MPA Comes To The Negotiating Table! - In excellent news today, the MPA and MEF have come to an agreement surrounding the border territories of Provinces 11 and 12, wherein Biodyne will take administrative control over them, but with MEF-established demilitarized border zones and guaranteed rail line access for MBC as measures to attempt to decrease tensions. Diplomats from all sides came together in the University to come to this agreement, and our foreign policy analysts are confident that it represents a new era for MPA-MEF relationships - One in which the MEF is shown to be a peer power on Mars to the MPA.
Atrocities In Mariner City: Bloodbaths on Both Sides - More shocking images are pouring out of Mariner City in recent days, with entire blocks turned to ruins during intensified clashes between MUC resistance fighters and Station and Stadium occupying forces. Even as these clashes seem to swing decisively in favor of the MPA, it also comes at a large civilian cost. However, both sides seem to have informally agreed to avoid risking fighting around Terraformer Alpha, to avoid risking further damage to the already existing environmental network.
ODIN Delays MBR-9 Due To Supply Issues - Unfortunately, the recent announcement of the MBR-9 has been marred by the equally recent announcement that it will need to be pushed back further due to issues with gaining materials. While CEO Noa Milligan has reassured MBC correspondents that the MBR-9 is still on-track and that it is merely a matter of securing additional production material to maintain ODIN's high standard of quality and consumer satisfaction, it is unknown when the final product will be released at present.
Local News
VICTORY IN BORDER CRISIS! BIODYNE TAKES CONTROL! - The MPA has once more emerged victorious in the struggle against the craven oligarchs of the Martian Economic Federation, under the strong leadership of Stationmaster Rutherford and with the aid of the rest of the Martian Popular Authority! Head Priest Eve Maria delivered a triumphant press release, as Mars' Chosen begin to take control of Province 11 and conduct land reform as MBC Peacekeepers fall back to the Studio, declaring that "The people of Candor Chasma shall be given freedom from want - from need - from faithless bourgeoise and tyrant alike." With the MEF so firmly on the back foot, how long can ODIN hold out? For that matter - How long can MBC hold out, facing a truly united front?
Rehabilitation Programs Begin - As Stationmaster Rutherford's rehabilitation initiative begins to roll out, and POWs are resettled into Station communities, initial reactions have been cautiously positive. While there is undeniably tension, especially between members of the reactivated Inspector Corps and the people they were fighting not even half a year ago, there have yet to be any major incidents between them. Groups of ex-POWs are often seen congregating together at Station's public conveniences, and approved work shift volunteering is at decent levels, according to various Conductors we've spoken to. We can only hope that this model proves successful for rehabilitation of lesser reactionaries, and we encourage Station's citizens to aid in this effort.
Phoenix Company Spotted In Melas Chasma - During a routine supply run between the Depot and Stadium, the passengers and crew aboard the Depot Gale saw a unique and worrying sight, as Phoenix Company helicopters flew overhead to destinations unknown. While the crew hastily rushed to emergency stations, the train itself was left unharmed, as the helicopters saw fit to leave it be. Dear readers, we can only speculate as to what may have caused this migration of Phoenix Company, and be fearful of what it may mean for unguarded civilian populations in the fringe of Melas Chasma. Shanxi has reportedly increased guard contingents to resource extraction outposts, including ones which still contain a significant Hephaestus refugee presence.
Stationmaster Announces Cutback on Exports - Stationmaster Rutherford announced earlier this month that, in coordination with the Depot's Economic Planning Department, Station would be cutting back on projected exports to focus more efforts on internal matters and industrial capacity, a move which has excited many and mollified some who complained of exports being 'laundered into ODIN's hands'. While this has stoked more rumors of an imminent blockade of the MEF, it has also been seen widely as a sign that railway construction and repair will begin again soon, with many calling for upkeep on war-damaged portions of the Melas Chasma line and expansions into other MPA territories as soon as possible, to better integrate them. The New Council of Hephaestus in particular plans to rally in favor of Melas Chasma's rail line being repaired as soon as possible, calling it a 'necessity' for the rebuilding of Hephaestus.
Government Briefings
Biodyne Sends Reports on Candor Chasma - With the positive conclusion of the Border Crisis, as well as the securing of University's borders in Mariner City and the arrangement for railway lines to be constructed through MBC territory, communications with Biodyne have become more stable, and they've been able to send us more updated reports on Candor Chasma, especially as they've expanded further into ex-Enterprise territory. It seems they've discovered one of the factions who are still fighting in the Enterprise Civil War…and it's not one we're in favor of, unfortunately. One of the surviving Admiral-Kings has managed to seize control of Enterprise's ruins and establish his own statelet, which seems firmly embattled on both sides, though we're not sure from what factions. It is known as the New Kingdom of Enterprise. For now, Biodyne is taking a policy of simply holding their border with them until MPA reinforcements can reach them, rather than risking MBC stabbing them in the back if they attempt to pursue intervention.
The Dead Crusaders Go Silent - Surprisingly, we've received nothing but radio silence from the Dead Crusaders. No flashy statements, no new terror attacks, no military raids…nothing. Complete silence. If anything, that's almost more unnerving than their destructive rampages. Even our scouts on the fringes have reported a lack of raids in outlying frontier settlements, ones without the protection of Shanxi or Station. Still, at least nobody's dying.
ODIN Faces Internal Strife - According to our spies, the renewal of the shadow blockade has seen strict rationing on industrial material be implemented, hurt even more by the halting of our current exportation focus, meaning even theoretically 'private' Shanxi entities can't resell Station goods or materials on the side or under the table. This has thrown a twist into the political situation, as with less material, the managerial staff find themselves releasing their workers from labor earlier…or, more often, keeping them there to pad out their reports, causing frustration. The managers themselves are becoming discontented, fearing being purged for low production levels that they can't possibly raise without more materials. Meanwhile, Milligan is seeing pressure put on her from the mercenaries to get production back up to normal levels, and from the managers for the factors listed above, putting a severe crimp in her reforms.
University Begins First Shipments of Materials and Students - Already, work has begun on the Satellite Campus of University. While it isn't quite publicly announced yet, students have already begun to filter in, moving to Stadium and coming from there via rail. Material shipments have also begun to filter through, carried in University caravans across the secure portions of Mariner City and shipped by the same rail lines that bring new students to us. Dean Kaufman has in fact lodged a formal request for us to begin construction on an express rail line between Stadium and University as soon as possible.
Mop-Up In Mariner City - It seems as if the atrocities the MUC committed in Mariner City were their last hurrah of organized military resistance, at least beyond the few fortified redoubts they have left, as MUC forces melt into the civilian and refugee population or are destroyed by superior military elements. Even now, Stadium and Station forces are reporting high rates of surrender and defection, if not outright mutinies as commanders of MUC forces are overthrown and handed to MPA forces by MUC remnants. This has not prevented a spree of massacres and infrastructure destruction by the remainder, sadly, but it is currently projected that the North of Mariner City, including Terraformer Alpha, will be under firm control by the end of the next month. The South is looking to be more of a slog, but the Reds assure us that with the HQ surrounded, they'll be able to smoke them out by the end of the month as well. We won't declare victory yet - But it is clearly in sight. MUC Resistance in Mariner City is now Stagnant.
