View source for Marlinist Colonies

{{Superpowerinfobox
|image1             = 
|caption1           = 
|capital            = Stillman Hub, [[Concordia]]
|demonym            = Marlinist
|government         = Democratic Republic
|constitution       = Marlinist Charter
|head_of_state      = First Minister
|head_of_government = First Minister
|legislature        = Marlinist Parliament
|military           = [[Marlinist Constabulary]]
|language           = [[Universal Language]]
|currency           = [[Credits]]
|area               = 8 [[Star Systems|Populated Systems]]
|population         = 1,533,274,131
|established        = January 14, 3307
}}
The '''Marlinist Colonies''' are an association of eight [[independent]] colonies on the fringe of the [[Core Systems]]. The colonies were constructed by [[Sirius Corporation]] and completed on January 14, 3307. Establishing the Marlinist Colonies was proposed by Sirius Corporation CEO [[Li Yong-Rui]] on December 10, 3306, as a permanent solution to the ongoing [[Marlinist refugee crisis]] brought on by [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA terrorism]], a situation that had raised tensions between the [[Empire]] and the [[Federation]] to the boiling point. The former Imperial citizens who relocated to the colonies created a representative democracy in accordance with the republican ideals of [[Marlin Duval|Marlinism]], and established an elected Marlinist Parliament led by a First Minister on January 21, 3307. The Marlinist Colonies' de facto capital is the [[Coriolis]] [[starport]] Stillman Hub in [[Concordia]], the most populous of the eight systems.

== History ==
=== Born from a crisis ===
On December 10, 3306, as the [[Marlinist refugee crisis]] worsened, [[Sirius Corporation]] decided to intervene to prevent a major conflict between the [[Empire]] and the [[Federation]]. CEO [[Li Yong-Rui]] presented a practical solution: resettle the [[Marlin Duval|Marlinist]] refugees in up to ten new colonies in unclaimed systems. Both [[Federal Congress]] and the [[Imperial Senate]] approved the plan after a period of debate, but added the caveat that any identified [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army]] members among the refugees had to be turned over to the Empire. Marlinist community leader Dr. [[Jenna Fairfax]] also voiced her approval of the plan, as it would end the uncertain predicament in which her people had been mired for weeks. The ten uninhabited systems targeted for the project were [[HIP 22550]], Hyades Sector RO-P b6-6, LP 659-31, Hyades Sector LX-T c3-30, Hyades Sector SU-C a14-1, Hyades Sector RO-P b6-2, Hyades Sector VP-N b7-4, Hyades Sector AB-M b8-2, Hyades Sector YA-M b8-1, and Hyades Sector TJ-P b6-6. The success of a campaign to collect construction supplies would determine how many colonies would be built.<ref name="Marlinist Colonies">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5fd21ab2fbd6a36ef7161e62 GalNet: Sirius Corporation Campaign to Establish Marlinist Colonies]</ref>

Enough supplies were collected by the campaign's deadline on December 17 to colonize the first eight of the reserved systems. Construction of the Marlinist colonies was expected to be completed in early 3307, after which the Marlinist refugees would be transported to their new homes.<ref name="Delivered Marlinist">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5fdb56e619d48374dd1683da GalNet: Commodities Delivered to Build Marlinist Colonies]</ref> By December 21, the Marlinist refugees began preparing to move to the new Marlinist Colonies. The transportation logistics were to be managed by humanitarian organisation [[Safeguard Interstellar]], which had previously supplied aid to the refugees soon after their arrival in the Federation. Marlinist community leaders Dr. Jenna Fairfax, [[Aaron Whyte]], and [[Amrita Ross]] were selected to head a transitional parliament that would lead the colonies until democratic elections could be held.<ref name="Respite Prepare">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5fdcd88ed0ae9a7f0b7fb062 GalNet: Terrorism Respite as Marlinists Prepare for New Homes]</ref> A second, smaller wave of Marlinist refugees had also taken shelter in the [[Alliance]] in recent weeks, but it was unclear when the new colonies would be able to support them. The flow of Marlinists fleeing the Empire remained steady as of December 24.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5fdcdca955fd67154d2f1b54 GalNet: Alliance Shelters New Marlinist Refugees]</ref>

