Understanding the Universe: Firepower

[Col. StaR]

I'm assuming you've read up on the Local Information already.
If now, read it HERE
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Security is a basic natural necessity: every species developed and evolved in order to prove security and ensure its own survival. The same principle applies here: you either have security, or you risk losing what you have.

The first thing you notice on the planet is the lack of security or any planetary social setup that the other planets in governed space has: the only law people have is the law that they make and enforce themselves. Weapons are the cornerstone of enforcing law, and is as precious as the head on your shoulders. Only the cities are lawful and structured, and that's because the militia is enforced by men with guns. If you're unfortunate enough to be unable to obtain a weapon, you'd best stick within the protection of the town militia, or make some friends who'll protect you.

Despite what the GSAF and XEM laws wanted, the arms trade on the planet is extremely lucrative. Selling as good as any necessary commodity such as food, water, or medicine, weapons and ammunition have practically become necessary commodities. Entire businesses can be devoted to the legal distribution of weapons, and it is suspected that the illegal distribution of illegal weapons is larger than predicted. No matter where you go, it seems like there's a gun. You wonder what the law says regarding guns... and then you remember that they have guns too. It almost seems a bit... out of control.

Regardless, you decide that it's better to be than be without. You decide that the legal DETS trader would be the best choice. You go to the store, and luckily there is no line. The trader helps you find a good pistol, perhaps an M1911. The power, the feel, the history: the gun is perfect for you. Perfect, except that the included weapon licensing tax ups the cost 200 mesi above what you have. Empty handed, you leave the store, once again feeling vulnerable.

You decide that the risk is worth the benefit, and meet with a Darkened Skyline trader. This sketchy figure may not work in the brightest or most inviting places, but his prices can't be beat. Since they don't have to worry about licensing or even supply costs, they can sell their cheap, albiet limited and illegal wares at a much lower cost. You find another M1911, which is worn and suspected stolen, and buy it with 100 mesi to spare.

Things are going well. You've got a gun with a nice .45 caliber punch, and you feel powerful. Yes, a powertrip seems to pulse through you from the grip of the gun. You almost hope someone does something so that you have an excuse to use it. It's just asking to be shot.

Before you could finish your little Rambo day dream, CE decides to randomly check you. After a pat down, they pull your pistol from its place, and ask you for licensing. Then you remember how you got the gun at its low price: no licensing, probably stolen. After a quick check on your ID and the weapon itself, it is revealed that the weapon really was stolen from a man found dead a week ago, and no license means you are in possession of an illegally obtained weapon. You're booked, and a criminal record is made for you. You spend the next few weeks in a CE prison cell, and you never see your weapon again.

The scenario in question could have started or ended any number of ways, but this scenario was chosen to point to the main concepts between weapon ownership and legality.

Just remember kiddies: You're either with, within, or without.