The Marik Leaves for Marik

Atreus, Marik Commonwealth, Free Worlds League

Captain-General Janos Marik left for the world of Marik early last night. When asked about his sudden leave, the Marik said that he had to attend to "personal business". He left with his personal guard and his current companion, Bronwen Rafsani.

Many sources say that the Marik is to meet with Coordinator Takashi Kurita to sign a mutual-defense treaty between the Free Worlds and the Combine. The Draconis Combine is currently under assault by the FedCom Alliance and they need military aid soon, hence why the Coordinator may be coming to Free Worlds space instead of meeting the Marik in neutral territory.

The Marik has reportedly spent the last two months talking to the Combine special envoy who arrived a few months ago. Apparently a preliminary agreement has been reached between our two governments. The Combine ambassador is also leaving Atreus to return to the Combine.

Andurien Balks at Imminent Treaty

Atreus, Marik Commonwealth, Free Worlds League

Dame Catherine Humphreys led the opposition against the rumored treaty between the Free Worlds League and the Draconis Combine. Humphreys voiced the concern that the Draconis Combine is untrustworthy and bloodthirsty.

"Our two people's have nothing in common," said Dame Humphreys. "The Free Worlds League doesn't need the Combine as an ally. We should not become involved in a war that we have no stake in. Our borders must remain secure from the depredations of the Lyran Commonwealth and the Capellan Confederation."

Kristen Marik Makes a Name for Herself

Colfax, Independent World, Free Worlds League

Here on the world of Colfax, a jump from the Lyran border, the youngest scion of Janos Marik has found a home for herself far away from the politics and machinations of the Free World League Parliament. Kristen Marik was recently promoted to Lieutenant in the mercenary unit Langerdorf's Lancers. Since joining the unit five years ago under the assumed name of Kristen Markus, the 25 year old has shown exceptional skill first as a Technician and later as a 'Mech pilot.

Kristen's true identity was revealed shortly after she joined the Lancers. "At first they were uncomfortable around me after word got out I was the Marik's daughter," said Kristen in a recent interview. "But I didn't let that bother me. I wanted to go it on my own without any familial considerations. The Lancers got used to it and started treating me as a Lancer, not a Marik." Now Kristen pilots a captured Steiner Hunchback given to her three years by the Lancers. "I was a good Tech, but I wanted to pilot my own 'Mech, one that I had earned. Major Roland [the Lancer's CO] was willing to give me a 'Mech immediately but I told him I'd get in line and wait my turn. It took two years but I finally got a 'Mech."

The Langerdorf Lancers are currently on long-term retainer to the Free Worlds League. They have served the Free Worlds almost continuously since the start of the Succession Wars. The unit is currently configured as a mixed battalion with two 'Mech companies and an armor/mechanized-infantry company.

Worlds of the FWL: Atreus

World Name:         Atreus, Marik Commonwealth
Star Type:          F4V
Position in System: 3
Days to Jump Point: 16
Recharging Station: Zenith, Nadir
Government:         Representative Commonality
Noble Ruler:        Duke Janos Marik
ComStar Facility:   Class A
  Representative:   Pedregor Aliz,
                      Precentor of Atreus Station
Population:         5,391,000,000
%/Lvl Native Life:  10%, Mammal

Atreus was first settled during the Exodus period, when it was one of the farthest rimward planets to be settled. In 2271, the Treaty of Marik established Atreus as the capital of the Free Worlds.

The House of Government is located at the north end of Atreus City. It is an excellent example of 23rd-century post-Terran architecture, with magnificently curved eaves highlighting chromium- and marble-trimmed ferrocrete facades. It is the only original capitol building still standing in the five Successor States.

The principle industry of the city is ceremony. An astonishing 40 percent of the populace is employed in services connected with imperial ceremonies. Another 20 percent of the city's populace work in areas ancillary to the government.

The rest of the planet is largely undeveloped, except for the state-of- the-art fishing industry and an AeroSpace manufacturing facility in Semidam. One of the major weaknesses of the Marik government is that it is too reliant on offworld goods and services. In two centuries of almost continuous warfare, Atreus has never been invaded, but citizens of Atreus fear a blockade more than they fear an invasion.

-- From House Marik, Editor George Ninetrees, ComStar Press