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.