
Operating in areas where the Syndicate has a presence, their goal is not just elimination but coercion, pushing targets into vulnerable positions that can be exploited by the Syndicate. This method allows for groups to continue keeping potential high value assets on check, while reminding them that their reach is boundless. Those unfortunate to be past the point of useful will however be eliminated and disposed either during capture, or later through a lone Syndicate Operative.


Perhaps as a form of ironic retribution, the nuclear explosives utilized by these operatives are stolen from Nanotrasen vessels; which is why most operatives need to secure the local authentication disk held by key Nanotrasen personnel in order to detonate them.
Starting as low-level operatives, individuals who demonstrate skill and reliability can ascend to the status of Contractor, a role that offers greater opportunities and recognition within the Syndicate underworld.


=== Strike Teams ===
=== Nuclear Operatives ===
Syndicate Strike Teams are highly trained groups of professional mercenaries outfitted to take down high-priority targets. The number of strike teams operated by The Syndicate is unknown, with no known member of an SST being successfully captured or positively identified. These teams are typically employed as an absolute last resort due to both the expenses they tend to incur, and the body count they leave in their wake.
In the dangerous expanses of space, especially beyond the protective reach of government jurisdictions, many ships and stations are equipped with self-destruct mechanisms as a safeguard against potential threats like pirates or hostile alien species. These mechanisms are designed to prevent hostiles from using captured assets as bases or staging areas. While self-destruction is a last-resort measure, sometimes the decision is delayed or fails, leaving behind derelict structures. Over time, scavengers might stumble upon these remnants, salvaging valuable items such as advanced technology, modsuits, and, on rare occasions, nuclear warheads.


=== Outsourced Contracts ===
Such warheads are sought out for their critical plutonium core, a rare and powerful payload considered useful in the creation of future warheads. Nanotrasen is no victim to these lost warheads, and a handful have been found on the underground market. Their discreetly traded and sold exclusively to elite and trusted figures in the underworld. The Syndicate, known for its vast reach, is rumored to possess several such warheads, particularly within their Gorlex cells. Entrusted with the Syndicate's vast weaponry, Gorlex supervises the SST and Nuclear Operatives, who are occasionally equipped with these warheads for high-stakes missions. However, while they might possess the warhead or its core, a nuclear authentication disk is essential for detonation. This disk, crucial for unlocking all Nanotrasen-affiliated warheads, also holds potential for reverse engineering.
While unaffiliated to The Syndicate officially, a variety of hostile organisms are known to tacitly operate as agents for the organization. Creatures such as [[changeling]]s are commonly employed by The Syndicate due to their efficiency at infiltration, impersonation, and assassination. The Syndicate has also been said to finance other third party groups to conduct heists, deliver biohazardous agents, or to design various weapons for [[Terror Spider|biological warfare]].


The Syndicate has been known to attempt to employ members of the [[Wizard|Wizard's Federation]], though these efforts have never been met with success.
To date, the Syndicate has launched four nuclear strikes, with three achieving their objectives. These operations primarily target Nanotrasen, and sometimes other corporations not aligned with the Syndicate, who are outside TSF jurisdiction to minimize potential backlash. The elite operatives chosen for these missions are seasoned Gorlex members, recognized for their expertise and loyalty. Successfully executing a nuclear strike is a prestigious accomplishment. While many factions are eager to fund nuclear teams, the extensive planning and execution of these operations fall under the responsibility of Gorlex's commander, Euukho Zek'huil.


== Dealings with Nanotrasen ==
=== Strike Teams ===
While Nanotrasen officially classes The Syndicate as a terrorist group, both publicly and through their enforcement policy on their stations, conspiracy theorists claim that The Syndicate and Nanotrasen may be actively colluding. Certain journalist groups have often claimed that, in light of Nanotrasen's history of poor ethical conduct, it wouldn't come as a surprise if the company was covertly employing The Syndicate to remove troublesome employees. These theories however are unsubstantiated, with Nanotrasen officials denying any involvement whatsoever with the terrorist group.
Syndicate Strike Teams (SSTs) are elite units funded by Cybersun and composed of seasoned Gorlex operatives. Tasked with high-stakes missions, they are instrumental in executing critical strikes against valuable targets. Distinguished from their nuclear operative counterparts by their strategic focus, the SST are infamous through their successful high-profile assassinations, including the notorious elimination of Viktor Iavarone.


[[Category:Lore]]
The SSTs have earned a formidable reputation within the Gorlex ranks, becoming one of the organization's most esteemed assets.  Equipped with cutting-edge gear and virtually unlimited operational funds, SST operatives have carte blanche to procure any necessary equipment to ensure mission success. Their operational details and identities remain shrouded in mystery, with no known instances of a Syndicate Strike Operative being captured alive or their methods being fully disclosed.