=== Building a new society ===
The Marlinist Colonies were officially completed on January 14, 3307, by which time over 800 million Marlinist refugees had already been relocated to the new settlements. [[Universal Cartographics]] was asked to delay a census of the systems' new populations while the refugees organised their new societies. As the eight Marlinist factions began democratic elections to determine their leaders, the transitional parliament declared a state of emergency due to a shortage of food stocks. Dr. [[Jenna Fairfax]] issued a request for deliveries of food commodities to Stillman Hub in [[HIP 22550]] to build a stockpile that would feed the Marlinists until they could become self-sufficient. A larger stockpile would allow the Marlinist Colonies to offer steeper discounts on locally-produced commodities, bolstering the development of trade routes with neighboring systems. Furthermore, as the Marlinist Colonies had yet to form system defence forces, the Free Marlinists of Carinae faction issued bounties on all criminal and anti-Marlinist ships in the area. To encourage support from independent pilots, the Marlinist factions promoted a special [[Point Defence Turret]] with [[Lightweight Module|lightweight]] and [[Focused Weapon|focused]] modifications as a reward for the top 75% participants in either campaign.<ref name="Marlinist Request">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/600041936cab79546c3b1cc5 GalNet: New Marlinist Systems Request Emergency Food Supplies]</ref>

The election period concluded on January 21, the same day as the end of the request for aid. The transitional parliament was replaced by a formally-elected Marlinist Parliament, and Dr. Jenna Fairfax won a majority vote to become First Minister of the Marlinist Colonies. First Minister Fairfax promptly offered participating pilots their rewards and enacted a 20% [[Discounts|discount]] on commodities for a two-week period beginning on January 22 to start stimulating trade. In a public address, Fairfax congratulated the Marlinists on creating a functioning republican society and thanked pilots for their assistance.<ref name="Emergency Supplies">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/60097a6bf64cf135e3323184 GalNet: Marlinist Colonies Receive Emergency Food Supplies]</ref>

=== The Galactic Summit and Nine Martyrs ===
The Marlinist Colonies announced on February 12 that they would send a delegation to attend the [[Galactic Summit]]. The members of the delegation would include First Minister Jenna Fairfax and Minister Aaron Whyte, who hoped to engage with the Empire diplomatically and establish ties with other governments during the conference.<ref name="Prepare Summit">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/60267b6db273a60cc1714ce7 GalNet: Empire and Marlinists Prepare for Galactic Summit]</ref> On February 26, the first full day of the Galactic Summit at Patterson Enterprise in [[Sirius]], the Marlinist delegation was openly snubbed by Imperial [[Senator]] [[Denton Patreus]], but received more cordially by Federal [[Shadow President]] [[Felicia Winters]] and her guest, [[Jasmina Halsey]].<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6037c55ded002f4672455f67 GalNet: Historic Meetings at the Galactic Summit]</ref>

First Minister Fairfax invited Princess [[Aisling Duval]] to a private ceremony on March 3 to honour the princess's late father, Prince [[Harold Duval]], who had been assassinated by the Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army in September 3306. Fairfax formally apologised for Prince Harold's death and condemned the NMLA's actions. The gesture was accepted by Princess Aisling, but it was too early to tell if it would pave the way for reconciliation between the Marlinist Colonies and the Empire.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/603f8712228a4030f344bcb3 GalNet: Superpowers Make Progress at the Galactic Summit]</ref>

