Down from the Heights

Hey there folks! Jacqueline here! If you have been living under a rock, you might not have heard that Union Heights is open for business! We’re all in the process of moving in, checking out our new offices, stuff like that, so today, I’m going to keep things shrimple, and talk about new beginnings.

First off, check out my new office! It’s literally beachside, how sweet is that? (Conch – Ed.) It’s literally beachside, how conch is that?

There was a real party vibe at Azura Cove today. A few issues with the trains didn’t dampen spirits as Row residents, Wastelanders and locals mingled freely, playing volleyball and enjoying the atmosphere. Beach life was a novelty that many in the lower levels hadn’t experienced, and visitors were keen to sample every part!

But you don’t need to drink seawater OR eat sand, no matter how delicious, as Trident food and drinks are available at reasonable prices right there on the beach! Come by between 02:30 to 03:30 daily to stay moist and soak up some suns! I might just see you there. (If she’s actually doing her job. – Ed.)

It seems like there are a few kinks to work out in the GEB production lines in the district, however! A local citizen ordering a GEB cube got quite a surprise – when they bit into it and found it to be a rock! Ouch! Local GEB PR representative Elpizo Feall claims that this was a one time hiccup that is being fully investigated at time of reporting. Maybe we can solve it with a new gameshow? Rock or Cube! Think you can do better than GEB at telling the difference? Answer on your phones!

Outside of the beach parties and culinary mishaps, the atmosphere in Union Heights today was a mix of resignation, resentment, and cautious hope. The impending demotion hung like a Sword of Damocles over the last nine months for those blamed for the synthetic terror attacks. But far from a shameful exile, Union Heights carries some of the best of all worlds, mixing corporate amenities with public transit access that makes the district far more of a melting pot than the Upper City ever was.

Even so, the divide between ‘Corp’ and ‘Non-Corp’ individuals remains strong. Comments like “I don’t hate all corporates…unlike some people” and casual use of terms like “slummer” speak to a reality where enmity is assumed, and corporate colours can sometimes feel less like a uniform and more like a battle flag. And yet even with tensions running high, and the high towers still looming above, for most, Union Heights represents a second chance.

As I get my things packed up and moved to the neighbourhood (Yes, moms, I need that many pairs of shoes! It’s for work!) – I can’t help but join the wave of cautious optimism. We got dealt a bad pull on the gacha, but we pull again. And hope that this time, it isn’t a rock!