Author's Note: Please be aware that the news, especially MBC, are not necessarily objective reporters of fact. Turn 5 will be up shortly!
In Defense Of Conductors
By Rudolph Pinters
An Essay Published in Station Weekly
In my work as a member of the Refugee Office, the most common questions I have received surrounding Station are those relating to Station's system of governance. Many find our form of democracy strange, or utopian in the extreme. For those of you reading this who may not be familiar with it, I will give a brief explanation.
In short, rather than councils or teams, as one might find in Stadium or Shanxi, Station relies upon elected officials to primarily conduct business. The catch-all term for these roles are Conductors, but given the sheer breadth and variety of the jobs Conductors perform, many choose to utilize various other titles instead. Elections for these positions are municipality-based, unless relating to inter-municipality affairs, such as things related to rail maintenance, overall economic planning, or the position of Stationmaster. These elected officials are given a mandate, which can range from being the head of a particular program, to setting general Station policy, and are subject to recall from the public at any time. Local Conductor policy decisions can be overridden by a federal directive, so a local municipality's program director will never be able to outweigh Station policy to the detriment of the country as a whole.
Now, to some of you arriving from Hephaestus or Shanxi, this may seem foolish - utopian to the point of inviting corruption and mismanagement. And to others, who are arriving from ex-MCPD land or fleeing ODIN, may view it as simply being an elected form of the tyranny you fled from. To this, I sympathize, but I must clearly emphasize - This is incorrect. In addition to our ability to recall Conductors as needed, the limited mandates of all positions bar Stationmaster allow for a robust system of inter-position cooperation to flourish without allowing tyranny to emerge. The Stationmaster, of course, requires such executive authority in order to set the general direction of the nation, as shown by the example set by the first leaders of Station in the aftermath of the Collapse…
The Tyranny Of Majority
By Madilyn Strand
A Response Published in Station Weekly
Last week, Rudolph Pinters submitted an essay to Station Weekly entitled 'In Defense Of Conductors', and I felt obliged to respond to it, as a Station citizen. I am proud of my nation, and I am proud of what we have accomplished, something thought unthinkable less than a year ago, but at the same time, there is no excuse for excusing a system which has flaws - and Station's system, while an admirable ideal and exercise in trusting the population, has several key flaws in it, which I argue must be remedied as Station takes on more of a leadership role in the MPA. We must be the example for the rest of the MPA, and not simply rest on our laurels.
For one, if the recall threshold for a Conductor is not met, say, because a local Conductor is so popular that any action which harms or targets only a minority of the population isn't enough to guarantee a recall, then there is no recourse for that population but violence - Something which must be avoided at all costs. We are meant to be better then the states whose people we aid in overthrowing, after all. Simply because it has not happened yet does not mean we have no obligation to not take preventative measures against it.
In this regard, I therefore propose we begin a process of limiting the executive power of regional Conductors, without impeding the normal functioning of government, through establishing a more formal chain of command for various regional departments, keeping municipal governance to the standard set by the Depot, as well as introducing more regular reviews of usage of executive power by that centralized government… Governance - As the leader of the Martian Popular Authority, you are obligated to handle the bureaucratic dealings of this newly formed federal government with all entities, from the corporate vultures of ODIN, to the autonomous academics of the University, to the decentralized theocrats of Biodyne. You currently have 3 actions in this category…but one of them has been decided for you.
The Green Bloc's Choice:
[X] Integrate Loyal Communities - Not every polity in Mariner Valley participated in the war, and not all of them wish to retain autonomy. There are a number of small townships which pre-war, had already been in the process of integrating into Station. It should only be a small matter to finalize the last few agreements to get them fully onboard. This will open more options.
Your Remaining Options Are:
[] The Station Broadcasting Service - While we have a patchworked network of radio operators, if we make a concerted effort to establish radio infrastructure, formalize existing positions, and expand radio production, we can absolutely make a significant dent in establishing a civilian communication network. However, these communications are unreliable at points due to Mars's atmospheric conditions and can be intercepted. They are also vulnerable to atmospheric conditions and, Mars forbid, Storm Season, should it return. Establish the Station Broadcasting Service and coordinate our loose network of radio personnel into a unified civilian network. Improve Local News and other narrative benefits.
[] Political Restructuring - With the concerns of our people revealed, it is time for us to begin taking steps towards truly unifying the MPA as per our mandate. Shanxi has surrendered their political autonomy to us, and it is time to begin the process of restructuring their political system! While many of their inequalities have been preserved through their economic autonomy, their political system is similar enough to ours already that integrating it should be easy enough…though we could, of course, take this chance to weigh things in our favor. Unlock a subvote to integrate Shanxi politically.
[] Outreach To Frontier Communities, Phase One - While we cannot pierce deeply into the heart of territory currently under the brutal boot of the Dead Crusaders, we can reach into the outskirts and seek to make contacts with the communities there to place them under MPA protection. That is…if we can convince them to. Many still bear scars from the War, or have been lied to by the MUC or Dead Crusaders. A subvote will occur to convince unaligned communities to support you over the Dead Crusaders.
[] Covertly Destabilize ODIN - We are struck with an opportunity, due to our shadow blockade of ODIN. We can speak to dissenting factions within the Managerial class, promising discrete support in any coup attempts they try to make, and funnel even more support to our friends in the underground unions, seeking to provoke an internal crisis that will see ODIN brought to its knees, ripe for internal revolution that we can sweep in to support. This will see ODIN covertly destabilized by our agents, making the political situation there worsen. There are no guarantees this will get results we desire.
[] Make Contact With The New Kingdom - We have no love for Monarchists, and we do not intend to negotiate with them as anything regarding equals. However, it is going to be a while before we can actually extend our logistical reach far enough to handle crushing them. If we can perhaps convince them to surrender instead, allowing the government-in-exile we are currently sheltering to take control of their territory and begin pushing back with Biodyne support, it may be worth a shot. If nothing else, it'll get us some information about them and the Civil War as a whole. Gain information about the Enterprise Civil War.
[] MPA-CIG: Governmental Review - A review of Governmental processes is in order, to ensure no subversion has taken place. While a bit time consuming, ultimately, a sweep like this every once in a while is good for ensuring that no corruption has taken root, either from external or internal pressures. This will perform a check to see if any corruption or infiltration has taken root in your governmental bureaucracy.
[] Playing Politics - This will be a difficult process, but a necessary one. Bureaucrats will have to be trained. New offices will have to be established, often in areas deeply hostile to your government. However, we must persevere. The backbone of a good society is a well-functioning bureaucracy, after all. 0/4 Actions. This will marginalize Biodyne's influence on your new administration, allowing you to determine what your own actions will be and avoiding leaks. They will not be pleased about this course of action.
