State of the Galaxy Submissions [FT|Open]

[Kyrusia]

That's all for this month, folks. Any submissions beyond this post will be slated for the February update (slated for March 2nd). Thank you!

[Kyrusia]

Due to complications beyond the realm of NationStates, as well as to provide the Board of Editors a well-needed month of vacation, there will be no standard update for February. Any submissions filed will be slated for review and possible inclusion in the March 30th update.

Thank you, once again!

[Bakra]

Activity Report Application

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Submitting Party: Bakra
Nation Name of Submitting Party: Bakra

Thread Link(s): The Intergalactic Watchlist
Affected Quadrant(s): Alpha, Beta, Delta, Gamma
Precise Locations (If Applicable): N/A
Nation(s) Involved: Bakra, most anyone in the Milky Way

Description: The Intergalactic Watchlist is conceived by Bakra as a method to track down individuals (or organizations) of all species who can easily go by different alias' to operate in an unsuspecting nation, wreaking havoc and contributing to the increasing problem of intergalactic crime. It is a database of criminals, terrorists, rouges, and organizations that any nation in the Milky Way or surrounding galaxies can access for information or submit their knowledge of the enemies of order in the galaxy. Everything from crime syndicates to untrustworthy mercenaries to smuggling rings to assassins are welcome for the list. The Watchlist takes the saying "you can't catch what you can't see" to heart; you have to know what you're finding to catch it. Interestingly enough it is also a departure from usual Bakran foreign policy, where they prefer to stay out of galactic affairs rather than risk being put on the galactic map. Some say this may be the first part of a new direction for the nation, while others say this is a political fluke.

Potential Greater Impact(s): Greater awareness of galactic criminals and assorted unsavory types, which could lead to a downturn of violence in both the fractured and relatively peaceful areas of the galaxy.

[Federal Republic of Free States]

Tension Report Application

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Submitting Party: Free State Republic
Nation Name of Submitting Party: Federal Republic of Free States

Affected Quadrant(s): Gamma
Precise Locations (If Applicable): Federal Trade Corridor
Nation(s) Involved: Free State Republic [FSR], A yet Unnamed Nation [?]

Description: In an effort to boost intra-state commerce between the Republic and several nearby star-states following the continued unrest in the Citic system. The Commerce Department has partnered with several transportation corporations to create several “corridors” of space within deeper Republican Territory that lead from major economic hubs within the Republic out to several nearby star-states specifically for the commercial transportation of goods and materials. The economy of the Republic has experienced what some are calling a long “hic-cup” due to the squeeze of commerce coming into and out of the Citic system, the Federal Trade Corridors are a gambit by the Federal Government to cease the “hic-cup” and allow for a return of normalcy to the economic life of the Republic. As of now there are three corridors being aligned one entering Republican space from the direction of the Liu Xiu Economic dipping close to the Citic System before shooting back out to the edge of Republican space towards the Lanthe Route. The other forming in between the Trigonda and Digonda systems and heading towards the Perseid Federation. And the last proposed corridor will form just on the outskirts of the Axul system and head deeper into the Gamma Quadrant, and hopefully as one Commerce Department official has said, “will eventually one day pass the militarized Crumple Zone opening up the hidden wealth and opportunity that still lies in the depths of the Gamma Quadrant.”

These corridors themselves are to be under the jurisdiction of a new Federal Agency, The Federal Trade Corridor Authority. This new Agency is to operate within the specified areas of the corridors to enforce the laws of the Republic as well as the regulations of the Authority. This new Federal agency is to act as the law enforcement and investigative authority within the Federal Trade Corridors, relieving Federal Marshall Service as well as local and regional law enforcement agencies from having to patrol a new jurisdiction. Under the umbrella of the Justice Department, the FTCA will have full autonomy to investigate crimes and will work with the Commerce Department to ensure governmental regulations are being upheld.

The FTCA has recently upon its creation inquired the State Department about installing an educational rotation of personnel program with a foreign star-state, with the hopes of acquiring new procedures and data to better protect the new domestic “super star lanes”, against an always changing threat profile.



Potential Greater Impact(s): The creation of three commerce corridors leading from major economic hubs of the Republic to foreign states looks to help Economic activity both in the Republic itself as well as in the regional space. Coordination with the Republic and foreign states within the regional area in the areas of commerce, infrastructure and security is sure to increase as the corridors become more active. With one of the corridors imagined to eventually breach the Crumple Zone, some corporations and entrepreneurial individuals have expressed excitement at the idea of eventual Republican expansion deeper into Gamma. The creation of a new Federal Agency has brought some ire from conservative elements of Republican politics, crying out that creating a new territory wide Federal agency in the times of stressed national budgets is irresponsible. The fact that the Authority itself will be a federal law enforcement agency, does not set to alleviate the concerns of Federal overreach in the areas of Commerce and Economics. Two aspects of life typically left alone by the Federal Government in the past. Representatives from the Federal Government have been quoted as saying, “local and regional law enforcement agencies just simply do not have the personnel nor the equipment to engage in protecting the new corridors. The Federal Marshall Service itself has been stretched thin in recent months trying to hunt down and bring to justice those involved with the “Widlfire” terrorist organization. They themselves would not be able to adequately provide security nor investigative services to the corridor. The creation of a new independent agency was well warranted.” It seems once again the age old battle of 'small government' against 'large government' will once again be battled on the airways of television and radio.

With the FTCA publicly asking the Federal Government to create an educational transfer program with a foreign state, conspiracy theorists have been beside themselves trying to narrow down the list of “allies” the Republic could turn to for this endeavor. So far the Federal Government itself has remained mum on which nation the offer will be extended too. With some pointing out in their own horrified vitriol that 'alien' nations could be a possibility within that list, those who comprise the ever more popular Xenowatch have been the most vocal about this development.

