Court orders emergency halt to Veilcorp construction project

A Hawaiian court has ordered an emergency stay on two of three Veilcorp construction projects this morning. The suit brought by the Lahaina Conservation Association (LCA), sought to end the construction of 3 underground storage facilities inside the preservation zone. Environmentalists are hailing the early morning order as a big win against what they call “an increasingly hostile opponent.” Veilcorp officials on the other hand point out that the construction projects were a result of a law initiated by these same groups.

Hurricane Neki hit Maui hard on July 5th, 2047. The storm made landfall in Lahaina and caused widespread damage. From many businesses on Front street, to large swathes of protected forest, there was no shortage of work for clean-up crews. An already difficult job took a potentially dangerous turn when a 127 (Unbiseptium) container was discovered along the beach. Later in the day more containers were found in a number of locations, and officials were alerted. 5 containers were eventually found, and although they all turned out to be empty, the scare sparked a push to better regulate the storage of the dangerous element.

The Maui Conservation and Recovery Act promised to tighten regulations on the storage of 127 and other hazardous materials, as well as put limits on the amount of those materials stored in one place. Despite objections from Veilcorp and a handful of business organizations, the measure had overwhelming public support. It was passed quickly and unanimously and signed into law by the governor.

Controversy soon followed concerning Veilcorp plans for the construction of new underground storage facilities. Officials in Honolulu approved the construction of 3 new warehouses and an accompanying tunnel system beneath the Lahaina Preservation Zone. Opponents were quick to protest the decision, and filed an appeal to have the new projects shutdown.

LCA spokeswoman Kimberly Hekili says,

“The regulations in the preserve would prohibit Veilcorp from building these storehouses above ground. It seems ludicrous that the State has decided it would be fine to let them build beneath these areas. The whole thing stinks of collusion and reinforces our belief that Veilcorp believes the rules don’t apply to them. Earlier this year we saw how entwined the company is with the Mayor’s Office with their trash scandal. Reports continue to roll in about how dangerous 127 can be, yet the company’s Icarus Project continues to bombard us everyday. While we are disappointed that only 2 of the 3 construction operations were shut down today, we are hopeful that our voices and concerns will be heard. We suggest that the company uses some of their record-breaking profits to improve their technology and find a safer power source. Their marketing materials talk about bringing people together and creating a global neighborhood. Their actions however prove that they are not concerned about the health and safety of the people in that neighborhood.”

Veilcorp was set to break ground on all 3 projects simultaneously during a media event this afternoon. The company says they will still hold a ceremony for the single approved dig and have filed their own emergency appeal. The company had hoped that the event would be a turning point in overall public opinion and a growing distrust of many here in Lahaina.

Veilcorp COO Lisa Hunt says she just wishes the environmentalists would make up their mind.

“The people who filed for this emergency stay are the very same people who pushed for the law requiring us to build these facilities in the first place. The plans were approved by the governor and the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) months ago. They were available to the public immediately upon their approval. I’m sorry that these people were too busy making each other bracelets, peeling garbanzo beans, and offering words of encouragement to nesting birds to read the actual legislation that they had pushed for. We are already overburdened with preservation zone regulations and frankly we don’t have the time or inclination to deal with a bunch of part-time environmentalists. These plans have already been approved by real scientists who understand complex biology, and environmental systems. While I’m sure Kimmy thinks she is saving the world, I would suggest that she and the rest of her drum circle move on and put their energies into issues that they can grasp.”

A response to the Veilcorp appeal should come later today, while a final decision on the remaining construction projects could take months. It may take a while for the courts to weigh in on the issue, but others are ready now. Preservation Zone Compliance Officer Elizabeth Stonegate says,

“I appreciate that Ms. Hekili likes to think that she is in charge. Children often pretend to be the boss of something when they play together. Unfortunately for her I don’t have the time or desire to pretend with her and her friends. I was appointed by the mayor to oversee these issues and I’ve done a remarkable job. As far as I can remember Kimberly wasn’t even in the running. I can assure her and the other children in her group that the adults have everything under control. She should get back to dealing with whatever it is she pretends to do best and leave the hard work to me.”

We Need to rethink these discount trips

from: Richard Brace

to: Lisa Hunt
date: Fri, June 5, 2048 at 5:53 PM
subject: Unintended Consequences of our Lowered Pricing

Hi Lisa.

I’m sorry to contact you about this, but we both know that Eric isn’t himself these days, and I’ve sent numerous messages up the chain with no response. I just want to make sure that someone with the power to make a decision is aware of the state of things. Since we’ve known each other for years, and you’re effectively in charge now, I thought I’d reach out. Don’t worry, I won’t make a habit of it.

I understand that Icarus was a great success. We’ve been getting regular 127 shipments, and the stockpile is really impressive. The other day one of the guys in operations calculated that we had enough in storage to send every man, woman, and child on earth through the veil almost 4 times. I also have a basic understanding of economics. Since the cost of powering everything is so low it makes sense to pass the cost reduction down to our customers, but that’s the problem. Making things cheaper for everyone else is eating away at my budget faster than I can keep up.

