ONN: Mass Mobilization On Mars Due To Council's Order
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Originally Published on June 18th, 2491
Orbital News Network/Grant Jones Reporting
Exactly a year ago, the Martian Native Tribes declared Independence from corporate Influence. That eventually and inevitably led to what is known in the Sol System as the Mars Wars.
At the time, Advanced Research and Experimental Systems, ARES, was the corporation in control of the red planet and its two moons. The Mars Wars raged on for months and they burned their way through the Sol System. Multiple corporations trying to shake New Geneva's control over themselves supported the Natives. ARES found them out, seized their assets, and on many occasions even blew up entire space stations to send a firm and decisive message.
This would eventually lead to hunger throughout the Sol System, with most of the destroyed space stations housing Agriplex facilities, displaced men, women, and children who became refugees overnight. Countless space stations closed their doors to newcomers to avoid an internal collapse. Even Luna Colony bought off the remainder of the food reserves and shut down its borders to ensure their own survival. This very dark time concluded with a devastating siege on Olympus Mons, the headquarters of ARES at the time. Seeing the Native Tribes coming together for the first time in centuries, even hiring an unknown mercenary team to deliver the killing blow to the War Titan. The siege concluded with the death of Adam Caine, ARES's CEO and legendary mercenary himself.
ARES's withdrawal from the red planet, and the formation of the Council of the Five Clans, an oligarchy that rules over Mars from Deimos. For the most part, although begrudgingly, New Geneva didn't mention anything related to Mars. Although it does not officially recognize the Five Clans as a ruling authority over the red planet. For the coming year, the council faced challenging changes. Since it was the first time Mars had been independent, one of the challenges they faced was figuring out what to do with corporations wanting to operate on Mars. The solution was found: issue limiting contracts, set conditions, and eliminate any and all influence corporations would have over the lives of Martians and people living on Mars. Some corporate entities agreed, some disagreed, but no one could deny the fact that, with its population of more than 30 million people and rising Mars was still a very attractive prospect for profit.
Back in April an incident took place where Audronite, a rare mineral found in the depths of Mars, was allegedly stolen by an unknown party. It appeared in possession of the Luna Branch of Aegis Macrogenetics, more specifically, in their Earth facility known as The Fort. In an out-of-character reaction from the Council, they went to New Geneva and requested action from them, with a more than expected negative response from New Geneva. The Hidden Demons Clan made their way to Earth, stormed the Fort, retrieved the Audronite and destroyed the facility on their way out. Some rumors point this event out to be the tipping point that led to the Luna branch being sold off to Genetectic afterwards.
The Five Clans would continue their investigation, as the existence of Audronite was to be kept secret until properly tested and explored, and it appears that their investigation has led them to believe that an unnamed corporate entity may have found out about it and leaked its existence beyond Mars. As of early this morning, the Council of the Five Clans has ordered the removal of all corporate entities from Mars, seizing their assets at the same time.
With mobilization increasing since the order became public, many have questioned the legality of such order. The Council pointed out a clause in the contract every corporation gets, giving the council the privilege of ordering a corporation out of the planet permanently if they have reason to believe and proof that the corporation has acted against the interests of Mars, or has moved in an attempt to affect Mars in any way; and this includes the theft of Martian natural resources.
While several corporations have pleaded with the council, asking for reconsideration, the council is intending to stand by their decision. While many corporations appear to have agreed with the resolution (increasing the volume of departing flights from Mars by 250% on this day alone,) there are a number of corporations that appear to defy the order. They are pooling their resources together to rebel against the council, which could lead to another war. As of right now, the council has stated that it is giving all corporations a chance to leave Mars peacefully, but is not afraid to force those who would defy the will of the council.
The council is traveling from Deimos to Mars to meet with their respective clans and organize themselves in event of an escalation from these defiant corporations. New Geneva is yet to issue a statement concerning this situation. We will keep you posted with more of this story as it develops.
What are your thoughts on these ongoing events? Could this move from the Council lead to another War? Is the Council justified in ordering the removal of all corporate entities from Mars? Do you think New Geneva will support these defiant corporations? Please share your opinions in the comment section below.