[Kyrusia]

Thank you, Bakra and Federal Republic of Free States. Your submissions have been slated for review for potential inclusion in the March 30th update.

Beyond that, that's all, folks. Any further submissions may be slated for review for the April 30th update.

[Lubyak]

Activity Report Application

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Submitting Party: Lubyak
Nation Name of Submitting Party: Imperial & Federal Union

Thread Link(s): Twin Eagles Trade Corridor
Affected Quadrant(s): Beta
Precise Locations (If Applicable): Twin Eagles Trade Corridor
Nation(s) Involved: Imperial & Federal Union; Imperial Star Republic

Description: The Twin Eagles Trade Corridor is a major economic project launched jointly by the R.u.B Union and the IStaR. The Corridor stretches throughout central Beta, serving to link the twin frontier empires of IStaR and the R.u.B Union (both lying on the boundary between Beta and Delta), and the old worlds of Alpha. The Corridor's primary goal is two fold: 1) to create a secure and reliable path for merchant shipping to traverse the Beta Quadrant, and 2) to help revitalise the economy of Betan states, after the economic collapse that gutted the region.

The Corridor physically consists of a series of waystations in key systems throughout central Beta, along with a series of infrastructural improvements to facilitate faster than light travel along the Corridor. Legally, the Corridor is a customs union for both the IStaR and the R.u.B Union, with goods entering the Corridor paying only one set of tariffs and dues before having free travel throughout the Corridor and the two sponsor states. Other states may choose to become Third Party Participants, both becoming part of the customs union of the, while Betan states may construct and support their own stations along the Corridor to help facilitate the development of trade.

Potential Greater Impact(s): The Twin Eagles Trade Corridor should serve as a river of economic opportunity in Beta. With the Betan collapse, safe passage throughout the quadrant became difficult and costly, due to risk of piracy and other threats. The Twin Eagles Trade Corridor should offer a secure passage between both IStaR and the R.u.B Union and the Alpha Quadrant worlds. In addition, the secure trade routes should help to facilitate economic development in Beta, by allowing states both easy access to imports of both goods and capital, as well as facilitating their own exports.

There is concern that the Twin Eagles Trade Corridor is merely a power play by both IStaR and the R.u.B Union, seeking to bring a significant expanse of the Beta Quadrant into a shared sphere of influence of the two states, effectively excluding other powers from the region. Spokespersons from both empires and the newly established Twin Eagles Trade Directorate have denied any ulterior motivation, and focused primarily on a desire to see trade flourish in the Beta quadrant.

[Thrashia]

Activity Report Application

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Submitting Party: Empire of Thrashia
Nation Name of Submitting Party: Thrashia

Thread Link(s): Coronation Post
Affected Quadrant(s): Beta
Precise Locations (If Applicable): New Bastion, Throneworld of the Thrashian Empire
Nation(s) Involved: Empire of Thrashia

Description: Dheinalia Vera Nuruodo, the daughter of the deceased former Regent, Grand Moff Ardus Kaine, and wife of the deceased Grand Admiral Thrawn, has been crowned Empress of the Empire of Thrashia.
Potential Greater Impact(s): This is the first time in over thirty years that the Empire of Thrashia has had a sovereign. With the impact of having migrated the Empire to an entire new galaxy, the coronation of Empress Dheinalia is likely to create a solidification of confidence in the Imperial citizenry. As an icon she will be a firm moral boost to Imperial forces. As a sign of her new reign she is likely to approve measures towards firming up Thrashian control of the eleven sectors of Beta Quadrant that the Empire has either already been ruling, or been colonising.

[Kyrusia]

Our deadline for publication (a few hours away, actually), will be post-poned until April 7th.

Thank you, Lubyak and Thrashia. Your submissions will be slated for review for potential inclusion in the April 30th update.

[Perseid Federation]

Tension Report Application

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Submitting Party: Perseid Federation
Nation Name of Submitting Party: Perseid Federation

Affected Quadrant(s): Alpha
Precise Locations (If Applicable):
Nation(s) Involved: Perseid Federation

Description: It appears that the Archonate may soon have a sixth member. The Ecclesia has moved to confirm the admission of the core world of Alcyone into the Archonate, bringing the total amount of representative Archons in the council to six.

The inclusion of Alcyone into the Archonate had been a priority of the Convocature for many decades. The Terranesque planet is the chief planet of the Perseid Federation's sixth core system, Hemera, which was a highly developed system. As such, there have been many movements by the world's inhabitants to be represented in the Archonate with the "big five" Convocatures (Xenia, Arydice, Servitus, Kassaras, and Psyche). These eventually culminated in the referendum that was held recently which saw Alcyoneans vote in favor of the move.

The Alcyonean State Assembly has informed that elections for their first Archon will be held in conjunction with the general elections that will be held the following year.

Potential Greater Impact(s): Many analysts believe that this will set a precedent for many core worlds in the Omospondia to lobby for representation in the Archonate as well, especially other highly-developed planets like Alcyone. This may force the Perseid government to call for a constitutional convention in the future in order to lay out more stringent conditions for a planet's elligibility to be represented in the Archonate.

Another issue that should be tackled is how the Archons will be able to resolve ties. Many believe that both the Archons and the Ecclesiates will be in favor of a status quo whenever these are reached.