On March 9, the Marlinist delegation committed to signing the proposed [[Sirius Treaty]], which would increase international cooperation against the [[Thargoid]]s and greatly expand the remit of the xenological research organisation [[Aegis]].<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6047718ff6016450154ae258 GalNet: Thargoid Conflict Discussed at the Galactic Summit]</ref> Before the treaty could be finalised, the NMLA launched a [[Nine Martyrs|coordinated attack]] on starports in nine major systems on March 11. The Galactic Summit was cancelled over fears that Patterson Enterprise would be the NMLA's next target, and the Marlinist delegation returned home. The Marlinist Parliament issued an official statement that it had no connection to the attacks would cooperate fully with security and emergency services.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/604a1301b02d5114c742fe00 GalNet: Galactic Summit Cancelled – NMLA Attacks Superpowers]</ref> The Marlinist Colonies repeated this message on March 12, as followers of Marlinism experienced a sharp rise in criticism from the public over the attacks.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/604b64ec0edb312109560151 GalNet: Starport Bombing Casualties Include Federal Vice President]</ref>

In response to suggestions from various political and military leaders that the Marlinist Colonies be occupied or destroyed in retaliation for the Nine Martyrs attacks, despite the continuing lack of evidence that the NMLA had any direct connection to the NMLA, First Minister Fairfax announced on March 23 that a team from the [[Marlinist Constabulary]] led by Captain [[Milo Castile]] would be joining the [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit|Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit (ACT)]], which had been formed by the three superpowers to investigate the NMLA.<ref name="Reject Accusations">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6059e5c0ba4f074cea705020 GalNet: Marlinists Reject Accusations of Terrorist Links]</ref>

As pressure mounted on the Empire to take the lead on eradicating the NMLA due to the terrorist group's Imperial origin, [[Emperor]] [[Arissa Lavigny-Duval]] instructed [[Chancellor]] [[Anders Blaine]] to present a range of solutions on March 29. [[Senator]] [[Lorcan Scordato]] volunteered to travel to the Marlinist Colonies on a fact-finding mission to learn more about Neo-Marlinist sympathisers. Scordato's suggestion appeared to be a departure from prevailing public opinion, which overwhelmingly favoured launching a military strike on the Marlinist Colonies over a diplomatic mission according to an [[Eye on Achenar]] poll.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6061bf5e52b76323e57dcf77 GalNet: Demands for Empire to Solve Terrorist Problem]</ref> Nonetheless, Senator Scordato began his tour of the Marlinist Colonies and submitted a preliminary report on April 9, observing that the Marlinists were well-organised, retained their Imperial culture, and mostly opposed to the NMLA, but were homesick and facing power grabs from neighboring systems. The senator concluded that the Marlinists were unlikely to be a threat to the Empire.<ref name="Senator Visits">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/607040427978ca3e6a533253 GalNet: Imperial Senator Visits Marlinist Colonies]</ref>

=== The Mudhrid debate ===
The Marlinist Colonies declined to officially recognise the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid when the latter renamed itself from the Order of Mudhrid and became the first faction to openly adopt Neo-Marlinism on April 1, 3307. An ACT [[Valkyrie|investigation]] had found that the Order had provided logistical support to the NMLA in the Mudhrid system to help it carry out Nine Martyrs, and the Order's leader, Landgrave [[Arastin Delacroix]], declared a revolution against the [[Imperial Family]] after being exposed, in turn provoking a military response from the Empire. Minister Aaron Whyte implied that the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid might have been accepted by the Marlinist community had it chosen to act as a peaceful political platform for Neo-Marlinists rather than resort to violent extremism.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6065c5042b53674bdb23a076 GalNet: Empire Attacks Neo-Marlinist Faction]</ref>

