Neutral Détente Revives Debate over the Sentinels’ Occupation of Tir
Frank Levinson McRae
February 10, 29478
West Athen -- (FJRK) –- With the revival of the Council of Truth, and with Loren Warr being reduced to nothing more than a dark memory in the history of Newland City, debate among clan members is yet again turning to thoughts of Simon Silverstone and the Sentinels’ occupation of Tir.
It has been well over a year now since the Sentinels humiliated the Interstellar Confederation of Corporations on November 22, 29476, by forcing them to flee the free city of Tir and return control and guard of the metropolis to the clans. At the time, the move by Simon Silverstone was greeted with a su****ion-tainted elation, and most clan members were happy to see their beloved capitol once again free of the infectious influence of Omni-Tek employees.
However, the joyous support that the Sentinels’ received in their first few weeks of occupation soon turned to cries for their ouster, after members of the Sentinels’ Urban Defense Patrol were repeatedly seen executing neutral travelers. This anger fermented further after an interview was published in The Art Gallery (TAG), in which High Commander Fisk, the civil administrator of Tir and captain of the Tir guard, unapologetically voiced his hatred of neutrals.
“I have absolutely no tolerance for people who lack the guts to have an opinion, and stand by it. It’s cowardly, weak, and completely dishonorable. I loathe the neutral, even more so than the Omnis. At least they believe in something.”
What followed was an immediate and severe reaction by the clan populace, from public demonstrations, numerous messages posted to forums on the Grid networks, and even attempts on Mr. Silverstone’s life. Yet, despite the seemingly constant and ferocious cries for the Sentinels’ to relinquish their de facto rule over Tir, Mr. Silverstone failed to so much as acknowledge that any effort was underway to remove him.
So what has changed between now and then? Foremost, the clan community has seen the return of Henry Radiman, stating his full intention to revive the Council of Truth, only this time allowing more representation for ordinary Clans, and as such, a greater voice in the governing of Clan affairs. Though the Council and its clerical staff have been tied up thus far in procedural and administrative matters, it is only a matter of time before it once again returns to its place as the single governing voice of, at least, a majority of the clan population.
Also, as a result of the brutality with which the Sentinels’ treated the neutral citizens of Rubi-Ka, on January 21, 29477, an amalgam of neutral organizations united under the au****es of the Newland City Council to fund and hire Loren Warr, sister of the infamous Ian Warr, and her group of Mercenaries to replace the ICC guard in Newland City. Ms. Warr was given specific instructions to treat clan citizens with the same form of treatment as was given to neutrals trying to enter Tir. The result, predictably, was a bloodbath.
However, as of February 10, 29478, Loren Warr and her band of thugs are no more. Finally coming to its senses, the Newland City Council approved plans to create its own militia, contracting with the Jobe Association of Metaphysical Exploration for equipment, and giving this new guard specific instructions to uphold the neutral position of the city. Clan members are yet again free to conduct business within the confines of the Newland City.
This gesture of détente – an easing of tensions – has thus far been greeted by the clan community with much praise. But at the same time, it has renewed what must be Simon Silverstone’s worst nightmare: calls for him to cede jurisdictional authority over the free city of Tir to less belligerent guards.
I recently spoke with several clan members, including those who led the initial charge against the Sentinels occupation of Tir.
“Neutrals…should be able to visit Tir without aggression.” Stated “Kerish”, an applicant of the clan Mass Murderers. When asked what her thoughts were as to whom should replace the Sentinels in the event Mr. Silverstone were to bow down to pressure, she was reluctant in endorsing the Council of Truth. When asked why, Kerish indicated her confusion about the true nature and structure of the reborn Council when she said “Because there’s two of them hacking each other’s feet off.”
However, Hattie "Szentasha" Suitt, Lord of the clan Unity of the Rose, offered a more precise view. When asked for her opinion as the Sentinels’ continuing viability as the guards of the free city of Tir, Ms. Suitt stated “I feel that given more opportunities to know one another as people and interact will be the first step on a path towards peace.” Ms. Suitt further stated “I support any efforts to reduce barriers to free movement between and within our cities.” When asked whether or not she would now be renewing her calls for Mr. Silverstone to leave Tir, Ms. Suitt confidently stated that “I speak only for Unity of the Rose, but yes, given the opportunity I would declare such a statement.”
Cathern “Vixentrox” Flowers, President of clan Whisper’s Edge, was one of the main proponents of restoring the right of neutrals to once again enter Tir. Ms. Flowers was quite outspoken with her displeasure at the Sentinels’ occupation of Tir; this displeasure, now over a year old, still emanates from her.
“A lot of people tried for a year to get rid of Silverstone.” Ms. Flowers stated in a recent interview at The Cup in West Athen. “Everything from attacking him and his men to trying to politically out maneuver him. Silverstone makes war on the neutrals…[w]hen he should be making war on the Omni.”
When asked hypothetically about whether or not the Council of Truth should resume their once-held duties of seeing to the guard of Tir, Ms. Flowers indicated her full support, with one caveat.
“The old Tir guard wasn't terribly effective. Omni was able to march in pretty easily, as was the ICC.” Ms. Flowers further stated that, should a new guard be established, they would most certainly need “better training and weapons.”
Another vocal proponent of the move to oust the Sentinels was Lyrice "Lyricia" Fuchs, President of clan First Light. Ms. Fuchs spoke quite harshly about Mr. Silverstone.
"I think he is an extremist who wants the galaxy to see him as the only government of the clans. He really needs to be out of Tir and back in his crater in Mort.” Lyricia echoed her compatriots statements, indicating that she, too, would support any move to remove the Sentinels from Tir. Ms. Fuchs stated that, if she were to give only one message to Simon Silverstone, it would be “Give Tir back to the peace-loving clans.”
While no one but Simon Silverstone and his top advisors know the inner workings and deliberations that occur behind the closed doors of the Sentinels’ headquarters in Mort, it is safe to say that any discussions held might revolve around their future as the guards and rulers of the free city of Tir.
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Originally Posted by dustynova