[Federal Republic of Free States]

Tension Report Application

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Submitting Party: Free State Republic
Nation Name of Submitting Party: Federal Republic of Free States

Affected Quadrant(s): Gamma
Precise Locations (If Applicable):Citic Regional System, outlying areas such as newly established Federal Trade Corridor LX-Lanthe may see some activity.
Nation(s) Involved: Free State Republic, Star Empire of Valinon

Description: The Expeditionary Naval Group has made its long-awaited arrival into the troubled Citic Regional System, entering the system at edge near Cydnac Moon Range [C4] yesterday afternoon. Admiral Nicholas Hueth the commander of the group has expressed a desire to ensure control of the outer spatial infrastructure and smaller population centers of the system while closing in on Citic [C1] itself. While this would mean, the naval group will not arrive at Citic [C1] proper for several weeks, it does allow the naval group to engage itself in smaller operations in lower density areas to mop up fringe elements of insurgent aligned groups before tackling the main effort of the insurgency. The Admiral himself has stated in a memo to his staff, “Our first effort here in system is to surround the insurgency, to push them back to a concentrated area. Buy securing the outlying planets first, we will ensure all the recent development in infrastructure out in the fringe is not compromised any further while encircling the insurgency on all fronts.” Comprised of sixteen vessels, the naval group boasts four Anvil class Cruisers, two Hammer class Destroyers, four Thunder class Frigates, two Lightning class Corvettes, and four Essex class Support Vessels. This group is a much-needed relief effort for the Regional as well as Federal military forces in system who have been struggling against the insurgency for most of the year on their own. The Marine forces aboard the vessels of the group number right below ten thousand making them an unreinforced division in strength and are eagerly awaiting to disembark into action with one platoon leader quoted as saying, “We’ve been on this tin can for three weeks now, drilling and simulating…it’s time for us to get into theater and see some real action.”

Coinciding with the arrival of the Federal reinforcements, the Regional Government of Citic has announced a system-wide travel ban on all inter-system traffic to ease the operations of the naval group while they maneuver through the system. Regional officials have stated this emergency ban will be in effect until the Naval Group re-authorizes inter-system travel. The Regional and Local authorities have engaged themselves not only in the physical struggle against insurgent groups but also in the social media world as well. Online agents of both the insurgency and the pro-government groups have embroiled themselves in a war of words on online forums and imaging sites. With the Naval Groups entrance into the region, the pro-government proxies are trying to seize and build upon the momentum and create a wave of public opinion against the insurgency. Insurgent proxies and agents have had the upper hand in the online arena of opinion. Slandering government officials, and twisting Republican slogans into ammunition for themselves on websites and forums dedicated to lambasting the federal and regional governments.
The governmental funeral for former Regional Administrator Alexasner Gypinor passed surprisingly without incident, apparently even the worst of the insurgency took a moment to pause their campaign of violence. Along the funeral procession route of Alexasner from the Planetary Administration building to the cemetery graffiti markings bearing the letter ‘J’ and number ‘18’ were apparent in a variety of colors and styles suggesting multiple artists were active and had knowledge of the route beforehand. The cameras covering the funeral procession picked up the blatant graffiti and it did not take long for “J18” to become a hot topic of conversations on the web. A cursory look through the latest information coming from Citic, has J18 describing a new movement which has really taken hold in several counties on Citic. Labeling themselves “Junebugs”, they are promoting a “Citic-Fist” platform citing extreme disregard by the Federal Government in safeguarding Citic interests. It is unknown at this time how organized these Junebugs are, or what their intentions are regarding the anti-government insurgency and the regional and federal governments. Looking through the literature they have posted on associated websites, it can be assessed that they are on the fence when it comes to the government but take a hard line against any extremist insurgency. Using the burial day of Alexasner Gypinor as their official symbol, the J18 website promises a fair deal for the people of Citic.

The Expeditionary Naval Group is not the only new comer to the Citic Regional System, a foreign power at the invitation of the Republic has sent a military force to this contested system. The foreign power to accept the request for assistance was the Star Empire of Valinon which has sent the destroyer HMS Crowned Owl to the system listed as a ‘peacekeeping’ mission. The vessel has been tasked to observe and collect all available data on insurgent activity especially Wildfire aligned groups, assist Republican forces when possible in operations and assess the current situation in the Citic System and its potential to spread and disrupt regular commerce activities on the Lanthe Route as well as other avenues of state activity. This mission was born out of cooperation between the Federal Marshal Service of the Republic and the Office of Verge Affairs of the Valinon Empire in law enforcement matters. It is hoped by both the Free State Republic and Star Empire of Valinon that this ‘peacekeeping’ operation will lead to further cooperation between the two star-states in other avenues of mutual interest.






Potential Greater Impact(s): Raising such a significant military force to send to the troubled system came at the expense of other security concerns and commitments in additional sections of Republican Space, yet the dire situation in Citic has forced the Republic’s leadership to act. With spatial assets being redirected to the Citic system from their normal patrol routes and assignments, other areas of Republican space may see lapses in security. Deemed entirely necessary by both the Defense Security Council and the Office of the President, the pacification of the Citic System is the highest priority of the military superseding other commitments. With violence on Citic reaching a peak in intensity, the naval group’s firepower is well welcomed, and will allow for operations to increase in frequency and lethality. Interest in the conflict occurring in Citic by nearby star-states is sure to increase as the scope and intensity of the conflict increases. With its strategic positioning between two large hubs of intergalactic economic activity the Republic cannot afford continued resistance to disrupt what should be their largest economic transfer hub. Nor allow the situation to continue to deteriorate any further, allowing available opportunists to take advantage of an uncontrolled system to further their own agendas.

