FJRK: A Look See Into 4 Holes and Borealis

[Editor: FJRK]

A Look See Into 4 Holes and Borealis
June 7, 29480 - Max "Looksee" Mcgee (FJRK) [Global]

FJRK - The history of Borealis is an interesting one to say the least. The early days of the city are lost to antiquity, but it is safe to say that Omni-Tek originally founded the community in the hopes of turning it into a mining outpost. After the mines were discovered to lack a profitable amount of notum the community was largely ignored. If it were not for the fact of Borealis being set in a valley of the massive Western mountains, which afforded it natural protection, it most likely would have spelled the end of the community.

Approximately 230 years ago though an odd thing happened. Omni-Tek as well as Clan members grown weary of the constant turmoil abandoned their affiliations and sought out non-political areas to settle and life their lives. Borealis was deemed a good place to do so. A lack of direct Omni-Tek interference, isolation, and the settlers desire to build lives for themselves proved Borealis to be the perfect setting. The community grew to become the freewheeling, thriving city that everyone deemed safe to visit. Known for its neutrality, it was a boon to Clan, Neutral, and Omni-Tek personnel alike, until now.

May 30, 29480 was the day Omni-Tek chose to reclaim their small forgotten community. This was done under the guise of increasing security against the alien scourge being visited upon our planet. I spoke to a few individuals from the council of merchants who ruled Borealis. They mentioned that Omni-Tek were never asked for assistance. Nor were they welcomed as saviors. Instead the city has become a hotbed of accusations, complaints, attacks and counter attacks by concerned groups who believe that Omni-Tek is intent on forcing the neutrals from their homes and depriving them of what they have worked so long to achieve.

In speaking with fellow clansmen, the response has been mixed to say the least. There are those among them who when asked their thoughts replied with "Omni sucks." Another replied, "Omni is abusing the citizens of this planet. They have no right to control the free peoples of Rubi-Ka in such a fashion." Then there are those who simply does not care for Omni-Tek in anyway shape or form, and see this as yet another example of why the corporation cannot be trusted and deserves to be destroyed.

Several other people are simply baffled as to why Omni-Tek would choose now to beef up security. They point to the failure of the suppression gas in Borealis and wonder if perhaps Omni had their hands involved in somehow tampering with the gas. One highly paranoid clan member I spoke with expressed, "Omni messed with the gas just like they did when they shot Ross."

I spoke to another clansman who expressed that Brigadier General Stephen Nelolius had stated ICC simply stepped aside at the request of Omni-Tek. Having asked for and being turned down for an interview, this reporter is unable to verify that account.

Sadly there were also accounts of lone clansmen fighting and dying in their attempt to escape after being caught unaware in shops in the peaceful community as Unicorn Company, and Omni-Tek Armed forces moved in to occupy Borealis. They were shot on sight as they exited the shops in unprovoked acts of murder. This has prompted outrage from shop owners and Neutrals alike.

The neutral citizens I encountered during the course of this investigation expressed outrage and shock over the loss of their homes and livelihoods. They spoke of the tragedy of seeing innocents caught in the crossfire between Omni-Tek forces and those who chose to fight to repel the unwanted attentions of Omni-Tek. Overall the feeling this reporter got from those who would speak with me were rage, desperation, and pain over seeing what they had worked for, for so long, taken away; not so much the material objects, but the sense of community as well as the sense of self-government and self-destiny. Perhaps now that neutrals that have had the opportunity to walk freely among Omni-Tek controlled territories will understand why the Clans take such a strong stance against the corporation.

What shocked this reporter most, I must confess, were the Omni employee reactions. They are as mixed as everyone else's. One lady in particular whose name I have removed for her protection stated flatly, "I'm of the Omni side. But I think that Borealis should remain neutral territory", and "I think that borealis remaining neutral is good for all people". Contrary to her beliefs, others cheered for the taking of new territory.

