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<div style="font-size:162%; border:2px solid #dca200; margin:0; background:#29870e; padding:.1em; color:#fff;">Unlikely Alliances</div>
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{{Template:2023 Event Timeline}}
<div style="font-size:110%; border:2px solid #dca200; margin:0; background:#29870e; padding:.1em; color:#fff;">This is the overview and timeline page for the Unlikely Alliances Arc which began on '''August 8, 2023''' and pertains largely to '''[[Unathi]] and Human lore.'''</div>
<div style="font-size:110%; border:2px solid #dca200; margin:0; background:#29870e; padding:.1em; color:#fff;">It is centered around the capture of a notorious Unathi pirate by Solarian forces, and the efforts of the two nations to collaborate on the matter.</div>
<div style="font-size:110%; border:2px solid #dca200; margin:0; background:#29870e; padding:.1em; color:#fff;">Below is a summary of the arc's applicable news articles, and additions.</div>


=Law Enforcement=
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Under the normal traditions of [[Unathi]] feudalism, the laws are decided by the reigning monarch or Hegemon and their council - but the duty of enforcing said laws falls to local nobility. Over the centuries, this has developed into a robust system of law enforcement, though one that often varies in standard, training and skill across [[Moghes]] - particularly in regions that were not part of the Hegemony prior to the [[Contact War]].
=Southern Solarian Reconstruction Mandate Captures Unathi Pirates!=
'''News Article'''


== The City Watch ==
'''Publisher: Sol Alliance News Network'''
<center>''“The soldiers march to war, the nobles command them - but it is your duty to protect your home and your clan. The army may be the Hegemon’s sword, but we are his shield.”''</center>
<center>-Skalamar City Watch training video, dated 2442</center>


The tradition of a City Watch dates back millennia, to nearly the earliest beginnings of Unathi permanent settlement. In any city or town of significance, the ruler’s Lord’s Claws will be responsible for the training, recruitment and upkeep of a watch - to ensure that the law of both the ruler and their liege is obeyed. Traditionally, the watch of a city is recruited from among commoners, with noble officers commanding them - a posting that often finds itself filled by the sons of prominent military clans, to gain experience as commanders in peacetime.
'''Writer: Triogenix'''


A watchman’s equipment varies greatly from city to city, though throughout history they have generally carried clubs, shields and other simple weapons, as well as crossbows - and later firearms - for cases where ranged combat or lethal force was required. Prior to the Contact War, the standard equipment of a watchman in the Hegemony consisted of a lightweight steel baton, a collapsible plastic shield and an armoured vest - with heavier armour and firearms being available in case of serious issues. During the Contact War, many Hegemonic watchmen were exempt from being called to service, though they were required to be constantly ready for the defence of their city. Many lords disliked having watchmen constantly armed - after all, a militia of commoners at a time when all the lord’s personal forces are away is just asking for trouble.
'''Editors: RustingWithYou'''


In the modern age, a watchman’s equipment in the Hegemony has changed significantly. Though some smaller and more rural areas may use more outdated equipment, the Hegemony has adapted well to alien technology, at first purchasing and later manufacturing many stunbatons, energy weapons and other tools used by human law enforcement. Today, the average watchman would be equipped with a stunbaton as well as a non-lethal energy weapon - tasers and disruptors being the most common. A lightweight armour vest allows the watchman to move freely, and a telescopic shield can provide protection against most opponents. In an emergency, watchmen tend to be equipped with laser rifles of Hegemony make, now that they are common enough to be affordable.
08/08/2465


Typically, watch houses will be set up throughout a city, with some of the larger settlements having dozens. Each watch house is commanded by a watch-captain, who reports to the city’s Commander of the Watch - a position overseen by the Lord’s Claws. Generally, these watch-captains are drawn from nobility, though a few commoners have distinguished themselves and risen to the position.
A notorious Unathi pirate wanted by the Hegemony is captured by the forces of the Southern Solarian Reconstruction Mandate
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Watchmen are not soldiers, and provide an essential service to a settlement’s infrastructure - as such, they cannot be called to military service as part of a levy, although they are required to fight in their city’s defence should it fall under attack. To this end, many hoped to become watchmen during the Contact War, in order to avoid being sent to the front lines. However, a watchman’s life is not necessarily something to envy - aside from clashes with criminals, the pay is far from exceptional, especially given that watchmen are forbidden by Hegemonic law from joining a guild or forming one of their own - as it would potentially provide a conflict of loyalty. Many former watchmen have since joined the mercenaries of the Fighters’ Guild or the Dagamuir Freewater Private Forces, in the hopes of seeking better pay than a watchman’s meagre keep among the stars.
Earlier this week several Unathi pirates who had been raiding the shipping lanes passing the southern wildlands were captured by the Southern Solarian Reconstruction Mandate in a lightning raid by members of the Sixth Middle Ring battlegroup.  


The primary duty of a watchman is to keep order - when crimes are committed, the watch will usually call on their own investigators if they have them - though smaller watches may simply lock up whoever looks guilty, and let the matter resolve itself at a trial. The watch of [[Izweski Heartland|S’th]] in particular is known for its laziness, often arresting passers-by in the hopes of shaking them down for a few credits. Generally speaking, city watches will largely police commoners - to arrest a noble requires authorisation from the Lord’s Claws, and it is something most watchmen will not risk unless the evidence against them is truly damning.  
Intelligence officers who had been working closely with the SIIB since early this year managed to pinpoint the main base of operations for these pirates by triangulating known attacks and comparing their locations and times. This would lead investigators back to a small asteroid base, originally used for mining but abandoned after the collapse, within the former territory of the Southern Fleet Administration. Marines then used several older generation destroyers which still had their original warp drives to jump into the system and assault the base. The pirates were no match for the destroyers and marines; before long the system was once again under Solarian control and many of the pirates were captured.  


Many watches are known to hire spies, when running horns-first into a dead-end case. These spies act as consultants, putting their skills to use to aid the watch - and though there is some judgement and distaste between the two professions, both begrudgingly recognise the other’s use.
In a press conference on Sankt Frederick, Fleet Admiral Myo Yunso, one of the naval flag officers assigned to the SSRM answered questions about the raid and what will happen to the captured pirates. She stated that the captured pirates would be subject to a military tribunal, and if found guilty, executed by firing squad. When asked about the possibility of bias within the tribunal due to the defendants being non-human, she responded that piracy is piracy for anyone, it does not matter if the defendants are human or not. In opposition however, Governor MacPherson has put out a statement informing citizens that he has instructed the planetary justice department to prepare to try the pirates in a court of law, with the maximum sentence being execution.


== The Zo’kaa (Spies) ==
Of course, upon hearing of each other's statements and ideas for the handling of the situation, the Governor and Fleet Admiral immediately fell into the back-and-forth bickering that Sankt Frederick has become known for. The Fleet-Admiral slammed the slow process of the court system, saying that due to the pirates not being Solarian citizens they should be subject to military justice as pirates. The Governor responded by pointing out there was no military government in control of the territory where the pirates were captured and referenced a previous decision by Solarian courts to try resident non-citizen Tajara the same way as Solarian citizens. Fleet Admiral Klaudia Szalai originally sided with her fellow Fleet Admiral, but has since withdrawn that statement, instead suggesting that the Solarian Department of Justice be consulted on the issue. While this back-and-forth is still ongoing, it is unlikely any decision will be made shortly. Whatever will happen though, it is expected that these pirates will be justly punished for their crimes.
''“Though some call it a profession based on lies, I could not disagree more - the heart of any spy’s work is the pursuit of the truth, in all its purity.”''
-[[Notable_Unathi#Hizoni_Izweski,_Izweski_Spymaster|Hizoni Izweski]], Hegemonic Spymaster


The title of “spy” conjures many images to the human mind, not many of them associated with law enforcement. For the Unathi, however, the title carries a different meaning - an ancient profession, codified by Not’zar Izweski. A traditionally feminine pursuit, spies act as investigators, private detectives and actual spies, seeking the truth of a situation in exchange for payment, and bringing secrets to light - or ensuring they stay buried.
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Most spies work independently, uncovering secrets and solving mysteries in exchange for payment, though some are organised under spymasters - powerful women, usually of nobility, who run networks of spies, and rent their services to prospective clients. Working under a spymaster has its advantages, as work is generally more stable, but some professional spies would find the loss of independence distasteful.
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=Solarian Ambassador on Moghes meets with Hegemon, Lord-Admiral Yizarus; extradition discussed=
'''News Article'''


