thread policyDiscussion of politics that does not directly relate to the Quest or to Quest votes are banned from hereon out. This thread policy will be enforced by the Moderation team. Do not ignore it.
[X] Mayor Mesba has calmed down enough that she wants heads. You're going to give her the chance. You are going to invite a delegation of high-ranking representatives from USA.PLC to a meal before the CDE commences, and without telling them, you are also going to invite Mesba to that dinner as well. USA.PLC will still probably attend the CDE -- because, and it cannot be emphasized enough, everybody is so incredibly fired and a cushion is likely desired -- but it is...passing unlikely that they'll be interested in a continuing relationship with the Commonwealth if you take this path. On the plus side, you'll get the very personal gratitude of FCNY's government.
[X] Mayor Mesba has calmed down enough that she wants heads. You're going to give her the chance. You are going to invite a delegation of high-ranking representatives from USA.PLC to a meal before the CDE commences, and without telling them, you are also going to invite Mesba to that dinner as well. USA.PLC will still probably attend the CDE -- because, and it cannot be emphasized enough, everybody is so incredibly fired and a cushion is likely desired -- but it is...passing unlikely that they'll be interested in a continuing relationship with the Commonwealth if you take this path. On the plus side, you'll get the very personal gratitude of FCNY's government.
Tbh I don't really see the point in trying to buddy up with New York at all costs. We're both revivalists that are hated by Victoria, so we kind of have to hang together or be hanged separately. Doesn't mean we should antagonize them, which is why it's a good thing we rejected USA.PLC's offer that would've utterly screwed them over, but I don't really see what the "personal gratitude of FCNY's government" gives us in concrete terms.
[X] You will send them a polite communication detailing the particulars of your agreement with FCNY and the needed modifications to USA.PLC's offering at the CDE. You will then politely ignore the sounds of heart palpitations echoing from across the Atlantic Ocean and over the Appalachian Mountains and get on with the business of the Seven-Year Plan. USA.PLC will probably be unhappy, but they had to have understood that there was a risk they didn't win this bid. Right?
We have given FCNY the authority to handle the finances of the Revivalist Council and our current leading position in it is not an unassailable one. There are going to be many disputes on it and having their voice on our side is an advantage I would caution against disregarding.
My knee jerk reaction is to take the polite, diplomatic option that involves the least entanglement. But looking at the quest so far, avoiding entanglements hasn't been a CFC priority and bold moves have most often been successful moves in responding to polycrisis. Also, a dramatic dinner scene just sounds like a more fun gameplay option than a polite note.
[X] Mayor Mesba has calmed down enough that she wants heads. You're going to give her the chance. You are going to invite a delegation of high-ranking representatives from USA.PLC to a meal before the CDE commences, and without telling them, you are also going to invite Mesba to that dinner as well. USA.PLC will still probably attend the CDE -- because, and it cannot be emphasized enough, everybody is so incredibly fired and a cushion is likely desired -- but it is...passing unlikely that they'll be interested in a continuing relationship with the Commonwealth if you take this path. On the plus side, you'll get the very personal gratitude of FCNY's government.
[X] Mayor Mesba has calmed down enough that she wants heads. You're going to give her the chance. You are going to invite a delegation of high-ranking representatives from USA.PLC to a meal before the CDE commences, and without telling them, you are also going to invite Mesba to that dinner as well. USA.PLC will still probably attend the CDE -- because, and it cannot be emphasized enough, everybody is so incredibly fired and a cushion is likely desired -- but it is...passing unlikely that they'll be interested in a continuing relationship with the Commonwealth if you take this path. On the plus side, you'll get the very personal gratitude of FCNY's government.
Everyone is catastrophically, unbelievably fired already. I really don't know that they're going to be all that much less pissed at us if we try to be polite about it. Meanwhile, given existing and likely future tensions, buying some goodwill from FCNY while we have the chance seems valuable. We've picked which side of this issue we're on; let's commit to it.
My one concern is that we picked the negotiate option to try to maintain access to USA.PLC, instead of the option to just not buy from them at all as FCNY requested. In light of that, burning our bridges with them now makes me wonder why we bothered.
My one concern is that we picked the negotiate option to try to maintain access to USA.PLC, instead of the option to just not buy from them at all as FCNY requested. In light of that, burning our bridges with them now makes me wonder why we bothered.
