Lore.
What was the first thing to lose its value after the world ended? Some might say food, others fuel, but the answer was obvious—money.
As myutants ravaged cities, bank workers were among the first casualties. Days later, looters ransacked the banks, their wealth claimed by whoever could take the most. And for a brief moment, this broken system worked.
Until it didn't.
With money flooding the streets, it became worthless. Inflation skyrocketed beyond control, and soon, people abandoned traditional currency altogether, resorting to barter and trade. Yet even this proved unsustainable—favoring only those who had pillaged valuable goods.
The world came to a standstill. With no way to buy or sell, survival became a game of hoarding. Would humanity collapse as those with stockpiles of food simply waited out the rest?
That's when Paul Langford changed everything.
Langford devised a way to repurpose old credit card chips, integrating them into what remained of the world's computer networks to create a digital currency—one that could be distributed and regulated across the fractured remains of civilization.
Paul Langford would later be found dead, his brains decorating a carpet.
But his idea lived on.
The Credit System Today
As havens formed, Langford's system became the foundation for both identity verification and commerce.
The credit chip functions similarly to pre-collapse banking technology. However, with the rise of havens, new cards were issued under strict registration policies, ensuring that each card was tied to a specific person.
The economy is controlled by Grand Central Banks—not a singular entity, but a vast network of smaller branches scattered across havens like New Haven, Barrow, and Gallio.
No one truly knows who controls the money. Yet for decades, this digital currency has remained the standard, allowing people to complete transactions with a simple card swipe.
The Role of Grand Central Banks
The branches of the Grand Central Bank system primarily serve to:
• Distribute & register credit chips in newly established havens.
• Repair or replace damaged chips for users.
• Resolve transaction disputes, either by reversing payments or forcing them through.
Fun Fact!
"I wasn't alive when this all happened, so I had no part in it, but here's a theory for you!" Lovecraft's voice boomed. "Some say Paul Langford faked his death and uploaded his consciousness into the credit system itself. Obviously not true... but isn't it more fun to think it is?"
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Exterminators Must Get Paid!—A Public Service Infomercial.
The static buzzed softly, the black-and-white TV screen flickering as an infomercial played. Two familiar figures whipped across the screen—Sabrina Khusanov and Lovecraft, their voices slightly distorted by the grainy reception.
"Hi, Sabrina!" Lovecraft began, his animated expression filling the screen. "I heard you don't pay your exterminators. Is that true?"
"That would be illegal, punishable by up to fifteen years in prison for unpaid labor," Sabrina countered flatly. "So no, of course not."
"Then why didn't you pay me for my—"
The screen flickered. When the image returned, Lovecraft sported a slightly busted lip.
"Exterminators operate under different contracts with varying payment terms," Sabrina explained, smiling at the camera. "That's why it might seem like I never pay you, even though I always do."
"Yeah. Sure." Lovecraft muttered. "Say, can we discuss those payment schedules? I'd love to see who's earning more than me so I can rob—uh, try and work harder than them in the future!"
"Unfortunately, I cannot disclose that information," Sabrina replied coolly. "But remember, folks: just because someone gets paid more than you, doesn't mean you're job is any less meaningful!"
"It kinda—" Lovecraft hesitated. Then, recovering, "That's right! We should always strive to be our best selves. If we improve at our jobs, we can earn way more money that way and even go as far as to change our payment terms!"
A legal disclaimer scrolled across in small text:
No, you cannot legally do this—as stated under Act 46B of the new bureaucracy, which allows large and small corporations to fuck their employees over with non-flexible contracts.
"That's all for today's infomercial!" Sabrina waved. "See you next time, folks!"
The screen faded to black.
Then—it flicked back on.
"Fun fact!" Lovecraft grinned mischievously. "A little birdie told me—and hey, I might be pocket-watching here but Osiris gets paid fifteen million credits per high-level myutant? That's absolutely preposterous—oh, hi, Sabrina—"
The TV abruptly shut off.
