W3
Colony in Quadrant 7
Colony World Deep Hole (3rd planet from the star)
Background
There are four main colonial groupings on W3
- Deep Colonial Corporation
- Deep Democratic Association
- In Too Deep Colony
- Deep Hope Colony
Of these, the Deep Colonial Corporation and the Deep Democratic Association are the two largest and the other two very minor colonies in relatively remote positions. The smaller colonies keep to themselves and do not have much to do with the two larger colonies.
Recent History to 3223
Since 3217 - present the Deep Colonial Corporation and the Deep Democratic Association have been at war over a contested region rich in Red Mercury and Rare Earth deposits. The war has been indecisive as the contested Interstitial Mountains passes are very well suited to defence, and each side has been unable to overcome the other. Virtually the entire economy of each side had been focused on the war.
In early 3222 the situation came to a head when nuclear weapons were used for the first time and a number of settlements completely destroyed - but the attacks proved indecisive and did not break the deadlock. This caused the governments of both sides to agree an armistice at the end of 3222 primarily to allow humanitarian efforts in the affected regions. Wolf 359 security forces assisted in brokering the ceasefire, a move that in many ways unified the warring factions in their dislike of Wolfers.
Colonial Organisation up to 3223
Deep Colonial Corporation (DCC)
CEO Sofya Valerianovna
Deputy CEO Yulian Victorovich
Head of Security General Vlada Aleksandrovna
Deep Democratic Association (DDA)
Chair of Council Ingegerd Qvist
Minister for Diplomacy Tor Augustsson
Minister for Defence Lt General Adeline Hammarström
In Too Deep Colony (ITD)
Coordinator Ghazaala el-Azzi
Head of Economic Development Zakariyya el-Nawaz
Head of Welfare and Morale Randa el-Hoque
Deep Hope Colony (DHC)
Senior Elder Cormac Greumach
Pastoral Elder Ciorstaidh MacAilein
Safety Elder Rut Crannach
Worsening Political Situation
In 3223 frustrations arising out of the enforced ceasefire caused a collapse of the governments of both the DDA and the DCC on the main continent. ITD and DHC, both much smaller colonies on a continent on the other side of the planet remained out of the conflict, though they have suffered somewhat from fallout both in terms of trade as well as environmental damage.
The DCC was the subject of what amounted to a military coup, led by Security Chief Jenkinson, who declared herself Supreme CEO, and violently suppressed criticism and resistance to the change of government. Armed resistance groups to the Jenkinson regime formed, but made little headway, and Jenkinson rearmed and rebuilt the military forces of the colony with the aim of gaining advantage over their enemies in the DDA.
The DDA's government also fell, and was replaced by a popularist leadership under Chairperson John Boriston who came to power on the back of flag-waving nationalism. Many of the original government were declared traitors and have been forced into hiding.
Both the DDA and the DCC have heavily re-militarised and resumption of hostilities has been regarded as virtually inevitable given the rhetoric of the political leadership on both sides.
The War of 3225
Fighting broke out again in 3225 with a surprise attack from the DDA on DCC outposts. The Wolf359 Commonwealth intervened with ground troops and quickly brought the fighting to an end, and commenced peace enforcement operations on the planet.
The Wolfer forces were re-enforced by Venerian peacekeepers in 3226.
During 3226 several attempts were made to broker a long-term peace, in particular involving diplomats from the Sirius Socialist Republic. However, both the DDA and the DCC made demands on the Wolf Commonwealth that the commonwealth were not able to accept and the talks broke down late in 3226.
Violent Extremist Organisations
Officially denied by the leadership of both the DDA and the DCC a number of 'militias' have been operating in the areas occupied by Wolfer peacekeeping forces. Since early 3226 these have, it is believed, been responsible for the vast majority of attacks on Wolfer forces, and are behind a good deal of criminality, protection rackets and random violence - apparently beyond the ability of either colonial government to curtail or control. The main groups that have been identified are:
Democracy and Freedom Today - arguing for 'naturals rights' and totally opposed to the arrogant elitism of the Wolfers. This group seems to be active in both DDA and DCC control regions.
Mailed Fist Faction - extreme right-wing grouping violently opposed to all off-worlders. Though confusingly also seem to think the Wolf Commonwealth is something to be emulated - wanting to introduce a monarchy on W3. Mainly operating in DCC territory.
Free People's Army - extreme left-wing grouping opposed to all formed of hierarchy, especially off-worlder 'nobility'. Mainly operating in DDA territory. The FPA is led by the much-feared and mysterious Agatha Von Rücksichtslos who is believed by her followers to be invincible. Wrongly, it turned out when in 3228 her secret mountain headquarters was raided by Venerian Special Forces and Von Rücksichtslos was captured and is currently being held by the RNV. Activity by the FPA has sharply declined since.
Formation of Deep Red Corporation 3228
Following a peace conference brokered by the Greater Federation of Asteel, the Venerian Republic, the Sirius Socialist Republic and the Wolf359 Commonwealth agreement was reached between the warring parties.
All valuable minerals from the contested Interstitial Mountains was to be purchased by the GFA-registered Deep Red Corporation at a guaranteed above market price sold through the Corporation. Share all profits between all four polities on W3, weighted by population.
Corporation will retain50% profit to reinvest in the world, i.e. building refinery, infrastructure etc.
All four powers involved in brokering the agreement are to be guarantors of the process.
In return the DCC and the DDA agreed to conduct talks to agree mutual and balanced force reductions.