The addition of a foreign force into a domestic matter speaks to the level of seriousness the Federal Government is now showing the system. Now willing to accept the ideas and suggestions of a successful star-state in dealing with the insurgency, already pressed to their own strategic limit Republican Commanders are interested in fresh eyes looking at this problem to hopefully illuminate innovative solutions to this longstanding complex issue. There is a possibility that any success attributed to the foreign mission by the Star Empire of Valinon, will push the Federal Government further into cooperation with foreign powers in hoping to replicate another successful outcome.

The J18 movement while small, has the potential to once again throw a large chink in the complicated problem that is Citic. Has the Republic found a new ally or new foe to circumvent in the system? Also the “Citic First” platform broods of a secession movement, using language and syntax that bleed of separation from the Republic. Allowing this group to continue to operate unmolested might give other groups faith to continue their own struggles against Republican rule, however propping up any group against the extremist insurgents is a leading policy on the ground in Citic. The coming weeks and months will tell a lot about J18’s intentions as an organization with the unfolding situation in Citic.

[Kyrusia]

Thank you, Perseid Federation and Federal Republic of Free States. Your submissions have been slated for review for potential inclusion in the April 30th update.

And that makes the end of this month's submission period. Any further submissions will be slated for review for potential inclusion in the May 30th update.

[Intersteller Terra]

Tension Report Application

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Submitting Party: United Star Commonwealth Authority of Trade and Commerce
Nation Name of Submitting Party: Interstellar Terra

Affected Quadrant(s): Beta
Precise Locations (If Applicable): Central Beta
Nation(s) Involved:United Star Commonwealth / Empire of Thrashia

Description: As per the USC governments mandate to be transparent about its dealings both internally and externally with other foreign governments. the Authority of Commerce and Trade today released an almost 10,000 page document detailing its recent meetings with representatives of the Empire of Thrashia.

Like many other reports released by the Trade Authority the details largely outline broad trade deals with Thrashians including deals on consumer electronics and raw materials amongst many others. Slightly out of the blue perhaps is several pages outlining Commonwealth official recognition of the Empire of Thrashia and the systems they are are claiming to now have dominion over. As well as outlining terms for the Empire to join the Nassau Accords, including specifically mentioning private sector partners in Thrashia that will be building Stepping Stone stations within the Thrashian empire and in the rimward sectors of the Beta Quadrant.

The Thrashian Empire marks the 6th Nation to join the Nassau Accords, and the 4th nation within the Beta Quadrant to join the organisation that is seeking to stabilise the more war torn parts of the galaxy in order to foster growth and development for all who want it.

Potential Greater Impact(s): Whilst the Thrashian Empire is pretty new on the scene in the Beta Quadrant they represent a potentially major power in an area of the Galaxy that has not had much influence exerted over it for some time now. The acknowledgement of the Thrashian Empire by the Commonwealth is a potential move to keep potential rivals to the commonwealth sweet whilst it concentrates on threats closer to home and still further its goal of creating a stable Beta Quadrant where the Commonwealth would be able to exert its power in a softer more diplomatic approach.

[Telros]

Tension Report Application

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Submitting Party: Telros
Nation Name of Submitting Party: Tezekian Directorate

Affected Quadrant(s): Gamma
Precise Locations (If Applicable): Citic System
Nation(s) Involved: Federal Republic of Free States and Tezekian Directorate

Description: In response to the dire situation of chaos and slipping control that can be seen in the Citic System, with sprees of terrorist attacks, multiple groups forming, the assassination of officials such as Regional Administrator Alexasner Gypinor and other such events, the Tezekian Directorate has made an outreach to the Federal Republic. In addition to normalizing relations, establishing agreements on security, trade, embassies and other such matters, the Directorate is offering to send convoys of supplies: Food, water, medical supplies, repair equipment, the materials and items to manage repairs and is discussion with the Republic about possibly offering services of the Isabelline Sanctuary, fresh from a conducting research and operations to study the spread of a possible plague in Gamma, to aid in administering aid and rebuilding efforts.
Potential Greater Impact(s): The Directorate's offer of aid could help the Republic's efforts to bring the insurgent groups to heel, help promote the idea of a strong and caring government, opposing the uncaring and apathetic view the insurrectionists have and shore up the general order and security of the Quadrant. It is possible, however, that the insurgent groups, of which some may not be internally born, may turn their attention to the Directorate and find ways to cut off this supply of aid.

[Kyrusia]

Thank you, Intersteller Terra and Telros. Your submissions have been slated for review for potential inclusion in the May 30th update.

[Perseid Federation]

Tension Report Application

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Submitting Party: Perseid Federation
Nation Name of Submitting Party: Perseid Federation

Affected Quadrant(s): Alpha
Precise Locations (If Applicable): n/a
Nation(s) Involved: Perseid Federation

Description: The Perseid General Elections are soon to take place in the Omospondia as the campaign season wraps up in the Omospondia. As the Federation prepares to elect a new set of leaders, many have observed that this election is very likely to be a contested one, especially on the national level. Issues such as the Great Displacement, the rise of piracy, the star-state's changing role in international politics, and the Nassau Accords have been in the public spotlight for much of the election campaign.

It is expected that the Progressive Party, which has dominated Perseid politics since the beginning of the post-isolation period, will end up in a tight position after the elections have been concluded. Disillusionment over their handling of the refugee crisis has shifted many traditionally Progressive voters towards the right. Oitane Sortra, a political analyst who has observed the evolution of the campaign, believes the problem lies with the focus of the Progressives. "It is because the [Progressive] Party has fixed its gaze outwards," she states. "The Perseid electorate has been alienated by policies that they have seen to benefit other countries' citizens instead of their own."

