Who is behind the NMLA? The GalNet Tinfoil Trail.

[Vetinari]

All quotes taken from GalNet from resurgence late last year to Feb this year.

Even though we all know that caustic enzymes are common in the bubble as we can buy caustic missiles all over for some time now, GalNet and the story seem to think they are in short supply and the NMLA needed a source and has major backing from someone. So lets go with that version and see where they could have come from within the story as presented.

Discoveries made two hundred years ago by an abandoned megaship have revealed untapped sources of meta-alloys within the Coalsack Nebula.

"Sixteen systems within the nebula were colonised last year to form the Witch Head Enclave, after a successful initiative to locate fresh barnacle sites."

Meta-alloys, why are they needed so much now exactly?

The Alliance plans to construct several new outposts in the Coalsack Nebula. From these, commercial and scientific operations will be conducted to locate fresh sources of meta-alloys and other potential sites of interest.

So not just Meta Alloys as previously stated.

An Alliance initiative has successfully prepared the Coalsack Nebula for exploitation

The Alliance has opened new starports in the Coalsack Nebula, and is offering high prices for Thargoid-related commodities.

For research? For a source of enzymes?

The starports will serve as launchpads for further exploration of the region. Several corporations are working in partnership with the Alliance to locate commercial and scientific sites of interest.

“The Thargoids have been in the Coalsack Nebula for at least two hundred years, giving us an opportunity to increase our understanding of this alien species. Thanks to funding provided by pharmaceutical and bioengineering companies, we can offer generous rewards for shipments of Thargoid biological matter and other artefacts.”

Biological and other....

Sirius Atmospherics has requested help from independent pilots to provide exploration data focusing on ammonia worlds for terraforming purposes.

For terraforming, got it.

The subsidiary of Sirius Corporation is working in partnership with the Alliance to establish colonies within the Coalsack Nebula, and to identify sites of commercial and scientific interest.

Commercial and scientfic - source of enzymes again?

“Sirius Atmospherics offers rewards for explorers who can provide us with exploration data. We are particularly interested in detailed scans focusing on the composition of ammonia worlds, not just in the Coalsack Nebula but elsewhere.

So a nice local source?

The subsidiary of Sirius Corporation is one of several companies that are working in partnership with the Alliance to commercially exploit the region.

Project director Dr Maximilian North gave this progress report:

“Preliminary efforts at ecosphere conversion have delivered promising results, but our new techniques are not as effective as the simulations based on exploration data suggested. We are still a long way from fully transforming these worlds into habitable environments.”

OK so terraforming didnt work?

Independent journalist Flint ‘Firemaker’ Lafosse commented on this via the Rewired network:

“Does anyone really believe Sirius is there for the terraforming? Of course they can’t magically turn ammonia hellholes into paradise planets overnight! I know a cover story when I smell one. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re deliberately trying to provoke the Thargoids for some reason, maybe to capture some specimens. Where there’s xenos, there’s credits.”

The Alliance has corroborated Dr North’s report, but also confirmed an increase in Sirius Corporation personnel and equipment arriving in the Coalsack Nebula.

A cover story? So what are they covering up? Potential enzyme collection? Sirius involved yet again.

The Holloway Biology Centre on Colonia 7 G is the organisation’s primary research laboratory, which specialises in xenological studies. Jaques Station, which is also in the Colonia system, has agreed to serve as the delivery point for this initiative.

And a fairly new site to study and develop these organisms or is it enzymes?

Chief researcher Dr Roy Casimir outlined the requirements:

“There is still a huge amount to learn about the fascinating structures that grow within the vacuum of space. As our stock of specimens is running low, we require fresh tissue samples from living organisms to continue our experimentation programme.”

Dr Roy Casimir, chief researcher at the centre, expressed his gratitude:

“These vital supplies mean that we can resume our studies on the incredible organisms that float through the void. Here at Holloway we’re making many breakthroughs in the field of xenobiology, some with intriguing commercial possibilities.”

Holloway making breakthroughs in xenobiology?...

The postponement of the election for a new prime minister has led to widespread public disorder across Alliance systems.

The Alliance Assembly vote was scheduled for Thursday the 25th of February. This date clashed with the start of the Galactic Summit, causing incumbent Prime Minister Edmund Mahon to propose that the election be delayed for three mo

And finally, with Sirius Corp collecting Meta-Alloys to prevent against enzyme damage in ships carrying said enzymes and different xeno samples from all over and failing to terraform Ammonia Worlds at all but now knowing where they are, and multiple mentions of scientific and commercial outcomes, there is a risk that a new Alliance President could reduce their power or stop working with them....or even expose them....so they just need another few months to complete whatever it is they are really working on.....and one month later 9 stations get hit with caustic enzyme bombs transported in presumably meta-alloy reinforced ships.

Are Sirius the ones behind the NMLA?

 

[Rubbernuke]

I'd love it to be Eddeh. He always looks shifty.

 

[Vetinari]

Im leaning towards Mahon atm, even though he seems inept, maybe its a ploy to appear to be a clown while really being an evil mastermind...or at least a willing pawn in their game?