As the head of Safety and Facilities here in Lahaina I’ve seen a huge increase in damages, injury claims, and a big blow to our image. I’m sure an accountant somewhere made the case that if we lower the price by half, we could triple the amount of travelers and shipments. On paper it makes sense, but I don’t think they’ve considered all the ramifications. In the past I’ve been a big believer in toeing the company line when it comes to the social benefits of letting all people travel freely, but these discount customers are changing my mind. The increase in headcount we now need to run smoothly has to be eating most of that revenue increase. If you couple that with the hit we’re taking to our reputation, I can’t imagine we’re ahead at all.

Even with the quota law in place here on the island we are getting a long line of unsavory individuals veiling in every day. You wouldn’t believe the number of people who come through for day trips without shirts or shoes on. When I first started, veil travel was a luxury. People appreciated it. Did you ever have a really nice bike or toy when you were a kid? Do you remember how well you took care of it? It’s human nature to respect something that costs a lot, and to not worry about things that are cheap. We have become cheap and it’s hurting our brand. Some of these people have less respect for us than they do for a convenience store. The increase in settlements from people slipping or stepping on glass has forced me to double the full time cleaning crew and they still can’t keep up with the traffic.

The lobby is starting to look like a bus station. I don’t have enough crew to deal with the increase of travellers, and nobody seems interested in giving me a bigger budget. We have to deal with numerous cases of people using the facility as a flop house, or unruly drunks using us for pub crawls every day now. A group came through recently that thought it would be a good idea to climb the sculptures. One of them was literally swinging from the chandeliers before we got him down. If we can’t get more security staff in soon we’re going to become a buffet table for personal injury lawyers. Do you have any idea what our liability would have been if he fell and broke his back? Are we looking to change our Company motto to “Here, hold my beer. Watch this”?

Intoxicated customers falling from the sky isn’t the worst of it though. Yesterday I saw that someone sent a babyseat through with baby included. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Evidently, the mother has been sending the infant this way for months because of a shared custody order. With the lowered prices, it’s just more “convenient” for her to make the exchange this way. Her ex showed up minutes later, but for a few terrifying moments my crew was responsible for the welfare of a baby, and evidently it wasn’t the first time! I called the authorities but that’s not really the point. It’s clear to me that we are one bad day away from a PR disaster.

I’ve even heard rumors that we’re going to start a food delivery service soon. Please tell me that isn’t true. Since the price adjustment we have seen an almost 400% increase in the number of packages arriving through our shipping service. I can assure you that we haven’t had a similar increase in the amount of inspectors. I worry everyday about the Feds finding a huge drug cache or worse, not finding some sort of explosive device. With our enemies in congress we should be worried about the Feds sending something like that themselves to test the system. Right now I don’t think we’d pass the test. Can you imagine what would happen if some of the food we transported made someone sick? They’d rake us over the coals in the media, and they’d be right.

At the very least I need enough budget to cover all the cracks that are spreading across our operations. I feel like I’m being set up to fail right now. Maybe I’m just stuck in the past when I think about this place. Veiling used to be an extravagance. The station used to command a certain amount of awe and respect, and now we’re slowly turning into a glorified taxi service. This can’t be good for our bottom line.

U.N. Releases Report on Recycling Cartels

A troubling report was released today about the vast number of men, women, and children who are forced to spend their days sifting through trash looking for valuable recyclables. The U.N. claims that over 3 million people are made to harvest plastics, metals, and other raw materials by so-called “Recycling Cartels”. According to the report, the huge drop in oil prices and other global-economic disruptions have created an environment conducive to the cartel’s operations. They estimate that the number of forced laborers will grow to 5 million within the next 10 years.

While the authors were careful not to focus on any underlying blame, that has not stopped many in the media from doing so. Veilwatch founder Tim Durney says it’s clear who is to blame for the issue, Veilcorp. Durney says that the problem began in 2039 when 182 countries signed the Gateway Travel Accord, making veil transportation legal and easy worldwide.

He says that the world was not ready for the economic realities of having a ultra-cheap workforce available in any country and the ensuing collapse of transportation sectors. With so many people out of work or displaced, Durney contends that it was inevitable that bad-actors would exploit the impoverished and fill the void left by failed governments.

“The truth of the matter is that mankind was not ready for the box Veilcorp opened when they unleashed this dangerous technology. The problem started when they signed the GTA. We saw massive protests, numerous failed states across the globe, and wars. Not content with that, Oeming started his Icarus project and solar production of 127 began. It was like adding a supercharger to Veilcorp’s engine of destruction. Now we find out that millions of people have to pick through trash just so they have access to food and shelter. These cartels used to make their money doing terrible things: human trafficking, gun running, drugs, you name it, and now thanks to Veilcorp, forcing people to sort through garbage pays better,”

Durney says.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Patrick Swalwell, who signed the Gateway Travel Accord, disagrees. He says that every new technology causes a period of uncertainty. Swalwell maintains that the extraordinary nature of veil technology may be causing a larger ripple than normal, but in the end, economies will adapt. “The reality is that unfortunately right now there are places where gathering recyclable materials is economically feasible. I think these groups are deplorable but I disagree with the U.N. report. I believe in history, and history has shown that issues like this will reset and resolve themselves after a period of transition.”