Some professional spies are hired permanently by city watches or ruling nobility to investigate crimes committed under their aegis, though most tend to take work independently and on a case-by-case basis. A good spy, however, knows that a working relationship with the local watch is often the key to running a profitable business.
'''Publisher: Sinta Articles'''


There is no formal guild of spies, with apprenticeships generally being a personal and individual matter - a spy will teach a young woman the tricks of the trade, in exchange for a cut of her earnings for some years afterward. Though many are eager to learn the trade, it is a difficult one to master - and a spy who cannot pick up on the dangers of a life trading in secrets is one whose life will often be cut short.
'''Writer: Triogenix'''


Not all spies are so clearly aligned with the law, however - criminal guilds will often hire spies to investigate their rivals, bury secrets or evidence of their deeds, or frame another for a crime the guild committed. Opinions on these illicit spies vary among their more legitimate sisters - some view the criminal guilds as simply another client, while others believe that working for such an organisation runs antithetical to the heart of the profession.
'''Editors: RustingWithYou, CaptainGecko'''


The life of a spy is often romanticised in Unathi fiction, and is a frequent aspiration for young Sinta women. Novels such as ‘Silent Streets of S’th’ and television series such as the long-running and wildly popular ''‘[[Izweski_Heartland#Entertainment|Venom Hearts]]’'' have led to a cultural touchstone of the spy as a hardened and independent seeker of the truth - though the reality is far less glamorous than portrayed in such media.
11/08/2465


Many nobles will also hire or appoint their own private spymasters, who will bring on spies who are, in theory, loyal solely to their liege - though as with all things involving the Zo’kaa, nothing is quite so simple. The most prominent of these spymasters in the modern day is unquestionably Hizoni Izweski - the spymaster of the Izweski Hegemony, and viewed by many as the ideal of one in her profession.
The Hegemon meets with Solarian diplomats to discuss extradition of the notorious pirate.
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== Bounty Hunting ==
Today the Hegemon, together with his wife Spymaster Razi and Lord-Admiral Yizarus attended a small function stated to be with other nobles of the Hegemony, to discuss the current affairs of the realm in a relaxed setting. However, reporters working on behalf of the Keeper’s outside the Izweski Citadel where it was to be held noticed that very few official vehicles and noble retinues arrived at the gate but took notice when a diplomatic car from the Solarian Embassy entered the Citadel. While the windows were tinted, reporters believe the occupant of the car was the charge-de-affairs of the Solarian embassy, the highest-ranking Solarian diplomat left within the Hegemony after a general recall due to the collapse of their government about three years ago.


When a criminal flees beyond the reach of the watch, some lords may hire mercenaries to track them down in the case of particularly egregious crimes. Most of these bounty hunters are licensed under the [[Unathi_Guilds#The_Fighter's_Lodge|Fighters’ Lodge]], though the [[Private_Military_Contracting_Group#Dagamuir_Freewater_Private_Forces|Dagamuir Freewater Private Forces]] have expanded aggressively into the business, particularly for those rare criminals who manage to flee offworld.
A source close to the Hegemon has stated that the real purpose of the meeting was to discuss the possibility of extraditing several Unathi Pirates who were captured by the Southern Solarian Reconstruction Mandate, a Solarian designated mandate within the human wildlands some days ago. Among the pirates is rumored to be Guwan Sitraz, a former member of our navy who fled the Hegemony after dishonoring the Izweski clan by murdering unarmed combatants and civilians attempting to surrender to his men. His location has been unknown since 2458 when after being ordered by the Hegemon to return to Moghes to face judgment, he fled into the frontier. He has since been suspected to be behind several pirate organizations within the Sparring Sea and Badlands but has never been positively located by any organization. It now appears that due to the work of the Solarian Interstellar Intelligence Bureau and other Solarian intelligence clans, he may finally face the Hegemon's justice.


These hunters will roam across the Hegemony beyond in search of their quarry - and are one of the rare groups of non-military personnel allowed to bear weapons, so long as they carry with them a writ of identification authorised by a noble of the Hegemony. Since the end of the Contact War, many criminals seek to escape into the [[The Wasteland|Wasteland]] - and hunters are sent to track them through the radioactive sands. For an Unathi warrior seeking to earn good money, the commander of [[The_Wasteland#Camp_Integrity|Camp Integrity]] is always willing to pay for the hunting of particularly dangerous Gawgaryn, criminals who have fled into the sands, or Traditionalist holdouts.  
While we hope that Sitraz and the other pirates can be brought back to Moghes to face the Hegemon’s justice, it is unclear how extradition may work. As a mandate, now totally under the control of Sol, the SSRM may wish to try the criminals themselves or return them to the interim Solarian Government for trial. We presume that this was the center of the conversation with the Citadel, as the diplomat and Hegemon spoke for at least several hours. We will keep our readers appraised as this story develops.


Though most of these hunters are Unathi, not all are. [[Vaurca|K’laxan Warriors]], Ouerean humans and [[Skrell]], and even the rare [[Dionae|Diona]] gestalt can be seen working in the profession - after all, there may be many differences between the species, but the language of credits is a famously universal one.
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== Law and Trials ==
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=Governor MacPherson announces negotiations underway for the extradition of Unathi Pirates to Hegemony=
'''News Article'''


When a criminal is captured, they are placed on trial before the local ruling noble, or one of their representatives. In smaller villages, this will often be a council of local clans’ leaders, whereas in larger cities the nobility will tend to have one or several “justicars” to act as their representatives, as a single person judging every trial in a city the size of Skalamar or Jaz’zirt would rapidly become unmanageable.
'''Publisher: Sol Alliance News Network'''


Though it is a common assumption that a noble has sole jurisdiction over sentencing, this is not the case - the Izweski Code of Law has contained mandated minimum and maximum sentences for a crime for centuries, and though some nobles in particularly isolated regions may ignore this, to flout it carries great risk - as a noble found to act against the will of the Hegemon may be severely punished, up to and including the loss of their titles, being made Guwan or even executed.
'''Writer: Triogenix'''


Within these restrictions, however, a noble may judge entirely as they see fit. Theoretically, any noble of the Hegemony may judge trials, though in practice it is reserved for the ruling noble of a region or a representative they explicitly appoint. There is no jury system in the Hegemony outside of Ouerea, or standards of legal representation - a Sinta is permitted to speak on their own behalf, and to call witnesses to their character or innocence, but they must do so themselves - and whether a witness is entertained is entirely up to the presiding noble.
'''Editors: RustingWithYou, CaptainGecko'''


When a noble is judged, their liege is required by law to oversee the trial, and Overlords will generally handle cases regarding their vassal nobility. In the extremely rare event where an Overlord is tried, the Hegemon himself is the judge - and his sentence is absolute. Twice in Unathi recent history has an Overlord been brought on trial - Overlord Yiztek of [[Ouerea]], and Overlord Yizarus of [[Gakal'zaal|Gakal’zaal]]. Both were found guilty, though Yizarus never returned to Moghes to face his sentence, dying at the hands of the Gakal’zaal Liberation Army.
16/08/2465