While most I have spoken with are studying the the ongoing situation others have chosen to act. In a surprise turn of events, Unionist Field Marshal Erin Mileknia led a force of Unionist troops in an assault that ended with the 4 Holes Mining facility being held by the clans. Public record states that the mining facility there is the largest Omni-Mining facility planet side. So this reporter doubts that the storming and claiming of such a vital asset to Omni-Tek will go without repercussions.

Attempts at gaining an interview with Unionist members were rejected. I did manage to speak with a clan member affiliated with the Unionist organization, he stated, "I haven't considered all the ramifications of the situation yet."

Only time will tell what these changes may bring to our fellow clansmen. Are we moving closer to full blown war yet again? Or is it simply the latest in a long line of political maneuverings by Omni-Tek. Until next time faithful readers:

This is Max Mcgee of the Free Journalist of Rubi-Ka with your in depth look see.

[Telcea]

I spoke to another clansman who expressed that Brigadier General Stephen Nelolius had stated ICC simply stepped aside at the request of Omni-Tek. Having asked for and being turned down for an interview, this reporter is unable to verify that account.

As shown here and in various other places, he did indeed say "ICC forces, recognizing Omni-Tek's rightful ownership of this city, withdrew without incident per Omni-Tek's request."

My view on the event? Omni-Tek were well within their right to move troops in to defend their assets in Borealis, no one else was going to do it and with the Goliath class battle stations soon to arrive, the nearby comms relay may prove vital to the coporation.

[gergiskoo]

The article is heavily biased against Omni-Tek. No Neutral homes or livelihoods were lost. Only their trade agreements with Clanners (which are, in all likelihood, illegal anyway) were suspended, and, due to the very nice comm system which we have on Rubi-Ka, such trade can easily be relocated to other places, such as Newland, the ICC headquarters, or even Clan territory. I can also attest that the Unicorns and their escorts have been very careful in not attacking Neutrals, except in cases where the Neutrals attacked first.

[langwiz7]

The article is from a clan newsletter...perhaps I should let your bosses know what your light reading material consists of. I'm sure that an anonymous check for an anonymous tip would be fair.

[Twistshot]

The article is heavily biased against Omni-Tek.

Actually, compared to a great number of articals that have been published, this one is quite calm in it references towards Omni-Tek. The reporter did a wonderfull job at reporting only what he learned from other people rather than his own veiw and stand point..

[gergiskoo]

Actually, compared to a great number of articals that have been published, this one is quite calm in it references towards Omni-Tek. The reporter did a wonderfull job at reporting only what he learned from other people rather than his own veiw and stand point..

I tend to not read the Clan newsletters, so I don't know how good this is compared to the rest of it. Looking at it again I can see that the author at least made the attempt to interview Omni-Tek employees, and he gets plenty of bonus points for that.

[Twistshot]

its not about points. What do you think this is? Doom 157?

[JubileX_Prime]

I read, and am saddened.

It is obvious that the writer of this article is indeed Clan, or strongly aligned towards them. Many exagerations have been made in the course of the interview, and should be corrected.

Firstly, as already noted, no neutral citizen was gunned down, no families were broken, no houses were bombed. No reputable business was affected.

Secondly, lost of livelyhood only happened towards those who harbored, traded with or aided Clan members. Our treatment of Clanners is no different than theirs of us. They chose to become ennemies of Omni-Tek, and thus must deal with that decision.

Finally, while some Omni-Tek employees were indeed seen at the rallies, most of these have long since retired after receiving information memos concerning our reasons to be there.

I will point out that I have spoken with several members of the neutral community, and that many of them are actively seeking or considering employment with Omni-Tek. It is human to be divided on issues, and it is false to believe that all neutrals are horrified/repulsed/angered at the Omni-Tek Protectorate that now envelops the city. Those that oppose our position are simply the loudest voices out there, while those who see more clearly simply ignore the protests.

Might I point out that from the huge crowds from the first days, most neutrals have now returned to business as usual.

Omni-Tek Protects.
CybertroniX Watches.

[Twistshot]

Firstly, as already noted, no neutral citizen was gunned down, no families were broken, no houses were bombed. No reputable business was affected.

