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The Sanderlyn Interviews (Part Two)

The journalist Jade Sanderlyn of Vox Galactica was recently invited to conduct rare public interviews with admirals of the three superpowers.

This excerpt is from a conversation with Admiral Henry Paul Atherton of the Empire.

Jade Sanderlyn: This is Jade Sanderlyn reporting for Vox Galactica. I am sitting with Admiral Henry Paul Atherton of the Imperial Navy. Thank you for agreeing to this interview, Admiral.

Henry Paul Atherton: Oh, please. Call me Henry.

JS: I’d be delighted to. This is a very impressive ship, Henry.

HPA: Some might say Majestic. [laughs] Yes, the Succession is a wonderful vessel.

JS: How long have you commanded her?

HPA: Several years now. It has been an honour to have my name listed on the Succession’s exemplary service record.

JS: You were promoted to admiral only three years ago. Does that change the personal dynamic with your crew at all?

HPA: Well, they salute a little faster, I suppose. Happily I enjoy a strong relationship with my officers, so they took the change fully in stride.

JS: Let’s talk about Novas. I understand that the Imperial Navy has deployed a fleet here at Salvation’s request.

HPA: That’s correct.

JS: Emperor Arissa recently resumed her duties following… an extended absence from the throne. Having now surely been briefed on Salvation’s work, does the Emperor endorse Salvation?

HPA: If the Emperor had objections, her navy would not be in Novas.

JS: What are your objectives in the system?

HPA: Well, in case it has gone unnoticed, there is a major Thargoid invasion occurring here. It is our duty to protect civilian populations and prevent the loss of strategic assets.

JS: I’m pleased that you mentioned civilian lives first. Does Salvation share this approach?

HPA: Almost certainly. Why else would he invest so much effort into his marvellous superweapon if not to protect people?

JS: Some have claimed that Salvation prioritises victory over safety.

HPA: Jade, dear: they are the same thing. The cost of war is human lives, and the Thargoids extract a heavy toll. Every invaded system. Every burning starport. Every ambushed convoy. Every ship lost to hyperspace. We have repeatedly driven the Thargoids back from our space, but the wretched things keep returning. That cost grows each day. Salvation’s superweapon has proven effective at wiping Thargoids from entire systems at a stroke. If Salvation calls that victory while you and I call it saving lives, then I’m comfortable with the difference in perspective.

JS: Thank you for elaborating. Let’s take a break. We’ll be back after these messages.

The rest of this interview is available to pilots arriving at the INV Succession in the Novas system.

The Sanderlyn Interviews (Part One)

The journalist Jade Sanderlyn of Vox Galactica was recently invited to conduct rare public interviews with admirals of the three superpowers.

This excerpt is from a conversation with Admiral Henry Paul Atherton of the Empire.

Jade Sanderlyn: This is Jade Sanderlyn reporting for Vox Galactica. I am sitting with Admiral Henry Paul Atherton of the Imperial Navy. Thank you for agreeing to this interview, Admiral.

Henry Paul Atherton: Oh, please. Call me Henry.

JS: I’d be delighted to. This is a very impressive ship, Henry.

HPA: Some might say Majestic. [laughs] Yes, the Succession is a wonderful vessel.

JS: How long have you commanded her?

HPA: Several years now. It has been an honour to have my name listed on the Succession’s exemplary service record.

JS: You were promoted to admiral only three years ago. Does that change the personal dynamic with your crew at all?

HPA: Well, they salute a little faster, I suppose. Happily I enjoy a strong relationship with my officers, so they took the change fully in stride.

JS: Let’s talk about Novas. I understand that the Imperial Navy has deployed a fleet here at Salvation’s request.

HPA: That’s correct.

JS: Emperor Arissa recently resumed her duties following… an extended absence from the throne. Having now surely been briefed on Salvation’s work, does the Emperor endorse Salvation?

HPA: If the Emperor had objections, her navy would not be in Novas.

JS: What are your objectives in the system?

