State of the Galaxy [FT|News|Closed|Updated: June 30th]

by **Kyrusia** » Tue Jun 06, 2017 9:07 pm

Wednesday, June 7, 2017 — Edition No. 25, Version 3.0
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Written by FRFS

Alpha Politics: Perseid Fed Gripped by Populism
Dynamis Party Sees Surge in Attention, Popularity
^{FRONTIER BULLETIN — ALPHA}
The political campaign season has recently concluded out in the Perseid Federation, and with the nation poised to head to the polls to let their voices be heard, a general sense of unease has settled over the public discourse. By most remarks this past season was one of heavy mudslinging with attack ads flooding the information highways deriding their targets with an almost unprecedented level of negativity when compared to the past elections in the Omospondia. And it seems the level of negativity was not lost on the electorate, with the latest pre-polling numbers from both the established political parties in the Federation at an historic low. Representatives from both the Orthodox and Progressive parties have not shown much worry in the numbers represented in the latest polls, hoping that their long-standing success within the political machine of the Perseid Federation will continue to gather them seats in the Ecclesia.

For the first time in the post-isolationist period of the Federation, the dominance of the Progressive Party may be challenged outright within the Ecclesia. It seems their pulse of the electorate having waned in recent years following disappointing foreign endeavors entangling the nation in issues that have insignificant effect on the day to day lives of the average Perseid voter. Oitane Sortra, a political pundit based within the Federation said it best during her interview last week, "It is because the [Progressive] Party has fixed its gaze outward. The Perseid electorate has been alienated by policies that they have seen to benefit other countries' citizens instead of their own." The past several years has seen an aggressive foreign policy from the Omospondia, engaging themselves in multiple endeavors outside their own sphere that has stretched public opinion as well as governmental budgets thin.

The Orthodox Party in pre-polling statistics however did not out-perform the Progressive Party and some political analysts are predicting that they will lose a greater number of seats compared to the Progressive Party. When given, many pollsters cited their lack of excitement at the options given by the Orthodox party members. Some even described the Orthodox party as "Progressives" just in a different wrapper. People will be heading into the polls this year with almost an unprecedented level of disconnect with the prominent political parties of the Federation, and most experts within the nation are concerned with the evolving political landscape.

The void felt by a growing section of the electorate for a more Perseid focused political platform has given rise to the Dynamis Party, previously regulated to the absolute fringe of Perseid politics have now found mainstream success in a political campaign. Currently polling in the low 20% in major population centers within the Omospondia, the Dynamis Party has had the most successful campaign when compared to the Orthodox and Progressive parties this year. Seeing, catching, and riding the wave of public opinion they appeared on the political landscape with a platform that appealed to a wide section of prospective voters from both the dominate parties this year, enough to throw the dominance of the Ecclesia into question for the first time. The Dynamis Party has taken advantage of the recent disconnect with both major political parties, and with a platform comprised of limiting immigration, expanding the projection power of the military, adopting more protectionist policies when it comes to trade and foreign affairs I don’t see them falling off the political landscape of the Federation anytime soon.

Several pertinent campaign ads of the Dynamis Party lambasting the failures of both the Orthodox and Progressive parties have become the most watched videos during the campaign. The Perseid voters may very well birth a new dawn on the political landscape within the Federation by the time the polls close on election day. When asked about Dynamis in her interview Oitane Sortra had a warning to the entrenched political parties: "Even if the political establishment manages to stem Dynamis' growing reach, 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." Clearly a few in the Perseid Federation are making note of what may be a formative change in the politics of the Federation, something not seen in generations of two party dominance of mainstream politics.

Within this upcoming election there is a new electorate participating in the general election of the Perseid Federation for the first time. It is expected that the turnout of the people of Alcyone will be at an elevated level for their first election concerning their member of the Archonate. The admission of Alcyone within the participating electorate has drawn ire from several politicians from both sides of the isle. Most of them pointing to the fact that the very constitution must be amended to finalize their admission as a constitutionally legal act. A few of these very politicians have even gone as far as to demand the withdrawal of Alcyone from the Archonate which would remove the population of Alcyone from being a voting electorate within the general election. These inflammatory statements from members of the Progressive and Orthodox parties have fanned the flames of populist fervor within the Alcyone electorate, social media within the region has seen a huge increase in posts regarding the Dynamis Party has been observed.

Election day looms in the Perseid Federation, and the nation itself will not rest easy tonight. Polls will be opening without pause for the general election, the only question that remains, is how different will the Omospondia look once the polls close and the votes have been tallied? Here at the Frontier Bulletin we eagerly await the results and we will update you as the results come in.

Written by Frontier Bulletin foreign affairs contributor Jamius Rythen.

Written by Kyrusia

BREAKING NEWS: League Releases Joint Statement on Citic Crisis
Weeks of Diplomacy, Negotiation, Lead to Action, Military Deployment
^{GALACTINET NEWS — ALPHA & GAMMA}
Representing what amounts to the most ambitious program of strategic cooperation and action between members of the League of the Raumreich in more than a century, the Metternicht Government (of the United Star Empire of Valinon) and the Teschen Administration (of the Imperium of Vernii) have formally released what has been termed as a Joint Statement on the Citic Emergency, serving to outline a mass military, diplomatic, and financial levying of action in support of the Free State Republic's ongoing actions to stymie the calamity within the Citic System.

Regular observers of GalactiNet News are no doubt well aware of the ongoing crisis within the Citic System, largely concentrated on the planet Citic itself. Even so, for more recent observers, a general timeline of the crisis has been provided.
04-10-20.0015 Galactic Standard: Citic System Office of Resource Management predicts shortfalls in Citic planetary water reserves due to "climatological variances." ORM predicts a need for greater investment in infrastructure to avoid the development of emergency conditions in at-risk regions of the planet within a Galactic Standard Year. This prediction, and subsequent warning, goes unheeded.

08-01-20.0015 Galactic Standard: Citic System Office of Resource Management indicates a "Level 3 Planetary Water Crisis" on Citic, immediately initiating a "Code 3 Administrative Water Distribution Measure." Such crisis is initiated when utility water reserves drop below 70%, with natural water sources unable to provide adequate support within 90 days (local). The automated system, while triggered, due to faulty maintenance in related systems and what many have called "willful negligence" on the part of the Citic System Regional Administration, is largely unheeded; despite water restrictions, many local utilities remain outside of the automated network or have a standard practice of "local override."

01-07-20.0016 Galactic Standard: Initial refugee vector reaches the Free State Republic as a part of the "Great Displacement." Local authorities register as few as "100 familial groups." No government system or federal policy is formalized at this time. Eight refugees are allocated to the Citic System as a part of the Republic's standard immigrant settlement program.

01-23-20.0016 Galactic Standard: Despite initial predictions of low refugee volume passing through Republican space, refugees begin arriving in the Free State Republic in considerable volume by the end of January (Galactic Standard). By the 23rd, "over 1,800 familial groups" have arrived in Republican space. No federal policy is yet established as to coordinate housing and resource allocation for the displaced.

03-12-20.0016 Galactic Standard: Citic System Office of Resource Management automated systems initiate a "Level 2 Planetary Water Crisis" on Citic, intending to initiate "Code 2" water rationing. Berj City Metropolitan Utility Services is one of a handful of local utility programs which heed this alarm, initiating a system of "water use hours" across their jurisdiction. Much of Citic's planetary settlements remain otherwise unaware or ignore the alerts, continuing to drain planetary water reserves below 60%, with tapped natural sources being unable to provide adequate relief in no less than 180 days (local).

04-08-20.0016 Galactic Standard: The Free State Republic's federal government publishes a plan for refugee resettlement in the Citic System as local displaced volumes approach "the hundreds of thousands" in rapid succession. The increased volume of persons into the Citic System (and planetary Citic of note) prompt the Office of Resource Management to directly notify the Office of the Regional Administrator. The planet of Citic is immediately placed under a "Regional Resource Crisis" designation, prompting immediate stringent rationing of water across the system.

04-17 (onward)-20.0016 Galactic Standard: Riots break-out in Berj City and elsewhere due to austere water rationing measures. Many jurisdictions, due to a lack of previous rationing, see intense violence as persons are rapidly restricted to "water allocations required for survival" overnight, effectively limiting individual consumption to 1.8 liters a day. Neighborhoods that consume above their allotment find their utilities disconnected by particularly zealous utility officers.

05-28-20.0016 Galactic Standard: Violence, continuing to spread due to reported "mismanagement," failures in infrastructure, and anti-refugee sentiment, begins rolling in waves across Citic System. Bombings, some committed by those claiming sympathy or allegiance to the so-called "Wildfire" organization (famous for its series of attacks in the Liu Xiu Special Economic Zone; any direct connections remain unproven as of time of publication), and violent assaults begin to increase in commonality. In some parts of Citic, open insurrection spreads. One such insurgent, Cornelio Morevedra, wanted by Republican authorities for a bombing in Ghatta, is captured by Valinor anti-piracy and anti-insurgent activities along the Lanthine Lee; he later escapes custody during a failed extradition.

06-18-20.0016 Galactic Standard: Citic Administrator Alexasner Gypinor is assassinated, prompting the closure of the system to most interstellar traffic and communication, effectively shunting commercial traffic to and from the Free State Republic.

07-30-20.0016 Galactic Standard: Citic is quietly designated in a state of "open insurrection" by federal authorities.

10-27-20.0016 Galactic Standard: Corsyra, third largest city on Citic, is largely subsumed by insurrectionary forces. First real contact with "Citic Independence Movement" (CIM; colloquially referred to as the "June Movement" or "Junebugs") is achieved within the city. By the end of October (Galactic Standard), over 90% of Corsyra is controlled by non-government militias, paramilitaries, or insurgent factions.

12-05-20.0016 Galactic Standard: Republic dedicates "largest naval group in recent memory" to the Citic System in an attempt to stymie the ongoing insurrection, particularly focusing on arms smugglers able to bypass local security forces.

12-26-20.0016 Galactic Standard: The United Star Empire deploys the HMS Crowned Owl to the Citic System as a "peacekeeping and observation mission" under the jurisdiction of the Extra-Raumreich Operations Area Command (EXROA-COM). The stated purpose is to conduct an "evaluatory peacekeeping study into extra-Lanthine space".

01-30-20.0017 Galactic Standard: The Perseid Federation announces its intent to deploy a peacekeeping force to the Citic System, highlighting the Free State Republic's diplomatic ties with the Federation through the League of Organized Territories and United Systems (LOTUS).

04-21-20.0017 Galactic Standard: Expeditionary naval group authorized by the Republic arrives in the Citic System. First sign of so-called "Citic Independence Movement" (CIM) reaches international media in the form of "June 18," named in honor of Citic Administrator Gypinor.

From the Solarian Reaches to the nebular outposts in the Gamma Rim, the joint Valinor-Verniian announcement has sent the interstellar media into a firestorm, with social media outlets such as ¥abber nearly reaching critical load in many systems. Even so, the Joint Statement comes on the heels of several weeks of intense, internal Oversector negotiations between League parties - chief among them being a hastily scheduled (and dimly announced) conference in the Verniian capital of Cardona within the Gregor System between respective foreign ministers and Dame Ruth Urry (Valinor permanent ambassador to the League of the Raumreich). Reports last week indicated it was during this meeting that the Citic crisis was formally added as an item of address for the next outstanding session of the League's International Aid and Relief Agency (LIARA). Even so, the frenzy of media clamoring began long before the apparently impromptu Cardona conference.

Shortly following former Citic Regional Administator Gypinor's funeral, and due to previous heavy international media attention, Public Affairs Office (PAO) Chief Generalleutnant Yan Song (Imperial Armed Forces) formally publicized EXROA-COM's (Extra-Raumreich Operations Area Command) return of the HMS Crowned Owl from the Citic System in a statement:

"

Großadmiral

Fregattenkapitän

Kapitän

Crowned Owl

United Star Systems of Usidia

Fregattenkapitän

Oberwachtmeister

Kapitän

Admiralstab

Reichsprotektor

Großadmirals

Reichsprotektor

Admiralstab

Großer Generalstab

"

It was Generalleutnant Song's closing statement that first began to raise flags among those familiar with the League and international political analysts in general. It wasn't until earlier this evening, however, that the rampant speculations and rumors were laid to rest by what some have called the "single most formidable alignment of [military and logistical] resources" in recent memory in terms of Valinor and Verniian international cooperation. It was in the spirit of such that a joint press conference was convened between Archduke Faustus von Metternicht (Prime Minister, United Star Empire) and Archduke Gregory Teschen (Prime Minister, Imperium) to outline their cooperative plans with regards to what has been formally termed the "Citic Emergency."

While many of the precise details of the predominantly Valinor-Vernii program remain concealed beneath state secrecy, several key points were highlighted by both Prime Ministers Metternicht and Techen:

Formation of a "joint diplomatic mission" to the Free State Republic.
Slated to remain for the duration of the "Citic Emergency," this joint mission is slated to be lead by Baron Wilhelm Karl von Hardenberg (United Star Empire) and Sir Henry Stafford (Imperium). Baron von Hardenberg, previously having served as the Empire's permanent envoy to the League of the Raumreich, received more considerable international attention as serving as the Valinor representative to the Icosakhilos Conference on the Great Displacement; Sir Stafford, similarly, has years of diplomatic experience under his belt with over forty years of service to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including service as consul to a Tí̱msátthan enclave world, a posting in the Mujin Sphere Alliance, and - most recently - as ambassador to the Tezekian Directorate. As of the joint news conference, von Hardenberg has previously arrived in the Republican capital system of Axul, with Sir Stafford en route to serve as representative to the Citic System administration.
Formation of a "joint operational command" between units of both the Valinor Kriegsmarine and the Verniian Imperial Navy.
Both Prime Ministers noted their current commitments: detached from EXROA-COM, the Valinor contingent will be commanded by Kommodore Marina Brankovich (Commanding Officer, Ninth Carrier Group) and will consist of the Ninth Carrier Group (lead by the HMS Konteradmiral Byington-Solway) as-reinforced-by a task element from the 22nd Battlecruiser Squadron. The Imperial Navy, meanwhile, intends to supply two battlecruisers and a destroyer squadron previously involved in the Lanthine training operation "MARATHON," to be lead by Commodore van Meer. The stated intent of the joint force is to "support federal peacekeeping operations and reinforce local interstellar security, with a focus on eliminating potential illegal arms trade to local insurgents."
Redeployment of the Fourth Royal Yaltan Rifles.
Currently garrisoned at Gyras (League-designated refugee re-settlement system), the Fourth Royal (to include a dedicated engineering company) will be assisting federal security forces in Citic System security and "stability operations."
Opening of a dialogue to formalize a system of humanitarian aid to the Citic System.
Though few details were released in the joint press conference, foreign speculators have contested that such is likely to involve some regime on the part of the League's International Aid and Relief Agency.
A joint agreement to call for an emergency session of the League's Directory for Security and Stability.
With Valinor and Verniian agreement, each Prime Minister made clear their intention to seek greater involvement in the peacekeeping effort on the part of drawing support from the League itself.

It is from the spirit of this later point of the Joint Statement that several members of the League have already joined both the United Star Empire and the Imperium in their intend to support the venture. The League ambassador from the Greater Empire of Vakutu made their commitment to an emergency session of the Directory known in a short press release following the Joint Statement, further indicating a willingness on th part of the Vaku to commit additional military support at such a time it was needed. Similarly, Consul Rand of New Ortaga indicated her support, though stopped short of military support; even so, Rand indicated a willingness to commit to Ortagan intelligence service coordination between the External State Security (ESS) and potential Republican allies, with several cabinet ministers echoing support in the realm of economic alleviation and potential refugee re-settlement.

Even with such echoes of support, both the United Star Empire and the Imperium have added to their Joint Statement a series of unilateral actions which will begin taking effect immediately. Chief among these is the preparation of a sizeable financial relief package aimed to the Free State Republic with provisions "to assist in debt relief and Citic infrastructure development." This comes with the declaration of intended coordination with the Verniian External State Security and Republican intelligence community in order to target extremism and work to eliminate extremist recruitment within Citic's refugee communities, now many even further displaced by the ongoing insurrection.

While the joint intervention by the United Star Empire and the Imperium are more than capable of standing on their own merits, close observers of the League of the Raumreich have noted the action only serves to confirm rumors of change within the Oversector as a whole, noting the distinctly international formation of the Joint Statement, rather than moving first through official League Channels. An anonymous source within the Raumreich went so far as to comment, stating 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."

Such a threat, if true, reportedly follows a breakdown in re-negotiations involving the League Anti-Piracy Effort (LAPE) that would have seen a far greater presence of League forces beyond the boundaries of the Raumreich; this, in turn, has only been spurred by what some have commented to be something of an "intra-League" competition of colonial ventures between the Federated Suns and the Empire as the former began colonization efforts near Lanthine terminii in proximity to the Orion Spur, seemingly leading - at least according to external observers and speculators - to the granting of territorial concessions to the Vaku at the Lanthine intercept with the Carina-Sagittarius Arm on the part of the Valinor.

In combination, both the Valinor-Vernii intervention and apparent diplomatic disruptions within Raumreich bodies arrive contemporaneously to a general shifting and re-organization of power structures within the League. Dramatically, the Federated Suns were able to defeat the Wickian candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the League Directory for Security and Stability, marking the first time in the Oversector's history that not all members of the Grand Coalition (responsible for the defeat of the Ortagan Hegemony during the Great March War) have shared the Directory's table. In a similar re-balancing of power, the Collective Protectorates' proved incapable of thwarting Alpha Centauri's efforts to commit the League to extra-Raumreich operations - such, in combination with the Imperium's willingness to ally against the Protectorates in such, being seen as an admission of the disastrous effects economic stagnation and cumulative recession has had on the Protectorates' ability to project itself within the League. Analysts currently predict the Protectorates' position as second largest economy within the League to be overtaken by Verniian interests within the year, only to be again overtaken for third by the Ortagans within a two Galactic Standard Years.

Please stay-tuned to GalactiNet News for further developments on the Citic crisis and news of the Valinor-Verniian intervention.

Written by Neornith

Further Foreign Aid for Citic, or Further Instability?
Tezekian Directorate Offers Speciotarian Aid
^{STAR NEWS NETWORK — GAMMA}
Recent reports from the tumultuous Citic System within the Free State Republic have indicated that yet another state actor has decided to offer "assistance". In a discerning turn of events that has had some officials within the Usidian State Department raising their eyebrows. While the offer of aid has some groups lauding the Tezekian Directorate for their efforts other analysts have voiced concerns on what the effects of having yet another foreign actor involving themselves in the Citic Crisis. While the offer of aid and other supplies will have some positive results initially on the Citic Region overall, some experts have predicted that there will be a considerable backlash against the offered aid.

It is no secret that there are multiple insurrectionist groups within the Citic System that have caused multiple issues for the region's administration. Of those groups there are some that have strong anti-xenos views and it is predicted they will react negatively against the xenos aid as well as the administration for procuring the aid. Furthermore with some groups already taking a stance against the Citic administration and what they call the government's overreach, the introduction of yet another foreign power offering help could be viewed as a move by the administration to consolidate it's power before launching an offensive against the rebel groups.

Previously the Citic System has been a hotbed of terrorist attacks and assassinations that have stunned the administration and the citizenry of Citic, which has become a powder keg waiting for ignition (one made seemingly all the more unstable by the addition of what the Republic has termed the "Citic Independence Movement"). The ongoing water crisis has also put a strain on relations between the Citic administration and the people of Citic as well. These events coupled with the Free State Republic unveiling their newly minted trade route plan that involves the Citic System has raised the issue of the system itself being an inviting target for foreign powers to swoop in and claim as their own.

Other sources within the Usidian State Department have also questioned as to why the previously unknown Tezekian Directorate has taken a sudden interest in the United System's ally and specifically why it has shown interest in the Citic System itself. Calls to the State Department have remained unanswered at this time.

Whatever the reasoning or the motive behind the offer of aid from the Directorate, be it benign or malignant, Star News Network will continue to observe and report.

by **Kyrusia** » Thu Jun 29, 2017 10:02 pm

Friday, June 30, 2017 — Edition No. 26, Version 3.0
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Written by Valinon

Separatist Movements Rising in Talosian Expanse
R.u.B. Union Confronting Insurgents, Terrorists Among Former Delian League Worlds
^{GALACTINET NEWS — DELTA}
Rhinewacht Line, Talosian Frontier— Tensions are rising in the Talosian Expanse as popular unrest against the R.u.B. Union government builds in the former systems of the Delian Star League. Reichsregiment officials are stressing the low scale risk to their citizens and international trade, but the Union's War Office is realigning military deployments to end attempted bombings of its shipyards and voidport facilities in the Expanse.

The Union formally annexed the Delian League territories after its victory in the Frontier War [1090 decade, P.L., local Imperial Union calendar standard]. Many of the Delian League's constituent polities were incorporated into the Union without administrative or political reorganisation, including several of the larger Delian merchant and trading houses. However, these polities are part of the Union Military Frontier. This buffer zone against raiders and other external threats was created to protect the Union's spinward colonies and remains under martial administration with colonisation rights strictly controlled by a system of charters and grants requiring military service. The overt militarisation of the Expanse leads many of the Delian system inhabitants to view the Union as foreign occupiers.

Criticism of the Union Frontier administration surged since the war's end with scattered protests growing into grassroots insurgencies and several rebel movements. Imperial officials claim the unrest is benefitting from surreptitious support of powerful, wealthy—and possibly foreign—backers. Resistance previously led to a constant presence in the spatial volume by the R.u.B. Common Army and Navy, including regular armed patrols by frontline warships.

The existing garrisons and patrols were not able to prevent all casualties in recent attacks on imperial military facilities. The Union's frontier forces are already deployed widely across the Expanse and are being stressed by increasing operational demands needed to prevent raids by rogue Vahkiran groups from the inner Delta Quadrant. Local commanders are now turning to the nearby worlds of the Rhinewacht Line Military Frontier to provide additional frontier troops for garrison duties.

Current Union policies relating to frontier military service are subject to varying amounts of international tension. The military administration of the Expanse encourages recruitment by offering both financial incentives and colonisation rights on worlds its personnel serve on during their time of service. The recruits, or grenzers, are extensively recruited from refugees and other asylum seekers resettled in the Expanse during the Great Displacement. The practice was widely condemned by rights activists in both the Alpha and Beta quadrants with several advocacy organisations describing it as outright oppression, contractual slavery, and flagrant exploitation.

International outrage and protest did not dissuade the War Office from supporting its local commanders' decision. Several grenzer brigades are being redeployed from current border zone operations to interior guard duty throughout the Talosian Frontier. This drove additional civil protest outside several Union administrative centres with participants outraged at the presence of grenzer units on their planets. Despite their reputation as battle-hardened crack troops, the grenzers suffer from a widespread association with poor discipline and several noted cases of violent responses against civilians.

Observers of Union expansionism defined the War Office's decision as in keeping with its pragmatism in the Talosian volumes. The grenzers are tested counterinsurgency units, if not the most popular garrison to host, and are well adapted to fight a prolonged guerrilla campaign from their service in the low intensity conflict prevalent throughout the the Union border territories.

Évrard Gainsbourg, a military analyst with the Sol-based Halt-Brunswick Centre, said, "Grenzer deployments to the Delian worlds will be majority former refugees. Concerns of rights violations aside, these troops have no ties to the local community and can be relied upon to not dismiss insurgents based on personal loyalties."

Other commentators were less positive about the decision. The Delian worlds were among those systems most resistant to refugee resettlement during the height of the Great Displacement. This history and the Union’s policies offering colonisation rights to the are unlikely to not foster some further degree of tension. GalNet's editor for Deltan Border Affairs, Luca Neic Laitpanr Chugzed, spoke to FB's local reporters.

"

en masse

"

Laitpanr Chugzed said the decision was a short-sighted attempt at expedient solution, which are historically poor choices in the Beta-Delta border volumes.

The change in Reichsregiment policy is also undermining several Union efforts relating to the Twin Eagles Trade Corridor (2ETC). The 2ETC remains a Beta-centric project, but its expansion of trade routes offered new economic and trade opportunities to the more distant spinward colonies. The attacks combined with the grenzers' redeployment produced a noted downturn in foreign merchant traffic to the Expanse. Trade indexes throughout the Beta Quadrant also saw a 5-10 percent dip in trans-Deltan trading futures with several smaller Beta-based shipping lines announcing a review of planned expansion into the Talosian systems.

Several foreign governments also responded to the Union's decision. The United Star Commonwealth (USC) issued a Severe Risk Travel Warning to all shipping registered under its flag bound for the Expanse. It encouraged ship captains and companies to contact insurance vendors before undertaking future voyages and discouraged its citizens from making unnecessary travel to either the Frontier generally or the Delian worlds specifically. Likewise, the Dorn State Department issued a similar warning for its citizens declaring they traveled to the Union's frontier at their own risk.

Written by FRFS

Former Terrestrial City Evades Law Enforcement
Golden League Frustrated with Chase Among the Stars
^{FRONTIER BULLETIN — GAMMA}
Our affiliate office out in the Golden League has passed along a report to our Foreign Affairs bureau, the statement itself originating from the Keli Electorate one of the many signatories of the League. It details an unsuccessful operation engaged by Kelinese NPPN "Directorate of the Thousand Eyes" operatives, to locate certain individuals of "high importance" for questioning in the territory of the Hanjin Electorate. Yet, curiously it lacks the specific detail that usually makes up an official announcement from a Golden League aligned government. Their usual statements of governmental action are by and large sometimes over detailed, but this one is curiously plain in its wording. Catching our attention, we decided to dig into the incident to see if there was anything unusual to uncover.

The first notion that we were on to something came from the Al-Kaoh Broadcasting Group, the largest news organization within the League itself, they published a report containing information ascertained from a leak from the NPPN itself, and this information proved to be a bit more telling in what had occurred in the Hanjin Electorate. This report detailed a quite different operation than what was portrayed in the official government notice. The operation conducted within the Hanjin Electorate territory was not to locate "important individuals for questioning," but rather a part of a larger, hunt operation to once again try and apprehend the rogue mobile city known as 'The Wanderer'. This operation did manage to contact the city however, but like several other hunt operations it too was a complete failure. The result being in the deaths of several NPPN agents, as well as losing contact with the mobile spatial city once again. Losing contact with a giant former terrestrial city is an embarrassing blunder in of itself, but the slight half measured cover-up perpetrated to try and gloss over the true events of the operation, I suspect will do even more harm against the perception of the Kelinese government once the report from Al-Kaoh receives wider circulation. The Hanjin Electorate itself has publicly protested the fact that its sovereignty has been violated by the Kelinese government. Demanding a public apology from the Free City of Keli, the embattled President Hu Nian of the Hanjin Electorate attempts to shore up any support she might have left after suffering a wave of disasters.

This operation also bucks the official memorandum halting any further operations involving 'The Wanderer' after several (similar) high profile failures thirty years ago. The recent attention the Kelinese government has given to 'The Wanderer' can be attribute to the recent uptick of the governing authority, the Birta Front, broadcasting calls for continued resistance against the Kelinese governments control over the territory of Chelroun. Repeated calls for open violence to be perpetrated in the name of rebellion have once again brought The Wanderer and its operating government back into the focus of Kelinese security agencies. The continued failure to locate 'The Wanderer' by Kelinese authorities only threatens to add to their mystic and legend. At this point it seems the Kelinese are in danger of boosting up the confidence of their largest security threat with their own ineptitude of failing to reign it in.

For the past one-hundred years at the edge of the Golden League’s authority and reach, a rogue mobile space-capable city has been operating with impunity much to the public disdain of the Free City of Keli one of the many signatories to the Golden League. The city itself has attained the popular moniker ‘The Wanderer’ largely due to the fact its movements do not seem to follow any logical path, as the city disappears and reappears throughout the outlying territory of the Golden League as it pleases. Once a quiet, metropolitan seastead, situated within the Chelhar system administered by the Kelinese government. It was overrun during a fierce battle for control of the surrounding coastline and to this day is still controlled by the Birta Front, a bit no longer shackled to the confines of a single planet. The Birta Front, now the reigning authority of the Wanderer, is still part of the larger insurgency plaguing the Chelhar system despite the fact they now move through the periphery of Golden League space. They continue to publicly support the ongoing struggle against Kelinese forces in various forms of media.

Ever since being adapted for space travel by the Birta Front and lifting itself from the seas of Chelroun for the spacious void the city has added to its population of refugees and exiles from Chelhar with a significant influx of pirates, criminals and extremists seeking refuge from encroaching law enforcement pressure. Various outlaw groups now use the Wanderer as a mobile base of operations, launching their raids and attacks at targets of opportunity and then withdrawing back to the safety of the mobile city. Kelinese authorities have expressed worry at the growing capabilities of groups based out of the Wanderer as well as the re-spark of the rhetoric of continued rebellion against their administration of Chelroun. They fear any sort of return would see a tip on the scales of power against them. And despite the still favorable view of the Wanderer with the remaining populace of Chelhar, Kelinese authorities have yet to put forth any offer that would see the mobile city return to its original home.

Given its current range of operation, the Wanderer presents a unique challenge to law enforcement authorities within the Golden League. The mobile nature of the city itself provides a natural haven for criminals, pirates, terrorists, and other miscreants to continually evade law enforcement operations as they continue to rain terror at targets of opportunity. Its longstanding, public success of evading multiple attempts by Kelinese law enforcement to ascertain its whereabouts may in fact embolden the assorted groups to undertake larger and more devastating operations in the future. With its last round of insurgent-friendly broadcasts on several media formats, Kelinese authorities should be worried the Wanderer’s focus may shift from outright random raids of opportunity, to a more deliberate anti-Kelinese operations.

The Wanderer itself has proven hard to determine when and where it'll make an appearance, and its true range is unknown. If operating within the fringe of the Golden League proves too difficult to continue one day, the spatial city itself could set its sights on other territories to operate within. And since they have once again become the target of 'hunting' operations by the Kelinese NPPN, to keep their freedom the Wanderer one day may make for deeper space. The possibility that their range of operation could increase leaves many law enforcement agencies in the Golden League nervous. Other star states in the Gamma Quadrant should begin to take notice of the operations of the Wanderer, with the possibility that one day to expand their range to other sections of the quadrant. With one hundred years of successful operation under their belt, I see no end in sight to the almost random threat that is the Wanderer.

Written by Frontier Bulletin foreign affairs contributor Kihal Yueter.

by **Kyrusia** » Tue Aug 29, 2017 11:01 pm

Wednesday, August 30, 2017 — Edition No. 27, Version 3.0
▲ Return

Written by Kyrusia

Foreign Cooperation Begins to Show Profit in Citic
Valinor, Verniian Forces Receive Praise Despite Ongoing Criticism
^{FRONTIER BULLETIN — GAMMA}
Several months following the announcement of a joint Valinor-Verniian effort to assist the Free State Republic in handling of the ongoing Citic Crisis, the Citic Cooperative Security and Support Occupational Force (C-CSSOF), while initially heavily criticized, has seen a number of victories pulled in its favor. Following the establishment of the C-CSSOF, Republican forces largely ceded security jurisdiction of the outer reaches of the Citic System (as well as concurrent entrance spurs to both the Lanthe Route and Liu Xiu Trade Corridor) to Valinor-Verniian operation groups - a process that was initially subject to heated debate and intense criticism domestically; this deference of authority has largely allowed Republican forces to focus on securing the inner system and, with C-CSSOF assistance, on Citic (planet) itself - an act some are saying is a potential saving grace on Citic, while other have criticized such as "too little, too late."

With security in the outer reaches largely being up-held by Valinor and Verniian forces, the Republic has sough to commend the C-CSSOF for their operations - with chief focus of its praise aimed toward Kommodore Marina Brankovich, commanding officer of the C-CSSOF. Reports already provided indicate that security operations in the outer Citic System have proven fruitful in providing both actionable intelligence and in overt security operations. "We're finding them," a representative of Kommodore Brankovich stated, speaking with regards to the players behind the ongoing problem of the smuggling of arms and foreign fighters into the Citic System, "We're finding them, and they're none too pleased with that fact. [...] In cooperation with the [Free State] Republic, we're hoping to continue these operations with the aim of putting a stranglehold on those who seek to supply the various insurgent factions in the system." These operations, of course, while seeking to assist the Republic, external commentators have also noted they play a not-insignificant role in ensuring the safety of commercial traffic transiting from the Republic to the Lanthe Route (and vice versa); further, many foreign political and economic analysts have indicated that due to the strategic importance of the Citic System to the Free State Republic with regards to their ongoing access to Freeport, a federal enclave in the Liu Xiu Special Economic Zone, further disruption of traffic through the "Citic Spur" could be the writing on the proverbial wall for a potential recession - something representatives of the United Star Empire have already indicated they intend to offset through economic aid and financial relief.

For the citizenry of the Republic, however, the presence of the Security and Support Occupational Force allows for the Republic to re-dedicate and re-position forces within the Citic System to begin, once more, going on the offensive. The announcement of Valinor-Verniian cooperation came on the heels of what the Frontier Bulletin described as the "lowest point yet during the Citic Crisis," a reference to the now-eponymous "Dogtown Massacre." Name a neighborhood in Burj City which has, throughout the Citic Crisis, exchanged hands countless times and consistently been a site of some of the most intense insurgent-on-Republic forces and insurgent-on-insurgent combat, the "Dogtown Massacre" became a horrifyingly macabre topic of dinner table discussion following the publication of a video displaying the execution of Sergeant Brad Endi, followed by the desecration of his - and his fellow Republican Marine squad mates' - body. It was not until the announcement of Valinor and Verniian force entries into the system that Republican media outlet began to report differently, having spent subsequent weeks profiling Sergeant Endi, his family, his squad mates and their families, and speculating on the identity of the perpetrators - a self-professed "Wildfire" cell operating out of "Dogtown," notorious locally for espousing an apparent connection to the organization of the same name that struck the Liu Xiu System during the so-called "Wildfire Season."