But that doesn't mean the Orthodox Party is going to receive the benefits, for the Progressive Party is predicted to hold the most seats in the Ecclesia—despite losing majority status. In fact many political analysts have determined that the Orthodoxes have more voters to lose. It appears that the political situation in the Omospondia has led to the rise of the Dynamis Party, a previously fringe right-wing party that has garnered massive public support in this election. Because it adopted a more mainstream and populist platform—which mainly consisted of controlling immigration into the Perseid Federation, expanding the military greatly to combat pirates, and adopting a protectionist policy—many opinion polls have shown preference for Dynamis candidates rise as high as 22% on average—slightly higher in major cities.

Yet the polarizing issues of the campaign aren't the only things that are making this particular election season interesting. This election will mark the first time that Alcyoneans will be able to vote for their first Archon. As such it is expected that there will be a huge turnout of voters. But there are many that have been concerned about the future of the Archonate after Alcyone's recent admission—especially since constitutional amendments are needed. However, the Perseid government has confirmed that it is currently assembling a constitutional convention that will be meeting some time after the elections in order to make the necessary amendments. Some politicians have otherwise called for the revocation of Alcyone's inclusion in the Archonate, which has sparked outrage among many on social media networks.

Potential Greater Impact(s): Perhaps more than other elections in recent decades, this general election will be one of the most polarizing in the Perseid Federation's contemporary history. For the first time in decades, it has a growing divide between voters and politicians exposed. As a result, many will be expecting populism to rise for years to come—whether this change will be for the better or worse is to be seen.

What is most concerning is Dynamis' rise to power. Many have condemned the party for its xenophobic and specieist rhetoric as well as its pandering to the radical and extreme voters from all over the political spectrum. Many have warned that if Dynamis acquires more power and influence in Perseid politics— especially with the possible election of its candidate, Isandros Doxiadis, to the Archonate of Minaris, the Omospondia may go down a darker path as a nation. "Even if the political establishment manages to stem Dynamis' growing reach," Sortra adds, "the populist elements that have made it a formidable force in Perseid politics is unlikely to go away for the next few years—even as issues like the Great Displacement are beginning to be resolved."

[Valinon]

Tension Report Application

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Submitting Party: Valinon & Vernii
Nation Name of Submitting Party: United Star Empire of Valinon, Imperium of Vernii

Affected Quadrant(s): Alpha & Gamma
Precise Locations (If Applicable): Citic colonial system
Nation(s) Involved: Free State Republic, United Star Empire of Valinon, Imperium of Vernii

Description:
EXROA-COM operational headquarters in the Leitir system, the Lanthe, announced return of the HMS Crowned Owl to routine Lanthine security operations and the end of an initial peacekeeping observations to the Citic system. Due to previous international media attention and the on-going Citic Emergency, a statement was issued by the Public Affairs Office (PAO) of the Imperial Armed Forces (IAF).

Großadmiral Tolwyn recalled Fregattenkapitän Koppe from detached service to give an initial report on the security situation in Citic following the assassination of Regional Administrator Gypinor and the deployment of an FSR Navy expeditionary group to the system. Kapitän Koppe returned to the Leitir system with the Crowned Owl, but a small contingent of officers and uniformed personnel remained in the Citic system to continue observation. The remaining personnel are coordinating with the Office of the Administrator’s staff and other federal authorities in the system.

The empire’s extensive observer mission to the LOTUS member states, led by Roselyne Dard-Maran who also serves as ambassador to United Star Systems of Usidia, also dispatched two of its senior members to the FSR. Both Fregattenkapitän Kira Kioshi, special envoy for Valinor-LOTUS security relations, and Oberwachtmeister Kirious Sorbanne, currently serving as attache for Valinor-LOTUS policing relations, traveled to the Axul system to open a direct dialogue with the federal government.

After command review, Kapitän Koppe’s report was formed to the Admiralstab and the Reichsprotektor for further review. Both the Großadmirals and the Reichsprotektor express their grave concerns about conditions in the Citic system to the Empress and the full membership of the Imperial Special Select Committee for Defence and Security. The situation of Citic is manageable but poses a considerable risk to the Lanthe Route and the general security and stability of spinward-Crux-Scutum volumes.

The report, the analysis of the Admiralstab, and the further recommendations of the Großer Generalstab are considered grounds for action by the Committee. Further actions are being undertaken by the representatives of Her Imperial Majesty’s Government.

Generalleutnant Yan Song,
Chief of Public Affairs
Großer Generalstab
Office of the Reichsprotektor

The weeks since the Crowned Owl’s recall and the release of the PAO’s statement saw a storm of diplomatic activity across the Raumreich Oversector. This included an unusual programme of meetings between the foreign ministers of Valinon and Vernii lasting several days in the Verniian capital of Cardona, Gregor system, and Dame Ruth Urry, the Valinor permanent ambassador to the League of the Raumreich, adding the Citic Emergency as an agenda item to the next general session of the League’s International Aid & Relief Agency (IARA or LIARA).

The series of diplomatic meetings, impromptu summits, and several informal collaborations by heads of government ultimately led to joint press conferences by Archduke Faustus von Metternicht and Archduke Gregory Teschen, prime minister Valinon and Vernii, respectively.