The Izweski Code of Law is an enormous text, and scholars of the Hegemony pore over it tirelessly, but some of the more common crimes and their sentences are listed below. It is worth noting that prisons are uncommon in the Hegemony, being viewed as a waste of resources - though criminals are often sentenced to a period of hard labour, those deemed a significant enough threat to society to be given life imprisonment in other nations are usually executed. Of note, where ‘execution’ is mentioned as a sentence, the option to become Guwandi is provided to Sinta instead - viewed as a more honourable and delayed form of execution. In addition, some may choose to become Guwandi when faced with being named Guwan, in the hope of regaining their lost honour in death.
SSRM leadership announces that extradition is considered. Some among the public are unhappy.
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=== Crime and Punishment ===
Earlier today, standing beside Minister of Defense Lucien Courtois on Sankt Frederick, Governor MacPherson announced the recently captured Unathi Pirates, now in custody on the planet, may be extradited to the Hegemony. The SANN was on the ground to record the announcement and has attached it to this article.
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Crime and Punishment
|-
! '''Crime''' !! Minimum Sentence !! Maximum sentence
|-
| '''Theft''' || Hard labour or payment equal to the stolen item’s cost. || The loss of a hand and/or being named Guwan.
|-
| '''Dishonourable Behaviour''' ||  A public confession of dishonour and apology towards the victim. || Being named Guwan.
|-
| '''Disturbance of Public Order''' ||  A week’s hard labour and an apology to the noble in question. ||  Six months’ hard labour and an apology to the noble in question.
|-
| '''Assault''' || One month’s hard labour, and payment to the victim. || Loss of the offending hand and/or being named Guwan.
|-
| '''Possession of Unlawful Materials''' || One week’s hard labour, and surrender of any contraband. || Three months’ hard labour, and surrender of any contraband.
|-
| '''Sedition''' || Six months’ hard labour. ||  Loss of the tongue and/or being named Guwan
|-
| '''Piracy''' ||  Being named Guwan & one year’s hard labour. || Execution
|-
| '''Murder''' || Being named Guwan and/or the loss of the offending hand. || Execution.
|-
| '''Rebellion''' || Execution || Being named Guwan, followed by execution
|}


=== Ouerean Law ===
''The camera pans over to the right to track Governor MacPherson and Fleet Admiral Courtois as they make their way up to the Podium, taking about thirty seconds. The Governor quickly rearranges some papers on the podium, before politely coughing into the mic. Having confirmed that it’s on, he begins his announcement.''
The law of [[Ouerea]] is very different from that of the wider Hegemony - though it does nominally fall under the Izweski Code of Law, Ouerea is largely permitted to govern itself for the most part. Several crimes and punishments are radically different there, with the punishment of being named Guwan being removed entirely, and a prison system having been established during the [[Sol Alliance|Sol]]-[[Nralakk Federation|Nralakk]] joint governance.  


The Ouerean legal system is much more inspired by human ones - any Sinta is allowed the right to representation in a court of law, and they are judged by a jury of their peers rather than a reigning noble.
“My fellow Solarians, I stand here today with a representative of our provisional government in the core worlds, Minister of Defense Courtois, to speak to you today about the Unathi pirates we recently captured in the former territory of the Southern Fleet Administration. It is our belief, and I think I speak for both myself and the Minister of Defense here, that a diplomatic solution where these criminals can be punished by their original government is preferable, and will help to signal a reborn Solarian Alliance that has diplomacy beyond threats of force.”


= Criminal Guilds =
''The governor pauses for a moment to look at Courtois who gives an almost imperceptible nod before continuing.''


Criminal guilds are illicit underground guilds run by secretive clans of Unathi - similar to human or Tajaran mafias, these criminals have come together to operate outside the law.
“With that said, we have several conditions we would like to consider. Firstly, the trial of the criminals shall take place here, on Sankt Frederick. We are willing to grant the Iz-we-ski Hegemony a plot of land at a now unused consulate for a fixed period where the trial and punishment can occur, outside the laws of these lands. Secondly, the trial must be observed by a member of the Solarian Department of Justice, who will act as an advisor to the Hegemonies appointed judge. Third, the criminals shall be charged with all crimes committed within the territories of the Solarian Alliance, occupied or otherwise, during their trial. We are not just here to achieve justice for a crime six years in the past, we are here to find justice for murdered Solarian citizens. Lastly, not all criminals will be extradited, we will allow your government to try two of them, while the remaining are tried here by our planetary courts.”
Notably, it’s known that these criminal guilds tend to recruit from the undesirable Guwan, using them as the major workforce of their organisations.


In these underbelly Guilds, Guwandi are seen as a weapon of ritualistic - and honourable - assassination. When a member of the Guild goes against the Guild’s wishes, they are assumed to have taken the mantle of Guwandi, making them a target for other Guwandi that wish to restore their honour and ‘return to the guild’. This method has helped keep snitching on the Guilds to a minimum.
''After finishing his statement, the governor takes another quick pause before continuing.''


== Shortclaw Clan ==
“These conditions are the requirements we have to allow some of these criminals to be punished by their original government, and we encourage the Hegemony to reach out to our Charge-de-affairs to give their response. As a gesture of good faith, we will allow a Hegemonic Lord to observe the trials of the rest of the pirates, as well as provide further evidence of their guilt, but not advise the Judge on their sentence.”


An ancient organisation, the Shortclaw Clan or Shortclaw Guild is one of the largest criminal guilds in Unathi history. Dating back to the days of the [[Unathi_History#The_Second_Hegemony|Sarakus Hegemony]], the Shortclaws are an organisation consisting primarily of thieves, fences and smugglers - spanning nearly the entirety of the Hegemony, from the packed streets of Skalamar to the distant settlements of far-flung colonies.
''The governor then finishes his speech, speaking briefly with Courtois, before both walk off the stage and the camera stops rolling.''


In 2459, the Shortclaws gained infamy from carrying out one of the largest heists in Unathi history - known by its members as the Day of Gold a mass theft spanning from Moghes to Ouerea and even beyond the Hegemony, with heists being reported in [[Tau Ceti]]. Primarily nobles were targeted, as well as the coffers of powerful or wealthy [[Unathi Guilds|guilds]], with untold thousands of credits’ worth stolen.
This announcement has baffled interstellar relations experts, who were incredibly surprised to find the Alliance open to negotiations in any form, instead expecting a quick military trial of the pirates. Legal experts have also given their input into the strange nature of the agreement, commenting on the allocation of land to the Hegemony for a fixed period, and the precedent it sets. One interviewee from Callisto was quoted saying ''“If we start giving all our land to [EXPLETIVE] alien governments to do what they please, what’s the point of the alliance?”'' The SANN also reached out to Fleet Admiral Myo Yunso to ask for a comment, but her public relations officer declined to give a statement. It was the same when SANN reporters reached out to Fleet Admiral Klaudia Szalai’s office. We currently know that Minister of Defense Courtois visited both admiral’s flagships before appearing with the governor for his statement, though not what was discussed. Now we expectantly wait for the response of the Hegemony with bated breath, stay tuned!


=== History & Culture ===
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The Shortclaws date back to the Sarakus Hegemony, formed from a small group of Guwan pickpockets in S’th. Over time, they expanded operations, recruiting more and more thieves into their number. Though individual ‘chapters’ of the Shortclaws are greatly divergent, they are all still part of a larger organisation, and owe tribute to their guildmaster - whoever it may be.


Though the Shortclaw guildmaster’s identity is unknown, their title is one that echoes in the underbelly of Unathi society - the self-proclaimed “Hegemon of Thieves”. It is said that this guildmaster has an elaborate and ornamental crown, and that whoever manages to steal it from them through their cunning or guile can take control of the entire syndicate. Whether this is truth or legend is uncertain, as like with most things about the internal hierarchy of criminal guilds those who know are bound by a code of silence.
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=Hegemon Accepts Southern Provisional Governments terms for extradition, Lord-Admiral Yizarus leaves for Sankt Frederick=
'''News Article'''


Though the nature of the Shortclaws’ work requires secrecy, they often can be identified by their fellow members with one of a few signals - a wooden ring on the little finger or short-clipped claws being the most common.
'''Publisher: Sinta Articles'''


=== Operations ===
'''Writer: Triogenix'''
Theft is the primary trade of the Shortclaws, dating back to their origins - but as the organisation expanded, so too did its needs to both sell those stolen goods, and to work with other criminal organisations. To this end, the Shortclaws also work extensively as fences, offloading their ill-gotten goods to other gangs and criminal guilds on the black market, as well as smuggling illicit goods throughout the Hegemony.
Following first contact, the Shortclaws seized on the opportunity presented by interstellar travel, expanding their operations into trading with offworld smugglers. As time went on, this led to the guild acquiring some ships of their own, which frequently travel across the Spur carrying various ill-gotten gains. Following the rise of the Silver Scales, however, this operation has largely been cut back, as the other guild has a massive advantage due to its origins in the [[Unathi_Guilds#Merchants_Guild|Merchants’ Guild.]]