With the goal of avoiding similarly grotesque violence, and with the C-CSSOF largely serving as a release valve for heavily-pressured Republican forces in the Citic System, the erection of a "military exclusion zone" including-and-around the city of Voick was announced earlier this week. A site of intense violence since the beginning of the Citic Crisis, Voick has variously been controlled by several, often internecine factions since the beginning of the conflict; occupied to the point that, until now, Republican forces have been unable to enter the city in any attempt to pacify the insurgent forces, Voick is poised to be the next large offensive for the Free State Republic and, many hope, a turning point in the conflict. Major Jinta Kyly, commanding officer of the 3rd Marine Air Cavalry Battalion, the unit responsible for maintenance of the Voick exclusion zone, went on the record with the Frontier Bulletin stating:

"

[area of operations]

"

As if a rebuttal against Major Kyly and the 3rd Marine Air Cavalry, accounts across ¥abber and various social media sites linked to insurgent forces operating in Voick have begun posting taunting messages and videos. Information coming out of the city, though as-of-yet unconfirmed, seems to indicate that many insurgent factions throughout the city have apparently begun setting aside their differences, choosing instead to entrench themselves, promising to turn Voick, in the words of one insurgent, into a "tomb for martyrs."

Despite the apparent successes praised by the Free State's federal government and Republican military commanders, criticism continues to be levied - both against the Republic itself and the Citic Cooperative Security and Support Occupational Force. Talking heads, citizen-critics, and even several Republican non-commissioned officer have gone on the proverbial record calling into question the Free State's willingness to cooperate with foreign entities; the staunchest critics, those whom are a part-of or sympathetic-to the so-called "June Movement" have gone so far as to call the presence of forces from the League of the Raumreich an invasion force. With the unwillingness of official sources close to the federal government to comment with regards to any potential future cooperation with League members beyond security operations in the Citic System, fuel has only been added to the fire. At least one account linked to the June Movement - specifically to the J18 militia operating on Citic - has called for a "scalp bounty" on any "foreign occupier," offering to pay as much as 1,600 Galactic Standard Credits per proof of kill delivered, though the account (now deleted) refused to designate a delivery point.

Criticism aside, it is apparent to even the casual observer that the Free State Republic - both the federal government and its people - are starving for a resolution of the Citic Crisis. Commerce, despite ongoing C-CSSOF efforts, continues to be disrupted to and from the system; civilian casualties on Citic mount with each passing day; and popular endeavors undertaken by the federal government remain underfunded to the point of inactivity as the ongoing crisis consumes ever more appropriations funding. Chiefly, investment and progress on the Federal Trade Corridor system - a major undertaking intended to modernize the Free State Republics' interstellar infrastructure and bring it on-par with quadrant neighbors in terms of international commerce - has all but ground to a halt, stalling the Republic's ability to gain further purchase in international political and economic relations in the Gamma Quadrant. Even so, with no signs of the enemy forces simply surrendering, all parties involved in the effort to resolve the Citic Crisis agree: a long journey is yet to come, both in terms of resolution and the reconstruction yet-to-come.

Written by FRFS

Trouble in Gamma? Far Stars Vessel Disappears
Disappearance of CCA-CMV Farragut Begs Questions
^{XENOWATCH NEWS — GAMMA}
In our ever-vigilant focus to bring forth news and events that the mainstream media tries to drown out with their twenty-four hour cycles of spin by long winded government spokespeople. We here at Xenowatch have uncovered an unsettling information, that once pieced together form a frightening picture of several recent events that have left us both shocked and concerned. What we have found cannot and should not be shoved to the side, being masked by the that ever-present line told to us time and time again, "there's nothing wrong".

Our investigation to bring the truth out to you started simply enough, a single "missing vessel" report filed with the Far Stars Exploration Corporation over a month ago. These sorts of reports are common enough, with pirate activity in much of the galaxy at the highest levels in generations and as well the general hazards of deep space. It is not unusual for ships to unfortunately disappear, never to be seen from again, becoming only a memory for the bereaved and a file marked 'Missing' in a drawer of a cabinet. Yet, this report stood out and peaked our interest for two reasons. The last known location of the lost vessel, and a flurry of activity within the Liu Xiu Special Economic Zone following the reported loss of this vessel.

Out in the far-flung rim of Gamma, far from any known heavy pirate activity volumes the Far Stars chartered vessel CCA-CMV Farragut disappeared without a trace. The Cycladia Corporate Authority being the administrators of the system the Far Stars corporate headquarters lays in, were the natural first responders. From what we can tell by the reports filed within the public domain, the CCA security cutter dispatched to investigate the disappearance of the Farragut, never returned from the same section of space.

Two separate vessels, originating from the same system, weeks apart disappearing in the same "quiet" sector of space? We here at Xenowatch don't believe in coincidence, and we know our readers don't either. Where the government controlled and agenda pushing media would stop, and simply tell you that 'everything is fine', and 'nothing to worry about'. We here at Xenowatch would never do a disservice like that to our readers, and we will always keep digging to expose to you, the truth. It begins with a vastly unknown region of the Gamman rim which has been dubbed very recently, the 'Eurydice Spur'. It is a collection of several stars which continue out past the outer most edge of Gamma and out into the deeper void.

A region of space simply described as "quiet" and with an extremely low traffic total should not have serious enough pirate activity to warrant the loss of two ships. Not to mention one of those ships being an armed security vessel. Something is not adding up and it only got worse the more we dug into it. Following the loss of their own vessel, the Cycladia Corporate Authority turned to their nearest neighbor, the shining beacon of Gamma, the Liu Xiu Special Economic Zone administered by the Imperial Star Republic out in Beta. The response they got to their request for help was the deployment of two Starcaller frigates and an entire wing of corvettes in a search and rescue mission for the two missing vessels around their last known position.

Deployments of naval assets outside of Liu Xiu by IStaR forces are a rare event, deployments of this magnitude conveniently billed as a search and rescue attempt, are a red flag. But it was enough to finally get the media’s attention. Unfortunately, several media outlets fell hook, line and sinker for the bland and obvious rehearsed line which was released by an IStaR spokesperson and made its rounds across the connected major news networks. Regurgitating the same words, again and again, without any investigation of their own, or any deeper thought than what they’ve been told to say. Their talk of acting in good faith, to search and locate the missing vessels for their stellar neighbors is all smoke and mirrors.

The IStaR military do not react and commit military assets without good reason, a small incident of random piracy against a single vessel so far out along the rim would not move the IStaR naval forces to deploy in any amount of force, especially outside of their prized possession of Liu Xiu. You are being lied to about what is really going on, out on the Gamman rim.

Nothing makes that fact clearer than what we have revealed after shifting through logs of public communication transcripts of unsecured radio traffic within Liu Xiu itself. Hours of mind numbing commercial traffic finally gave way to our smoking gun. Out of all the ships within the search and rescue flotilla, only one ever returned to Liu Xiu after weeks of no contact from any of the S&R group, none of the other vessels involved with the flotilla were ever seen from again. From what we have complied from local video and image sources, a single corvette designated DC-2118 exited FTL in the middle of a civilian trade lane just outside Port Expedition. The images passed to us from our sources inside the system showed a heavily mangled vessel, critically damaged in several areas. A transmission was made from this vessel upon its entrance within the system, broadcasts upon an unsecured civilian channel, DC-2118 began transmitting a casualty list of those involved in the operation. Whether this is a list of those just on the corvette, or the entire S&R group has yet to be confirmed. A rundown of the damage done to the corvette, and this emergency message at the abrupt end of the transmission:

"

(Static)

(Mechanical Screeching)

(Static)

(Loud Popping)

"

The public radio traffic records after the emergency message go blank for a period of time according to the time stamp on the retrieval program, I assume the LXMA at the urging of their IStaR superiors severed in-system communication to block out the rest of the transmission which was occurring on an open public frequency. Yet, despite the dramatic public reveal of the surviving vessel of the search and rescue mission, you were all spoon fed lies from off the plate of the mainstream media. During the small press conference conducted by IStaR officials, all we heard were a string of lies about unpredictable ambushes by raiding forces. Let me remind you, you can easily look up where active raiding volumes exist on the Galnet. And this is a sector of space that has never spiked once, nor ever been regarded has a ‘raiding volume’ on any source map or reference map of the galaxy.

Now, the only questions that remain, is what could exist out in that region of space that could have all but destroyed an IStaR naval group? The mention of an 'insectoid species', could they have been the ones to destroy the others and cripple the IStaR corvette and send it limping back to LX? We have yet to run across any additional information that can confirm or disprove these questions. We can only infer from the information we have at hand. And as stated earlier, it is a frightening picture that only really gets worse when you consider the very latest move by the Imperial Star Republic.

Several witnesses within LX have confirmed for us that very recently an entire combat group of naval ships have departed the Liu Xiu system, rumored to be heading for the Eurydice Spur. This is a significant level of firepower being repositioned out of the LX system and deep into the Gamman rim, this is a response which screams "something is wrong". But, once again, nothing. No pressure from the media, no quires into why these ships were tasked out of system. And of course, no official word of what is going on by IStaR itself. Even the Far Stars Exploration Corporation and the Cycladia Corporate Authority have all refused to elaborate on what they might know about what is going on. Claiming ignorance when pressed about undiscovered species out on the Gamman rim.

The rumors of the combat group's destination being the Eurydice Spur were confirmed when several points of broadcasts began emanating from coordinates that correspond to the location of the beginning of the spur warning any and all traffic vectoring to this section of space, to halt travel and reverse course. These pinging type broadcasts are reminiscent of an IStaR tactic once used during the Betan Economic Collapse as a way to warn civilian ships about potential danger zones, and general space of avoidance. It is not a coincidence that these repeating transmissions which just so happen to resemble IStaR "beacon ops" suddenly appear in a region of space that has seen an uncharacteristic and surprising spike in lost ships and military activity. Several commercial freighters operating in the region have already logged reports of IStaR vessels patrolling the surrounding space outside of the ‘entrance’ to the Eurydice Spur, turning away vessels that pass their established lanes of control.

Whether they are trying to keep more vessels from suffering similar fates to the CCA-CMV Farragut, the CCA security ship, and the first response group of IStaR ships in a newly christened dangerous sector of space. Or trying to keep whatever may be in the Spur, inside the spur. We cannot confirm with any certainty, but we can tell you that with the level of interest IStaR is taking in this region of space. You should all be asking a lot more questions and pressing for honest answers. The Imperial Star Republic wants us to believe that everything is fine, that there is no potential threat that they cannot contain. We remember the last time they assured everyone, everything was fine. Just ask those buried outside Piraeus City, how fine everything was.

Written by Valinon

Trans-Quadrant Superluminal Trade Routes Drive Diplomacy, Investment
Colonial Republic-United Star Commonwealth Announce Landmark Facility
^{INTERNATIONAL CYCLIC OF COMMERCE, SECURITY, & TRADE — ALPHA & BETA}
Los Angeles, Colonial Republic— The Dornalian State Department announced the construction of a landmark facility in partnership with the United Star Commonwealth (USC). The Evenstar Project will see two jump gates constructed to connect the two nations, one in the Dornalian spatial volume of New Kazakhstan County and one in an undeveloped system within the USC, and establish a common customs area.

Plans provided by Dornalian authorities elaborated beyond construction of the jump gates and include extensive dockyards, station facilities, and transfer stations to accommodate both recreation and transportation logistics. Both governments also entered into a tentative framework to share border and customs control over the Evenstar Gates with the USC Border and Port Authority and Dornalian Immigration and Common Border Authority establishing a common partnership to facilitate inter-gate transit. Spokespersons in both Los Angeles and the USC capital world of Thompson said Evenstar will lead to the further normalisation of commerce and trade, as well as lower access barriers to the Dornalian Hyperspace Expressway.

Independent merchantmen, interstellar lines, and investors from both nations and beyond are expressing the opportunities presented by further integration of the two markets and overall reduction in transportation times.

"The Evenstar Project is a thing which needed to exist and which should have existed long ago," said Herman Kinneman, Director of HT Industries NYK Division. "The Trans-Betan Expressway hookups are nice, but I think we can all agree that the Republic and the Commonwealth will benefit from a method of access that, at the very least, minimises the risk of pirate activity nabbing valuable freight. I dunno about you, but I'm not eager to have a repeat of the M/V Georgia Maru incident—those poor people."

While Director Kinneman's reference to the Maru incident drew condemnation from some commentators, it underscores the security commitment already being displayed by the Republic and the Commonwealth. Dornalian Border Authority cutters are establishing expanded patrol routes in New Kazakhstan County with support from the Republic’s navy, including the Mercury-Cain-class battlestar CRS Colossus. The USC deployed a Carradine-class mobile shipyard with an escort group to oversee the construction of its connecting gate and maintain commerce protection operations.

The increasing naval presence is driving new trade patterns among independent traders and some larger mega-corporations. The scale of the forces operated by the Republic and the USC underscore the continuing need for expansive commerce protection operations outside established trade routes in the Beta and Gamma quadrants. It also represents the military value of the Evenstar Gates with several sources from within Dornalia and the Nassau Accords members suggesting the project may be expanded throughout the Commonwealth's existing network of gates and to the Two Cordias, long-term Dornalian allies.

Dornalian Secretary of State Norton Simons briefly addressed this speculation:

"

Secretary Norton's statement failed to wholly settle concerns in some markets. Some residents of the county organised under the name Keep New Kazakhstan Quiet and are advocating the Evenstar Project be abandoned immediately before increased traffic and crime deestablise local space. The Keep Quieters leader, Konstantin N. Tukachevsky, denounced the central government’s proposal in the county capital of New Almaty.

"The people of New Kazakhstan need to be aware that, like any big project, it will have consequences, okay?" said Tukachevsky outside the Gomez Federal Building. "I don''t know about you, but I don't fancy much the prospect of having to dodge endless amounts of freighters and seeing my property values go down because some idiot in Los Angeles wants to march full steam ahead without regard for the consequences."

Several independent analysts also warned the project was premature and drained federal resources when they were needed to resolve emergences in the Dornalian Solar SYstem, Nova Louisiana County, and the fringes of Luxembourgia County.

The Evenstar Project also drew some commentary from Adrian Rhett on the Galactic Quarterly's weekly Synergies & Synthesis ¥abber 'cast.

"I speak often of the vulgarity of short-term solutions and limited aspirations," said Rhett. "There is nothing more vulgar and tired than the cliche of cutting out the middleman, though I question if it may be said to be cliched when its employer seems uniquely unsuited to understanding the term. What the Colonial Republic's secretary proposes is girding the Nassau Accords with an additional layer of burdensome middlemen for the sake of exclusively Dornalian benefit. I am certain redundant gates are to be highly profitable for whatever corporations build them and a paltry number of public officials they solicit into thinking they are a worthy cause. The Nassau Accords, all public messaging to the contrary, remains a political project aligned with Commonwealth interests. I do not think it would take a simple machine program long to understand there is little interest in allowing yourself to be fleeced from within, but then perhaps I am optimistic in my view of computer programs and public officials."

The Evenstar Project did find a receptive audience in parts of New Kazakhstan. Governor Florence Lepetomane, the county's executive magistrate, endorsed the project.

"

Written by Valinon

Civil & Economic Disruption Drives Exploration
Quest for Alternative Trade Routes, Markets Sees Increase in Rimward Traffic
^{FRONTIER BULLETIN — GAMMA}
Efforts to stabilise the Gamma Quadrant in the wake of the Great Displacement continue to consume the attention of resources of many indigenous states and other powers within this wide swath of the Milky Way. Recent months saw several interstellar polities and international organisations offering credible evidence the Displacement and its associated crises are a waning phenomena, but they fail to offer a vision of a community recovered from its trials.

The Uthani Imperium's martial activities, the Perseid Federation's STN expansion, and recent developments in the Free State Republic's Citic colonial system do not offer a full recuperation of economic activity prior to the Displacement. Similarly, the economy of the IStaR aligned Liu Xiu SEZ remains sluggish in the face of continuing security restrictions and disrupted trade routes.

The quadrant's Rimward expanse remain a violent frontier despite the collection of outposts connecting it to more stable systems Coreward or in the Solarian Trade Corridor. Systems beyond the frontiers of several nations remain subject to terrors and trials visited by an expanding collection of petty pirate kingdoms, criminal organisations, and various raiders and warbands. Many of these organisations are increasingly emboldened by the indigenous states’ retreat inward to address the Displacement and find new avenues for economic growth and prosperity.

The last quarter saw private enterprise in the form of both smaller groups and several trans-quadrant hypercorps seeking to resolve the lingering vacuum. Exploratory missions and trading convoys are finding new investors seeking astrographic and political cartography information not dated by years, decades, or even centuries. Most these efforts were independent charters and contracts, but a more singular voice was recently founded in Liu Xiu. The WarpWide Enterprises Foundation is an ostensible non-profit organisation whose membership and funding partners are shielded by the international character of the SEZ's law and the prevailing culture of international finances. WarpWide recently extended an offer throughout ¥abber and other galactic information networks for any verifiable data information available on the Gamma Rim. The offer trended as #PreshturiiPrize due to the ancient, semi-mythical state being one of the points of interest cited by WarpWide.

The more established surveying and academic institutions of the Orion Spur and the Solarian Reaches criticised WarpWide as a needlessly dangerous enterprise inciting ill-equipped parties to die along the rim. It also undermines more formal, organised efforts such a the the recently departed Golden Goose Expedition funded by the Free Star Republic and the corporate-sponsored Starkweather-Moore Expedition. Captain Beyton, commander of the Golden Goose, decried WarpWide's opportunism:

"

Engelhorn

Denham

"

Beyton's criticism and other responses to WarpWide's prize were extensively analysed by noted SEZ journalist and commentator, Zheng Tao. Tao departed from Liu Xiu with one of the expeditions pursuing the Preshturii Prize. His interview is an exclusive of the Frontier Bulletin’s quarterly feature 'zine, The Wide.

Written by FRFS

Persistent Expeditions by New Dornalia Leads to New Star-State Emergence in Delta
Eridani Imperium Brought to Light in Perplexing Nebula
^{FRONTIER BULLETIN — DELTA & GAMMA}
For the past several years the star state of New Dornalia has attempted to traverse into the Eridani Nebula which is positioned in a quiet sector of the Delta Quadrant. Hoping to be the first to uncover the mystery that has been the nebula, the state of New Dornalia has invested time, capital and assets into this endeavor. Given the nebula’s unique and difficult properties, most mainstream trade lanes and corridors that have sprouted up due to interstellar commerce have shied away from this section of space, preferring to stick to more profitable lanes of space that do not pose such a challenge to navigate. The Eridani Nebula itself seems to display curious properties that begin to affect starships as they get physically closer to the territory that comprises the nebula, seeing the effectiveness of their FTL engines diminish to the point of almost non-functionality.

After various modifications and years of trial and error expeditions into the nebula, the star state of New Dornalia has finally announce a successful excursion into the depth of the nebula. The CRS Albert Schweitzer, has become the first known vessel to have an effective voyage into the Eridani Nebula. And the findings reported within the nebula by the CRS Albert Schweitzer have exceeded all expectations of the New Dornalia government. Hidden deep inside the protective nebula, lay the Eridani Imperium. A collection of habitable worlds that had developed independent from the rest of the quadrant, and grew into a space faring civilization. Shielded by the nebula itself from any potential newcomers, the Imperium enjoyed several hundred years of insular development consolidating its power and establishing itself as the premier authority within the nebula.

Establishing contact with the Eridani Imperium, the star state of New Dornalia has placed itself in a great position to be the first outside polity to establish successful travel and contact into a new market. The Imperium itself is a largely unknown factor, at this point we can only speculate how they decide to engage with the galaxy at large. Through the New Dornalia government it has been shared that the head of the Imperium, Empress Rowan Silvershield, has expressed a desire for further contact with the galaxy at large. Going as far to declare several ports of commerce on their worlds as “open” for foreign ships to engage in trade with Imperium industries. The three main worlds of Keldavidr, Eidolon, and Tyran within the Imperium will each see a few of their ports become available for foreign shipping and commerce, to attract an influx of foreign goods and capital from the surrounding area.

It remains to be seen however, just how foreign commercial endeavors will begin to enter the nebula. The original difficulties with FTL travel within the territory by outside vessels still exist, perhaps the modifications and innovations that New Dornalia ships have developed to finally penetrate the difficult nebula, may permeate along the secondary aftermarket of parts at an accelerated pace, given the economical promise that a new star state brings to the galaxy itself. One can only wonder how the Eridani Imperium itself traverses their own territory, how they came together despite the overwhelming difficulties that compound what is already a challenging task: long distance travel. As this region of space continues to open up to the galaxy at large, there is no doubt that the many questions poised about the Eridani Imperium will begin to be answered. Is their Empress' talk of openness and inclusion a truthful expression of intent? Or will a nation previously used to be an insular power, with no near-peer competition within their own region of space be able to ‘play nice’ with their newly revealed neighbors just outside the nebula? These questions as well as many others will eventually see answers as the Eridani Imperium slowly begins to recognize the galaxy that lay outside their nebula, and how they will react to outside influence for the first time.

Written by Frontier Bulletin foreign affairs contributor Byra Tryngal.

Written by Kyrusia

Perseids Join Nassau Accords
STN Added to Accords Potential Assets
^{GALACTINET NEWS — ALPHA}
In a formal ceremony hosted on the United Star Commonwealth capital world of Thompson, the new Archon of Arydice Taxiarchai Milonos, entered the Perseid Federation into the Nassau Accords. The formal entreat follows weeks of discussions between Federation and Commonwealth representatives following the conclusion of the Propylaea Conference, and runs against the expectations of some during the most recent Federation general elections, casting doubt that parties in favor of ratification would remain the necessary control to promulgate.

With the ratification of the Accords by Perseid authorities, members party to the treaty are projected to gain entrance into several markets across the Alpha Quadrant and, importantly, gain advantage by greater access to the Federation's Sivulon Trade Network - a large series of trade spurs stretching out in the more western sectors of the Quadrant, with connections to the Solarian Trade Corridor. All of this, however, was briefly believed threatened during the Perseid general elections in which a wave of populist support threatened to upset established political institutions and influence networks within the Federation - in turn threatening to dissolve any standing, negotiable relations established between the Federation and the Commonwealth. Even so, not all political pundits and commentators shared this position; with the general election resolving in favor of the so-called "establishment," Cristion Nikolaides, a contributor to the popular Perseid tabloid Mesembria stated:

"

With the Federation now a legal partner within the Nassau Accords, speculation has begun as to the potential economic and political influence the Accords may gain. Gaining greater, entreated access to the Sivulon Trade Network, some economic experts speculate, carries the probability of access to burgeoning markets in the Alpha Quadrant over the next several years; there is also some speculation that several states, some of which are currently under Federation control or ownership, may be added to the Commonwealth-backed "Stepping Stones" program - an initiative established by the Accords for the nominal purpose of increasing interstellar commerce and combating brigandage. Economic analysts and investment specialists are currently burning the midnight oil over the potential benefits - and risks - this may bring the Federation and Accords signatories, with the potential for "massive amount of credits" to begin flowing-out to those arranged within the deal.

Even so, isolationists and Nassau-skeptics remain concerned over what potential "trade" the Federation may be coerced to impart - chiefly, what strings may prove themselves attached to entrance into the Accords. Some foreign affairs specialists, many often critical of the Federation and Accords independently, have criticized the endeavor as little more than an attempt at posturing, criticizing the "Stepping Stones" initiative as an excuse for potential foreign interventionism. Others, however, points to the benefits brought by some included stations and settlements, namely with regards to parties impacted by the Great Displacement.

Regardless, it remains to be seen what the Perseid Federation's ratification of the Nassau Accords may spell for its citizens and the citizens of other signatory states. Please keep watch of GalactiNet News for updates as they become available.

by **Kyrusia** » Fri Sep 29, 2017 10:40 pm

Saturday, September 30, 2017 — Edition No. 28, Version 3.0
▲ Return

Written by FRFS

Young Monarch Undertakes Aggressive Foreign Policy Despite Shaky Support
Tytha's Coronation as Aoukari Empress Leads to Political Instability
^{FRONTIER BULLETIN — BETA}
Can you recall your sixteenth birthday? Can you think of the societal milestones reached by someone at that age? Most of us can recall first dates, the privilege of operating a terrestrial wheeled vehicle, and testing out various careers via part time jobs. Around this age we begin to see the wonders of the childhood existence fade away to make room for the reality of adulthood. Those in school begin to see their studies take a more serious turn, where some of the ‘white lies’ told in previous years become painted a little more complicatedly with the truth. Regardless of how sixteen came and passed for you, there is a distinct shift for just about anyone who reaches and surpasses that age. For most, the shift occurs with decidedly normal, almost every day parameters that the sixteen-year-old navigates on their own figuring out what needs to be done now at a new age.

It is a quintessential age where life decidedly changes in various aspects for many. For some, the changes are remarkably different than what could be described as the "traditional" experience listed above. Instead of carefully steering through a new and exciting dating scene, they are discovering how to navigate political landscapes filled with intrigue and hazards. Gone are the days spent attempting to figure out how a motorized wheeled vehicle works, and in its place, lies a complicated government apparatus to learn how to wield effectively. These challenges now currently beset an extraordinary young monarch out in the Beta system, as she is taking her first steps along her path of rule at sixteen years old.

The coronation of Tytha the Third of House Talon, which occurred a few days ago cementing the young lady as Queen of the Raptors and Empress of Aoukar, brought forth immediate opposition to the Young Monarch from established political powers as fears of a three-way struggle between entrenched internal powers begin to settle on the minds of the average Aoukari. For years a bi-partisan council made up of members from the majority Purple group of the Senate and the minority Red faction, held sway over the governance of the Monarch-less Empire. It is already quite apparent from the rhetoric coming out of both senatorial factions that neither are very friendly to the idea of their own influence eroding due to the emergence of a new prominent royal house on the political scene. The young monarch did not attempt to quell any of the fears slowly bubbling to the surface with the Purple and Red factions in her coronation speech, in fact her harsh rhetoric and message of establishing far reaching limitations and regulations on free enterprise and commercially accepted practices all in the name of "good Rapture virtue" shook with those in the Purple faction. Senate Majority Leader Morris Blaine (P), released a statement soon after the ceremony ended in which he harshly condemned the speech given by the young monarch. Painting her as "anti-business", the Senator continued to retort her every word calling her entire speech ‘counterproductive’ and her idea of limiting the breadth and severity of commercial endeavors by the Aoukar Empire as ‘backwards’. Just one day into her reign as Queen, Tytha has already been subjected to a political assault by a more astute politician.

The following day the Royal Household of Talon, was peculiarly quiet. Many were expecting a response of some sort if not from the Queen herself, then of her court in defense of the Queen’s speech. However, no such statement was ever issued. Which prompted the minority faction of the Senate, the Reds, to issue a two-part statement. The first of which criticized the Purple faction for their statements made against Queen Tytha, calling them "unnecessary and divisive". Yet, oddly enough the second part of their statement was just that, blasting the Queen and her court for their nonresponse to the Purple faction’s statement directly calling the Queen a ‘weakling’ several times within the statement. Just two days into her reign as Queen, Tytha now finds herself backed into a corner by two political blocs.

Undaunted by the political maneuvering of the two Senatorial factions, Queen Tytha made another public policy statement directly stating that all star systems lying within the space between the current ‘border’ of the Aoukar Empire and a barren expanse known in the area as Cailyn Field belong to her and the Aoukar Empire by right. Within the statement she unswervingly cited various vague old half-truths and myths of historical ties to those regions of space. Several independent star states lay within the territories marked by the Queen: Morrow, Saint Annabelle, New Tethys, Naomi and Atacama. Only one of these states have publicly objected to the territorial claim of the Queen: Saint Annabelle, calling the claims "baseless" and have "no historical truth". The Purple faction of the Senate of the Aoukar Empire was quick to jump on the Queen’s comments once again attacking her "baseless" claims of such a large section of the local area as ridiculous and any attempt to follow through with subjugation of the area would harm any potential future cooperation with any neighboring star state in any aspect. While there have been no large-scale maneuvers of Aoukar forces towards the newly marked territories, several of the independent star states have already begun preparations of their own in lieu of the Queen's statement of territorial expansion. The states of Saint Annabelle, New Tethys, and Morrow have all began to increase their preparedness in several ways, in fear of an inevitable Aoukar invasion. While the Red Faction of the Senate did not issue any formal announcement for or against the latest statement by the Queen, there have been rumors of support for expansionistic opportunities regardless of the dubious basis of the actions.

Following the announcement, Queen Tytha formally took personal control over the Raptor military despite hardline objections by several members of the high command of the Raptor military. While the Queen has yet to order any sort of mobilization for her forces, reconnaissance and deep patrolling operations have increased in scope and severity near the territories marked by the young Queen. Several analysts have estimated that it is just a matter of time before the Queen has enough actionable intelligence to begin preparations for large scale military maneuvers into the newly marked territories. While the Aoukar Empire itself is no stranger to conflict, the scope of the expansion in mind is truly staggering. Several star systems and against multiple independent states, a daunting task for a young Queen with little to no military experience. Such a dramatic shift in foreign policy is a risky gamble to take when at home your own power base is backed into a corner by competing interests. Yet, even a modicum of success in this endeavor has the potential to bring in significant support from the Red faction of the Senate, if the rumors hold out to be true. No doubt the Royal Household of Talon is hoping this to be the very case and any accomplishments in bringing in additional territories to the Empire will go a long way in cementing the legitimacy of the Queen.

At sixteen years old, Queen Tytha has her hands full as she navigates the internal political world of her Empire. Her ambitious policies surely will test her mettle as well as her strategic mind as she pits herself against enemies at home and abroad. While it seems, the Queen is content with allowing dissenting discourse to be heard from disagreeing parties, there is no doubt since seizing personal control over the armed forces that she has taken a hard stance with the governance of her Empire, more so than any recent period in Raptor history. With two policy shifts she has established that the status quo of the past decade or so will no longer dominate for much longer, as both established political parties have been scrambling to keep up with the Queen and what she will focus on next. Queen Tytha has showed herself not to be afraid to speak her mind, nor be averse to taking risks to secure her legitimacy and power within the domestic political landscape. How successful she will be remains to be seen however, in my view she is hoping on a lot of unknowns. How her military will fair against multiple opposing forces so far from home. How supportive the rumored Red delegates will be if military success begins out past the current border. And how neutral neighboring star states will be to a new aggressively expanding force in their neighborhood. There is a lot of living to do still, and it's a long way to seventeen.

Written by Frontier Bulletin foreign affairs contributor Byra Tryngal.

Written by Neornith

Cult Panic on the Rise
Crime Along Gamma Rim Brings Concern
^{STAR NEWS NETWORK — GAMMA & DELTA}
What was once considered a nuisance by several smaller polities along some portions of the Delta and Gamma quadrants has now festered into almost a state of crisis for some star nations.

The initial uptick in missing persons cases after the arrival of several thousands of refugees along some Gamma and Delta rim polities was attributed as nothing more than what was to be expected with the new arrivals. Reports from several law enforcement agencies had actually anticipated a slight increase in crimes as is often an occurrence when groups of refugees move into new borders.

Lack of interagency cooperation between nations has also been cited as one of the failings of law enforcement in the area as well, after the standard increase in crime reports surfaced of several bodies turning after having been murdered and then displayed in a ritualistic manner. At first a serial killer was blamed until more and more bodies began turning up on multiple planets across the expanse.

Scrambling to uncover what new threat had become present several intelligence agencies began investigations that appeared to uncover a common theme. Amongst the refugee groups it has been uncovered that there has been several secret societies who revere the occult have been the primary cause of the issue. Deeper probes into the matter have revealed an entire network of people called the "Sarkites".

Information on the Sarkites is limited and the SNN cannot confirm what is rumor and what is fact at this time, however there are several reports indicating cannibalism and sapient sacrifices.

Several anonymous sources have expressed a concern over the larger implications of Sarkite involvement, chiefly the civil disorder and chaos they have been rumored to spread on a grand scale. Already several law enforcement agencies have been scrambling to contain the situation however some fear that it that it may be too little too late.

At this time state officials for Usidia have declined to make a statement in regards to these events at this time however Star News Network will continue to monitor the situation to keep our subscribers up to date with any new developments.

Written by Lubyak

We Brews over Muranis
Military Forces From Several States Clash Above Muranis; Planetside Operations Cause Extensive Damage, Casualties
^{IMPERIAL INTERSTELLAR WIRELESS — BETA}
MURANIS, SETSKO -- The desert world of Muranis is now the centre of a major warzone, drawing in military forces from several stellar states. Clashes in the local void and planetside have seen massive destruction visited against civilian populations amongst both native nomads, and Bakran mega-urban areas.

