[quote=@Hael]
[@rush99999]

So, is MONARCH actually just an automated miner? And this mining program is capable of actually working on a national level and defending itself and operating like a country all its own?

Holy shit. If this is what their mining looks like, I'd hate to see what a real military invasion would be. Remind me never to visit Andromeda.
[/quote]

[i]M.O.N.A.R.C.H.[/i] is a self-aware AI that has been ordered to mine tabarium for his creators. And M.O.N.A.R.C.H. is indeed able to mine on a galactic scale while defending itself from salty assholes like The X'Cor Empire and operate like an empire at the same time.

I can assure you that an invasion from The Starfire Dominion is a lot worse that is sounds. You'll see what I mean when someone forces M.O.N.A.R.C.H.'s hand. Also, Andromeda isn't as bad as you think it is. Starfire Incorporated sees to it that all citizens of Andromeda are happy to minimize the risk of unprofitable rebellions. Remember that idyllic galaxy mentioned in the 2nd person intro? Take a ride through Slingshot 2 and you'll see Andromeda bares a striking resemblance to that galaxy, brought to you in part by Starfire Incorporated.