Down A Slippery Slope
In late 2009, the United Kingdom's centrist government introduced the twin "Modern Slavery Act" and the "Piracy Act". In an unusual display of partisanship, the Acts received a not inconsiderable amount of support on both sides of the House. The only real opposition came in regards to what to do with liberated slaves and the reaction of those pro-slavery/piracy states that still existed in some parts of the world. Yet the Acts garnered enough popularity to be brought to vote only eight weeks later, in January 2010. It passed with 72% of the available votes. The majority of the 28% that did not vote for the Acts chose to abstain. These MPs, despite their misgivings, did not wish to have their voting records chequered by votes against piracy, or worse, slavery - institutions that were almost unanimously regarded as twin evils by the overwhelming majority of the Goramite populace.
By the summer of 2010, the acts were being put into practice. Since then, upholding the Slavery/Piracy Acts have been the biggest drain on the Royal Navy's books. Precisely 576 sailors, naval aircrew and Marines have been killed in action - with approximately the same again seriously wounded. However, to date, not a single ship has been lost and only one severely damaged by a suicide device. Yet, the results have been somewhat above what was expected. Each year has seen an average of 138 ships intercepted, the release of more than 5,000 captive persons and the interdiction of drugs to the magnitude of thousands of kilograms. The street value of the narcotics and trafficked persons were, in a study presented to the house last year, estimated at upwards of 50 million Sterlings a year. As such, the waters immediately around the United Kingdom have become bereft of trade for the patrolling RN corvettes, with their supporting aircraft. Buoyed by success, Parliament has voted to extend the remit Acts and, as such, of the military operations sanctioned therein. Yet, the downside of such a move is a worsening public image of the Acts. Although still extremely positive, there is a growing concern in certain constituencies - particularly where slaves were being resettled - as to just how many of these liberated peoples would be arriving to take their jobs and their homes. Equally (although far further from the popular concern) is the old concern of what those pro-slavery/pro-piracy states might think as the Royal Navy moves deeper into international waters. These tigers have been poked before, with few losses and much offsetting success.
But just how long can this success and public opinion last?
Above is the general background to the RP, as I've just
I leave the detailing of why and what killed Murre up to you. I'm looking for at least one antagonist as a minimum, but anyone is welcome. If you're keen, drop me a telegram or post here. I'm not one for sign up forms, so just post who you are and what side you're on.
Thanks.