Durney counters, “This is the same song and dance we’ve heard again and again. They say that the only way to fix things is to let the chaos run its course. The only way we can learn how to use this technology is to let terrible things happen. But we have to ask ourselves, were we ready for this? Are we really ready for a leap this big? I believe the answer is clearly, no!. You wouldn’t give a room full of toddlers guns and say that some are just going to have to shoot themselves until they learn how to use them responsibly.”

Veilcorp spokesperson Lisa Hunt says she finds the report troubling, but pushes back against claims that the company is responsible. Hunt says that the company has strict guidelines about what sorts of materials can be transported and follows all applicable laws in the areas the corporation does business in. She contends that Durney’s allegations are grandstanding and nothing new.

To claims that the company should take the lead in addressing the cartel problem, she says,

“We are not the world’s hall monitors or the global morality police. We are a company that transports goods and people across the globe in a safe and enjoyable manner. That’s it. Blaming Veilcorp for failed states and what amounts to slavery is absurd. I don’t recall hearing about steel manufacturers being blamed for the world’s knife attacks. I wish all this outrage, both real and manufactured, would be directed where it belongs, at the cartels and governments that allow this inhumane practice to continue. We could demand the expansion of recycling facilities to help cut the money out of this barbaric practice. Governments could work to restore order in the areas where the cartels operate and give these people a chance at a better life by finding jobs. I happen to know a company that is pretty good at helping people get to work everyday. Let’s start blaming the people who actually robbed the bank and not the people who made the car they got away in.”

Hundreds Rescued From Veilcorp “Floatilla Protest”

Off Baby Beach this morning, the so-called Veilcorp “protest floatilla” dissolved into disarray, less than a week after it began. Hundreds of protestors had to be rescued from the water with dozens being treated for exposure and related injuries. 6 people are in serious condition. Officials say alcohol and drug use contributed to the chaos, adding that they are looking into charging protest organizer, John Driscol.

According to Driscol it all started last Saturday, April 11th. He had just had a heated conversation with a tourist about the safety of Veilcorp’s Icarus project and the solar production of 127 (Unbiseptium). Many, including prominent scientists, are concerned about the impact the element is having on the surrounding environment.

“I was so hot after talking to that know-it-all, that I had to leave the beach bar and cool off in the water. I stepped on an urchin almost right way, and that’s when it occurred to me: Veilcorp is making Lahaina a terrible place by storing huge amounts of 127 in the ground and ruining our beaches by dumping thousands of urchins in the water. There’s no way I could actively do anything to stop them, they’re a huge organization. If I had any chance of making myself and my concerns heard, I’d have to do the opposite. I’d do nothing, and I’d do nothing for a long time. I’m good at nothing and It didn’t surprise me at all how fast the protest caught on.”

Armed only with floaties, kayaks, paddleboards, and a few swimming mattresses, John and a few friends floated out in the Baby Beach area and begin their lackadaisical protest. Word of the unique demonstration spread quickly through social media. By Sunday, hundreds, some with boats, had joined Driscol in his floating revolt against Veilcorp and the status quo. That evening, the story was picked up by numerous media outlets and the response was “staggering”.

While many were confused about the exact purpose of the floatilla or how they planned on accomplishing their goals, some locals embraced the idea and offered their help. Inventor Ano Lee provided the floatilla with 5 of his Sharknet modules to help protect against attacks. “I’m not necessarily behind the movement, to be honest I’m not even sure what it is they hope to accomplish, but I love the idea of almost a thousand people becoming convinced that floating in the sun and drinking beer is a radical form of protest. I’ll support that kind of thinking however I can, just to see what will happen,” Mr Lee said.

Others provided suntan lotion and offered emergency floatie patching services. Driscol says, “I made it clear that this was a BYOB kind of thing, but a couple of my backers did send out care packages of pineapple and orange wedges, cherries, and pretzels to help us keep our strength up, but there just wasn’t enough bar garnish for everyone.” Officials estimate that at its height Wednesday evening, a living raft of almost 10,000 protesters had joined the floatilla and major issues began to surface.

Those issues came to a head Thursday night and carried over into this morning. Over 30 first responders worked on treating victims overnight suffering from severe dehydration, heat stroke, and exposure. A dozen conservation officers weaved their way through the water, conducting safety checks and looking for underage drinkers. They estimate that the cost of the cleanup effort to remove all the trash left by the protestors is going to reach into the tens of thousands. Ocean Safety lifeguards and the U.S. Coast Guard are scheduled to assist the effort today. Many are now calling for the government to break-up the floatilla and file charges against Driscol. An anonymous source inside the mayor’s office says that at the very least, Driscol will be billed for the cleanup and emergency response.

Veilcorp COO Lisa Hunt says she is bewildered by the protest, its leader in particular, and hopes that everyone makes a full recovery, despite what they think about the company.

