It was an artificial planet, the makers had kidnapped young Deathworlders, including small human children, as forced labor because they were small and able to get into tight places. Some of the kids died getting trapped in areas where the air would run out. CRC learned of this horror, Pax Humanis was called in. The madmen who kidnapped the kids soon learned WHY you don't mess with children in the alliance. Especially since one of those kids was the little daughter of a member of Pax Humanis, their rage was the most terrifying of all. -- DaniAndShali
Magrathea Custom Planet Corporation does not support nor endorse the actions of their clients once they complete purchase of their tailored world. This is the only thing that has saved them from the wrath of Pax Humanis. For now.
The more important matter is what happened on Ego V. Or, more precisely, in Ego V. It's a safe bet to presume that a Deregger was behind it all. Something about cost margins and material expenditure[1] made them demand smaller maintenance access tunnels within their world. Apart from the "lone wolf" gravity drive, most of the planets' interior was meant to be automated everything.
A paradise with spectacular views, amazing environments to play in, and everything available on demand. When asked how Bez Geffos planned to maintain all the machinery inside his planet, he joked, "I'll hire small engineers."
Let it be known to the court that these were available. There are engineering lines from B'Nar that could fit any specification. Those, however, were expensive. Hiring a bunch of low-moral mercenaries to abduct unguarded Deathworlder kids, however, was by far the cheaper option.
After all, Bez argued, he had a duty of care towards his shareholders.
It was not an argument that flew very well with Pax Humanis. Especially not to Pax Humanis Re-enforcement Officer Shuud, whose child was among the first thousand 'gathered' for "forced employment" inside Ego V.
She didn't wait for the CRC to hire her or her cognicidal[2] friends. She had a ship, and goal to sail her by. And a solid corps of cognicidal allies who were going to introduce some walking waste vents to some fresh, raw, kharmic justice.
Get your next life, free of charge.
Lucky for them, the bounty was issued before the Pax Humanis forces were halfway there. A few missing children in understandable circumstances is one thing, even with the Diminished Responsibility tracker-bracelets[3]. More than one hundred is alarming. More than one thousand cannot be hidden under any circumstances.
It wasn't just Pax Humanis who came raining justice and hellfire down on Ego V. Several thousand outraged family members had taken up arms as well. Hundreds of planetary and station-based security forces were in hot pursuit of the criminals.
Bez never stood a chance. He was lucky to survive to stand trial. His planet, once the children were extracted, was quickly reduced to a lump of radioactive slag. Not even worth mass credit.
The good news is that none of the families involved ever have to concern themselves with the cost of educating their children. That is entirely funded by Bez's fortunes. Seized as criminal proceeds by the CRC.
In the Galactic Alliance, every child has the right to safety and protection. That right is enforced.
[1] Once a species has conquered the problems of inter-stellar travel, it is safe to say that their resources are potentially infinite. This does not prevent some from bemoaning the energy cost in acquisition.
[2] It used to be Homicide until a more inclusive term was coined.
[3] While it may seem invasive and an avenue for abuse, the Diminished Responsibility bracelets are specifically for the protection of those incapable of complete self-care. Once the bracelet is damaged or outside a safe zone, an alert is immediately sent to both the parentals and the station and ship security forces. These bracelets can also monitor the wearer's health and stress levels, thus rendering domestic abuse extinct in Alliance space.
[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / jorgecachoh]
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