My one concern is that we picked the negotiate option to try to maintain access to USA.PLC, instead of the option to just not buy from them at all as FCNY requested. In light of that, burning our bridges with them now makes me wonder why we bothered.
My thoughts exactly. Both of us urgently need weapons, and there's only so many to go around, so we handled that offer about as fairly as can be expected. We can focus on long-term issues like our influence in the revivalist movement when we're armed up enough that Victoria won't squash us flat with their fancy new Russian hardware, and New York undoubtedly has a similar order of priorities.
My one concern is that we picked the negotiate option to try to maintain access to USA.PLC, instead of the option to just not buy from them at all as FCNY requested. In light of that, burning our bridges with them now makes me wonder why we bothered.
They're explicitly still likely to show up to the upcoming event, which means we'll be able to make any purchases there that don't require long-term support (or conflict with FCNY's veto list). & my argument at least is that signing any long-term deals with them is unlikely to be tenable and/or desirable regardless at this point.
They're explicitly still likely to show up to the upcoming event, which means we'll be able to make any purchases there that don't require long-term support (or conflict with FCNY's veto list). & my argument at least is that signing any long-term deals with them is unlikely to be tenable and/or desirable regardless at this point.
One of the services they provide is training and support for their equipment. Are they likely to have equipment that they'll both sell us as a one-time purchase and that CFC troops can integrate and deploy effectively without manufacturer support?
Tbh I don't really see the point in trying to buddy up with New York at all costs. We're both revivalists that are hated by Victoria, so we kind of have to hang together or be hanged separately. Doesn't mean we should antagonize them, which is why it's a good thing we rejected USA.PLC's offer that would've utterly screwed them over, but I don't really see what the "personal gratitude of FCNY's government" gives us in concrete terms.
For my part, a big reason to desire NY's gratitude is because we have alot of reasons to have friction with NY, our sudden rise has threatened their leadership of American revivalism. And so far in the quest, our moralistic tendency has made life a bit difficult for them. As I see it, this is an opportunity to show NY that we are also the sorts to be moralistic in ways that benefit them.
They are land poor, but rich in terms of money, soft power and population (I forget what their population was exactly, but I think it was in the ballpark of 20 million, but even 5 million people is a considerable population base that puts them on par with a small European country like Denmark or Finland). In other words, they are a considerable player that are much closer than Europe is, and it is likely that a serious breakdown in relations with them would make our fight for survival much harder, if not impossible.
(That they have the money already to buy modern weapons in bulk, plus access to the sea lanes to make resupply to them far more viable means that I think we will be depending on them to tie down the bulk of whatever New Model Army Blackford builds once Victoria switches to a more normal Russian way of war - our geography means that I find it dubious that we will be able to deal with very many top of the line formations.)
So taking advantage of a rare opportunity to improve relations with them, so that next time we cross NY we have credit to burn, appeals to me.
One of the services they provide is training and support for their equipment. Are they likely to have equipment that they'll both sell us as a one-time purchase and that CFC troops can integrate and deploy effectively without manufacturer support?
I should say, I don't think that being polite is a terrible option, but I think it won't matter much for USA plc. Either the company is ripped up and something new is built from its assets that we will be starting with on a new page, or the company will retain the bad old management that we will want to steer clear of anyway.
As I see it, being polite is the way to show OTHER arms dealers that we are calm technocratic sorts that they can relax around.
I just don't see that prize as being as good as strengthening relations with NY, that's all.
My one concern is that we picked the negotiate option to try to maintain access to USA.PLC, instead of the option to just not buy from them at all as FCNY requested. In light of that, burning our bridges with them now makes me wonder why we bothered.
I think we didn't want to burn bridges with them because we hadn't gotten confirmation of just how badly they tried to abuse their most important customer.
For my part, a big reason to desire NY's gratitude is because we have alot of reasons to have friction with NY, our sudden rise has threatened their leadership of American revivalism. And so far in the quest, our moralistic tendency has made life a bit difficult for them. As I see it, this is an opportunity to show NY that we are also the sorts to be moralistic in ways that benefit them.