Pirate fleets are frequent customers of the Shortclaws, selling their loot to the criminal guild, who can offload it onto customers elsewhere. While this relationship is an old one, and well-established, the Shortclaws are not pirates, and not considered as such - no Shortclaw has ever been permitted to visit Ha’zana.
'''Editors: RustingWithYou, CaptainGecko'''


Outside of the Hegemony proper, the Shortclaws have a presence on Gakal’zaal, though a small one - often trading or exchanging information with the [[Tajara|Tajaran]] smugglers who dock at the Free Gakal’zaal Station. Despite the conflict between the two species, the Shortclaws maintain ties with their Tajaran counterparts, and often act as fences for Tajaran smuggled goods in the sector. Shortclaw thieves can also be found further afield, primarily in the [[Republic of Biesel]] and the [[Coalition of Colonies]] - though their operations remain centred on Uueoa-Esa. They will occasionally trade with the Unathi underground in Tau Ceti or [[Mictlan]], and have been known to steal from the megacorporations in both Biesel proper and the [[Corporate Reconstruction Zone]].
18/08/2465


The Shortclaws are known to have ties to some of the Hegemony’s nobility - most notably Lord Karkatus of S’th, known for his corruption and ties to criminal syndicates. Given the organisation’s deep roots in the city, some have suspected Karkatus of being a member himself, or even the guildmaster - though these accusations are likely unfounded.
An agreement is reached. Lord-Admiral Yizarus departs the Hegemony to sit in judgement on Sankt-Frederick.
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=== Membership ===
Over the past few days since the announcement by the Southern Solarian Reconstruction Mandate, the Charge-de-affairs of the Solarian embassy has been seen entering and leaving the Izweski Citadel, sometimes multiple times a day. It has been believed that the Hegemon is negotiating with the Solarian Government for better conditions regarding the extradition of the Guwan Sitraz and other pirate scum captured by one of their reconstruction mandates so recently. Today, our speculation came to an end, however, as High Speaker Seleta Sarnac called a press conference in the evening. Our reporters were there and captured her opening statement.
To join the Shortclaws, one must first be recruited - an existing member of the guild has to take notice, and vouch for the recruit to the local chapter master. The prospective recruit will then be assigned a series of jobs to test both their skill as a thief, and to scout them for any signs of ties to local law enforcement. Though the Shortclaws are thieves rather than murderers, those among them found to be undercover operatives or spies can expect no mercy, and the waters of the Moghresian Sea are littered with those unfortunate enough to be found out.


Should these tests be passed, one is named an apprentice of the guild, working under a full-fledged member who takes a majority of the profits from their apprentice’s thefts - an incurred debt of sorts for their membership and education. When this is paid, another test is arranged, usually involving a high-risk heist of some variety. Traditionally, this heist is rigged if possible, with local guards on the guild’s payroll informed if possible - or guild members disguised as guards acting, if not. This test is designed to tell if the apprentice will break under pressure and turn on their fellow guildsmen - and those who do are cast out, if they are lucky.  
“Greetings. I am pleased to announce that our Hegemon has accepted a set of revised conditions presented by a Solarian Diplomat this afternoon, in regards to the extradition of several Unathi criminals. I ask that you hold all questions until I have informed you of all new conditions. The Hegemony has agreed in full to the condition that the trials of the pirates take place on the world which they are currently held, and accept the local government's offer to hold a small former consulate under the banner of the Izweski Hegemony for the time of the trial and punishment. The Hegemony has also fully agreed to try the pirates with the assistance of a Solarian Judge for their crimes committed in Solarian Territory. We however will be trying two pirates of our choosing, in addition to the guwan Sitraz. In addition, we will be taking up the local government's offer to have a Hegemonic Lord observe the trials of the remaining pirates, as well as offer advice to the presiding Judge. The Hegemony has also requested that the maximum sentence for the crimes of the pirates be execution by firing squad, rather than cyborgification, which the local government has accepted.”


Journeymen of the guild keep the majority of their personal take, save for a cut for the chapter master - who in turn, sends a cut of their chapter’s profits to the guildmaster. Succession of chapter leadership is a simple matter, with representatives of the “Hegemon of Thieves” deciding which of the chapter’s journeymen is worthy.  
''Seleta pauses for a moment, keeping her hand up to forestall questions.''


Exile from the Shortclaw Guild is reserved as a dire punishment - for those who steal from their fellow guildsmen, those who inform on the guild, or those who fail to perform the requisite services to the organisation. In some chapters, this exile is marked by severing the little finger of the former member’s main hand - so they may never again impersonate a thief of the guild. Exiles are monitored closely, and should they seek to inform on their former guild they are swiftly dealt with.
“To these ends, Lord-Admiral Yizarus has been dispatched to the planet of Sankt Frederick, where he will act in our Hegemon’s stead as the presiding judge for the criminals we prosecute. He has taken one of our quickest ships and is expected to be there by the end of the week. I now open the floor to questions.”


== The Shadow Service ==
Very few questions of any substance were asked by the members of the press attendant, due to the skillful delivery of the High Speaker. Our journalists held off on asking further questions. We pray the spirits are with Lord Admiral Yizarus on his journey, and that he may extract the Hegemon’s justice by word of mouth and strength of claw.
The Shadow Service is one of the larger underbelly guilds that does not use Guwan - instead, using hidden members of society or Guwandi who wish to regain their honour in a noble assassination duel. Utilising a form of Unathi Breacher Suit, they are rumoured to be capable of using active camouflage to be completely invisible. It is frowned upon by the Shadow Service to use this stealth capability for battle, and the enemy should always know they are being hunted by a member of the Shadow Service, and for what reason.


=== History & Culture ===
</div></div>
Little is known about the inner workings of the Shadow Service - though the earliest rumours of the guild date back thousands of years, to the days of the First Hegemony. Whether this is the same guild, having carried out its services all this time - or simply a chain of them trading on the fame of their predecessors - the Shadow Service have done their work for nearly as long as Unathi civilisation has existed, and have grown into a legendary status for it.


The organisation is one shrouded in absolute secrecy, with little known to outsiders - those few assassins who have ever faced captivity have remained absolutely silent, even in the face of execution. From this, it can be inferred that the Shadow Service has an extremely strict code of the ‘Assassin’s Honour’, and that to breach it is considered a fate worse than death. This is further supported by their means of killing.
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
=Unathi Pirates Publicly Executed by Hegemony Lord-Admiral after 4-hour Trial=
'''News Article'''


What little is known is that the assassins of the Service are highly trained and highly dedicated, as well as having access to various advanced and alien technology. Whether this was purchased from other criminal guilds, or taken as payment from the nobles who hired them, none are certain.
'''Publisher: Sol Alliance News Network'''


Hiring the Shadow Service is a difficult procedure, which is largely done through word of mouth - someone will let slip that they seek an assassin, whether personally or through a retainer for wealthier nobles - and the Shadow Service may well answer. Usually, they work through intermediary fixers - rare and trusted individuals who know how to contact the Service, and can pass along the details of a client following an investigation to discern if they are trustworthy.
'''Writer: Triogenix'''


=== Operations ===
'''Editors: RustingWithYou, CaptainGecko'''
The Shadow Service is one of the most gender-inclusive Guilds in Unathi society, with a perfect 50/50 split in men and women. As men harming women is seen as disrespectful, dishonourable, and downright terrible, the Shadow Service contracts women to kill women, and men to kill men. Depending on the situation required, the Shadow Service is said to send in a 'noble Assassin' to complete the task. If the target is believed to be honourable, the assassin must act honourably - however if they have shown any signs of dishonourable act, they are open grounds for all out hunting. Acting honourably does not mean giving a fair fight, however - and many of these duels have been known to end in a single blow from the assassin.