Following the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid's defeat by the Empire, Landgrave Delacroix and what remained of his faction fled to the Marlinist Colony of Hyades Sector RO-P b6-2 to request asylum on April 16. The system was controlled by the Marlinism Reformation Party, of which Minister Whyte was the elected leader, and Whyte appeared inclined to grant the request when he pointed out that not all members of the Order were NMLA activists and the Marlinist Colonies had the right to offer sanctuary. The Empire, Federation, and Alliance demanded that Delacroix and his supporters be apprehended, but could not legally compel the Marlinist Colonies to do so. The Marlinist Parliament declared a state of emergency and opened a debate on the matter, with First Minister Fairfax seeking to discuss options while Ministers Amrita Ross and [[Tamsin Taylor]] urged cooperation with the Empire.<ref name="Mudhrid Sanctuary">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/60797af1a95948443016ee4a GalNet: Neo-Marlinists Seek Sanctuary at Marlinist Colonies]</ref>

The powderkeg situation was settled peacefully on April 20 thanks to Senator Lorcan Scordato, who negotiated an agreement between the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid and the Marlinist Parliament that also placated the superpowers. In exchange for identifying the NMLA's senior leadership to ACT, the Landgrave and his inner circle would receive a sentence of life imprisonment at a local detention facility for their role in Nine Martyrs, while the remaining members of the Order would be allowed to apply for citizenship in the Marlinist Colonies after submitting to a screening by the Marlinist Constabulary to weed out extremists. Minister Whyte thanked Senator Scordato for his help.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/607ec1d8af3850356305da12 GalNet: Conditional Amnesty Agreed for Neo-Marlinists]</ref>

=== Diplomacy and devastation ===
Whyte's decision to grant asylum to Neo-Marlinists proved unpopular among the residents of Hyades Sector RO-P b6-2, and by June 7 the Marlinism Reformation Party had been voted out of power there and replaced by the Exiled Marlinist Assembly of Baltah'Sine, led by Minister [[Octavia Volkov]], who supported keeping the Marlinist Colonies an independent democracy and repelling the foreign factions that had gained control of three Marlinist systems. Also on June 7, Whyte controversially announced to the Marlinist Parliament that his faction would provide a political platform for Neo-Marlinists. Although Whyte believed that Neo-Marlinism could be reformed to give up violence and peacefully advocate for democratic reforms in the Empire, international observers expressed concern that the Marlinism Reformation Party could turn into the political wing of the NMLA.<ref name="Neo-Marlinist Party">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/60be18b8a4b7261bc3437bb2 GalNet: Neo-Marlinist Political Party Emerges]</ref>

These concerns were proven true on June 22, when Minister Whyte unveiled a peace proposal from the NMLA, which had reached out to the Marlinism Reformation Party and sought to use it as an intermediary. The NMLA offered to cease its terror attacks and even deliver reparations to the families of its victims, and requested in return that it be granted permanent representation in the [[Imperial Senate]]. The proposal caused an uproar, with Minister Volkov condemning Whyte for entertaining it and First Minister Fairfax formally asking the Marlinism Reformation Party to cease all negotiations with the NMLA.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/60d2138f3c0f0e223a516e65 GalNet: NMLA Makes Political Overtures]</ref> Amid this tension, Senator Lorcan Scordato returned to the Empire on June 28 and argued before the Imperial Senate that official diplomatic relations be established with the Marlinist Colonies. Scordato framed the NMLA's relationship with the Marlinism Reformation Party and Minister Whyte as a possible diplomatic foundation for bringing an end to the terrorist group's attacks. While Scordato's plan was dismissed by numerous senators including Denton Patreus, it was reported by several newsfeeds that the Alliance and Federation were already debating similar measures. First Minister Fairfax reiterated her calls for the Marlinism Reformation Party to sever ties with the NMLA, but also announced plans to create a diplomatic corps that would take on ambassadorial duties for the Marlinist Colonies.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/60d9d6e59dc3b21ecd5577f5 GalNet: Imperial Senate Considers Marlinist Diplomacy]</ref>

