MHC-R3 III, PAIRC
YC128.04.19
“Since the latest upgrades to the surveillance system, there is now no public place within the colony that the Watcher can’t monitor. The system has never been so advanced, efficient, and practically perfect.” said Corporal Bolmara of the Military Police to the camera as she walked down an avenue, accompanied by two other officers.
“At the first sign of suspicious behavior, such as someone wearing a hood, appearing to conceal a weapon, or acting overly agitated, the Watcher will issue a warning to the suspect via the surveillance device that detected the potential danger. If the suspect persists or openly commits an offense, the Watcher will contact a team and dispatch them to the location. The perpetrator’s location will be constantly tracked by the AI to ensure they don’t escape us.”
Between the gray Caldari-designed buildings, occasionally adorned with screens displaying advertisements for local corporations, recruitment campaigns, and praise to the government’s ideology, drones and cameras continuously monitor all the citizens moving through the colony’s streets.
“Combined with the facial recognition system, this creates a powerful deterrent and ensures unparalleled security within the public space.”
The Military Police, equipped with Minmatar-designed armor, weapons, and ground and air vehicles in the dark gray and black colors typical of the PAIRC’s Armed Forces, patrol the streets, vigilant for any disruptive elements.
“This, combined with our monitoring of communications and the systematic and thorough inspection of everything entering and leaving the colony, whether people or cargo, allows us to easily apprehend fugitives, thwart espionage attempts, and combat organized crime.”
In the background, the immense Jörmungandr Tower, the political, administrative, and economic heart of PAIRC, a mix between a skyscraper and a dark gray metal fortress, pierces the sky and dwarfs all the other buildings in the colony.
“Between all these measures, our constant pursuit of excellence and perfection in every area, and the progress of our plan to eradicate poverty and crime in collaboration with Sebiess University and the Scientific Research Office, we are confident that we are closer than ever to a point where our citizens will have nothing to fear from other any criminal or spy of an outside faction.”
The interior and top surface of the gigantic orbital ring where the majority of the colony’s military fleet is stationed are clearly visible from the ground at a moderately low angle.
“To protect, to serve, to guarantee a better future for my fellow citizens… these are the reasons why I joined the Military Police,” says field agent Evotori in a voiceover as he is seen patrolling the vast spaceport in the civilian zone with three other agents.
“It’s not always easy working for the Foundation, that’s true, but anyone determined enough can do it, and the results are clearly worth the effort. You meet amazing people, you live unforgettable experiences, you constantly push and improve yourself, and it gives meaning to your life,” he says during a close-up of a photo on a shelf of himself and three of his colleagues, all wearing their service suits, smiling and shoulder to shoulder.
“I can’t imagine doing anything else, especially given the alarming and chaotic state of the cluster and our Republic.” says the voiceover during a sequence where he is seen checking people’s IDs at the spaceport security checkpoint while his colleagues inspect suitcases.
“Having myself…suffered greatly from rampant criminality in the neighborhood where I grew up…and having seen my family suffer from it as well…I want to do everything I can to ensure that no one else has to live such a life, if you can even call it a life.” he confides gravely to the camera, seated in an armchair in his modest apartment, dressed in civilian clothes.
“It’s a great honor for me to be part of such an adventure, and I wouldn’t stop for anything in the world.” he concludes, suddenly determined.
Fade to black. The documentary’s title, Protect and Serve, appears, followed by the silver PAIRC symbol: a simplified representation of the Jörmungandr Tower at the center of a Khumaak’s seven-pointed head, and accompanied by the colony’s motto: Innovation, Security, Liberty.
The video ends, and Pertjuden Syng Egnald, Director of the PAIRC’s Government Communications Agency, addresses the senior Agency members and the producers from Jörmungandr Productions who oversee PAIRC News who gathered in the minimalist, steely screening room.
“These excerpts have been widely shared on local networks recently, and our reports indicate that the full version of Protect and Serve has been quite successful with the local population. Your previous productions have done well, but this one has exceeded our expectations.”