Sirius and Lakon Spaceways affair could be seen in a new light as well. 'Bail out' a company when in reality it was all planned to appear that way to get their hands on a separate company to actually make the bomb components with less oversight as everyone relieved it got saved from bankruptcy and don't take a closer look?

 

[Ozric]

I have maintained since quite near the start that Sirius are the people I trust the least. They have their fingers in more pies than anyone else in the game, and there was a few years when they were mentioned in far more Galnet articles than anyone else. I'm fairly certain they were involved in the story around Halsey, Palin and the black ops ships.

They are as old as Methuselah

My thought has always been that when the INRA disbanded they moved into Sirius corp, they've never really gone away and things have gone from there. I most certainly wouldn't put it past them to stage an elaborate "terrorist attack" to continue to assure they keep their high station.

 

[Vetinari]

My thought has always been that when the INRA disbanded they moved into Sirius corp

So maybe timeline went something like Azimuth into Pharmasapien into INRA into Sirius and all their subsidiaries (and now maybe ACT is taking over as a result of those 'terrorist attacks' you mention, back in 'official' government / Superpower control ready for the next move)....and now the Feds have a new Intel outfit as well...either the plot thickens or we all need to get some fresh air

 

[Speedcuffs]

Is it not the amusement Park owner?

 

[Ozric]

So maybe timeline went something like Azimuth into Pharmasapien into INRA into Sirius and all their subsidiaries (and now maybe ACT is taking over as a result of those 'terrorist attacks' you mention, back in 'official' government / Superpower control ready for the next move)....and now the Feds have a new Intel outfit as well...either the plot thickens or we all need to get some fresh air

I have the impression that Sirius never want to be right at the forefront of things. They are much happier pulling the strings behind the scenes. I think that they believe things are getting a little beyond their grasp with the superpowers diverging more and so they just need to reign things in a bit and make it all more manageable.

So yes a group like ACT that is working with all of the major players and can have direct influence over them, makes the perfect sense. I wouldn't be surprised if Aegis was formed by people with intel handed down from the INRA and used as a way of getting their foot in the door in preparation for this.

But then I've been listening to UAs since 3301, so...

 

[Half-Lock]

So was that latest GALNET entry a reference to an in-game effort by one of the BGS player-factions?

 

[Vetinari]

So was that latest GALNET entry a reference to an in-game effort by one of the BGS player-factions?

Sorry which GalNet you mean? The last one I quoted in OP or the most recent GalNet published, or another one?

The last one I quoted in OP was all 'text only', we heard about disruptions and protests across Alliance space after Mahon postponed the elections, nothing to do with BGS or players, afaik nothing in-game represented it directly either, at least not yet.

If not referring to that one and can't quote from GalNet just give the date and Ill find it (latest GalNet was published today about conflict in Mudhrid which is the CG starting today but not sure if thats what you meant)

 

[xzanfr]

I reckon the club is behind it, in preparation for a new story arc when odyssey comes out.

 

[Half-Lock]

I reckon the club is behind it, in preparation for a new story arc when odyssey comes out.

The Club ever make an appearance in-game, or were they mostly from the the book?

Sorry which GalNet you mean?

Most recent GALNET entry:
"Conflict has erupted between the Epsilon Fornacis Empire Group and the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid.

An investigation by ACT in the Mudhrid system confirmed that the Order of Mudhrid provided logistical support for the NMLA’s starport attacks. Their agents infiltrated other local factions to transport enzyme bombs to their targets.

The faction has now renamed itself the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid. Landgrave Arastin Delacroix, its leader, has declared a revolution against the Imperial Family."

I was wondering if this was pure lore or was tied into some of the BGS actions with actual players behind some of the mechanics of how this went down

 

[Vetinari]

Pure lore / back story for the CG to take place. There is another 2 factions currently at war with each other in Mudrhid which could be normal player influenced BGS activity, or can happen naturally. Basically 2 factions above 7.5% Influence and within (iirc) 1% of each other can go into conflict, so players can make this happen and often do. Conflict happens with 2 opposing ideologies eg Anarchy v Democracy factions, if 2 similar ideologies eg 2 Democratic then an Election state happens instead.

The Order and Fornicus are way too far apart in % Influence to fight with each other naturally so the conflict state is artificially created by Frontier to cause the conflict for the CG and the storyline. This is normal for a CG conflict and doesnt affect normal BGS usually, its all kept separate....normally. Usual BGS wars are best of 7 days so can finish in as few as 4 days if 4-0 or last the full week if 4-3 down to 0-0 if nobody fights, the CG conflicts will always last 7 days unless CG targets are met earlier, regardless of daily outcome and will often finish with the equivalent of 7-0.

So the CG conflict is usually artificial and created for the story and doesnt obey normal BGS rules and this one is the same, but players can also force BGS conflicts between factions at any other time by creating the right circumstances. CGs outcome is based purely on CG amounts reached, normal BGS outcome is majority days won.

Hope that makes sense

 

[Vetinari]

The Club ever make an appearance in-game, or were they mostly from the the book?