“I’m rarely surprised these days but I have to admit the size of this group of disgruntled floaters amazed me. Very early on we made contact with Mr. Driscol to ascertain exactly what it was he wanted and his quote was, ‘I want you to stop.” When we pressed for specifics about what it was he wanted stopped he responded, “You know, all of it.” That was the extent of our negotiations. The fact that anyone got behind this man is astonishing to me. John Driscol is like some sort of mythical creature from a parable. He has become so lazy and unwilling to take responsibility for his actions that he has created work for himself, and will be left holding the bag for all the misdeeds of his fellow floatillians. It’s an amazing accomplishment, but not one anybody should be proud of.”

Veil Station Review Controversy Hits Lahaina

It is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and a West Maui landmark. Lahaina’s veil station is one of Veilcorp’s busiest and an architectural marvel. Nearly 5 million tourists pass through the station’s walls every year. According to online reviews, most of them love their experience. Visitors highlight the many amenities offered inside as well as the numerous package deals for day trips and seeing the sites. However, hundreds of those reviews are now being called into question. Lahaina has joined a growing list of municipalities that are accused of paying for fake reviews to increase tourism. Mayor Albert Cravalho says his office is looking into the allegations but denies that the city has “…commissioned any false testimonials or reviews.”

There are many things Veilcorp concierges can help you see or do in Lahaina but two tours have recently grabbed public attention. The Lahaina Shrimp Pools offer tourists a chance to soak in mineral-rich waters while native hand-sized freshwater prawns caress their bodies, exfoliating skin, drawing out toxins, and any stress they might be holding in. Wahikuli’s Hyacinth House is a traditional structure built completely of flowers by a fisherman’s widow while she waited in vain for his return home. One reviewer called the house, “A tribute to indescribable beauty and unfathomable pain.” Both attractions have dozens of 5-star ratings but there’s just one problem. They don’t exist. According to the latest allegations, the city council sought out these fake reviews to increase tourism and secure the Lahaina station as the highest rated in the world.

In a statement, Mayor Cravalho says he has no personal knowledge of the scheme and “highly doubts anyone on the council has solicited fake reviews.” He adds, “We have strict rules and guidelines that we follow in regards to our marketing campaigns as well as our Veilcorp related initiatives that prohibit the sorts of things that the council has been accused of. While I’m confident we’ve done nothing wrong, we have launched a complete investigation to get to the bottom of the allegations and restore the public trust.”

While Veilcorp itself hasn’t been implicated so far, there’s no doubt that the company is feeling pressure over the fake reviews. At a briefing, COO Lisa Hunt told the media that the company does its best to make sure customers have access to accurate information and is looking into the matter internally.

“All of our stations are designed to offer our customers the safest and quickest travel experience available. Our partners have all been vetted to ensure that they are offering the best experience for travelers looking for shopping, a special meal, a relaxing day, or the trip of a lifetime. We take these allegations very seriously and will take swift action if it’s proven that fictitious reviews were commissioned by anyone. We can instantaneously transport people anywhere in the world but as amazing as our technology is, we can’t police the internet. Fake reviews are an unfortunate part of modern life, and we do our best to flag questionable comments with the appropriate social media platforms when we find them. We look forward to the findings of Mayor Cravalho’s investigation and have started our own inquiry into the matter.”

Despite the mayor’s denial and Hunt’s statement, many say there is a thriving review business in Lahaina and the truth isn’t required to cash in. One local man says it’s possible to make a living doing nothing but posting reviews if you’re prolific enough. John Driscol says he’s posted reviews for discounted products, free meals, gift cards, and to pay off parking tickets from the city.

“If you have a device, an internet connection, and thumbs willing to type, you can make it in Lahaina. Just about every business has some sort of discount or gift offer if you post a review. It’s a great way to make a few extra bucks and get a free meal if you’re hungry. I’ll admit that I did leave a review for that flower house thing. It sounded so cool that I thought people would really like it. I even thought about checking it out myself and anyone who knows me knows that I don’t like going anywhere but the beach or the bar. I didn’t go of course but I thought about it. I don’t write a review of anything unless I’ve heard someone else talk about it first so I don’t feel like I’m doing anything wrong.

To be honest, the only time I thought something might not be right was when I was approached by that one guy about posting things about how great the Lahaina veil station was in exchange for paying off some outstanding parking fines. I asked him if that was legal and he said “of course” so I did it. Now there’s all this controversy and they’re saying it’s bad but legal? Like, what does that mean? Are they going to put me in review timeout? All these questions are cutting into my free time. I wish I could remember the name of the guy who asked me to write the reviews so I could get everyone off my back. I’m about 60% sure I’d recognize him if I saw him again but evidently, that’s not good enough. This was supposed to be an easy way to make money without any effort, but it’s turning into a relaxation killer. 1 out of 5 stars. Would not repeat.”

Law That Would Put Quota On Veil Travelers Passes

Amongst cheers from its supporters and threats of legal action from the opposition, the InterIsland Preservation and Travel Act (IPTA) was passed today. The law would establish tough new regulations on the use of Veil transportation on any of the Hawaiian islands and impose a quota on the number of monthly visitors. Many native Hawaiians see the measure as a much needed safeguard for failing infrastructure and fragile natural areas. Veilcorp calls it a disappointing overreach. The controversial law is set to go into effect in 2047.