That is only because you have changed the definition of what is considered neutral to suit you means. Claiming that they have given up their neutral status due to the fact that they do not want you there and are left with no other option than to fight

Secondly, lost of livelyhood only happened towards those who harbored, traded with or aided Clan members. Our treatment of Clanners is no different than theirs of us. They chose to become ennemies of Omni-Tek, and thus must deal with that decision.

Given that it was a city dedicated to free and open trade we are talking about a loss of atleast 1/3 of their income city wide, in economics when the economy drops byt such an amount it is called a depression and tends to lead to a lot of unpleasent things such as a SHARP rise in criminal activity. If you do not belive me check your economics 101 text book.

Finally, while some Omni-Tek employees were indeed seen at the rallies, most of these have long since retired after receiving information memos concerning our reasons to be there.

More like fired and sent to to reform for re-education or simply killed. Please do not try to paint a rosey picture of omni procedures. Many of us know better.

I will point out that I have spoken with several members of the neutral community, and that many of them are actively seeking or considering employment with Omni-Tek. It is human to be divided on issues, and it is false to believe that all neutrals are horrified/repulsed/angered at the Omni-Tek Protectorate that now envelops the city. Those that oppose our position are simply the loudest voices out there, while those who see more clearly simply ignore the protests.

Might I point out that from the huge crowds from the first days, most neutrals have now returned to business as usual.

If they wish to join Omni-Tek they are free to do so, it is their choice. And if they wish to join the Clans that again is their choice. However the vast majority of them are staying and wish you to leave. Those who have stoped peacefull protests are either in the care of omni-reform or in the ranks of the NDI.

[Astera]

It is obvious that the writer of this article is indeed Clan, or strongly aligned towards them.

What gave it away? The little FJRK (Free Journalists of Rubi-Ka) pic with the person holding the omni heads up or something else?

((couldn't resist.../pot stir))

[langwiz7]

Might I point out that from the huge crowds from the first days, most neutrals have now returned to business as usual.

(I think most have realised by now that protesting is giving FC what it wants, instead of actually causing any change whatsoever. Also, a lot of the protesters were alts who wanted to stir the pot...)

Many neutrals have given up the city to Omni-Tek and choose to gather in Newland City instead. But the spirit of the protest is still with them, and I am sure that there is more mistrust towards your shining corporation than you care to believe. They would like to see Borealis restored just as much as the protesters who give their time. Time is not a luxury all of them have. Would you ask them to neglect their families and businesses to protest so that you could bask in the power of people united against a cause?

I will not. To be neutral is to be free of oppression. To force them to protest would be out of character.

[Luziciona]

As Neutral, I have chosen not to take part of the struggle for world domination, but rather work for a peaceful co-existence with room for all. This does NOT mean that I will not defend myself and our fine little city of Borealis from invaders of any kind, terrorists, aliens or other hostile invading forces.

Efforts to find a non-violent solution to the situation has so far been met with little or no response, but that might be due to bureacracy or similar... My impression is that a lot of people see this new development as unfortunate, clan and omni as well as us neutrals, of course. Please keep voicing your opinions on the current events, as we still have that right...

The Roots representative in the NDI (Neutral Defense Initiative), I can assure you all that we are working on solving this issue using any means necessary. We are capable of defending our Cities from aliens, and we are able to uphold law and order in our cities. What we are asking now, is a chance to prove this without having to resort to unpleasant tools...

However: I see the article as a very precise and accurate description of the current events, and my belief in a free and more or less un-biased journalism has been given a boost.

I recommend everyone to keep an eye on what is happening in Borealis, as the outcome of this conflict-of-interest will affect us all.

[JubileX_Prime]

The Roots representative in the NDI (Neutral Defense Initiative), I can assure you all that we are working on solving this issue using any means necessary.[...] we are able to uphold law and order in our cities. What we are asking now, is a chance to prove this without having to resort to unpleasant tools...

Greetings Citizen.
Please remember that Borealis is Omni-Tek property, on whose grounds we have allowed the neutral population to settle in relative peace. However, current events are forcing us to increase security. The events in question are related to the arrival of ICC Goliath-class Battlestations in orbit around Rubi-Ka, and the new threat Borealis will pose to the aliens due to the Comm-Array.