Economics - Martian industry was once said to never sleep, producing immense amounts of resources for export back to Earth. That has long since ceased being true, but Station in particular is attempting to claim the title of both the breadbasket of Mars and its new industrial center, following the destruction of the Caverns. Keeping up the pace of vital resource extraction and the continuation of the repairs to the once-great Martian train network is vital for Station to maintain its current rate of expansion. You currently have 4 actions in this category...but one of them has been decided for you.
The Economy's Choice:
[X] Manage the Economy - As you've chosen a directly controlled centralized economy, you'll need to spend a significant amount of effort managing it. Unfortunate, but at the same time, it grants you a large amount of control. You have the following options as free actions. Your current focus is Resource Extraction and Exportation. Note: Changing Focus takes effect next turn.
-[] Change Focus
--[] Resource Extraction and Exportation
You will receive favor from all blocs at the end of a turn. Unique options will be unlocked related to trade.
--[] The Necessities of Life
Any humanitarian or resource-related crises that occur will be partially mitigated. Unique options will be unlocked relating to humanitarian aid.
-[] Cut Off Trade to the MEF
This will see you halt all trade between the MEF and all member nations of the MPA (in areas that do not have Economic Autonomy and have not agreed to follow your lead.) Practically, this means that ODIN will be completely economically cut off and MBC's only trading partner will be University. This will be seen as a hostile action by the MEF. It will not be seen as one by the UN.
Your Remaining Options Are:
[] Melas Chasma Rail Repair - The Melas Chasma rail line was semi-functional pre-war, with lines set up between Station, Hephaestus, and running into Mariner City towards your allies there, with a planned connection to extend into Shanxi. However, Hephaestus's secession from the MPA led to the rails that once led to the Caverns being destroyed as part of their attempts to halt advances by our forces. With these lines repaired, we will be able to begin construction on new lines in Melas Chasma, as well as begin operations in ex-Hephaestus territory. 0/1 Actions. This action risks disruption from the Dead Crusaders. This will unlock more actions when complete. This action will allow more refugees to flow towards Station.
[] Mariner City Rail Line Construction: MCPD HQ - MCPD HQ has become a fortified redoubt of the final remnants of the MUC. If we allow our engineers to start construction on a rail line out to the old Headquarters, it could not only allow us to improve the material situation of many in Mariner City, but would also solidify Stadium control over the area more firmly as we're able to take the HQ once and for all. 0/1 Actions. This action does not risk disruption. This will unlock more actions when complete. This action will solidify Stadium control over Mariner City, reduce the flow of refugees, and reduce MUC resistance.
[] Mariner City Rail Line Construction: Stadium-University Express Line - Dean Kaufman has specially requested construction of a Stadium to University rail line, citing logistical concerns and timetables being more efficient. He isn't wrong, but it'll be a bit more of a direct investment than our prior plan to run the rail line in a more roundabout manner through the city. Luckily, we can do both! 0/2 Actions. This action does not risk disruption. This will unlock more actions when complete. This action will allow University to link into the wider MPA economy more efficiently, increase the ease of transit, and grant favor with the Neutral Bloc.
[] Lay Down Landlines - We already maintain significant infrastructure running between settlements, which already necessitates frequent maintenance. Several of our engineers have made the argument that if we set up landlines along our railways, we'll have guaranteed and fairly secure lines of communication between settlements, for both military and civilian purposes. The cons to this are, of course, that said lines will be vulnerable to physical attack and that they'll become inefficient within the next few decades once we're more established and have been able to clean up orbit more…but for now, they're widely regarded as a good choice as a stopgap. This will improve communication between settlements. Improve Local News Briefings and Government Briefings.
[] Infrastructure Conveniences - A revamp of our public services beyond rail service is needed, beyond all doubt. With the recent rehabilitation program and trade school expansions, our public education system has had a deficit of teachers, which technological development and curriculum research can certainly help with. Pushing more resources and materials into modernizing sanitation and disposal services will doubtlessly be appreciated, both by the public and by the health system. Redesigning our current public architectural policy will also be a breath of fresh air for the experimental architects of Station, as well as the populace who has to interact with public buildings. 0/4 Actions completed. This will lead to improvements in the quality of life for Station citizens, among other narrative benefits.
[] Conductor Expansion, Phase One - Conductors is a general title for elected officials within Station, ranging from leaders of settlements, to military commanders, to bureaucrats. With the war over and so much administration needing to be done, a formally planned expansion to their ranks to fill out various options is necessary. The only question is, what types of positions require immediate attention, and do you want to endorse any particular candidates? This will lead to a subvote on what positions will be immediately established, as well as if you wish to endorse any candidates.
[] Standardization Initiatives - You are well aware of the necessity of standardization in rail lines, to ensure that the tracks fit together. However, you have been significantly more lax with regards to weapons standardization and various other differing standards. No longer. A bureau of Standards Coordination will be established and all manner of production both military and civilian will undergo inspections to ensure they match up to the level of quality expected of Station goods. This will give you more options in Manage the Economy. You will receive a subvote on how best to handle standardization with your newly centrally controlled economy.
[] MPA-CIG: Industrial Review - There is no guarantee that various unions have not fallen prey to corruption or infiltration by foreign powers, to say nothing of the chaos that could be caused if our logistical structure has been infiltrated. While time-consuming, it is vital that our economic machine keeps functioning as best as possible. This will perform a check to see if any corruption or infiltration has taken root in your economic machine.
[] Integrate The Unions - The current structure of trade unions, while a key part of Station, could be made more efficient if better integrated with your newly centralized economy. This will require a lot of work, however, especially considering how there may be some political resistance to moving too fast on this. This is, of course, to say nothing about the care that will need to be taken to ensure that it does not jeopardize the traditional protections afforded to the unions. Still, when it is done - Station will become far more efficient and effective. 0/5 Actions. On completion, this will grant you one additional Economics action.
Peacekeeping - Warfare on Mars has, in large part, concluded. Nobody within the Mariner Valley can pose a significant threat to the combined forces of the MPA. However, those forces are disjointed, unwieldy, logistically disconnected, and are often at risk of infighting. This has only been made worse by the fact that the MUC and various other forces have refused to surrender at all, instead choosing to attempt protracted resistance. You currently have 3 actions in this category...but one of them has been chosen for you.
The United Nations Bloc's Choice:
[X] Infiltrate Their Militias - The Dead Crusaders, while characterized by their use of power armor, still utilize militias as cannon fodder for their forces. The most prominent and skillful amongst them are even taken as "squires" to their Knights, trained in the usage of their Power Armor. If we send in infiltrators to join these militias, we may be able to get hints to the plans of the Dead Crusaders…or we may spend lives for naught. This will give you partial intelligence on the Dead Crusaders.
