Governor of the Schatten Star System, Andrea Maddox, has called for a civilian lead investigation into the documents recently released to the public. Although there was some question as to whether or not the Department of Judicial Services would allow the investigation, they have confirmed that they are pushing forward with the Department of Protection and Investigation and opening a formal inquery into the alleged activities. Under the law Mike-037 cannot be proscuted for the crimes of his people nor for crimes commited in another universe. However, the documents have brought to light items which seriously jepordize the faith which has been put in his ability to do his job. Since Mr. 037 has declined to shed light on the accusations against him it leaves many wondering if the accusations are true.
In addition to the DPI inquiry the Civilian Oversight Board has been given the green light to open their own investigation into the matter with the blessing of Director Alice Barnes of the Department of Military Actions and Services. At this point it is impossible to say what the two independant investigations may find.
In a statement yesterday Fleet Admiral Lance Thomas made the position of Solas Tempus clear, saying that the record since joining the organization of Mike-037 has been exemplary and he has carried out every order and has shown no evidence of mental instability. The Admiral went on to say; “Doing this job I have seen a great many people over the years who are capable, I have also seen a fair number of people over the years who are steadfast and loyal, and I have seen an even smaller number of people over the years who are brave and willing to push forward with courage. I have, however, seldom seen a person who is capable, loyal, and couragous. These are not qualities that I take lightly nor are they qualities which are in great supply. Lt. Commander Mike-037 has the full faith and confidence of myself, Admiral D’Amico, and the rest of Solas Tempus. These documents released reflect one thing and one thing only, accusations against a group which cannot be confirmed and we dare not condem a man for the actions of a group he belongs to, this is enshrined in our constitution and the 8th Gaurentee, which probhibits such things. Until some shed of evidence that the Commander himself commited actionable crimes against civilians I stand by him, as do my officers.”
The statement makes it a certainty that if the civilian investigations come to a negative conclusion, it will be the first test of the government’s ability to control and regulate the organization. Personal accounts about Admiral Thomas himself suggest that he may not be as willing as others to concede authority over someone he claims we should not even be looking into in the first place. His interpretation of the constitution is correct, however, Mr. 037 cannot be prosecuted for crimes which occured outside the Concord by others, no matter his affiliation. The investigations held will be to determine if Mr. 037 is to be trusted with military authority. A finding of wrongdoing by either the COD or the DIP could force the hand of Director Barnes or Prime Minister Th’chaaveq and end with an order to bar Mike-037 from military service.
Pushing for Colonization
Governor Maddox has incidacted that she is pushing forward with plans to break ground on the first civilian colony of the Schatten System to be located on Soteria. Several different sites are being looked at for what will become the focal point for civilian politics on that world once established. Currently the political powers of the system are housed on Nimbus Station, a military run facility. While the Governor had originally wished to take control of the station it became clear that this was an ill-conceived notion when, recently, the station and occupants left the system for several months. Details about why this happened are classified and the only statement releasted indicates that Solas Tempus conducted operations under the Temporal Command division of Blue Team. This suggests a temporal event of some kind occured, but the operational details are classified and Admiral D’Amico has instructed civilians to contact the office of the DMAS office for public relations to obtain further information. The new colony site is expected to break ground soon and Solas Tempus engineers have already agreed to be available to assist in construction efforts.
Farming Settlement Site Approved
A site has been chosen for the new farming settlement on Soteria. The settlement will be built by the agricultural group Temperance and Sustenance which will supply the settlement with the initial supplies needed to begun cultivating the land. This is a great boon to the agricultural economy of the system which has thus far relied nearly entirely on shipments in and food and other natural materials. Though some of these materials have been gathered on Soteria the biggest need by far is that of food stuffs. The group has approved a site just south 990 kilometers south along the coast from the Anguta Bay. If successful the group is planning to begin supplying food within a 5-7 year period once cultivation can get established at the required levels. It will be at least a full year, however, before the first crops are seen from the new settlement.
The Concord has gaurenteed supplies for the settlement and Solas Tempuas science teams have also pledged support for the new site as needed. Engineers from the military have also already received requests for assistance in construction of new facilities.
Latest Arrival Sighted – A Spartan
In the light of the current controversy reguarding Mike-037 the appearance of another Spartan today on Soteria was troubling. Details are scant at this time, other than he was injured and had a child with him who was deceased. This latest sighting has also prompted the DPI to begin looking into other Spartan’s who may also be on the station but not holding official positions. Another of the group is known to be on Nimbus Station, Alicia-052 though it is unknown if the DPI plans to question Alica about the conduct of the Spartan’s.
A Population Divided
Given the recent revelations about the station’s X.O. the population has started to divide along the expected lines. While many people just want answers there are two growing groups; the group that believes the X.O. should be treated solely on the merit of his conduct since coming here and those who believe that even the accusation of such crimes is enough to disqualify a person from holding such a position. While this started as a matter for the civilians which did not penetrate into the ranks of Solas Tempus there is at least one confirmed report of the X.O. being impared from diffusing a conflict by questions regaurding the released documents. Solas Tempus may soon find itself in the difficult position of defending a man who may well have commited what we would consider war crimes. Whatever the outcome, it is clear that we may never know the truth. The actions of the Spartans prior to being here was in an entirely different reality and that in and of itself will likely keep many things in the dark.
