Hand of the Goddess
Why are you here?
As residents of the Periphery on the other side of the Sphere, we understood what it meant to suffer pirate attacks against our people and the horrors associated with it. We knew exactly what you were going through and wanted to make sure that they could no longer ravage Nejiro as they did our birth worlds.
Why was your unit picked?
Governor Saganami never shared that information with us, but I suspect that it was the combination of combat experience, multiple capabilities, technological levels, and sympathies for fellow Periphery citizens.
Rate of pay for unit?
As much as I would like to share that, our contract does not permit it. Divulging this information could have legal consequences for our unit across multiple worlds and regulatory agencies.
Are you planning on extending your unit contract?
We have grown quite fond of our neighbors on Nejiro and have developed deep friendships. The idea of allowing them to fall prey to the forces that crave Nejiro is unbearable. Consequently, we plan to extend our contract.
Can we have access to battle footage?
Contractually, all footage is under the control of the Governor’s office, so it is a matter that you must discuss with her.
History of unit?
We began as the survivors of another mercenary unit that had been all but smashed in an overwhelming pirate raid in the Magistracy. Many of our newer recruits left the MAF because of the prejudice against male officers or couldn’t afford to purchase our commissions. Others had their own personal reasons.
Unit, personnel bonafides?
Several members of the Hands of the Goddess are graduates of the Canopian Institute of War. Our senior officers are the few survivors of a small mercenary unit born in the Magistracy that was mauled defending Krimari from a pirate mech battalion. None of the pirates left the world, but we lost most of the unit.
Are you answerable to our military code of conduct?
We answer directly to Governor Saganami.
Who do you report to, what is your chain of command, operational orders, guidelines?
The combined command reports directly to Governor Saganami. Kiah Franks is the overall commander of the combined commands. Our operational orders and overall combat doctrine are to preserve the lives of the civilians of this world at all costs.
How did you feel entering the Hilo Power Plant?
We were on guard outside of the plant after we assisted in driving off those who had entered the plant and killed the men and women who worked diligently to keep maintain our standard of living. We saw the footage being transmitted by our first responders and were horrified and sickened by it. The images brought back far too many memories that I had hoped to have forgotten.
Impressions, thoughts, theories about what happened there?
Our suspicion is that a group or individual, who is driven only by their own personal ambitions to the detriment of all others, staged the attack to embarrass Governor Saganami.
How did you capture Caesar?
We learned that Caesar was headed in the direction of our world and we were a likely target. We learned all we could about his tactics and trained for him. When he finally hit, we threw everything we had at him knowing of his fondness for distracting defenders with atrocities against civilians. It became known to us that the cruelty of his unit was driven entirely by his will, personality, and the fear that his troops felt for him. We decided that he had to be located quickly and put down with maximum force to protect our population.
How did it feel to capture Caesar?
It was a tremendous relief. On many worlds throughout the Periphery he left behind a bloody trail of suffering and death. The loss of property and life that he inflicted is still not completely known. Up until the attack, we all lived in horror of what he might do to the people once he landed, so we are thankful that his reign of terror is over, and he will never again harm another human being.
What are the objectives of the GSF?
The objectives of the GSF are to preserve the harmony and safety of our world.
Tell us about your reaction to the protests?
It is disheartening that the people we are trying to protect believe the disinformation being propagated by those who have been planning to cease this world to exploit for their own interests.
Tell us about Dr. Musashi?
The Doctor is a humanitarian who chose to put away her sword and protect others through the practice of medicine. After the attacks by ruthless pirates and men of power, she decided that she could protect the people the best by unsheathing her sword once more.
Do you really have Clan personnel working in the GSF, how does that happen, are they in combat with the GSF, did they have anything to do with what happened at Hilo General Hospital?
The attack on the hospital was for the purpose of gathering medical supplies. Indeed, that was all that was taken. No member of our command had need of stealing medical supplies. If they needed anything, all they had to do was ask.
Is it true that weapons testing caused the avalanche in Whistler this past December?
Whenever there is a natural disaster, everyone looks for a villain who is responsible and can be punished. For example, whenever there is a forest fire during a drought, stories go around about careless campers or pyromaniacs accidentally or deliberately setting them. It gets repeated on social media and takes on a life of its own. In reality, the fossil record shows us that forest fires have been happening naturally during droughts long before there were humans. The same has been true of avalanches. Human nature seeks a human perpetrator where there is none.
Many people have objections to the GSF, what is your reaction?
They mean well, but they have been mis-led by those who do not have their best interests in mind.
What is your opinion of the Kokuryu-kai?
They are a group of military and economic elite who see their privileged position in society threatened by regular people, so they hide behind tradition and use violence to protect their interests.
Are they behind actives on planet?
They are one of several factions who are trying to overthrow the Governor and the Great Houses of our world so they can take all that they require from us.
What are your plans to react to the rise in pirate actions?
We plan to expand our units and train to best utilize our strength against this oldest of foes.
What do you know about what is happening in the Combine?
The Combine is currently under siege by two forces: The Kokuryu-kai and the Yellow bird in White Robes that calls itself the Word of Blake. The Kokuryu-kai seeks to take control of the Combine and assert full authority over all citizens. The Blakists seek complete dominion over all of humanity.
What are your thoughts / opinion about Outreach?
We have not seen war-crimes of this magnitude (perpetuated by the Word of Blake) since the Second Succession War. They have shown us the kind of treatment that we will all endure under their thumb. Image what might happen if you fail to utter the proscribed prayer to the toaster for your breakfast. Would they demand that you dig your own grave shortly before executing you?
How is your trucking business doing?
I am pleased that we have been able to provide valuable services to our local communities at reasonable prices.
My interview with Captain Quentin Bonanno commander of the Hands of the Goddess.