Not yet, not in name anyway, theres a few things like this storyline that could be their work, we know they have many fingers in many pies....

 

[Ian Doncaster]

Not yet, not in name anyway, theres a few things like this storyline that could be their work, we know they have many fingers in many pies....

There's an oblique reference to them in one of the more recent articles about Jupiter Rochester - https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/60212d7aa4e2185f794a4065 - which I think is the only time they've been acknowledged in Galnet.

GalNet and the story seem to think they are in short supply

I'd guess there's a difference between the amount needed for a couple of ship-to-ship rockets, and the amount needed to put a significant hole in a space station.

 

[Half-Lock]

There's an oblique reference to them in one of the more recent articles about Jupiter Rochester - https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/60212d7aa4e2185f794a4065 - which I think is the only time they've been acknowledged in Galnet.


I'd guess there's a difference between the amount needed for a couple of ship-to-ship rockets, and the amount needed to put a significant hole in a space station.

I decided to look into the lore books mentioned in that post about The Club, so maybe I’ll run into stuff here and there that might start to push things in the direction of piecing together some mysteries.
I will say, however, that I’ve been seeing some explosives delivery missions- like some of your guys in Raxxla pointed out to me, Mick, right after the NMLA attacks- at numerous stations and I’ll document my personal suspicions via my inara rp

 

[Ian Doncaster]

I will say, however, that I’ve been seeing some explosives delivery missions- like some of your guys in Raxxla pointed out to me, Mick, right after the NMLA attacks- at numerous stations and I’ll document my personal suspicions via my inara rp

You should see explosives delivery missions - at least sometimes - at any Refinery station to go to nearby Extraction stations, just because of the standard economy-based mission rules.

If you see one outside that pattern that would be very interesting: do let us know if you find one!

 

[Crimson Echo]

The CIEP (Dark wheel splinter group) had the idea of toppling the old Emperor (among other things) to achieve their ends. The club may have other reasons either as a whole or individually to want different people in control of the empire. Most obvious reason would be to prep for a full scale thargoid invasion more easily in the fashion they desire. The fed president appears to be in the club's thrall already.

Who has the most to gain from toppling the emperor? Denton Patreus. He appears loyal on the surface, but the books suggest otherwise. He has aspirations for the throne. His control of the imperial fleet, and ruthlessness means he benefits from making the emperor look weak. The NMLA attacks and the ALD inability to stop them makes an argument that the Empire needs new, strong leadership. Patreus is the obvious choice, and probably a member of the club. (ALD does not seem to be part of the club.)

The most recent attacks against all the super powers does not seem to align with the NMLA goals, and would have needed significant external support achieve. Making enemies of absolutely everyone and unifying the galaxy in opposition to the NMLA does not seem a wise move. An IISS or FEDSOD operation seems unlikely given the body count. INRA (if it still exist in some form) or Sirius would be able to provide the needed support/access. What they could stand to gain is less clear. Sirius would profit greatly from a fed/imp war, and INRA was a joint fed/imp operation.

The simplest explanation is that the club think an large scale civilization ending invasion is coming, and they are getting their pieces moved were they are needed for when that time comes to give humanity the best chance for survival. The surface goals and methods are just a means to an end and need not be consistent or effective.

 

[Vetinari]

I agree the most likely candidate is The Club, but as they arent specifically referred to in any format in game (just hints at a shadowy cabal) I was trying to see where the trail lead according to the info we do have as we get it and to see how they may operate. I also 'know' / strongly believe that Sirius is The Club or one of their agents anyway. Following the breadcrumbs all the way to the top in real time as we get the info just seems more fun....like Mulder chasing Cigarette Smoking Man, if he got there week one we'd have had none of the weekly episodes.

Im not entirely sure what the overriding goal of The Club is now though so am playing dumb and treating the info as clues along the way and will RP different 'takes' or viewpoints as they appear in-game or what I think we are meant to believe...and I could be 100% wrong about everything all the way, which is the fun to me, thats why this is in Lore & RP not in Discussions or some other forum....now if they had a 'Delusions' forum Id be right on it

 

[Half-Lock]

Hey, so I picked up Premonitions, which seems to be the home plate from which any information on this The Club resides, but can anyone confirm whether or not either Elite Encounters or EDRPG have any significant contributions to the lore that isn't currently covered in Galnet and whatnot, and whether or not they're still currently supported by the FDEV team for such purposes? With what I'm doing, I'd prefer to stay within bounds rather than chart a new frontier and then have the whole thing collapse on itself when FDEV sends out that inevitable internal email like, "Hey, you guy's wanna blow up a bunch of bases again?"

 

[Vetinari]

8th April 3307 - GalNet

"It was recently learned that in 3113 the Adamastor’s sister ship, the Hesperus, also disappeared. Both were owned by a corporation called Azimuth Biochemicals, which was absorbed by a rival named Pharmasapien. Little is known about either company, but it is believed they were competitors in the field of xenological research."

So far so good, Xeno research added in as additional info to both corporations...so whoever took them over has had 200 years of research to study. Still could be the timeline mentioned above leading to Sirius.