Your Remaining Options Are:
[] Integrate Defectors into the MPA Armed Forces - You've got a significant population of defectors who are newly joined up with the armed forces, who need to be integrated fully to be effective. Guess you'd better get to work. This will see you unlock additional Learning From The War options, related to the MUC's side of the battlefield. It will also see you gain additional options in other peacekeeping subvotes.
[] Shanxi Military Hardware- With the resolution of the Shanxi Strikes peacefully, Shanxi has had to demobilize large parts of their citizen-soldiery into their workforce to ensure that the newly emptied mines retain functionality as Hephaestus refugees leave en masse to Station. This presents us with a unique opportunity, at the moment. Shanxi was not granted military autonomy during the establishment of the MPA, and while they've thus far avoided significant integration, they have no reason to deny handing over their unused stockpiles of weapons and vehicles from newly demobilized divisions. They will be displeased about it, though. This will see you unlock expanded results for Learning From The War: Mechanized and Armored Warfare. This will be a step towards military integration of Shanxi. This will lose favor with the UN Bloc.
[] Keeping An Eye On Prisoners - While the vast majority of POWs are engaging at least somewhat with our rehabilitative programs, there's no reason for us to get lax and risk allowing a breakout attempt to occur. Setting the Inspector Corps on the task of ensuring that everyone's attending mandatory meetings, following up on various reports of misbehavior, and that no foolish fights are started will be a necessity. In addition, it'll be good to ensure that the Inspector Corps and POWs can interact in a safe manner…as well as pull out anybody who can't handle that. This will ensure that the Inspector Corps familiarize themselves with the ins and outs of the rehabilitation program with oversight, lowering the risk of breakouts and incidents between prisoners and citizens.
[] Find The Church Exiles - It seems there may have been some Church of Red Mars adherents from Mariner City who, rather than being imprisoned, were instead exiled. Finding out where they went, before they re-emerge to cause you more issues, may be a good idea. This will see you attempt to locate the remaining members of the Church of Red Mars in Melas Chasma.
[] MPA-CIG: Military Review - To have our military infiltrated would be quite disastrous, and there have been many opportunities in which enemy agents may have slipped through the cracks into the Inspector Corps, to say nothing of the defectors we've accepted as turncoats. Investigations will be performed, suspects put under surveillance, and any leaks found will be plugged. This will perform a check to see if any corruption or infiltration has taken root in your military.
[] Perform "Training Exercises" on ODIN's Border - And by this, you mean even more spying. With ODIN's choice to secede as a new polity, one which has taken a decisively disdainful tone towards the MPA, the UN isn't going to glance too hard at your desire to keep an eye on them. You won't be publicizing it by any means, of course. This option will see you gather Military Intelligence on ODIN.
[] The Fourth Quarter - The Great Game is nearly at an end! With only a few provinces left to take, the game has entered its final Quarter, and it is neck and neck. With the Great Game wrapping up the pacification of Mariner City, it is soon likely that it will be time to rebuild…and it will be one hell of a rebuilding process. You will referee regardless, but this represents dedicated enough resources to it to have a significant effect. This will reduce Anti-Stadium Sentiment, reduce MUC influence in Mariner City, and ensure no major Red-Blue fights break out.
[] Internal Promotions and Restructuring - While the Inspector Corps are demobilizing, much of your standing army remains active and deployed to various spots all over the Valley. Many of them served valiantly, and can be promoted upwards to fill new holes in the command structure of the MPA. Meanwhile, the internal structure of Station's military can be altered to restructure it into a defensive force, while shifting much personnel towards the armed forces. Of course, this will necessitate recruitment drives…it'll be a lot, but in the end, the MPA's armed forces will belong to you and your allies again. 0/3 Actions. This will remove UN Bloc influence within your armed forces, allowing you to determine your own actions and minimizing internal leaks. They will not be pleased about this course of action.
Research - The secrets of pre-Collapse technology remain inaccessible at best, and nigh-impossible to replicate at worst. The desperate repair of the Shanxi's flight systems was the work of months, and still took large amounts of aid from United Nation technicians and material stealthily flown down to the surface. If Station wishes to maintain an equal relation with their allies in orbit and our governmental partners on the ground, research on restoring what is currently repairable on Mars must be our top priority. You currently have 3 actions in this category…but one of them has been decided for you.
The People's Choice:
[X] Everyday Luxuries: Home Conveniences - Ranging from the installation of appliances to expanding access to various amenities that can be enjoyed in the comfort of their home to simply just expediting the production of more comfortable furniture, bringing home conveniences to the forefront of our development will see us grant more leisure time to our citizens, who will have to spend less time cooking, less time cleaning, and exist more comfortably in their own homes. This will unlock an Economics option with 0/3 actions completed.
Your Remaining Options Are:
[] Terraforming Research, Phase Two - Right now, we don't have access to any terraformers to examine. Therefore, what we can do is pore over Biodyne's notes on the topic, and discover how viable manufacturing various parts would be, as well as if there's any ways in which we can update our manufacturing capacity to be able to handle such tech. If we can talk with University, they might know something. Discover how viable building your own terraforming parts will be. This option will have better results the more terraformers you have been able to examine.
[] UN Expertise: Terraformers - The United Nations technicians the Greens have had examining various MPA controlled terraformers are by no means experts, but they've been working on more advanced technology then basically anyone but the most prestigious fellows at University and maybe the upper crust of ODIN can claim to have seen in a lifetime. They've come to you with an interesting proposal, surrounding potentially being able to boost a functioning terraformer's range and power, but it'll take a decent amount of resources to do so. This will unlock options surrounding establishing expansions to existing undamaged Terraformers.
[] Communications Infrastructure: While Mars was remarkably close to being able to re-establish a satellite communications network, the devastation in orbit caused by the MUC's detonation of League One has led to that dream being dead in the water, along with most plans for space travel. However, we've been informed that there is a chance that we could carefully launch a satellite into orbit below the vast majority of the debris. It would limit the effectiveness of it, naturally, but even partial telecommunications, as well as more efficient communications with orbital UN forces and perhaps even Earth could prove fruitful. Of course, it also comes with the risk of it being destroyed, and much work will need to be done to even make the attempt. Do preliminary work to discover the requirements for handling a sub-orbital communications satellite launch.
[] Industrial Development: Automation - Pre-Collapse, there were entire automated facilities, producing what now requires dozens, if not hundreds of workers, with merely a few supervisors. While these have long-since broken down, looking into finding, restoring, and replicating these pieces of technology could be a valuable use of our time, in order to save more of the time of our citizens. Look into the possibility of finding and replicating automated industrial facilities.
[] Industrial Development: Militarization - With our current focus on developing industry, it may perhaps be time to take a look at how we can best prepare our economy for if we ever need to return to wartime measures for any prolonged periods of time. In addition, we have a fairly large military, and if we want to keep it up to snuff, some serious expansions to our military industry are going to be needed. Look into how Station can best expand its arms industry to handle the needs of its military, as well as to best deal with wartime measures.
