Ash Moon's history as owner and operator of Ultimate Ventures is testament to the reputation of Wastelanders for being as savvy in business and leadership as they are with dealing with harsh environments of their home. Taking over from former owner Flair was a relatively peaceful affair, apparently handled primarily with negotiation rather than wading in with legal threats (though no doubt Ash Moon was well prepared on that front as well).
The transition of power was also marked with a high-profile court case that demonstrates one of the hazards of cultures clashing - Ash Moon of course broke no laws; his predecessor being judged under the law of his tribe was ultimately deemed to be outside of Bastion jurisdiction and claims of murder were written off as overhyping by his business competitors trying to ruin his reputation.
Ultimately, Ash Moon's expeditions and connections in the Wastes also saved Bastion on multiple occasions, most notably as he led the expedition that captured Earth Shakes and let the defenders turn back the attack from the large psychic monster known affectionately as “Chalky”. He was also instrumental in securing the power station now owned by Power for a New Day, as well as helping to bring down Metrovore, and discover more about its origins.
–excerpt from Carved Into The Walls: How Bastion Came To Be, by Anthem
“Okay, we've officially gone off the edge of the map, folks, so I want everyone to be extra cautious and keep their eyes out. The route we're taking for the remainder of the trip is based on information from our friend, so it should be reliable, but it doesn't hurt to be cautious.”
“Spark, you're in charge of charting the terrain we're travelling over. If this pans out, we want to be able to bring back some more expeditions on this route, so I need these to be as accurate as possible.”
“The entrance to the Gamma site is apparently mostly buried. When we arrive, I want Wingnut to take charge of clearing us a path while we set up camp. Gintrap, you need to scout the area to check for wandering monsters; if you find any you need to either clear them out or lure them away - I don't want our dig site disturbed while we're working. Quake, you need to be first line of response to any threat.”
“Lastly, Grid, you're on archaeotech sweeping duty - I want you checking the area to see if there's anything interesting. As soon as we've cleared you some space I need you to look over any archaeotech that's securing the entrance; I don't want to have come all this way to end up locked out.”
–Ash Moon's speech to the crew of the Ultimate Ventures expedition to Facility Gamma
As Oasis takes a path that brings it closer to Bastion we've received news that there'll be some more regular caravans coming by under the Ultimate Ventures banner. It seems the Metrotours idea has caught on and we'll be expecting a lot more city-dwellers coming to visit our fair city.
Some Oasis natives have expressed concern at the potential influx of tourists, but Ultimate Ventures are reportedly confident that the opportunities this presents will be good for business - both theirs, and for Oasis as a whole.
Ash Moon, owner and operator of Ultimate Ventures, is quoted as saying:
“As a resident of both Oasis and Bastion I'm excited to help improve cultural understanding and forge ties between the two cities. I'm confident that Ultimate Ventures' planned Oasis Field Trips will lead to new friendships and new opportunities for everyone involved.”
Ultimate Ventures maintain strong connections with the city and in the Wastes as a whole, with Ash Moon maintaining his professional history with High Noon and Midnight; the Oasis Field Trips may spark a strengthening of this connection and open up the possibility of more cooperation in the future.
–From The Wild Wastes, issue 12