Egnald turned to the producers. They were longtime acquaintances with which he and the other founding members of the Agency had personally selected to build Jörmungandr Productions. They were looking for masters of communication, marketing, and the creation of memorable works. Between this and the use of charisma implants by their stars, it was only natural that they would find considerable success as the sole corporation and producers overseeing state media services.
“Thanks to your company a positive sentiment toward our surveillance doctrine and our protectors is increasingly felt among the citizens. I would like to congratulate you and all the employees of Jörmungandr Production for your significant contribution to our cause and our project.”
Egnald applauded and the senior members followed suit while the producers seemed pleased with their success and the praise they received.
After the meeting concluded, Egnald left the room for his office, walking through the gray corridors, lit by white lights and dotted with cameras, of the Jörmungandr Tower. These corridors saw varying numbers of corporate employees and government officials pass through depending on the time of day but they were constantly monitored by Military Police officers through whom the Watcher could also see thanks to the cameras in their helmets. Just like the streets, no place in the Tower was unmonitored by the intelligence that sees, hears, and knows everything.
He returned to his office, an office with a design very similar to the Tower’s corridors although enlivened by a few works of art hanging on the walls. He sat down at his computer and checked the progress of the Agency’s various projects, as well as how its duties were being handled.
The communication campaigns conducted jointly with local Sebiestor shamans were apparently working quite well. Since the brothers and sisters of the Mikramurka steppes were the most numerous and influential ethnic group within the PAIRC, it would likely be easy to influence a good portion of the colony, and especially the more spiritually inclined, through this. Consisting of praise to effective service toward the community and its objectives coupled with incentives to honor the legacy of the innovative Sebiess by participating in the colony’s projects, Egnald felt quite confident in this project and those managing it. He sent the Technocratic Council a polite request for a dialectic and sociologic proving session of this method, along with the request for permission to begin a similar campaign in collaboration with local shamans and religious figures from other tribes, particularly the Brutors.
Fortunately, no degrading remarks or incitements to violence that could disturb the peace of the PAIRC and its citizens were detected through local channels and media. There is no need for direct intervention. Discussions on local forums and online chat services, be it governmental and public or private and independent, are another matter but Guard and these websites’ moderators will handle this under the Agency’s directives and guidance.
After reviewing some other files, answering a few emails, and occasionally glancing at the landscape through his bulletproof glass window, he noticed the notification that the reception was about to begin. He quickly finished a few tasks and then left his office.
Egnald stepped out of the elevator to find himself on the floor of the High Technocratic Council, one of the most secure areas of the colony, guarded by members of the Fafnir Guard equipped with pitch-black Minmatar dropsuits and high-tech gear. To most people, they are simply the most skilled and loyal soldiers the Foundation has ever recruited, guardians of the corporation’s most important people and locations as well as elite enforcers and agents under the personal leadership of the founders.
As the door to the reception room was just around the corner, he noticed a familiar figure approaching from the corridor to his right. She wore a Minmatar Republic officer’s uniform painted in the colony’s military colors and bearing the steel atom, the symbol of their Foundation. She was the Commander-in-Chief of the PAIRC Armed Forces, Almegila Alvo Madeveda.
“Good evening, Commander.”
“Good evening, Director. How is it going?”
“Quite well. I trust everything is going well in the Federation too.”
“Indeed.” she said, smiling. “We’re carrying out swift and efficient operations, the campaign is ending well, and our new technologies are showing great promise.”
“Excellent. Shall we go then?”
The two headed towards the doors of the reception hall, guarded by four agents of the Fafnir Guard, ensuring that only a select and specific list of guests could enter and that the secrets spoken behind the doors could never get out, or at least not without the founders’ authorization.
