There are billions of stars, millions of planets, but there is only one man, Terrance McDoogal. Welcome to LIU Atlas.
LIU Atlas - N3-W5
The Ludgonian Industrial Union's galaxy contains billions of stars and billions of planets. Unfortunately, most residents of the LIU could only name a handful of these worlds. In order to improve astronomy grades across the LIU, TV2 has started a new program called LIU Atlas. Follow our host, Terrance McDoogal, as he takes you on a tour across the LIU and some of its more obscure worlds.
Note: This episode is presented in full screen. The corresponding dialogue is underneath each photo.
Note: This episode is presented in full screen. The corresponding dialogue is underneath each photo.
Doog: “Welcome to another episode of LIU Atlas. I’m your host, Terrance “Doog” McDoogal. Today, were visiting the space station N3-W5 – more commonly known as Regional Aggregate Station 14. RAS-14 is responsible for compiling and broadcasting news stories in its region. It is one of several hundred aggregate stations spread throughout the galaxy – making large-scale, galaxy-wide reporting possible. Let’s board the station to find out more.”
Doog: “Alright folks, I’ve boarded N3-W5. While I wait here for my guide, I want to talk to you a little about television in the LIU. Since you’re watching this, you obviously know about TV2, but did you know the LIU has five other channels?”
Doog: “TV1 covers galactic markets and finance. It’s number one because money is number one in this galaxy. It’s pretty boring for poor people like me to watch…but it exists nonetheless.”
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Tony: “Fovea is deep into the red this week. I’m thinking about jumping ship. Thoughts?”
Samson: “Not so fast. Fovea’s organic fuel cells are seasonally dependent. Production always dips this time of the cycle – but give it a few weeks, and it’ll skyrocket. If anything…I’m buying more!”
Tony: “Ooh, bold move.”
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Tony: “Fovea is deep into the red this week. I’m thinking about jumping ship. Thoughts?”
Samson: “Not so fast. Fovea’s organic fuel cells are seasonally dependent. Production always dips this time of the cycle – but give it a few weeks, and it’ll skyrocket. If anything…I’m buying more!”
Tony: “Ooh, bold move.”
Doog: “TV2 is home to the galaxy’s greatest TV host – myself. It also has a fairly popular show called LIU Atlas. Who am I kidding – TV2 is best known for Galaxy News with Spiffy Thompson and Hotty McBabe. TV2 is the information channel – news, educational programming, et cetera.”
Doog: “TV4 is all about the galaxy’s favorite pastime – spending money. If it exists, you can probably buy it on TV4. It’s also where new products are launched…and where the LIU makes sure everyone knows about them.”
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Tressan: “This scent is literally a love language, but it’s rare. If you’re not calling already, you’re probably missing out.”
Cyclops: “The Balnean Bath additive alone is worth the 48 credits, and today, you’re getting it for free. Free.”
Tressan: “But only if you call in the next few minutes.”
Cyclops: “You’ll never see a deal like this again!”
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Tressan: “This scent is literally a love language, but it’s rare. If you’re not calling already, you’re probably missing out.”
Cyclops: “The Balnean Bath additive alone is worth the 48 credits, and today, you’re getting it for free. Free.”
Tressan: “But only if you call in the next few minutes.”
Cyclops: “You’ll never see a deal like this again!”
Doog: “TV5 is all about entertainment. Here you’ll find movies, gameshows, and popular sitcoms, like Coworkers.”
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Roey: “How you doin?”
Goss: “We were on a fifteen-minute break!”
Handler: “Could I be wearing any more safety equipment?!”
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Roey: “How you doin?”
Goss: “We were on a fifteen-minute break!”
Handler: “Could I be wearing any more safety equipment?!”
Doog: “TV6 is also entertainment, but in the form of sports. Solar-sail racing, ringball, beast fighting, people-fighting, it’s got it all.”
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Announcer: “Welcome back to Sidere Artifex, home to the Lux Regatta! Brought to you by Octan – Powering the Galaxy, Blight Beer – When life gives you rain, make beer…, Buzz Cola – Hype it Up!, Horreum Pony Association – Eat Pony, Mumiya – Berry Good, and Merum Wine – Golden Sun and Merry Cheer! And, we’re off - sails are catching and speeds are climbing!”
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Announcer: “Welcome back to Sidere Artifex, home to the Lux Regatta! Brought to you by Octan – Powering the Galaxy, Blight Beer – When life gives you rain, make beer…, Buzz Cola – Hype it Up!, Horreum Pony Association – Eat Pony, Mumiya – Berry Good, and Merum Wine – Golden Sun and Merry Cheer! And, we’re off - sails are catching and speeds are climbing!”