On July 5, the NMLA solidified its ties with the Marlinism Reformation Party and endorsed Minister Whyte as its political representative, but emphasized that its goals of implementing democratic elections in the Empire and removing the Imperial Family from power remained unchanged. The [[Marlin Standard]], the Marlinist Colonies' main [[News Feed|newsfeed]], reported that the NMLA's move to use the Marlinist Parliament as its platform had divided Marlinist society and caused widespread unrest, stoking concerns about the possibility of a civil war between pro-NMLA and anti-NMLA factions.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/60e3065cc02120579b553cc3 GalNet: NMLA Political Wing Causes Controversy]</ref>

The establishment of the [[Marlinist Consulate]], the Marlinist Colonies' official diplomatic body, was announced on July 13. As the prime consul of the department was an elected position, several candidates announced they were running, foremost among them being [[Verity Dexter]] of the Marlinism Reformation Party and [[Kayode Tau]] of the Free Marlinist Movement. Dexter was openly in favor of representing the Neo-Marlinist fringe, despite criticism that she would be legitimising the NMLA, and even had the support of Senator Scordato, who promised to grant her the Imperial rank of [[patron]] if she won and thus allow Marlinists to finally obtain a voice in the Imperial Senate. Tau was directly opposed to Dexter's stances and advocated keeping the Marlinist Colonies independent, but had no Imperial backers. The upcoming election widened rifts in Marlinist society. First Minister Fairfax again demanded Minister Whyte cut ties with the NMLA and cooperate with ACT, but Whyte retorted that his diplomatic breakthroughs and Dexter's victory would soon render ACT redundant.<ref name="Marlinist Division">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/60ed9d529a256230297051ea GalNet: Marlinist Colonies Face Political Division]</ref> The election period for prime consul began on July 15. Both candidates requested deliveries of data to their respective headquarters, Stillman Hub in HIP 22550 for Dexter and Tilman Point in Hyades Sector RO-P b6-6 for Tau, to support their campaigns.<ref name="Marlinist Election">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/60f03eea1d5d674e8d355a6f GalNet: Data Required for Marlinist Election]</ref> On July 22, Kayode Tau was named the winner of the election, drawing protests from Minister Whyte, who labeled the outcome a potentially provocative act that might enflame further violence from the NMLA.<ref name="Free Candidate">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/60f947d755589512082d57ac GalNet: Free Marlinist Candidate Wins Election]</ref>

The NMLA retaliated for Dexter's rejection at the polls by bombing Stillman Hub in HIP 22550 and Tilman Point in Hyades Sector RO-P b6-6 on July 29, 3307. In a propaganda broadcast, [[Theta Seven]], the NMLA's de facto leader, labeled the citizens of the Marlinist Colonies traitors to the cause of restoring the Republic of Achenar. Tens of thousands were killed in the bombings, and First Minister Jenna Fairfax was believed, but not confirmed, to be among the fatalities. Prime Consul Kayode Tau issued an urgent plea to the galactic community for humanitarian aid.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6102cade77cb9444d073d41e GalNet: NMLA Attacks Marlinist Starports]</ref>

=== Civil war ===
On August 2, 3307, it was announced that the civilian death toll from the attacks had surpassed 35,000. First Minister Fairfax's death was officially confirmed. Minister Amrita Ross temporarily assumed Fairfax's duties, but the Marlinist Parliament had devolved into squabbling over who was to blame for the bombings. The Marlinist Constabulary tightened security and was assisted by ACT in the investigation into the attacks, which Captain Milo Castile stated had been carried out with assistance from pro-NMLA Marlinist citizens. Prime Consul Tau coordinated relief efforts with the Alliance and Federation, but the Empire appeared reluctant to get involved as opinion there was divided between those who sympathised with the Marlinists' suffering and those who felt the tragedy was a natural consequence of Marlinism giving rise to the NMLA.<ref name="Marlinists Crisis">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6107d0fc8139c43f2d790b0b GalNet: Marlinists in Crisis After Starport Bombings]</ref> Order deteriorated by August 9, as mass panic was stoked by fears of another attack, and Marlinist citizens targeted known Neo-Marlinists with violence. Minister Whyte stated in Parliament that the Marlinist Colonies had brought the NMLA's wrath on themselves by rejecting Verity Dexter at the polls, causing a disgusted Minister Volkov to call for his arrest as "an accessory to mass murder".<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/611118de443b5e7e717e2882 GalNet: Tensions Inflamed in Marlinist Colonies]</ref>