[] Industrial Development: Capital, My Good Fellow - While automation and wartime measures are all well and good - We must expand our civilian industry as well, as well as setting up to produce more and more goods! Creating more capital goods will enable us to expand further and further, as well as aid in the re-industrialization of any states we happen to want to re-establish or cities we want to rebuild. Look into how our current industry can be best used to aid in expanding our industrial capacity and the industry of our affiliated polities.
[] An Answer to Power Armor:Mechanized Solutions - Your current mechanized forces aren't…well-equipped to handle power armor beyond attempting to crush them with sheer weight, which can often backfire. However, your military minds have looked at Shanxi's tanks and they've started to come up with some theoretical ideas to put into practice when looking at replicating Shanxi's armored forces. Begin developing specialized technicals for fighting against heavily armored enemies, as well as the basics of replicating Shanxi tanks.
[] An Answer to Power Armor:Gas, Gas, Gas - Keeping this separate from anti-armor weapons, the use of chemical and incendiary weapons has been explored as a less palatable option, given both the inherent risks and the inherent indiscriminate nature of both options. It is harder to manufacture safely, harder to utilize efficiently, and harder to clean up after…but it may make for a useful tool when combined with aerial superiority or long-range delivery systems. Begin developing gas-based and incendiary weapons that could be deployed in your armed forces.
[] UN Expertise: Learning From The War - One of the most memorable sights in the Unification War was the sight of UN Battlemechs, deployed directly onto the battlefield from sub-orbit and holding entire streets of Mariner City by themselves, often being the focal point of entire offensives and defensives. The UN has been keeping them incredibly close to the chest in terms of actual operations that are not absolutely vital, but you've managed to secure some of them for study under close oversight by their operators. This will see you look into the viability of replicating UN Battlemechs and researching your own exosuits.
[] Learning From The War: Mechanized and Armored Warfare - Another key facet of the war was Shanxi's ability to pursue a relentless advance, utilizing Station's supply lines to keep their mechanized force fueled and supplied as they pushed deep into Hephaestus territory, traditional infantry unable to maintain their cohesion against them. While Station has established a mechanized infantry corps, perhaps it's time to look into fielding armor, or increasing the training and production of mechanized infantry. This will see you unlock Economics and Peacekeeping actions related to expanding Station's armor and mechanized capabilities.
[] Train-Based Warfare:Hardening - The trains must be armored, hijackings must be prevented, secure material and VIPs must be stored safely. Our engineers had designs ready for this, some prepared even before the MUC hijacking two months ago, based on wartime efforts. Attacks on trains and attempted hijackings will become less successful.
[] Train-Based Warfare:Crew - Conductors and crew are armed, but are they armed enough? We can stock every train with its own armory, and ensure that engineer crews are armed to the teeth to prevent assaults on railway repairs and expansions. Attacks on railways, repair crews, and attempted hijackings will become less successful.
[] Train-Based Warfare:Weaponry - We aren't going far enough. Weapons on trains? Armored trains? Listen to yourselves. The trains must become weapons of Station, transforming our greatest advantage into another advantage! Now, I've sadly had to discard plans for any off-rail trains or 'ramming trains' due to logistical concerns and being reminded that it would simply be "reinventing the tank" to be anywhere near practical. However, I have come up with a real winner - We can put long-range firearms on trains, either as turrets or for long-range engagements against fleeing enemies! It's perfect! Research train-based gun platforms? Results are not guaranteed.
[] Everyday Luxuries: Public Conveniences - A review of the development of our public spaces is long overdue. Parks, playgrounds, and community centers have all taken backseats to the necessities of an expanding polity, and more recently, to wartime needs. Taking the time to understand how best to expand these amenities for the enjoyment of all will improve the quality of life in the outdoors of our settlements, allow for more public gatherings, and aid in fostering an attitude of eco-friendliness amongst our citizenry. This will unlock an Economics action with 0/3 actions completed.
[] Everyday Luxuries:Leisure Time Conveniences - From alcohol to music to books, Station citizens need something to fill their leisure time with. If we expand our facilities dedicated to the more creative arts and invest resources in the development of the activities that our people enjoy, not only will it make our population happier, it'll allow us to kickstart further integration of these services into our economy, as well as begin aid the economic integration of other states as we begin importing and exporting various luxuries. This will unlock an Economics action with 0/2 actions completed.
[] Dreaming of Flight - While Kessler Syndrome has put an end to any ambitions of reaching the stars, it is still possible to attempt sub-orbital and aerial operations, as the recently repaired Shanxi and the raiders of Phoenix Company have proven. Coming up with both an answer to enemy air power, as well as the improvements having our own air power would bring, will be key to developing our capabilities. Look into how we can develop air power and air defense of our own, to answer the Shanxi's sub-orbit capabilities and Phoenix Company's air power, as well as any other issues that may come up.
[] An Apple A Day: Medical Technology Replication - While not as exciting as other discoveries, there are innumerable small improvements that can be made to various pieces of existing medical technology and techniques based on what we've found in the Martian General Infirmary. These don't necessitate any specific effort, but implementing all of them will doubtless be a boon to our population. In addition, being able to replicate some of the designs in here will allow for a more industrial manufacturing of high-quality equipment. Unlock a Governmental action to begin implementing various recovered technologies and techniques all across Station. This will help mitigate any health crises that occur in the future.
[] An Apple A Day: Pharmaceuticals - The various pharmaceutical trials that went on in the Martian General Infirmary display a level of medical knowledge that we've only recently been able to reclaim. Understanding, distributing, and manufacturing all of these pharmaceuticals will doubtless be a difficult undertaking, but it is one that will doubtless save lives, as well as improve the quality of life for many of our citizens. Unlock an Economic action to establish significant pharmaceutical production in Station. This will help mitigate any health crises that occur in the future.
[] An Apple A Day: Repurposing The Education Wing - With the opening of the Educational Wing, while we have no desire to restore its…less savory reasons for existing, the facilities down there can be put to good use for the pursuit of further research, medical and otherwise. We can make it into a true place of learning, rather than a facade of such. Reduce the cost of Satellite Campus Construction by one action and add an additional narrative benefit when it is established.
[] The Blacksite: Collapse Contingencies - A decent portion of these files have significant redacted chunks, often making reference to mysterious contingencies in the event of nuclear war. Attempting to gain access to these locked away files and chunks of data could provide us with quite interesting results…or it could provide us with nothing not already known to us. We shall see. The possible results of this are unknown…
[] Satellite Campus Construction - Your current research base within the MPA isn't large enough. With the aid of University, however, you're working on establishing the basis of a Satellite Campus to remedy this, as per your agreement with them. 1/4 Actions. Will grant a new Research action when complete.
Personal - At this point, you have to admit it to yourself. You've kind of lost your social life. And you can't have it any other way. You aren't the lynchpin to the nation as some would paint you, but being the Stationmaster is less a full-time job and more an all-consuming life path at this point. You might as well buckle down and accept it. You currently have one action in this category.
