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File: 2222/11.13_41
Report Filed By: “Wise Rabbit”
MARS GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS BANNING GIGACORP
One of the hottest rumors in the solar system is a proposed ban of GigaCorp on Free Mars. DataNet has yet to learn whether this rumor is more than just that. None of our regular sources have been able to confirm or deny it. However, we have been able to obtain several other equally interesting tidbits that may shed further light on the matter at hand.
History lesson: Mars was recognized as an independent state when contract laborers revolted against - guess who? - GigaCorp in the 21st century. GigaCorp has never forgotten that. They've tried for decades to regain the preeminent position that they once held on the Red Planet, but to no avail. The Martians are surly folks and they don't kowtow to anyone, least of all their old masters.
Or do they? Another rumor has it that our old friend Brigadier General Derek Fisk has been looking for someplace for the Coalition to put down roots. Space stations are nice and all, but they're very vulnerable to attacks and Fisk knows it. Mars would be nice place to set up shop - close to the asteroid belt as well as other strategic locales. It's possible Fisk and the Martians could strike a deal and leave GigaCorp out in the cold.
As much as the Martians would like it, they need GigaCorp as much as anyone does. Sure, they don't have to be their lapdogs or anything, but they couldn't survive without GigaCorp products and services. Even Fisk couldn't make up for that kind of loss.
So what's really going on? Consider this. There's been an upswing in anti-GigaCorp violence on Mars in the past few weeks. There have also been reports of various Martian officials speaking out against the poor product distribution network on Mars. Now this latest rumor. Looks to me like Mars might be trying to cow GigaCorp into cutting a deal with them. Mars might not be able to survive without GigaCorp, but the corporation certainly couldn't survive without Mars. Besides, the bad PR would send Kelleher into conniptions. She'd have to act fast to contain this before it got out of hands.
Which may be just what the Martians want. If so, it's a dangerous game that has the potential to tick off both the Coalition and GigaCorp. Unless they've got an ace up their sleeve, I'd think twice before doing something as foolish as this.
On the other hand, maybe the rumors are completely untrue. More information when it's available.
>>FreeBird_1652: node: 1992.2912_1823.2: It's probably just a rumor. Every couple month, some Belter shoots off his mouth about kicking the corporations right offa' Mars (or Luna, or Io, etc. etc.) but it isn't anything more than smoke.
>>Marvin_M: node 887_1823.0001: Smoke or not, GigaCorp forces in the Martian free ports are pulling out. There's also a GigaCorp cruiser that's been patrolling the area picking up strays. Looks like they're playing it cautious for once.
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