Despite Acting First Minister Ross's best efforts, the rhetoric escalated into a full-blown civil war on August 12, when Minister Volkov's Exiled Marlinist Assembly of Baltah'Sine faction declared war against the Marlinism Reformation Party, which Volkov accused of being directly responsible for the NMLA's actions. Whyte took refuge aboard his private vessel and called for assistance against Volkov's forces in the Hyades Sector RO-P b6-2 system. The Marlinism Reformation Party commandeered the [[Steel Majesty]] megaship as its military headquarters, while the Exiled Marlinist Assembly of Baltah'Sine deployed its own megaship, Freedom's Voice, to the system as its forward operating base. The three superpowers informed the Marlinist Consulate that they would not interfere in the conflict and viewed it as an internal matter.<ref name="Civil War">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6115283c4ae9245ab4489897 GalNet: Marlinist Civil War Declared]</ref>

The war ended on August 19, when Minister Volkov announced in Parliament that her faction was victorious. The Marlinism Reformation Party's entire leadership was arrested and replaced with moderates; it was also reported that Minister Aaron Whyte was among those who had been killed during the fighting. With Neo-Marlinism effectively excised from the Marlinist Colonies, Prime Consul Kayode Tau informed the superpowers that his people were resolved to help them defeat the NMLA. Furthermore, ACT opened an investigation into the Marlinism Reformation Party's connections to the NMLA's Theta Group and the Marlinist starport bombings. The political climate in the Marlinist Colonies stabilised, giving Acting First Minister Ross the opportunity to call a snap election to decide on a long-term replacement for the late Dr. Fairfax.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/611e56b48068c158041d773c GalNet: Anti-NMLA Forces Win Marlinist Civil War]</ref> Minister Volkov, buoyed by her decisive actions against Whyte, won the election in a landslide on August 27, and vowed to lead the Marlinist Colonies on a path of independence with the eventual goal of building a full-fledged Marlinist Republic. It was also reported that Marlinist factions had regained control of all eight of their original systems and even expanded to others nearby, and the [[Federal Diplomatic Corps]] and [[Alliance Office of Diplomatic Relations]] had both established formal channels with the Marlinist Consulate. The Empire recognised the Marlinist Consulate, but refrained from thawing relations further, although Princess Aisling Duval notably attended the funeral for Dr. Jenna Fairfax virtually.<ref name="Marlinists Regroup">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6128d297a78cbb379110b197 GalNet: Marlinists Regroup in Civil War Aftermath]</ref>

Meanwhile, the Marlinism Reformation Party under its new leader, Minister [[Jean-Christophe Lyon]], proceeded to give its full cooperation to ACT, and on September 6, Captain Milo Castile reported that ACT had arrested thousands of Marlinist citizens with ties to the NMLA, and also obtained intelligence on multiple hidden NMLA assets. The investigation confirmed that Theta Seven had personally directed the Marlinist starport bombings, but he and the rest of Theta Group remained at large. ACT noted that the outcome of the Marlinist civil war and the prime consul election had significantly weakened and isolated the NMLA.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6136019ba158b3309b2221c2 GalNet: ACT Scores Victories Against the NMLA]</ref>