HPA: Well, in case it has gone unnoticed, there is a major Thargoid invasion occurring here. It is our duty to protect civilian populations and prevent the loss of strategic assets.

JS: I’m pleased that you mentioned civilian lives first. Does Salvation share this approach?

HPA: Almost certainly. Why else would he invest so much effort into his marvellous superweapon if not to protect people?

JS: Some have claimed that Salvation prioritises victory over safety.

HPA: Jade, dear: they are the same thing. The cost of war is human lives, and the Thargoids extract a heavy toll. Every invaded system. Every burning starport. Every ambushed convoy. Every ship lost to hyperspace. We have repeatedly driven the Thargoids back from our space, but the wretched things keep returning. That cost grows each day. Salvation’s superweapon has proven effective at wiping Thargoids from entire systems at a stroke. If Salvation calls that victory while you and I call it saving lives, then I’m comfortable with the difference in perspective.

JS: Thank you for elaborating. Let’s take a break. We’ll be back after these messages.

The rest of this interview is available to pilots arriving at the INV Succession in the Novas system.

Support Required for New Marlinist Starports

*Pilots’ Federation ALERT*

A delivery campaign in the HIP 22550 system will help build additional starports for the Marlinist Colonies.

First Minister Octavia Volkov delivered this public address:

“The Marlinist Colonies were born out of desperation, but we have evolved into a fully fledged society. Emperor Arissa has formally accepted our status as an autonomous democracy, albeit one that retains cultural and historical ties with the Empire.”

“To celebrate and consolidate our independence, we have launched an initiative to construct up to six new orbital stations. For all those who wish to take part, we require shipments of aluminium, computer components, power generators and titanium to be transported to Stillman Hub starport.”

“I am also delighted to announce that Universal Cartographics has approved our petition to rename the original eight systems of the Marlinist Colonies. These are expected to officially change in the near future.”

The Free Marlinists of Carinae faction has confirmed that it will offer rewards to pilots who deliver the necessary materials to Stillman Hub in the HIP 22550 system.

Arissa Accepts Marlinists’ Independence

Following a referendum by the Marlinist Colonies, Emperor Arissa Lavigny-Duval has formally recognised their autonomous status.

Prime Consul Kayode Tau of the Marlinist Consulate reported on his latest meeting with the Emperor:

“Her Majesty was clearly uncomfortable with the democratic way in which the ex-Imperial citizens in the colonies now govern themselves. But she gracefully acknowledged that the Marlinist population had declined her invitation to become an Imperial protectorate, and would thus remain independent.”

“However, there was a proviso to Emperor Arissa’s acceptance of the decision. She insisted that the Marlinist Colonies must work with the Empire’s intelligence agencies to prevent any resurgence of the NMLA or similar terrorist groups.”

It has since been agreed that Imperial Intelligence and the Marlinist Constabulary would collaborate on identifying Neo-Marlinist extremists. Colonel Saskia Landau and Major Milo Castile, both former co-leaders of ACT, have agreed to work together once again.

In recognition of the minority who voted to rejoin the Empire, dedicated customs and immigration channels for registered Marlinist citizens will soon be established.

Marlinists Reject Emperor’s Offer

A public referendum in the Marlinist Colonies has resulted in the majority voting to remain fully independent from the Empire.

Emperor Arissa Lavigny-Duval had proposed to make the colony systems an Imperial protectorate in return for Marlinist allegiance to the Imperial throne. This would have permitted an autonomous government while creating many civil and military links.

First Minister Octavia Volkov announced the referendum’s results in the Marlinist Parliament:

“Our people have given us a clear mandate: the colonies stand alone. In accordance with the key principles of Marlinism, we reject monarchy rule in favour of republican governance and direct representation.”

“Most of us are still haunted by the trauma of becoming refugees in 3306, when millions of innocent Marlinists were accused of supporting terrorist acts. We fled from an Empire that had become intolerant and abusive. This cannot be so easily forgotten.”