Muranis is one of the key Bakran worlds. Despite being a harsh, dry desert world, regarded as a relatively minor colonial prize, the Bakran government has invested great resources into the world. Over the past several decades since its initial colonization, Bakra has developed into a major world, with a significant native population--self sufficient in food--and a substantial industrial base. Muranis is widely viewed within and without Bakran space as a keystone of both industrial output and continued political influence in the local voidspace. Moreover, recent archaeological excavations on Muranis have uncovered what Dr. Kobayashi Soryuu of Shindaikyo Imperial University terms "exceptional value."

In a press statement issued shortly after the initial discovery of the artifacts, Dr. Kobayashi said:

"

These artifacts appear to have become a centrepiece of conflict on Muranis. According to reports from anonymous sources planetside, many of the state forces involved in the conflict have dedicated significant resources to securing excavation sites, and repositories of artifacts. Further reports allege that non-military actors have taken to smuggling artifacts off world. The R.u.B Board of Trade has issued an advisory to all R.u.B merchants to be wary of artifacts alleged to be sourced from Muranis, due to the risk of counterfeiting.

At present, the Muranis Warzone involves approximately six states, many of which are operating independently or in loose alliances to achieve long term objectives. Despite the importance of the Muranis system, Bakran military forces have mostly focused on containing the conflict to the Setsko system and running supplies to guerillas in occupied territory, while apparently marshalling forces for a retaliatory campaign in order to secure the Muranese voidspace.

While Bakran forces marshall, the Muranis Warzone remains mutable and rapidly changing. With forces from six states, and unknown numbers of non-state actors, engaging in combat operations, within the Muranis Warzone, the situation is difficult to adjust. Control of the local void space remains uncertain, with major fleet actions still occurring around Muranis. However, significant numbers of ground troops from various factions have made planetfall on to Muranis. Civillian casualties have been heavy, as nomadic groups on Muranis are reported to have been ‘wiped out’ in combat operations.

It is currently unknown whether the deaths amongst the Muranese nomadic groups was a deliberate act of xenocide, or whether they were collateral damage to the larger military operations.

Civilian casualties are expected to increase as combat begins to close around the major urban areas of Muranis.

At present, the outcome of the Muranis conflict remains in doubt. Little is known about the motivations of the aggressors, many of whom are relative newcomers to the galactic stage. The R.u.B government has remained relatively silent throughout most of the conflict, with government sources suggesting that the Foreign Office had spent little time on the Muranis conflict. Nonetheless, conflict brewing in Beta has drawn significant attention across the galaxy.

Imperial Interstellar Wireless will continued to observe and report on future developments in the Muranis Warzone.

by **Kyrusia** » Sun Oct 29, 2017 10:01 pm

Monday, October 30, 2017 — Edition No. 29, Version 3.0
▲ Return

Written by Lubyak

Faelanic Quietude Begins to Integrate into Galactic Economy
Faelanic Quietude Establishes Itself as an Economic Player in Gamma; Questions Circulate on Faelanii Origin and Behaviour
^{IMPERIAL INTERSTELLAR WIRELESS — GAMMA}
PORT ST MAURICE--LIU XIU: Port St. Maurice has been a hive of activity as of late, as this outpost of the Ostend Trading Company has seen the curious and xenowatchers join the usual mix of merchants and traders in the Liu Xiu outposts halls. These new visitors have been drawn by both curiosity and opportunity, as the newly contacted Faelanii have begun to establish themselves within the Liu Xiu Economic Zone. (Click here for our summary of what we know about the Faelanii and their Celestial Empire.)

Hailing from the the Gamman Rim, the Celestial Empire of the Faelanic Quietude are new players on the galactic stage, having only recently established first contact with the Federal Republic of Free State (FRFS). The Republic’s Captain Beyton returned to known space to much acclaim, his ship laden with gifts of unusual technology, and--more importantly to the R.u.B Union’s trading houses--a series of economic agreements between the FRFS and the Quietude. The most important of these is an agreement for the creation of a joint trade lane to connect the Faelanii’s rimward holdings and the FRFS. Officially named the Pale Stars Trade Corridor, the trade corridor will be jointly managed by both the Republic and the Quietude.

Merchants and market watchers are already excited by the corridor, and the opportunities it represents. Already, Faelanii treasure fleets laden with capital have been arriving in the FRFS, sparking an economic boon within the economically troubled state. Marred by capital outlays due to previously failed trade projects, and security issues in the Citic system chilling many investors willingness to invest, the FRFS has been tied up in an economic doldrum for a sustained period. The arrival of the Faelanii has helped to break down some of this economic malaise, as investors flock to FRFS assets, hoping to gain access to the new wealth flowing through the FRFS. This boon has only been fed by news that many major shipping insurance marketplaces have given surprisingly low rates for ships travelling the Pale Stars Corridor, given the apparent success of counter-piracy operations by the Faelanii and FRFS security forces. When compared to the general lawlessness that mars much of the Gamma, this has drawn more and more trade through the Pale Stars Corridor, making it one of the largest concentrations of wealth in the quadrant.

Closer to home for many R.u.B investors, the Quietude has also established itself within the Liu Xiu economic zone. Growth of the Faeruhnis Scyth outpost has proceeded rapidly, with significant populations of Faelanii arriving at the station. Paiza securities being distributed by the Faelanii have reached impressive heights on local market exchanges, as demand for the opportunities they provide has spread throughout the region. Already, insiders within the Ostend Company have reported that many key R.u.B merchant houses are attempting to find ways to bring the R.u.B Union greater influence within the Pale Stars Corridor.

The Faelanii have surprised many observers, by their rapid acclimation to the galactic scene, in spite of their relative newness to such concerns. The Faelanii seem to be quite familiar with interstellar standards of language, custom, as well as the state of current affairs between major interstellar powers. In spite of this, access to Faelanii homespace has been heavily restricted by the Celestial Empire. Only two worlds of the Faelanic Quietude have been open to receiving foreign visitors, while many others are restricted or inaccessible due to the presence of the Pale Reaches, an interstellar hazard that interferes with all known FTL travel methods. Nonetheless, those who have travelled to Faelanic worlds have returned with tales of fabulous wealth and luxury.

However, despite the apparent opportunity presented by the Faelani integration into the galactic economy, concerns about their state have been spreading. In the words of His Serene Highness Marquis Friedrich von Altdorf, a noted member of the human supremacist Golden Halo Society:

"

Representative Elaine Fairbanks, another member of Golden Halo has initiated a motion in the Federal Diet to prohibit any expenditure of Federal funds to support engagement with the Faelani, stating that:

"

At the time this report went to press, Representative Fairbank’s proposal had yet to receive enough votes to merit a full consideration by the assembled Diet, and it is expected to die without being voted upon.

Nonetheless, both Representative Fairbanks, and His Serene Highness Marquis von Altdorf represent a suspicion that has spread in many social circles of the Faelanii and their activities. While merchants in Liu Xiu jump at the opportunity to travel to the Gamman rim, the atmosphere on Gerstintor and other core worlds remains much less enamored of the Faelanii.

The Imperial & Federal Wireless Bureau will continue to report on this story as it develops.

Written by FRFS

Cessation of Hostilities in SCU Civil War Bring News of Theft
Three Hulox Fusion Assembly Devices Missing; Fear of Trade Disruption, Terrorism
^{GALACTINET NEWS — BETA}
Coming out of the Beta Quadrant we are happy to report the cessation of almost all hostilities regarding the deadly and destructive civil war that had plagued the Solar Cooperative Union for a long period of time. With a sense of normalcy returning to the civilian population, and the government and corporate military ranks beginning to shrink to a more ‘peacetime’ level of staffing. With military units abandoning their forward operating bases, their outposts and former battlefields to return to shattered homes and begin rebuilding their broken lives. The sounds of war have finally quieted within the territory of the Union, yet a new even more dangerous sound has begun to emit from the Unions territory.

The unmistakable patter of cash machines running untraceable bills has begun to overtake the final echos from the now silent battlefields. With bases and depots abandoned by now defunct military units, the uncountable stores of weapons, ammunition and military vehicles sat unguarded and unwanted. Unfortunately for a period of time after the end of the war both Governmental and Corporate authorities were extensively stretched in their operations just trying to re-establish themselves as functioning entities that they overlooked the massive amounts of military hardware that sat in former combat zones or staging areas and essentially left them as attractive targets of opportunity.

Reports have begun to surface from law enforcement agencies within the Union describing large scale theft of small arms, ammunition and even some vehicles being lifted from former military bases and depots by criminal organizations within the Union. Whether these arms are being kept in country to bolster the illegal caches of criminal organizations, or to be trafficked out of the Union for sale to increase the potential profit for the organizations who orchestrated the thefts. It is unfortunate that the news of peacetime has to be followed with the very potential of proliferation of weapons of war, but it seems tragedy is not yet finished with the Cooperative Solar Union.

The Joint Naval Intelligence Agency, the agency responsible for handling investigations into crimes that have taken place inter-planetarily, has recently updated the registery of stolen items to include three weapons of mass destruction capable of causing havoc on a continental scale. This revelation once it became public has caused a flurry of activity from the JNI Agency, enacting a comprehensive investigation of just exactly how these weapons ended up off world, who performed the theft of the cache of massively destructive weapons and where exactly these deadly weapons are headed too. A raid conducted by the JNI against a sizable gang hideout has revealed that the weapons have decidedly made their way out of the territory of the Union by unknown means. As of this publication, the JNI are currently tracking one of the three weapons of mass destruction. While the location of two of the dangerous weapons are unknown, they have gotten a decent lead on one of them and their investigation has continued to follow the WMD to its suspected location within the nation of New Dornalia. While there are still more questions than answers in respect to the exact location and recovery of these WMDs, the JNI has fallen silent with respect to updating news outlets beyond their extension of their investigation into the territory of New Dornalia. We have been assured that when there are relevant updates to the situation, the JNI will provide them.

The proliferation of military hardware out of the territory of the Solar Cooperative Union is a tragic tale unfolding before our very eyes. An unfortunate amount of deadly weapons are finding their way into groups and organizations outside of the territory of the Union, and the intentions of these groups are not benevolent. Pirates, revolutionaries, insurgents, and criminal organizations out in the Beta Quadrant now have a steady pipeline for high quality military hardware at their disposal. I would not be surprised to see an uptick of low to mid intensity conflicts out in the Beta Quadrant in the coming months. The proliferation of weapons of mass description beyond the borders of the Solar Cooperative Union is inexcusable, to lose track of weapons of this caliber is negligent and if these weapons are ever used against innocent populations...the blame solely rests on the Solar Cooperative Union.

Written by Kyrusia

Perseids and Dornalians Release Details Involving New Evenstar Gates
Large Potential; Large Risk?
^{GALACTIC QUARTERLY — BETA & DELTA}
It's no surprise to our regular readers that the Perseid Federation invests considerable in its Sivulon Trade Network. It's also no surprise to our readers that cooperation between the Federation and member-states of the Nassau Accords is on the up-tick. In the latest move by the Federation, and agreement has been struck between themselves and the Dornalian government as to the production of an Evenstar Gateway connection, establishing a superluminal aperture between Icosakhilos and Propylaea (to be manufactured on-site by Federation manufacturers) and another (to be built in-situ by Dornalian partners) near the planet of Obregon Major, establishing a formal link between the Sivulon lanes and the Dornalian Hyperspace Expressway system. This largely mirrors a similar heavy industry partnership established between Dornalia and the United Star Commonwealth earlier this year.

To say domestic fervor toward this project is at an all-time high would be an understatement. An investment opinion piece in the Dornalian Business Daily, one of Dornalia's oldest business journals, notes that increased access between the Sivulon and the Expressway would invariably increase mercantile and commercial opportunities on each side of the aperture link. Of particular note, the piece pointed to the potential benefits to the Dornalian "Big Five" - a group of the most profitable ventures within the polity - in pursuant of ventures "with old allies and new friends alike." Such also understates an undeniable potential for consumer retail uplift, as well; with the expansion of the Sivulon point-to-point between lane and local, Dornalia superluminal infrastructure, luxury finished goods and civilian aerospace retail and manufacturing are likely to see a comparable up-tick. This, of course, doesn't touch on the unique eccentricities and potential gains for the Federation itself.

As to the Perseids, this connection conceivably allows for a route of greater participation by the Federation's Merchant Marine service in the Beta Quadrant - something that external spectators have noted a trend in wanton desire on the parts of Sivulon investment partners seeking to tap into smaller, extant ventures that escaped the Great Betan Collapse and remain largely untapped by quadrant-foreign ventures. "The Perseid Merchant Marine is very interested in investing in the potential of the Beta Quadrant," Jason Sakelaris, chief spokesperson of Merchant Marine-partner Paschalia Shipping Company stated. This works in tangent, however, with what some have commented are "ulterior motives" behind such commercial maneuvering, as such would, according to one commentator, "will enable the forces of the Commonwealth Navy, the Dornalian Navy, and the Astronautikon to respond to threats wherever, and whenever they appear," amounting to what some have termed as the Federation's growing desire to attempt to establish a politico-economic vector for governmental interventionism.

While domestic - and even considerable foreign - speculation regarding the Perseid-Dornalian Evenstar project (aside from aforementioned commentator concern) has largely been positive, not all whispers on the GalactiNet are golden. Socio-economic columnist for GalactiNet News and former Juvayne Star Traders' investment specialist Nivari Kaurn stated in his weekly podcast Cutting Edge Wounds that the "[Perseid Federation] and [...] their Nassau [Accords] partners are playing a dangerous game of 'catch me if you can' with their capital expenditures and risks." Kaurn pointed to the Accords' - by way of the United Star Commonwealth - ongoing "Stepping Stone" trade station projects, the continued expansion of the Perseid Federation's Sivulon Trade Network, the League of Organized Territories and United Systems' (LOTUS) recently unveiled "Flugel Program" Corona platform, and now the Federation and Dornalian Evenstar link "run the risk of 'big bucks for no boom'."

"These are all complex endeavors," Kaurn stated in a follow-up interview to the Galactic Quarterly, "each involving complex systems and heavy expenditures." Kaurn pointed to the heavy engineering and industrial nature of both the "Stepping Stones" and Evenstar projects as potential "capital dumps" for investors and urged investors to be cautious toward "back-to-back, high risk expenditures." Pointing to the Flugel Development Consortium's (a LOTUS member-state commercial venture administering the Flugel Program) outsourcing and contracting, Kaurn noted that such is a common risk-sharing endeavor and, while in-and-of itself not a "negative," went on to state that it may be a sign of things to come with regards to investment capital-heavy programs. Kaurn, in turn, posited the potential for political backlash among states that saw heavy refugee population re-settlement during and following the Great Displacement - citing the political movements against foreign business ventures as seen in the Free State Republic and the populist rhetoric recently witnessed in the Federation itself.

Regardless of Kaurn's expressed concerns, the potential domestic and intra-alliance benefits are there. Opportunities for faster and more stable commerce exist, and the Nassau Accords are likely to see the biggest benefit if proven a successful endeavor as many speculators attest. If not, as such like Nivari Kaurn caution, it could prove a disaster; with the Dornalian government attempting to make a more assertive push into the commercial politicking of the Accords, the Evenstar partnership with the Perseid Federation has the potential to push them more into the limelight than in previous years - something that, no doubt, could see potential for newer partnerships beyond the Accords in turn.

Reporting by Galactic Quarterly economics contributor and senior interstellar market analyst Adrian Rhett.

Written by Vocenae

Dimoniquid Returns to Stage; Exploratory Measures Underway
Beta Quadrant Sees Push from Delta, Dimoncist Rasa-Narak Exploratory Zone
^{GALACTINET NEWS — DELTA & BETA}
In recent astro-geographical happenings, the the Galactic Neo-Feudalist of Dimoniquid has recently performed several small fleet movements and has claimed a handful of isolated star systems within the Beta Quadrant. One has to wonder why, exactly, the Dimoniquid government has set up shop in the beleaguered quadrant, though the recent successes of the Twin Eagles trade corridor could have something to do with it. However, confirmation on just what the Dimonicists are up to has yet to be confirmed as no star state, as of yet, has been reported contacting the isolated systems. Due to the somewhat aggressive nature of their arrival however, one can hope that they will not be a thorn in the sides of the powers attempting to restore the Beta Quadrant to prosperity.

For those outside of the know, the Beta Quadrant was once the thriving, pulsing heart of the galaxy. A vast, interconnected (and thus interdependent) trade network brought about an immense amount of wealth and security to the quadrant. But all good things come to an end, and the end of Beta's "Golden Age" was sudden and quite violent. With its economy a thriving but delicate beast, all it took was the destabilization of a single nation to send the entire quadrant spiraling into chaos. Nations collapsed almost overnight, corporations either fled, downsized or dissolved and untold numbers of people found their glittering cities and spaceports as battlegrounds as military factions went rogue against each other, as neighbor turned on neighbor for luxuries and resources that had suddenly become incredibly limited. And for nearly half a century the quadrant remained that way, the Rust organism spreading unchecked through the abandoned infrastructure of broken nations and pirates and raiders prowled upon any travelers they could find. Only a handful of nations that were largely separate from the interconnected economic web were spared, and it has been those nations that have strived to restore the Beta Quadrant to a semblance of peace.

So in this reporter's opinion, the colonization of star systems outside of the stable and established sectors of Beta is somewhat confusing, as much of the quadrant is still under threat of pirate and raider attacks from the mid to far Beta rim sectors. And again, one has to be concerned that their somewhat aggressive stance, though for now isolationist, could lead to the premature stunting of recovery efforts. Only time will tell.

Reporting by GalactiNet News contributing columnist Paul Roberts.

Written by FRFS

ActivisMedia Attests Financial Collusion, Cartel; GalNet Roaring in Speculation
Valinor and Sacral Empire Financial Collusion: Where's the Proof?
^{FRONTIER NEWS BULLETIN — ALPHA}
Not all conflicts are violent, and not all battles involve the physical destruction of infrastructure against some targeted state by an opposing military force. The opening salvo of this very different type of warfare occurred before our very eyes on the popular dissident media site with the weapon being used nothing more than a mere inflammatory column posted for view upon their "news" portal. The publication of this internationally damning article by Koitte Salojiro a regular contributor to ActivistMedia, was only available for public consumption for several hours before not only the direct page the article was displayed on, not just the "news" portal that lead to the column's page, but the entirety of ActivistsMedia's net presence was summarily expunged from the public net. As of this publication any attempt to connect to anything once associated with ActivistsMedia's domain has been met with the same error message from multiple vectors. Further critique of the article itself and the sources contained within have been impeded by the sudden de-registration and dropping of ActivistsMedia's domain from the public web.

When pressed by several news agencies (including our own) to explain the sudden disappearance of the domain and information held on the site, InterStar Communications Group, the conglomerate which hosts the media site on its network responded with a curt press release, stating that the ActivistMedia Collective was severely delinquent on their payments for the hosting bandwidth. InterStar Communications Group assures us that numerous notices were delivered prior to the shut off and that all advanced warnings afforded to ActivistMedia were either ignored or met with hostile responses. The representative from the ICG was adamant on the timing of the shut off to be coincidental with the release of the explosive article, maintaining the line:

"

ActivistMedia

"

All our attempts to contact representatives from the ActivistMedia Collective has so far been unsuccessful; it seems that for the moment anything that is directly linked to the AMC is off-line. We have been told by the InterStar Communications Group that once payment is received bringing their account into good standing, their domain and net access will be restored to its pervious state.

What survives of the explosive column out there on the wider GalNet is nothing more than ripped out-of-context quotes and excerpts on reactionary and inquisitive articles created by alarmist reporters who in the mere hours the column was available for digestion, jumbled their ideas together using what they could find before the entire ActivistMedia site, along with the column, vanished. So far entire transcripts of the column are nowhere to be found, only bits and pieces that individual commentators have saved and regurgitated to advance their own agendas within their own articles. This leaves us out in the cold in terms of further investigation of not just what was said within the article, but the sources that backed up that information and the interesting implications alluded by the author. Looking at the wide range of reactionary articles to the original column that have already hit publication on the wider GalNet, it is impossible to tell what if anything contained in the available commentary is true or not.

If we were to subscribe to the narratives expressed within those varied articles we could be looking at just about a half a dozen different scenarios playing out before our very eyes within the Alpha Quadrant involving two of the largest financially inclined states within the quadrant: from nothing more alarming than two financial apparatuses of separate states working together in a logical and pragmatic fashion, to the establishment of a financial cartel that is poised to dominate and close off the entire quadrant to ventures that either the Sacral Empire or United Star Empire of Valinon deem detrimental to their own situations. The least popular of these opinion based articles which takes a decidedly "nothing has changed" stance about what the article by Koitte Salojiro discusses, absolutely refuting her claims made against the Sacral Empire and the United Star Empire of Valinon.

These articles assert ActivistMedia as a provocateur, deliberately stirring up an elaborated or even a falsified narrative to drive view counts and their own agenda forward. One of these opinion pieces, penned by Dorell Broque who writes for not only the Interstellar but as well as GalactiNet News, too, states most of Miss Salojiro’s article to be "absurd," attacking her claims with his own pragmatic view of current affairs between the Sacral Empire and the United Star Empire of Valinon and by extension the entire Raumreich Oversector. Arguing that the risk for the United Star Empire of Valinon to engage so fully and so directly with the Sacral Empire (i.e. "slavers") proves too much of a hazard with their internal politics to risk such an association. Despite all the positives perceived by Koitte Salojiro about the relationship she alludes to existing between financial institutions within the United Star Empire of Valinon and the Sacral Empire, Dorell Broque does not see the evidence within the article nor the sources provided to view it as a viable working relationship that would exist between these two states officially or un-officially.

Several other authors circulating through other publications have taken similar views as Mr. Broque, in stark opposition to the narrative expressed by Miss Salojiro within her now lost article. Taking a more "business as usual" look these articles express that any future cooperation between financial elements within the Valinor Empire and the Sacral Empire as "logical business ventures" that have occurred periodically in the past in select circumstances. These authors perpetuate the idea that the two largest financially inclined nations working together on propping up and funding various financial deals within their own sphere of influence is nothing more than pragmatic operations to reduce their own costs and maximize their own results.

Other articles produced (which for the moment seem to be more popular in terms of times viewed and shared), seem to back Koitte Salojiro's assertation of the beginnings of a financial cartel rising out of the Alpha Quadrant. Attempting to give additional credence to the assumptions made that select banking elements within the United Star Empire of Valinon (United Pholus Banking Guild, Kruger Imperial Bank, and the Seisinger Financial Group), have made agreements with the central and slightly autonomous bank of the Sacral Empire (White Bank), to essentially game the financial system in the Alpha quadrant solely for their own benefit. Pointing to Salojiro's sourced documents detailing the maneuvers of an entity known as the "Starwell Consortium", as proof of the level of collusion occurring between the financial elements of both states. The argument that now a financial cartel exists that holds the capability to effectively "shut off" high volume commercial ventures to parties deemed unprofitable or even antagonistic to either the Sacral Empire, the United Star Empire of Valinon or both, runs rampant through these types of commentary articles. The alarmist tone taken concerning the potential for the collusion between the Sacral Empire and the United Star Empire of Valinon to create an entity capable of unleashing a level of economic warfare across the entire quadrant (and in non-congruent territories they hold sway in), unseen by the galaxy at any previous point before. The amount of the combined capital, assets and clout these institutions could bring to the table is essentially mind-boggling. Their extensive networks and ability to be involved in just about any potential commercial endeavor, ensures that if these allegations are true, there is now a covert economic juggernaut now operating to influence financial and commercial ventures in the favor of both the United Star Empire of Valinon and the Sacral Empire.

As well as the fact that because of their individual dominance of their own respective financial markets, them working together puts them in a position to be able to effectively shut off commercial and financial opportunities to those who refuse to play exactly by their rules. The possibility of having the Lanthe Route, and the Eucer Corridor both become tools for an expansive covert financial cartel to levy against the commercial and financial markets that operate upon those two centers of economic movement is without a doubt a worrying possibility for many out there. The allegations given within the original article by Koitte Salojiro, as well as those commentary articles who support her claims, paint a very troubling picture about the future of the Lanthe Route as well as the Eucer Corridor, and serve to fan the flames of those who already view not just the Sacral Empire but the Star Empire of Valinon in a negative light.

However one shall think about these claims is up to you, the individual reader; objective proof is lacking substantially to sway the arguments in one direction more than the other. Is there truly a financial cartel rising out of the Alpha Quadrant's most financially inclined nations poised to dominate financial investment on a quadrant size scale? Or is this nothing more than independent financial institutions recognizing that working together (despite opposing political views on such hot button topics such as institutional slavery) will lead to lower operating costs and a greater measure of success in their ventures? For now, officials from all parties named in the explosive article by Koitte Salojiro have been silent, neither commenting on or even denying the accusations levied. The lack of comment, even just a standard dismissal, by those implicated within the article seems, to us, to be indication of their complete dismissal of the claims brought forth by ActivistMedia. The shut-down of ActivistsMedia's domain coinciding with the release of the initial article is inherently interesting, yet the press release as well as the following transparency by the InterStar Communications Group asserts that it was nothing more than services being cut until payment for those services is received, which is well within their right as a business, and serves to placate inquiries into their true motives on the timing of such a move.

At the moment, there is too much hearsay dominating the conversation to really pick out and investigate the true facts, not to mention the distinct omission of the original article in full, as well as the source material contained within. However you'd like to take these accusations, I'd like to remind the readers out there that even within her original article the source materials published lacked any sort of identifiable markings or features that would directly link them to any of the financial institutions or government apparatuses named. It is quite possible that they themselves are not "explosive documents leaked" from a secret financial group, but that they are merely fakes produced with the intent to defame and push public opinion against the institutions named. ActivistMedia has been known in the past to elaborate and extend their line of reasoning beyond what the facts of the matter suggest, one can easily point to the Nydalso Spatial Yards buyout and the subsequent media firestorm that followed ActivistsMedia's assertion of an aggressive foreign scheme to undermine the Free State Republic's capability to produce heavy starships.

In short, this news group has done it before, there is no tangible way to tell if they are doing it again. I’d caution our readers into becoming too caught up in the hearsay, and await further documentation to come to light either proving or disproving the asserted claims before making their own decision of what, if anything, has occurred between the financial institutions of the Sacral Empire and the United Star Empire of Valinon.

Written by Lubyak

Valinor and Verniian Governments Deepen Involvement in Citic System
Detailed Relief Provisions Outlined
^{IMPERIAL INTERSTELLAR WIRELESS — ALPHA}
VALINON AND VERNII: Earlier today, the joint Valinor and Verniian governments have announced further steps taken in furtherance of their extant Joint Statement on the Citic Emergency (JSCE), following sessions of the legislative bodies for both the League of the Raumreich (the Assembly) and International Aid and Relief Agency (IARA). These steps are intended to deepen the commitment of League assets in the Citic system, which remains riven by chaos and armed conflict, despite concerted efforts to roll back and settle the situation.

As part of this program, the Assembly passed a binding resolution that provided a detailed operational plan for provision of relief supplies and resettlement of displaced persons within the Citic system. In addition, the resolution released additional funding for IARA’s operations within the Citic system, as well as providing expedited resettlement programs both in established resettlement zones, and other member state’s territories. Finally, the Citic Cooperative Security and Support Operational Force (C-CSSOF), has been officially recognised as the League’s primary arm responsible for supporting and directing field operations in the Citic system. The legislature’s actions were further recognised and encouraged by the IARA Central Commission, which had begun to act, based on reports it had received from C-CSSOF.

IARA Director-General Auguste Wek noted that IARA would aid in the repatriation of foreign citizens within the Citic system when, “local conditions, political consideration, and asylum needs permitted’. At the Central Commission meeting, Director-General Wek presented extensive plans for the creation of centralised facilities in Citic that would be secured by both C-CSSOF and Federal forces. These facilities would then serve as strongholds, from which review and resettlement operations could be expedited.

However, despite optimism within the IARA, the Citic mission has been postponed by failure to pass through the Directory for Security and Stability (DSS). Although the resolution passed the League Assembly with nearly unanimous support and was further embraced by the Central Commission, the implementation of the resolution was blocked by the Collective Protectorates of Liberated New Hope within the DSS, based on a legal challenge to the mission, which would have been the first mission by the League outside of the Raumreich Oversector. Protectorate Ambassador Fevzi Dereli argued that, under standing Legue law, a military mission on the scale of C-CSSOF had only been previously launched under the Mandate clause of Second Proxima Centauri Accords. Ambassador Dereli has moved for the motion to be tabled, and sent to the First Committee of the Assembly for Accords Questions for review, in order to determine if a military mission could be recognised outside of the Mandate framework.

Given the widespread support for deepening League involvement with the ongoing Citic crisis, Ambassador Dereli has been heavily criticised for delaying passage of the resolution through DSS, with particularly heavy criticism coming from the Valinor, Verniian, and Ortagan ambassadors.Despite the delays within DSS, Julien Fremont, Voice of the League of the Raumreich, stated that he would be travelling to Citic soon in his official capacity. Voice Fremont’s tentative itinerary includes meetings with the Valinor-Verniian joint diplomatic mission, the FSR foreign minister, along with local Citic authorities, and IARA representatives in the field. Voice Fremont’s mission has received the approval of acting Chancellor, Marquis Matthieu Chevalier de Ayroux.

Despite the legal delays within the League bureaucracy, the executive support for the Voice’s visit, and condemnation of the Protectorate Ambassador’s motion demonstrates that major powers within the League remain committed to Citic. Dedicated League-watchers have noted that Valinon-Vernii joint operations have been carefully pressing the Citic issue within the framework of the League.

Professor Satou Takiya, head of Solarian Studies at the Imperial University of Greater Scania, one of the R.u.B Union’s most prominent observers of the Raumreich League’s internal operations said that:

"

When asked about the legal challenge to the resolution’s passage, Professor Satou said:

"

Given the apparent popular demand for action on the Citic issue within the League, a strong stand by the Protectorate could lead to further serious consequences. The Imperial & Federal Wireless Bureau will continue to report on this story as it develops.

Written by Vocenae

Imperial and Federal Union Dedicates Doppeladler Fleet, Security for Twin Eagles
Fleet to Serve as Supplement to Trade Corridor's Current Security Forces
^{IMPERIAL NEWS NETWORK — BETA}
In Greater Betan news today, the Imperial and Federal Union, the Imperial Star Republic's closest astrographical neighbor, announced plans to deploy a large force of warships into the Twin Eagles Trade Corridor in the hopes to further secure it against pirate attacks. The IFU's Doppeladler Fleet is the largest collection of warships seen outside of the nation's borders; four battlecruisers of the 7th Battlecruiser Squadron, two fleet carriers of the 5th Carrier Division, along with an assortment of escorts and supporting craft, as well as a yet undisclosed number of starships forming secondary fleets. This taskforce will be based out of the Karlstern system, currently the unofficial 'capital' of the Twin Eagles trade corridor due to it's high volume of traffic and security presence.

This was met with praise from officials within the IStaR itself and has been seen as a re-affirmation of the IFU's commitment to the security and development of the massive corridor, a responsibility that had largely fallen on the shoulders of the IStaR's own Sixth Fleet. Rear-Admiral Foressa Litari had this to say at a press conference earlier today:

"

Rear-Admiral Litari went on to further stress the many successes already seen under the aforementioned Operation Outrider, the IStaR's own anti-piracy campaign which has been underway since the trade corridor was officially launched. While the military campaign by the IStaR has been hugely successful in securing and expanding the borders of Twin Eagles, driving back pirate groups such as the Blackmoon Vahkirran and various Rhukhor splinters from the Rust Belt (the vast region of central Beta that the majority of the trade corridor routes through) and the Loesida trade spur. However as Operation Outrider has pushed deeper into the raiding volumes of the Beta Quadrant, the outlaws have become more desperate, resulting in Vocian casualties and has given rise to a small but vocal group of citizens publically protesting against Operation Outrider and Twin Eagles as a whole. We here at INN took the opportunity to speak with several of the outraged citizens to get their thoughts on the IFU's announcement through ¥abber and our official INN chatfeed:

"We shouldn't be exchanging Vocian lives and tax creds for the lives of foreign merchants!" One user exclaimed, "We've suffered enough with trying to be traders. We Vocians never needed this Pan-Galacticism b******t before, and trying to be a trading empire has brought us nothing but trouble! ¥NoLivesforTrade"

It's sad that men and women had to die, yes, but the IStaR has a commitment to Twin Eagles. It's made all of our lives better and as a whole, so has the LXSEZ (Liu Xiu Special Economic Zone). I'd go on to say that it has, with the exception of the Wildfire assholes, brought the galaxy closer together. I'd rather be united in trade and at peace than where the galaxy was thirty years ago.

The IFU should have been here from the start instead of just phoning it in for over a year and the Sixth Fleet should never have tried to police the route and go fight pirates in the a** end of space. Everyone is at fault here so we all need to get our heads on right before anything else happens.

I'm glad that the Stackers [a common nickname for citizens of the IFU, due to their unusual starship designs] are stepping in. They proposed the route to begin with but we've been shouldering the burden for too long. That being said, I agree with the sentiment that we can't back out of our own commitments to the corridor.

This whole galactic economy thing is nonsense anyway. We should just, like, move to a gift based economy and get rid of all currencies across the galaxy.