Proponents of the legislation say it is needed to protect strained electrical and sewage systems and to shield vital natural areas from overuse. Advocates point to the frequent back-up and spillage problems in Honolulu, and the recent destruction of a turtle nesting beach in Maui by a wedding party, as proof of the need for the law.

Starting next year, anyone planning to veil into the islands must submit a visitor declaration at least 60 days in advance, and outline which destinations they plan to visit as well as provide a departure date. Anyone caught staying past this date, or veiling in without a permit will be heavily fined with the possibility of jail-time for repeat offenders.

Not everyone on the islands agrees with the law. Many local businesses say they depend on a robust tourist trade, and cutting down the number of tourists by what some estimates say could be half, would be the beginning of the end for them. They also point out that so far the state has not explained how they would administer the monthly quotas or the waiting lists that are sure to reach out into year-long delays.

All of these questions and concerns are moot according to Veilcorp spokesperson Lisa Hunt. She says the new law is absurd and clearly unconstitutional, calling it “legislative theater”. Hunt says,

“Freedom of movement under United States law is one of the most fundamental constitutional rights of citizens recognized by the courts. It was recognized in the Articles of Confederation and the right to freely move between states is about as basic as it gets. What the Hawaiian government has done here is nothing more than an act of pandering to a very vocal and militant group of voters. They know that this law will not stand up to scrutiny in the courts. We suggest that they upgrade their sewer systems if they are no longer sufficient instead of spreading it around through legislation. Perhaps these advocates should get out of their comfy chairs and take a more hands-on approach to protecting the natural areas they allege to hold so dear. Stripping away freedoms won’t induce turtles to lay eggs.”

Mayor of the County of Maui, Albert Cravalho, disagrees. He says the law is much needed relief for a problem that has been growing for the past 7 years.

“Freely traveling between states has been considered a fundamental right but the federal government has not been invested with the authority to protect that freedom by the courts. That power has always resided with the states. But more importantly, we have to recognize that the Constitution is a living document. At one time slaves were considered three-fifths of a person, alcohol was illegal, and women were not allowed to vote. The creators of this great document wrote with quills, the ramifications of overcrowding due to veil technology was not on their radar. Oeming and his precious Veilcorp are just the latest incarnation of Captain Cook-like characters trying to exploit the beauty of Hawaii and its people. This problem really started to grow in 2039 when the United States joined 181 other countries in signing The Gateway Travel Accord. Giving virtually the entire population of the planet permission, and the ability to instantaneously stuff themselves into the 4,000 square miles many of us call home is short-sighted to say the least. Every winter our jails are filled with drunk Bostonians and others overstaying their visas. This is not a problem of our making. This is a global issue that was thrust upon us. Luaus aren’t a human right afforded to every southie, Saudi and shanghainese!.”

Albert’s sentiments are shared by many on the islands despite their doubts about the law’s eventual impact on the overcrowding and flash-tourist problems. Local IPTA advocate Elizabeth Stonegate says,

“As President of the Tanager Lane Homeowners’ Association for the past 15 years, I’m no stranger to hard and unpopular decisions so I empathize with the Mayor. If you think putting a travel quota in place is hard you should try getting everyone to agree to mandatory hibiscus planting. I agree that this is a problem that was thrust upon us by other countries. Just the other day a lost tourist wandered into the neighborhood. He walked up to me as I was getting the mail and asked for directions. His accent was so thick and I didn’t know what he was saying at first. You can imagine how off-putting the experience was. If something like that can happen in Tanager Lane, I can only imagine what horrors happen on a daily basis in the less upscale areas around the island.”

Business Enacts Hiring Freeze On People Who Have Used Veil Travel

2046 was going to be the year that 37-year-old Sam Pilikia got his life back on track. It had been 3 years since his headline-making accident at the Lahaina veil station and his long road to recovery. The doctors had cleared him for work and with over a decade of experience as a lift operator, he was sure he’d be able to find a job in no time. His interview at a local Duracve sorting facility went fantastic and he was positive that he’d get an offer soon. When the company’s letter arrived in his inbox he was ecstatic, until he read the first paragraph. Like a growing number of businesses, Duracave had decided to put a hiring ban on anyone who had used veil technology more than twice in the previous year or worked with element 127, the fuel that makes veil travel possible.

“I was completely devastated,” says Pilikia. “I broke dozens of bones, suffered a brain injury, and had burns to over 50% of my body. The doctors weren’t even sure I’d make it, but I fought hard. I didn’t think anything could stop me, then I got this letter saying I’m unhirable for life because a barrel of 127 fell on me. It doesn’t seem fair.”

Sam is not alone. Dozens of businesses now have some sort of hiring freeze on people who frequently use veil travel, impacting thousands seeking work. A Duracave statement about their policy reads in part, “….above all Duracave represents freedom and a self-sufficient lifestyle. Unfortunately, we live in a time in which tyranny has many faces and to avoid the tyranny of higher health care premiums we’ve had to enact new hiring policies excluding those who might have vulnerabilities. As a company, we are only as strong as our weakest employees. Just as in nature, we’ve had to thin the herd to keep the company in good health and fiscally strong.”