=== Stranded brethren in the Alliance ===
On October 26, 3307, Prime Consul Tau met with Alliance Ambassador [[Elijah Beck]] to discuss the fate of over a million Marlinist refugees who still resided in Alliance space and faced ongoing hardships due to their uncertain status. The issue had come to a head since many of the refugees were considered illegal immigrants in certain Alliance systems, and were threatened with possible repatriation to the Empire. Tau hoped to arrange for the refugees to be safely transported to the Marlinist Colonies. The [[Imperial Diplomatic Corps]] refused to participate in the meeting.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6177f01d6223d66b9439e86a GalNet: Alliance and Marlinists Address Refugee Crisis]</ref>

=== The Steel Majesty crisis ===
In November 3307, ACT captured almost all of the NMLA's Theta Group bombmakers and began to close in on Theta Seven, who had been hiding among the [[Far God cult]] since July 31. This apparently prompted surviving Neo-Marlinist groups to take a final stand. On November 17, a coalition assembled from former members of the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid, hardliner members of the Marlinism Reformation Party who were loyal to the late Aaron Whyte, and a majority of the NMLA's remaining fighters assaulted and breached the Steel Majesty megaship in Hyades Sector RO-P b6-2. The Marlinist Constabulary succeeded in evacuating only half of the megaship's civilian personnel before the Neo-Marlinists seized operational control, and was powerless to free the rest. ACT requested additional support from all security services to manage the crisis.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6194fc2f32822d31e93e634a GalNet: NMLA Retakes the Steel Majesty]</ref> The Steel Majesty was relocated to the Mudhrid system on November 19, where the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid and its new leader, Margrave [[Corentin Delacroix]], officially reclaimed the vessel. The Margrave threatened to kill the hundreds of hostage crewmembers if the Steel Majesty was ever boarded or attacked. ACT voiced concern about the NMLA renewing its terrorism campaign should the Steel Majesty reach Theta Seven.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6197a66c59a8504c152cf914 GalNet: Neo-Marlinist Forces Gather in Mudhrid]</ref>

The following month, after the Empire had defeated the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid for the second time and taken possession of the Steel Majesty, the Marlinist Colonies negotiated the return of the megaship. On December 16, 3307, the vessel arrived in HIP 22550, was turned over to the Free Marlinists of Carinae, and received a new name: [[Fairfax Vision]], in honour of the late Dr. Jenna Fairfax. In a statement to the Marlin Standard, First Minister Octavia Volkov proclaimed that the Fairfax Vision would represent the Marlinist Colonies' diplomatic interests abroad.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61bb36877d40e15b107ccda2 GalNet: NMLA Megaship Becomes Marlinist Flagship]</ref>

== Government ==
=== Marlinist Charter ===
The Marlinist Charter is presumably the constitution of the Marlinist Colonies. Aside from likely outlining the structure of the Marlinist Colonies' democratic government, the Charter also codifies the colonies' right to consider asylum for non-citizens who request it, and prohibits any military conflicts between signatory factions.<ref name="Mudhrid Sanctuary" /><ref name="Civil War" />

=== Marlinist Parliament ===
The Marlinist Colonies are governed by a democratically-elected Marlinist Parliament. At the head of this Parliament is the First Minister, who serves as both head of government and head of state.<ref name="Emergency Supplies" /> Currently, the position of First Minister is held by [[Octavia Volkov]] of the Exiled Marlinist Assembly of Baltah'Sine, who succeeded the late Dr. [[Jenna Fairfax]].<ref name="Marlinists Regroup" /> Beneath the First Minister are a series of other ministers who are the elected leaders of the eight Marlinist factions and represent them in Parliament.<ref name="Marlinist Request" /><ref name="Prepare Summit" /><ref name="Mudhrid Sanctuary" />

Known members of the Marlinist Parliament include:

*Current
**First Minister [[Octavia Volkov]] of the Exiled Marlinist Assembly of Baltah'Sine
**Minister [[Jean-Christophe Lyon]] of the Marlinism Reformation Party
**Minister [[Amrita Ross]]
**Minister [[Tamsin Taylor]]