However, no matter the opinions shared, it is clear that even with IFU reinforcements to Twin Eagles, Operation Outrider or the officials in charge of it, have shown any signs of stepping back from the table. With the presence of new, fresh starships and troops surging through the corridor, the Sixth Fleet will certainly be able to further engage any pirate groups still operating along Twin Eagles and allow it to continue bringing new wealth to the Beta quadrant.

Reporting by Imperial News Network international affairs specialist Vangel Calanthas.

Written by Kyrusia

LOTUS Partners Unveil FL-1 "Corona" Multirole Aerospacial Fighter
SES and Astronautikon File Orders; Potential Export Model Viable?
^{GALACTINET NEWS — ALPHA}
Of the League of Organized Territories and United Systems' (LOTUS) collaborative projects, few have received the same degree of international press coverage and anticipation as the "Flugel Program": a collaborative project between several member-states seeking to established a multirole, aerospacial fighter. Tech- and aerospacial enthusiasts were, as such, astounded earlier this month when the FL-1 Corona was unveiled at Sciropetris Asteroid Field within the Perseid Federation for a technological demonstration. Capable of both atmospheric and spacial combat maneuvers and theater operation, the FL-1 - termed "Corona" At its Sciropteris unveiling ceremony - marks the first of a stated three models to be unveiled and enter into production later this year.

Due to its multirole nature and both in- and exo-atmospheric capabilities, the Flugel Development Consortium is expecting considerable popularity with the platform among LOTUS partners. Anticipating such, the FDC has already created a manufacturing and engineering regime bringing partner states (and their related industries) into the fold as manufacturing hubs. While Halcyon-Argyra Aerospace - a Federation aerospacial manufacturer - will be holding an apparent monopoly on the FL-1's drive-train and rear fuselage assemblies, the Flugel Development Consortium has stated that other partner states will have a role to play as well. Originally devised as a means to allow partner states to tailor the Flugel fighter platform toward the needs of each individual armed forces, this has said to be expanded to allow for the sub-contracting of different, fundamental components (portions of the fuselage, control surfaces, exhaust and waste manifolds, etc.) to partnered enterprises. With the Federation's Astronautikon already issuing an order for 1,200 units and LOTUS' own Security Enforcement Service (SES) making an order for an as-of-yet undisclosed amount, this division of risk and outsourcing is expected to benefit the Consortium in the ongoing Flugel Program - especially in terms of later models.

This is especially to be the case if, as expected, the FL-1 platform receives the wide-spread appeal among LOTUS member-states.

What is not certain as of yet, however, is the export viability beyond LOTUS. Nikola Rousso, a spokesperson of the Flugel Development Consortium, has gone on-record stating:

"

Corona

"

While this is believed to hint at the possibility of the FL-1 platform's (or later models') potential export viability, nothing has, as-of-yet, been confirmed. If it does, speculators have already begun to question the practicality of the endeavor - even citing the Consortium's own risk-spreading practices as a point of criticism. With soe many individual components potentially being spread far and wide, on top of what is said to already be a "complex platform," costs have come into question. To date, Flugel Program representatives have attempted to dissuade these concerns, stating the FL-1 will "will remain affordable."

Stay-tuned to GalactiNet News for your latest, breaking news...

by **Kyrusia** » Wed Nov 29, 2017 11:00 pm

Thursday, November 30, 2017 — Edition No. 30, Version 3.0
▲ Return

Written by Valinon

United Systems Initiates Life Star Operations
Usidian Government Launches Completed Station, Fleet in Free State Republic
^{FRONTIER BULLETIN — GAMMA}
Kilmer System, FSR—The United Systems announced the inaugural mission of its Life Star Project after almost a year of investment and construction. The disaster response and redevelopment service is deploying to the Free State Republic's Kilmer system to assist in development and oversee the construction of a new trade lane.

Life Star faces some challenges to international financing and sponsorship after its initial proposal to the League of Organised Territories and United Systems' (LOTUS) Conclave. While the project found some international support, the Usidian government ultimately assumed financial responsibility for much of the project. Estimates of Life Star's initial cost remain a matter of debate both internationally and within the halls of Usidian domestic politics. The United Systems maintains a capital outlay ranging well into the 11 figure range (Galactic Standard Credits) with some critics alleging significant costs were hidden by the various bureaucracies responsible for the project's development and construction.

The Usidian commitment to their project did see the completion of the proposed 25-kilometre long space station headquarters with attendant fleet of utility ships and support vessels capable of maintaining months- and years- long tours of duty while participating in construction,resource-gathering, disaster relief, and strategic uplifting operations. It’s first formal effort will be to oversee the creation of the Hope Tradeway connecting the United Systems to the FSR. Life Star authorities described the tradeway as promoting economic growth between the two nations but acting primarily as a logistics component of their service allowing it easier access to greater areas of the Gamma Quadrant.

The FSR was an early advocate for Life Star during its proposal to the LOTUS Conclave, but it is unclear how significant the Republic’s financial contributions were as the federal government faced increased economic and security crises at home during the Great Displacement. Some talking heads, citizen-critics, and several members of the Republic’s legislature voiced opposition to the Life Star mission seeing it as another concession by their government to foreign interests after the intervention of Raumreich states in the Citic colonial system. The criticism drew a response from some public members of the June Movement in Citic who called Life Star the latest evidence of Republic's inability to govern.

@ReGeneCitic, a ¥abber account believed to be run by some part of the June Movement’s de facto leadership, issued a statement and hash related to Life Star’s deployment:

"

The tag is trending in ¥abber and other social media users clustered in the FSR and Gamma Quadrants. @ReGeneCitic is known for being less overtly violent and revolutionary in its content, but several more virulent users also called for a 'freedom blockade' of 'independent, free ships [private vessels]' to prevent what was labeled as an incursion. The trending for these calls under the #SeizeFreedom tag grew after it was announced Life Star was being escorted by the 16th Usidian Naval Task Force, previously used in the United Systems' anti-piracy and commerce protection operations. To date, no calls have been extreme as J18 militia’s deleted call for bounties on Raumreich soldiers scalps in Citics, but it is unclear how many ships may actually answer the call to form a 'freedom blockade'.

The ¥abber activities are being downplayed by FSR and Usidian authorities, who broadly described it as an effort by Citic extremist to escape from their isolated positions in the troubled system. Speaking under terms of anonymity, several Kilmer system local officials expressed concerns foreign involvement without support from the federal government may see local space destablise. The Kilmer Marshals are said to be reviewing several emergency operational strategies in case any protests become violent. Economic activity in the local volumes and the FSR federal markets were down as many investors wait to see if the Hope Tradeway and Usidian infrastructure will produce growth or political turmoil.

by **Kyrusia** » Mon Jan 29, 2018 11:00 pm

Tuesday, January 30, 2018 — Edition No. 31, Version 3.0
▲ Return

Written by FRFS

USG Announces Colonization Initiative
Detractors Attack Initiative; May Bring Significant Change to Union
^{GALNET NEWS — ALPHA}
From the Alpha quadrant we have received a report detailing a major policy shift currently undergoing within a star state called the Union of Spacers General. The USG itself hails from a section of core ward space within the Alpha quadrant named the ‘Platinum Triangle’. It had received that moniker from various traders and industrialists who have done business with the Union and have contributed to the accumulation of wealth within the borders of the Triangle. A millennia worth of consistent trade between the USG and neighboring foreign states had built up a considerable amount of capital fueling a stable and prosperous history for those residing within the Unions territory. While finished products have found their way for sale in foreign markets far from the USG’s only controlled system, they are about the only thing that has ventured out of the Platinum Triangle with any regularity. Curiously, throughout their entire known history the USG itself has never attempted to exert its influence beyond their single system. Seemingly content for generations with the power and influence wielded within their territory as well as the regulation of a vast and intricate trade network which has saw an even draw of commercial success for the Platinum Triangle and the people within.

However, it seems all of that is on the precipice of change. The current president of the Union, Agatha Aurelia, marked the 100th anniversary of the restructuring of the Union by laying out a stark change in USG policy. Grabbing hold of a popular idea that has been floated around social circles of the Union, President Aurelia has announced a significant program to be initiated by the USG. The Spacers General Colonization Initiative, which states that colonization outside of the current borders of the Union is going to be a substantial focus of the government moving forward. An ambitious and daring proposal taking what used to be whispered about among popular groups and crafting a national policy out of it. Yet the comprehensiveness of her proposal has surprised many within the Union, and the effort to expand the territory of the USG will involve the creation of a new Federal department, a new exploratory and survey corps of the Navy and a mobilization of a sizeable portion of the military. Attempting to raise colonies both terrestrial and space based will prove to be an undertaking of an unprecedented size for the Union, yet the significance of the challenge is not lost on President Aurelia.

The effort to survey, secure and hold legitimate habitable systems for direct colonization efforts hopes to achieve several aims; to increase the territory held by the USG, to alleviate the overcrowded conditions of the Unions most impacted population centers and to increase the influence the Union can wield along their various active trade routes by expanding along those routes directly. The engagement of the military to spearhead the colonization itself speaks to the importance the government is placing on this initiative, hoping a strong and permeant military presence following the initial surveys will quickly legitimize any gained system for settlement and swift accreditation into the Union as new territories. An era of expansion is looking to dawn upon the USG, with the government moving pieces to influence that dawn into a hopefully profitable morning for the entire nation to benefit from.

The Spacers General Colonization Initiative is not without its detractors within the Union, radical segments of both sides of the political aisle are attempting to frame the policy shift in negative light to discourage popularity in the initiative by any means necessary. A particularly dirty attempt by these political radicals has been a media blitz of the Presidents former war record as a distinguished hero of the Union’s army. Her actions during the latest conflict to befall the Platinum Triangle, the fourth Spacer war, have been dragged across the headlines again in recent days. While the Union continues to label her as a hero for her actions which in part helped to bring about a speedy conclusion to the conflict, yet so many on the opposite side of the conflict tote her actions as war crimes. Those looking to widdle down support for President Aurelia newest policy have pushed these headlines despite the goodwill President Aurelia has shown against those groups now that she is no longer in uniform. Further complicating the effort by the President to secure large spreads of support for the initiative are the groups within her own base that now see her as a ‘traitor’ given her newfound goodwill to those who used to be labeled as ‘enemies’. A dangerous dance awaits the President as she attempts to figure out how to maneuver through the political minefield to continue to support her landmark policy.

While it will be some time until actual colonization efforts are realized, nations within the Alpha quadrant should take notice of the potential for this wealthy singular system nation to expand into neighboring system soon enough. It remains to be seen how the Union will navigate competing claims to systems they favor, or even if they will outright attempt to take already settled systems by force if need be. While the USG and the Platinum Triangle ready themselves to engage in a comprehensive plan of expansion, the rest of the Quadrant should ready itself as well. The winds of change are not just blowing inside the nation, with national policy shifting and internal views on the role of the USG fluctuating as well, but those same changing winds may in fact blow the Union out into the wider quadrant. Entering the fray of interstellar competition, where they may find harder conflicts awaiting them.

Written by Kyrusia

First Nassau Summit to Be Held at Center Point Station; Outline Provided by USC
Enthusiasm from Signatories Indicates Many Hopes for Inaugural Conference
^{GALNET NEWS — BETA}
The inaugural summit of the Nassau Accords has officially been announced to be held at Center Point Station, the primary commercial hub in the Accord's "Waystation" project, according to representatives of the United Star Commonwealth. Such has spurred a surge in traffic to the station by travelers, tourists, and general commercial traffic - many who hold the hope of catching their own glimpse of leaders and delegates, some who are often distant, with many only ever catching sight of the same through GalNet content or domestic media sources. Enthusiasm among signatory states is high and hopeful with regard that the conference is being billed as the first step in making the Accords a "reputable and mature league" to the international community, as well as helping solidify standing relations among members currently extant.

While the "Center Point Station Summit" is slated to be closed to the public and press, Accords representatives have confirmed that press conferences or releases will be publicized after each session for the duration of the multilateral conference to inform the international media and public as to its activities and progress. Similarly, as of yet, no official agenda for the summit has been made available, though the delegation from the United Star Commonwealth has released a broad outline of topics scheduled for discussion:

The ratification of key terminology and descriptors used among signatory states;
Expanding cooperation between signatories, with particular emphasis upon international law enforcement and cultural exchanges;
New economic initiatives;
And re-evaulating original bi- and multilateral commitments and the Accords themselves.

With enthusiasm high, many delegations have already arrived at Center Point, providing their first impressions of the proceedings and hopes for the same. Repeatedly, many have expressed the hope that the summit will bring the Accords membership closer together, strengthen their bond with its observer missions, and seek to legitimize and grant credibility to the organization on the international stage. According to reports, the Center Point Station Summit is expected to simply be the first of many such conferences between Accords member delegations; similarly, some have expressed hope that the remit of the Nassau Accords, through publicity surrounding such and the outcome(s) thereof, may expand the organization's influence and interest from external parties. The possibility for greater investment in the central Beta Quadrant and interest in Betan commerce has also been considered a hopeful possibility in the near future.

Stay tuned to GalNet News for updates on the inaugural Nassau Accords summit. Next up: interstellar sports and the ongoing "Ji'vona Scandal"...

Written by FRFS

Northwest Passage Progress Shows Profit
Concerns Raised Over Periphery Security Commitments, Burdens
^{FRONTIER BULLETIN NEWS — DELTA}
One of the major driving forces within the galaxy is trade, star states and private entities all vie for commercial success and economic prosperity against one another. The potential for either the creation of wealth where nothing used to be, or the expansion of an already existing revenue trickle into a profitable stream grabs a hold and helps to shape and steer national policy. Out in the Delta quadrant we see this driving force in full affect, with the creation of the newest and quite possibly ‘longest’ trade lane stretching across the entire length of the Delta quadrant. From one anchor at the fringe of the Imperial and Federal Union’s territorial system of Cordel, their newest acquisition on what some are calling wonton imperial expansion by the R.u.B into Delta from their historical territories in Beta. To the opposite anchor all the way out in the rim of the Gamma quadrant, held by the upstart Celestial Empire of the Faelanic Quietude. What is being called the ‘Northwest Passage’, is an extensive and expansive strip of space, and potentially looks to bring an unrivaled level of prosperity along its route across the Delta quadrant. Historically the Delta quadrant itself has lacked any sort of large scale commercial and economic venture undertaken by any state or private entity. While significant challenges exist in both creating the initial trade lane as well as maintaining and providing effective security along the route, the economic potential of the route has enticed R.u.B. officials into barging full steam ahead with their strategy of continued economic development and connectivity.

Initial reports coming in along the trade lane itself detail a network of way stations and hub systems that dot the path between the larger system anchors of the Northwest Passage. Stretching across the vast Delta quadrant, the Northwest Passage will provide a stable link between the established economies of several Beta based nations, and the growing markets of Gamma. The populated areas along the route itself have seen a substantial increase in infrastructure investment by both private corporations as well as the R.u.B. state, instigating smaller economic swoons all along the route. No where is this more apparent than in the frontier system of Cordel at the edge of the Talosian Expanse, which has seen significant investment by the R.u.B state allowing for the sparsely populated colony to act as a commercial anchor for the Northwest Passage. The R.u.B. government has opened the territory of the route to private and corporate individuals for further infrastructure investment as well as operating merchant locations within the hub systems and on the waystations, that dot the route. Attempting to bolster their initial investment with concurrent ventures by private entities speaks to the long view the R.u.B. is taking with this new route. To not just be an initial success, but to be an enduring one.

Fresh off their success in establishing the Twin Eagles Trade Corridor with their IStaR partners, the R.u.B. Government is continuing and accelerating their current national policy of expansive economic connectivity with other foreign markets. The hope is that adding another quadrant spanning trade route will increase the ability of the R.u.B. to influence and shape events outside their traditional borders to ensure favorable conditions for the R.u.B. continue. Corporations within the R.u.B. as well as government officials have applauded the efforts to aggressively establish their commercial and economic prowess in the forms of long spanning trade routes connecting with foreign markets. The continued development and maintenance of these trade routes by the R.u.B. government is a good indication of their seriousness and commitment to remaining an economic power.

The aggressive timetables set for the development of the Northwest Passage has brought some worry to the discourse happening internally at the seat of R.u.B. power in Gerstintor. A few military officials have begun to sound an alarm regarding the ability of the R.u.B. military to provide effective security along the new Northwest Passage, as well as keeping their other security commitments fulfilled. The Northwest Passage is the second long distance trade route that the R.u.B. has committed itself to patrolling and providing security for. Despite the initial success R.u.B. forces have had at turning back the rampant piracy which existed in the area prior to the establishment of the Northwest Passage, some military officials are expressing doubt at the ability of the R.u.B. military to continue its newest mission of security while engaged in their other security commitments. Fears of weakening their core defenses to reinforce exponentially growing frontier and extensive trade lanes have come to the surface, as another large section of the R.u.B. military gears itself up for frontier deployment. While no solution has presented itself on how to keep the military from being stretched too thin in the face of growing security obligations, government officials have ensured the public that there will be no lapse in security or defense.

With the R.u.B. military extending itself outside of its historic borders, other nations have begun to take notice of their placement and abilities. While the R.u.B. has publicly ensured that these forces deployed outside normal defensive areas are strictly for reconnaissance and quick reaction to pirate activity, concerned nations have expressed that these forces could be used for alternative missions of a more destructive angle. Reports of the deployment of the K.11 ‘Griffon’ heavy bomber have been especially troubling to nearby nations, and those troubling reports in some cases have evolved to down right frightening potential when combined with the knowledge of their strategic munitions such as the A.7 Hund Strategic Strike Missiles. The combination of these bombers and missiles specifically should worry any star state within range.

With the R.u.B. aggressively expanding its commercial efforts out past its historic home, it remains to be seen just at what capacity they are going to be able to continue these efforts long term. Will we see an eventual pull back at some point in the future due to their military being unable to endue their multiple obligations? Or will we see the R.u.B. innovate itself to compensate for the vastness of territory they have now committed to securing? Only time will tell, and it will be an interesting tale.

Written by Valinon

Pale Stars Trade Corridor Anchored by Ring World
An Update on Developments
^{NEW GALACTIC GAZETTEER FLASH BRIEFS — GAMMA}

Pale Stars Trade Corridor Update - Parthas system
Caecilius Somhairle - Periphery Volumes Editor PAS, FGS, AIFA, FIAS.

Exploratory Overview

The continued development of the Pale Stars Trade Corridor continues to open the previously isolated Faelanii Home Cluster, often referred to as The Painted Vale, to commerce, trade, and further international rediscovery. The trio of systems constituting the cluster include the Celestial Empire’s capital of Parthas, whose nature was often expressed as a purported galactic wonder by emissaries sent beyond the Pale Reaches to states along the Lanthe Route, Liu Xiu Trade Corridor, and Northwest Passage. These reports, while not dismissed, were treated with skepticism by the New Galactic Gazetteer and other observers due to the Faelanii’s reclusive nature. However, the growing number of travelers to the Parthas Economic Zone offered numerous, repeatedly verified accounts of discovery holding great promise for the new trade route and the Milky Way’s periphery volumes.

Previously thought to be a verdant world similar to nearby world of Prydannica, Parthas is instead a ring world estimated to be several millennia in age. Cursory reports from the Gazetteer’s independent archaeological survey indicate the ring is an Aeshanii artifact. The Aeshanii civilisation was a multi-stellar power along the Galactic Northwestern Rim and active less than 1,500 years ago according to multiple records from archives across the Solarian Reaches. Contact with the Aeshanii was abruptly lost even before the general decline of the trailing trans-Scutum-Centaurus Arm spatial volumes. Accounts on the reason for the loss in contact and later collapse are contradictory with no consensus or evidence supported explanation for the Aeshanii disappearance. Efforts to ascertain the cause for the collapse by archaeological exploration were thwarted by the destruction of Aeshanii artifacts, ruins, and systems by centuries of looting and intercine warfare collectively known by scholars as the Lesser Aeshanii Disjunction. Indigenous records from the Aeshanni are also scant with most textual evidence being secondary citations or fragmentary records in foreign archives.

However, initial findings and reports offer corroborating evidence that the Faelanii and their empire are descendants of the Aeshanii. The most concrete evidence at this time include near-perfect matches of known examples of Aeshanii sculpture and bas relief work. Academic institutions from across the Milky Way dispatched further missions to Parthas seeking additional confirmation and access to the ring. With few exceptions, these missions are returning from Faelanii space without answers. The Celestial Empire’s archaeological bureau restricts access to the ring’s surface, which its representatives refer to as the ‘Palatine Core’. The Gazetteer’s College of Editors continues to seek access for its own archaeological survey but will continue to offer such findings as are possible through remote observation of the ring world by our scientific vessels.

Commercial, Economic, & Political Impacts

The discovery of Parthas’ true nature drove a surge in superluminal traffic along the Pale Stars route even beyond that of academic interests and surveyors. Numerous governments, including the Solar Cooperative Union and the Allied Republics, are establishing embassies, constructing waystations, and organising other infrastructure in the Parthas Economic Zone. These activities are yielding reciprocal efforts in other local spatial volumes, such as the Gateway Sector being established by the Free State Republic (FSR).

The Celestial Empire’s approach to commerce protection and anti-piracy efforts is also compared favourable to that of established multi-stellar states in the Alpha and Gamma quadrants. The increased traffic to the galactic periphery is already cocooned in an appreciably growing zone of patrolled and police space, halting a centuries-long process of economic decline and increased violence. This stable volume well beyond the established boundaries of the Faelanii Home Cluster is causing some concerns among neighbouring states. It is the product of substantially increased military activity by the Celestial Empire with reports in recent months detailing increased manoeuvres by the Faelanii navy and several troop transports. Strategic analysis from the Alphan investment firms cites this as being at a level greater than necessary to prevent piracy and raider attacks. Other analysts suggest this is a preparatory series of operation aimed at asserting a greater control over the Pale Stars route and its economic activity through military force. The Faelanii imperial dynasty rejects these assertions and describes its military operations as part of the next phase in the route’s evolution.

Written by Kyrusia

UPDATE: Following Denials, Alexzonyian Starfleet Officials Confirm Confrontation in Arcadia Sector
Event Involved Navigation Rights, Not Anti-piracy Operations; Future Uncertain
^{GALNET NEWSWIRE SERVICE — GAMMA}
_{Produced from phototext update details provided by the Alexzonyian News Network.}
On the heels of repeated denials from the Alexzonyian Starfleet regarding reports of a confrontation occurring within the Arcadia Sector, press officers from the Alexzonyian stellar branch have provided discrete confirmation of the same, albeit with several corrections regarding the facts. Previously, several outlets, including the ANN, indicated that last week's confrontation involved an Alexzonyian Starfleet detachment conducting anti-brigandage and anti-piracy operations in the Arcadia Sector. Ongoing piratical enterprises in the Gamma Quadrant have remained an affront to many star-states and their respective polities, possibly lending credence to this erroneous report. In a press conference, a Starfleet representative stated that the incident instead "involved [Starfleet assets] and military vessels operating under the flags of the [Co-Prosperity Sphere of Auman]."

In further attempts to clarify, Starfleet stated such "in no way" involved a, "as has been reported, 'botched, anti-piracy operation,' but was instead a dispute regarding navigation rights [through the Arcadia Sector] claimed by the [Co-Prosperity Sphere]." Igniting something of a flurry within the media following the announcement, and despite the attempts at clarification, sensationalism ran rampant; reports of an exchange of fire ran across the GalNet tickers of sectors bordering Arcadia, indicating the possibility of an outright Alexzonyian and Aumanii conflict soon to arise. One ANN astro-political and military analyst stated that, in the event an exchange occurred, "injuries and deaths among Starfleet personnel would most likely have been inevitable." Such soon thereafter prompted further clarification on the part of Starfleet, stating that no such exchange had occurred, and that reports of such were "inaccurate"; "No shots were fired during the incident," one Starfleet representative stated, rather bluntly, in a follow-up press release seeking to assuage the growing rumor mill.

Despite the clarification, the domestic response from Alexzonya has been strong. J'Lal Mirinel (Conservative Party, Haven), Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, speaking officially from the Office of the President, stated: "[We] ought to persistently enforce our laws within our own borders." Mirinel went on to applaud Starfleet's "[resistance] to foreign encroachment into [the Alexzonyian sphere]," declaring flatly: "If Aumanii ships want to traverse Alexzonyian space, they can do so on the terms we have set forth, which I think are not unreasonable." In apparent support of such a strongly-worded missive, rumors have begun to spread regarding a potential form of "gunboat diplomacy" policy taking shape; specifically, such involves the possibility of Alexzonyian Starfleet increasing their military presence and activity in both the Arcadia and Augustine Sectors.

Even so, the domestic response to the "Arcadia Incident" has not been unilateral or one-sided. A spokesbeing for the Alezonya Progress! Party outright condemned the handling, thus far, on the part of the government and Starfleet with regard to the incident in an incendiary release:

"

In response to the incident, unnamed sources within the Foreign Affairs Advisory have indicated that a formal complaint was lodged with the Aumanii embassy on Meridian Prime on the behalf of the Alexzonyian government, further stating that a series of bilateral talks between the respective states is to be "expected." When questioned by ANN staff, representatives of the Aumanii government confirmed that the "Arcadia Incident" occurred, reiterating their "commitment to protecting freedom of navigation rights in the affected areas"; no comment as provided as to the expectation for future Alexzonyian-Aumanii talks, leaving the question regarding the future of relations between the same uncertain and, according to some, guarded.

Written by FRFS

ITC Enters International Stage, Promises Cooperation and Trade Arbitration
Cooperative Presented as Neutral, Collaborative Venture Between International Trading Parties
^{FRONTIER BULLETIN NEWS — ALPHA, BETA, DELTA, & GAMMA}
We here at the Frontier Bulletin have finally received the confirming report of the opening of the Interstellar Trade Cooperative. Rising out of a long running series of successive conferences and meetings between the star states and private entities that would compose the re-organized membership of the Cooperative announced themselves with a formal dissemination of their mission statement and organizational structure to various media publications galaxy wide.

The Interstellar Trade Cooperative is a commerce-focused organization comprised of a mixture of nation states, with cooperation from private and commercially orientated entities. The focus of the entire Cooperative is to provide a venue and a framework to foster positive interactions between the operators of the galaxy's trade lanes and routes, trade stations, and commercial hubs. To further the development and sustainability of affiliated trade ventures through dispute litigation, potentially shared maintenance costs, promotion via multiple media outlets, standardization of logistical practices, and adoption of shared programs. The Cooperative aims to function as a neutral party with respect to political positions of affiliated members, while still providing a functioning environment for discussion of trade topics and the formation of agreements between members.

The neutrality of the ITC, one of its larger draws as an organization, will ensure impartiality as disputes are handled between affiliates, that investment capital flows evenly from the ITC towards its members, and that promotional material gives all routes and hubs similar representation of their capabilities to potential users. As trade continues to become a more vital occurrence within the galaxy, organizations such as the ITC will play a more comprehensive role in shaping how that trade occurs and through what avenues it takes place. Allowing for smaller and larger nations and entities to work with each other on equal footing, using the framework of the organization to enter a new era of interconnectivity and cooperation, leaving the zero-sum way of operating commerce between states in the past.

Already the Interstellar Trade Cooperative has seen a flurry of star states from all corners of the Galaxy submit inquiries for potential membership within the Cooperative. When looking at the expanding member list one can see nations who put an emphasis on commercial ventures populating these first membership rolls. Some of the largest and longest running commercial endeavors and their benefactors have already become members of the Cooperative, adding to the growing legitimacy and prowess of the Cooperative in larger circles of discussion. The Cooperative hopes that the success had by these initial members spurns an increase of interest in becoming a member of the ITC among ancillary states and entities.

The Cooperative as an organization is hoping for an expansive cooperation base, where a substantial portion of the galaxy’s commercial projects are meeting within the Cooperative's framework. Affording an easier matrix of information about the various undertakings of affiliated states and groups to be created and disseminated to interested parties quicker. Allowing for an expanding positive atmosphere where affiliated members can use the various programs in use by the ITC to maximize the efficiency, and profitability of the specific venture without having to worry about conforming to any singular political ideology.

The organizational focus on trade-based issues and sustainability of the ventures that promote and allow for large scale commercial activity, is a real draw for nations and entities looking to establish themselves within the increasingly complex world of international trade. And with the programs and information offered by the ITC, membership within its ranks looks to be a very enticing option for those looking to increase their economic input and output on the galaxy. As nations and private entities continue to line up at the front door of the Cooperative, swelling the member ranks with more infrastructure, ideas, and concentrated capital it remains to be seen what exactly will come from all of this. Potentially the galaxy will see an increase in the amount of trade being conducted on all affiliated trade networks, which as is hoped would lead to an increasing amount of profit for all involved. The ITC hopes that their efforts to connect the various commercial interests of the Galaxy within one neutral organization will lead to a period of increased physical commercial traffic within affiliated networks, an increase in goods production within affiliated members, an expansion of markets in all quadrants, and increased cooperation between affiliated states.

Currently operating under an Interim Speaker of the Trade Assembly, the Interstellar Trade Cooperative is slated to begin conducting formal business, and releasing associated information of its meetings, within the coming weeks. Stay tuned to the Frontier Bulletin for further information.

Written by Valinon

New Dornalia, SCU Sign Aid Agreement
Colonial Republic of Earth Pledges Economic Development & Education Programmes
^{GALNET NEWS — ALPHA}
Los Angeles, California, Earth SSR—The Dornalian Congress voted to approve the aid agreement negotiated with the Solar Cooperative Union (SCU) by the State Department. The agreement pledges the republic to a programme of loans and educational grants designed to further advance the international support following the Union’s civil war.

Norton Simons, the Dornalian Secretary of State, led a months-long negotiation with the Union’s Council of Executives to develop the various provisions of the aid package. During the negotiations, Dornalian authorities described their programme as an augmentation of other on-going relief efforts mostly led by former member states of the League of Organised Territories and United Systems (LOTUS) organisation. Their aid initiatives prioritise rebuilding infrastructure and restoring depleted agricultural production of the SCU.

A series of grants and no-interest state-to-state loans constitute the majority of the planned assistance to the SCU. Most of these are delivered in the form of direct financial loans valued at several billion Galactic Standard Credits (GSC), but there is also an initiative to transfer industrial and agricultural technology in the forms of both equipment and expertise in parallel to the development loans. Solarian Union professionals and students are encouraged to develop further expertise through subsidised education grants funding their studies at a selection of Dornalian schools.

‘This aid package will go a long way to stablising the Solar Cooperative Union,’ said Secretary Simons when addressing one of the congressional committees responsible for reviewing the proposed agreement. ‘Not only is it the benevolent and proper thing to do, but it will help aver the creation of a potential Beta Quadrant trouble spot. And I believe it is in the firm interests of not just the Republic but also all the peoples in the Beta Quadrant that no more conflict zones make themselves manifest. Others have seen this wisdom, and I think we should as well.’

Simons tour through the Dornalian Congress bordered on an electoral campaign. His efforts were credited with the broad support for the agreement at ratification. It also led to strong criticism among those still refusing to sanction the agreement. Speaking anonymously, one member of Congress described it as ‘the most significant corporate welfare package in the history of the Republic’ aimed at doing nothing more than supporting an ossified corporate oligarchy who survivability is leading analysts and investors across the galaxy to navigate away from the Solarian economy. Concerns about the expense, which is not capped or estimated in total by the ratified agreement, captured much of the domestic political opposition. Resistance was strongest in the Congressional budgetary committees where other demands on the Dornalian military and domestic infrastructure development were constantly mentioned.

International observers and domestic groups, including several Solarian-based humanitarian and relief groups, criticised the role of the Dornalian embassy to the Union in the agreement. Both governments acknowledged the Dornalian mission and its staff as an agency empowered to open contact with other governments and non-governmental organisations ‘so as to avoid unnecessary and duplicative benefit grants.’ Other aiding parties noted this fundamentally undermines Secretary Simons guarantee that the Dornalian agreement seeks only to augment existing efforts. They cautioned the Council of Executives to curtail these powers and prevent any effort at shadow economic integration or a foreign to create an informal, involuntary economic union.

‘The war was bad enough. I don’t want to see the nation sold off only months after it ended,’ said Sanela Timo, an urban reclamation supervisor in Menao. ‘Look what the Raumreichers and the Usidians are doing to the FSR, or what the Huerdaen did to the border states in Delta. Or LOTUS...well, the one thing good to come of this is we at least know we won’t waste anything else there. The Council should lead the redevelopment or just admit they only want profit for themselves.’

Other aid agencies, including the Combined Agri-Development Group, said they are open to exploring coordinating with the Dornalian government or possibly offering joint funding if it can expedite the Union’s recovery.

Despite some controversy, the Dornalian effort did enjoy a significant boost in the international reputation markets after a short video of one State Department official went viral on ¥abber.

‘Sometimes? You gotta do the right thing,’ said the unnamed official in front of a waiting container of genetically engineered grains. ‘This seems pretty right to me.’

by **Kyrusia** » Thu Mar 01, 2018 10:43 pm

Friday, March 2, 2018 — Edition No. 32, Version 3.0
▲ Return

Written by FRFS

Mind Empire Seeks Entry to Twin Eagles
Concerns over IStaR, RuB Forces; Karo-Darnell System Authorized Access, Pending Entry
^{FRONTIER NEWS BULLETIN — BETA}
The Beta Quadrant recently has seen a flurry of activity by both private enterprise as well as leading stellar polities which has begun to buck the longstanding trend of the quadrant being stuck in a cyclical economic decline coupled with never-ending stagnation. The historical widespread tags once associated with the quadrant so clearly, now seem to no longer accurately reflect what is occurring within the quadrant. While it was true that the quadrant at large had experienced an intense and wide reaching economic recession that culminated in the financial failings of several high-profile conglomerates and sovereign states dragging multiple sectors into a severe economic depression and affecting the entire economic outlook of the quadrant.

