Quote from: EmryysHow about the alliance using the Reavers... If they could be controlled

I like this idea.  I don't think there is going to be another Miranda anytime soon.  They need a LOT of people to try do that, and making that nigh impossible to attempt was the whole goal with the broadcast. I'd like to think that Mel finally pulled off a sizable victory against the Alliance on that front instead of all those deaths being in vain.

Can't stop the signal!

What if there is a sudden surge in Reaver activity, hitting the few profitable centers of trade outside of Alliance control. Some of the attacks are well out of the regular Reaver sphere of action. The thing is, incredibly low loss of life. Usually there is enough warning for the people to evacuate or reach shelters. Local security is rarely willing to stand up to the Reavers. Those that do, disappear. There is a movement with increasing popularity pushing for some kind of accord with the Alliance, a request for aid and security.

The thing is, it isn't the Reavers. The Alliance learned something from Mal and crew, and that's how easy it is to fake Reavers, especially when no one--save maybe Reavers--wants to take a close look. An Operative is attempting to get a foothold in those areas that are still opposed to Alliance involvement, get them on side. Faking Reaver attacks is the best way to do that--capitalize on a real fear. Since the Alliance pays the local security, sometimes they will replace personnel with Alliance agents just before an attack, to make it look like the security personnel were all killed or captured.

The PCs might be suspicious or, depending on the campaign and the characters' backgrounds/present employment, might be actively investigating. Or, the PCs are caught in a fake Reaver attack, are able to get out, but realize those weren't Reavers. But if not Reavers, who? And why?