01-01-2012, 01:26 PM
Citizens and Civilians both within and outside the Republic;
Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.
Today, we find ourselves forwards one year, and what a year it has been. Wars engulf Sirius, and a new power just a few years ago unknown to us has revealed itself. Despite our best efforts, terrorists and vagrants have been making their mark on our beautiful world. We have faced commercial agression from one side and military agression from another. There seems to be no end of bad news from all corners of the sector.
It is a challenging time for us all as the New Year dawns. Yet, despite the gloom, there is much cause to be thankful and proud. The Republic has succeeded in keeping her borders secure despite the numerous threats from within and without. Due to the valiant efforts of our security forces, the Federal military dictatorship of Rheinland has been pushed from the gates of our homeland. Due to the quick thinking of our diplomats and the efforts of companies such as Deep Space Engineering, Universal Shipping and Ageira Technologies, our economy has survived blockade after blockade by the Empire of Kusari. From the hardship forced upon us by the greed of others, we grow stronger again. Even the Junkers have played their part to help the people of the Republic of Liberty through tough times. Our flagbearers hold the torch of Freedom and Fairness high as they proclaim with one voice that Liberty will flourish!
Yet, with the new year, exposure to new powers and the products they bring, we have already reviewed the dangers that could be faced by the house. The discovery of another nation brings many opportunities, but many risks as well, which the government has already assessed. As such, there are a few changes to the law, with brief and concise explanations for their change. All the new additions are temporary until we can further review the situation.
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Firstly, it is wonderful news that Ageira Technologies and Deep Space Engineering have opened their space station modules to the open market, for anybody to purchase should they have the means. However, this has already been anticipated to cause many problems with base clutter around our house and encroachment on public space.
Next, the introduction of cloaking devices to the open market is an interesting development, but not one with which we would neccessarily agree. Cloaking devices represent a significant risk of abuse, the most obvious kinds of which would be espionage by an agent of our enemies and the ease of which escape from justice is possible. The government of the Republic of Liberty need time to review the risks and capabilities of the new cloaking device, and we abide by the adage "better safe than sorry".
<strike>The introduction of the docking module has also finally hit the shelves in the local shipdealers, but this again comes with risks to the Republic. It is easy enough to imagine a benign transporter filled to the brim with enemy fighters penetrating our borders, after all. There is also a large chance of there being further security implications of the docking module, though there is an obvious understanding within the government that they are crucial to mobile entertainment found on Enterprise liners for example.
In addition, we have come into contact with dangerous new commodities. The first of these is Nox, a narcotic with an unknown origin at this time. Preliminary tests of this substance have already shown that it is a highly addictive substance, which has similar properties to a powerful depressant. It may also have hallucinogenic characteristics. The long-term implications on the human body of this substance are unclear, but what is clear is that this substance exhibits all the hallmarks of a highly dangerous narcotic and should be avoided at all costs.
The second commodity we have encountered are hypno-tainment bands, apparently a modified version of the holo-tainment bands that have proved popular. The side-effects of holo-tainment bands are still unclear to us, but there is singificant debate on the issue. Our main observation of this product is that it produces a much more intense and life-like experience than the holo-tainment equivalent. However, this product also appears to leave the user in a hypnotic stupor while in use. This is very different to holo-tainment bands, and is cause for concern.
</strike>This means that, as a temporary measure, all base building is currently prohibited. The only exceptions to this new law are stations pushed into service by the Forces of Liberty Primary Fleets (LPI-, =LSF=, [LN]).
The reason for this is that the security forces must be allowed the legal rights, and obligations that come with them, to secure key strategic areas not currently covered by the permanent installations around the house. For example, it is well-known that the trade lane from the New York Jump Gate to Riverside Station in California was a pirate hotspot last year. In this case, it is expected that measures will be taken by the security forces to ensure that this does not continue. It was a clear in President Powell's manifesto that the security and stability of the Republic of Liberty was the number one priority, and we aim to deliver here. Those concerned should rest assured that, once the Forces of Liberty Primary Fleets have finished evaluating and constructing their outposts, base building will become a legal activity.
This means that, for now, any station found to belong to entities other than the Forces of Liberty Primary Fleets risk the destruction of their property with no prospect of compensation.
</strike>This means that, for now, any station found to belong to entities other than the Forces of Liberty Primary Fleets risk the destruction of their property with no prospect of compensation.
Next, the introduction of cloaking devices to the open market is an interesting development, but not one with which we would neccessarily agree. Cloaking devices represent a significant risk of abuse, the most obvious kinds of which would be espionage by an agent of our enemies and the ease of which escape from justice is possible. The government of the Republic of Liberty need time to review the risks and capabilities of the new cloaking device, and we abide by the adage "better safe than sorry".
Therefore, cloaking devices are banned from all ships within the Republic of Liberty. The only exceptions to this law are individuals which are part of the Liberty Navy and Liberty Security Forces, which are indicated by their possession of both the IFF and the ID, and the Primary division of the Liberty Police Incorporated, denoted by the LPI- nametag.
Any ships not covered by these exceptions are subject to ejection from the Republic or immediate termination by the Forces of Liberty.
<strike>The introduction of the docking module has also finally hit the shelves in the local shipdealers, but this again comes with risks to the Republic. It is easy enough to imagine a benign transporter filled to the brim with enemy fighters penetrating our borders, after all. There is also a large chance of there being further security implications of the docking module, though there is an obvious understanding within the government that they are crucial to mobile entertainment found on Enterprise liners for example.
Because of these factors, the docking module has for the time being been outlawed on all ships with the capability to carry them. The exceptions to this include domestic capital ships, liner-class ships and the barge mobile station. Foreign capital ships visiting the Republic of Liberty for whatever reason are not exempted from this rule.
All ships flouting this law which do not fall under the outlined exceptions will be considered as threats to national security and destroyed.
In addition, we have come into contact with dangerous new commodities. The first of these is Nox, a narcotic with an unknown origin at this time. Preliminary tests of this substance have already shown that it is a highly addictive substance, which has similar properties to a powerful depressant. It may also have hallucinogenic characteristics. The long-term implications on the human body of this substance are unclear, but what is clear is that this substance exhibits all the hallmarks of a highly dangerous narcotic and should be avoided at all costs.
This means that Nox is now considered contraband within Liberty. It is rated in the same band as Cardamine and Nomad materials, which means that possession of this commodity will result in any punishment the officer on duty deems fit to administer.
The second commodity we have encountered are hypno-tainment bands, apparently a modified version of the holo-tainment bands that have proved popular. The side-effects of holo-tainment bands are still unclear to us, but there is singificant debate on the issue. Our main observation of this product is that it produces a much more intense and life-like experience than the holo-tainment equivalent. However, this product also appears to leave the user in a hypnotic stupor while in use. This is very different to holo-tainment bands, and is cause for concern.
Thus, pending further examinations of these hypno-tainment bands, they are considered contraband. This is a precautionary measure, though anybody found in possession of the product will be treated as if they were in possession of a commodity such as Nox, Cardamine or Nomad materials.
These changes are all undergoing review at the moment, which is to allow the government to form a more comprehensive understanding and thus a more suitable legal framework for the future. We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused, hopes dashed and so on, but we urge safety over impetus.
That is all for now, but any further announcements will also be made on this channel, as and when they need to be made.
- Boris Livingstone, Secretary of State for Internal Affairs
Please see post four for details of updates to the law pertaining specifically to Nox, Hypnotainment Bands, base building and docking modules.
- Edit date: 18th May, 819 A.S.