The wave of bankruptcy’s that occurred with both private and public institutions seemed to never end. Corporations abandoned longstanding colonies overnight, leaving untold numbers of ex-pat workers stranded on various worlds. Run-away inflation rippled throughout the quadrant seemingly leaving no unaffected currency within the Beta quadrant. While parts of the quadrant fared better than others in withstanding the economic spiral that was the Betan Economic Collapse, its after affects are still being wrestled with by various nations and private enterprises trying to pursue their interests.

One of the more uplifting and fruitful stories of the past few cycles to come out of the Beta Quadrant has been the continued success of the Twin Eagles Trade Corridor (TETC) spearheaded by the Imperial Star Republic (IStaR) and the Imperial and Federal Union (R.u.B.). Providing a stable network of commercial hub systems, and waypoint transfer stations, supported by both governments within the Beta Quadrant. Various state powers as well as numerous private interests, some not even located in the Beta Quadrant themselves, have found avenues of cooperation with the TETC. Providing a stable, secure, and supported infrastructure, trade once again flooded into and more importantly out of the Beta Quadrant once again. Periodically the TETC will receive new admissions for involvement by interested nations looking to take part in the bourgeoning level of trade experienced along its network.

This draw of potentially increasing the flat volumes of local commercial activity was what ultimately brought another suitor to the Twin Eagles Trade Corridor. The Mind Empire’s Ministry Council in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce fielded proposals for expanding the Empire’s commercial connections in Beta, which the High Sages approved of. The cornerstone of their suggestions was to pursue involvement with the Twin Eagles Trade Corridor even going as far as to begin a colonization effort of Darnellberg, a sizable gas giant moon in the Karo-Darnell System. It is intended by the Mind Empire for the new colony on Darnellberg to become an eventual waystation along the network itself. It is our understanding that the colonization efforts on the moon and perhaps further into the Karo-Darnell System will continue regardless of their proposal of it becoming a TETC waystation.

While the Empire itself has expressed confidence in the submitted proposal for inclusion into the trade corridor, not all apparatuses of the Empire are fully onboard with this decision. The main source of contention over the application into the TETC seems to be over the issue of security. And more importantly who provides the security. It is a condition of the TETC that all security along the trade corridor itself is to be done by either IStaR or R.u.B. forces. Which would mean The Mind Empire would be giving up security of its newest colonial possession to foreign powers. No number of bilateral meetings, and joint council sessions could smooth over this speedbump with some in the Empire’s influential military. This fact has seen much opposition coming from loud parts of the Admiralty. Specifically, the Lord High Protector, who sees the newest possession of the Empire as something to protect and develop and not give away. At the time of this writing, one of the subordinates to the Lord High Protector, a Justiciar has dispatched what is being called a ‘defensive fleet’ to the Karo-Darnell System.

The timing of this naval maneuver comes just on the heels of the Polemarch declaring the Karo-Darnell System as well as the upstart colony on Darnellberg ‘open’ to security forces of the Imperial Star Republic and the Imperial and Federal Union. The declaration was made in hopes of swaying the governing body of the Twin Eagles Trade Corridor to look more favorably on their application backed by a serious statement from a government official. The ‘defensive fleet’ itself is comprised of around eighty or so vessels of the reported ‘Galleon’ class. It is at this point unknown if this movement of military assets was an authorized event, some have suggested that since the application has yet to be accepted the movement of the fleet was completely warranted to provide security to the Empire’s latest possession. Other’s have called it blatant posturing by a paranoid section of the military which could jeopardize the entire proposal to the TETC. Regardless as of now the fleet en route to the Karo-Darnell system has yet to be officially called back to their home port, however both the Polemarch and the High Sages have ensured they remain in contact with the fleet.

The Mind Empire’s system of Castor stands on the precipice of a windfall of economic opportunity and focus if the submission to join the TETC succeeds. Currently the Prince of the Dominion, Crispin Jonah, along with his regional sages have been actively involved with the High Sages of the Empire in preparations of the Castor Starzone for a potential increase of traffic. Olios Uzman, one of the more influential sages of Castor has called Twin Eagles Trade Corridor, “not just a win for Castor, but for the entire Empire!”. The Polemarch himself has arrived in the Castor Dominion without any warning bringing the bulk of his personal fleet along with him into the system. The sudden appearance of the fleet as well as the Polemarch himself has bolstered the moral of Prince Jonah and his allies, as well as the physical security of the Dominion of Gamorary and Bastion against any other unauthorized moves of ‘defensive fleets’.

The arrival of the defensive fleet into the system of Karo-Darnell is much anticipated in lieu of the pending decision by the Twin Eagles Trade Corridor’s governing body. Will the move into the system affect their decision, especially when viewed after the open declaration by the Polemarch? Or will the assurances of the High Sages and the Polemarch keep the Empire in a good light with the TETC? I think more importantly we should be thinking about what occurs after the looming decision by the TETC. If they vote ‘yes’ on including the Mind Empire as well as approving the designation of ‘waypoint’ for the Karo-Darnell system, does the defensive fleet return to their home port? Calling their maneuver, a securing operation until they can hand over duties to IStaR and R.u.B. forces? Or do they defy the regulations of the trade corridor and throw their inclusion into the TETC into jeopardy? As well what if their proposal to be included is denied? Spurned by the TETC, and yet emboldened by their colonization effort, the Mind Empire may be enticed to find their own way in joining into wider galactic economic affairs.

Written by Lubyak

The Sick Man of Beta: Resolving the Aftermath of the Union Civil War
As a post-war budget crisis looms, the new government of the SCU faces serious challenges. Is it up to facing them?
^{INTERSTELLAR AFFAIRS (SHINDAIKYO OFFICE) — BETA}
SOLAR COOPERATIVE UNION-BETA: The Solar Cooperative Union’s (SCU) recent history has been tumultuous. The Union Civil War pitted the SCU federal government against both hardline militarists and powerful corporate entities in a massive war that cost hundred of millions of lives, and represented a bleeding sore in the heart of the Beta quadrant. When peace was announced, with an interim federal government formed to manage the reunited state. Many cheered the end of the conflict that had forced millions of sentients into the mass refugee fleets of the Great Displacement, but other observers tempered the optimism of peace. As conflict after conflict in galactic history as shown, victory on the battlefield can often be lost in bureaucratic halls in the aftermath of war. The current state of the SCU federal government serves as another grim testament to this old tune.

The Union Civil War was highly destructive to the underlying economic infrastructure of the Solar Cooperative Union. In addition to the huge amounts of potential capital invested into military industries, destruction of major sources of wealth generation, undermining of key networks, and huge amounts of debt needed to finance warfighting that accompany most major wars in the modern era, the SCU suffered an even deeper wound. Regardless of its nature, the state--be it a primitive kingdom that has just unlocked agriculture or the most expansive stellar state--ultimately draws its strength from its population. It is the population of a state who work the fields and industries, take up arms, and advocate for policy developments, and the Union Civil War saw a huge amount of the pre-war population of the Solar Cooperative Union either killed or driven out of the state. This massive reduction in the population has undermined the sapient capital of the SCU, and the ability of the government to raise the necessary funds to maintain its vital functions.

Ordinarily, a state that is unable to extract wealth from its citizenry would be able to turn to other means of income. Such sources could range from looting and redistribution of existing wealth to the interstellar financial institutions. For the new SCU government, options like the former are unusable, and the extant loans taken on as part of the effort to win the war have exhausted the SCU’s potential credit in the interstellar markets. Credit ratings for SCU federal bonds have been dropping steadily over the past few months, with the Nibutani Conglomerate’s Finance division dropping them to ‘junk’ status only a few days ago. The combination of the failure of the taxation system and the inability of the SCU federal government to find new sources of incomes has resulted in a government that teeters on the brink of bankruptcy.

The apparent failure of the government to manage its finances has only compounded a series of worsening problems within the SCU. The damage to the economic infrastructure has generated a series of major shortages within the SCU of vital goods, including food and medical supplies. These shortages and failures have prompted some of the constituent planetary governments of the Union to take matters into their own hands in one way or another. The governments of Strinda, Jerash, Alberhalden and Khaba have all pursued emergency budget measures, independent of the federal government. Meanwhile, the governments of Clovis and Leyette have decided to pursue a program of ‘Public Stock Governance’, wherein public assets are auctioned off to private citizens and entities so as to enable them to continue functioning, even without government control. Although the federal SCU government has made repeated statements denouncing this practice, it is telling that the government has not taken any steps to prevent such practices.

Worryingly for students of recent Union history, corporate entities have been stepping up to fill some of the gaps left by the failings of the federal government. Corporations have been acting to subsidise food and other necessities to the wider population, at break-even prices--or even at a loss. These actions have already found purchase, as the corporations develop and enhance their political capital within the wider population. With the interim-government pledged to draft a new Union Charter once the budget crisis has been handled, the political capital gathered by the Union’s corporate bodies could prove extremely powerful in shaping the future of the SCU.

The situation facing the SCU is a deeply troubling one. After years of civil war and mass population displacement, optimists in the galaxy had been hopeful that the SCU could become a new bastion of stability within the Beta Quadrant. The SCU’s provisional government made grand commitments to both LOTUS and other polities throughout the Betan quadrant; commitments which may now go unfulfilled as the SCU slips deeper into crisis. Despite efforts by both governments and corporations, unemployment, shortages, and all manner of other calamities continue to dog the population of the SCU, and they have reacted in kind. Unrest is prevalent within the SCU, with riots an increasingly common sight. Worryingly, this unrest may cause a collapse of the interim government.

Such a collapse would be a calamity of the greatest order. The SCU has only just begun to stabilize itself, and the Beta quadrant has become an increasingly valuable centre of economic growth for the polities that fill it and line its fringes. Should the SCU collapse into political chaos again, the results could ripple through many of the stellar states which now find themselves more and more invested in the overall health of the Beta Quadrant. An SCU collapse may even result in a power vacuum that could draw in the great powers of the Alpha and Delta fringes.

Thus, the SCU government must find a way to avert calamity...

Read the rest of this article on Interstellar Affairs. A publication of the Policy Council for the Stellar State.

by **Kyrusia** » Thu Mar 29, 2018 10:06 pm

Friday, March 30, 2018 — Edition No. 33, Version 3.0
▲ Return

Written by FRFS

Colonial Republic to Join LOTUS
Entry Grants LOTUS Access to Dornalian Infrastructure; Reciprocal Relationship Expected
^{FRONTIER NEWS BULLETIN — ALPHA, BETA, GAMMA, & DELTA}
The Galaxy itself is a forever shifting field of political adventure between the vast number of states, organizations, groups and entities all playing within the continuous 'great game'. All of them incessantly attempt to positively influence their own situations sometimes with the assistance from other benevolent polities who have grown friendly towards one another, and sometimes at the expense of other polities who find themselves at a rival’s arm length while playing the 'great game'. We hear about these instances of influence through exposes and articles that find their way onto the galactic media circuit. These works of information, like this very article, attempt to bring to the public information on these moments of changing influence which can take various forms such as: diplomatic treaties, trade agreements, defense pacts, forming alliances, and declaring war.

At one time or another almost any nation may find itself attempting to exert its influence, to better an ongoing situation for itself. How they choose to do so may have several cascading and lasting effects not just for itself but for other institutions both near and far. One of the larger political adventures that the galaxy has seen recently was the formation of the League of Organized Territories and United Systems (LOTUS) spearheaded by the Perseid Federation of the Alpha Quadrant and several other nations from across the galaxy. The League itself is a multi-national organization designed to promote economic prosperity, protect liberties and freedoms of citizens, and ensure the sovereignty of its signatories through collective security. The League has enjoyed successive years of operation, winding itself into every corner of the galaxy with new member-states, finding ways as an institution to become a player on the political field of the galaxy.

One of the ways in which LOTUS has found success in establishing itself as a player in the great game of the galaxy is by expanding its membership when opportunities arise. Despite recent defections from the League of Organized Territories and United Systems, they as an institution still seem attractive to prospective members around the galaxy. Even with the Free State Republic and the United Systems of Usidia rescinding their memberships to the alliance, LOTUS continues unabated. Coming on the heels of two member-states revoking their inclusion into the League, a previously affiliated nation finalized their own membership into the League. The Colonial Republic of Earth has officially announced their inclusion into the League, with various syndications of Dornalian news outlets hailing it as a pivotal and positive moment for the entire Colonial Republic.

This move into becoming an official member of the League of Organized Territories and United Systems, seems like a natural evolution of the current arc of the Colonial Republic’s current foreign policy. Already having agreements between themselves and the Perseid Federation in place, one of which being the establishment of an Evenstar Gateway between the two nations helping to facilitate movement between the friendly nations. It looks to be a expected move for the Colonial Republic to fold itself within the institution of LOTUS, even if the negotiation period was a bit drawn out and tense between the representatives of LOTUS member-states and the Colonial Republic’s representatives made up of the President himself, the nation’s highest official diplomat the Secretary of State, the Director of Central Intelligence, and a few select members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

"This is a great day for the Colonial Republic," stated President Haggar upon confirmation of the passing Senate’s vote for membership fifty-five in favor of joining the League and forty-five against. The President was not alone in expressing a positive outlook upon confirming their ascension into the League. Both the Rothbard Times and the Martian Express dolled out wide sweeping articles on the benefits and potential positive outcomes of membership within LOTUS, expanding upon the reciprocal give and take of commercial trade, cultural exchanges, knowledge swaps, and the comforting idea of collective security. Optimism is high in the Colonial Republic concerning joining the League, with concerns over LOTUS being mainly regulated around the establishment of a Dornalian branch of the SES (Security Enforcement Service) the enforcement arm of the League, as well as certain language within the League’s charter. Specifically, the sections that address the concept of collective security.

Detractors within the Colonial Republic point out that member-states are not outright obligated to defend one another in cases of conflict, that there needs to be a charter vote, before league assets are released into battle. Calling the language of this particular section of the charter 'weak', most of the forty-five nay votes in the Senate were tied to politicians wanting more assurance in the realm of defense from the League as an institution. Regarding the SES however, the critics were more satisfied with the language stating that the Dornalian section of the SES would remain subjected to Dornalian law and command while being a part of the League’s Security and Enforcement Service.

With the Colonial Republic becoming a part of the League of Organized Territories and United System, LOTUS will now have access to Dornalian facilities and networks to facilitate the maneuver of goods and personnel as well as economic and military resources and assets. The potential windfall of new networks, markets and resources becoming available to the League will be sure to increase their ability to continue to influence events galaxy wide in their favor. While the Colonial Republic sets itself on a new, more extroverted path with regards to foreign policy. It remains to be seen however, if the Colonial Republic can balance their idealistic political desires with realistic League issues.

by **Kyrusia** » Sun Apr 29, 2018 9:45 pm

Monday, April 30, 2018 — Edition No. 34, Version 3.0
▲ Return

Written by Neornith

Chief Sage Vulcon, Grandson of Eternal Emperor, Passes; a Nation in Mourning
Outer Council Sees Changes; Potential for Unanticipated Change?
^{STAR NEWS NETWORK — BETA}
Tragedy has stricken the Mind Empire this week. Chief Sage Emmanuel Rozuel Vulcon has passed away this week. With the Chief Sage having moved on to the Greater Unknown the upper political arena of the Mind Empire has been shaken up drastically with younger and newer members taking up key positions within the Mind Empire.

Chief Sage Emmanuel was known as one of the greatest minds to have ever guided the Mind Empire. Emmanuel was the grandson of the Balazar the Blessed, creator of the Mind Empire. Emmanuel was instrumental in easing tensions during a period of civil strife amongst the Empire. Emmanuel along with Betelgeuse Benjamon and Nathaniel Garro von Satfire created the first High Sage Council and were successful in creating a golden era for the Mind Empire. Together they faced several external threats to the Empire and they easily managed to repel them all.

Curiously and unlike several of his predecessors, Vulcon uploaded his own mind into the Ominous Ever-Mind and has set the condition to dormancy. The move has several observers of the Mind Empire theorizing as to why but thus far nothing solid has shaken out of the purported theories. Prevalent amongst them however is that Vulcon has confidence in the administration and that his assistance is no longer necessitated by the Mind Empire.

Upon Emmanuel’s death his close friend and ally Betelgeuse has decided to retire, the move created another vacancy within the High Sage’s Council causing further apprehension over how well the Mind Empire would function without two of it’s oldest and wisest guides. With the Chief Sage position opening up Lord Nathaniel has taken up the mantle and has worked furiously to try and ease tensions and calm fears about the great change in the Mind Empire.

Further concerns have rumbled through the government of the Empire as two of the Grand Mistresses of the College of High Clerics have been selected to fill the vacant positions of the two Vice Sages. Causing further concern are the three vacant positions from the Outer Sages Council also being filled by members of the College of High Clerics. This move has some members of the government mildly concerned that the College has an unprecedented representation amongst the highest levels of government amongst the Mind Empire.

Lord Nathaniel has however gone to great lengths to assure the general populace that business as usual will continue amongst the Mind Empire. However there have been several comments from leaders amongst some colonies that have viewed the sudden political shift as concerning, chief amongst their concerns being Admiral Paulos, who was a former member of the Outer Sage’s Council, now making several political maneuvers to secure the position of governor for the somewhat tumultuous colony of Y’rcon. Some observers have hypothesized this move may be only the first of Lord Nathaniel’s campaign to try and quell tensions amongst the Colonies, others however have stated the new Chief Sage is unlikely to be involved.

Whatever the future holds for the Mind Empire in the arena of interstellar politics most people however can agree that Lord Nathaniel, while young by Haman standards, is still a competent and effective leader for the citizens of the Mind Empire. Only time will tell if the fears of a drastic political shift are or completely unfounded.

Written by FRFS

Interstellar Empire Announces Gate Project
Opening of the Empire; Potential for New Trade Relations, Partnerships
^{GALACTIC QUARTERLY — GAMMA}
The galaxy has never seen a more influencing activity to engage in than commerce, it has the ability to change, shape and mold the galaxy in substantial and lasting ways. Entire societies and nation-states continually maneuver themselves to gain whatever advantage they can concerning issues of trade and commercial ventures. We see it occur whether it is at the personal level with individuals lining themselves up for high paying careers. Or at the singular business level, with corporations looking for ways to try and gain an edge over the competition in terms of policies, products and services. Even at the nation-state level, we continually see national policy bend and twist to the opportunities and challenges that commercial adventures can bring to their spheres of influence.

With the galaxy starting to be more inter-connected than ever before through the proliferation of trans-national organizations, inter-system corporations, special economic systems, vast trade corridors and lengthy trade routes that are all haphazardly sprouting and continually growing across vast tracts of space. Becoming a part of the growing galactic economy is looking more and more like an inevitability, rather than a luxurious choice for many polities.

Those Nation-states and societies that have previously operated under more isolationist and closed off polices and procedures, will quickly find themselves behind the ball of the more inclusive and open nation-states in terms of market access, logistical infrastructure, governmental policy and societal engagement. And once the decision has been made to buck the status quo and dive into the diverse and crowded intergalactic economy, a lot of catching up has to occur.

One way to lessen the gap between established nation-states and prospective nations in the galactic market that we have seen work is the establishment and expansion of intrasystem and interstellar infrastructure aimed at expanding and improving upon commercial activity. We've seen nationally focused programs and massively scaled construction efforts undertaken with the goal of interweaving what once were closed off and isolated economies with the wider available galaxy be successful.

Reaching trade routes and focused corridors have wounded into and between quadrants, commercial hubs popping into existence have proliferated the spread of trade based traffic, focused and dedicated sectors of space for corporations to flourish have all sprang into existence to concentrate and push commercial efforts on a inter-stellar scale. These efforts and instances end up bringing nation-states along from previous stances of isolation and into a more inclusive posture with the rest of the galaxy.

And what is quickly becoming a critical piece of invested infrastructure in these logistical chains operated by a variety of nations is gate based transportation technology. We are seeing more and more instances of nation-states dumping unheard sums of money into creating entire networks and systems of gates for both improving upon internal methods of transportation and commerce as well as burgeoning into externally based foreign trade. With their up scaled faster-than-light drives, directed energy generators, and their capacity to move massive amounts of material unmatched by any other system. These gate networks have become viewed less as impractical money sinks and have become treated more like essential parts of a dedicated network.

The Interstellar Empire of Nyte is one such nation attempting to cast aside long standing policies of isolation to insert themselves into the wider galactic economy. Sitting along the border area of the Gamma-Delta demarcation line, the Nyte Empire itself is positioned where they can take advantage of both Gamman and Deltan commercial markets. As well as letting the established economic players in those markets have more access to Nyte's internal market besides the famed Sigma 161 system, the Empire's token sector of space dedicated to receiving foreign traders and their products for dissemination into the wider systems of the Nyte Empire.

The Sigma 161 system is one of the first territories of the Empire to have a gate node constructed, in an effort to boost the capabilities of the system and test out the technology as well as new procedures that the gate network will rely on. This first gate node was quickly followed by the second, which was raised in the Cryus system particularly close to the lush world of Deliverance. This massive construction effort undertaken by the Nyte empire has flowed through all of their controlled systems, like a rush of innovation and invention that looks to change the makeup of inter-stellar transportation within the Nyte Empire for good. The other six systems within the Nyte Empire each have gate nodes under construction, and are all expected to be completed within the coming months. Forever changing the make up of long distance travel within the Empire, and allowing for a large increase in the ability to manage and handle increasing traffic.

There has been speculation based upon a series of quotes attributed to unnamed government officials that the Nyte Gate Network's long term goal is to become interwoven with other gate networks throughout the galaxy, essentially fully incorporating the Nyte economy with various partners in the galaxy. This has lead to a promising expectation of a significant increase in both revenue collected from commercial activity coming into the Empire as well as activity vectored for foreign markets abroad. Despite the large amount of investment undertaken by the Nyte Empire in the construction of this network, overall it has been presumed that the coming revenue and profits that the gate network will be responsible for overcoming that initial investment amount.

The decision by the Nyte Empire to begin to implement the changes needed to involve themselves within the widespread activity that comes with the galactic economy will bring its own challenges and issues to solve both domestically within their own borders and with their commercial partners and adversaries abroad. Sitting in a position to become a transfer point for a hefty amount of traffic vectored to Gamma from Delta and vice versa, it isn't just infrastructural changes that the Nyte Empire is focused on.

Militarily the Interstellar Empire of Nyte is also preparing to deal with the increases of commercial traffic and the challenges that it will bring. It has been a longstanding program of the Navy to adjust their doctrine to accept more offensive operations out along their borders and beyond where the majority of their trade based traffic occurs. Attempting to stretch their ability to project power and secure trade corridors and routes outside their own borders is a stark change of doctrine and operational tendencies, but is a necessity for the increase in commerce to continue unmolested by unwanted and negative attention.

For the Interstellar Empire of Nyte it'll remain to be seen exactly how all these stark and large changes will play out in the upcoming months and years, how their society and nation will be molded and changed by the forces of commerce. It will be interesting to see what policies and procedures are birthed from the trials they will face in integrating themselves with the wider galaxy. But if recent history of other nation-states that have followed the same path is any indication, integrating yourself with the commercial activity of the wider galaxy is a net positive for any group of people.

Written by Kyrusia

Peace Returning to Citic as Joint Operations Continue; League Politicking Ongoing in the Raumreich
Rumors of Foreign Debt, Ongoing Outlawry, and Mission Creep Cloud View of Progress
^{FRONTIER NEWS BULLETIN — GAMMA}
Since the establishment of the Valinor-Verniian Citic Cooperative Security & Support Operational Force (C-CSSOF) and its subsequent deployment to the Free State Republic's Citic System - plagued by an ongoing water crisis, domestic insurrection, and systemic brigandage - progress continues in quelling the same. As the Frontier News Bulletin has continued to monitor the ongoing Citic Crisis - the nature of such often taking a personal tone - things have drastically improved since Valinor-Verniian joint forces have begun engaging in cooperative operations with Republican forces and agencies in the beleaguered system. As such, with recent news of expansion of the CSSOF's patrol routes, a decrease in illegal in-system activity, and the fully operational status Fourth Royal Yaltan Rifles, domestic celebration is in order - at least for some.

The Valinor Kriegsmarine (KM) and Imperial Verniian Navy have recently announced an expansion of its security patrol routes; with intra-system patrols and security measures - aimed chiefly at whittling down armaments smuggling and sophont trafficking - having been largely successful, the joint Valinor-Verniian forces have taken to aiding in anti-piracy operations and commerce protection beyond the Citic System. Aimed at relieving federal forces - many of which are already on the ground in Citic or in-system, with federal and localized assets assisting their Valinor and Verniian, military counterparts - from such requirements, while most have viewed the actions positively, it is not without its detractors. For weeks, independent free traders and captains transiting rimward systems of the Free State Republic have reported sightings of Valinor warships far beyond the presumed initial mandate of the Citic System and Crumple Zone, leading to some criticism of possible mission creep. Such also comes on the heels of questions regarding the Joint Missions actual levels of success in Citic, with sightings of smugglers, raiders, and slavers still being quite commonplace, seemingly in the face of draconian and retrogressive judicial regimes enacted by the Kriegsmarine and Imperial Navy.

Even so, such criticism has largely been drowned-out by the report that the Fourth Royal Yaltan Rifles will be reaching fully operational status within the month as its previously-detached company, formerly assigned to the Gyras System, arrives. The Batons themselves have, further, received an unanticipated reinforcement in the form of three additional, combat drone companies routed directly from Alpha Centauri, previously on reprieve reassignment from the Yeni Gün System, making such a double-strength regiment in terms of operational force when combined with already in situ deployments. This marks yet another increase in planetary and naval force deployments working in-concert with Republican forces and custom/excise agencies, with representatives from the Joint Mission indicating such are largely aimed at ameliorating the stressed planetary environment on Citic (with particular focus on relieving water shortages beyond imported supplies), as well as in assistance to local forces around Citic planetary ports and related shipping and logistic infrastructure.

Diplomacy between the Joint Mission and the Free State Republic's federal government also continues to show signs of progress. Beyond the necessary political liaisons required, the Joint Mission has declared its intent to continue hosting cultural and educational exchanges within the Republic at their primary facilities; such an announcement followed the successful and well-received celebration of the Valinor's own Empire Day. Concurrent celebrations are scheduled to occur in both the Axul and Citic Systems as a part of the Joint Missions ongoing exchange with the Republic. More political affairs have also shown signs of progress, with with Baron von Hardenberg (Valinor) and Sir Henry Stafford (Vernii) jointly announcing they intend to complete negotiations regarding a proposed security and intelligence cooperation agreement for the review of their respective governments before redeployment of planetary forces is completed.

Despite such optimism, however, both and home and abroad criticism and political machinations seem to be casting something of a shadow over the progress in the Citic System. Within the League of the Raumreich, complications have arisen as the Directory for Security and Stability has set yet another date for formal recognition of the Joint Mission. Official and and unofficial channels within the Raumreich have been aflutter as parties privy to the Joint Mission have continued to lobby other League members to challenge the Collective Protectorate's decision to delay formal recognition, as announced several months prior. International media commentators and pundits have gone so far as to indicate the Verniian government has gone so far as to apply pressure directly to Morning Star - the government of which faces ongoing crises arising from a disastrous economic recession. Alphan commentators have already declared the Protectorate's dissent is likely to be repudiated in the coming session of the Directory, with some market analysts claiming that the respective authorities of Valinon and Vernii have levied threat of economic disaster in the face of continued protest.

Such, further, arises in tangent with ongoing concerns of a lack of public discourse regarding considerable public debt the Free State Republic owes to international groups affiliated with the Sacral Empire. Several reported leaks (currently from unidentified sources within the federal government) claim that the Sacral Empire, notably the eponymous "White Bank," agreed to provide financing to the Free State Republic, and that such a debt loomed on the horizon, with the federal government being unable to continue making payments while bogged within the Citic Crisis; such leaks continued, stating that the United Star Empire offered to step-in and resolve such outstanding debts, either in whole or in part, but no details have been made available regarding such a potentiality. In an interview with the Frontier News Bulletin, Baron von Hardenberg stated, simply, that the imperial government remains committed to "helping the Republic secure economic and fiscal independence and future growth through future trade agreements still being negotiated."

As the Citic Crisis continues, albeit with significant progress, be sure to stay tuned to Frontier News Bulletin for all your pertinent updates.

Written by Kyrusia

Vascilia Agreement Announced, Colonial Republic and Co-Prosperity Sphere
C.R. Intends to Sponsor Sphere's Entry into the Nassau Accords
^{GALNET NEWS — BETA & GAMMA}
Following the completion of what has been termed a "fact finding tour" by State Department representatives of the Colonial Republic (conducted in person by Colonial President Michael Haggar and Secretary of State Norton Simons) to the Co-Prosperity Sphere, the promulgation of the "Vascilia Agreement" has formally been announced. Termed for the main locale of meetings between Colonial officials and the Sphere's head of state, Samoth Uyghur, the agreement serves as a product of the aforementioned foreign mission, culminating with something of a quid pro quo between the Colonial Republic and the Sphere vis-a-vis the latter's entry into the Nassau Accords.

Only the latest of several foreign missions and "diplomatic rendezvouses" conducted by the Colonial Republic, the Vascilia Agreement marks a tit-for-tat relationship being founded between the Republic and the Sphere in which, upon agreement to ratify the Accords, the latter would be unilaterally sponsored by the current Nassau state, the Colonial Republic itself. In a statement to interstellar media, Secretary of State Simons commented:

"

While associated commentary has largely been positive, especially bringing highlight to the potential economic and martial benefit the Sphere's inclusion may bring to the Accords, as well as in-line with an apparent intent of the Accords to embark on greater assertion into the Gamma Quadrant, the Vascilia Agreement has not been without its own detractors. While some have questioned the Republic's ability or position to unilaterally grant sponsorship to a potential signatory third-party, others have drawn more light on the potentially redundant or "facade" nature of the Vascilia Agreement; chiefly, a recent ¥abtag has trended (¥Weren'tWeAlready?) indicating that while the Agreement marks a beginning of relations for the Republic and Sphere regarding the Accords, it, to some, seems needless, with commentators bringing to attention the fact that the Colonial Republic and Co-Prosperity Sphere are already at a stage of standing entente and positive relations via the League of Organized Territories and United Systems (LOTUS).

Regardless, despite detractors, State Secretary Simons has maintained a positive outlook regarding the Vascilia Agreement and the potential future the Sphere may have within the Accords, stating: "We feel that this agreement is a step in the right direction for galactic peace. The Nassau Accords gets a participant in an expanded, stabilized trading system, and the Sphere gets to market its good potentially in other arenas. I think it’s a win win." Whether that optimism is grounded, as of yet, remains to be seen.

Stay tuned to GalNet News for future updates...

by **Kyrusia** » Fri Jun 29, 2018 9:30 pm

Saturday, June 30, 2018 — Edition No. 35, Version 3.0
▲ Return

Written by Valinon

Colonial Republic Opens Isolated Realm
Officials & analyst hail new triumph in diplomacy created by the Sengrin Agreement
^{GALACTINET NEWS — BETA}
Los Angeles, California, Earth SSR—Colonial diplomats announced the conclusion of diplomatic negotiations with the isolationist Federated Star Empire of Macisikan, commonly known as the Realm, following a border incident involving a Colonial prospecting vessel. The successful effort followed the release of the Colonial vessel and the opening of relations between the two states.

Some weeks ago, the Colonial vessel M/V Daisy Duke entered the Sengrin system as part of on-going prospecting efforts for resource-rich jovian worlds beyond the periphery of the Colonial Republic. The system is part of the Realm’s integral territory, and the Daisy Duke was intercepted by warships of the Imperial Federal Armed Forces. The ship and its crew were initially detained by Macisikani authorities but were released after it was apparent the intrusion into the Realm was accidental. Captain August McClung of the Collins Resource Extraction Company reported the incident to Colonial authorities after returning to Luxembourgia County, and his report led to an official expedition being organized under the command of Captain Elgin Park, Colonial Navy, and led by the CRS James Blish, a Colonial deep space exploration vessel.

Captain Park’s visit on behalf of the Colonial Republic’s government initiated the opening of diplomatic relations with the Realm. Both the Colonial Republic and the Realm agreed to an exchange of diplomatic missions to represent the interests of the respective governments and their citizens. Robert Hendricks, the Colonial ambassador to the Realm, also secured a non-aggression pact with the Realm. The Sengrin Agreement, as it is known in the Republic, is a more historic first for the Realm than the ambassadorial exchange. The Realm’s previous policy of strict isolationism previously led to it destroying most vessels intruding in its space.

Colonial Secretary of State Norton Simons described developments in Sengrin as a significant breakthrough and ‘the best example of turning a crisis into an opportunity in years’. Echoing the sentiments of the Republic’s earlier agreement with the SCU, Simons made it clear the two governments are positioning themselves ‘to do great things’.

Evidence of this positioning is noticeable. Markets in Luxmbourgia County are seeing an unanticipated increase driven by trade between the Republic and the Realm. While strictly regulated by the Realm, distilleries and other fine finished goods are finding new customers. Dornalian officials were also seen with Realm envoys suggesting other arrangements are being made, potentially when dealing with other foreign powers.