Publicly, 'assassins' are known to exist - and tales of the Shadow Service circulate similar to the human 'Illuminati' or the Skrell 'Secret Council'. Peasants would have nothing to fear - with some even idolising the stories of 'honourable assassins' that enact righteous justice through heavy-handed, forced duelling. Richer noble clans would have a different view - one of fear, dangerous enough to warn their children about. It is said when a nobleman expects a visit from the Shadow, they will receive warning beforehand to allow the target to prepare to join the ancestors. When a woman is targeted by the Shadow Service, a female assassin will be sent instead. With killing women, they are held to a higher standard, and their body should be left 'presentable' enough for a proper traditional Th'akh funeral.
26/08/2465


When an assassin of the Shadow Service makes a kill, the Guild’s sigil is left upon their body or at the scene of the crime - a stylised Sinta eye, pupil-less. What this sigil means has been the subject of countless theories and speculations, though none but the assassins know for certain. One thing that is known, however, is that the Service does not tolerate imitators - to use their sigil for your own killings is to invite immediate and brutal retribution. The last known response to this was in 2382, when a Guwan in Skalamar drew their symbol upon a wall in a rival’s blood, seeking to intimidate his rivals in the underground. Within a week, his body was left in the streets of the city, with the symbol of the Shadow Service drawn on a piece of paper and nailed to his chest.
Lord-Admiral Yizarus dispenses the Hegemon's justice. Solarian viewers are shocked by the swift and merciless judgement.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">


Recently, the Service has expanded its operations offworld, with several assassinations having been carried out on Ouerea and in further-flung colonies - though it is believed that outside of the larger colonies, assassins will largely travel to fulfil a contract themselves rather than remaining there permanently. The Shadow Service has been reported to operate as far afield as Tau Ceti, though the vast majority of their operations remain concentrated on Moghes.
In a shocking development, after a mere six hours on the planet of Sankt Frederick the Hegemony’s appointed judge, one Lord-Admiral Yizarus has completed the trial and punishment of the three criminals the Hegemony was allowed to try. The trial itself only took four hours, and thirty minutes after completion the convicted Unathi were taken out of the consulate building to its front yard for their punishments. The SANN had a camera on the scene and captured the following video. Viewer discretion is advised.


=== Membership ===
''The camera turns on with an unsteady hand, as it shakes seemingly up onto someone's shoulder. After a few moments, it clears up and begins to track a three person long file of Unathi prisoners gagged and chained being escorted out onto the front lawn of the former consulate. The file is led by a tall, proud-looking Sinta with a sword at his waist, Lord-Admiral Yizarus, and flanked on all sides by Men-at-arms wearing the heraldry of the Izweski; by the Lord-Admiral's side is a short, plump man identified as a Solarian Judge. About halfway across the lawn, the file stops, in front of a small crowd that’s begun to form. Several armsmen place three wooden boxes on the lawn and force each prisoner to kneel with their head on one. Lord-Admiral Yizarus notices the crowd which has begun to grow in size, and quickly speaks with the Judge before turning to face the crowd. He then gave the following statements.''
How does the Service recruit? None know for certain. It is believed that they train their operatives from youth, and tend to recruit from the orphanage guilds - training them until adulthood in every form of killing known to Unathi. No member of the Guild has ever spoken on this matter, though those captured have often been unidentifiable by law enforcement, with no records save for paper-thin false identities. Some stories say that the Guild operates its deadly ‘schools’ in the mountains to the north of the Heartland, training orphaned and forgotten Unathi into hardened instruments of death - though none have ever uncovered any evidence of this.


There is no exile from the Shadow Service. To betray the Guild is met with death, without exception. Once you are a member, you are a member for life, or so the legend goes. If assassins grow old enough to retire, some say they are simply killed - while others say that the Guild provides them with money and land on which to settle down, and live out their last days in peace.  
''“I have found thessse criminalss guilty of a litany of crimesss, including pirassy in the Sssolarian Alliansse. For thesse crimesss, they will be eksecuted.”''
''
The Lord-Admiral seemingly believes that’s enough to say, and turns back to criminals, now all kneeling, drawing the sword on his waist. It’s an unadorned simple sword but shines with a sharpness that only Plasteel could achieve. He plants the point into the soft ground near the head of the rightmost convict, Sitraz. He then sa''ys;


The identity of the Shadow Service’s guildmaster, if there even is one, is entirely unknown. No information has ever been uncovered on the guild’s leadership, structure or means of succession - and if those among the Hegemony’s mightiest know who may lead the guild, they have as much motivation to keep silent as anyone else. After all, an assassin is just one of many tools to maintain power in the games of the nobility, and losing such a valuable thing would benefit no one.  
''In Sinta’Unathi: “And now, a duty fulfilled.”''


== The Silver Scales ==
''After that phrase Yizarus brings the sword up over his head and down onto Sitraz’s neck, completely separating his head from the rest of his body in one smooth stroke, to the gasps of the crowd. Yizarus casually kicks the now removed head out of his way, as he moves on to the next convict, believed to be Sitraz’s second in command. Without a word this time, Yizarus once again hefts the sword up over his head and down onto the convict's neck, separating their head from their body. He then moves on to the last convict and repeats the same motion with the same ending before speaking again.''
When the [[Unathi_Guilds#Merchants_Guild|Merchants’ Guild]] went bankrupt, the economy of the Hegemony very nearly collapsed entirely - with only the intervention of [[Hephaestus Industries]] saving it. However, though the Guild itself was defunct, its members were still around - many of them now finding Guild assets that were essentially up for grabs. Rather than wait for the Guild to sell them off to the highest bidder - likely Hephaestus - many of these Merchants chose to act, stealing Guild property and assets and absconding, forming a network of smugglers and brokers to rival the Shortclaw Clan themselves.  


Though a recent arrival, the Silver Scales’ operations stretch across the Hegemony, taking advantage of the Merchants’ Guild’s former contacts and trade routes through the Orion Spur. In a short amount of time, these former merchants have re-established a fraction of the power they once held, acting as interstellar smugglers and information brokers. The Hegemony has declared them as thieves and outlaws, and Hephaestus seeks to crush the last remnant of a potential rival - but the Scales persist, working to restore the financial dominance they once held.  
''In Sinta’Unathi: “Have it all burned, and spread the ashes through the star lanes; there should be no resting place for the dishonored.”''


=== History & Culture ===
''The armsmen move to carry the bodies and head back inside, as Yizarus calmly pulls out a piece of cloth and begins to clean his sword, speaking with the stunned Solarian Judge all the while. The crowd murmurs but is mostly quiet, too stunned to react spectacularly. Eventually, Yizarus and the judge both head back inside, and the camera stops rolling.''
The history of the Silver Scales is a short one, with the organisation having formally formed in late 2465. It is believed many of its members already held criminal ties during their time as guildsment of the Merchants’ Guild, however - engaging in illicit trade with pirates, alien smugglers, and criminal guilds to sidestep the Hegemony’s strict trade regulations.  


The organisation largely operates as smugglers, taking advantage of the Merchants’ Guild’s trading fleet to smuggle across the Orion Spur - from the wreckage of the former [[Human Wildlands]] to Gakal’zaal to Tau Ceti. Though still far diminished from the heights of the Merchants’ Guild, the Scales have surged to wealth and prominence since their inception, and already have become a fixture of the Hegemony’s underground.
The speed and severity of the punishment handed down to the pirates has taken Sankt Frederick by storm, with videos of the executions and the thoughts of the population being re-chirped millions of times across the spur. When asked by a reporter who caught him at the starport leaving for the Hegemony about the executions, Lord-Admiral Yizarus simply said:


The Scales are known to favour silver rings and jewellery as a form of identification, though the nature of their work means that many of them prefer to remain inconspicuous when trading in the Hegemony. Some of them are even rumoured to have coated their horns in silver, though this is viewed as extreme even among the Guild.
''“They broke the lawsss of the Hegemon, Sssolarian Alliansse, and other civilized nationss ass well asss the lawsss of the sspiritsss, and were punissshed accordingly.”''


=== Operations ===
The remainder of the pirates remain on Sankt Frederick and are expected to be brought before a Solarian Judge for their trials several months from now. The Hegemony has extended its full thanks to the Solarian Government as well as the leaders of the Southern Solarian Reconstruction Mandate, in particular Governor McPherson, for allowing them to “justly punish a criminal who has long evaded rightful authority.”
The Silver Scales’ operations range across the Orion Spur - the Merchants’ Guild had contacts and trade routes nearly everywhere, and their criminal remnants have made excellent use of that. Aside from the Hegemony’s criminal guilds, they frequently trade with pirate fleets - many of whom their members already had relations with, having paid them to ignore their own vessels or attack their rivals’.  


