khuioduan | The joy of piracy | Audio/text

[On the morning of the 10th, an audio-only broadcast begins as modulated static, like the sender has exceptionally poor signal. There's a shrill whine for a few seconds and the static soon resolves into a voice. The message crackles in and out of comprehension:]

This is the merchant vessel Peshawar-- immediate assiss-- repeat, this is the-- Peshawar, we are being pursued by Chihuelan mili--

[Static reclaims the message for about ten seconds, and the voice sounds even more panicked when it becomes audible again.]

Alliance navy, we are unarmed, requesting imme-- just outside the-- coordinates--

[Abruptly, the message ends.]

[Later that evening, the chief of the Verdant Sentry issues this statement:]

Earlier today the Lae Shunjai received a transmission from an unrecognized vessel allegedly pursued by the Chihuelan military. We believe the transmission was sent from outside the barrier, indicating that the Peshawar was likely also Chihuelan. The Verdant Sentry has launched an investigation into this incident.

Trade between the Ioduan Alliance and the Chihuelans is strictly prohibited. Starting at midnight tonight, there will be increased penalties for anyone found in possession of Chihuelan goods that have no official records of pre-Alliance provenance.

Additionally, the Sentry will be issuing monetary rewards for tips and information that lead to the capture of Chihuelan smugglers or anyone assisting them. Patrols and inspections at ports of entry will be increased until further notice.

This is an ongoing investigation. Interference may hinder the efficacy and transparency of Sentry operations. For your own safety, if you suspect Chihuelan activity report it to the Sentry hotline.

OOC Note: There will not be NPCs replying to this post, but feel free to use it to discuss among yourselves! If you have any questions or would like to pursue additional information, please use this comment.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

You may pick your poison so long as it does not empty one's pockets.

Not a fan of authority?

On the contrary, I served in a police force for three years. These things don't happen when you run a tight ship in the first place. And I'm not a heavy drinker, so there's no need to worry about that.

Quite a scathing review. Smuggling is nearly as old as civilization; some people will always want what they are not supposed to have, and find a way to get it. My entire species practically survives on that principle.

You must be new in town.

Not every species thinks that way. For those that do, it takes a combination of strong deterrents and actively rooting out the criminals that smuggle and sell contraband. It's much harder to stop the rich and powerful from obtaining it, but keeping it out of everyone else's hands is a more reasonable victory. I am new, yes. What made that so obvious?

The high-horse commentary is what tipped me off, among other things.

You do realize this city has several thousand people in it, don't you? It's remarkable the archipelago has even survived, much less managed to maintain any semblance of order. And that's before we get to the problem of not knowing exactly how advanced the smugglers in question are.

[He may or may not monitor the network. Also, Devin, no.]

Only several thousand? And that's supposed to be a problem for them? I'm sure there's all kinds of sob stories behind the founding of this place, but I'm really not interested. I have the experience with peacekeeping procedures to 'call it like I see it', and frankly, you should all be exercising your right to criticize how this city functions while you have that right. Not every planet is so lucky.

*hundred thousands.

It's not a sob story. It's an exceptional one. Some of us were there to see it, half a millennia ago. You might consider doing research before making assumptions.

[Although it's entertaining to needle Zohvin, Devin does have genuine respect for what's been built here. He may have issues with Sentry policies, but he admires the intention and care with which the Alliance came to be.]

And people do criticize - in case you hadn't noticed, there are any number of protests happening around the city as a result of this action. That exact freedom is part of what makes policing tricky, dear Dreamfolk. Quot homines tot sententiae.

[And no, he is not going to help translate that, the ass.]

The joy of piracy | Audio/text | backdated to Nov 10th

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