While Pilikia and others fight against 127 hiring bans, VeilWatch founder Tim Durney says the practice is going to become more and more common until the truth about the effects of 127 is exposed. “I think we’re seeing the private sector step in and do what the government should have been doing all along,” he says.

“The truth is that 127 has a devastating effect on your health and the environment. We’ve proven that Veilcorp has known for almost a decade that this element makes permanent changes to DNA. 127 saturates living cells and there is no therapy or method for removing it. The biggest misconception right now is that you can’t live in this day and age without Veilcorp. That’s just not true. We have a program right here on Maui that teaches the public how they can avoid using products that are shipped with veil technology and how to live a clean healthy life avoiding 127 exposure. Unsafe and unregulated, veil technology is one of the greatest dangers to our world today!”

Veilcorp COO Lisa Hunt says she’s disappointed that companies are buying into what she calls, “complete nonsense.” She adds, “It is almost beyond belief that some health insurers have increased rates for people who choose to travel in a modern method based on pseudoscience and superstition. My heart goes out to the people caught up in this nonsense who are simply looking for a job. 127 and veil technology have been proven safe by millions of customers transported without incident across the globe every year. Opening an umbrella indoors, walking under a ladder, and having a black cat cross your path doesn’t preclude you from reasonable health insurance rates and employment. Neither should veil travel.”

While most experts seem to be on Hunt’s side there is no denying that the growth of 127 bans shows that the general public still has some doubts about the safety of the element. Kurt Bickley of Suter, Stine, Burn & Partners (SSB&P) says his law firm takes 127 exposure seriously and has represented dozens of people adversely affected by veil technology. “If anything, Mr. Durney is underselling the dangers,” he says.

“We have already filed a class-action suit against Veilcorp on behalf of thousands of parents who have had twins or triplets because of exposure to 127, but in a lot of ways, these multiple birth parents are the lucky ones. The list of health issues caused by veil travel is long and terrifying. Some of the most common problems include severe mood swings, blackouts, spastic arm syndrome, depression, veil palsy, problems with memory and concentration, paranoia, overactive bladder, Morgellons, a burning sensation in the teeth, dropsy, frigidity, nausea, heart palpitation, pica, trench mouth, sleep apnea, night terrors, hair loss, and a sudden drop in IQ. If you or a loved one has experienced any or all of these symptoms after veil travel contact SSB&P immediately so we can begin your case and establish our right to 30% of your recovery.”

Veilcorp Debuts “Potato Day” Campaign

It’s been called childish, inane, banal, senseless, and ridiculous by some, but many travelers look forward to Veilcorp’s April 1st marketing campaign every year. The company’s unique annual announcements have become a much loved company tradition, even though a few complain that the campaigns make the 1st the worst day to travel. This year was no different. At midnight in Lahaina the company made their announcement, and customers could smell the spud in the water, Veilcorp would be celebrating “Potato Day” for the next 24 hours.

Veilcorp has a long history of promoting Lahaina innovation and special events says Brie Howard, VP of special projects and strategic growth.

“Veilad pioneered one of the most popular electric vehicle charging campaigns in the world. With the help of our sponsored-species partners, the Duracave elephant herd remains viable and happy, and Womanimal nearly saved the wild cheetah population from extinction. The company has given a young man born in the Lahaina station free travel for life, and offered the public some of the most advanced facial recognition software available. However, I think Potato Day is special. Smashed, whipped, baked, sauteed, grilled, boiled, or fried, the noble potato is almost as versatile as Veilcorp itself. The tater has spread across the world, connecting cultures and people, a perfect metaphor for what we strive for every day at Veilcorp. Immediately upon reaching their destinations, customers will see a sign that says, ‘Caution: Incoming Potato’ and our special gravity fed delivery system will drop a potato. This will be the first integration of such a system ever with our veil technology, making the whole process very exciting.”

In addition to their complementary potato, Veilcorp customers will be able to enjoy special potato oriented events unique to their location. According to a press release, the Lahaina station will feature seminars from world famous botanist Adler Walters, who will describe the tuber’s importance in history. “First cultivated by the Inca people around 8,000 BC, the Conquistadors discovered the flavor of roasted potatoes when they conquered Peru. To put it simply, they were blown away, and brought the new food to Europe. The new crop was easy to grow and very nutritious. A superb source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, copper, manganese, phosphorus, niacin, dietary fiber, and pantothenic acid, with antioxidant qualities, the potato can be considered a super-food. They were worth almost as much as gold during the Alaskan gold rush, and became the first vegetable grown in space, when NASA successfully grew them back in October, 1995. It is now one of the most popular crops on the planet…. The potato is a traveler and a pioneer, just like Veilcorp.”