Vessels of the Scales also range further afield - trading with Tajaran smugglers and criminals on Gakal’zaal, human pirates in the Badlands and remnants of the Wildlands, and insurgents in the Corporate Reconstruction Zone. Their vessels are known to dock on [[Valkyrie]], and they will frequently trade with both Unathi and alien criminal organisations there. In the Coalition of Colonies, they have been known to deal with various criminal syndicates on [[Assunzione]] and [[Xanu Prime]], and there are rumours of their vessels doing business in the [[Empire of Dominia]] as well. In the brief time since they came to exist, they have carved themselves a niche in the interstellar black market, and this shows no signs of slowing down.
</div></div>
 
They have competed with various other criminal guilds, though mostly preferring to make friends rather than enemies - after all, why fight someone when you can simply pay them off? They have something of a rivalry with the Shortclaws, who operate in a similar market - though this is not an outright feud, and the two groups are known to trade and occasionally cooperate.
 
=== Membership ===
The Silver Scales primarily consist of former guildsmen of the Merchants’ Guild, and this is where the bulk of their upper ranks are drawn from. They are also known to recruit lower-ranking members from Wastelanders, Guwan, and former guildsmen of other guilds, in order to provide the needed skills and services to operate an interstellar smuggling ring.
 
While none of these newer recruits have risen to higher positions in the guild hierarchy, in theory there is nothing preventing it - though individual captains and chapter masters prefer to choose and train a successor early, ideally one with enough scruples to not decide advancement at the point of a knife is a good idea.
 
Unlike most criminal guilds, the guildmaster of the Silver Scales is widely known - a Sinta by the name of Akhna Razi, a relative of the former guildmaster of the Merchants. Razi is a young woman, but a highly capable one, who was able to band the remnants of the Merchants together and persist through the near-total collapse of their guild. Despite her relation to Hizoni Izweski, the two are not close and, as far as Hizoni has publicly stated, have never spoken beyond cursory introductions. Whether or not the Silver Scales hold deeper ties to the Izweski Spymaster is a matter of some speculation, though, as with most questions relating to Hizoni Izweski, few concrete answers have ever been found.
 
== The Jhakal Syndicate ==
Many Unathi have left the Hegemony, whether in flight from the Wasteland or in pursuit of a better life among the stars. The Jhakal are an example of the former, having once ruled over the Jhakal Kingdom, a member-state of the Traditionalist Coalition. When the Kingdom fell to Izweski forces, the remnants of the Jhakal clan were forced to flee, eventually finding passage offworld with the assistance of human smugglers and setting course for the Republic of Biesel.
 
Over the years, the Jhakal have expanded operations across the docks of [[Valkyrie]] - gaining control and influence over the illicit trade running through the moon through a mixture of cunning, bribery and occasional spots of violence. For those smugglers and criminals seeking to do business in Tau Ceti, especially on Valkyrie, the Jhakal have become a fact of life - and one that is far better to have as a friend than an enemy.
 
=== History & Culture ===
The Jhakal Kingdom was never one of great importance or power, but managed to maintain its independence both from the Izweski and rival kingdoms. When it was captured by the Izweski, some of the ruling clan fled, including the ruling king. They were able to escape via human smugglers, fleeing for the Republic of Biesel - though King Jhakal would not survive the journey, having grown ill over the clan’s desperate flight offworld.
 
Arriving on the docks of Valkyrie with but a few loyal retainers, the remaining Jhakal might have quickly fallen to infighting, if not for the leadership of Lady Islek Jhakal, sister to the late king. She quickly took control of the remnants, bringing those who would bend the knee under her and disposing of the rest, before setting her sights on Valkyrie. The reputation of the Unathi as violent brutes worked in their favour, as she began renting the services of her clan’s warriors out to the gangs and syndicates of Valkyrie, beginning to accumulate credits - all the while plotting her ascent to power. Over the years, more and more of the rival smuggler syndicates fell, brought down from without or within, and as more Unathi came to Valkyrie, more of them found that the Jhakal offered good payment for only moderately dishonourable work.
 
Though they remain exclusively Unathi, the Jhakal have expanded far beyond their original clan, and are informally known as the Jhakal Syndicate - or sometimes the Jhakal Queendom, depending on who you ask. In the modern day, the Jhakal keep a tight grip on the docks of Valkyrie, and a vast majority of illicit trade that flows through the moon is under their supervision. Though they have achieved wealth and power in human space, this is in no small part due to the cunning leadership of Lady Islek - and when she dies, many of the organisation’s members fear all they have worked for could be undone.
 
=== Operations ===
The Jhakal primarily operate through their control of the docks - taking cuts from smugglers, paying off guards and inspectors, and ensuring that illegal trade can flow smoothly through Valkyrie. Outside of that, they deal in the sale of those smuggled goods both on Valkyrie and Biesel proper, dealing in drugs, weapons and smuggled luxuries from far-off worlds. They have good relations with those pirate fleets that operate in the Republic of Biesel, and are an often source for fencing of ill-gotten goods.
 
Outside of that, they frequently run protection rackets on Valkyrie - taking fees from local businesses to ensure that both their own people and other criminal organisations leave them alone. These fees are carefully calculated - enough to be profitable, but always just under the line of outright extortionate - the exact point where they are preferable from the alternative. If one doesn’t have the money to pay the Jhakal, they always accept debts and favours, with Lady Islek having built an elaborate web of debtors across the moon’s surface.
 
Expanding on this, many gambling dens and bars are also run by the Jhakal - capitalising on addiction or runs of bad luck to bring more and more into the clan’s debt. They have extensive influence among many of the Hephaestus workers and managers on Valkyrie, and this fact is a large contributor to their avoidance of the law.
 
=== Membership ===
Aside from those members of the clan who originally fled from Moghes, any Sinta may earn membership in the Jhakal through dedication and service. A large number of Unathi and, more rarely, aliens, work under the syndicate without bearing the Jhakal surname - though they are employees, they are not afforded the protection that being a member of the Jhakal proper imparts, and many will often take on dangerous jobs in the hope of earning a place within the ruling clan.
 
Marriage is also a traditional approach to joining the clan, though this method is less common and does not confer as much authority as rising through the ranks would, unless the clan member’s spouse is capable of earning that authority themselves. To date, the only Sinta known to have married into the syndicate is Lady Islek’s late husband Bezhak Rizek, a high-ranking Hephaestus dock manager who perished during the [[KING OF THE WORLD|Solarian invasion of 2462]].
 
Islek herself remains the uncontested leader of the clan, suffering no rivals even as she enters her twilight years. In public, she presents herself as a kindly and almost grandmotherly individual, a prominent citizen of the Valkyrian Unathi community known for her generous charitable donations and commitment to improving the lives of the working Sinta of Valkyrie. Behind this mask, however, she is a woman known for her cunning, willpower and absolute ruthlessness - respected and feared by rivals and underlings alike. She has ruled with an iron claw for nearly twenty years, and though in her advanced age the prospect of succession is increasingly discussed none would dare to suggest she step down. Though she claims no noble title beyond the traditional “Lady”, there is another title which has been bestowed in whispers upon her nevertheless - the “Queen of Valkyrie”. A dramatic name, but one not so far from the truth.
 
Currently, her son, Khariz Jhakal seems the most likely choice to inherit leadership of the organisation - though he is inexperienced, and often allows his temper to get the better of him. This has led to several arrests on both Valkyrie and Biesel, as he has been involved in several brawls and minor crimes, all of which his mother and her lawyers have managed to keep his name clean of. Whether he is worthy of following in his mother’s footsteps, or whether her rivals will see his ascent as a chance to strike - only time will tell.
 
== The Gawgaryn ==
Though many Wastelanders have turned to raiding and banditry to survive, none are more infamous or more feared than the Clan Gawgaryn - the Punished of the Wasteland. Across the radioactive desert, the Gawgaryn will kill, rob and maim to survive another day in the ruins of Moghes, and their name is cursed by many of those who would seek to travel through those harsh lands. More information on the Gawgaryn can be found [[The_Wasteland#Clan_"Gawgaryn"_-_The_Punished_Clans|here]].
 