They are land poor, but rich in terms of money, soft power and population (I forget what their population was exactly, but I think it was in the ballpark of 20 million, but even 5 million people is a considerable population base that puts them on par with a small European country like Denmark or Finland). In other words, they are a considerable player that are much closer than Europe is, and it is likely that a serious breakdown in relations with them would make our fight for survival much harder, if not impossible.
(That they have the money already to buy modern weapons in bulk, plus access to the sea lanes to make resupply to them far more viable means that I think we will be depending on them to tie down the bulk of whatever New Model Army Blackford builds once Victoria switches to a more normal Russian way of war - our geography means that I find it dubious that we will be able to deal with very many top of the line formations.)
So taking advantage of a rare opportunity to improve relations with them, so that next time we cross NY we have credit to burn, appeals to me.
After all we could benefit from loans from them to build up our army, and NYC is only going to become WEALTHIER once they get back some land and can actually expand and rebuild outside of the city itself.
And longer term of course we want goodwill both with their politicians AND the general population to agree on the USA 2.0 project.
[X] Mayor Mesba has calmed down enough that she wants heads. You're going to give her the chance. You are going to invite a delegation of high-ranking representatives from USA.PLC to a meal before the CDE commences, and without telling them, you are also going to invite Mesba to that dinner as well. USA.PLC will still probably attend the CDE -- because, and it cannot be emphasized enough, everybody is so incredibly fired and a cushion is likely desired -- but it is...passing unlikely that they'll be interested in a continuing relationship with the Commonwealth if you take this path. On the plus side, you'll get the very personal gratitude of FCNY's government.
[X] Mayor Mesba has calmed down enough that she wants heads. You're going to give her the chance. You are going to invite a delegation of high-ranking representatives from USA.PLC to a meal before the CDE commences, and without telling them, you are also going to invite Mesba to that dinner as well. USA.PLC will still probably attend the CDE -- because, and it cannot be emphasized enough, everybody is so incredibly fired and a cushion is likely desired -- but it is...passing unlikely that they'll be interested in a continuing relationship with the Commonwealth if you take this path. On the plus side, you'll get the very personal gratitude of FCNY's government.
After all we could benefit from loans from them to build up our army, and NYC is only going to become WEALTHIER once they get back some land and can actually expand and rebuild outside of the city itself.
Hah... You know, I had been thinking purely about how much easier the Vicks would be to fight if they had a monkey on their back in the form of an armed New York.
But yes, if they are willing to give us some friendly terms on loans that helps alot.
And if that detail about the Vick territory near NY being their industrial heartland is right, NY taking that territory makes them an even better friend. Especially as trade with them will be easy once one of us re-takes Buffalo and the railway down to NYC.
Hah... You know, I had been thinking purely about how much easier the Vicks would be to fight if they had a monkey on their back in the form of an armed New York.
But yes, if they are willing to give us some friendly terms on loans that helps alot.
And if that detail about the Vick territory near NY being their industrial heartland is right, NY taking that territory makes them an even better friend. Especially as trade with them will be easy once one of us re-takes Buffalo and the railway down to NYC.
I don't know about that sounds like it would screw around with trying to remake America making States bigger than there older parts were, and especially that it will be a lot of uneducated brainwashed people with minimal or no infrastructure they would have to fix.
Things seem to have largely died down. Let's close up now.
Adhoc vote count started by PoptartProdigy on Dec 30, 2024 at 1:02 AM, finished with 116 posts and 56 votes.
[X] You will send them a polite communication detailing the particulars of your agreement with FCNY and the needed modifications to USA.PLC's offering at the CDE. You will then politely ignore the sounds of heart palpitations echoing from across the Atlantic Ocean and over the Appalachian Mountains and get on with the business of the Seven-Year Plan. USA.PLC will probably be unhappy, but they had to have understood that there was a risk they didn't win this bid. Right?
[X] Mayor Mesba has calmed down enough that she wants heads. You're going to give her the chance. You are going to invite a delegation of high-ranking representatives from USA.PLC to a meal before the CDE commences, and without telling them, you are also going to invite Mesba to that dinner as well. USA.PLC will still probably attend the CDE -- because, and it cannot be emphasized enough, everybody is so incredibly fired and a cushion is likely desired -- but it is...passing unlikely that they'll be interested in a continuing relationship with the Commonwealth if you take this path. On the plus side, you'll get the very personal gratitude of FCNY's government.