Reactions to the Potato Day campaign have been mixed so far. Some food security experts have called it wasteful and short-sighted. Advocate Kimberly Hekili says, “If Veilcorp spent as much time and money trying to end hunger as it does being “quirky” once a year, thousands of kids wouldn’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from.” Numerous online auctions are already up, offering a hungry public a chance to own a Veilcorp potato. With prices soaring as high as $5000, there’s no doubt that these potatoes are hot.

COO Lisa Hunt says she stands behind the company’s Potato Day offering. “There’s nothing like having a potato around in case of an emergency,” she says.

“Not all marketing campaigns are created equal, but I think it’s fair to say that we hit it out of the park this time. I’ve been assured by our London station that everyone is having a spuddy good time with the new promotion. We’re including a voucher with every potato, redeemable for preparation and cooking at thousands of participating restaurants across the globe. We want to make sure even our busiest travelers get a chance to enjoy the starchy goodness we’re handing out today.”

Hunt says the promotion will continue while supplies last, and hopes that everyone appreciates the pilgrimage of the potato across the globe, and their own journey as well.

Group Offers $2K to Go “Veil-Free” For a Week

There’s no doubt that Veil technology has become an integral part of our lives. Over the past two decades, Veilcorp has become the largest corporation the world has ever seen and partnerships with the megacorp have become essential to businesses in most major cities. Virtually all travel is done through a Veilcorp facility and here on Maui, almost 98% of goods arrive through the veil. With such a complete integration into our daily lives, you might wonder if it’s possible to do anything without putting a few dollars into Veilcorp’s pockets. A new group says that it is not only possible, but they’ll teach you how to do it and pay you $2,000 if you can go a week “Veil-Free”.

Veil-Free is the brainchild of well known anti-Veilcorp pundit and founder of VeilWatch Tim Durney. Unlike his watchdog organization, Veil-Free isn’t concerned with releasing internal documents or classified government memos. Instead, Veil-Free teaches those who sign up for the program strategies for uncoupling their lives from Veilcorp on a sprawling 100-acre farm. Better yet, they pay participants $2K for completing the week-long course. Durney says, “We like to keep the farm a positive place and try to not say the company’s name if at all possible after orientation.”

“Unsafe and Unregulated, Veil technology is one of the greatest dangers to our world today, unfortunately through backroom government agreements, and illegal business practices Veilcorp has wormed its way into most of our lives. So much so that most people can’t fathom how they’d live without it. That’s what the farm is about. It’s a way to remind everyone that life existed before Veilcorp, and you can easily live a Veil-Free life if you know what to do and who to do business with.

Our beautiful 100-acre farm is a great place to learn how to find sustainable local food and business options, as well as learn the cleansing power of our green pineapple drinks and supplements. We demonstrate how much you can cut into your grocery bill with small food plots perfectly sized for any backyard and free of any 127 contamination. The staff teaches you how to spot a company that does business with Veilcorp and how to chip away at Veilcorp’s stranglehold one small business and drink at a time. Veil-Free is all about teaching you how to live your best and most socially responsible life, and unlike most schools or programs we pay you at the end.”

Veilcorp COO Lisa Hunt, of course, has a different take on the Veil-Free program, calling it “a cult designed to sell questionable health supplements”. She says, “I’ll be brief as possible because Tim has already gotten enough publicity out of this little stunt. The fact is Veil technology has been proven safe for decades now. Indeed, Veilcorp has forever changed the world, but for the better. Medicines can now get where they need to go instantly. Relief and aid workers can respond to a disaster in seconds. Exploring other countries and cultures has never been easier, and for those of us who remember traveling in a jet, well I don’t have to explain how much better travel is now. People lived before we had vaccines and modern medicine too, but I wouldn’t call their lives better. Tim should save himself the $2K a head, put down the pineapple potions, and buy himself some perspective.”

Reviews from Veil-Free participants have been widely mixed with some lauding the program as a responsible path to the future, while others say the daily classes are nothing more than real-time infomercials for pineapple based health supplements. One thing that everyone seems to agree on however is how nice the $2,000 payout is at the end. The money is what initially interested John Driscol, but the Lahaina resident says he’s not sure if he’d go through the program again. “Getting paid to not do something seemed like the kind of thing I’d excel at, but it was really lame, and the supplements made me sick,” he says.

“I mean on paper it seemed great. Just kind of hang out and not veil someplace for a week while a passionate person talks to you about what they’re passionate about. Get a $2K check at the end. It sounded like something I could do. While I try to not get passionate about too many things, I don’t mind when someone else does as long as I don’t have to be part of the conversation. It turned out that the thing they were most concerned about was getting us to try these green pineapple drinks that were supposed to “flush the 127 out of our systems”. I don’t know how much 127 I had in there before, but there must have been some because it was pretty explosive. After 2 or 3 of those drinks, it was all gone, along with anything else I might have had in me.

Also, we couldn’t do anything or frequent any business that had any ties to Veilcorp. Do you know how many companies have a partnership or do marketing events with Veilcorp? It’s like all of them! I couldn’t get food delivered or get a car to drive me to the beach. It was a week of eating whatever happened to be coming up in those little garden plots, braving yet another green drink or eating a pineapple hull bar. After the drink, I didn’t have the heart to try the bars. I had to take the bus everywhere, surrounded by the kind of people that ride the bus and make do with surplus single-ply toilet paper. It’s was a nightmare!