Doog: “You may have noticed I skipped over TV3 during my overly long info dump. That’s because TV3 is different – it isn’t run on the galactic level. TV3 is regional programming, assembled at aggregate stations like RAS-14. That means TV3 in one part of the galaxy might look completely different somewhere else. Informercials on RAS-117’s TV3 – softcore holo-entertainment on RAS-26.”
Voss: “TV2 doing a show on TV3…I feel like we’re about to cause a rift in reality.”
Doog: “A rift does sound more interesting…”
Voss: “Nah! There’s plenty of cool stuff on these Regional Aggregate Systems. Trust me, I’ve been in the TV industry for twenty years – you and your viewers are going to have a blast. By the way, I’m Calvern Voss, Station Programming Director.”
Doog: “Sounds important.”
Doog: “A rift does sound more interesting…”
Voss: “Nah! There’s plenty of cool stuff on these Regional Aggregate Systems. Trust me, I’ve been in the TV industry for twenty years – you and your viewers are going to have a blast. By the way, I’m Calvern Voss, Station Programming Director.”
Doog: “Sounds important.”
Voss: “It’s not, though. These aggregate stations are run by BIAS – an AI. I’m basically here to make sure everyone does what it says.”
Doog: “An AI?”
Voss: “Yep. BIAS – Broadcast Indexing Analysis System.”
Doog: “An AI?”
Voss: “Yep. BIAS – Broadcast Indexing Analysis System.”
Voss: “Here it is, BIAS.”
Doog: “What does it do?”
Voss: “Simply put – it inputs news reports, social media posts, images – anything coming out of the hundreds of worlds in our region – runs them through some algorithms, and decides what’s newsworthy. If BIAS says it’s important enough, it goes on TV3. If it’s really important, it gets bumped up to TV2’s Galaxy News.”
Doog: “How does an AI know what’s important?”
Voss: “Same way anyone does – scale. A crisis on a big, mid-rim world, like Fidentia, matters. Charcoal production updates on Cremata… not so much.”
Doog: “What if those updates include barbeque tips?”
Voss: “Bigger, richer planets are more important even if barbeque is involved.”
Doog: “What does it do?”
Voss: “Simply put – it inputs news reports, social media posts, images – anything coming out of the hundreds of worlds in our region – runs them through some algorithms, and decides what’s newsworthy. If BIAS says it’s important enough, it goes on TV3. If it’s really important, it gets bumped up to TV2’s Galaxy News.”
Doog: “How does an AI know what’s important?”
Voss: “Same way anyone does – scale. A crisis on a big, mid-rim world, like Fidentia, matters. Charcoal production updates on Cremata… not so much.”
Doog: “What if those updates include barbeque tips?”
Voss: “Bigger, richer planets are more important even if barbeque is involved.”
BIAS: “Breaking News, Mr. Voss is wrong again.”
Voss: “What?! What was wrong about that?”
BIAS: “The system is significantly more intricate. While the five economic powerhouses within our jurisdiction are slightly favored, worlds like Cremata cannot be ignored. A barbeque story, however brief, may raise moral across the region…particularly on Cremata. Every decision I make accounts for these factors…among others.”
Doog: “I like this guy. Who are you?”
BIAS: “I am BIAS.”
Voss: “The AI has avatars so it can interact with the crew…(whispers) it’s super annoying.”
Voss: “What?! What was wrong about that?”
BIAS: “The system is significantly more intricate. While the five economic powerhouses within our jurisdiction are slightly favored, worlds like Cremata cannot be ignored. A barbeque story, however brief, may raise moral across the region…particularly on Cremata. Every decision I make accounts for these factors…among others.”
Doog: “I like this guy. Who are you?”
BIAS: “I am BIAS.”
Voss: “The AI has avatars so it can interact with the crew…(whispers) it’s super annoying.”
Voss: “Once BIAS selects pertinent news for the region, we broadcast it on TV3’s news segment. It’s hosted by the very talented Charmy Belle…and her co-anchor Dapper Vance.”
Doog: “She is very talented. Think BIAS could get me her number?”
Voss: “It’s an aggregation AI, not a miracle worker.”
Doog: “She is very talented. Think BIAS could get me her number?”
Voss: “It’s an aggregation AI, not a miracle worker.”
Dapper: “It’s almost news time, people. Let’s show a little hustle.”
Voss: “For the last time, you have to wear pants, Mr. Vance.”
Dapper: “Why? No one can see behind the desk.”
Voss: “Again, it’s not about what the viewers see, it’s for the sake of your co-workers.”
Dapper: “Charmy doesn’t care.”
Voss: “For the last time, you have to wear pants, Mr. Vance.”
Dapper: “Why? No one can see behind the desk.”
Voss: “Again, it’s not about what the viewers see, it’s for the sake of your co-workers.”
Dapper: “Charmy doesn’t care.”
Charmy: “I’m not wearing pants either.”
