NOTATE BENE: THIS DOCUMENT IS SECONDARY, AND THUS WILL NOT BE APPROVED UNTIL PERHAPS CONSIDERABLY AFTER THE OTHER DOCUMENTS.
A number of corporations expanded to the point where they became qualitatively different from other companies. They became megacorporations (megacorps), with not only immense power in the economic arena, but also significant say in the political world. A small number of governmental officials are under their control, to varying degrees, and they are a vital component of the economy and industry of the United Nations. In 2215, a study showed that they produced about 80% of all military industry. While none maintain large armies, of course, they do possess elite "Security" robots and Reploids (and some humans). Many of them have dealings in the underworld. All in all, these are not entities that one takes lightly, although they do not by any means have ShadowRun-like control over the world. A listing:
Khan Industries: Over the last 15 years, Khan Industries has forged its way into being -the- Megacorp. Originally starting with 10 patents on circuitry and technology, a sudden burst of growth signaled Khan Industries' rise in becoming a world player. As of today, Khan Industries now owns more than 5000 individual copyrights, patents and inventions in the field of technology, having built more than 2000 official Khan Industries, Khan Technologies and Khan Laboratories worldwide. Though Khan Industries has spread beyond technology, it remains its strongest and most prominent production line. Khan Industries supplies a high quality line of Reploids to military and civilian companies both, as well as owns several patents on power armor, along with the premiere security systems in the world. Khan Industries has also managed to provide humanitarian aid, and reploid aid when needed, constantly striving to better the quality of the world around it.
Present CEO: Jonathan Khan
Crono Corporation (CronoCorp): Just about on par with Khan Industries. (Full note coming.)
Present CEO: Evan Carpenter
Aegis Defensive Technologies (ADT): ADT began as a military arms producer, but swiftly expanded its operation and built entire Reploids. From the start, it conditioned and even at times "preprogrammed" the Reploids it produced. This process was swiftly refined into an apallingly cruel but shockingly effective technique. While some ADT Reploids are disturbingly inhuman in many ways, they are fanatically loyal and eminently capable. The downside is that those who do break free from their conditioning tend to become insane, often very violently so. Granted, this is an exceptionally rare occurrence. An example was "Sanctus", a revised prototype for the Series 16 "Paladin" design. She "snapped" at a press gathering, throwing herself at Torrici and being gunned down by his bodyguards. Despite events like this, ADT is adept at avoiding allegations of criminal conduct (after all, it does not more than dabble in the truly high-powered 'conditioning' and 'preprogramming' techniques), and continues to be one of the most powerful megacorporations, nearly on par with Khan Industries, at least in terms of the robotics field. However, it is not quite so close when one looks at the companies as a whole, due to Khan Industries' vast holdings in multiple areas.
Present CEO: Jordan Torrici
Earth Institute of Technology (EIT): EIT, much like ADT and (to a lesser extent) Syril Corporation, began as an arms manufacturer, specializing in heavy weapons and artillery, and expanded into full Reploid production. In fact, it began doing this before the other megacorps. Its reluctance to use advanced conditioning tactics cost it market share, and it was beaten out by more ruthless and bold competitors. Nonetheless, while it cannot compete with Khan Industries or Aegis, EIT is still ahead of the ailing Syril Corporation. It would be fair to say that while SyrilCorp holds a stable and rather profitable share of the arms market, EIT's grip is higher-placed yet less sure. It is of note that the present Commanding Officer of Repliforce's Marine division is an EIT Reploid. In general, EIT Reploids are much more free-thinking than those of some megacorps, which means that while they are for the most part less reliable as common workers or soldiers, they are more able to adapt to more complex roles.
Present CEO: Pasand Lakireddy
Syril Corporation (SyrilCorp): A long-time arms manufacturer, in 2214 SyrilCorp began trying its hand at producing Reploids as well, hoping to emulate ADT. It did not fare nearly as well as Aegis, partially due to the "locked-up" nature of the Reploid industry. However, it continues to manufacture a large number of the standard-type weapons issued to Repliforce soldiers.
Present CEO: Amanda Lavilev
As a summary about the touchy issue of military Reploid production, this is what generally goes on. Military Reploids are produced. Shortly after activation, they meet recruitment officers, etc. from Repliforce, who encourage them to sign up. Although care is generally taken to avoid violating the anti-conditioning laws, Reploids are impressionable when first activated, and about 80% respond well to the offer. (This statistic varies considerably.) Additional methods, somewhat more "gray" legally, are also often employed, since megacorps earn more profit for higher recruitment rates. These methods do NOT as a rule include torture or other such practices, but instead simply more stern suggestion. ADT in particular is rumored to utilize very unsavory techniques. However unpleasant they are rumored to be, if they exist they are most certainly effecient, as that megacorp has a nearly perfect recruitment rate.
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