Chicago, Illinois, Commonwealth of Free Cities
General Commonwealth Executive Offices, 100 W. Randolph St.
Department of Domestic Affairs
April 20, 2077
From: Thomas Henzel, Office of the Census
To: Christina Wilson, Secretary of Domestic Affairs
Secretary Wilson,
The Office of the Census has dedicated some discretionary resources toward an effort to investigate the populaces' standard of living. The goal of this report is to allow the Department to understand the material realities of citizens' lives, how recent changes have affected them, and where opportunities for further expansion of government services can be achieved. Documents containing a quantitative summary of the report are attached for your review, however this summary focuses on a qualitative description of the current situation and its relation to post collapse society.
Section 1: Necessities
Access to basic necessities such as water, food, shelter and to a lesser extent power has been a difficulty in the Midwest for decades. Following the Accords, trends have been largely positive, though concerns remain.
Water is readily accessible, though quality can vary and as a rule requires improvement. Most water infrastructure in the Commonwealth is decades behind on maintenance, and frankly requires full replacement in many areas. Much of regional spending this last fiscal year and years before has gone towards deferred maintenance of these systems, and this is expected to continue for some years. While this is unlikely to require federal attention at this time, the rapid rise of urban populations may strain already under served systems.
Policies enacted during the Burn's administration and continued investment have ensured that hunger is rare. The diet of the average citizen is based primarily on wheat and corn products sourced from local producers, usually supplemented by a portion of chicken or pork for protein. This is mostly a continuation of pre-Accord culinary trends, though the amount of calories has increased as the threat of famine has receded. What is new is the addition of a variety of canned vegetables and fruits. While fresh produce is still a delicacy to many, the opening to global markets has allowed a significant flow of shelf stable products, greatly diversifying diets. The access to properly preserved tomatoes has been a particular blessing.
Flavorings have also had a rise in prominence, though most foreign spices are restricted to special occasions or wealthier households. The most commonly used spices from the old country such as garlic, basil, thyme etc. have seen continued cultivation locally even through the collapse, with the notable exception of black pepper - being a tropical cultivar - which has only now had a chance to return to shelves. The government should expect continuing demand for foreign foodstuffs as a symbol both of the Commonwealth's new prosperity and a possible return to the glories of the old America.
Housing is wildly variable, with many people within the three most urban regions of Chicago, Detroit and Toledo living in apartments where extra space beyond sleeping quarters and eating space have been stripped away. In contrast, rural regions have plentiful space but quality construction is sorely lacking. Newer construction is generally up to standards of insulation and often has access to some measure of central heating, but many housing units maintained or built after the collapse can become dangerously cold in the winter without extra heating. Electric heaters are proliferating after the work of the CAF, but many households living in older buildings require use of woodfire stoves for winter heating.
The proliferation of electrical access will, in the long term, reap incredible dividends for the people of the Commonwealth. However, for most households, the single greatest change here is having access to electric lighting again. It cannot be overstated how useful it is to have on demand cheap lighting. Productivity and leisure are no longer tied to the cycle of the sun or expensive candles or lamps.
What little of their domestic devices used electricity can now do so reliably, without the annoyance of irregular brownouts, but that is all. This will change as household infrastructure and equipment is rebuilt to take advantage of this new power, but for now the majority of benefit lies in government projects, and not household use. As incomes improve and more domestic devices become available, the assurance of electrical power will begin to bear fruit in the home just as in the factory.
Fundamentally, guarantees of basic food, water and housing by the government have prevented households from feeling much strain in achieving a solid baseline in necessities, though it is possible that the needs of the growing population outstrips the ability of the state to meet it. For now, to the average citizen, the feeling is that the government has such concerns well within hand..
Section 2: Transportation
The vast majority of traffic within Commonwealth borders is foot traffic. Due to the nature of post collapse America, people have lived very close to their place of employment by necessity. While work vehicles are not unusual, particularly in rural regions, personal transportation is mostly serviced by taxi, if at all.
In urban conglomerations, where the movement of people has been more rapid, there is some minor proliferation of public transport options, with pre existing rail lines being the most common. However, many cities still rely on mixed zoning to reduce the need for such services out of necessity. Chicago especially is suffering from a lack of sufficient transit service, and the city government is working to alleviate this with what resources it can.