Voss: “Of course, you aren’t.”
Doog: “I think I left something behind the news desk earlier. I might go get it now…”
Voss: “No – stay where you are! Everyone else, get some pants on! Why can’t the LIU make an HR AI?”
Voss: “Of course, you aren’t.”
Doog: “I think I left something behind the news desk earlier. I might go get it now…”
Voss: “No – stay where you are! Everyone else, get some pants on! Why can’t the LIU make an HR AI?”
Dapper: “I’m Dapper Vance.”
Charmy: “And I’m Charmy Belle.”
Dapper: “Tonight at 16 standard – labor rights across several regional mining worlds have been diminished, strengthening the Union.”
Charmy: “And after that, hyperspace developments that promise to shorten regional shipping times.”
Dapper: “That’s tonight, only on TV3.”
BIAS: “Cut! Requesting another take. Let’s replace ‘diminished’ with ‘standardized’. Standardized is 18% more effective at making the story positive.”
Dapper: “I’m Dapper Vance.”
Charmy: “And I’m Charmy Belle.”
Dapper: “Tonight at 16 standard – labor rights across several regional mining worlds have been standardized, strengthening the Union.”
Charmy: “And after that, hyperspace developments that promise to shorten regional shipping times.”
Dapper: “That’s tonight, only on TV3.”
BIAS: “Cut! Replace ‘promise’ with ‘will’, Charmy. Certainty increases positivity.”
Charmy: “Ten rewrites…for a promo…”
Dapper: “This is why we don’t wear pants!”
Charmy: “And I’m Charmy Belle.”
Dapper: “Tonight at 16 standard – labor rights across several regional mining worlds have been diminished, strengthening the Union.”
Charmy: “And after that, hyperspace developments that promise to shorten regional shipping times.”
Dapper: “That’s tonight, only on TV3.”
BIAS: “Cut! Requesting another take. Let’s replace ‘diminished’ with ‘standardized’. Standardized is 18% more effective at making the story positive.”
Dapper: “I’m Dapper Vance.”
Charmy: “And I’m Charmy Belle.”
Dapper: “Tonight at 16 standard – labor rights across several regional mining worlds have been standardized, strengthening the Union.”
Charmy: “And after that, hyperspace developments that promise to shorten regional shipping times.”
Dapper: “That’s tonight, only on TV3.”
BIAS: “Cut! Replace ‘promise’ with ‘will’, Charmy. Certainty increases positivity.”
Charmy: “Ten rewrites…for a promo…”
Dapper: “This is why we don’t wear pants!”
Voss: “An addition to the regional news, TV3 offers several other important news segments – like traffic and space weather. They’re shot in front of green screens.”
Traffic Guy: ““Hyperspace traffic between the big three routes remains steady. Expect delays in the Trivium, where intersectional traffic is currently tight.”
BIAS: “Replace ‘delays’ with ‘slowdowns’. ‘Delays’ implies failure.”
Traffic Guy: “Grrr!”
BIAS: “Replace ‘delays’ with ‘slowdowns’. ‘Delays’ implies failure.”
Traffic Guy: “Grrr!”
Bunny: "Hi, I’m Bunny Simps, and this is TV3 Weather. Stellar eruptions on Rupex continue to disrupt the Sector. High energy waves - exceeding 9K joules - are forecasted this week. Be sure to tune in to the next broadcast to find out if you're affected. Ok, bye!"
BIAS: “Please stop saying, ’OK, bye’ at the end of your promo. It reduces perceived urgency by 23%.”
Bunny: “But I like it!”
BIAS: “Please stop saying, ’OK, bye’ at the end of your promo. It reduces perceived urgency by 23%.”
Bunny: “But I like it!”
BIAS: "Also, let's change the verbiage to, ‘Be sure to tune in to the next broadcast to find out WHEN you're affected. Not if. Fear increases viewer retention and corporate reach."
Doog: “Maybe I don’t like this guy so much.”
Voss: “Told ya.”
Doog: “Maybe I don’t like this guy so much.”
Voss: “Told ya.”
Voss: “TV3 offers a few other shows besides the news, like Best New Bets. It highlights regional foods, ingredients, and spices. The goal is simple: boost regional economies. Don’t buy beef, beemu, or kaadu when an alternative is sold nearby.”
BIAS: “Economic steering at its best.”
Dame: “It smells like a used toilet brush! Who eats this?!”
Steb: “Everyone on Stercus.”
Dame: “Does your race not have noses?!”
BIAS: “That’s enough, Dame. You’re off message. Action!”
BIAS: “Economic steering at its best.”
Dame: “It smells like a used toilet brush! Who eats this?!”
Steb: “Everyone on Stercus.”
Dame: “Does your race not have noses?!”
BIAS: “That’s enough, Dame. You’re off message. Action!”
