Hello, scummers. It’s your friendly reporter, Lira Zane, here to bring you the stories and experiences of the people of the Underhive. Today, I’m going to tell you about life after Van Saar, and how it has changed for the better for some of the residents of the sump-holes near the Dust Wall.
As you may recall, the Palanite Enforcers recently broke up and disbanded a House Van Saar gang that was operating in the Drake Cluster, seizing their technology and weapons, and arresting or killing their members. The operation was hailed as a success and a victory for law and order in Necromunda by the Palanite Enforcers and their supporters.
But what about the people who lived under the gang rule of Van Saar? How did they feel about the operation? How did they cope with the aftermath? How did they benefit from the change?
To answer these questions, I went to the sump-holes near the Dust Wall, where I met with one of the locals, who agreed to share his story with me. He asked me not to reveal his name or identity, out of fear of reprisal from Van Saar or other gangs. He said he was a scavenger who lived in a makeshift shelter next to his friend and neighbor, Rikko Rattus.
He told me how he had been living in the sump-holes for years, scavenging for valuable scraps and relics in Van Saar territory. He told me how he had suffered under the oppression and exploitation of Van Saar, who charged him exorbitant fees and taxes for basic services and necessities, who monitored and restricted his movements and activities, who searched and confiscated his products without compensation or explanation, who harassed and extorted him for more money or favors, who beat him up or destroyed his shelter if he didn’t cooperate with them.
He told me how he had no fear or respect for Van Saar, calling them “radiated rats” and “tech-tainted trash”. He told me how he had clashed with them many times, stealing from them, sabotaging them, fighting them.
He told me how he had survived and thrived in spite of them, thanks to his skills and knowledge as a scavenger, and thanks to his friendship and partnership with Rikko Rattus.
He told me how Rikko Rattus was his best friend and ally, how they had met and bonded over their shared passion for scavenging and fighting. He told me how Rikko Rattus was a legend among Van Saar, how he had killed several Van Saar gangers in his encounters, how he had eluded or defeated them all.
He told me how Rikko Rattus was his hero and inspiration, how he had taught him everything he knew about scavenging and fighting. He told me how Rikko Rattus was his brother and family, how they had shared everything they had scavenged or stolen.
He told me how Rikko Rattus was dead.
He told me how Rikko Rattus was killed by Van Saar gangers who came after him with a vengeance. He told me how they had tracked him down to his lair, where they had ambushed him and shot him with his own lasgun. He told me how they had left his body as a warning to others who dared to defy them.
He told me how he had found his body and buried him in a secret spot. He told me how he had mourned him and honored him. He told me how he had missed him and loved him.
He asked me not to reveal his name or identity again.
I asked him why he was afraid of revealing his name or identity to me, and why he wasn’t confident that Van Saar were gone for good.
He looked at me with a fearful expression and said:
“Because I don’t trust anyone in this place. Because I don’t know who you are or who you work for. Because I don’t know if Van Saar are really gone or if they will come back. Because I don’t know if there are other gangs who want to take their place. Because I don’t know if I’m safe or not.”
He paused for a moment and then added:
“But you know what? Maybe things will get better now. Maybe the Palanite Enforcers did us a favor. Maybe they freed us from Van Saar’s tyranny. Maybe they made our lives better. Maybe they gave us hope.”
He looked at me with a hopeful expression and said:
“Thank you, Palanite Enforcers. Thank you for saving us from Van Saar. Thank you for making our lives better. Thank you for giving us hope.”
He told me how life had changed for the better since the Palanite Enforcers operation. He told me how he had more freedom and opportunity to scavenge and trade. He told me how he had more money and resources to improve his shelter and living conditions. He told me how he had more peace and security to enjoy his life and hobbies.
He told me how he was happy and optimistic about his future.
He invited me to join him for his friend’s funeral, which was scheduled for tomorrow at 2 pm. He said he wanted to pay his respects and say goodbye to Rikko Rattus, and he wanted me to witness it.
I accepted his invitation and thanked him for his time and honesty. I wished him well and said goodbye.
These are the words of a scavenger who lives in the sump-holes near the Dust Wall. These are the words of a survivor and a dreamer.
This is Lira Zane, signing off. Until next time, scummers. Stay safe, stay smart, stay kind.