The door opened, revealing a formal, corporate iron-colored reception hall. At the far end of the room was a stage adorned with two microphones in front and three banners in the back, all black and each bearing silver symbols. The first is that of the steel atom, the second that of the Tower and the Khumaak. The third, however, the secret banner of those invited to this meeting, bears the symbol of the Minmatar Republic.
It is common knowledge that the leaders of the Foundation, the PAIRC, and its state media all share a more or less similar vision of pragmatism and innovation that led to the creation of the PAIRC. Nevertheless, very few could imagine the true scope of their revolutionary ambitions.
Upon entering, Egnald and Madeveda glimpse members of the High Technocratic Council and the heads of the PAIRC’s administrative offices conversing cordially among themselves while members of the Fafnir Guard stand ready to intervene should danger arise. The Watcher is also monitoring this room, but fortunately for the guests, very few will have access to what is being recorded there.
As they walked, Egnald heard a familiar voice out of the corner of his ear.
“And then he tells me he wants us to drain all the water just to film a scene at the beach and calls me an idiot because I supposedly didn’t want to do it! I’ve never met a guy so out of touch in my entire career.” Ude Firn, CEO of Jörmungandr Productions, told his colleague, Ladonssund Sklor, head of the scientific division. They both laughed at the anecdote before Firn noticed his superior approaching.
“Director,” Firn said, turning to him and getting his attention, “I wanted to thank you on behalf of everyone for the compliments you’ve given the company.”
“It’s good work, keep it up.” Sklor added.
“You’re very welcome.” Egnald replied, returning their smiles as he continued on his way with Madeveda.
As they walked toward the main table, laden with wine and appetizers, they passed Alderid Nurn Adestur, the Director of Security, and the elderly Skard Freir, the Founders’ fist and Divisional General of the Fafnir Guard. Egnald could hear them expressing their satisfaction with the latest news. Adestur was pleased with how they had managed to “put some sense into the Gallente” while Freir was pleased that “the inhabitants of PAIRC are beginning to be well-tamed” At least it’s a welcome change from their usual bitterness and austerity, Egnald thought.
He then noticed that Madeveda’s cheerful expression had vanished, replaced by one of frustration.
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
Madeda leaned close to his ear and said, and whispered with what sounded like disgust, “I can’t stand the way Freir is always looking down on them.”
Once they reached the table, Madeveda looked in Freir’s direction, took a glass of spiced wine, and continued.
“Certainly the people need some guidance, but that’s not a reason to treat them like that.”
“Fortunately, she at least has enough sense to not act like that in front of civilians.” said Egnald as he took a bite in an appetizer.
“Indeed…”
Madevada took a sip of her glass and finished expressing her opinion.
"When I first met her, I thought she didn’t care about the cause and just wanted to bully and look down on people. After hearing more about her and seeing how meticulous Minate was in selecting new Circle members, I changed my mind about her but she’s still too condescending for my taste.
“I agree, but I think I can understand her perspective a little when you see how irrational and overzealous Matari can be.”
Madevada looked thoughtful for a few seconds before replying.
“You’re not wrong. I hope you manage to resolve this problem.”
A look of apprehension crossed Egnald’s face.
“It’s going to be complicated. It’s one thing to influence their opinions and cultures and channel in a way that us lead to something better, but changing it in such a radical way is quite another. It’s likely to take time, possibly requiring the creation of a kind of new identity, or even managing to somewhat demonize their old culture.”
“I’m sure you’ll find a way.” she said reassuringly and sympathetically.
“To be honest, I sometimes wonder if we shouldn’t do what Jovian geneticists have done to their people to better channel these tendencies in an optimal way.”
The positive expression started to vanish from Madeveda’s face when she heard these words.
“I know it might seem a bit extreme and that it will be difficult, and maybe impossible, for a number of reasons but I’m still interested in the prospect.” Said Egnald, a bit surprised by how quickly her expression changed.
Madeveda composed herself before she continued. “I understand your perspective but aside from the risk of illness, of getting a bad reputation, or it simply not working, it just seems…wrong to me. I don’t mind them being influenced by your media but brainwashing them on a genetic level? I think that’s going too far.”