Economic and political analysts are urging more caution than more Colonial announcements citing numerous concerns. The Realm remains committed to its long policy of isolation. Viscountess Adria Desalia, Realm ambassador to the Republic, activities make it clear her government is disinterested in greatly expanding its small circle of diplomatic contacts. Similarly, the Macisikani Vice-Ministry for External Affairs did not even respond to requests to comment on the Sengrin Agreement or requests for press visas from Galactinet, Galactic Quarterly, and other international media outlets.

‘A captive isolated market seeking an equitable arrangement with a dynamic, open economy and society? We have seen this time and time again,’ said’ Hanvis Renansant, theoretical economist and the Interstellar Trade Cooperative (ITC) specialist in emerging markets. ‘The only question is what of the three possible outcomes will result from this exchange. Will the Realm turn against further openness when it results in greater expectations of communication and dialogue or when its society must negotiate the differences between itself and the Republic? Will that manifest in a cycle of violence, likely giving us an insight into the value of this non-aggression ‘pact’? Or will this be the equally old narrative of exploitation? The Republic can easily reduce the Realm to a tertiary vassal by selectively screening what contact and communication it mediates, either directly on behalf of the Realm or in policing the Luxembourgia County to eliminate possible competitors. The gains from this will be brief, slight, and ultimately overwhelmed by the cost to at least one of the states involved.’

Renansant was also quick to identify the problems of the Republic maintaining such a strictly controlled bilateral arrangement when faced with other demands from its more common multilateral diplomacy as a member of the Nassau Accords and one of the more integrated economies along the junctions of the Vela and Orion spurs.

Dornalian Congressional Representative Prince Schultz also urged caution, ‘[This is] going on the first date with someone and then planning everything from the prenup to the mortgage. Things need to be taken one step at a time, especially with the Realm being a riddle inside of an enigma inside of a Rubik's Cube. And we'd do well to remember that this date is heavily armed and doesn't like being touched.’

Dornalian pundits were quick to note that this development serves Secretary Simons more than the combined peoples of the Republic or the Realm.

‘If he can’t buy reform and prestige at home, he spends millions in the SCU. When he can’t find a new trumpet to blow, he sends our naval personnel to some backwater where they shoot without even caring if they would ask a question. Norton Simons will run for president; the only question if it will be over President Haggar’s political corpse or if it will be the latest chapter in how he gets us involved in some incredibly stupid quagmire,’ said Drederick Gunderson on The Gunderson Hour.

Written by Lubyak

Sick Man No Longer?: The Recovery of the Solar Cooperative Union
The Solar Cooperative Union’s recent history has been a dark one. Yet, the worst seems to be over. Is this a fresh start for a new Solarian state?
^{INTERSTELLAR AFFAIRS (NEUBOEHMEN OFFICE) — BETA}
SOLAR COOPERATIVE UNION-BETA: The Solar Cooperative Union’s (SCU) recent notoriety has come from its all too common appearances in morning headlines, serving as a suitably dark and foreboding piece from which to begin the day. This publication is no exception, having closely followed the trials and tribunals of the SCU throughout its recent past. To provide a brief recounting on the state’s troubled history, the SCU has only recently seen the conclusion of a prolonged civil war between corporatist and government factions that saw major worlds throughout the SCU suffer heavy losses of life and damage to vital infrastructure. Even after the conclusion of the war, the interim government found itself hamstrung by limited access to hard currency, resulting in crippling food shortages to an already crippled population. The government has effectively been forced to rely on emergency decrees to maintain a semblance of good order, but even these actions had limited effectiveness. In many places, private corporations were allowed to take major roles where local governments failed, raising the specter of renewed corporate power, even in the direct aftermath of the civil war. It was widely feared that the SCU would end up as a festering sore in the heart of Beta, with economic turmoil and a near impotent state leading to its systems becoming a safe haven for pirates and source of refugees to tax the states surrounding it.

However, at long last the Sick Man of Beta seems to have driven off their infection. Influxes of foreign capital, emergency fund raising measures by central and local governments, along with other sources of financing and strong efforts by average citizens, have seen the worst of the funding crisis slip away. Shortages of vital materials, including food and medical supplies, that only weeks before were threatening to undermine the whole of the SCU have come to a close. While the scars run deep, and some worlds still suffer from crippled infrastructure and limited access to basic necessities, for the majority of the Solarian citizenry, life has been able to reach a level of stability and normalcy not seen since the outbreak of the civil war.

Yet, the government remains an interim one, with its legitimacy only supported by its continual invocation of emergency powers. For many Solarians, as the emergency abates, such actions by the government can no longer be supported. Thankfully, the provisional government has enabled a peaceful transfer of power by calling a Charter Convention, an event not seen for the past two centuries when the modern SCU was established in the wake of the Niltheim Conflict. Initial proposals called for a simple reinstitution of the Old Charter, which had served the SCU well until the outbreak of the civil war, but these proposals were quickly universally rejected, with representatives from every Solarian world declaring that the Old Charter had lost any legitimacy it had due to the outbreak of the civil war.

As a result, the Charter Convention has focused exclusively on drafting a new charter for a new SCU. The past several weeks have seen the Convention be a hive of activity, as a new charter is hammered out in a form that resolves many of the issues inherent with the previous charter, while also remaining acceptable to the member worlds of the SCU. Although not yet finalized, many of the characteristics of this New Charter have been made public.

The primary feature of the New Charter is its streamlined legislative structure, and creation of a unified chain of governance that stretches from individual municipalities to the highest deliberative body, the biannual Conclave of Planetary Representatives. Police powers have largely been devolved to local governments, while the Fleet retains its position as the arbiter of inter-planetary disputes. Interestingly, the Fleet Command has been restructured so that it is constitutionally subordinated to the Union Intelligence Directorate, and answers directly to it. While some officers throughout the Fleet have expressed their disquiet at the new bureaucratic structures, the recently attempted coup d’etat has destroyed any political capital the Fleet might have, rendering the few dissenters relatively isolated with limited ability to shape the direction of the New Charter.

Overall, support for the New Charter seems to be going, and the Convention can easily be considered a success. Yet, while the convention provided a much needed treatment to abate the most acute symptoms of Beta’s Sick Man, the future is uncertain. The New Charter has established a government, and brought a degree of political stability to accompany the newfound economic growth, the new government’s foreign policy is unknown. Dedicated watchers of SCU politics believe that domestic pressure is pushing for a more involved policy, but thus far little evidence has emerged to corroborate this.

Nonetheless, it seems apparent that the Sick Man of Beta has left his hospice bed, and his prognosis is looking up. The interstellar reaction to this has been...

Read the rest of this article on Interstellar Affairs. A publication of the Policy Council for the Stellar State.

Written by FRFS

Valinor Flex Far From Home
Vizeadmral Flynn's Battle Squadron Returns
^{FRONTIER NEWS BULLETIN — ALPHA, BETA, DELTA, & GAMMA}
A celebratory mood has begun to prematurely bubble throughout the United Star Empire, with their holiday season quickly approaching the Valinion people are beginning to take stock of personal achievements, landmark occasions and in some cases finding reasons to celebrate. Soon the fever of the season will bring public festivals, familial feasts and private parties across the whole of the Empire. The early onset of excitement simmering within the Valinor Empire has been kindled by the return of the highly publicized battle squadron (BATRON), from an extended two year tour of service along the outer portions of the Gamma and Delta quadrants. The squadron (BATRON), command by Vizeadmiral Michael Flynn, was primarily composed of ships from the Extra-Raumreich Operational Area (EXROA-COM), as well as additional warships from the allied states within the Raumreich and Verge. This foreign expeditionary rotation was supplemented with a mandate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) which gave the Vizeadmiral a wide berth of authority regarding issues and dealings that would surface out on their tour.

Their mission within the Gamma and Delta quadrants while broad and vague followed a distinct pattern, which was to engage and promote commerce protection activities as well as anti-slavery operations within the volumes of space traveled. To revise current astrographical data and provide a more detailed survey of the traveled portions of Gamma and Delta. While descriptive details of the entire tour are scarce and probably classified, the powers at be have let a few morsels of information about the squadrons activities to filter out into the public domain.

What was supposed to be initially only a relatively short eight month tour involved mainly with escorting the diplomatic mission out into the Delta Quadrant, was extended and expanded upon by Government and Military officials several times while underway. Eventually culminating in a two year long deployment, that saw a variety of operations engaged upon and given several goals to achieve. Demonstrating the ever expanding reach of the Kriegsmarine, and the ability to sustain long deployments not just of itself but the Allied Navies as well, perhaps is the most important goal achieved.

Along the terminus of the Sagittarius Arm the squadron involved itself in a running four month campaign to curtail and dissuade active raiding groups that had decimated local forces. Later on during their deployment within the Talosian Expanse the squadron again found itself for three months battling persistent and deadly pirate groups that were continually preying on busy commerce routes. Rumors that these military operations were field tests for improved weaponry and experimental designs have been circulating but they cannot be confirmed. However, despite the fact that there were confirmed casualties and reported damage suffered to several ships, all ships have been confirmed returned. With such a long deployment weathered and not a single reported loss of ship, praise has come from high places regarding the leadership of the Vizeadmiral and his command staff. Archduke von Mettermicht beamed with pride when speaking to reporters about the return of the squadron, “The return of the squadron, without the loss of a single vessel, is a testimony to the empire’s status as an interstellar power. The government looks forward to welcoming Vizeadmiral Flynn and his crews back. Their efforts bring some measure of future integration to some of the isolated volumes opposite the galactic centre. In cooperation with our allies, the empire will continue to sponsor integration and international community independent of antiquated concepts of quadrants and supranational federal structures.”

Fighting and purported weapon's testing weren't the only goals set for the squadron to complete during their time along the Gamman/Deltan outskirts, in terms of their surveying and diplomatic operations, Vizeadmiral Flynn found himself at the forefront of opening up new areas of foreign space to potential Valinor influence. They experienced positive reactions from local states within the area of Shepard's Spur, including the Tí̱msátthan Wanderers, which ultimately lead to the major extension of the surveying portion of their tour in hopes of replicating further positive instances with new areas. While the level of success would be slightly mitigated by the sheer distance involved from the Valinor to the outskirts of the Delta and Gamma quadrants, the opening of potential markets is too good of an opportunity for any Vizeadmiral to pass up.

However during their time spent surveying within what became known as the Eridani Nebula, and their attempts to establish contact with the reclusive polity, the Eridani Imperium, brought their good luck in opening inroads to new contact to an end. While it is still unclear what exactly occurred between the two within the nebula, from what we can tell the reception of Valinor forces within their territory was not well received. While the official line from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is that 'contact' had been made with the Imperium, it seems that every overture has been rebuffed and declined. The news of diplomatic failure was met with some joy, calling it 'proof' that the imperialistic tendencies, and cabal-like commercial and economic policies of the Valinor would wear thin with independent states. Being spurned in the Eridani Nebula was unfortunately not the only black mark upon an otherwise stellar tour of duty. The other, while not the fault of the Vizeadmiral, nonetheless is tied to his expeditionary campaign.

Despite his small failures, in his return home Vizeadmiral Flynn has the recognition of his peers and citizenry, the sheer magnitude of his tour and the overall success it is been has fueled support and calls for the expansion of EXROA-COM. Compounding with other successful operations engaged in by the command, it has lead to talks for another increase in funding for the branch, possibly even coming near to the levels of which the strategic home defense fleets are funded. While the squadron he led has been reassigned for refit and resupply, the Vizeadmiral himself has found himself headed back to the Lanthe with a new title and a new responsibility. He has become the Chief Officer for Combined and International Operations for EXROA-COM, and he looks to command two squadron's of newly build dreadnoughts as he looks to bring his experience to what is becoming a ever more important asset of the Valinor, the Lanthe.

by **Kyrusia** » Sun Jul 29, 2018 9:09 pm

Monday, July 30, 2018 — Edition No. 36, Version 3.0
▲ Return

Written by Valinon

Faelanii Pursue Opening Borders, Secure Economic Future of Outer Arms
Domestic Politics Yield Open Borders & New Trade Port
^{GALACTIC QUARTERLY — GAMMA}
Less than a year ago, other market analysts led investors to believe the Beta Quadrant was the latest in our galaxy’s cyclical movement of new frontiers bolstered by the statements and thinly-veiled propaganda of various domestic governments and international organisations. News from the quadrant became a staple part of our diet; visions were outlined of an economic recovery paving the way to an open, robust network of economies unified in their commitment to the more integrative, less nationalistic of our current reality.

The visions were not realised. Instead, we were treated to the failed policies and standards of yesteryear’s mercantile trade networks and internationalised defence agreements. These arrangements do produce a modicum of economic stability, but they serve only those state or state-like entities party to the agreements. I cautioned those who would listen that calling the Beta Quadrant a ‘risky investment’ was a grave understatement and that the fickle realities of the quadrant’s diplomacy, politics, and economics. We now have the evidence to again know this beast remains habituated to its traditional ailments.

The Nassau Accords, arguably the largest group of economies in Beta, routinely announce new infrastructure projects and initiatives while creating a bureaucratic behemoth sprawling around the Solarian Reaches from all sides. But what do these initiatives yield? Some reduction in the piracy and disruption rampant after the latest Collapse; the creation of self-serving middlement pocket economies like the EvenStar gates; a variety of petty border conflicts as states attempt to poach stellar real estate only strategic within the realms of their unique superluminal technology. All of this is exemplified in the recent news of the Sengrin Agreement between Dornalia and ‘the Realm’ of Macisikan.

This agreement purports to open the militantly isolationist imperial state to the booming economic quadrant. It is not worth the material expended to create depository copies for the two signatories, one of which I am certain is used to line a cage in some imperial bestiary. While the encounter between the two states was not an outright military conflict, this is still little more than an effort at forcibly opening an isolationist state by a larger local economy worth of the distant history of Old Earth. It’s defining features are the opening occurred with some polite overtones, largely to feed the latest public vanity project of Dornalia’s Secretary of State, and that the new ‘openness’ allows Macisikan to continue its militant policies. Such imposed initiatives will never create an economic horizon that can be reached. They will certainly continue the Quadrant’s historical narrative of staid growth soon followed by a general collapse. I remain wholly confident the only beneficiary of this will be Secretary Simons, much as I remain confident all the spending on infrastructure will one day vanish into a variety of space debris.

In contrast, the prudent, growth-oriented investor can continue to turn toward the Gamma Quadrant where sustainable progress reigns. Those who join me in this vision can already see the marked benefits; the Citic system returns to stability and is poised to become a major gateway to three functioning trade routes not wedded to some nationalistic defence scheme. As if to answer the preordained irrelevance of the Sengrin Agreement, the Faelanic Celestial Empire is creating an indigenous opening of borders that offers new markets in tying the established economies and trade routes of the Middle Arms to the opening markets of the Rim.

I admit my skepticism in the establishment of the Pale Stars Trade Corridor was absolute. Its promises wept of the vainglorious headline grabbing of an isolationist state seeking to hide expansionism under the guise of economic development. But the recent agreement between the Clan Haine with the Celestial Crown suggest my skepticism was perhaps not wholly justified. For the first time, the Empress Xhandrastaei sanctioned the settlement of non-Faelanii on the outer planetary system of Morah rather than being limited to transient residence in a variety of orbitals. Clan Haine’s vision for some degree of regulated, if not free, movement in the Celestial Empire has already led to a flurry of construction with various minor clans seeking to secure as many construction contracts as possible.

It is a small gain, but it is one born without the need for foreign interventionism. That entertains a more than minimum possibility the Pale Stars Trade Corridor may fulfill the expectations of many who view it as a way to foster new economic growth. Certainly, that is the narrative packaged and sold by the Faelanii and the Free Star Republic’s press and various agents. If nothing else, the transportation and infrastructure can be fed by those willing to engage with the starry-eyed visionaries of the ‘Reach Hunters’ seeking the ancient promises of new resources and rediscovered treasures.

I would caution any viewing this development as a wholesale guarantee. A new spirit of openness and a rush to invest must be tempered by the realities of the Pale Reaches. Reach Hunters are a violently short-lived lot. Partnerships with and among them are as likely to end in death and ruin as much as yield any return. Benefit from supplying them, not funding them unless willing to make significant gambles. The opening of Morah tactfully hide the realities of the system’s history as a pirate and raider haven. Those accustomed to contending with life beyond the established routes coreward of the Usidian systems and Citic. There is also the Faelanii penchant for engaging in various petty wars and border conflicts; though it can be said it is less mind-numbingly sclerotic than similar conflicts in Beta and less likely to involve an open armed conflict between major powers. The Faelanii remain the preeminent power in the Pale Corridor’s volumes and their power is ponderous when compared to most immediate neighbours.

Most of these issues are then compressed into the narrow confines of the Brass City of Morah. Corporate espionage, which any competent sophont should expect and encourage, and various gang violence are common. There is also indigenous pushback from Faelanii hardliners expecting the imperial government to ‘expel the xenos’. The Haine seek to curtail the violence and encourage greater development through an army of security forces, but I expect this is as much about retaining their growing powerbase as much as protecting foreign assets. The coming months will determine if the clan is committed enough to the project to challenge the established role of Prydannica as the gateway to the Celestial Empire.

I speak candidly in my warning and in the limitations of my initial estimates of the Pale Reaches, but I do see this as well-tempered by reward. I capitalised on a similar promise in the FSR knowing a longer term strategy will prevail, and I see the timeframe of that strategy already growing. The Pale Reaches are the next logical evolution of this frontier. Abandon the worn, empty promises in Beta. Turn your minds and resources to the outermost rim of the galaxy. Foster the decision by the Celestial Empire to open itself and in doing so quell the nascent reactionism that could threaten this project. The Lanthe, Citic, Usidia, and beyond all show the future of the galactic economy: a new freedom from the prosaic multilateral government bureaucracies capable only of killing what they do not understand. A new environ for the able, fleet-footed concerns to move quickly providing for their own benefit and their own protection. A future where wealth is the measure of success and can only expand to consume the old need for official security.

Reporting by Galactic Quarterly economics contributor and interstellar market analyst Adrian Rhett.

by **Kyrusia** » Sun Sep 30, 2018 8:01 pm

Sunday, September 30, 2018 — Edition No. 37, Version 3.0
▲ Return

Written by FRFS

Mind Empire Humanitarian Expansion
New Fleets, New Frontiers, New Intentions?
^{FRONTIER BULLETIN — BETA & ALPHA}
Our affiliate networks out of the Beta Quadrant for the past couple weeks have forwarded to us independent reports regarding recent occurrences within the Mind Empire. Upon reviewing the information it became apparent that these events were indeed linked together. And that the possibility that they together allude to a larger policy adoption by the Empire does exist.

It began with an announcement from the Admiralty of the Mind Empire Fleet detailing the formation of two additional orders the fleet, the Seventh and the Eighth. Increasing the overall number of orders within the Fleet from six to eight, which would represent an expansion of the entire fleet by over twenty-five percent of their previous capacity.

The decision to expand the fleet itself comes at the conclusion of a lengthy review done by the Admiralty’s commission to observe the naval forces current operational capabilities as well their overall readiness to respond to changing conditions they could potentially face. Uncovered by the commission was a story of stretched logistics, gaps in coverage, and lapses in security among the most vulnerable stretches of the Mind Empire.

Simply put the operational burden of: patrolling and securing the trade lanes used by the Mind Empire to funnel goods and materials in and out of their territory, defending nomadic colonies and trading vessels registered within the Empire. Was too much for the Fourth and Fifth orders of the Fleet to efficiently handle alone. The two additional orders being formed will be tasked with assisting the Fourth and Fifth in their assigned tasks.

A concurrent report coming on the heels of the previous, highlights the lengths the Admiralty is willing to go to bolster the efforts of the Fleet out in the periphery of the Mind Empires territory. A special grant has been approved by the Empire allowing the Fourth, Fifth as well as the newly formed Seventh and Eighth orders to be granted additional ship capacity over what is normally allowed within their respective orders. The Mind Empire’s naval expansion at this time is significant, commissioning far more ships and units than what would be necessary to sufficiently supplement commercial and nomadic security.

The actions of a Fifth Order Admiral, Trevon Kranmar and their subsequent affirmation by the Ministry Council as well as the High Sages of the Empire may in fact shed some light on the potential future use of the new formation of naval Orders. The Admiral handpicked a task force from within his own Order and declared their intentions of opening a new frontier for the Empire to maneuver into. The territory in question is the 23 Velorum quadruple star system, lying just over sixty-five lightyears from the Mind Empire’s center of Hame.

Admiral Trevon Kranmar has been named the Military Overlord of the Sector, which for the moment only contains the coming Velorum Annex. The preliminary charter drafted for the Annex by Admiral Kranmar and his Advisors was met with initial surprise within the Ministry Council and caused a wave of speculation through sections of the Empires populace for containing provisions to specifically accept refugee populations not just from within the Beta Quadrant, but galaxy wide. The Admiral when broached about the subject provided insight into his belief that the Mind Empire has a plethora of attributes and opportunity to positively influence neglected and disenfranchised populations.

He also touched upon his hope upon the completion of the colony that it would become known as a safe haven for refugee populations. A renown place where the starved, broken, and displaced people can find a bit of rest and respite on their travels. Or if so inclined, to take advantage of the self advertised “fast track” to eventual Mind Imperial Citizenship.

Despite the initial surprise and suspicion of the submitted charter, the new Velorum Annex was confirmed and approved by the appropriate governmental bodies. Accompanying the Fifth Order’s task force are several colony ships that will begin construction of preliminary infrastructure pieces such as the O’Neal cylinders which will be placed within orbit of the capital world of the Annex, Rico Mundi. Several commercial contracts issued by the Chamber of Commerce for operation within the new Frontier Annex have already begun to be filled with IRDaC firms. It is hoped that there will be an immediate economic benefit for the Mind Empire by opening up this territorial Annex to commercial activity right away.

With the Velorum Annex will officially open its borders for the galaxy’s downtrodden and forgotten in the coming months. And The Mind Empire’s endeavor into a gigantic humanitarian based effort will begin. It remains to be seen how long it will take for elements of the Fourth, Seventh and Eights Orders to join the task element from the Fifth in the newly annexed territory remains to be seen. For us, we believe it’s inevitable that we will se elements of the other extended and expanded Orders fill into the Velorum Annex and surrounding volumes to enhance security efforts.

Are we looking at just the beginning of a further colonization and expansion effort of the Mind Empire? Will this Annex be just the first of many to be established by the Empire? We can’t be quite sure with the available information at this point. However, with the vast expansion of the Mind Empire’s Fleet, as well as the initial push into the new territorial Annex. It sure looks like this is just the beginning for the Mind Empire in regards to expanding their zone of control within the Beta Quadrant.

Reporting by Frontier Bulleton contributing journalist Carter Wyllams.

by **Kyrusia** » Mon Oct 29, 2018 11:04 pm

Tuesday, October 30, 2018 — Edition No. 38, Version 3.0
▲ Return

Written by Kyrusia

Peninsular Patrols Near Beta Periphery
Anti-criminality Operations Conducted, Patrols
^{GALACTINET NEWS — BETA & ALPHA}
...In other news, reports have begun to trickle in of considerable military activity by the Constitutional Republic of the Peninsular in the immediate periphery of the Beta-Alpha Border. As of yet, officers of the Constitutional Republic have not made themselves available for comment with regards to this increase in activity. Even so, apparent anti-criminality operations appear to be taking place, with Peninsular fleet elements having been detected in relative proximity to the Solarian Reaches, tracking coreward toward the Delta Periphery as well. The exact nature of these operations, as noted, are not entirely known beyond an apparent series of operation being conducted against so-called “criminal groups.”

Such activity runs concurrent to apparent reports of Peninsularian fleet elements working in shadow of Scythian naval contingents beyond the conventional demarcation of the latter's territorial breadth. Whether this has any relation to the apparent transition of cargo from Peninsularian forces to Aumanii vessels is unknown. Regardless, however, such comes on the heels of a the recent declaration of a so-called “friendship treaty” between the Constitutional Republic and Fenvaria and potentially related, join military operations conducted in several Fenvarian systems – albeit seemingly uninhabited – for reasons that are, at this time, unknown.

With the increase in apparent military operations along the Beta-Alpha Border, and in the exceptionally dense traffic zone of the Solarian Reaches, the possibility of rising tensions cannot be dismissed. Accidents are known to occur in regions where military operations are being conducted in close proximity to civilian and commercial traffic, though such, as of yet, has thankfully been avoided.

Please stay-tuned to GalactiNet News for updates on current and ongoing affairs...

Written by Valinon

Ridgefield Civil War Devolves to Bio-Warfare
Solarian Response to Localised Disaster Tepid
^{GALACTIC QUARTERLY'S SOLFEED — ALPHA}
Sol—The year-long civil war among the nations of the Ridgefield Alliance crossed into a more dangerous phase as local media, including the Ridgefield-based Interplanetary News Network, and international observers confirmed a new biological weapon was deployed in the conflict. While the source of engineered contagion is unknown, the Ridgefield international medical and diplomatic community are warning against the possible spread of the contagion beyond the region.

Reporting from the conflict zones described the infected as mutating into ‘highly resilient drones’ that attack armed forces the various warring armed forces without discrimination. Civilians fleeing some of these areas describe them as lifeless zones more bleak than the ravaged frontlines. Collaboration among the local medical community is further complicated by the civil conflict and the immediate response by the various governments to focus on accusing one another of launching the attack.

Most these accusations are aimed at Di-rito or the Republic of Betmet. However, the evidence of involvement by either nation is mostly circumstantial or almost entirely without base. Diplomatic and other official statements on the attack and those affected are driven more by the interests of wartime propaganda than evidence. The only cohesive response to the new pathogen by the Ridgefield nations was a proliferation of travel bans, quarantines, and warnings, with some going to such lengths as to entirely discourage travel to Earth.

‘It’s absurd,’ said Dr. Persefoni Demetriou with the Interstellar Red Organisations in Legomandashea. ‘Those of us treating the infected—or trying to—know this was born in some sociopath’s lab, but the Ridgefielder governments are dead set on making the situation as worse as possible. The travel bans will only feed a lack of supplies and qualified personnel; the baseless reports of who authorised this attack are acts of political convenience.’

Several of the IRO affiliated and sister organisations are also advocating for greater support and openness from the Ridgefield governments. Current efforts to increase medical and other emergency relief assistance are on-going with a significant barrier to immediate deployment being the security of personnel and medical facilities. At least three of the warring governments have already rebuffed offers of aid citing either national security, concerns the aid offers may be a Trojan horse to further spread the disease, or may destroy evidence of the diseases origin.

While there is no effort to comprehensively ban travel to Earth, nations and international organisations throughout the Sol system have issued either travel warnings or bans to the Ridgefield nations. Most of the bans continue to allow medical assistance, relief supplies, and personnel access with proper credentials, but a few are comprehensive on all states throughout the region. Nations and systems beyond Sol are also implementing additional security protocols for individuals, ships, and goods traveling to or from Ridgefield. Galactic Quarterly is aware of more than two dozen such protocols throughout the Solarian Trade Corridor, which will impact shipping throughout many of the large galactic trade lanes like the Lanthe, Nassau Accords gate network, and Sivulon Trade Network.

Reporting by Galactic Quarterly Solarian Office in partnership with Resseb Araihccuc Llesur, Interplanetary News Network.

Written by FRFS

Co-Prosperity Sphere Plunges into Activity
Isolation Yields to LOTUS, Stepford-Arnau
^{FRONTIER BULLETIN NEWS — ALPHA, BETA, DELTA, & GAMMA}
Resurgence upon the interstellar political and social scene after a prolonged absence can always be a tricky scenario for any polity to manage. Past endeavors and historical accomplishments are quick to fade in the collective memory of the galaxy when weighed against current events fresh on the mind. With the never ending flood of numerous twenty-four news cycles, and an increasingly crowded and busy galaxy. It can be an unfortunately easy thing to over look nations and societies that quietly fall off the constantly changing newsfeed.

We are currently seeing this very scenario play-out right before our very eyes. After a prolonged insulation of news and a period of withdrawal away from the interstellar political stage. The Co-Prosperity Sphere of Auman has fully reversed its course and plunged headfirst back into the interstellar stage. Just within the last cycle our aggregate sources have registered a significant uptick in reports, communications, and activity originating from and relating to the Co-Prosperity Sphere of Auman.

The Aumanii state has wasted little time engaging itself in several almost simultaneous endeavors across various sectors of space and governmental actions. Seemingly knowing that their period of holding the initiative in relation to their interests will not last forever, from what we have gathered, they have not waisted a step. Initiating a military and commercial alliance with other star states, the Stepford-Arnau Trade and Military Alliance (SATMA), which has in its own right grown to a collection of nations ideologically slanted to collective security and prosperity among member nations.

In addition to creating another multi-polity security and trade organization, the Aumanii government applied and received membership into the LOTUS alliance. Joining a dozen other star-states within the alliance, the Co-Prosperity Sphere Of Auman stands to benefit from the already established infrastructure and policies of the LOTUS alliance even as it looks to bolster its own (SATMA). Both alliances have given the Aumanii military forces ample opportunities at participating in joint exercises and operations with other member states. And at present, there are active Aumanii military units in engaging in alliance operations in every quadrant.

Building off the confidence that comes with successfully creating an alliance as well as partaking in security and military operations of another established alliance. The Aumanii Government has begun to set its sights on what it considers a ‘right’ of its citizenry. The “inevitable” return to Mars within the Sol system in the Alpha Quadrant, and the crowning of the planet as the crown jewel of the New Aumanii Empire. And as quickly as the Co-Prosperity Sphere of Auman got back into the game of Astro-politics, they are making headway into placating the boisterous rhetoric of the “Right of Martian Return” on display within Aumanii social media.

So far the Co-Prosperity Sphere's moves into reestablishing themselves within Sol and specifically Mars largely consists of peaceful non-military moves. Officially annexing territory where large ethic Aumanii majorities exist upon Earth as well as the dwarf planet of Haumea. However as their military forces continue to gain more experience and knowledge through cooperative security operations within their alliances, it remains to be seen just exactly how peaceful this targeted expansion and annexation will be.

The Co-Prosperity Sphere Of Auman is engaging itself on multiple fronts: diplomatic, commercial and militarily. After a prolonged absence from Astro-politics, their first efforts seem committed to a cooperative effort in the areas of commerce and security. They have found themselves at the forefront of one alliance, and in the middle of another. Gaining experience and knowledge, that their previous stance of insulation and non-engagement would have never unveiled.

What path along the road of the future will the Co-Prosperity Sphere take? It remains unclear, while they’ve taken up a mantle of cooperation, collective security, and partnered commerce. The rhetoric and political discourse within the nation broaches up against the very real fact that “temporary” Aumanii military bases and installations set up for alliance operations, have become a permanent fixtures in areas where LOTUS or SATMA forces have been. We would not be surprised if other non-aligned political powers take a guarded approach to Aumanii endeavors, perhaps becoming alarmed as LOTUS or SATMA forces intrude on previously established spheres of influence. Here at the Frontier Bulletin, the more we collect and hear about the Co-Prosperity Sphere of Auman, we will be sure to pass along to you, our readers.

Written by FRFS

Aggressive Deltan Actors Threaten Quadrant Border Areas
Conflicts Intensify and Tensions Broil
^{FRONTIER BULLETIN NEWS — DELTA, GAMMA, & BETA}
Here behind the Foreign Affairs Desk at the Frontier Bulletin we keep our eyes and ears open for events and stories from far and wife, to keep our readers apprised of intergalactic concerns. We take pride in scouring our sources, pulling information and providing analysis for our readers to make informed decisions on the topics we cover. What we've been coalescing and following for the past several months trickling out of the Delta Quadrant has been a collection of reports, records and communications that detail several burgeoning conflicts throughout the quadrant. What is being called, “The Deltan War” by several of our sources, is in actuality several independent conflicts running concurrently throughout the quadrant including the border areas of Delta-Gamma and Delta-Beta. Several polities within the Beta and Gamma quadrants have begun to express quiet concerns of continual and extensive spillover of these conflicts out of the border areas and into their respective spheres of influence.

For the last several months the Delta Quadrant has seen a sustained aggressive campaign along multiple fronts by the armed forces of the Radiant Khaganate of Scythia. Their offensive maneuvers into sectors of space held by the Eridani Imperium have gained momentum, seeing over half of the Eridani sectors fall to the advance of their military as well as sponsored rebelling forces. Currently, the Scythian Khaganate finds itself in the midst of wrestling away control of the Eridani home-world of Kadria. Latest reports from the planet of Kadria describe a hellish war zone, the quick advance of the Scythian forces into Eridani territory left little time for an orderly evacuation of non-combatants. With the severity of force used in the invasion, independent observers and humanitarian groups have not yet been given access to any of the affected systems and sectors of the Scythian campaign. At this point it is currently unknown the severity of the pending crisis within the war torn Eridani sectors once the sounds of battle quiet down. But several experts are quickly sounding the alarm of a potential humanitarian calamity that has the potential to be a long lasting determent for the foreseeable future.