== The Aut’akh ==
While not a criminal guild, many of the Aut’akh communes of Moghes work closely with organisations such as the Shortclaw Clan - and are hunted by the law for their deeds. As such, they are worthy of a mention here - with many of the Undercity Communes operating similarly to other criminal guilds, stealing from their rivals and enemies to sustain themselves and their people. More information on the Aut’akh, and the criminal communes in the underbelly of Moghes, can be found [[Aut'akh|here]].
 
== The Hearts of Industry ==
While a legitimate guild, the expansion of Hephaestus saw the Hearts of Industry’s power broken, with many of its members hanging up their mantles in favour of the benefits provided by the megacorporation. Those who remained were found without legitimate work, and have frequently turned to, if not crime for its own sake, agitation against the megacorporation. Their acts often toe the line of sabotage, public disorder and other minor crimes, as Hephaestus pressures the Izweski to crack down harder on the Hearts - perhaps in time they will become a criminal guild in their own right. Many guildsmen angry at Hephaestus’s ownership of their former guilds have since joined, and the Hearts maintain a small presence in both the Southlands and Ouerea. More information on the Hearts of Industry can be found [[Unathi_Guilds#Hearts_of_Industry|here]].
 
== Pirate Fleets ==
Though space piracy is a new phenomenon for the Unathi species, it is one that has rapidly spread in the past few decades, with fleets of Unathi pirates roaming across nearly the entire Spur. More information on Unathi pirate fleets, their customs, and their way of life can be found [[Unathi Piracy|here]].
 
[[Category:Unathi]]

Текущая версия от 03:46, 29 марта 2024

Unlikely Alliances
2023 Event Timeline
Galactic Events N/A
Major Events Cold Dawn Arc ·Amor Patriae Arc · Libération, Révolution et Évolution Arc · The Titan Rises Arc · Change on the Horizon Arc · Hasta La Victoria Siempre Arc
Minor Events Steel On The Horizon Arc · Omnivirate's Providence
This is the overview and timeline page for the Unlikely Alliances Arc which began on August 8, 2023 and pertains largely to Unathi and Human lore.
It is centered around the capture of a notorious Unathi pirate by Solarian forces, and the efforts of the two nations to collaborate on the matter.
Below is a summary of the arc's applicable news articles, and additions.

Southern Solarian Reconstruction Mandate Captures Unathi Pirates!

News Article

Publisher: Sol Alliance News Network

Writer: Triogenix

Editors: RustingWithYou

08/08/2465

A notorious Unathi pirate wanted by the Hegemony is captured by the forces of the Southern Solarian Reconstruction Mandate

Earlier this week several Unathi pirates who had been raiding the shipping lanes passing the southern wildlands were captured by the Southern Solarian Reconstruction Mandate in a lightning raid by members of the Sixth Middle Ring battlegroup.

Intelligence officers who had been working closely with the SIIB since early this year managed to pinpoint the main base of operations for these pirates by triangulating known attacks and comparing their locations and times. This would lead investigators back to a small asteroid base, originally used for mining but abandoned after the collapse, within the former territory of the Southern Fleet Administration. Marines then used several older generation destroyers which still had their original warp drives to jump into the system and assault the base. The pirates were no match for the destroyers and marines; before long the system was once again under Solarian control and many of the pirates were captured.

In a press conference on Sankt Frederick, Fleet Admiral Myo Yunso, one of the naval flag officers assigned to the SSRM answered questions about the raid and what will happen to the captured pirates. She stated that the captured pirates would be subject to a military tribunal, and if found guilty, executed by firing squad. When asked about the possibility of bias within the tribunal due to the defendants being non-human, she responded that piracy is piracy for anyone, it does not matter if the defendants are human or not. In opposition however, Governor MacPherson has put out a statement informing citizens that he has instructed the planetary justice department to prepare to try the pirates in a court of law, with the maximum sentence being execution.

Of course, upon hearing of each other's statements and ideas for the handling of the situation, the Governor and Fleet Admiral immediately fell into the back-and-forth bickering that Sankt Frederick has become known for. The Fleet-Admiral slammed the slow process of the court system, saying that due to the pirates not being Solarian citizens they should be subject to military justice as pirates. The Governor responded by pointing out there was no military government in control of the territory where the pirates were captured and referenced a previous decision by Solarian courts to try resident non-citizen Tajara the same way as Solarian citizens. Fleet Admiral Klaudia Szalai originally sided with her fellow Fleet Admiral, but has since withdrawn that statement, instead suggesting that the Solarian Department of Justice be consulted on the issue. While this back-and-forth is still ongoing, it is unlikely any decision will be made shortly. Whatever will happen though, it is expected that these pirates will be justly punished for their crimes.

Solarian Ambassador on Moghes meets with Hegemon, Lord-Admiral Yizarus; extradition discussed

News Article

Publisher: Sinta Articles

Writer: Triogenix

Editors: RustingWithYou, CaptainGecko

11/08/2465

The Hegemon meets with Solarian diplomats to discuss extradition of the notorious pirate.

Today the Hegemon, together with his wife Spymaster Razi and Lord-Admiral Yizarus attended a small function stated to be with other nobles of the Hegemony, to discuss the current affairs of the realm in a relaxed setting. However, reporters working on behalf of the Keeper’s outside the Izweski Citadel where it was to be held noticed that very few official vehicles and noble retinues arrived at the gate but took notice when a diplomatic car from the Solarian Embassy entered the Citadel. While the windows were tinted, reporters believe the occupant of the car was the charge-de-affairs of the Solarian embassy, the highest-ranking Solarian diplomat left within the Hegemony after a general recall due to the collapse of their government about three years ago.

A source close to the Hegemon has stated that the real purpose of the meeting was to discuss the possibility of extraditing several Unathi Pirates who were captured by the Southern Solarian Reconstruction Mandate, a Solarian designated mandate within the human wildlands some days ago. Among the pirates is rumored to be Guwan Sitraz, a former member of our navy who fled the Hegemony after dishonoring the Izweski clan by murdering unarmed combatants and civilians attempting to surrender to his men. His location has been unknown since 2458 when after being ordered by the Hegemon to return to Moghes to face judgment, he fled into the frontier. He has since been suspected to be behind several pirate organizations within the Sparring Sea and Badlands but has never been positively located by any organization. It now appears that due to the work of the Solarian Interstellar Intelligence Bureau and other Solarian intelligence clans, he may finally face the Hegemon's justice.

While we hope that Sitraz and the other pirates can be brought back to Moghes to face the Hegemon’s justice, it is unclear how extradition may work. As a mandate, now totally under the control of Sol, the SSRM may wish to try the criminals themselves or return them to the interim Solarian Government for trial. We presume that this was the center of the conversation with the Citadel, as the diplomat and Hegemon spoke for at least several hours. We will keep our readers appraised as this story develops.

Governor MacPherson announces negotiations underway for the extradition of Unathi Pirates to Hegemony

News Article

Publisher: Sol Alliance News Network

Writer: Triogenix

Editors: RustingWithYou, CaptainGecko

16/08/2465

SSRM leadership announces that extradition is considered. Some among the public are unhappy.

Earlier today, standing beside Minister of Defense Lucien Courtois on Sankt Frederick, Governor MacPherson announced the recently captured Unathi Pirates, now in custody on the planet, may be extradited to the Hegemony. The SANN was on the ground to record the announcement and has attached it to this article.

The camera pans over to the right to track Governor MacPherson and Fleet Admiral Courtois as they make their way up to the Podium, taking about thirty seconds. The Governor quickly rearranges some papers on the podium, before politely coughing into the mic. Having confirmed that it’s on, he begins his announcement.

“My fellow Solarians, I stand here today with a representative of our provisional government in the core worlds, Minister of Defense Courtois, to speak to you today about the Unathi pirates we recently captured in the former territory of the Southern Fleet Administration. It is our belief, and I think I speak for both myself and the Minister of Defense here, that a diplomatic solution where these criminals can be punished by their original government is preferable, and will help to signal a reborn Solarian Alliance that has diplomacy beyond threats of force.”

The governor pauses for a moment to look at Courtois who gives an almost imperceptible nod before continuing.

