A New Look At The Newland Guard Initiative
Korev Jurik
New Land City (IRRK) -- Few things rouse a neutral citizen of Rubi-Ka faster than three simple letters: NGI. This acronym has come to represent the drive for freedom and independence that the clans so often claim is theirs alone.
"It is very clear that a change is needed, and quick," said neutral citizen Gonoc earlier this week. "We cannot let Warr and her thugs make Newland a ghost town, as it is already."
Originally organized by well-known Omni-Tek employee Kithrak and two neutral fixers Itel and Pyromanche, the Newland Guard Initative seeks to replace Loren Warr and her Omni-aligned mercenaries with guards loyal to the neutral cause -- if one can truly be claimed.
Among those groups in support of the Newland Guard Initiative is Rubi-Ka Universal Robots, perhaps best known for their work on the neutral token board technology stolen by cyborgs. Working with Circle G, RUR has developed the "GuardMaster G," a robotic guard demonstrated Friday in Borealis.
"We at RUR are very excited about this project," said RUR head Dabblez. "I think it is something the neutral community wants, and I think our robots can do a superb job."
But not everyone is as enthusiastic about the Newland Guard Initiative as Dabblez. "I couldn't care less about Newland," said Cygnos, a clanner whom I spoke with earlier. "Burn the city for all I care. Tir, and the regions around Athen, are where I belong."
Some aren't so willing to resort to violence however. "The neutral faction felt that due to [Simon Silverstone banning neutrals from Tir], they needed to respond in kind," said Omni-Tek employee Xelev about the NGI. "But an eye for an eye doesn't always solve the problem, does it?"
Xelev may be right about that. Hiring Loren Warr to ban Clanners from Newland may well only perpetuate the cycle of violence that makes Rubi-Ka the endless battleground it is today. If so, the Newland Guard Initative is indeed the best option, both to resolve the problem of Tir and to bring back the crowds that once greeted the visitor to Newland.
So long as Loren Warr remains in charge of Newland's defense, Cygnos is right. For all its one-time glory, Newland may as well be as ash upon the wind.