A slightly awkward silence fell over the conversation, then Egnald continued.
“I understand your concerns, but I think this could be a great contribution to the Human Perfection Project. It’s a shame Ronuken’s opinion was dismissed throughout all dialectic proving session on the subject.” he said, not looking disturbed at all.
“I’d say it’s actually very good news. To be honest, I’d think of leaving the project and the colony with my family if it were approved.” she replied, her tone not exactly curt, but clearly disapproving. “I’d even say it would make the PAIRC one of the most dubious projects I’ve ever know about.”
The awkward silence between them returned.
“I am sure you and the others can achieve your objectives and improve the people without resorting to such methods. That’s also why I oppose this. Why would you need to take such a seemingly easier but more dangerous path while you could instead improve yourselves at what you can already do well enough? I trust in you and the rest of the Circle to choose and do what will be the most beneficial to the colony.”
The silence then became a bit less embarassing.
“By the way,” she said, looking curious, “you don’t drink alcohol?”
“I don’t really like it.”
“That’s good. We wouldn’t want you to send a drunk broadcast to the whole colony.” she said sarcastically.
“What about you?” he said, pointing at her glass and returning her ironic expression.
“Oh, that? It is fine. I’m not going to shoot people myself so I’m not that dangerous.” she said as she took a last sip of wine.
Suddenly, the sound of a spoon being lightly tapped against a glass echoed throughout the hall. Egnald, Madeveda, and the rest of the room turned toward the source of the noise to see the founding “twins” Michael Minate I and II, ready to give a speech. Seeing these two nearly identical clones in the same place at the same time was always a little strange for Egnald, but Madeveda didn’t seemed to mind it.
“Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, comrades and colleagues, thank you for coming.” started Minate I.
“We are at an important stage for New Eden and the Circle. The future people of Neo-Matar are beginning to recognize the righteousness of our path and the legitimacy of the Watcher.” continued Minate II.
“And the Gallente Federation now has a president with the potential to restore its former glory and become a model of technocratic leadership that will change things for the better.”
“Destiny is beginning to be on our side, and all those here who have contributed to this can be very proud of themselves.”
“We still have a long way to go before we can free our fellow citizens from Shakor’s grasp, but we are certainly on the right track to help make the world a better place.”
The two clones raised their glasses and simultaneously recited the motto of the Neo-Matar’s Creation Circle. “For a brighter future!”
“For a brighter future!” all the guests repeated at the same time, raising their glasses, their ideological and personal conflicts forgotten, all united and determined despite their differences under the watchful gaze of the dark soldiers of this Circle.
Bonus Sequence
MHC-R3 III, PAIRC
YC128.05.06
The Caldari State have conquered Syndicate and is planning to pacify the region. This major development has alarmed many within the PAIRC and beyond. While relations with the State should theoretically go relatively smoothly if the Foundation respects their contract and landowners, the presence and pressure of pirates and various other outlaws in the area remained a key argument for the Foundation to justify the establishing of the surveillance system. The PAIRC’s Government Communications Agency knew this and was already considering how to circumvent this potential problem.
At least there are the likely consequences of the Warpath conflict and its impact on the proliferation of crime, the possibly of pirate trying to steal the colony’s research and assets and the fact that the Serpentis will probably not be dislodged from the region so easily. All of this could be enough to scare the citizens a bit longer and portray the Foundation as their saviors.
Perhaps the opportunity to help pacify Syndicate and improve the overall state of the cluster will be tempting for some citizens. Encouraging them to support the Caldari State and the Foundation in this project could have a certain effect and improve their image in the eyes of many people.
These were the shared reflections from the last meeting of the Agency’s leaders. They shared these thoughts in a mail sent to the Technocratic Council, cordially requesting a session of dialectic proving to discuss this and possibly begin a new communications campaign.