We are capable of defending our Cities from aliens

Correction. You would be capable of repulsing a standard raid on the city. Our intelligence reports indicate that any major threat such as the comm-link to the Battlestations would trigger massive waves of attackers, at least as large as the initial invasion force on the day of First Contact, but fully concentrated on the target.

We are ready to commit several full squads of Unicorns, as well as invest several billion credits in defensive hardware to protect our assets if it becomes necessary. Do you possess the capital, hardware, and training facilities to do the same?

Omni-Tek Protects.
CybertroniX Watches.

[Yarko]

Our intelligence reports indicate that any major threat such as the comm-link to the Battlestations would trigger massive waves of attackers.

Do you possess the capital, hardware, and training facilities to do the same

If you can’t answer that question, your intelligence can’t be very good. So I very much doubt whether your intelligence would be able to detect what the aliens might do if the communication array is used.

Nevertheless, does your glorious corporation realize that you only made the communication equipment extra vulnerable to attacks, and not only by aliens? Omni-Tek showed very little willingness to help defeating the alien threat in the past. Why would anyone support Omni-Tek now? And only Omni-Tek seems to need that communication equipment.

There’s a much cheaper solution to the problem though: the Omni AF troopers aren’t worth much anyway, as far as fighting is concerned. Only those 3 Unicorns are and they certainly won’t be enough, should there really be a massive alien attack. Give Borealis the chance to train their own militia, just like Newland City did. The Newland Militia are much better trained and equipped then the Omni AF troopers.

Get the Unicorns and OT AF guys out of Borealis and replace them with a militia. That way, you don’t need to spend valuable credits in keeping a force in Borealis all the time. You can use them where they are really needed and you can still send in your squads should it be necessary.

And since you are willing to spend a couple of billions anyway, another option would be to just move the communication facilities to an Omni-Tek city.

[Telcea]

If you can’t answer that question, your intelligence can’t be very good. So I very much doubt whether your intelligence would be able to detect what the aliens might do if the communication array is used.

You do realise that it was most likely a rhetorical question to point out the inability of the neutrals to defend the communications array themselves?
Also, even if the question was authentic, it would not mean that our intelligence in inadequete. Even the best intelligence gatheting tool cannot find out everything about a target and it could be entirely possible for the Neutrals to have hidden reserves of resources that we are as of yet unawares.

Why would anyone support Omni-Tek now?

Perhaps because we're proving that we are willing to go to lengths to reinforce and defend this planet against a much larger threat rather than than the much smaller and less important conflict with the clans who of course have shown that they care little about anything for themselves and chose this opportunity to strike at our territory.

There’s a much cheaper solution to the problem though: the Omni AF troopers aren’t worth much anyway, as far as fighting is concerned. Only those 3 Unicorns are and they certainly won’t be enough, should there really be a massive alien attack. Give Borealis the chance to train their own militia, just like Newland City did. The Newland Militia are much better trained and equipped then the Omni AF troopers.

The forces currently inside the city of Borealis are merely setting up the forward boundaries and there as peace keepers within the city. By the time the Goliath class BattleStations come into play in the war with the aliens Borealis will be much better defended by Omni-Tek personelle and equipment than at current.
While I can not be completely sure of the information, I have heard that Omni-Tek are willing to spend somewhere around 80 billion credits to set up this defensive task force and will be spending 10 billion a month to make sure that it is maintained and in top condition to deal with the alien threat. Of course, as I said, I could be wrong with these figures, so take them with a grain of salt (Not like you would really believe me anyway )

And since you are willing to spend a couple of billions anyway, another option would be to just move the communication facilities to an Omni-Tek city.

While this of course would be a benificial option for all involved, it may not be possible with the size and complexity of the array

[Yarko]

You do realise that it was most likely a rhetorical question to point out the inability of the neutrals to defend the communications array themselves?
Also, even if the question was authentic, it would not mean that our intelligence in inadequete. Even the best intelligence gatheting tool cannot find out everything about a target and it could be entirely possible for the Neutrals to have hidden reserves of resources that we are as of yet unawares.