Dame: “Mmm – what a robust aroma profile. What do you call this delectable meat?”
BIAS: “Cut! You’re grimacing, Dame. Do it again with 68% less aversion and 10% more enthusiasm.”
Dame: “I’m gonna barf!”
BIAS: “Cut! You’re grimacing, Dame. Do it again with 68% less aversion and 10% more enthusiasm.”
Dame: “I’m gonna barf!”
Voss: “One of TV3’s highest rated shows is, The Docket. Hosted by Dapper Vance, it tackles regional issues with a rotating panel – usually with a celebrity or two to keep things… engaging.”
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Dapper: “Bathroom standardization across diverse species – a simple question: are two designations…enough?”
Panelist #1: “For most of us, yes. Efficient, clear, no confusion.”
Panelist #2: “Most’ is doing a lot of work there, Dapper. Some species don’t fit neatly into either category.”
Panelist #3: “I thought I was here to talk about my new movie?”
Panelist #4: “You have to think about the costs. Adding a third or fourth option could cost billions.”
Dapper: “Correction – trillions. And that doesn’t include maintenance. Experts estimate a 12.4% increase. That’s not negligible.”
Panelist #2: “The inclusion and safety of all beings is priceless.”
Dapper: “No, it’s trillions of credits.”
Panelist #3: “My movie opens this weekend.”
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Doog: “No BIAS interference on this one?”
Voss: “Oh, he’s fully involved. There’s not an original thought in Dapper’s head. He’s just parroting whatever BIAS feeds him, steering the conversation towards whatever conclusion BIAS wants.”
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Dapper: “Bathroom standardization across diverse species – a simple question: are two designations…enough?”
Panelist #1: “For most of us, yes. Efficient, clear, no confusion.”
Panelist #2: “Most’ is doing a lot of work there, Dapper. Some species don’t fit neatly into either category.”
Panelist #3: “I thought I was here to talk about my new movie?”
Panelist #4: “You have to think about the costs. Adding a third or fourth option could cost billions.”
Dapper: “Correction – trillions. And that doesn’t include maintenance. Experts estimate a 12.4% increase. That’s not negligible.”
Panelist #2: “The inclusion and safety of all beings is priceless.”
Dapper: “No, it’s trillions of credits.”
Panelist #3: “My movie opens this weekend.”
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Doog: “No BIAS interference on this one?”
Voss: “Oh, he’s fully involved. There’s not an original thought in Dapper’s head. He’s just parroting whatever BIAS feeds him, steering the conversation towards whatever conclusion BIAS wants.”
Voss: “TV3 has smaller subsidiaries stationed on the bigger, more populous planets. Local segments and live events on these worlds fill the rest of TV3’s programming. All, of course, reviewed and optimized by BIAS.”
Doog: “At this point, I’m wondering why the rest of you are even here.”
BIAS: “Non-AI news representatives increase viewer trust by 31%.”
Voss: “Purely for the optics, I suppose.”
Doog: “At this point, I’m wondering why the rest of you are even here.”
BIAS: “Non-AI news representatives increase viewer trust by 31%.”
Voss: “Purely for the optics, I suppose.”
Voss: “N3-W5 has a small fleet of news ships to cover news on smaller worlds. They can be deployed from the station’s hangars at a moment’s notice, and reach even the most distant regional worlds in hours.”
Doog: “That’s quite the outfit for a news crew – puts my crew to shame.”
Voss: “They must be able to report on a variety of worlds with drastically different environments.”
Doog: “That’s quite the outfit for a news crew – puts my crew to shame.”
Voss: “They must be able to report on a variety of worlds with drastically different environments.”
Voss: “One day they’re reporting about pirate raids in a toxic desert…”
Voss: “…the next they’re capturing an arrest on a polluted factory world. These guys and gals see it all.”
Doog: “Oh, I understand. I’ve been to a world or two. Anything else to add, Voss?”
Voss: “Nope, and I shouldn’t linger. If I’m not looking useful, BIAS will be coming after me next! See you later!”
Doog: “Oh, I understand. I’ve been to a world or two. Anything else to add, Voss?”
Voss: “Nope, and I shouldn’t linger. If I’m not looking useful, BIAS will be coming after me next! See you later!”
Doog: “Well folks, that’s N3-W5. This Regional Aggregate Station collects and filters regional news and broadcasts it over TV3. There are hundred of these stations spread throughout the galaxy, all run by annoying AI’s called BIAS. These AI systems purify the news so the LIU’s image is preserved. I wonder if any of my broadcasts on TV2 are filtered as well? Probably. Oh well, see ya!”
Note:
Note:
Space stations in the LIU galaxy are typically named after their galactic coordinates. N3–W5 is a notable exception. Though officially located at N24–W7, the station was authorized to adjust its designation to better resemble “NEWS.”
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