[] Work - No, seriously, Station just got out of a war. People are dying every day in your own territory and in occupied areas. You're not taking time off. You get one additional Governmental action, which should be included as a subvote to this one. There are no hidden downsides to this.
[] The People's Choice - You are not unaware of your reputation at the moment, but you've started to raise your eyebrow about how intense some people are about it. Perhaps you ought to look into that, before it gets…concerning. Gain information about what exactly your reputation is.
[] A Murder Most Foul - You've buried your husband, and you've mourned him, after the massacre at New Gorbals. Nobody knows what happened, exactly, with the MUC blaming UN infiltrators and the official MPA line being that the UN had nothing to do with it. In more private talks with UN diplomats, they've admitted to you that there have been autonomous special forces cells operating on Martian soil for a year or so, doing what they can in favor of United Nations interests, which has been left mostly up to their discretion. They claim that it probably wasn't one of their cells…but they say they can't be sure, either. Begin looking into the death of your husband and try to find out who was responsible for the New Gorbals Massacre. 0/? Actions.
[] Aid The Assassination Investigation - While your men are already working on the attempted assassination, you can devote your time and energy to figuring out what the hell happened as well. Was it the MUC alone? The MEF using them as a Catspaw? Disgruntled guerillas, the Dead Crusaders, hell, Phoenix Company? Or…well, in the worst case, this was the UN trying to depose you. Let's hope that isn't the case. This will see you begin looking into the attempt to assassinate you and how it was enabled. 1/8 Actions. Note: This action will progress by 1 Action per turn regardless, but you can add on additional actions to speed up the conclusion of the investigation and learn more of the specifics of the case...as well as make sure that nothing is amiss within it.
Author's Note: Same deal as always, basically! I'll be here to answer questions, please vote in plan format, etc. If I screwed anything up - Please inform me! The vote will be open for a bit over 24 hours, and Station's Status will be up shortly.
Crisis Scale
Solved>Fully Managed>Alright>Difficult>Bad>Horrible>Out of Control
If a crisis gets to Out of Control, things get really bad. If it gets to Solved, barring exceptional circumstances, it's done for. If a situation is worsening, it will decrease by one stage per turn.
Hostile Faction Scale
Massive>Severe>High>Moderate>Low>Very Low>None
If a hostile faction manages to get resistance in an area above Massive, it is likely they will establish an independent state, which is obviously not good. If it goes to None, they are functionally wiped out, and will have to receive an opportunity to re-establish themselves in that territory. If it is worsening, it will decrease by one stage per turn.
Internal Personal Reputation Scale
I'll be honest - This one's a lot more abstract, even beyond the abstractions I use for others. So, just be aware that while I track it - There isn't an exact 1 to 1 slider of good to bad, I'm just going to describe it narratively.
Station is currently experiencing the following situations in Melas Chasma:
The Refugee Crisis is the term for the current flood of refugees, civilians fleeing destruction in the north, and Hephaestus refugees escaping poverty in Shanxi's work camps to the southwest. It is currently solved and is currently lessening. This will remain here for now simply because one or two actions will allow temporary worsening as surges of refugees ebb and flow.
War Weary Populace - It is unlikely they will accept any war beyond a purely defensive affair for several years, at best. However, due to Anti-Corporate Sentiment, this is dissipating faster. It is estimated that Station's populace will become war-ready again in 13 months. There will be opportunities to speed this up.
Very Low Hephaestus Guerillas - Hephaestus guerillas are a small problem on the fringe of Melas Chasma, the last few die-hards unwilling to accept MPA rule. With the resolution of the refugee crisis, It is currently stagnant.
??? Dead Crusader Resistance - With the retreat of most organized MUC resistance, the Dead Crusaders have seized control of the militias levied by said commanders and cadres, instituting a new brutal order. They seem to be content to merely lie in wait for now, but nobody is sure what their plans are. It is currently unknown whether the situation is worsening.
??? - You've become aware of something that's already in motion within Station's internal politics and public sentiment. Specifically, something concerning the perception of Station's current leader, Stationmaster Rutherford. You are unsure of how severe it is, what its implications are, or if it is worsening.
Rehabilitation Programs - Prisoners of war are being rehabilitated and re-education in facilities and settlements all over Melas Chasma. It's not exactly the sort of thing that goes better or worse due to material factors - But it is a situation nonetheless. Keep an eye on it, and keep in mind how it will impact things.
Station is currently experiencing the following situations in Mariner City, with a middling degree of accuracy. There may be hidden situations due to lacking intelligence.
The Great Game - Stadium is currently beginning the Great Game to pacify Mariner City! Every turn, this will reduce MUC resistance and increase Anti-Stadium Sentiment. Every turn, you will have a subvote in the Peacekeeping section related to the game.
Low Anti-Stadium Sentiment - The people of Mariner City are not friendly towards Stadium, given the years of propaganda and Stadium's past actions. However, things haven't gotten terrible yet. This is currently stagnant.
Low MUC Resistance - Formerly the stronghold of MCPD and Central, Mariner City has yet to be fully pacified. The MUC is only able to keep up this level of resistance because of some exterior connection, though…perhaps when you've managed to fully pacify the City you'll be able to figure out how. It is currently stagnant.
??? - You're starting to get murmurs that something's going on in University territory, but you'll need further control of and intelligence in Mariner City to gain a better idea of what might be happening, since Dean Kaufmann seems to be trying to keep it on lockdown. This will likely be resolved when Station's Satellite Campus is completed.
Details on Candor Chasma are sparse, due to Biodyne's distance, MBC's current hatred of you, and the lack of logistical lines out there. However, we can make a guess that things are worsening, with no promises on accuracy.
The Enterprise Civil War - The Enterprise Civil War is still ongoing, more then a year after it began. A bloody conflict, it can perhaps yet be turned to our advantage if we can change its outcome to one we would prefer...but the MEF is likely thinking the same thing we are.
Station has the current National Bonuses:
The Inspector Corps - Any hostile military attacks in your territory from factions that are not Severe or above are nullified.
The Refugee Office - Mitigates Refugee Crises by one step per turn permanently.
Trade Schools - Grant one additional Economics action and aids in integrating populations, currently aiding the Refugee Crisis by one step per turn.
MPA-CIG - Unlocks counter-intelligence options.
University Investment - Every turn, one action's worth of progress will automatically be made on a research expansion option for free. This is active forever and will never be done in such a manner that it is theoretically negative for you (such as taking an action that represents a significant downside in exchange for additional research actions).
The People's Top Three Issues Are:
Eradicating the MUC.
Re-establishing Hephaestus
Repairing the Melas Chasma Line
Terraformer Status and Requirements:
Destroyed Terraformer in Melas Chasma: Restore Rail Service to Melas Chasma.
Intact Terraformer in Melas Chasma: You have access to this Terraformer.
Damaged Terraformer in Mariner City: Stadium fully controls the province of the Terraformer upon the conclusion of the Great Game.
Biodyne Terraformer: Rail Line Connection to Biodyne and be in favor with the Green Bloc at the end of the turn.
