Saeez Downports Losing Grip on Crime

Op-Ed

3200-01-14
Ryan Zeitlin
Saeez is far from the safest world in the sector. Most people accept that there is a certain amount of risk inherent in visiting a world ruled by groups that literally call themselves Warlords of Saeez and lead "Warbands." The world has a history of lawlessness and lassiez-faire leadership (up to the point where the local Warlord feels threatened, then watch out!), so visitors expect to rely on their own wherewithal to a certain degree.
However, Saeez also has started presenting itself as a pleasure vacation destination. The sector isn't an uncivilized hinterland; people aren't hunting for food and gathering wild plants to put meals on the table anymore. When a world wants to participate in the greater stellar economy, its leaders bear some responsibility to crack down on destructive behavior.
Over the last year, crime statistics show a 14% increase in violence (what we would call violent crime on a civilized planet) and a doubling of reported murders in the downports and star cities which serve the majority of travelers. Much of the increase is related to the increasing intensity of gang wars and other organized crime. Innocent bystanders make up a significant percentage of victims of these turf wars. It is literally more dangerous now to order a sandwich at a sidewalk cafe in Achna than to walk alone through Greentown at night on Dion.
Only the most recent example is a report filed with the police of a gunfight that broke out in a warehouse that was found to be a distribution center for dangerous combat stims. Apparently someone got jealous and raided the place with paramilitary troops! Then the fight spilled out on the streets, ending in a traffic accident and at least one participant badly wounded (no bodies were found at the scene, but you can see the bloody mess in photos on our adult-rated photo stream). This literal war could have easily swept up an innocent tourist, or, worse, a child living in the area.
Saeez, it's time to crack down. If you really want to join the rest of us, we'll be waiting for you to do something about this awful situation.