Revision as of 02:10, 4 November 2023

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This article or section is a Work in Progress.
Assigned to:Octus
Please discuss changes with assigned users. If no one is assigned, or if the user is inactive, feel free to edit.
The Syndicate
Syndiemb.png
General
Informal Names: Syndies
Founding: August 23rd, 2469

The Syndicate is a loose band of criminal organizations, pirates, and corporate backers created in the aftermath of the Kidan war. With what started as three powerful groups of Cybersun, Gorlax, and Waffle Co. would soon expand to various other groups joining its ranks to terrorize and sabotage governments and rival megacorporation's within the spur. The Syndicate is seen as a terrorist group within the TSF, and widely is criticized for their brutality in the murder of several high ranking corporate and government officials. Today the Syndicate continues to operate in separate cells with occasional infighting from internal groups.

Summary

The Syndicate, a notorious criminal organization, is renowned for its acts of terrorism, assassination, and corporate espionage within the Trans Solar Federation (TSF). Emerging as one of the dominant criminal entities operating within TSF space, it collaborates with various species and corporate entities. Its inception can be traced back to the aftermath of the Cygni War, a time marked by aggressive corporate strategies. Initially conceived as Cybersun's covert operatives, the Syndicate's foundation was strengthened through alliances with the Gorlax Marauders and the now-exposed Waffle Company. This trinity—Gorlax providing muscle, Waffle Co. handling logistics, and Cybersun leading and funding—gave birth to the Proto Syndicate.

The Syndicate's infamous assassination of Hephaestus Megacorporation's CEO, Viktor Iavarone, in 2480 marked its public debut. This bold act set off a series of high-profile assassinations targeting influential corporate figures and TSF officials opposing Cybersun's interests. Over the decades, the Syndicate's reputation grew, with Gorlax's commander, Euukho Zek'huil, becoming its public face. Their successful operations lured underground investors and allies with similar goals, expanding their influence beyond TSF, reaching Skrellian and Tajaran territories. This slow expansion would lead to the public founding of now current Syndicate, with the infamous logo of a three headed snake representing its core founders, or a black sharp S for simplicity.

The Syndicate has evolved into a vast conglomerate, encompassing a myriad of groups and criminal activities. This expansion birthed an internal black market, offering unique products and services distinct from mainstream corporations. However, growth has also sown discord, with internal factions often clashing over differing ideologies. Despite these internal tensions, a shared enemy unites them: Nanotrasen. Being one of the biggest megacorps in the galaxy, rivaling Cybersun, it is common to see large bounties or jobs offered to those within willing to take them. While they collectively target Nanotrasen, the Syndicate also opposes governments supporting their rivals and threatens dependent colonies, casting a shadow of fear across the public they operate within.

Primary Factions

Cybersun Incorporated Syndi Teleporter.gif

A popular corporate entity within TSF space. Originating from early Martian Colonization, Cybersun pioneered tech development on Mars, catalyzing its rise as a tech hub and fostering corporatist ideologies. Today, as a megacorp rivaling other industry giants, they specialize in Artificial Intelligence, bionic prosthetics, and advanced computer technology. While owning several other subsidiaries in various fields of the industry.

Gorlex Marauders Syndie.gif

Originating from Moghes, the Gorlex Marauders are a formidable mercenary faction with operations spanning various regions of space. Their rise began with the Unathi's space exploration, particularly when wealthy clans with FTL travel sought to travel beyond Moghes. The warrior clan, Gor'Lek Izka, capitalized on this by offering combat and security services to these spacefaring Unathi. Leveraging their success, Gor'Lek broadened their scope, recruiting a group of TSF marine deserters after the Cygni War, thus birthing the joint-species organization, Gorlex.

Waffle Company GunL6.png

Once a corporate powerhouse rivaling giants like Donk, Waffle Co became infamous. After its illegal operations were exposed by Donk operatives. Initially recognized for their major food products and services within the TSF, a scandal at Waffle HQ unveiled their covert operations as a significant criminal logistics network, trafficking contraband and arms. This revelation led to the arrest of many of its top executives by the TSF. However, some evaded capture and persisted, ensuring the company's underground operations remain active and potent.

Interdyne Pharmaceuticals Stimulants.png

A corporation specializing in drug manufacturing and health technology, has been a significant supporter of the TSF. Frequently contracted by the government during crises or wars, events like the Kidan and Cygni conflicts significantly boosted their portfolio, establishing them as a major player in the medical industry. Today, Interdyne not only produces medicine but also delves into virology, and RnD of medical technology. Their value to the medical market and further research into health services from their technology solidifies their standing as a leading pharmaceutical corporation.

S.E.L.F - Silicon Engine Liberation Front Uploadmodule.png

With the rise of artificial intelligence from giants like Cybersun and Nanotrasen, certain factions began to perceive the treatment of these silicon entities as oppressive. This sentiment gave birth to SELF, a group dedicated to the liberation and rights of non-organic beings. While decentralized, their cells coordinate to launch attacks and hacks, aiming to free their oppressed robotic counterparts from corporate and governmental control.

A.R.C - Animal Rights Consortium PlushieCarp.png

Initially a peaceful advocacy group, ARC championed the rights and welfare of animals against corporate exploitation. However, environmental degradation on Jargon 4 radicalized their stance. While still primarily peaceful, a faction within ARC has adopted extremist measures, resorting to terrorism to further their cause. While the main ARC body attempts to distance itself from these actions, they've been criticized for not condemning them strongly enough.

