It's a month since the last post, but I figured I'd add my $0.02
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Technically, I'm an Independent Unfettered Anarchist. Since I've been out in the world, I've noticed most people are selfish. I'm certainly no exception, and Politicians are so far removed from being exceptions that they practically ARE the rule. They don't care about their constituents, all they want is the power that comes with the title. I'm not and never will be a pirate, but at least Archon Delaine and his ilk are up front about their self-serving agendas. I won't pledge myself to the Kumo crew, but I can at least appreciate their honesty.
The Feds are probably the worst of the bunch, but anyone who's seen my Inara profile knows I'm friendly with the Feds. Truth be told, it’s only because my area of operations just so happens to fall within their turf, therefore my transport runs tend to increase my reputation with them. In reality, Snyder Enterprise in the TZ Arietis system has what I need, and I'm going to avail myself of it for as long as it suits me. I find another decent stomping ground in Imperial or Alliance territory, I'll move there, become friendly with them. Either way, my factional reputation reflects not my political ideologies, but rather my needs at the moment.
The Federation claims to be a democracy, but they’re not. The only way you have a voice is if you have the money to back it up. Whether they see it or not, Federation citizens are slaves to their corporate masters. I refuse to be a slave. I’ll play by their rules on their turf, but as soon as I find anything that suits my needs better, I’m out.
The Empire is just as corrupt as the Federation, but it’s out in the open. Lawmakers that’re above the law? B.S. Though if you're a slave, at least you know it. They say it’s like ancient Rome, but in space. Maybe so, but I don’t really care. If I find they have something that suits my needs, you bet I’ll avail myself of it.
The Alliance seems to be the best of the Big Three, but they’re closed off. You want to get anywhere? You have to have a permit. Sure, their mutual defense strategy is effective, even smart, but it’s that overall compartmentalization that turns some people off. It feels too restrictive. And the government can’t seem to get much done with all the disagreements and concession-making. At least the military and its “Council of Admirals” can defend what needs to be defended when it needs it.
The Big Three, as I like to call them, all have their faults. But as long as their stations suit my needs, I’ll use any one of them, which usually leads to a friendly relationship. But make no mistake, I support nobody but myself and my wing, if I get into one.