What brightness! I’m stunned. Must be genetically engineered! Ah, of course, Omni-Pol...

Perhaps because we're proving that we are willing to go to lengths to reinforce and defend this planet against a much larger threat rather than than the much smaller and less important conflict with the clans who of course have shown that they care little about anything for themselves and chose this opportunity to strike at our territory.

OT never showed any willingness to cooperate in the defense of the planet and now, even more then ever, you stand alone. You also contradict yourself: in the much smaller and less important conflict with the Clans, you never managed to get the upper hand. How then will you defend the planet from a much larger threat?

The forces currently inside the city of Borealis are merely setting up the forward boundaries and there as peace keepers within the city. By the time the Goliath class BattleStations come into play in the war with the aliens Borealis will be much better defended by Omni-Tek personelle and equipment than at current.
While I can not be completely sure of the information, I have heard that Omni-Tek are willing to spend somewhere around 80 billion credits to set up this defensive task force and will be spending 10 billion a month to make sure that it is maintained and in top condition to deal with the alien threat. Of course, as I said, I could be wrong with these figures, so take them with a grain of salt (Not like you would really believe me anyway )

I’m sure the Clans will love hearing this. Let’s see, what would their next target be? The notum canons?
Sure, get more troops into Borealis. Give it a bit of time and Borealis will be OT’s capital, because you’ll have nothing left to defend your other cities. Don’t pretend to be semi-gods, because you most certainly are not. The OT AF troopers are pretty worthless and the Unicorns aren’t invincible either. The Clans have stood on the doorsteps of Omni-1 before. Put your attention where it shouldn’t be and suffer the same fate again.

While this of course would be a benificial option for all involved, it may not be possible with the size and complexity of the array

And I who thought nothing was impossible for the glorious Corporation. You really disappoint me…

[Telcea]

What brightness! I’m stunned. Must be genetically engineered! Ah, of course, Omni-Pol...

I though you could be serious about this, seems not

OT never showed any willingness to cooperate in the defense of the planet and now, even more then ever, you stand alone. You also contradict yourself: in the much smaller and less important conflict with the Clans, you never managed to get the upper hand. How then will you defend the planet from a much larger threat?

OT have always been willing to defend the planet against any and all threats made against it. It is leased to us after all.
Also, OT have not made any major hostile move towards the Clans since the Ti raccord was dissolved by Mr. Ross, you assume that we have not improved since that time by calling comparisons between our ability to fight then and now, against two completely different opponents I might add. You assume wrongly, of course.
It would also be much easier and overall more benificail to the planet, it's defense and the defense of its inhabitants if the other factions could work with Omni-Tek in this endevaur, unfortunatly, recent actions from the clans have shown that they only care for themselves. Wasn't that something they always cited Omni-Tek for?

I’m sure the Clans will love hearing this. Let’s see, what would their next target be? The notum canons?
Sure, get more troops into Borealis. Give it a bit of time and Borealis will be OT’s capital, because you’ll have nothing left to defend your other cities. Don’t pretend to be semi-gods, because you most certainly are not. The OT AF troopers are pretty worthless and the Unicorns aren’t invincible either. The Clans have stood on the doorsteps of Omni-1 before. Put your attention where it shouldn’t be and suffer the same fate again.

You again make assumptions about OT's future troop movements of which you know nothing. To state that we would not have anything in which to depend our major cities while fortifying borealis is a gross underestimation of our forces, you also underestimate the strength and ability of our troops.
As for putting our attention where it shouldn't be, would you rather we ignored the alien threat and directed our full force against the clans for their recent actions and let the aliens take the planet? That seems to be what you're suggesting.

And I who thought nothing was impossible for the glorious Corporation. You really disappoint me…

Can I have a cookie?

[Yarko]

Be glad I can still laugh about this, it’s the moment I get serious you need to start worrying.

You state you ‘heard’ that OT is willing to spend money, which means you know as much as anyone else: nothing! You, as much as anyone else, are making assumptions.