Destroyed Terraformers in Candor Chasma: ???
Station's economy is currently controlled centrally and is focusing on industrial development. (While this focus is selected, all rail-related actions have their cost reduced by one. Additionally, Research options will have unique options opened up.)
Trade is currently export-only.
Station and the Socialist Bloc are currently the leaders of the Martian Popular Authority.
The Green Bloc favors you.
The UN Bloc favors you.
The Neutral Bloc is neutral to you.
The Martian Popular Authority currently is recognized as the legitimate government of Mars by all participating factions. It is recognized as a legitimate government by the United Nations.
The MEF currently is recognized as a legitimate government by the United Nations. Their view of you is unknown, but presumed hostile.
Station is currently hated by all insurgent groups, except Hephaestus where your reputation is good.
Personal Information
You are Eliza Rutherford, Stationmaster. You were elected democratically, and have eight months (eight turns) left on your term before you plan to run for re-election. You are unsure of your reputation amongst Station's people. You know that you are viewed as the sole figure responsible for Station's success on the world stage, as well as its defeat of the MUC, inaccurate as this view is…it means you are personally hated by all anti-Station factions.
[X] Plan: Linking The Fires
-[X] Outreach To Frontier Communities, Phase One - While we cannot pierce deeply into the heart of territory currently under the brutal boot of the Dead Crusaders, we can reach into the outskirts and seek to make contacts with the communities there to place them under MPA protection. That is…if we can convince them to. Many still bear scars from the War, or have been lied to by the MUC or Dead Crusaders. A subvote will occur to convince unaligned communities to support you over the Dead Crusaders.
-[X] The Station Broadcasting Service - While we have a patchworked network of radio operators, if we make a concerted effort to establish radio infrastructure, formalize existing positions, and expand radio production, we can absolutely make a significant dent in establishing a civilian communication network. However, these communications are unreliable at points due to Mars's atmospheric conditions and can be intercepted. They are also vulnerable to atmospheric conditions and, Mars forbid, Storm Season, should it return. Establish the Station Broadcasting Service and coordinate our loose network of radio personnel into a unified civilian network. Improve Local News and other narrative benefits.
-[X] Integrate Loyal Communities - Not every polity in Mariner Valley participated in the war, and not all of them wish to retain autonomy. There are a number of small townships which pre-war, had already been in the process of integrating into Station. It should only be a small matter to finalize the last few agreements to get them fully onboard. This will open more options.
-[X] Melas Chasma Rail Repair - The Melas Chasma rail line was semi-functional pre-war, with lines set up between Station, Hephaestus, and running into Mariner City towards your allies there, with a planned connection to extend into Shanxi. However, Hephaestus's secession from the MPA led to the rails that once led to the Caverns being destroyed as part of their attempts to halt advances by our forces. With these lines repaired, we will be able to begin construction on new lines in Melas Chasma, as well as begin operations in ex-Hephaestus territory. 0/1 Actions. This action risks disruption from the Dead Crusaders. This will unlock more actions when complete. This action will allow more refugees to flow towards Station.
-[X] Mariner City Rail Line Construction: Stadium-University Express Line - Dean Kaufman has specially requested construction of a Stadium to University rail line, citing logistical concerns and timetables being more efficient. He isn't wrong, but it'll be a bit more of a direct investment than our prior plan to run the rail line in a more roundabout manner through the city. Luckily, we can do both! 0/2 Actions. This action does not risk disruption. This will unlock more actions when complete. This action will allow University to link into the wider MPA economy more efficiently, increase the ease of transit, and grant favor with the Neutral Bloc.
- [X] Conductor Expansion, Phase One - Conductors is a general title for elected officials within Station, ranging from leaders of settlements, to military commanders, to bureaucrats. With the war over and so much administration needing to be done, a formally planned expansion to their ranks to fill out various options is necessary. The only question is, what types of positions require immediate attention, and do you want to endorse any particular candidates? This will lead to a subvote on what positions will be immediately established, as well as if you wish to endorse any candidates.
-[X] The Fourth Quarter - The Great Game is nearly at an end! With only a few provinces left to take, the game has entered its final Quarter, and it is neck and neck. With the Great Game wrapping up the pacification of Mariner City, it is soon likely that it will be time to rebuild…and it will be one hell of a rebuilding process. You will referee regardless, but this represents dedicated enough resources to it to have a significant effect. This will reduce Anti-Stadium Sentiment, reduce MUC influence in Mariner City, and ensure no major Red-Blue fights break out.
- [X] Keeping An Eye On Prisoners - While the vast majority of POWs are engaging at least somewhat with our rehabilitative programs, there's no reason for us to get lax and risk allowing a breakout attempt to occur. Setting the Inspector Corps on the task of ensuring that everyone's attending mandatory meetings, following up on various reports of misbehavior, and that no foolish fights are started will be a necessity. In addition, it'll be good to ensure that the Inspector Corps and POWs can interact in a safe manner…as well as pull out anybody who can't handle that. This will ensure that the Inspector Corps familiarize themselves with the ins and outs of the rehabilitation program with oversight, lowering the risk of breakouts and incidents between prisoners and citizens.
-[X] Infiltrate Their Militias - The Dead Crusaders, while characterized by their use of power armor, still utilize militias as cannon fodder for their forces. The most prominent and skillful amongst them are even taken as "squires" to their Knights, trained in the usage of their Power Armor. If we send in infiltrators to join these militias, we may be able to get hints to the plans of the Dead Crusaders…or we may spend lives for naught. This will give you partial intelligence on the Dead Crusaders.
-[X] Train-Based Warfare:Hardening - The trains must be armored, hijackings must be prevented, secure material and VIPs must be stored safely. Our engineers had designs ready for this, some prepared even before the MUC hijacking two months ago, based on wartime efforts. Attacks on trains and attempted hijackings will become less successful.
-[X] Train-Based Warfare:Crew - Conductors and crew are armed, but are they armed enough? We can stock every train with its own armory, and ensure that engineer crews are armed to the teeth to prevent assaults on railway repairs and expansions. Attacks on railways, repair crews, and attempted hijackings will become less successful.
- [X] Everyday Luxuries: Home Conveniences - Ranging from the installation of appliances to expanding access to various amenities that can be enjoyed in the comfort of their home to simply just expediting the production of more comfortable furniture, bringing home conveniences to the forefront of our development will see us grant more leisure time to our citizens, who will have to spend less time cooking, less time cleaning, and exist more comfortably in their own homes. This will unlock an Economics option with 0/3 actions completed.
-[X] The People's Choice - You are not unaware of your reputation at the moment, but you've started to raise your eyebrow about how intense some people are about it. Perhaps you ought to look into that, before it gets…concerning. Gain information about what exactly your reputation is.
This plan goes all in on facing our problems head on and indirectly both. By Infiltrating the Militias of the Dead Crusaders while integrating loyal communities and doing outreach to frontier ones, we strengthen our hand... and the RBC news can help 'integrate' these communities further.
