Ongoing Election ... and Merc is set to Expand
29 Jan 2016Jim Beaumont
The last four days have been a busy time. The impending election in a nearby system that the Com WP were due to take part in, has now started and still ongoing. As I didn't have the kit to land and make some trades on the market there, I would struggle to push any influence for the small population to swing in favour of the WP. But I knew a man who did. Merc duly came over when the election started, and did some trading and a few tasks from the BB. I wasn't convinced it had had much affect until yesterday when the latest polls showed a sudden leap towards the WP. A whole 6% lead, so hopefully that will end the election shortly and the WP can take control of the station, and subsequently the system.The Lockdown nearby I reported as having caused has also cleared now. The Coalition has taken a bit of a punishing time of it, its control looking more fragile everyday. Due to my 'Wanted' status with them following the Authority episodes, I can't do much in there to destabilise them even more other than putting more bounties on my head. But those are due to clear in the next day. The Com WP in the meantime are slowly harnessing more and more influence at home, and the people of the outposts seem quite content with life. So the plans to keep pushing continue. The WP are much more subtle in offering tasks, and a lot less frequent too, but then I suppose that just keep the profile low and doesn't raise suspicion of there intent. But those doing these jobs, are aware of it. Courier dashes to the same destinations over and over giving me clear indications of the expansion intent.
I did get a slight interuption the other day. I received a message from Duta. I was surprised, only in that it has taken so long to hear from him. I got in touch with him, although I felt stung by him and their antics, remaining polite might help in the future.
'Mr Duta. How goes it?'
'Cmdr. Reasonably well thanks.'
'Not as well as hoped for then by the sounds of it. What can I help you with?'
'A little harder than we had hope for I'll admit. But still, progress is being made. I'm enquiring as to when you might be returning. I have some work that you might be interested in, and your friends too. We can always do with good reliable pilots like yourselves.'
'Well thats very flattering of you, but unfortunately I'm under a new contract now, with much greater freedom to do things at my own discretion. And I like it that way' What that contract was I have no idea, but it sounded good.
'I'm sure we can break you from any contract you may have signed to' replied Duta.
'Maybe so, but I'm not inclined to break it thanks.'
'Shame Cmdr. We are looking to move into a new system in the next few days. We may have been able to include you in the running of our party in there.'
I'll be checking the System Map after this conversation has finished, I didn't think they were close to move into new pastures.
'Kind offer , but no thanks. I'm enjoying a more peaceful life thanks' ... Peaceful? Since when.
'Well always remember you can come home, always welcome.' and with that the link dropped.
Home ... I don't think so. Temporary residence maybe. It could have been. But not now.
Yesterday I spoke with merc at some length. He has been doing a lot of work for the leading group, Energy Industries, in his fleet home system. To the extent where things changed big time.
'Jim how you doing, I have some big news for you'
'What gives fella?'
'Well you know how the other day I mentioned that this place was becoming very active in the shipyard. Well it looks like the EI are getting ready to move a group out. The Influence polls had the riding high at 76.2% the other day'
'Wow. that work you have been doing has changed things some then'
'Yeah. I'm just wondering where they plan to be going. Unfortunately the plan is locked down tight within the inner circles of power haha'
'Give it a week and you'll know where. I could do with a second hand over hear in the meantime if you fancy helping. the Commodites Office has plenty of goods to be moved. Actually from here to your place.'
'Yeah ok. I'll come and grab some.'
And with that, Merc has been moving some haulage back and forth. We also went on a few bounty trips, clearing out some pirate activity from the outposts. Anything that will keep the populace happy, and the Comm WP smiling those sly grins my way.
But in the back of my mind, I still have Duta's face. Time my friend, all in good time. But I'm coming for you. One day, one station, one system at a time. I'm coming for you.