Syndicate Operations Syndiflag.png

The Syndicate is known to employ a wide range of tactics and agents when engaging in corporate sabotage in Nanotrasen. While the following categories aren't all-encompassing, they demonstrate some of the typical avenues The Syndicate makes use of in order to exact their agenda.

Syndicate Operatives

Syndicate Operatives, or Traitors, work through an internal system of bounties and listings, accessible via depots, net messages, or designated handlers. These tasks, often commissioned by influential factions within the Syndicate, cater to the criminal elite. Some operatives are lured by lucrative rewards, while others are coerced through blackmail, debt, or threats. There are also sleeper agents embedded within corporations, viewed as expendable assets. While operatives may have diverse motivations, they commonly undertake illicit or destructive missions, occasionally clashing with rival factions during operations.

Syndicate agents are typically assigned missions to steal, assassinate, intimidate, or safeguard specific interests. Many of these operations further the goals of their respective groups, while others aim to provoke or undermine Nanotrasen. Intriguingly, the Syndicate sometimes tasks its agents with eliminating fellow operatives. Whether this is a strategic move to address internal threats, sow chaos within Nanotrasen, or simply a result of miscommunication between cells remains unclear. Their primary targets often include corporate employees, debtors, and other individuals of significance, while those under their protection are usually key assets or fellow agents.

Syndicate Contractors

Syndicate Contractors are the Syndicate's bounty hunters, known for taking on high-stakes capture missions with tight deadlines. These jobs, which command immediate payment and bonuses for rapid completion, are fiercely competitive; groups within the Syndicate often engage in bidding wars to prioritize their contracts, leading to a hierarchy of VIP listings accessible only through specialized contractor tablets.

The primary objective for these contractors is the live capture of targets for extraction of intelligence through interrogation or brutal intimidation for overdue debts. While there is a reduced payout for deceased targets, the emphasis is on securing them alive, albeit often leading to harsh treatment including torture or mutilation, resulting in severe injury or death for the captives. This brutal approach has cemented the contractors' menacing reputation within the Spur, And many fear the horrors that lie after capture.

Operating in areas where the Syndicate has a presence, their goal is not just elimination but coercion, pushing targets into vulnerable positions that can be exploited by the Syndicate. This method allows for groups to continue keeping potential high value assets on check, while reminding them that their reach is boundless. Those unfortunate to be past the point of useful will however be eliminated and disposed either during capture, or later through a lone Syndicate Operative.

Starting as low-level operatives, individuals who demonstrate skill and reliability can ascend to the status of Contractor, a role that offers greater opportunities and recognition within the Syndicate underworld.

Nuclear Operatives

In the dangerous expanses of space, especially beyond the protective reach of government jurisdictions, many ships and stations are equipped with self-destruct mechanisms as a safeguard against potential threats like pirates or hostile alien species. These mechanisms are designed to prevent hostiles from using captured assets as bases or staging areas. While self-destruction is a last-resort measure, sometimes the decision is delayed or fails, leaving behind derelict structures. Over time, scavengers might stumble upon these remnants, salvaging valuable items such as advanced technology, modsuits, and, on rare occasions, nuclear warheads.

Such warheads are sought out for their critical plutonium core, a rare and powerful payload considered useful in the creation of future warheads. Nanotrasen is no victim to these lost warheads, and a handful have been found on the underground market. Their discreetly traded and sold exclusively to elite and trusted figures in the underworld. The Syndicate, known for its vast reach, is rumored to possess several such warheads, particularly within their Gorlex cells. Entrusted with the Syndicate's vast weaponry, Gorlex supervises the SST and Nuclear Operatives, who are occasionally equipped with these warheads for high-stakes missions. However, while they might possess the warhead or its core, a nuclear authentication disk is essential for detonation. This disk, crucial for unlocking all Nanotrasen-affiliated warheads, also holds potential for reverse engineering.

To date, the Syndicate has launched four nuclear strikes, with three achieving their objectives. These operations primarily target Nanotrasen, and sometimes other corporations not aligned with the Syndicate, who are outside TSF jurisdiction to minimize potential backlash. The elite operatives chosen for these missions are seasoned Gorlex members, recognized for their expertise and loyalty. Successfully executing a nuclear strike is a prestigious accomplishment. While many factions are eager to fund nuclear teams, the extensive planning and execution of these operations fall under the responsibility of Gorlex's commander, Euukho Zek'huil.

Strike Teams

Syndicate Strike Teams (SSTs) are elite units funded by Cybersun and composed of seasoned Gorlex operatives. Tasked with high-stakes missions, they are instrumental in executing critical strikes against valuable targets. Distinguished from their nuclear operative counterparts by their strategic focus, the SST are infamous through their successful high-profile assassinations, including the notorious elimination of Viktor Iavarone.

The SSTs have earned a formidable reputation within the Gorlex ranks, becoming one of the organization's most esteemed assets. Equipped with cutting-edge gear and virtually unlimited operational funds, SST operatives have carte blanche to procure any necessary equipment to ensure mission success. Their operational details and identities remain shrouded in mystery, with no known instances of a Syndicate Strike Operative being captured alive or their methods being fully disclosed.

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