The Metternicht Government and Teschen Administration announced the Joint Statement on the Citic Emergency. In the name of international security and stability, the two governments resolved to support the FSR and its administration in Citic through both diplomatic and military action. The statement outlines in some detail the actions of the two Raumreich governments in relation to the current crisis. The major elements of their programme include:

• The formation of a joint special diplomatic mission to the FSR for the duration of the emergency. The mission is to be led by Baron Wilhelm Karl von Hardenberg, representing Valinon, and Sir Henry Stafford , representing Vernii. Baron von Hardenberg previously served as the empire’s permanent ambassador to the League of the Raumreich and was an envoy to the Icosakhilos Summit. Sir Stafford has been part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for over forty years, including assignments as consul to the Tí̱msátthan enclave world Apatría and Mujin Sphere Alliance, and most recently ambassador to the Tezekian Directorate. Von Hardenberg was dispatched to Axul; Stafford is en route to serve as the mission’s representative to the Citic administration.
• The creation of a joint operational command organising units from the Kriegsmarine and Imperial Navy. The initial operational group consists two units detached from the EXROA-COM: the Ninth Carrier Group, led by the HMS Konteradmiral Byington-Solway, reinforced by a battlecruiser task element from the 22^nd Battlecruiser Squadron. Kommodore Marina Brankovich, CO Ninth Carrier Group, will serve as commanding officer of the Valinor contingent. The Imperial Navy is retasking two battlecruisers and a destroyer squadron from Operation Marathon, a training exercise taking place along the nearby Lanthe Route. Commodore van Meer has been assigned command of the Verniian detachment. The naval contingent is assigned to support federal peacekeeping operations and reinforce local interstellar security, with a focus on eliminating potential illegal arms trade to local insurgents.
• The redeployment of the Fourth Royal Yaltan Rifles from its current garrison in the Gyras system, the League-sanctioned refugee resettlement territory, with additional units from EXROA-COM, including a dedicated engineering company. The Reichswehr contingent is to assist federal forces with Citic system security and act to stabilise the system.
• The creation of a dialogue to formalize a system of humanitarian aid to the Citic system.
• A concurrent agreement by both states to call for an emergency session of the League’s Directory for Security and Stability to specifically review the Citic Emergency with the aim of creating a broader peacekeeping effort.

In addition to the Joint Statement’s provisions, both states also expressed several unilateral actions to be undertaken in order to support the cooperative effort. The Valinor government is preparing a financial relief package for the FSR with provisions to assist in debt relief and Citic infrastructure development. Prime Minister Metternicht also said his government would coordinate with External State Security (ESS) to form a liaison relationship with the FSR intelligence community as expediently as possible. The relationship is to target extremism and work to eliminate extremist recruitment within Citic’s extensive refugee community.

The Greater Empire of Vakutu already committed its support to the Directory emergency session, with its League ambassador stating the Vaku would be willing to commit additional military support as needed. Consul Rand also indicated the support of New Ortaga in her latest speech before the Senate of the Suns. Her statements did not include promises for military support, but she stated the Ortagan intelligence services to coordinate with its ESS and potential FSR allies. Several cabinet ministers also expressed the government’s preference for alleviating the economical and societal stress on the Citic system by amenable relocation of refugees.

Potential Greater Impact(s): The Joint Statement represents the most ambitious programme of formalised strategic cooperation between the Raumreich Oversector powers in more than a century. Even without the support of the League of the Raumreich, the Valinor-Verniian intervention represents a formidable alignment of resources in terms of both military and logistical resources.

However, the external action also underscores rumours of change within the Oversector. Many commentators and sources report the international aspects of the Joint Statement, including the decision to present the Citic Emergency to the Directory, is being extensively encouraged by Valinor diplomats. Anonymous Raumreich officials have commented that the Valinor threatened to abandon the informal naval armaments proportions negotiated in the years since the Great March War to preserve strategic balances within the Oversector. The threat came after other League powers did not commit to international efforts beyond the Raumreich as expected after a renegotiation of the role of the League Anti-Piracy Effort (LAPE) combined international forces beyond the Raumreich. This issue has been a growing point of disruption in Raumreich diplomatic relations since the Federated Suns of New Ortaga established a colonisation effort along the Lanthe Route termini closes to the Orion Spur and the Valinor granted their Vaku allies a territorial concession near the Lanthine intercept with the Carina-Sagittarius Arm.

The action also comes during a point of strategic alignment within the League as a whole. In a dramatic election, the Federated Suns of New Ortaga won a non-permanent seat in the Directory for Security and Stability, narrowly defeating the Wickian candidacy in the Assembly of States. This represents the first time the Directory’s membership has not included all members of the Grand Coalition that defeated the Ortagan Hegemony in the Great March War. Additionally, the Collective Protectorates - the only permanent Directory member besides Valinon - proved unable to thwart the latest effort by Alpha Centauri to commit the League to possible military action beyond the Oversector. The lack of protest, as well as Vernii’s decision to align against the Collective Protectorate’s preferred policies, is seen as an admission that the past decade of economic stagnation and, lately, recession is at last impacting the CP’s ability to influence its will in the League. Current economic projections believe Vernii will supplant the Protectorates as the second largest economy in the Oversector within the year with the Ortagan economy expected to become the third largest economy within two years.

[Kyrusia]

Thank you, Perseid Federation and Valinon. Your submissions have been slated for review for potential inclusion in the May 30th update.

Furthermore, that concludes this month's submission period. Any further submissions will be slated for review for potential inclusion in the June 30th update.

[Kyrusia]

Due to the holiday weekend (Memorial Day) for many of the Editors, our original publication date (May 30th) has been post-poned until June 7th as to not burden those whom will be attending events and/or spending time with friends and family.

As always, we thank our readers and submitting players!