It is expected that public transportation within city or town limits can be handled by regional administrations, though if urban populations increase at rates higher than expected, federal funding may become necessary to alleviate logistical problems. The inclusion of rail investiture from the Seven Year Plan is expected to provide significant linkages between townships and cities for transportation beyond the local, and given its intention for war time logistic needs, should be more than capable of handling peacetime requirements.
Over all, while the logistical needs of the Commonwealth will rapidly evolve as re-industrialization occurs, for the moment the average commuter is at worst under served. More work is needed, but this work does not need the attention of Congress at this time.
Section 3: Recreation
While not a major priority of government intervention, the rapid growth of the entertainment sector is emblematic of the promise of a better life. It is something that permeates the life of every citizen, and is a factor that is both tied to the successes of the administration while being almost fully outside of its influence. While a full listing of sources of entertainment could fill an entire book, here the focus is on public settings and mass entertainment.
The single greatest change in recreation involves the proliferation of radio. The Victorians had no problem with allowing radio to exist throughout the Old Country, as it allowed them further avenues to spread their poison while being blindingly obvious when more subversive elements were using it. Thus, many locales and even households had access to a radio of one kind or another, if only to have some sense of the wider world. The relative cheapness and ease of transport and production has made them all the more popular, with consumers using new disposable income to ensure that most every household has at least one radio set.
Now that Victoria no longer holds control of the airwaves, a tide of new programming has swept through the Midwest and beyond. Vox Populi may be the name with the widest reach, but a multitude of local channels have begun broadcasting a variety of programs, from local news, to an ever broader range of musical and entertainment broadcasting. Preserved classics of the Old Country often share airtime with modern pieces. Radio dramas have also had a heyday over the last few years, and cover a wide range of topics, though the pre collapse features heavily as a setting. The relatively low cost of entering the market means that many are experimenting to see what works, for better or worse.
Television has also slowly made its way back into civil society. Though nowhere near the prominence of before, it is not uncommon to see a pub or cafe use a television set - broadcasting old programming - as a selling point, and many such establishments put on special screenings to draw in extra business. Unlike radio, almost all content here remains recovered and smuggled material from the before, though some material from Europe has managed to be imported to a wide range of responses.
Home computers are unlikely to become mainstream anytime soon, as the lack of any significant consumer internet service within Commonwealth territory limits their use dramatically. For now, the computer will remain within the domain of the office space.
While proper book printing has not yet begun in mass yet, a trickle of pulp printers and purchases from foreign sources have filled the libraries established last year with a functional reserve of copies. The addition of donations from tens of thousands of citizens who gave over old copies of Victorian contraband, or simply pre collapse literature that had survived the odds, have provided a wide if somewhat eclectic catalog for the Commonwealth's enjoyment and enrichment. While little time has passed for new authors to emerge, it is expected that said libraries will have many new additions to make in the years to come, if only on the expectation that many will finally be free to record their own stories; stories of what has happened to America in the last fifty years, both triumphant and all too often tragic.
Public spaces are something of an awkward point, as there is much available unused land for them, but there has been little official time or resources dedicated to their beautification, as most bureaucratic effort has gone to aforementioned issues and the general frenzy of a still forming nation. Such as they do exist, they are largely in the hands of the private citizens who use them. These spaces serve as both a social gathering place and sporting site. Basketball, Soccer, and Baseball all share prominence, with Football requiring significantly more equipment to properly – and safely – play, and mostly competes via its status as a proud tradition of the Old Country. Casual concerts are also common, with live performances from amateur musicians accompanied by good food and hopefully good neighbors.
Section 4: Notable Trends
Some trends of note have become apparent now that the Office has had a chance to properly analyze the data we have collected.
Firstly, the status of the immigrant and refugee populations is, statistically, universally worse off than certified citizens. This is not to say that they live in abject poverty, but the difference is notable both in the aggregate and the personal. Some of this can be attributed to the nature of a mobile population, especially one fleeing from war, but a significant portion of cause is the handling of these individuals' status. Though the administration has taken steps to rectify this, it is expected to be a continuing issue and must be monitored. Food is in the pantry, and there is a warm place to eat it, but the general situation shows that this is fundamentally less certain for these communities, and should be reacted to accordingly.