“Nevertheless, we recognise that approximately a quarter of our population voted to accept the Emperor’s proposal. The ties to our homelands remain strong, and we still share much culture and history with the Empire. But the will of the masses is evident.”

“I offer my thanks to Her Majesty for extending this offer, and call upon her to recognise and respect the decision of the Marlinist Colonies.”

Marlinists Hold Public Referendum

The population of the Marlinist Colonies will vote to accept or decline the offer to become an Imperial protectorate.

Emperor Arissa Lavigny-Duval’s proposal aims to build links between the independent colony systems and the Empire, from where the Marlinists originally fled as political refugees in 3306.

The Marlin Standard ran an editorial summarising the situation:

“Should the Marlinist Colonies remain an isolated republican society, or should we move beneath the Empire’s protective wing? It’s a question that most of us never expected to be asked.”

“Many expressed fierce anger that Emperor Arissa has dared to ask for our allegiance. In her desperation to hunt down the NMLA she persecuted all believers in Marlinism, arresting thousands and displacing millions of her own citizens. Can we now trust her to welcome us back?”

“Others are concerned that the Marlinist Colonies remain vulnerable, claiming that becoming a satellite nation of the Empire would provide military defences as well as economic boosts. And for those still holding on to their past lives, the attraction of reconnecting with friends and family in the Empire is strong.”

“Whatever the outcome, First Minister Octavia Volkov’s swift decision to put this issue to a referendum is a splendid example of Marlinism in action. Votes are already being cast, and the result will be revealed at the end of this week.”

Empire Reaches Out to Marlinists

Emperor Arissa Lavigny-Duval has outlined a plan for the Marlinist Colonies to be officially reconnected with the Empire.

The Marlin Standard published an exclusive report from Prime Consul Kayode Tau, after he attended a diplomatic meeting on Capitol:

“The essence of Emperor Arissa’s proposal is a pledge to grant the status of Imperial protectorate to the Marlinist Colonies, in return for swearing allegiance to the throne.”

“In practice, local government would remain autonomous but the Imperial Navy and security agencies would have a permanent presence. There would be investment in trade, with Empire-based companies as preferred partners. New channels of transportation and communication would be opened between Marlinist and Imperial systems.”

“Emperor Arissa and I discussed the issues at length. Following her experience with the Lords of Restoration, Her Majesty now accepts that most believers in Marlinism are not terrorists or revolutionaries. She has, however, insisted that the Empire must be watchful for any Neo-Marlinist resurgence.”

“When I broached the topic that some senators had suggested absorbing the Marlinist Colonies by force, the Emperor assured me there would be no military action. She spoke of her ‘need to cleanse the wounds left by the NMLA’, and I believe this is a genuine sentiment.”

The Marlinist Parliament has received full details of the proposal and is preparing a response.

Arissa Convenes Key Imperial Figures

Various Imperial allies, ambassadors and nobles have been summoned to Capitol for a series of meetings with Emperor Arissa Lavigny-Duval.

Political journalist Cassia Carvalho provided details for The Imperial Herald:

“There are rumours of many behind-the-scenes changes among the upper echelons of power since Emperor Arissa returned. But this latest event was mostly in the public eye and seemed designed to reassure the citizens of her physical presence.”

“Members from all echelons of the Imperial aristocracy arrived at the palace with their entourages. Court ceremonies were held to reaffirm their fealty to Emperor Arissa, all with as much spectacle and grandeur as possible.”

“Less public were Arissa’s closed sessions with representatives from the Imperial Diplomatic Corps. Laurentin Sharpe, the Empire’s senior ambassador to the Alliance, said: ‘The purpose of these briefings is to update Her Majesty on political developments that occurred during her absence, and to receive guidance for the future.’”

“Alongside the parade of familiar faces was one very unexpected figure: Prime Consul Kayode Tau of the Marlinist Consulate. His megaship, Fairfax Vision, was afforded full diplomatic immunity when it arrived in the Achenar system. Considering the turbulent history between the Empire and the Marlinist Colonies, what might Arissa be planning?”