up to their old tricks

Ever since the IVP took Gell-Mann Ring, life upon the station has begun to change drastically. The IVP have always had a very laid back attitude towards certain legalities (for a federation faction), and this ethos has now been put into action at Gell-Mann Ring. The faction has begun to ship in quantities of tobacco, combat stabilizers, master chefs, as well as other normally prohibited items. There is also rumor that the IVP are bringing in various narcotics through their recently re-opened black markets.

With the station saturated with various examples of drugs, and the majority of the labor now being conducted by indentured workers, things have gone exactly as one would expect; Gell-Mann Ring has turned into a raging party house. The residents of Gell-Mann are presently enjoying themselves but how long will this last? Production is down, health and general living conditions are becoming questionable, reports of noise pollution are rife, and the increasing numbers of indentured workers are creating a serious class division.Experts speculate that the populace of Gell-Mann will only take life like this for so long.

This of course brings into question, the allegations that this entire situation was engineered by Starship Enterprises Corp (specifically by Dr. Chapman). The events seem to only reinforce the accusations by an unnamed pilot a few weeks back. However, many people in 339 seem to agree with the heavy handed tactics of SE Corps CEO and governor of 339. One man that was interviewed seemed to sum up the feelings of the majority of the system, he had this to say:

"Well, I don't agree with starting wars, of course, but sometimes it's the only way to root out the rot in society. All these people in Gell-Mann partying like there is no tomorrow, they just want life to be free and easy, but life is not like that. I see what Chapman is doing; give 'em what they want and they will see for themselves it doesn't work, otherwise if you just leave 'em alone then they just complain forever and make other hard working citizens question things, and generally stir up trouble."

whether or not SE Corp is behind any of this, it seems like events are playing out as have been predicted for now. there may well be trouble looming ahead on Gell-Man rings horizon.