Secondly, is the divide between urban and rural populations. A tale as old as urbanization, and one the Old Country struggled with as well. The baseline before the Accords was almost identical between the two demographics, but as more and more people flock to the cities, the likelihood that rural communities may be left behind will increase. Currently, the differences remain mostly superficial, with the most significant one being the divide in housing situation, with newer housing being highly focused within Chicago city limits.
Conclusions:
While the trend is positive in nearly every metric, the vast majority of this can be attributed to several unsustainable stimuli. The mechanization of agriculture, the defeat of Victoria, the opening of the St. Lawrence, and the stability of an organized state. While all of these are triumphs of the Commonwealth, they are not easily repeatable achievements, and the St. Lawrence remains in a perilous position. The Commonwealth has been riding high on a massively increased standard of living that the government is directly drawing legitimacy from. Additionally, disregarding agriculture, these increases are largely secondary results of government objectives, and not direct projects. This should be kept in mind going forward, as rapid decreases in means may do more to damage public trust than it would in other nations.
Additionally, while the current situation means that by and large the Commonwealth is politically and socially united, the framework for significant divides is present in both the growing immigrant community and friction therein, and the possibility of growing disparities in wealth between regions. This is in addition to the general growing pains of welding the disparate states and political entities together into a singular whole , a process that will likely continue as new territories are expected to come into the Commonwealth. The effort needed to ensure the conclusion of the debate over The Works proves that a few city centers cannot be the sole benefactors of Revival if the nation is to remain united.
Thus, it should be the recommendation of the Department of Domestic affairs that:
1: The Commonwealth should continue to make efforts to properly naturalize and integrate the immigrant populations to provide guarantees of full coverage of services and economic integration. Bluntly, raw pragmatic necessity dictates that this be done, as there is little benefit and significant problems that could arise from the current situation continuing.
2: The Commonwealth should investigate possible policies to ensure that development reaches all communities within its borders, with the goal of ensuring equity in its standard of living and promoting political and economic integration of its member territories.
3: The Commonwealth should consider directing spending towards investment in non essential services to better provide a consistent framework in the case of significant economic downturn. A new Public Broadcasting/Media Service could be desirable in setting a baseline of quality.
I ask that you present this to President Johnson at your earliest convenience, Madam Secretary. While the information within is not time sensitive, any extra data the administration can be provided with is a boon. Send a memo to my office if you require any additional clarifications.
Regards,
Thomas Henzel.
Taking my first crack at writing for this quest, hope its enjoyable. I realized that while many omakes featured the personal and emotional journey's of people in the CFC, there was less material about how they go about their average day. I'm not as comfortable writing character drama yet, so instead you get bureaucracy. Let me know what yall think, I want to do more of these and get better at them.
Inside the M6, California's elite marksman rifle.
By Golden Examiner Editors
The M6 is California's groundbreaking 6.8x51mm marksman rifle developed by Grizzly Arms for Trident Tactical's elite marksmen. Coming in multiple variants and firing revolutionary hybrid-cased ammunition, Grizzly Arms hopes to export the M6 around the globe! Read more to find out!
The M4C rifle is the final evolution of the base AR-15 platform, chambered in the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. It has M-LOK furniture from the Upper Receiver Group Improved, and an adjustable barrel length, with a barrel length of 16.5 inches being standard. It can fire tool steel-tipped bullets for affordable penetrative power. But by the middle of the 21st century, it was already a relic.
After fighting opponents wearing military-grade body armor while recovering nuclear material, Trident Tactical wanted a weapon that could reliably pierce even the strongest armor. The weapon also had to provide long-range precision fire support for security operations in the wide-open Mojave Desert.
The Germans have their G29 with caseless ammunition, and the Russians have their rotary-striker AK-28, both intended to defeat armor with hyper-burst fire. But hyper-burst fire is not flawless. Even the tiniest variations can lead to some bullet spread at extended ranges. Although they are meant to hit the same target with multiple rounds, they are still low-caliber rounds that suffered ballistically at extended ranges. And most damning for Trident Tactical looking for their own firearms investment, the complex mechanisms required for a hyper-burst weapon were expensive. So, another solution was needed.