[Senkaku]

Tension Report Application

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Submitting Party: Golden League
Nation Name of Submitting Party: Senkaku

Affected Quadrant(s): Gamma
Precise Locations (If Applicable): n/a
Nation(s) Involved: Golden League

Description: Another effort by the Free City of Keli to locate the mobile city known as The Wanderer has failed, according to reports by the Al-Kaoh Broadcasting Group (one of the largest news media organizations in the Golden League, funded largely by the government of the Free City of Pattala). A source within the Kelinese NPPN (literally "Directorate of the Thousand Eyes", Keli's main intelligence agency) apparently leaked documents to Al-Kaoh indicating that an effort by the NPPN to locate The Wanderer in a peripheral system at the edge of the Hanjin Electorate failed when the NPPN lost contact with its operatives tracking the city, and that Kelinese ships following up on their loss found evidence that The Wanderer had recently been in the area and had escaped by killing several NPPN agents. Kelinese officials reluctantly confirmed that there had been a "unsuccessful activity regarding a search mission for certain persons", but largely refused to comment (or deny that the Al-Kaoh story was true).
Potential Greater Impact(s):

The Wanderer has operated for nearly a century years at the fringe of the Golden League, largely populated by criminals and by exiles and refugees from the Kelinese territory of the Chelhar system, which has experienced a long-running insurgency for around the same period. The city, originally designed as a seastead near the city of Chelroun, was seized during the insurgency by the rebel Birta Front and adapted for space travel, escaping pursuit by Kelinese forces and becoming a bastion for Chelrouni expatriates and exiles. The city has reportedly also become a center for criminal activity and developed a diverse population from across the League, the Triple Alliance, and the Galaxy at large, but its mobility and efforts by its leaders to disguise its movements have allowed it to evade security forces' efforts to capture it. Various groups operating from The Wanderer have been responsible for a variety of terrorist attacks, hijackings, and pirate raids over the last century, particularly in the Keli Electorate.

The publicization of another failed effort by the NPPN to track down the elusive pirate city has already deeply embarrassed the Kelinese security establishment, which had supposedly largely abandoned such tracking missions after several high-profile failures thirty years ago, and which has now proven itself once again incapable of tracking down an entire city with an estimated population of nearly twenty million. The effort is also sure to spark outrage among peaceful groups advocating for a two-state solution in the former Chelroun Electorate, who have long called for Kelinese security forces to offer a deal that would allow The Wanderer to return to Chelroun, which may in turn spark a crackdown against the press and civil society by the NPPN.

The Wanderer, meanwhile, will remain at large, and the city's de facto government, run largely by the Birta Front, put out various online statements gloating over the city's evasion of the Kelinese and (as usual) calling for rebellion and lone-wolf terrorist attacks in Chelroun. Some have expressed fears that the various pirate vessels operating out of the city will feel emboldened to launch more aggressive raids, while others have wondered if the revelation that the NPPN has continued "hunt" operations will push the mobile settlement to range more widely throughout the Gamma Quadrant and perhaps the Galaxy at large (and still others have pointed out that the two are not mutually exclusive).

The embattled government of Hanjin, meanwhile, has strongly objected to the intrusion of Kelinese forces into the Hanjin Electorate without permission and without the authority of the Supreme Executive, demanding a formal apology from the Kelinese government. With Hanjin still in a state of disarray from a series of disasters and political upheavals this year, the friction, and the fact that the Kelinese were able to intrude at their leisure and without Hanjin's knowledge, is unlikely to help shore up the struggling administration of President Hu Nian.

[Lubyak]

Tension Report Application

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Submitting Party: Imperial & Federal Union of States
Nation Name of Submitting Party: Lubyak

Affected Quadrant(s): Delta
Precise Locations (If Applicable): Rhinewacht Line, Talosian Frontier
Nation(s) Involved: Imperial & Federal Union of States

Description: Ever since their incorporation into the R.u.B Union as a result of the Frontier War in the late 1090s P.L. the Delian worlds of the Talosian Frontier have been restless. Although the power of the Delian Star League was broken in the Frontier War, many of its constituent parts were incorporated into the Union relatively intact, including no small number of large, powerful merchant and trading houses. Many of the inhabitants of the Talosian Frontier worlds also look upon the R.u.B Union as occupiers, rather than their true government, making the region a hotbed of unrest. Grassroots insurgencies and rebel movements have grown in abundance amongst these worlds benefiting from the surreptitious support of powerful and wealthy backers, and requiring a constant presence of R.u.B Common Army regulars and Naval patrols to keep the region in line.

Recently, the level of subversive activity has increased dramatically, with attempted bombings of shipyards and voidport facilities vital to long term R.u.B goals of opening up the rest of the Talosian Expanse to colonisation efforts. Although these attacks have been relatively limited, with few casualties, the situation has become concerning, especially with apparent increases in anti-government activity in other areas of the galaxy.

With R.u.B regular forces already stretched thin garrisoning the Talosian Expanse and responding to raids from rogue Vahkiran groups deeper in the Delta Quadrant, local commanders have been turning to the nearby worlds of the Rhinewacht Line Military Frontier. Local commanders have no doubt hoped that the frontier troops would be much more successful garrison and anti-insurgency troops than the Common Army regulars currently deployed. The frontier troops--commonly known as grenzers--are recruited amongst populations who have been settled along the edge of R.u.B space as part of the Military Frontier. In exchange for military service, these military colonists are granted exemptions from certain taxes, as well as much sought after colonisation rights for the worlds they currently garrison.

