If you're over 30, you're going to hate the pop-culture references in the west. If you're not a 1990's sci-fi dork, you're going to hate the gratuitous Star Trek references in the east. So...something for everyone!
It was pointed out to me that Erin Rhode had a similar (and excellent!) puzzle in AVCX last year, which I had completely forgotten about. Ah well. Link to Fiend review.