*Former
**First Minister [[Jenna Fairfax]] of the Free Marlinists of Carinae (deceased)
**Minister [[Aaron Whyte]] of the Marlinism Reformation Party (deceased)

The Parliament is small but efficient, and allows a spectrum of viewpoints to be represented. It was observed that Fairfax was focused on cohesion and survival, Ross believed that the Marlinists could and should eventually reintegrate with the Empire, Whyte considered Neo-Marlinism a valid political movement and voice of democratic reform if it could set aside violence, and Volkov wanted to maintain the Marlinist Colonies as an independent democracy rather than work to change the Empire.<ref name="Senator Visits" /><ref name="Neo-Marlinist Party" />

=== Marlinist Constabulary ===
The [[Marlinist Constabulary]] is the primary security force for the Marlinist Colonies. One constable is Captain [[Milo Castile]], who was seconded to the [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit|Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit (ACT)]].<ref name="Reject Accusations" />

=== Marlinist Consulate ===
The [[Marlinist Consulate]] is the diplomatic body of the Marlinist Colonies. It consists of a number of consuls who are led by a prime consul, which is an elected position. The prime consul serves as the official Marlinist representative to the Federation, Empire, and Alliance, and has the authority to establish foreign embassies and make major diplomatic decisions. The current prime consul is [[Kayode Tau]] of the Free Marlinist Movement, the first person elected to the office.<ref name="Marlinist Division" /><ref name="Marlinist Election" /><ref name="Free Candidate" />

== List of colonies ==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" border="1"
! System
! Allegiance
! Stations and Surface Ports
|-
| '''[[Concordia]]''' (HIP 22550)
| Independent
| '''Elwood's Vision<br/>[[Fairfax Vision]]<br/>Stillman Hub'''
|-
| Bedrock (Hyades Sector AB-M b8-2)
| Independent
| Yano's Prospect
|-
| Beatis Secundus (Hyades Sector LX-T c3-30)
| Independent
| Ackwada Monument<br/>Burkin's Reach<br/>Valdes' Pride
|-
| Aventine (Hyades Sector RO-P b6-2)
| Independent
| Freedom's Voice<br/>Fremont Colony
|-
| New Chana (Hyades Sector RO-P b6-6)
| Independent
| Kippax Foundation<br/>Tilman Point
|-
| Haven (Hyades Sector SU-C a14-1)
| Independent
| Coblentz Orbital<br/>Fairfax Legacy<br/>Hartog Settlement
|-
| Eudora (Hyades Sector VP-N b7-4)
| Independent
| Ballard's Destiny
|-
| San Baltah'Sine (LP 659-31)
| Independent
| Reed Colony
|}

==Minor Factions==
The following minor factions are unique to the Marlinist Colonies, and were each formed principally by Marlinist refugees from eight Imperial systems:

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" border="1"
! Minor Faction
! Home System
! Origin System
! Allegiance
! Government
|-
|Beatis Collective of Marlinists
|Beatis Secundus
|Beatis
|Independent
|Patronage
|-
|Exiled Marlinist Assembly of Baltah'Sine
|San Baltah'Sine
|Baltah'Sine
|Independent
|Patronage
|-
|Free Marlinist Movement
|Eudora
|HIP 39470
|Independent
|Patronage
|-
|Free Marlinists of Carinae
|[[Concordia]]
|234 G. Carinae
|Independent
|Patronage
|-
|Liberated Mazahuanese Marlinist League
|Bedrock
|Mazahuanses
|Independent
|Patronage
|-
|Marlinism Reformation Party
|Aventine
|CD-39 3269
|Independent
|Patronage
|-
|Marlinist Society of Nahuatl
|Haven
|Nahuatl
|Independent
|Patronage
|-
|Marlinists of New Chana
|New Chana
|Chana
|Independent
|Patronage
|}

==References==
<references/>

[[ru:Колонии марлинистов]]
[[Category:Factions]]
[[Category:Governments]]
[[Category:Organizations]]