“With that said, we have several conditions we would like to consider. Firstly, the trial of the criminals shall take place here, on Sankt Frederick. We are willing to grant the Iz-we-ski Hegemony a plot of land at a now unused consulate for a fixed period where the trial and punishment can occur, outside the laws of these lands. Secondly, the trial must be observed by a member of the Solarian Department of Justice, who will act as an advisor to the Hegemonies appointed judge. Third, the criminals shall be charged with all crimes committed within the territories of the Solarian Alliance, occupied or otherwise, during their trial. We are not just here to achieve justice for a crime six years in the past, we are here to find justice for murdered Solarian citizens. Lastly, not all criminals will be extradited, we will allow your government to try two of them, while the remaining are tried here by our planetary courts.”

After finishing his statement, the governor takes another quick pause before continuing.

“These conditions are the requirements we have to allow some of these criminals to be punished by their original government, and we encourage the Hegemony to reach out to our Charge-de-affairs to give their response. As a gesture of good faith, we will allow a Hegemonic Lord to observe the trials of the rest of the pirates, as well as provide further evidence of their guilt, but not advise the Judge on their sentence.”

The governor then finishes his speech, speaking briefly with Courtois, before both walk off the stage and the camera stops rolling.

This announcement has baffled interstellar relations experts, who were incredibly surprised to find the Alliance open to negotiations in any form, instead expecting a quick military trial of the pirates. Legal experts have also given their input into the strange nature of the agreement, commenting on the allocation of land to the Hegemony for a fixed period, and the precedent it sets. One interviewee from Callisto was quoted saying “If we start giving all our land to [EXPLETIVE] alien governments to do what they please, what’s the point of the alliance?” The SANN also reached out to Fleet Admiral Myo Yunso to ask for a comment, but her public relations officer declined to give a statement. It was the same when SANN reporters reached out to Fleet Admiral Klaudia Szalai’s office. We currently know that Minister of Defense Courtois visited both admiral’s flagships before appearing with the governor for his statement, though not what was discussed. Now we expectantly wait for the response of the Hegemony with bated breath, stay tuned!

Hegemon Accepts Southern Provisional Governments terms for extradition, Lord-Admiral Yizarus leaves for Sankt Frederick

News Article

Publisher: Sinta Articles

Writer: Triogenix

Editors: RustingWithYou, CaptainGecko

18/08/2465

An agreement is reached. Lord-Admiral Yizarus departs the Hegemony to sit in judgement on Sankt-Frederick.

Over the past few days since the announcement by the Southern Solarian Reconstruction Mandate, the Charge-de-affairs of the Solarian embassy has been seen entering and leaving the Izweski Citadel, sometimes multiple times a day. It has been believed that the Hegemon is negotiating with the Solarian Government for better conditions regarding the extradition of the Guwan Sitraz and other pirate scum captured by one of their reconstruction mandates so recently. Today, our speculation came to an end, however, as High Speaker Seleta Sarnac called a press conference in the evening. Our reporters were there and captured her opening statement.

“Greetings. I am pleased to announce that our Hegemon has accepted a set of revised conditions presented by a Solarian Diplomat this afternoon, in regards to the extradition of several Unathi criminals. I ask that you hold all questions until I have informed you of all new conditions. The Hegemony has agreed in full to the condition that the trials of the pirates take place on the world which they are currently held, and accept the local government's offer to hold a small former consulate under the banner of the Izweski Hegemony for the time of the trial and punishment. The Hegemony has also fully agreed to try the pirates with the assistance of a Solarian Judge for their crimes committed in Solarian Territory. We however will be trying two pirates of our choosing, in addition to the guwan Sitraz. In addition, we will be taking up the local government's offer to have a Hegemonic Lord observe the trials of the remaining pirates, as well as offer advice to the presiding Judge. The Hegemony has also requested that the maximum sentence for the crimes of the pirates be execution by firing squad, rather than cyborgification, which the local government has accepted.”

Seleta pauses for a moment, keeping her hand up to forestall questions.

“To these ends, Lord-Admiral Yizarus has been dispatched to the planet of Sankt Frederick, where he will act in our Hegemon’s stead as the presiding judge for the criminals we prosecute. He has taken one of our quickest ships and is expected to be there by the end of the week. I now open the floor to questions.”

Very few questions of any substance were asked by the members of the press attendant, due to the skillful delivery of the High Speaker. Our journalists held off on asking further questions. We pray the spirits are with Lord Admiral Yizarus on his journey, and that he may extract the Hegemon’s justice by word of mouth and strength of claw.

Unathi Pirates Publicly Executed by Hegemony Lord-Admiral after 4-hour Trial

News Article

Publisher: Sol Alliance News Network

Writer: Triogenix

Editors: RustingWithYou, CaptainGecko

26/08/2465

Lord-Admiral Yizarus dispenses the Hegemon's justice. Solarian viewers are shocked by the swift and merciless judgement.

In a shocking development, after a mere six hours on the planet of Sankt Frederick the Hegemony’s appointed judge, one Lord-Admiral Yizarus has completed the trial and punishment of the three criminals the Hegemony was allowed to try. The trial itself only took four hours, and thirty minutes after completion the convicted Unathi were taken out of the consulate building to its front yard for their punishments. The SANN had a camera on the scene and captured the following video. Viewer discretion is advised.

The camera turns on with an unsteady hand, as it shakes seemingly up onto someone's shoulder. After a few moments, it clears up and begins to track a three person long file of Unathi prisoners gagged and chained being escorted out onto the front lawn of the former consulate. The file is led by a tall, proud-looking Sinta with a sword at his waist, Lord-Admiral Yizarus, and flanked on all sides by Men-at-arms wearing the heraldry of the Izweski; by the Lord-Admiral's side is a short, plump man identified as a Solarian Judge. About halfway across the lawn, the file stops, in front of a small crowd that’s begun to form. Several armsmen place three wooden boxes on the lawn and force each prisoner to kneel with their head on one. Lord-Admiral Yizarus notices the crowd which has begun to grow in size, and quickly speaks with the Judge before turning to face the crowd. He then gave the following statements.

“I have found thessse criminalss guilty of a litany of crimesss, including pirassy in the Sssolarian Alliansse. For thesse crimesss, they will be eksecuted.” The Lord-Admiral seemingly believes that’s enough to say, and turns back to criminals, now all kneeling, drawing the sword on his waist. It’s an unadorned simple sword but shines with a sharpness that only Plasteel could achieve. He plants the point into the soft ground near the head of the rightmost convict, Sitraz. He then says;

In Sinta’Unathi: “And now, a duty fulfilled.”

After that phrase Yizarus brings the sword up over his head and down onto Sitraz’s neck, completely separating his head from the rest of his body in one smooth stroke, to the gasps of the crowd. Yizarus casually kicks the now removed head out of his way, as he moves on to the next convict, believed to be Sitraz’s second in command. Without a word this time, Yizarus once again hefts the sword up over his head and down onto the convict's neck, separating their head from their body. He then moves on to the last convict and repeats the same motion with the same ending before speaking again.

In Sinta’Unathi: “Have it all burned, and spread the ashes through the star lanes; there should be no resting place for the dishonored.”

The armsmen move to carry the bodies and head back inside, as Yizarus calmly pulls out a piece of cloth and begins to clean his sword, speaking with the stunned Solarian Judge all the while. The crowd murmurs but is mostly quiet, too stunned to react spectacularly. Eventually, Yizarus and the judge both head back inside, and the camera stops rolling.

The speed and severity of the punishment handed down to the pirates has taken Sankt Frederick by storm, with videos of the executions and the thoughts of the population being re-chirped millions of times across the spur. When asked by a reporter who caught him at the starport leaving for the Hegemony about the executions, Lord-Admiral Yizarus simply said:

“They broke the lawsss of the Hegemon, Sssolarian Alliansse, and other civilized nationss ass well asss the lawsss of the sspiritsss, and were punissshed accordingly.”

The remainder of the pirates remain on Sankt Frederick and are expected to be brought before a Solarian Judge for their trials several months from now. The Hegemony has extended its full thanks to the Solarian Government as well as the leaders of the Southern Solarian Reconstruction Mandate, in particular Governor McPherson, for allowing them to “justly punish a criminal who has long evaded rightful authority.”

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