The conflict between the Scythian Khaganate and the Eridani Imperium has been influenced by some members of the Galactic Commerce Corridor as they attempt to contain the violence, and by others as they try and profit of the war. Regardless of which approach taken, GCC members have maneuvered to secure their assets: network transit gates, and the local space around them. While it remains to be seen how long GCC members can tip-toe between smothering and fanning the flames of war. There's no doubt the odd mixture of their good natured containing actions and their nefarious meddling arm-sales to both sides have unnecessarily complicated the conflict and may have unnaturally extended the conflict.

The aggressive actions of the Scythian Khaganate are not limited to just the areas of space occupied by the Eridani Imperium, they have also engaged themselves in offensive expeditionary actions against other polities. In the Delta-Beta border area, they have invaded planetary systems belonging to the Fenvaria Republic. Bitter and tough fighting have marred the beginning of this conflict as the Fenvaria resist the aggressive incursion, and the Scythian Khaganate has yet to replicate their success seen in the Eridani campaign against the Fenvaria Republic. With the limited aim of securing an “anchor” within the Beta quadrant, it is unknown how long the Scythian Khaganate will continue offensive operations so far from home against the Fenvaria Republic. If the Scythian military cannot gain a substantial foothold with their Beta incursion, then a substantial amount manpower and material that could have been folded into the ongoing Eridani campaign would have been wasted on what seems to be a superfluous expeditionary military option given their commitments within the Delta quadrant.

On the Delta-Gamma border, the Nyte Empire has begun offensive military operations across the quadrant border into Gamma. Assaulting member states of the Galactic Republic of Alexzonya, their actions have been swift and bolstered by Scythian military forces and material. Signing a lend-lease pact prior to the initiation of conflict, Scythian commanders have taken full advantage and begun pushing into territory held by a GRA vassal, the Arcadian League. Little information has trickled in from this conflict zone up to this point, with the Nyte and Scythian military forces enveloping the affected sectors and not allowing much transit in or out of the system whether physical travel or signal communication.

This period of aggression from the Scythian Khaganate has reached several sectors of space, and has embroiled the Scythians in multiple conflicts across the entire quadrant of Delta as well as into the border areas of the Gamma and Beta quadrants. How long is this sustainable for the Khaganate? Well, at the moment we do not have much deep data on the military reserves or depth of resources of the Scythian military. But we can look at what has occurred in this multi-front concurrent conflicts, as well as at similar conflicts that have occurred in the past. Since the Scythian military has spread itself thin between its normal and routine security commitments and engaging within these simultaneous conflicts. Without quick and decisive victories out in the Betan Campaign against the Fenvaria Republic, the Gamma incursion assaulting the Arcadian League, and the Eridani Campaign. The Scythian military will be at risk of becoming bogged down and having any success in any of the campaigns begin to roll back due to fatigue or inability to resupply and refit their engaged units.

The Scythian Khaganate has put itself in a perilous situation engaging in three serious conflicts in very different sectors of space. Will they fall to the risks as previous ambitious and aggressive nations have in the past? Or will their individual commanders, strategic strategy and national will see them through a very difficult period? Only time will tell, and here at the Frontier Bulletin we will keep you appraised through every update we can collect.

by **Kyrusia** » Fri Nov 30, 2018 12:52 am

Friday, November 30, 2018 — Edition No. 39, Version 3.0
▲ Return

Written by FRFS

Conflict in Gamma; Surprise Attack Pulls in Custodial Nation
Alexzonya Prepares for War
^{FRONTIER BULLETIN (BY WAY OF ALEXZONYAN NEWS NETWORK) — GAMMA & DELTA}
We are always on the watch here at the Frontier Bulletin for developments concerning stories we've previously published. The Foreign Affairs Desk especially allocates countless man hours and allocating a healthy portion of the yearly budget to gathering new data to keep our readers up to date regarding developments on known occurring events. In last cycle's edition we provided commentary concerning the Radiant Empire of Scythia's aggressive incursion into the Gamma Quadrant. New first hand accounts and secondary reports that have been sourced recently through our various aggregate feeder programs and have given us additional and recent looks into the burgeoning conflict within the Arcadian League. Specific military details of the Scythian assault into League held territory, have yet for the most part to be directly attained. However, from what we have gathered it is evident that the Scythian assault into the Arcadian League has been ferociously effective. Taken aback by the unanticipated and unannounced incursion, League forces have been scrambling to stabilize and contain the steadily growing front.

The surprise assault against the Arcadian League by the Scythian Khaganate could not be overlooked for long by the Galactic Republic of Alexzonya, the custodial nation of the Arcadian League. While the initial invasion was alarming to the GRA, and politicians along with policy makers began mulling a response to the unprovoked incursion. The speed at which the invading Scythian forces advanced, forced the hand of the Galactic Republic of Alexzonya well before they were ready. The planet of Thethea located in an Arcadian League system became the next population center targeted by the Scythian military and knowingly or unknowingly by the Scythian military, Galactic Republic of Alexzonya forces were stationed in the system and on the planet. Devastating fighting occurred throughout the system, and it has been unofficially reported by sources within the system that the GRASF (Galactic Republic of Alexzonya Starfleet) 54th Exploration/Patrol Group was entirely wiped out in the fighting within the orbital area of Thethea. Currently, the fighting within Thethea has evolved into an orbital siege by the Scythian military and GRA installations as well as planetary forces on Thethea are threatened and in danger of being cut off and destroyed

With tens of thousands dead, and an equal if not greater number stranded and in the direct path of a confident and resolute advisory, the Galactic Republic of Alexzonya's Senate voted overwhelmingly for an official declaration of war against the Scythian Khaganate. The GRASF now backed politically with a declaration of war, has begun implementation of contingency plans to supplement Arcadian and surviving advance reaction forces of the GRA military sent along the Northeast Gamma Trade Network prior to the official declaration of war by the senate. Political and economic repercussions away from the immediate battlefield within the Arcadian League have already unfurled. The deactivation and shuttering of the Alexzonyan-Scythian Galactic Commerce Corridor, has ceased a once profitable and extensive economic venture between the warring nations. Following the declaration of war, it has been reported that a meeting between Foreign Affair Adviser Lia'Ka Otani of the GRA and an unknown representative of the Eridani Imperium has occurred. While the exact nature of the discussions are still withheld by both governments, the Eridani Imperium has been embroiled in a months long conflict with the Scythian Khaganate. It is the belief of our analysts that the initial groundwork on a combined effort to turn back the aggressor Scythian forces has been initiated.

At this point, it is too early to make an definite comments on any sort of proposed path this conflict will take. As the GRA mobilizes its military strength to supplement and reinforce the Arcadian League, the Scythian military moves to solidify their gains and breakout into new territory. While previously we discussed the extension of Scythian forces into another conflict, and the risk of over extension that they face given the amount of concurrent conflicts and interstellar distance traveled by their forces. The Galactic Republic of Alexzonya finds itself in a conflict it had no intention of fighting, and with a concentrated military effort against the Nyte Empire already underway. The allocation of combat units and supporting units and materials will be a delicate operation by the GRA High Command to engage upon. The coming days and weeks we anticipate a flood of information to break out of this conflict area, and a more detailed picture of the Alexzonya-Scythian conflict will exist for us to analyze and distribute to all of you. As more information becomes available, you can be sure we here at the Frontier Bulletin will keep you informed.

by **Kyrusia** » Sat Mar 02, 2019 5:50 pm

Saturday, March 2, 2019 — Edition No. 40, Version 3.0
▲ Return

Written by FRFS

RuB Commercial Extension
Extension Brings Military Investment, Governmental Policy Shift
^{FRONTIER BULLETIN — BETA & DELTA}
There are almost an innumerable amount of causes for a celebration: birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, promotions and sport victories. For some, there doesn't even need to be a specific cause to have a celebration. The coalescence of food, drinks, people and a festive air is sometimes too much of a draw to tie it to any single moment. In some cases individuals will even artificially create a reason to throw a celebration, forgoing any traditional cause and having them arbitrarily. Putting together and throwing a celebrations isn't just limited to individuals, but the time honored act is easily extended to non-person entities such as corporations and governments.

Within the Imperial and Federal Union of States, an elaborate celebration ensued at the primary shipbuilding facilities of the Enlis Drive Yards corporation located upon the gargantuan orbital facility, “Steel Crescent” above the R.u.B. territory of Spitzeland. The festivities were put together by the President of Enlis Drive Yards, Heinrich Rotte and was attended by a smattering of the shipping industry's elite as well as both military and government officials. One of these officials being the newly appointed Third Star Lord of the of the Navy, Countess Henreitta von Derfflinger. With her newfound responsibility of ensuring the physical logistical support of the Navy, she had quickly approved an investigation into the Navy's needs along both the Twin Eagles and Northwest Passage commercial trade lanes.

The culmination of that investigation, now unceremoniously dubbed the Derfflinger Paper of 1115, was a white paper that exposed in detail the current limitations of the R.u.B. navy along these trade corridors and offered proposals of change to help rectify those limitations. The Countess within her investigation found that the type of ships available within the current fleet where unsatisfactory in satisfying the need for a long range vessel capable of extended deployments while still bringing a decisive amount of firepower to eliminate security threats. The prized heavy cruisers of the fleet were far too few in number to be realistically pulled away from their other security obligations to fill patrol routes along the trade lanes. While the various classes of frigates, destroyers and even the light cruisers all proved to have significant shortfalls in specific abilities that turned into liabilities within the context of long range patrolling. The investigation determined that the construction of a new class of ship, one centered around the needs of the trade lanes, would be the best solution.

The published paper itself proved to become another point of support to the Tory party's ongoing position of expanding the Navy to accommodate the growing responsibilities within the Beta and Delta quadrants for the R.u.B. Through an aggressive increase of the shipbuilding budget as well as a more assertive fleet stance along the trade corridors, the Tories of the R.u.B. looked to make good on several pledges by government officials to protect merchant ships along both lengths of the Twin Eagles and Northwest Passage trade lanes. With the findings of the Derfflinger Paper gaining steam among many policy makers, as well as the growing public acceptance of the wider role in galactic affairs the R.u.B. should be engaging in. The Tory party was able to successfully lobby the Privy Council for a re-examination of the 1115 Naval Estimate for significant additional funding over the previous year.

Despite opposition stemming from the Whig party, this opposition was centered around just how far along the trade routes the Navy should be patrolling. With the Whigs taking a more “inwardly” view of where the R.u.Bs commitments should be focused. It didn't take long for both political parties to reach a compromise of sorts regarding the amount of additional funding for the Naval Estimate. Even several prominent Whig members admitted that the “Defflinger Paper of 1115” not only showed the very real limitations of the current naval fleet along the burgeoning trade corridors, but also exposed the shortage that existed in the availability of ships suited to operate independently of a fleet. And this gap reflected poorly on the Navy's ability to be a flexible organization able to respond to multiple evolving threats, to growing operational areas and a increasing number of security obligations.
With a compromised reached in the amount of additional funding secured, and a consensus of sorts found on a policy path to move forward along, all the was left was the conception of a ship class that would complement the existing fleet in the areas it was currently lacking in. Deep within the concept design vault of the Royal School of Voidship Engineering sat the schematics for an independent scouting vessel, designed to be the outermost pickets of fleet reconnaissance as well as independent deep reconnaissance. Long ago dismissed by the Navy as too lightly armed and armored to ever see service within the fleet, the design has since undergone several modifications and enhancements and has now seen new life being selected to receive the new classification of “Line Cruiser”. In keeping with the original spirit of the scouting vessel, the Line Cruiser was designed with the endurance for long range patrolling and the sensor systems for actionable fleet and national reconnaissance. Yet had received significant upgrades in terms of the weapon systems and armor when compared to the original scouting ship design.

Which brings us back to the celebratory affair within the Steel Crescent above Spitzeland, organized solely for the unveiling and christening of the SMS Victoria. The lead ship of not just a new class of military vessel, but also a new era in policy for the Imperial and Federal Union. Champagne glasses clinked together as a bottle was ceremoniously broken over the threshold of the airlock as the “inspection” of the vessel by the gathered celebrators took place. Interesting tidbits concerning the design, construction and operation of the ship mixed with admiration of the ship itself along with the collective hope that this type of vessel will help propel the R.u.B. into a new era of prosperity through the expanding security of both the Northwest Passage as well as the Twin Eagles Trade Network.

The presence of the Imperial and Federal Union within the Beta and Delta quadrants as a whole, as well as specifically along the established trade routes of the Northwest Passage as well as the Twin Eagles Trade Network is ensured. With the investment of more ships to the fleet solidified, the Imperial and Federal Union is making a concerned effort to continue to be an active player far outside their contemporary borders. Depending on the level of success this policy shift achieves along the trade networks, it wouldn't be unsurprising for Prime Minister Lewis to double down on like-minded policies while his Tory party continues to hold a slim majority in parliament. Already, there have been avocation of an increase towards the maintenance and sustainment budgets, with those advocating for it pointing to the lower cost of procuring the Victoria-class Line Cruiser.

With the victory within the Diet of the Astral leaning faction of politicians, and the continued government of Tory Prime Minister Lewis, a new era of R.u.B. involvement within affairs out past their borders seems imminent. Despite the long standing support of the Imperial Government of “pro-galactic” affairs, historically the Federal Diet had been seen as a speed bump of sorts against any real progress to establish a truly assertive and aggressive foreign policy. Yet, now with multiple Victoria-class hulls being constructed and pressed into service along the frontier and trade lanes, it seems those speed bumps now no longer provide such hindrance to pursuing policy shifts such as we've just witnessed. How competitive and forceful the Imperial and Federal Union strives to become, is at this point up for speculation. But I imagine we won't have long to find out, keeping trading corridors secured requires a long-standing and comprehensive commitment from a nation-state.

Reporting by Frontier Bulletin Foreign Affairs Desk correspondent Kathleen Beyontar.

by **Kyrusia** » Mon Apr 29, 2019 10:11 pm

Tuesday, April 30, 2019 — Edition No. 41, Version 3.0
▲ Return

Written by FRFS

IStaR Begins Re-Deployment in Gamma
Strategic Recon Force Dissolved
^{FRONTIER BULLETIN — GAMMA}
Here at the Frontier Bulletin we take great pride in keeping our readers apprised of events occurring not just throughout the galaxy but within our own “backyard” of the Gamma Quadrant. We have received multiple independent reports from several observers clustered around the heavily trafficked Liu Xiu Trade Corridor, and the ends of the tributary trade routes that feed into the corridor. These observation reports primarily center around the movement of spatial based military assets of the Imperial Star Republic. Detailing the types and quantity of ships involved in the maneuvers as well as their last reported positions, they provide us with the best possible look we can acquire regarding the movement of IStaR assets. Getting any sort of confirmation from any IStaR government officials regarding these third party reports has been an almost impossible task to say the least.

The only statement originating from an IStaR source that we could uncover, which touched on the out of blue movement of military assets, came from the Liu Xiu Administrative Council which released the following brief statement after repeated requests for information from the public. "In the current astro-political climate it is good to see sound decisions being made in regards to defending the economic growth of the Gamma Quadrant." Now, I don’t need to tell any of our readers how little this statement does to help any of us understand where the assets are ultimately headed, why they were tasked with maneuvering and what ultimately is the underlying concern of the IStaR Government. While it is not unusual at all for the Imperial Star Republic to remain mum on their activities around the galaxy, with the scale of the movement of their assets within the Gamma Quadrant we’d have hoped for some more information. We at the Frontier Bulletin attempt not to speculate before we informate, yet for some stories there is so little information that we cannot check before we speck.

One of the IStaR units on the move in the Gamma Quadrant is the Long Range Strategic Reconnaissance Force. The naval group of roughly two dozen vessels in strength were formally task with blockading a section of space known as the Eurydice Spur against any entry by any entity. The spur is located far out along the Gamma Rim, and the blockade was largely seen as a waste of tax money and military assets by some within the Imperial Star Republic. The blockade itself was announced and engaged in after what has become known as the DC-2118 incident took place within the Liu Xiu Special Economic System. Both the Liu Xiu Administrative Council and the Imperial Star Republic went to great length to limit the amount of information on the incident that birthed the blockade, and the blockade itself.

With the abrupt end to the blockade without any prior warning or explanation, coming in line with what seems to be an entire re-deployment of IStaR military assets throughout the Gamma Quadrant towards their shining jewel of Liu Xiu. We can only ask the question: why? It is the opinion of this writer that the Imperial Star Republic is once again keeping vital information from the public, and seem to be readying themselves for a significant challenge. But what exactly could that challenge be? And why has the Spur suddenly become an afterthought? Since the flames of the Wildfire Crisis have simmered, any sort of direct threat that we have identified in the past, to the Imperial Star Republic or their most prized possession of Liu Xiu has melted away.

When looking at present entities that exist which could be potential threats to not just the special economic system of Liu Xiu, but the IStaR as a whole, only one truly makes sense. The Vahkiran Empire, has to be the polity in mind of IStaR officials when they issued the orders that began this redistribution of assets. While it is difficult in narrowing down exactly what the Vahkiran Empire is, are they a buddying star empire with more aspirations on their mind? Are they a collection of ruthless pirates,rouge raiders and swindling traders? It is easy however to pin down the idea that they could be a serious threat to a star state the size of the Imperial Star Republic, and a system such as Liu Xiu. While the physical territorial claims of the Vahkiran are not in of themselves expansive, their potential to be a disruptive force within the Gamma Quadrant and elsewhere is quite real.

And it must be this potential that IStaR government officials had in mind when ordering the cancellation of their blockade of the Eurydice Spur, and the re-concentration of their military assets around Liu Xiu and the various access points from feeder trade routes into the Liu Xiu Trade Corridor. When looking at what makes the Vahkiran such a potential threat, we can easily identify a few aspects that could make them a probable adversary to the Imperial Star Republic. The first troubling fact we need to touch on is the fast population growth the Vahkiran are able to achieve, the combination of a large birthing litter and a rapid aging process means that the Vahkiran are able to grow exponentially and put undue stress upon their environment. Their potential to outstrip their environment faster than they can replenish resources throws even more weight towards another aspect. Their expansionist tendencies that are already under display with the incursion of the Melit System, will no doubt continue and even expand as their desperate need for more resources and more living space become dire necessities.

With IStaR security becoming more prevalent and intrusive around the largest concentration of trade within the Quadrant, traders and merchants should expect longer wait times at designated inspection stations, and more overall congestion within the Liu Xiu Trade Corridor. Consequently, the Eurydice Spur, once the immediate focus of IStaR forces is now completely unguarded. Multiple warning buoys still remain in the area in a weak attempt to warn any approaching vessel to turn back. Whatever once held the attention of the Imperial Star Republic within the Spur, has either become irrelevant due to a new greater potential danger or was never important in the first place. Either option combined with the distinct lack of information from IStaR officials paints a very disturbing picture.

Whether or not the Vahkiran Empire has become the new boogie man of the Imperial Star Republic remains to be seen, their potential to be a disruptive and dangerous force is apparent. However, the Vahkiran Empire has (thankfully) not yet risen up to their destructive potential. But, apparently from what we can infer, the Imperial Star Republic believes the Vahkiran Empire is peeking up from under the bed and readying themselves to strike. And that is something that we should all be paying attention too, regardless if the powers at be feel that we should be informed or not.

Written by Kyrusia

Martian Senate Passes "Solarian Security Act"
Begins Ship Construction, Deploys Naval Forces to Reaches
^{GALACTINET NEWS — ALPHA}
In other news, the Martian Senate has passed the "Solarian Security Act," reportedly in order to curtail a growing problem with "piracy and encroaching foreign powers" through both military commitment and "passive observation," according to sources. The Act, specifically, appropriates added financing for the Martian Armed Forces (MAF) for the purpose of constructing additional security stations in proximity to several corridor networks emptying into the Solarian Reaches volume. The Security Act, further, appropriates funding and commissions the fabrication of seven new Nergal-class battleships, as well as a dozen Phalanx-class cruisers; this is in conjunction with the Act's effective recall of the Martian Republic's Third Fleet from the Gamma Quadrant, tentatively to provide additional reinforcements during the construction process following its refitting.

As is to be expected, this action was followed by considerable criticism, confusion, and questions. The Solarian Trade Corridor - a network of numerous trade lanes funneling into the Reaches - is one of the more important economic volumes in the Galaxy. When asked if this was an attempt by the Republic of Mars to regulate interstellar trade, an act likely to be considered a violation of sovereignty and interstellar convention, Chancellor for the Republic, Fredrick van Allen stated simply: "'Our mission is to provide security and curtail the rise of piracy in the region. Traffic will not be inhibited in any way." Van Allen further stated that he hopes that the Act would spur neighboring stellar polities to assist in the maintenance of security in the region, in the name of benefiting interstellar commerce and the security thereof against brigandage and other criminal activities.

Criticism, however, did not stop there - particularly following Martian Senator Maverick McCormick's assertion that "[the Republic had] an obligation to maintain safe borders for not only the [Republic of Mars], but the rest of the [Solarian Reaches]." This was seen by some as the Republic "tipping their hand" in regards to the true purpose behind the "Solarian Security Act," and that such is likely to increase tensions with neighboring star-states, as little more than a bellicose act of, as one commentator stated, "unjustified interstellar imperialism." Some consider this all but confirmed with the announcement that the Senate has considered expanding its security network to the closest port-of-call of the Sivulon Trade Network, an act that even Martian commentator have stated would be "hard to justify" given its considerable proximity from the most commonly accepted lines of demarcation for the Solarian Reaches. Such an action, no doubt, would likely try standing lines of diplomacy and international cooperation, and testing the Republic's willingness to commit to such actions against other Solarian polities and international criticism.

Stay-tuned to GalactiNet News as this situation develops.

by **Kyrusia** » Wed May 29, 2019 9:27 pm

Thursday, May 30, 2019 — Edition No. 42, Version 3.0
▲ Return

Written by Kyrusia (Lamore's Excerpts, SCU)

EXCLUSIVE: Special Interview with Cassowary Vocalist, Bella Lamore
Lamore Talks Next Tour, Courting Controversy, the Union
^{ACTIVISMEDIA — BETA}
A few months ago, if you mentioned the band “Cassowary” on social media, you'd get a few funny looks and have to go into a six-paragraph diatribe attempting to explain your eclectic tastes in music. Almost invariably, when one went to explain Cassowary's origin in the Solar Cooperative Union, an entirely new slew-worth of a discussion involving the Corporate War and, if you were particularly unlucky, another hour spent attempting to assure your friends that, in fact, you weren't interested in the quasi-corporocratic politics of the Union, much less the unique and perplexing intricacies of its monetary policy.

Now?

Now you can barely visit ¥abber without a fan's feed being filled with lyrics. Now, every entertainment news station and music video site you visit is overloaded with their eclectic mix of electro-punk sampling and funk-fi "chillaxed" melodies. Their latest single, "No More Numbers," currently sits atop the Digiboard 100's electro-alternative chart, and has been consistently in their top ten rankings for Most Popular for the past two standard months. With Cassowary's new, international tour beginning in just a few, short weeks, this also marks a high-watermark for Unionite cultural dissemination, something the polity has struggled with since the cessation of the Corporate War. With the likes of ¥abber aflame with fans (and the occasional, bellicose detractor), at no point in recent memory have Unionite artists been so well-received by the broader, galactic market - a market that, so it seems, all contenders previous had been unable to tap.

As any casual fan, much less diehard, is likely to tell you, this is due in large part not merely to their unique sound, but to Cassowary's effortlessly-alluring female lead, Bella Lamore. Once described by the Unionite entertainment magazine del-illusion as a "come-hither star-child [...] incapable of not being a fan's first love," Lamore has set the Galnet alight with her seductively-perplexing combination of nigh-unmatched beauty and down-to-earth, exceptionally approachable attitude demeanor. Even so, she has not been unafraid to court controversy; though Cassowary's lyrical style and Miss Lamore's dulcet melodies have undeniably wide appeal, many of their songs incorporate an almost satirical undercurrent regarding the status quo of Unionite society and what has been called a "clear shot" meant to draw attention to what some perceive as bellicose foreign policies of the Solar Cooperative Union.

For that reason, just recently, ActivisMedia was able to secure an exclusive interview with Miss Lamore to talk about the current controversy surrounding the single "No More Numbers," Cassowary's start, and their upcoming tour. Please enjoy.

Exclusive ActivisMedia Interview

Tiya Shirhu:

ActivisMedia

[Solar Cooperative]

Bella Lamore:

T. Shirhu:

B. Lamore:

Colonial Republic

Usidia

Free States Republic

T. Shirhu:

B. Lamore:

T. Shirhu:

B. Lamore:

T. Shirhu:

[...]

[Muted laughter]

B. Lamore:

T. Shirhu:

[Stifled laughter]

ActivisMedia

B. Lamore:

[Smug chuckle]

T. Shirhu:

B. Lamore:

T. Shirhu:

ActivisMedia

It is no doubt that as Cassowary sets-off on their international tour three weeks from now, with a new single expected to drop each week until then, that Cassowary fever across the Galnet will continue. With it, Unionite culture - once having a reputation of internecine conflict and money-grubbing politics - may be receiving the benefit of a new facelift to the international community. Only time will tell whether that will sag, or whether this is merely the first in a new string of pop-culture and entertainment to find its way from the Union, roping-in ever-wider audiences across the Galaxy.

Tiya Shirhu is an ActivisMedia correspondent with experience in social justice and activism, popular culture, and entertainment reporting.

Written by FRFS

Aggressive Maneuvers, Fortified System, and a Line in the Sand
IStaR Initiates Defense Grid Construction in Liu Xiu
^{FRONTIER NEWS — GAMMA}
In our last editorial we here at the Frontier Bulletin described a vast re-deployment of military assets belonging to the Imperial Star Republic across the Gamma Quadrant. These maneuvers are centered around bolstering the security and defense of their crown jewel in the quadrant, the Liu Xiu Special Economic Zone, against their growing concern that the Vahkiran Empire is becoming a direct threat. So far all this movement of military assets has been focused on the various transfer points that have developed at the locations where the multiple feeder routes of the Quadrant flow into the Liu Xiu Trade Corridor and throughout the Corridor itself. Yet with an increase of a formal security presence along the periphery of the Liu Xiu Special Economic Zone, one crucial question still remained. What about the security situation within the Liu Xiu Special Economic Zone?

The Liu Xiu Maritime Authority as well as the Imperial Star Republic still both receive criticism from domestic and foreign commentators surrounding the handling of the Jiwao Space Elevator Disaster and their response to the corresponding Wildfire Crisis. Most of these commentators have been describing the current security situation within the Special Economic Zone as “notoriously lax”, and drawing contrasting comparisons to the heavily defended home systems of the Imperial Star Republic. Currently the internal defense of the Liu Xiu Special Economic Zone is provided only by the 7th Fleet of the Imperial Star Republic's navy. And while there had been no subsequent incidents within the LXSEZ, the vast amount of commercial traffic has continued to grow and has begun to reach levels where having additional security measures in place within the Special Economic Zone would be warranted. While inside the zone the congestion of commercial traffic may mask threats originating from internal areas until it is too late, outside of the zone threats from foreign actors are more blatant in their appearance.

The Imperial Star Republic's most valued possession in the Gamma Quadrant, the Liu Xiu Special Economic Zone has always been in a precarious strategic position from our viewpoint. Greatly separated from the contiguous systems of IStaR territory lying within the Beta Quadrant, any sort of relief or reinforcement vectored to the LXSEZ could take an impermissible amount of time to arrive to be any sort of effective help. The reliance on a single fleet to provide the internal defense for such a strategically important area so far away from any significant assistance has certainly deserved the negative commentary disseminated by certain talking heads within the media. And while these comments have been consistent and pointed, the Imperial Star Republic is rarely swayed by any media source. It takes a much more severe form of pressure to influence the government of the Imperial Star Republic in any way.

The Vahkiran Empire seems to be the form of pressure the Imperial Star Republic responds too. Already influencing how IStaR disperses their military assets throughout the Gamma Quadrant, the potential that the Imperial Star Republic worries about has them making another strategic move to better safeguard the Liu Xiu Special Economic Zone. While the initial reports that we have seen have been incomplete, it seems the Imperial Star Republic is not waiting for any sort of confirmation to occur. With the rumors of Vahkiran fleet movements all up and down their 'trade-web' spiraling out of their territory, what was once an orderly facilitated movement of commercial traffic has now been overtaken by a buzz of military activity. This dangerous buzzing has reached the ears of IStaR officials, and their response has been clear.

Independent observers within the Liu Xiu Special Economic Zone have reported to us that several large super-freighters with IStaR military markings under heavy escort had made their way into the zone and established themselves in the orbits of Jiwao, Pinnacle, Taen and Kythria. The reasoning behind the sudden appearance of these ships was not immediately known to anyone, and as local announcements being made that the proximate areas of where these large freighter orbited being closed to civilian traffic, confusion began to set it. It wasn't very long before the Liu Xiu Administrative Council would set to rest the bubbling confusion with an official statement describing the intent of these ships as well as announcing that several groups of dedicated construction vessels would soon be joining the orbits of the freighters. Their intent as described by the LXAC is to construct multiple dedicated defense platforms within the orbits of Jiwao, Pinnacle, Taen and Kythria. The construction of these platforms is to begin immediately, and it is hoped by both the LXAC and the IStaR government that these platforms will greatly increase the security capabilities of the LXSEZ and perhaps free up elements of the 7th Fleet to support other military units within the LXTC and other areas in the Gamma Quadrant.

The Liu Xiu system's own internal stock market saw a significant pullback on a variety of sectors with the arrival of the military escorts and their freighters. However, a majority of investors showed resiliency as the trading day continued, and by day's end the major indexes had returned to their opening level. While it is expected that during construction of these orbital defense platforms around several planets within the system will disrupt commercial traffic throughout the Special Economic Zone as traffic is re-routed and diverted to alternate routes. It is hoped by both the LXAC and IStaR officials that this period of disruption will be limited in its length. The proposed orbital defense network of the Liu Xiu Special Economic Zone, is but another move on the chess board made by the Imperial Star Republic in response to perceived moves made by the Vahkiran Empire.

With the LXSEZ in the process of being fortified, and various IStaR naval elements concentrating their patrolling and security operations around the strategic areas of the Liu Xiu Trade Corridor. It seems to us that the Imperial Star Republic is drawing a line in the proverbial sand, and declaring to any and all antagonists where they will not permit any aggressive action towards their economic stronghold in Gamma. We here at the Frontier Bulletin sincerely hope that a cooling off period comes soon, and that no further aggressive action occurs directed at the 'line in the sand' that the IStaR has distinctly made known.

Written by Kyrusia

SPOTLIGHT: Free State Republic Courting Hope, Stability, and Brighter Future
Citic Conflict Shows Signs of Winding Down with Ongoing Assistance
^{FRONTIER NEWS — GAMMA}
As any frequent reader of Frontier News is, no doubt, well aware, the Citic Regional Volume of the Free State Republic has suffered beneath the yoke of riots, food and supply shortages, terrorism, and outright insurrection for the better part of three standard years. What began on Citic proper, eventually spread across the system, subsuming such worlds as Nyth and outlier, colonial settlements such as the moons of Giralde and Geryan; at its worst, whole swathes of the planet of Citic were lost to insurgent forces, forcing the system as a whole to be placed under emergency, military quarantine, stifling commerce in the Republic due to the strategic passage of the Lanthe Route and Liu Xiu Trade Corridor spurs through the volume. In recent months, however, some say the light at the end of the tunnel is, indeed, within sight.

The deployment of the Citic Cooperative Security and Support Operational Force - or "C-CSSOF" - comprised of Valinor and Verniian allies to the Republic, a positive trend in recapturing key population centers and strategic assets within the Citic System has manifested itself. Early victories in the Giralde and Geryan moon systems, each possessing relatively low-density population centers compared to Citic, helped provide much-needed momentum to Republican forces and her allies. With Republican relief efforts at work on Giralde and Geryan - allies providing security forces in the system - many began to see a potential end to extremist violence approaching. It was with this in mind that many saw Nyth as a victory in the proverbial bag; unfortunately, both Nyth and its satellites proved disastrous to the momentum building in the system, attrition quickly taking hold of C-CSSOF forces due to inclement weather on the frozen world; nevertheless, relief efforts were ultimately victorious.

Once federal forces and relief agents, with the assistance of Valinor and Verniian military assets, were able to secure the outer regions of the Citic System, it was evident that the pink elephant in the room must be addressed. Citic proper had been home to some of the most intense fighting in the whole of the system, with both "pro-government" and "anti-government" forces engaging in various atrocities since the initial riots in Burj City. Many of these violent acts boiled down to a combination of religious fervor and xenophobic rhetoric, with anthropcentric forces engaging in massacres of non-human sophonts just as regularly as religious extremists and political radicals spread unfettered terrorism across the planet. Retaking the planet, much less securing major population centers from political and species violence, would prove problematic. Nevertheless, the liberation of Citic had to begin somewhere, and it began in Venralt County.

As a large and rural polity, Venralt County was not the center of violence on Citic, but posed unique problems for Republican and Republic-allied forces. Firstly, it had become heavily saturated by various insurrectionist factions since the start of the conflict, many using the region as a point of retreat from various urban and suburban settlements in outlying regions; further, Venralt's population demonstrated a high percentage of sympathy to anti-Republican enterprises, a fact which would prove to complicate liberation efforts further. Republican relief agents were therefore required to seek a balance between "hearts-and-minds" and the security of federal and allied military forces while the latter simultaneously sought to spread their security envelope. Simultaneously, allied efforts began to land across Citic, opening beachheads in small localities and rural regions, pushing ever closer to population centers.