We need to address the Conductor problem, that much seems obvious.
Melee Chasma as well.
But why do the University one first? Because it takes two actions, and so I want to do that *and* the MCPD HQ at the same time. I can be convinced otherwise, but that's the best way to have a two-turn turnaround on those.
If we're building rail lines, it's best to just finish Train Defense prep now just in case... next turn we definitely want to take Industrial Development options.
Finally, we want to see what's up with the ??? Popular Opinion thing.
I was going to argue about doing the integrating loyal communities action, but it looks like the Greens beat me to it.
We have the option to pour gasoline on ODIN's problems. Could lead to a left wing coup. Could lead to a horrible massacre.
Phoenix Company is operating in the area. So I think now is the time to start our research into anti-air weapons.
Love that we finally get access to railroad building actions that don't risk any disruption.
The Home Grown Science action has been replaced with Satellite Campus construction. We could do Repurpose the Education Wing to get two birds with one stone.
For the University research action, it's random what is chosen? As in we have no way to direct it?
Research expansion options are options which give you more research actions. Your deal with University basically auto-progresses whatever research expansion action you have at the current moment by one per turn.
Bit of an odd question but how bad was the collapse on earth considering how much it fucked up mars even with unofficial rules like not targeting the terraformers and considering how the UN thinks that all of humanity has to be united or everyone dies
Research expansion options are options which give you more research actions. Your deal with University basically auto-progresses whatever research expansion action you have at the current moment by one per turn.
Bit of an odd question but how bad was the collapse on earth considering how much it fucked up mars even with unofficial rules like not targeting the terraformers and considering how the UN thinks that all of humanity has to be united or everyone dies
You guys have no idea, but it was probably pretty damn bad! The only people who maybe know are Central and the UN. Central tried to unify Mars under their banner and claimed they didn't know anything about what happened on Earth. The UN haven't talked much about the Collapse with y'all, though. There's a lot more focus on immediate concerns, after all.
You guys have no idea, but it was probably pretty damn bad! The only people who maybe know are Central and the UN. Central tried to unify Mars under their banner and claimed they didn't know anything about what happened on Earth. The UN haven't talked much about the Collapse with y'all, though. There's a lot more focus on immediate concerns, after all.
Could we ask them since considering what the MUC did it's pretty likely the UN forces in planet probably won't ever to go home and despite us having a somewhat antagonistic relationship it would be good to understand why they do the things they did and at least keep some knowledge of earth for future generations.I mean think about what the average UN grunt is feeling.Their stuck on a completely different planet with laws and cultures different from their own with a population that dislikes them and their never going to be able to go home or even feel safe thanks to MUC
Could we ask them since considering what the MUC did it's pretty likely the UN forces in planet probably won't ever to go home and despite us having a somewhat antagonistic relationship it would be good to understand why they do the things they did and at least keep some knowledge of earth for future generations.I mean think about what the average UN grunt is feeling.Their stuck on a completely different planet with laws and cultures different from their own with a population that dislikes them and their never going to be able to go home or even feel safe thanks to MUC
The answer the Ambassador on the ground would give to you is "limited nuclear exchange, orbital battles, we bunkered up and re-emerged to fight it out for humanity over the past century", but sadly all of their records of historical stuff isn't with the limited military detachment they sent down to fight on the ground in the Unification War, it'd probably be with the fleet. The first thing is very much a 'reciting the party line' situation, but the last one is true. Better communications would have to be established with the UN Fleet to see what they can send, or heck, maybe even looking into comms with Earth at some point.
Beyond that, there is a Personal option devoted to investigating if the UN is lying about some things, though, and who knows where it'd take you! Perhaps investigating that would give some more answers. Plus, there's a mystery box Blacksite Research option about Martian pre-Collapse contingencies. I realize this is all something of a cop-out, and I am sorry, but it is because I have plans for this stuff later down the line! Answers about the Collapse, while interesting, simply aren't the first thing on anyone's mind at the moment, given the insurgencies and geopolitical situation. Later on in the quest, once more fires are put out permanently - Expect more questions to be raised.
Oh, yeah, the average UN Grunt is kinda screwed in all this. They aren't publicly causing problems or anything from what you guys can see, and Shanxi's treating them pretty well, but the ones helping your military and whatnot don't seem very happy in their off time. They seem to be pretty insular, they mostly keep to themselves and their comrades, at most tending to hang out with Shanxi military personnel. It's only been a few months, and they've been kept fairly busy with work, too.
[X] Plan Not Getting Burned
-[X] Outreach To Frontier Communities, Phase One
-[X] The Station Broadcasting Service
-[X] Mariner City Rail Line Construction: MCPD HQ
-[X] Conductor Expansion, Phase One
-[X] Mariner City Rail Line Construction: Stadium-University Express Line
-[X] The Fourth Quarter
-[X] Keeping An Eye On Prisoners
-[X] Train-Based Warfare: Hardening
-[X] Dreaming of Flight
-[X] The People's Choice
@The Laurent So you said you were open to arguments. More of a variant than a true new plan, to me the argument for MCPD over Melas Chasma this turn is two fold. We're wrapping up things in the great game and running in the line to support that is good. It also gives us some space to do an unchallenged line over a challenged line which let's us slow the tempo on train hardening so we can spread a research action to start with air defense. Phoenix Company is, I think, a more pressing danger.
[X] Plan Not Getting Burned
-[X] Outreach To Frontier Communities, Phase One
-[X] The Station Broadcasting Service
-[X] Mariner City Rail Line Construction: MCPD HQ
-[X] Conductor Expansion, Phase One
-[X] Mariner City Rail Line Construction: Stadium-University Express Line
-[X] The Fourth Quarter
-[X] Integrate Defectors into the MPA Armed Forces
-[X] Keeping An Eye On Prisoners
-[X] Train-Based Warfare: Hardening
-[X] Dreaming of Flight
-[X] The People's Choice
@The Laurent So you said you were open to arguments. More of a variant than a true new plan, to me the argument for MCPD over Melas Chasma this turn is two fold. We're wrapping up things in the great game and running in the line to support that is good. It also gives us some space to do an unchallenged line over a challenged line which let's us slow the tempo on train hardening so we can spread a research action to start with air defense. Phoenix Company is, I think, a more pressing danger.
Hmm, the thing is, the #3 priority of our people and the popular will is getting Melas Chasma set up, and we can't even begin to reestablish Heph until we do so. Like, we won't get the action at all until after that's done.
Hmm, on a more technically pressing problem, "Integrate Defectors" cannot be done with the other two because this action is already locked in:
[] Infiltrate Their Militias - The Dead Crusaders, while characterized by their use of power armor, still utilize militias as cannon fodder for their forces. The most prominent and skillful amongst them are even taken as "squires" to their Knights, trained in the usage of their Power Armor. If we send in infiltrators to join these militias, we may be able to get hints to the plans of the Dead Crusaders…or we may spend lives for naught. This will give you partial intelligence on the Dead Crusaders.