Maybe OT improved since the time of the Tir accord, but so has the rest of Rubi-Ka. Still the moment OT would have enough firepower to crush the Clans, you would, without hesitation. The fact that you haven’t, even now the Clans took 4Holes, says enough. I don’t underestimate the strength and abilities of your troops. I’ve seen them at work and they suck. Even your beloved Unicorns, strong as they might be, are far more stupid then a senile atrox with amnesia.

The other factions have offered to OT to defend the planet against the alien and other threats on more then one occasion. OT always turned those offers down. Yes, OT has always been cited for only caring for itself and rightfully so. That’s what happened in Borealis, OT took without any consideration for anyone else. Or would it have been so hard to negotiate with the people of Borealis? They might even have accepted your offer, on certain conditions.

Whether you direct your attention to the Clans or not is your business, not mine. The aliens haven’t taken the planet and they won’t, with our without OT. If you want to fight them together, well, get your thugs out of Borealis and we’ll talk. If not, as far as I’m concerned the aliens can have OT and I won’t let a tear.

And no, you can’t have a cookie. You better get fit to fight the aliens and the rest of the planet.

[Twistshot]

Perhaps because we're proving that we are willing to go to lengths to reinforce and defend this planet against a much larger threat rather than than the much smaller and less important conflict with the clans who of course have shown that they care little about anything for themselves and chose this opportunity to strike at our territory.

Actually if you will recall, you stripped the forces of 4-holes down to nearly nothing for you assualt on Borealis, if you were really interested in defending the planet you would not have done such.

And if your defending the planet agains the aliens then why are the guards stationed at the whomphas and grid access? To date I have never heard of the aliens making use of either technologies in any of their forms.

[Luziciona]

I feel that the safety of your [Omni] Satelite Dish Array and the accusations made regarding activities in Borealis seems a little vague. Consider the technology we have at our disposal: It is possible to send several squads of heavily armed forces to almost anywhere on the planet within seconds. Why spread the forces out and create vulnerabilities of both communication, logistic and strategic nature?

Also: I am a little worried regarding the [lack of] ICC response to the armed incursion into a neutral and peaceful town. We did not get any chance at all to even investigate or try to solve the so-called security issues Omni has regarding Borealis. Suddenly we're experiencing something to closer to an occupation than a rescue attempt.

I know firsthand that there are several thousand highly skilled and equipped neutral warriors in stasis atm, waiting for the war to end and RK to become free and peaceful. These were to be woken up by friends and relatives when Omni and Clan had worn each other out and negotiated a final peace settlement.

Placing Unicorns in Borealis is making us a much bigger target for the Aliens than the severly over-valued dish, and an invasion will endanger the cryogenic and nano-"hotel" facilities where these men, women and neuters are sleeping. If a threat should arise, there will be a veritable army of grumpy Neutrals waking to see their beloved town under occupation and placed in jeopardy, and not the paradise they were expecting. I sincerely hope that their target will be the aliens and not Specialists, Generals or various figureheads prancing about speaking of glory, because their anger will need to be vented somehow. Imagine fifteen full teams of these fighting machines, honed by years of struggle in the Shadowlands or on alien territory, just try to imagine the destruction they are capable of, then multiply by a hundred... Then add the forces already there, and if that is not a force to be reckoned with, I don't know what is.

Borealis is a sleeping giant with planetwide allies and supporters. We have chosen not to respond by force because we by nature are peaceloving individuals with a common interest: Peace and prosperity for all inhabitants on Rubi-Ka, regardless of breed, beliefs and political opinion. We see violence as the idiot's last refuge: They have no more words or thoughts, then they attack. And by "idiot", I am referring to something an ancient philosopher once said: An idiot is someone who does not care about politics!

If we cannot resolve this matter in a peaceful manner after more than 50 thousand years of evolution and progress, then maybe the aliens should wipe us out?

To quote another ancient figure, but he was a politician by profession, not a philopher:
"Those who sacrifice freedom for security deserve neither and lose both."

...