New Narrative Developments in Marlinist systems.

[Rainbro]

Three days ago, local news articles appeared in the systems that have been locked down by the Empire. These seem to have gone somewhat under the radar - in fact I didn't know that local news was still possible under the new UI, since that deleted all the old ones when it arrived. Credit for the images goes to GalNet News Digest and their recent video.

Today, military megaships have arrived in the Ackwada, Beatis, and Nahuatl systems. Each is under the control of the most influential local Imperial faction besides the Marlinists: The "Glorious Destiny", the "Clarity of Truth" and the "Spirit of Justice". This is likely related to the most recent GalNet article.

The Empire has declared martial law and a lockdown in Ackwada, Beatis Chana and Nahuatl, where the republican ideals of Marlinism are known to be popular. Imperial Army troops have replaced local security forces, and potential NMLA sympathisers are being arrested for interrogation.

Senator Patreus received applause in the Imperial Senate when he vowed:

“There will be justice for the murder of Prince Harold Duval and justice for those citizens who perished in flames. The Marlinists will pay dearly for these atrocities!”

This is potentially setup for a CG today, though I'm not sure why Chana is missing a megaship. The reason I'm making this post is that if there is a CG, it will likely be a two-way CG between the Empire and these Marlinist factions, and that's an important choice to make.

The NMLA are terrorists. But this is not an attack on the NMLA - this is an attack on all Marlinists, as demonstrated by the GalNet where Patreus makes no distinction between the two. These systems were not locked down because of NMLA activity, but simply because Marlinism is popular there. These people haven't done anything wrong except to have their beliefs used as an excuse by a terrorist group - I could make some risky parallels to real life events here but I'd rather not.

There have been numerous references in GalNet that hint at the NMLA having external funding. Someone is using them to destabilize the Empire, and with the way things are looking, the Empire is about to perform another politically motivated purge - in other words, it's working.

The real enemy is the group using the NMLA. Scapegoating the legitimate Marlinists does nothing but play into their hand. I don't exactly agree with Marlinism, but I definitely don't agree with arresting or executing people for legitimate political beliefs. This purge will only make the NMLA stronger if it succeeds, and the real perpetrators will get away scot free.

GalNet is starting to matter again. Don't make your choice blindly.

 

[Factabulous]

Good spot!

Edit: The galnet mentioning those systems omitted the "Pilots Federation ALERT: For the attention of all Commanders " hint , so I assumed it was the usual fluff ..

 

[Rubbernuke]

Oooo sneaky and delicious work by FD. I was afraid it was going to be Galnet by numbers but I'm pleased how this is going.

 

[CMDR Serra]

I'm going to get my cheap Imperial ships sorted and then head down for a look-see...

 

[Factabulous]

Fight for Marlinism! Station-killing missiles for everyone!

 

[Northpin]

The Marlinists should turn over all the NMLA members.
They will be able to do so until today , 1500UTC

Failing to comply will attract the Imperial Wrath over the terrorist and the people harboring them.

 

[Rubbernuke]

The Marlinists should turn over all the NMLA members.
They will be able to do so until today , 1500UTC

Failing to comply will attract the Imperial Wrath over the terrorist and the people harboring them.

Well Patreus will be breaking out the spanking paddle regardless- remember the guy shot a prisoner dead on the senate floor, its going to be brutal for those systems whatever they do.

 

[Northpin]

Fight for Marlinism! Station-killing missiles for everyone!

If they will work against carriers too, you can count me in

 

[Hadrian Augustus Duval]

Good to see this.

 

[Old Duck]

I was planning to head there myself to see if there was anything to observe.

 

[Rubbernuke]

Good to see this.

Nothing like a good underling purge before afternoon tea

 

[CMDR Serra]

Genuinely conflicted about this one.
Not a big Patreus fan, but not sure I want to be fighting against the Imperial Navy.
Hmmm...

 

[CMDR Jayce MacLeod]

Hmmmmmm interesting storyline here. Well, while I am not an Imperial Citizen, I would have to "side" with the Imperials on this one.

 

[Vetinari]

GalNet article today says trade opportunities at new starports built from previous CG....Attn All Cmdrs included....probably an opportunity for traders during this combat CG....

 

[Tifu]

Let's post any findings here if someone does spot anything unusual happening in these systems.

 

[AtomEddy]

My character is definitely an Imperial Citizen, but not of an imperial mindset. Even then, I think Marlinists are a murky sort.

I suspect that the rumors might be true about Marlin Duval being assassinated along with her family by Henson, to usurp power. The Republic is the original ideology of Achenar, which Henson twisted into a monarchy that is now known as The Empire.

I'd like the return of Republican thought, but killing the seemingly insignificant member of the royal family (the guy just led a decadent life and didn't rule anything) looks like a backhand provocation. It doesn't make sense. I don't think this is what true Marlinists would want. They want a change, not to spite some people in the upper echelons.
The whole thing is just too clumsy and brutish.

I will support the Empire on this one.

 

[Bottom Hat]

It says it all really when I read that the great Jim Henson is behind some of the Imperialness - looks like Muppets will end up ruling the world!

 

[Vetinari]

And you just know its Beaker & The Cookie Monster behind it all, with that scientist boffin developing the weapons.

 

[Sylow]

Well Patreus will be breaking out the spanking paddle regardless- remember the guy shot a prisoner dead on the senate floor, its going to be brutal for those systems whatever they do.

Yea, but that prisoner was his assassin, who just did his dirty work and unfortunately failed to get himself killed by doing so. Would he have survived, he would've spilled the beans.

Thus Patreus had a good reason to kill him. Unless you claim that the Marlinists also are his creation...

 

[Vetinari]

Create a terrorist, create Public outrage & reaction, create the need for a security clampdown or extra powers and then do it....wouldn't be the first time.