On top of that, we could only go to like a dozen approved locations on the island and only use really old gaming systems. They had all these tips on how to have fun at home with your family, and I was like “Who the hell wants to spend leisure time with those people?” I see them every day, but at least they mostly leave me alone and never try to sell me stuff to improve my health. Not doing something was never so brutal! By the end, I felt like I was trapped in an infomercial on a channel I’d never watch. On my last day, I told them that they owed me more than just $2K for my emotional distress, but they took away my complimentary cleanser and told me to leave. I’m not sure I learned anything other than the unfortunate power of green pineapples and how thankful I am for delivery drones. Next time I’m going to not do something someplace else for money.”

What the Veilcorp travel ban reminded me, and what we can all learn from it

It’s been just over a month since my exclusive interview with Eric Oeming and a couple months since the company stopped enforcing its media “travel ban”. In my 20 years at the Seattle Times I’ve covered a number of high-profile stories: Government corruption, the dismantling of the largest human trafficking ring the country has ever seen, a hazardous waste facility leaking toxins into the groundwater, and of course the theft of the first object ever sent through the veil. None of these stories generated they kind of interest in my colleagues as the Oeming interview.

A few were angry that I broke some sort of unwritten code. A fellow journalist, who I won’t name, told me, “We should turn the tables and refuse to write or report anything about them.” Many still wrongly blame the company for the remaining travel restrictions (more on that later). Most however had one simple question, “How did you convince him to talk?” The answer to that question was something that my grandmother taught me a long time ago; something that may seem simple or obvious, but has been lost somehow over the years. The answer is, I asked politely and with respect.

As journalists, our job is to follow a story wherever it goes and report the facts. It is our job to arrange these facts in a coherent manner and provide an unbiased narrative for the public. We are the last line in truth, often butting heads with business and the government. It is a noble profession but it’s one that can leave you jaded. When you are lied to as often as we are, it’s easy to imagine everyone is lying. When you are constantly exposing the damage we do to one another, it’s easy to think the worst of people. When you are constantly dealing with distrust, it’s hard to have faith in others, but we need to.

When you add in the huge amount of money celebrity “journalism” produces, the waters get even muddier. For as long as people have been reading there has been salacious journalism; it’s nothing new. However, the last 40+ years has seen a huge rise in the industry. People have died while being chased by photographers trying to see what kind of clothes they were wearing. We know what everyone eats, and we speculate on what it means when our favorite actress doesn’t eat the bread that came with her dinner. Is she dieting? Is she sick? Does she have a personal vendetta against the baker? It’s gotten to be too much.

My grandmother was one of the first female prosecutors in the area I grew up. She put herself through law school working as a saleswoman . After 25 years of dealing with the worst of society she retired and became a victim advocate. She told me that the most important lesson she learned through all of her careers was to listen and have empathy. The first thing you do when you meet someone who wants to buy a dress, or steal one, is be polite. When someone has gone through a traumatic event it changes them, and it’s your job to make them feel safe and respected. With a few notable exceptions, this was the key to her success. I’m not sure how or when, but it’s a lesson I think many of us have forgotten.

Veilcorp is a corporation made of people. On May 4, 2041 those people experienced a horrible tragedy. They lost friends and co-workers. Some lost family. Many had survivor’s guilt or suffered from PTSD. Federal investigators were everywhere, security and worry was at an all time high, and the company founder was hanging on by a thread. Into that turmoil the media flooded the island, and it was like water being thrown into hot oil.

We know now that the group who forged documents and used fake identification to infiltrate the Veilcorp facility, were just photographers looking for a huge payday, but at the time there was concern that they were terrorists. I still see stories about how Veilcorp is blocking journalists from traveling to Lahaina, when in fact any current travel restrictions are due to low population zone (lpz) regulations. The compliance liaison to the mayor’s office, Elizabeth Stonegate, is actually in charge of keeping the number of reporters veiling in to a manageable number, but that’s a story I haven’t seen anyone interested in reporting. With this as a backdrop I don’t think it’s any wonder that the company felt it had to do something.

I explained all these things to Lisa Hunt. I told her that I wanted to tell their tale about human struggle, and the future of an improbable success story. I wanted people to understand that she and Dr. Oeming were people too and not just faces in the news. Despite the chaos of the previous months, I told her that most people were honestly concerned and curious. I told her I would be respectful of their delicate situation, but truthful in my reporting. I would treat her and the company the way I would want to be treated if I was going through a similar experience. That was my secret weapon, the thing that everyone else seemed to miss.

I’m a big believer that you don’t go out of your way to reward people for doing the right thing, but I think in this case we should commend Veilcorp for seeing the error in their ways, and ending their media blackout. But there’s a bigger lesson to learn here. I think we all learned just how fast things can escalate after a tragedy and how sometimes fighting fire with fire makes an inferno. I think we learned how everyone just wants to be treated politely and with respect, at least I hope we have.