Colony Marshal Bureau (CMB)
The Colony Marshal Bureau is a federal law enforcement agency tasked with ensuring public safety, law enforcement, and judicial oversight across UN colonies, space stations, and outposts operating under United Nations jurisdiction. The CMB operates in frontier regions where local security forces are insufficient or lack jurisdictional authority. CMB marshals are empowered to enforce colony, federal, and local laws and play a critical role in countering piracy, insurgency, and smuggling operations on the fringes of UN space.
The CMB enjoys a reputation for competence and professionalism, but it has also attracted significant controversy over its history. Critics within the UN government argue that the CMB wields too much power, with some accusing the bureau of overstepping its authority and interfering in colonial governance. Several investigations have been launched into allegations of abuses of power and corporate favoritism.
In response to alerts about illegal activities, the CMB may dispatch a patrol accompanied by a Interstellar Commerce Bureau Liaison to investigate black market operations aboard the Almayer or within various colonies. Occasionally, CMB patrols may also have a Interstellar Life Rights Observer attached to them.
Station Marines
0300: DEPUTY MARSHAL SLOANE ANDERSON - LV-294
This is Deputy Anderson! Authorization code
(omitted), We need backup -- NOW! We've got three marshals wounded, and one down. Our synthetic is patching people up but we're not going to last long like this. For god sake, if anyone can hear this, send help, and send it fast!0302: STATION, DISPATCH CENTER
Marshals? Come in, Anderson! Can you hear me? Come in, Deputy! ... Hang in there! Help is on the way!
- Recovered transmission log from a Marshal Team to Station
CMB teams are not equipped to handle military-level conflicts, nor is that their role. However, they may sometimes face organized crime backed by larger factions. In such cases, it's essential for them to call in the UNMC for additional firepower.
At Station, a contingent of UN Marines stands ready to support the Marshals when needed. Though few in number, they are well-equipped—unlike the depleted stocks of the UNS Almayer. Should the Marshals encounter heavy resistance, where they find themselves outnumbered and outgunned, they can request immediate assistance from Station. A Quick-Reaction Force will promptly deploy to ensure the safety of their fellow Marshals, prepared to handle a wide range of threats and situations.
Special Weapons and Tactics
0254: CMB TACTICAL OPERATIONS CENTER
Entry Team, this is TOC. Negotiations have fallen apart. Suspects are armed and have made it very clear they will kill the hostages if provoked. Exercise extreme caution.
0255: ENTRY TEAM, GROUNDSIDE, LV-495, SWAT SERGEANT CARTER JACK
Copy, TOC. We are set to make entry.
- A CMB SWAT moments before breaching and entering a dangerous hostage situation
Dangerous situations rarely unfold as expected. The Bureau cannot afford to be reliant on the UNMC for tactical support, especially when a situation demands the measured delicacy of a Bureau Marshal and the prioritization of non-lethal methods of apprehension. This requires a skill set the marines are simply not trained to provide. This critical gap is filled by the Bureau's own SWAT teams
As the agency’s primary tactical response force, SWAT is tasked with resolving the most severe high-risk scenarios. These interventions include situations involving barricaded individuals, armed robberies, hostage crises, and executing high-risk search and arrest warrants. The team also maintains readiness to directly respond to acts of terrorism. While operational requests typically originate from CMB deputy marshals and detectives, the unit frequently engages in joint operations with external partners, such as the Provost Marshal Office and the Provost Intelligence Department. To manage these threats, CMB SWAT is outfitted with specialized equipment, ranging from advanced protective armor and heavy firepower to a comprehensive array of less-lethal options, ensuring they can effectively Bring Order to Chaos.