A distant scream followed.
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Work Schedules & Payment Structure.
Work Schedules:
• Grade Five (Recruits) & Grade Four:
As the primary squad at Sabrina's disposal, these exterminators focus on handling large numbers of low-level myutants rather than high-threat targets. They work throughout the week but are not expected to be available on Sundays. However, if they are, they will not receive overtime or extra pay.
• Grade Three & Grade Two:
Considered Sabrina's secondary squad, these exterminators handle more dangerous and high-priority missions. Due to the level of risk involved, they are typically stationed at a fixed base and aren't expected to relocate unless unforeseen circumstances arise.
They can be called upon for personal or special assignments from Sabrina around three to four times per week, but even if not summoned, they are still required to work five days a week, maintaining order in their assigned haven.
• Grade One:
The highest-ranking exterminators, Grade Ones are rarely stationed near home, as Sabrina assigns them to the most distant and difficult missions to maximize their effectiveness. Due to their overwhelming strength and the scarcity of enemies that match them, they have no fixed work schedule. Instead, they receive a special call from Sabrina once a week when needed.
Payment Schedules:
(Due to contractual clauses, I am legally prohibited from disclosing exact salaries. However, I can outline how and when exterminators receive payment.)
• Grade Five, Grade Four, & Grade Three:
Paid at the end of each week. While higher grades receive higher pay, wages are fixed and do not increase based on completed missions—your salary remains as agreed in your contract, regardless of performance. However bonuses exist, based on mission parameters.
• Grade Two:
Paid per completed job. Their earnings can increase under certain conditions, such as meeting no-destruction clauses or other contractual bonuses. However, pay is always split among the team using a 40-30-30 ratio, with 40% going to the team leader.
• Grade One:
Paid before or during the job. Deploying Grade Ones is immensely costly for the company, which is why Sabrina only calls on them when absolutely necessary.
They receive full pay regardless of mission success or failure. However, there is a special clause regarding civilian casualties—if deaths exceed a certain threshold, they may be charged back or forfeit their next payment.
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Act 46B – Employer Payment Structure & Liability Clause.
Section 1:
This act governs the financial obligations and payment structures between employers (hereinafter referred to as "Party A") and employees (hereinafter referred to as "Party B") across all registered corporate and independent contractual agreements within the jurisdiction of the New Bureaucracy.
Section 2:
2.1 Party A is not responsible for altering, modifying, or renegotiating the pre-accepted payment terms as outlined in the employment contract upon execution. Any amendments to the agreed-upon remuneration structure shall require mutual written consent from both parties and, where applicable, approval from the relevant regulatory body.
2.2 Party B acknowledges that payment schedules, compensation rates, and any additional financial benefits are strictly governed by contractual agreement and shall not be subject to revision based on workload fluctuations, employee performance, or external economic factors unless expressly stipulated within the contract.
Section 3:
3.1 Party A shall not be liable for additional compensation, including but not limited to overtime pay, hazard pay, or emergency work bonuses, unless explicitly included within Party B's contractual agreement. Work performed outside of standard contractual hours shall be considered voluntary unless otherwise classified under exceptional circumstances as determined by Party A.
3.2 Party B waives any claims regarding retroactive pay adjustments, informal compensation agreements, or implied wage modifications outside of the legally binding terms agreed upon at the commencement of employment.
Section 4:
4.1 Party A reserves the right to determine and enforce all financial policies related to salary disbursement, deductions, and applicable financial penalties as per the governing labor codes.
4.2 In the event of disputes regarding payment, Party B may submit a formal grievance through the designated legal channels. However, Party A shall maintain full discretionary authority over financial resolutions unless ruled otherwise by a certified legal arbitrator or governing body.
[Disclaimer: by continuing employment under party A, Party B acknowledges and accepts the terms outlined in Act 46B and waives any rights to dispute the enforceability of these provisions oitaide of designated legal frameworks.]
(10% of the profit should be given to potocki)