The XM5 was a late-2010s US Army rifle prototype, developed by SIG Sauer, aimed at increased armor penetration. Instead of using multiple small caliber rounds, the XM5 rifle used hybrid-cased 6.8x51mm ammunition. The hybrid-cased rounds have a brass casing with a steel bottom, connected by an aluminum washer. This construction allows for extremely high operating pressures of up to 80,000 PSI. This high pressure allows 6.8x51mm to have equivalent energy to 7.62x51mm ammunition, and much higher velocity than 7.62x51mm, while having a shorter 16-inch or 13-inch barrel. The August Crisis and subsequent American decline would leave the XM5 project to gather dust.
Taking inspiration from the XM5 program and AR-10 battle rifle, Grizzly Arms designed the M6 designated marksman rifle for Trident Tactical. It is an AR-style select-fire rifle, feeding from 20-round box magazines, with either a 13-inch or 16-inch barrel. The M6's main appeal is its hybrid-cased 6.8x51mm ammunition. With a tungsten, ceramic, or even a tool steel penetrator, one shot is all it needs to penetrate armor at range. It can also use conventionally cased steel-tipped, ball, and hollow point rounds for budgetary needs. Two main variants of the M6 were developed.
The M6A was designed to be a truly modern rifle for the 21st century. It is meant to be paired with an LRAR sight, with automatic laser rangefinding and augmented reality compatibility, and connected to internal sensors that provide a round counter and barrel status information. However, this sight can be removed, revealing a classic Picatinny rail. The weapon does not need the circuitry to operate. It usually comes with a suppressor.
The M6B is a more traditional rifle, resembling an AR-10 at a glance. It does not have internal circuitry or sensors. It can fire the same hybrid-cased ammunition as the M6A.
The M6A is used by Trident Tactical's best marksmen. The powerful long-range performance of the rifle allows Trident Tactical marksmen to provide overwatch from a distance, while its compactness means the rifle does not hinder the operator at close range. The M6B has also been used by Trident Tactical, and has been issued to designated marksmen in NCR Army and Marine squads. Initial reports about the M6 rifles have been positive, and users have praised it for having less bullet drop at long ranges than traditional 7.62 rifles.
Grizzly Arms is working hard to export the M6 to foreign countries. The M6A has struggled to compete with European and Russian designs filling a similar niche. On the other hand, the M6B has seen more success with countries that California exports other weapons to, such as AR-25 rifles or F-16 jets. It has been seen in the hands of SWAT and special forces units in Panama and Cuba. Since The Revolt, Grizzly Arms hopes to export the M6 to countries outside of the Russosphere. It has been rumored that the M6 will be demonstrated at the Commonwealth of Independent Cities' upcoming arms exposition.
Grizzly Arms has also developed the M49, a light machine gun based on the Mk 48 chambered in 6.8x51mm, as well as 6.8x51mm conversion kits for the M240. Trident Tactical has used these machine guns in high-risk security operations.
This article was sponsored in part by Grizzly Arms.
Up next:
America's Train Revival Explained!
6 exercises to prepare for Hurricane Season!
Abandoned Teremok fire was arson, officials say.
Well this is my first attempt at an omake for Victoria Falls, meet the poor man's XM7 rifle, AKA the result of a romantic night between the XM5 and an AR-10 on a Californian beach, the M6.
Shoutout to @CthuluWasRight for Trident Tactical which gave me a convenient handwave for the M6's development. Also shoutout to them for the Iconic Arms 2075 series which inspired me.
I know some people were asking about how much economic sense it is to make an entirely new gun with new special ammo and to be honest, you got me. I don't know how it would really work economically. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I ultimately just thought it would be cool.
I decided to format this as a sponsored article from a less-than-golden news site because it was easy to write and also to leave stuff ambiguous and open to change as needed. Also a teaser at the end for an omake I hope to make someday.
The economics of making an entirely new rifle with rare-ish ammunition for Trident, when the vast majority of threats on the continent can't afford to equip body armor is pretty weird.
... The economics of preparing your military industrial complex to work with amor penetrating ammunition make slightly more sense if you intend to at some point deal with your Russian overlords ahem HYPOTHETICAL foreign assets. The NCR using their PMC as a cover for developing an arms industry that happens to work well against their future foe lines up a bit better.
So how good is Victoria with it's cartography? Because it could really help if we could steal some maps and see where everything is lcoated so we know what we should and shouldn't destroy.