It would appear that the War Office agrees, as brigades of grenzers from the Rhinewacht Line have been pulled back from their positions along the border zones, and redeployed as interior guards throughout the Talosian Frontier. When compared to Common Army regulars, grenzers are generally regarded as less disciplined, but are also seen as battle hardened crack troops, given their long term experience with raiders along the border zones. The border regions are in an almost constant state of low intensity warfare, dealing with criminal activity, pirates, and even rogue Vahkiran groups. This long term conflict has made many of the grenzer units of the Rhinewacht Line into experts at this kind of low intensity warfare, and the hope is that they will bring their experiences into the counter-insurgency operations needed among the Delian worlds.

Many of the current grenzers currently being redeployed into the Delian worlds are former refugees of the Great Displacement, given positions as R.u.B frontier guards in exchange for their new homes. The Delian worlds were centres of anti-refugee sentiment during the Great Displacement, so the interactions between the former refugees and their new charges will be tense at best.

Potential Greater Impact(s): The deployment of Frontier troops into civilian population centres represents a major shift in R.u.B policy. While Common Army troops are often used to maintain order on worlds of the R.u.B Union, grenzer units are rarely brought in from their positions in the fringe of R.u.B space. As grenzers are raised and maintained almost completely independently of the worlds they are now being sent to garrison, some observers have wondered if this means that the R.u.B Union does not trust loyalty of locally raised troops. Furthermore, while grenzer units are known to be effective, especially at the kind of low intensity warfare that seems endemic to the border regions, they are also considered less disciplined than Common Army regulars. When combined with a hostile civilian population, a deployment of frontier troops may serve to fan the flames of insurrection rather than smothering them.

[Khandosia]

Activity Report Application

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Submitting Party: Khandosia
Nation Name of Submitting Party: Protectorate of Khandosia

Thread Link(s): Los Link
Affected Quadrant(s): Delta
Precise Locations (If Applicable): Environs of the Khand Sector
Nation(s) Involved: Khandosia, Tharwatine, Phoenix Conclave

Description: After reaching out with a mailed fist, grasping a half-dozen systems beyond their known borders, the Protectorate of Khandosia is now aware that they no longer exist within the same reality or universe that they're familiar with. While the light of the Astronomicon shines through the ether of the warp, the stars themselves are shifted, different, from those that they once knew. In light of this discovery the highest authorities within the Administratum government and the Holy Inquisition are attempting to decide an adequate course of action. Without the support of an entire Imperium behind them, the sector government was take great pains to step far lighter among the stars than it ever had to before.

What is worse, there exists the chance of a schism taking place within the greater populace. Should the Ecclesiarchy manage to overcome the traditional authority and pressure laid against it by the House of Markanian. While the most vital of Imperium organizations would support House Markanian, insurgencies or the like would be a blow to their prestige.

Efforts are being made to create a positive narrative for wider consumption, to induce a more gradual acceptance of the new universe in which all now reside. The seeds will be planted, but few know whether the vine will blossom or wither.

Potential Greater Impact(s): The fact that a cut-off sector of the Imperium of Man may find itself within this new reality is one matter; that they may be able to come to a more peaceful method of interacting with the wider galaxy is the question. Already, Ordo Xenos inquisitors and their various agents have been searching out the greater galaxy. How well they will be received, or how well they may receive others remains to be seen.

[Kyrusia]

Thank you, Senkaku, Lubyak, and Khandosia. Your submissions have been slated for review for potential inclusion in the June 30th update.

[Kyrusia]

That's it, folks. Any submissions beyond this point will be slated for review for potential inclusion in the July 30th update.

[Kyrusia]

In light of the summer season, the impending holiday, travel related to such, and a variety of other activities many are participating within this month, the State of the Galaxy will not be publishing a July update. Any submissions will be slated for review for potential inclusion in the August 30th update.

Once again, we thank our readers and submitting participants. I would also like to personally thank our Board of Editors for their continuing work.

[The Eridani Imperium]

Tension Report Application

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Submitting Party: The Eridani Imperium
Nation Name of Submitting Party: The Eridani Imperium, or simply, the Eridani.

Affected Quadrant(s): Delta, Far-Eastern Gamma
Precise Locations (If Applicable): The Eridani Nebula, and surrounding space
Nation(s) Involved: The Eridani Imperium, New Dornalia, and possibly nearby spacefaring civilizations

Description: After several years of setbacks, New Dornalia has finally managed to send the CRS Albert Schweitzer nto the inner reaches of the Eridani Nebula. Due to unknown reasons, the outer Nebula slows certain types of Faster than Light travel methods, requiring modifications to pass through the shimmering blue-green mists.

From the reports, they found something in the Nebula.

They found the Eridani Imperium, a interstellar power that has been in existence for at least 300 years. It consists of the three major spacefaring races of the Nebula: The Kadrians, Alvaldri, and Jotun. Keldavidr, Eidolon, and Tyran are the major worlds of the Imperium, the capital of the respective race’s dominion in the Imperium.
The Imperium has been contacted, and the Empress Rowan Silvershield has gone on record as open to further contact. In addition, the major ports of the capital worlds are now open to the Galaxy:

• Bronzehelm, Stengarde, and Ebonheart, on Keldavidr
• Sahrotjunaar, Strunmah, and Elysia on Eidolon
• Kont-Aar, Darvaarad, and Sataa-Asala on Tyran

Potential Greater Impact(s): the mere existence of a spacefaring nation in the Eridani Nebula opens up new possibilities for trade and knowledge, as well as a potential source for FTL improvements, due to the Eridani Nebula’s FTL-slowing effects being a fact of life for the Imperium. Despite their openness, the Imperium is an unknown variable in the great equation of the Delta Quadrant. Will the Eridani bring peace, or war to the galaxy?

IMPORTANT NOTE: Consulted Dornie on this, and he didn't mind me having his nation involved.