Hello all!
The Facebook promo event is now up and running, and invites are going out almost daily; check it out or pass it on! It's also come to my attention that some people have been having problems with pledging specific amounts that fall above or below the levels listed on Unbound. After checking this for myself, I've found that you can pledge for a specific level (say, Digital Patron), and then add however much else you'd like. I've emailed my contact at Unbound to confirm, but I'm fairly sure that this is the best option to submit whichever pledge amount you prefer. If you feel like getting several of one, consider passing them on as gifts, along with the pledge rewards; to us newbie authors, views and reviews are often just as valuable as sales!
Below is the next bit of background for Discarded: a little backstory on CellWorx Laboratories, where the first forms of ARC were conceived. Comments, suggestions and critiques are welcome, as always!
CellWorx Laboratories: A private medical research company based in Seattle, WA, with some grant and other funding ties to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Founded in 2013 by Drs. Richard Garrett and Samuel Hunter, both prominent NIH researchers, and widely acknowledged prodigies in medical science, with personal funds from both founders and a steady stream of private investment. Attracted approximately fifty specialists and other staff in early years; this is wittled down to twenty-five by the start of the ARC (Accelerated Regeneration Compound) tests in 2018, mostly assistant-level, largely due to Garrett's and Hunter's assuming a majority of the research workload. Initial foci: Genomics, medication therapy, reparative surgery and neurobiology. Some minor advancements made or proposed in all four fields during the company's first five years, but nothing earth-shaking...until the development of ARC. Maintained as a private entity for several years following this discovery, CellWorx was nonetheless drawn into closer connection with the U.S. government and the Vanguard Party over the following decade, with most of its funding sources coming under the control of DARPA and affiliated contractors such as AdventTech, overseen by the CIA. Personal and financial disagreements led to Dr. Hunter leaving the company in 2024, and Dr. Garrett assuming full ownership. Merged with Project Golem in 2031, with all staff and equipment moved to the (classified) site of the newly-created operation; first generation of Golems produced at this site. All personnel (including Dr. Garrett) and all files and labs believed to have been destroyed in the Seattle Bomb of 2046; site remains dangerously irradiated five years later, preventing confirmation.