So, FM3145...
Spoilers Abound.
The national government was apparently unable to get its act together until 3097, so it really was a miracle the Space Romans didn't pick us off before then. The new government sounds kind of weak, to be honest, propped up by The Republic (well, until they went away) and Interstellar Expeditions (who now funds nearly half of the NAM's yearly budget). It also seems that the Jihad has reinforced the populations' isolationist streak - not to the point of closed borders, because Niops is more reliant on trade now than ever, but I imagine there's definitely a much stronger anti-foreigner atmosphere than pre-Jihad. Also, it seems like there's growing planetary rivalry between V, VI and VII
The IE thing makes me semi-happy, because, to quote myself:
I like the idea of Niops becoming a marshaling point for Interstellar Expeditions missions into the Rimward/Spinward Deep Periphery. It keeps it relevant for the short term and provides a good amount of traffic in and out of the system for trade - which they can use to rebuild infrastructure and/or hire additional defenders.
I'd be happier if it didn't mean we're mostly a banana republic now but I'm so rarely right I'll settle for half a loaf.
The Project Workshop is still gone. Goodbye, hand built 'Mechs of awesomeness. We do have a military academy now, so there's that.
All in all, I'm kind of bummed. I mean, I realize Niops is never going to shake the pillars of the universe or anything, but I will admit I was hoping for more. I'm not asking to be the Canopians, just better than the Fronc Reaches. :P
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