covering former 3rd Imp territory? It seems to me that the Regency is Virus
paranoid (Viruphobia?). Consider the Quarantine blockade they set up and
after 75 years continue to man. Private individuals would have great
difficulty crossing the border (although those seldom used bureaucratic
skills
would certainly come into play in this situation).
There is some mention that the Regency economy is beginning to stagnate and
referendum re. opening the borders was held but rejected. Since when do
gov'ts follow to the letter the will of the people? And as recently pointed
out various gov't agencies frequently pursue their own agendas.
There is also the matter of the nobility. Under the new form of gov't the
nobles were given fiefs but what about their younger children? No doubt the
eldest will inherit the fief but the younger sons & daughters are not just
going to all embrace the democratic way of life that the commoners adhere to.
I see two activities re exploration of the wilds from the Regency:
1) The gov't will begin to send secret missions of exploration and contact.
There are no doubt those who remember the Imperial Interstellar Scout Service
and its proud traditions - the glory of going where no one has gone before
instead of playing Quarantine Police. These missions would have many of the
some objectives of the RCES missions. In addition the Regency has better
data, yes it is also out of date, specifing locations of bases and research
stations and the contents of those bases. More on this in future
installments
(the Scouts are my favorite service!)
2) The young nobility seeing limited prospects in the new order of things
will look for elbow room. Their parents will likely support their wishes to
explore the Wilds as it will ease tensions at home (and decrease internecine
conflict to determine who shall inherit the fief. Expeditions will be
outfitted and launched toward the core of the former Imperium. Some will
conquer/colonize/set up shop on some of the planets and begin trading via
free
merchants with each other and, for those with the bureaucratic patience, with
the Regency. Others will seek out riches in smash-and-grab/looting type
expeditions with an eye toward high profit items such as starships and
locating the warehouses of the former MegaCorps.
As mentioned I have more to say re scouts in the future but ta ta for now.
PBJuzyk