Violence during the initial months of these operations was particularly protracted and ravaging, with liberation forces taking considerable losses in their efforts to secure civilian populations against increasingly desperate, insurgent militias. Perseverance, patience, and considerable allied assistance eventually won the day, however, with Venralt County - and the subsequent vectoring to outlying population centers, following retreating militias - coming to serve as something of a model for operations to come. Metropolitan centers increasingly became the taste of the day, with federal and allied forces often being forced to resort to urban combat tactics as militias fractured and dispersed, some digging deeper into urban settlements (those still, at the time, often outside of the scope of the liberation force's reach) while others fled to the vast, desert expanses of Citic.

As the crisis continued, Republican and allied forces began to get their first glimpses of the horrors perpetuated upon the population of Citic. Urban landscapes and cities had, in many cases, been reduced variously to rubble and war-scarred shadows of what life had once been like on the planet. During the first weeks of military operations into Burj City, media blackouts remained in effect; it was not until recently that the Republic's citizenry, with the ongoing dissolution of both "DARK SKY" and "SUN DOWN" protocols in the Citic System, have been able to bear witness to the brutality perpetuated during the Citic Crisis: numerous dumping grounds of murdered sophonts and humans were variously uncovered, often in subterranean subways and transport tunnels, with evidence later indicating that it was to these same mass graves that the perpetuators sought retreat to escape oncoming allied forces; former staples of city skylines had been reduced to smoldering rubble; and, in numerous cases, exotic weaponry of apparently foreign origin was uncovered being utilized by certain factions, many capable of a degree of destruction hitherto unseen by the federal military services.

Nevertheless, victory is now evidently within sight on Citic.

According to ongoing C-CSSOF reports, most of the insurrectionist militias that remain of any consequence have been forced to retreat into the deep desert to avoid immediate detection, many having been routed from Burj City herself. These remain a top priority for the Republic and her allies, with security operations ongoing to both engage these factions and, ultimately, bring them to justice, even as they themselves resort to hit-and-run terrorist tactics similar to their origins at the beginning of the crisis. Even so, with the people of Citic having been subjected to unbridled violence and terror for the better part of three years, the federal government is wasting no time in aiming to bring relief, reconstruction, and some semblance of normalcy back into what remains of their tattered lives. To this end, the Republic has sought yet further aid from her friends in the international community.

Announced last week, heralds of the LifeStar Project in Kilmer, Quixie, and Euryant, the United Systems of Usidia have agreed to provide relief assistance to the Republic and the people of Citic, as well as providing additional security forces (particularly to urban centers, aerospace ports, and orbital facilities), intending to free-up Republican forces to continue routing-out the remaining insurgents cloistered in their desert hovels and, as several Regional Assemblies and even the Federal Senate has drawn light to, locate and seize the source of an ongoing problem in the Citic Regional Volume: so-called "exotic" weaponry.

During the latter year of the Citic Crisis, said weapons have posed an ongoing problem to Republican and Republic-allied forces. These weapons, according to recent findings by the Senate Committee on the Citic Crisis, are likely of foreign design and origin, having been supplied to militias in the Citic System through unscrupulous outside parties seeking to profit on the violence taking place. In at least one instance, one such weapon was capable of haling fire from Citic's surface to a Republican vessel in orbit, though thankfully without any lasting damage or loss of life; more pressingly, such astonishingly powerful weapons seem to have been utilized on Citic's surface to indiscriminately engage in conflict opponents, in some cases leveling entire city blocks in a matter of moments under sustained, long-distance barrages of artillery fire best described as "naval" in potency. Both local and federal authorities, rightly, fear that such weapons may be disseminated across the Republic as the Citic Crisis winds down and former insurrectionists attempt to camouflage themselves and re-integrate back into society. The amount of terror that could be wrought from such a weapon finding its way into the hands of ruthless criminals or terrorists is unfathomable, and the political consequences of such weapons finding their way to the same in foreign-based enclaves - such as the Republican city of Freeport - would be disastrous.

Despite these ongoing problems, however, most political and conflict analysts agree: Citic appears to be rising from the depths once again. As "DARK SKY" and "SUN DOWN" continue to be scaled back, commercial traffic through the Citic Regional Volume is expected to return - albeit likely under close, federal scrutiny for a considerable period of time. Hope stays that such a re-investment in the Republic will serve to allow federal authorities to more readily engage in reconstruction efforts in the Citic System, and begin re-investing efforts in its own Gateway Commercial Sector - the G-southern terminus of the Pale Stars Trade Corridor. Citic, almost certainly, would likely benefit from trade re-opening to Lanthe Route and Liu Xiu Trade Corridor traffic, even as the Federal Senate begins investigations into the breadth of damage the Citic Crisis (and related crises) have perpetuated on the Republican homefront.

Needless to say, the Frontier Bulletin has Citic in our thoughts, even as we all begin to allow a sort of cautious optimism to take hold. Time will truly tell whether this is the end, or merely the turning of a new page in the Citic Crisis. The people of the system have suffered seemingly endless and nigh-unfathomable horror since its beginning, with the loss of life still unknown to date. With hope, allied assistance, and a bit of luck, such wounds may be healed in time, but will assuredly never be forgotten. The people of Citic, scarred as they may forever be, may, at last, yet still hope to see the dawn.

SPOTLIGHT is written and compiled by Frontier Bulletin war correspondent and documentarian Daran Cadshaw.

Written by FRFS

SPOTLIGHT: Free State Republic Courting Hope, Stability, and Brighter Future
Citic Conflict Shows Signs of Winding Down with Ongoing Assistance
^{FRONTIER NEWS — ALPHA}
Following systematic and comprehensive reforms the former Republic of Mars has now become the Martian Conglomerate, and their maneuvers within the immediate area around their home system have become increasingly aggressive. The Conglomerates stated reasoning for their more aggressive stance and attitude in securing what they consider to be their rightful home territory. In their first instance of attempting to assert their own authority, the Martian Conglomerate has been using their plethora of small sized warships to conduct “fly-by” operations of one of their closest neighbors. Tthe Peninsular, the target of these “fly-by” operations by the Martian Conglomerate, has reacted to intercept and detour these warships away from their territory to the best of their abilities. And while the Peninsular has yet to bring any definitive proof forward, they have made accusations that the Martian Conglomerate has been steadily making inroads in illegally tapping and listening into their civilian communication networks.

As tensions in the region consistently rise, the Martian Conglomerate has steadily continued its expansions of military outposts beyond its contiguous territory. Focusing on their budding trade routes spiraling out of their home territory, these militarized outposts have definitely played their own part in ratcheting up the tensions in the region. With the christening of a new class of Cruiser occurring, the Astarte, the expansion of the Conglomerate's naval fleet is just beginning and is sure to become another aspect of the tenuous situation as well as fueling any additional expansionist rhetoric. These new warships are hoped to become a staple within the newly created “Sol Armada”, the combination of the previous Alpha and Delta forces of the Conglomerate. This new Sol Armada is currently the largest concentration of warships within the Martian Conglomerate's history, however at this point it seems they have largely been regulated to security operations and patrolling routes within the immediate area.

With a surprise turnaround both the Martian Conglomerate and the Peninsular have begun to dial back their political rhetoric and their military stance towards one another in favor of beginning a round of diplomatic accords. What will come out of these meetings and talks is unknown at this point, but should be more beneficial to either nation than the outbreak of conflict. With the influx of Conglomerate military vessels in the local area, all users of the trade routes should expect additional security measures that could border on hindrance. More numerous patrolling, additional custom and security stops all could combine to negatively fluctuate the commercial traffic coming from the Martian Conglomerate and going out into the region. How long these fluctuations will continue and how severe they will be still remain to be seen. However, it is of our position that any sort of short term negative fluctuations in commercial traffic due to the presence of the Sol Armada among the Conglomerates trade lanes is preferable to the outbreak of hostilities between two neighboring star-states.

by **Kyrusia** » Tue Oct 29, 2019 10:55 pm

Wednesday, October 30, 2019 — Edition No. 43, Version 3.0
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Written by FRFS

Jade 110th Fleet Ambushed by Merger Organization
Fighting Threatening to Spill to Neutral Volumes, May Damage Stability
^{FRONTIER NEWS BULLETIN — ALPHA}
Keeping our dedicated base of readers informed about the ever changing astropolitical landscape of the galaxy is one of the fundamental aspects of our occupation here in the Foreign Affair's Desk of the Frontier Bulletin. Natural and artificial crises arise, and tempered flash-points between competing factions boil over into conflict, seemingly almost at a daily occurrence. The galaxy is in an almost constant state of flux, and we'd be amiss to not make an attempt at bringing some sort clarity to what is a fundamentally chaotic field. Our consolidated network of feeder processes bring crucial events, people and places to our attention and we investigate what we can to bring to you important news from all over. While it is simply impossible to cover everything the galaxy throws our way, here at the Frontier Bulletin we do our best to keep you informed.

Our story tonight comes from the the very edge, the fringe of the Alpha Quadrant. A long smoldering conflict between the Jade Empire of Ingen and an organization known as 'Merger' is threatening to re-ignite and to spill over into neutral territory and drag more parties into the quagmire. The Jade Empire of Ingen and the Merger organization have been engaged in a long running conflict that has seen countless lives lost. And despite the best efforts of the Jade Empire's military forces, the Merger remains a resurgent organization that is more than capable of surprising even a veteran military force like the Jade Empire's. The Merger organization itself remains a mysterious force in spite of our investigative abilities, we are unable to elaborate on what exactly they are, and what their long term goals may even be.

Yet, we can be sure in that their conflict with the Jade Empire of Ingen is only just the tip of their destructive abilities. Terror attacks, raids, and harassing assaults have slowly given away to ambushes, assaults and other larger scale military operations. Both the tactical and strategic acumen of the Merger organization has grown as the ongoing conflict has drawn on. Their ability to field larger and larger fleets of ships as well as organized ground forces, in spite of resounding Ingen military victories like the crushing success at the Keystone system some year ago, has field commanders in the Jade Empire nervous. Without having more clear information on their structure, their finances, or their territory it is difficult to figure out if what we are witnessing is just the tip of the Merger organization and if their capabilities are fully engaged with the Jade Empire of Ingen.

The most recent and most troubling of the long stretch of events within this long spanning conflict, is the current ambush of the Jade 110th fleet along the hyperspace lane (TY1004) by Merger forces. To date it is the largest deployment of Merger forces that the Jade Empire of Ingen has witnessed. Easily almost matching the own deployment numbers of the 100th fleet, the troubling pattern of larger Merger fleets continues. Unconfirmed reports have began to trickle back from the battle-space, and while Ingen forces have gained the upper hand it has come at a cost of personnel and naval assets. The protracted engagement saw various instances of Ingen naval vessels use their FTL drives to escape destruction or capture and numerous Merger vessels use their own FTL methods to pursue the Ingen ships.

The potential for the conflict between the Jade Empire of Ingen and the Merger organization to accidentally spill over into neighboring star-states increases exponentially with both the larger fleet movements of both parties as well as the FTL cat and mouse chases that will inevitably happen as fleets meet in combat. The nearby United Systems of Vitoze which has recently expanded into a few star systems near where the latest ambush by Merger forces were sprung against the Jade 110th fleet, is among one of the most exposed to becoming entangled into this conflict by proximity. The USV is ultimately exposed in its colonial fringe relying on local forces for immediate defense, while keeping its federal naval fleet consolidated among strategic outposts. While this strategic doctrine of reinforcement has shown success in suppressing pirate or raider activity, it has yet to stand any test of a true engaged military force.

While the ongoing conflict between the Jade Empire of Ingen and the Merger organization is a very fluid event, it has the growing possibility to expand in its breadth of destruction and terror. Sweeping up nearby star-states into a difficult and deadly quagmire, while continuing to tax the resources of the Jade Empire of Ingen. It is yet unknown how the United Systems of Vitoze would react to Merger forces engaging their colonial fringe, and it is hoped by all of us here that they do not have to find out. Yet, in an act of foresight, the Jade Empire of Ingen has begun to open initial diplomatic channels with the United Systems, possibly in an attempt to gain an ally or at least warn of the possibility of conflict. Here at the Frontier Bulletin we will do our due diligence to keep you informed on their developing story, and as more information becomes available, we will disseminate it to you.

by **Kyrusia** » Sun Dec 01, 2019 12:33 am

Sunday, November 30, 2019 — Edition No. 44, Version 3.0
▲ Return

Written by FRFS

Maradona City Declares Independence!
Reduced Tariffs Seek to Promote Trade, But Also Crime?
^{FRONTIER BULLETIN — BETA}
As the view screen was turned on, the first action noticeable was the opening theme song to the Frontier Bulletin’s nightly news segment floated through the speakers as the screen itself took a moment to wake up and activate. The first image that appeared was the blue and yellow logo of the Frontier Bulletin, and it slowly dissolved away to an image of a news studio. The camera slowly swerved and made its way through the newsroom, where various individuals sat at desks and worked at their workstations. Some waved to the camera as it passed by their desks, others just turned their heads and flashed a quick smile before returning to their work. Floating even closer to the larger central desk on the studio floor, the woman behind it flashed a big toothy smile and waved invitingly towards the approaching camera.

“Welcome, welcome, welcome!” The news host shuffled a few of the papers together that were laying on the desk in front of her, while she waited for the floating camera to settle in the appropriate spot. “My name is Patricia Horkatu, and I’d like to welcome you to tonight’s edition of the ‘Nightly News’ segment of the Frontier Bulletin!” Patricia paused for a moment to allow the background images behind her to fade away from their own logos, and settle into images pertaining to their first news story of the evening. “Our first story that we will bring to you tonight is a taped submitted special report from our very own Antol Burbal out in the field.” The screens behind Patricia morphed again into the same frozen scene, one of a reporter standing motionless in front of a large crowd.

As the screens began to play their recording the first sounds were that of jubilant celebration, as the large crowd behind the reporter began to lose their frozen disposition and erupt into a spasm of excitable group movement. A smile began to form on the reporters face as the infectious positivity from the excitable crowd began to take over. “Greeting viewers! We are reporting from Maradona City in the Kapteyn Pictoris system out of the Beta Quadrant! As you can tell from behind me there is still a lot of celebratory excitement permeating throughout the entire city! Huge portions of the cities population are still out celebrating the recent independence of their state from the Mind Empire of Lotrabme.” The crowd behind Antol erupted into a higher decibel once they heard the reporter mention their independence, causing Antol to visually chuckle and begin to move away from the assembled crowd. As he walked the camera followed and kept its appropriate distance to keep the reporter in frame.

“While their newfound independence has not been in place for long, the Mayor of the city Jay Donlooth along with the majority political party of the city the City Freedom Party, have already made quick progress in attempting to establish and expand upon their commercial relationships.” Continuing his stroll on the side of the street, people would peak in and out of frame either waving their hands or holding pro-succession signs in view of the camera. “Both the Mayor’s office as well as the Party’s representatives have made statements detailing their next commercial moves. In an effort to attract more inbound and pass-through commercial traffic, the Republic of Maradona City is offering extensively reduced tax rates on goods and berthing spots for incoming merchant ships as well as merchants who are just passing through to nearby Star-States via their transport gate system.”

Stopping now, Antol was at the end of the block and the mass of people celebrating ebbed and flowed behind him. “I gotta tell you, there’s a palpable energy in the air in this city. The people are excited for their newfound independent future, and are hopeful to make lasting personal and commercial connections with those that visit and trade here. Many here are anticipating a noticeable uptick in commercial traffic with the Twin Eagles Trade Corridor in relative close proximity, potentially feeding into here. In an attempt to further entice other potential commercial partners, Maradona City is offering even lower or ‘zero level’ taxes on berthing and gate tolls, to include with the Mind Empire, [url=https://www.nationstates.net/nation=erkan_colonies]Erkan Colonies, and the aforementioned Twin Eagles. If those nations are willing to be more amicable in their taxes and tolls towards Maradona based merchants.”

People once again began to crowd around Antol at the end of the street, seemingly gravitated towards the camera in front of him. “I’ve heard mention by several city representatives of the goal of becoming a commercial hub system facilitating the movement of goods and resources into deeper Beta via the Twin Eagles Trade Corridor, and out to the wider galaxy through other connected trade lanes. While it is still very early in this process, the plan as it is laid out with their incentives looks rather tempting. And hopefully, for all these people here Star-States within the beta quadrant, and throughout the galaxy take notice of what is being offered here. This has been Antol Burbal, transmitting from Maradona City.” Turning around towards the crowd, Antol addressed them, “Do any of you have anything to say to the people of the galaxy?” Several comments such as: “Hello!” “Come visit us!” “We’d love to meet you!” Began to rang out as the screen once again transitioned to the logo of the Frontier Bulletin and then faded to black.

by **Kyrusia** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 11:50 pm

Thursday, January 30, 2020 — Edition No. 45, Version 3.0
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Written by FRFS

In Defense of Grand Admiral Kaku no Atahito
Nakabean Combined Fleet Reorganized; Mission Focus on Twin Eagles
^{FRONTIER BULLETIN — BETA}
At some point in time almost any military institution has had to go through a period of reorganization. As responsibilities are added and dropped and areas of operations grown or changed, the physical structure of the force and the doctrine informing that force must adapt to the changes. It is paramount for the defense of a nation to evolve as the interests of the nation, as well as the threats towards the nation change. Or else that nations military may very well one day find itself in an unfamiliar situation, with the wrong equipment, and the wrong plans. Disaster for a national military is always a few moments of complacency and cockiness away.

It is by no means an easy exercise to objectively look at one’s national military assets, the plans that move those assets, and the information that’s coalesced to create those plans and judge them to be effective at continually solving threats. It takes someone with foresight to be able to see that the threats looming on the proverbial horizon, and impartial enough to realize the current way of thinking will not be as effective. Going against the grain intellectually from established military theory comes with risk, both professionally and personally. You can potentially alienate yourself from your peers in opposition to your stance, limiting the avenues you could pursue up the hierarchy ladder. It can also be personally risky, depending on where you’re located in the battle space, putting your own life in the care of a soon to be tested shift in strategy.

Yet, careers and lives are put in the balance every time a military institution decides to undertake a shift in the paradigm of their military doctrine. Out in the Beta Quadrant, an initiative Admiral of the R.u.B Navy’s Nakabean Combined Fleet has begun a doctrinal shift with the forces under her command. Grand Admiral Kaku no Atahito has begun the process of a fundamental re-organization of her force structure and the responsibilities of those forces. Rejecting the written playbook of the established doctrine, the Admiral has started along a new path of force structure. In the initial stages of her plan, already detractors and critics have been appearing both from within the Admiralty itself and through other government institutions on Gerstintor.

Grand Admiral Kaku no Atahito had been given a directive every commander loathes to hear. An increase in the area of operation and a larger breadth of responsibilities, but without any increase in either the number of spatial assets or personnel under her command. The Admiral knew to continue operating within the same paradigm of the current doctrine would only increase the level of stress and exhaustion of both her spatial assets and their crew. Which would severely limit her forces ability to carry out operations throughout their newly expanded area.

For some time R.u.B naval structure had followed a two force model. There was the scouting fleet, comprised of a combination of carriers, battle cruisers and some escorts. This section of the fleet would typically search out, engage, and guide the second section the “Battle Fleet” which is made up of a concentration of battleships and deadnoughts along with their own groups of escort craft. The Battle Fleet section of the navy would commit itself in a decisive fleet engagement with the enemy force. However to more properly engage itself with its new expanded operational area the forces under command of Grand Admiral Haku no Atahito would need to establish a different force model.

Stripping the “Battle Fleet” units of a majority of their escort vessels and combining those ships along with the entirety of the “Scouting Fleet” into the newly designated “Mobil Fleet”. While some have loudly decried this reorganization, the Admiral feels as though this will allow for a greater ability for her command to patrol and help secure sections of the Twin Eagles Trade Corridor as well as the frontier of R.u.B space via the newly established “Mobil Fleet”. An increase in the concentration and quantity of lighter and faster ships will allow for her forces to more effectively provide security within her expansive operational area. Yet, she can still claim a level of commitment to the internal security arrangements by sequestering the remaining portions of the former “Battle Fleet” within the fortified anchorages of the Nakabe Prefecture.

Many have decried the portioning out of the “Battle Fleets” escort units, arguing that it increases the risk of being outgunned out on the Frontier while leaving the heavy guns of the fleet more exposed in a defensive posture. But, these argumentative points are ignoring the changing threats and interests that are driving Grand Admiral Kaku no Atahito to make a change. The decreasing threat from near peer states, and the increasing threat from multiple pirate and raiding groups. The expansive amount of new and trafficked territory to patrol and secure. Both of these facts, we believe like the admiral, demands a switch of focus to lighter and faster units a necessity.

There is one aspect of this paradigm shift that I do not believe the Grand Admiral has given much thought of. And that is the optics of the Prefecture reorganizing its military forces without official consent from the Admiralty. It is well known that several political groups within the R.u.B Federal Diet see the Nakabe Prefecture as holding a privileged if not outright almost independent position within the Imperial & Federal Union. And that this action of reorganization would only further cement the perception that the Nakabeans hold exclusive influence over the R.u.B government. Thought our sources, we are unable to determine if Grand Admiral Kaku no Atahito had any political designs with this doctrinal shift. And we can only surmise that while perhaps being at the cutting edge of doctrinal theory, has left her woefully unprepared for political maneuvering.

Time will tell if this fundamental shift for the Nakabean Combined Fleet will be a successful change in doctrine and organization. We think that the shift itself will be successful in allowing Grand Admiral Kaku no Atahito forces to be more effective in their duties to secure the Twin Eagles Trade Corridor and other Frontier sectors within their area of operation. It will decrease the amount of stress on both personnel and ships, and increase the amount of coverage and frequency of patrols. The cost of heavy fleet elements being less available, is well worth the positives in our opinion. To us it is just a matter of time before other fleet groups within the R.u.B along their frontier begin to follow suit, and begin similar reorganizations based upon Grand Admiral Kaku no Atahito’s model.

by **Kyrusia** » Wed Apr 29, 2020 9:29 pm

Thursday, April 30, 2020 — Edition No. 46, Version 3.0
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Written by FRFS

War When? War Now
Ingen Unfazed by Frankish Assault; Historical Grievances Continue into the Present
^{FRONTIER BULLETIN — ALPHA}
The screen began to come alive as a picture of a woman standing on a beach, to her left the coastline continued on out of fame and to her right the coastline quickly faded away into a city. Bright blue skies filled the upper portions of the screen with wispy white clouds trailing by. As the camera focused and magnified on the woman, she came into prominence on the screen. A bright smile flashed upon her face as her blue eyes began to open up, upon her yellow blouse was a stitched in black tag with the words 'Frontier Bulletin' in white. She opened her arms wide in a welcoming opening pose, as her throat microphone was activated and she began to speak.

"

Frontier Bulletin Foreign Broadcasting Group

Jade Empire of Ingen

"

Miss Alutan began to slowly pace to her right as she continued to talk, the camera rotated to keep Jennifer in frame, and began to show more of the arty and lively local architecture as more of the city came into the screen...

"

potential of an armed conflict with another star-state

"

Turning on her heels, Jennifer began to double back over her footprints and began pacing to the left. With the city fading to the right, and the elegant coastline taking a more prominent position in the background. Still addressing the camera, Miss Alutan continued to talk to her audience.

"

The reporter took a few steps forward, coming closer to the camera rig and becoming a larger part of the screen. Her face took on an optimistic and happy look.

"

Jennifer suddenly stopped talking, cut off from continuing her report by a blaring wail of an emergency siren. She turned her head towards the direction of Bamboo City proper, the origin of the loud and jarring noise. Her face furrowed into a confused look as she looked back at the camera, making a gesture towards the two guys behind the camera a off-screen voice was heard.

"

Jenny could be seen pointing behind the camera, the screen blurred as the camera was turned around. Coming back into focus, a road could be seen leading out of the area the reporters were broadcasting from. Coming towards them, at a high rate of speed was an emergency vehicle with its flashers on. Coming to a screeching halt meters in front of the camera and the triplet of reporters around it, a peace officer of Bamboo City emerged from the vehicle.

"

Jennifer stepped forward towards the officer, coming just into the frame of the screen.

"

The officer raised his hand and with a cold look upon his face pointed up towards the sky, “War.”

Jennifer looked up, then back towards the camera and the two gentlemen behind it with a very worried look plastered on her face. Shuffling could be heard around the camera as Mark and Carl began to gather up the loose equipment. The camera began to lazily pan upwards towards the sky, losing Jennifer through the bottom of the frame, as the operator became busy with packing their equipment. Slightly darker blue shadows could be seen moving across the blue sky, the Jade Empire of Ingen's space naval forces were readying themselves for what had caused the alarm to sound out.

Written by FRFS

As The Conglomerates Of Old Fall, The Empires of New Rise
Collapse of the Old Martian Order
^{FRONTIER BULLETIN — ALPHA, BETA, GAMMA, DELTA}
Our story today comes out of the ashes of the collapse of the Martian Conglomerate and the birth of a new organizational structure, out in the Alpha Quadrant. For the past several years concurrent conflicts have taken a great toll upon the Martian Conglomerate, and stretched their resources and society to the brink. Even the strongest nations with roaring economies and solid populations are still susceptible to outside forces putting pressure on the internal machinations of their structure and society. And those internal machinations already under some form of duress from domestic affairs, run the risk of being totally overwhelmed by the additional outside forces. For the Martian Conglomerate, it didn't take long for the apparent cracks to turn into wide fissures.

In their conflict against the Nyteborne, the Martian Conglomerate saw a titanic level of fighting across a large sector of space that comprised the Rsai Expanse in the Gamma Quadrant. While they resisted and combated the forces of the Nyteborne valiantly, the steady steam of aggressors eventually overwhelmed and pushed the Conglomerate out of their holdings in the Rsai Expanse, ending the Martian's presence in the Gamma Quadrant. Millions of refugees from the Rsai Expanse had been flowing into the inner sections of Martian territory since the invasion of Nyteborne forces. Exasperating the populations of the interior territories, stretching their available resources thin and taking away the ability to absorb those refugees efficiently.

Sensing a moment of weakness as the Conglomerate retreated out of Gamma, the colonial possessions of the Martian Conglomerate out in the Delta quadrant saw their moment. Instigating a rebellion against their Alpha based benefactors, they sought to seize the initiative and quickly guarantee their independence. For five years the civil conflict raged on in the Delta quadrant, with an already overextended Martian Military leading the charge against the rebellion. Yet, despite fierce fighting to reclaim their former colonial holdings, it was one crisis too many for the Conglomerates military to overcome and at best it was only able to contain the rebellion. The Meridian Empire solidified itself out in Delta, casting off its colonial title, and declaring itself a independent and sovereign entity.

With a pyrrhic victory against a rebelling entity and a substantial loss against a foreign power on the board, the Martian Conglomerate had found itself in a precarious situation that was worsening by the day. With over half of their territory now lost, some by an aggressive foreign power and some by a rebellious group. Unemployment had skyrocketed to unbelievable heights, as the Martian stock exchange experiences massive alternating moments of highs and lows. The Conglomerate itself, as a functioning government was barely holding on and looked to its allies for an idea of how to continue moving forward. The advice given was to enter a period of total reconstruction, and the United Imperial Kingdom as well as other allies sent advisers to see that period through.

The partially controlled collapse of the Martian Conglomerate saw several dark days in terms of minimal government activity, and the rise of several pirate, criminal and mercenary groups at the periphery of what could still be considered Martian territory. In its place a new government has been formed and just started the first steps to flexing its authority and to deal with the massive challenges facing it in the aftermath of two devastating conflicts. At the head of this new government is the former Grand Admiral and newly crowned Empress of the Martian Empire, Nerys Harlow. Tapped by the United Imperial Kingdom as the rightful successor and the person to lead this new Empire out of the ashes and rubble of the Conglomerate. As the head of state of a beginning empire, difficult decisions brought upon by the failures of the previous government are looming for the new Empress to consider and act upon.

How will the newly established Martian Empire navigate the landscape it has found itself in? How will they be able to rectify what has befallen them with losing territory and cratering their economy? Will the Empress and the new Empire be able to exert its authority and provide safety and security to foster the rebounding of their economy? What will the new Martian Empire provide differently to its citizenry to ensure an even and peaceful transition? Numerous questions exist at this point in time, and unfortunately it is still way too early to see any answers. We will be sure to continue to update you all as time begins to answer more of these questions for us, and our picture of the new Martian Empire comes more into focus.

by **Kyrusia** » Sat May 30, 2020 12:54 am

Saturday, May 30, 2020 — Edition No. 47, Version 3.0
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Written by FRFS

A New State Emerges to the Galactic Stage
Out of Warfare, into Space
^{FRONTIER BULLETIN — ALPHA}
We here at the Frontier Bulletin like to believe we continually stay at the forefront of new information through our associated network of affiliated journalists throughout the galaxy and our aggregate feeder programs that constantly search for breaking news. It is sometimes a long and difficult slog of what can seem like never ending streams of information to sift through. Yet, we stay on course, we stay diligent, we dive into that stream time and time again, and pull out newsworthy nuggets to disseminate to all of our readers. While a tremendous amount of information is collected and sifted through by our staff, consisting of a variety of subjects such as: wars, economic collapses/booms, new scientific discoveries, ideological movements, and the emergence of new star-states on the galactic stage. The last topic there, tends to be my personal favorite, mainly due to the whimsical nature of a society figuring out that the greater galaxy exists, and how they themselves can navigate their way to it.

With word coming from the Alpha Quadrant in the past few cycles of new star-state entering the beginning stages of opening up to the galactic stage. We here at the Frontier Bulletin began in earnest to learn what we could in order to bring a more clearer picture to all of you. Hailing from a stellar system called the Ordean Sol System, the Ordean Empire has recently gained the ability to travel beyond their home solar system. They've attained this newfound ability from recent discovereis made at the periphery of their own system. Stumbling upon what has been described as 'alien' technology, they have reversed engineered and co-opted the techonology with their own power plants and engines. Allowing themselves for the first time to achieve faster-than-light travel, a major milestone for any society in the galaxy.

Now we have been trying to gather what information we can regarding the Ordean Empire, their origins, and how they came to this point in their societal development. Yet, unfortunately we have been unable to gather is extremely limited at best, during this early initial exposure. What we have been able to deduce from scattered reports from local news agencies as well as word of mouth information from local traders and explorers that have made some sort of contact with the first forays by the Ordean Empire. From what we can tell the Ordean Empire has exited a period of great and significant conflict within its own home system, years of warfare has left the only habitable planet within the system named 'Terra' a proverbial wasteland. The Empire for a period of time began to consolidate its position within the system, establishing order and collecting and distributing what resources they could still gathered from a now broken planet.

With a highly destructive conflict now behind them, the Ordean Empire now with the requisite technology, looks ahead outside of their system to potentially support their wrecked homeworld. At their feet now lies a bountiful expanse of untouched space awaiting to be touched by those willing to make the effort to reach them. While we can only speculate what the Ordean Empire will attempt to do now that they have the ability to expand their reach around their local area in space. We can look at to their past, one filled with warfare, to get an idea that their near future may be one of expansionist conflict. The fact that their wrecked planet may not have the level of resources to support their population, may force their hand to actively and quickly move into neighboring systems.

We here at the Frontier Bulletin if we could, would caution neighboring star-states in the Alpha Quadrant to be wary of the Ordean Empire. We would implore them to explore any and all diplomatic options that they have available. Potentially aggressive states are a direct danger to the status quo in that area of local space, and to the stablility that has generally permeated within the Alpha Quadrant and the region of the Solarian Reaches. As we here at the Frontier Bulletin learn more about the Ordean Empire, and their potential aims and objectives with leaving their home system. We will update you with every and any potentially important peace of information.

by **Kyrusia** » Mon Jun 29, 2020 10:47 pm

Tuesday, June 30, 2020 — Edition No. 48, Version 3.0
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Written by FRFS

Rebuilding Isn’t Cheap
Martian Reconstruction Begins To Hit Stride
^{FRONTIER BULLETIN — ALPHA & DELTA}
Here at the Frontier Bulletin, we enjoy revisiting subjects that we have brought to your attention in the past. Partly to see what has transpired since then, and what further changes to the situation are still on the table to occur. Most circumstances or issues that we investigate and bring to light are ever rarely static moments. Typically they are fluid moments that are constantly evolving, and require a dedicated effort by all facets of our organization to stay relevantly informed about them. These pivotal junctures for the nations, groups and people that we cover are worth the effort, because their stories deserve to be told.

When we last reported on the events circulating the downfall of the Martian Conglomerate, we saw a nation in tatters and a people facing a serious shift in their daily lives. The nation was in the middle of ceding vast amounts of their previously and tenuously held non contiguous territory, watching their economy spiral the drain shedding jobs and market value at a terrifying pace almost overnight, and a serious political crisis fermenting as the old order’s legitimacy was shattered in the public’s eye while the new order floundered to establish itself. Standing on the precipice of change following successive conflicts, the Martian people looked to new leadership for direction and inspiration.

Following her appointment by domestic as well as foreign allies to the title of Empress, Nerys Harlow grappled mightily with establishing a post-war and in-crisis Government. Recently taking form with the signing of the Harlovian Accords, a new nation took official form: the United Republic of Mars and Martian Colonies. With the establishment of the new government, the Empress immediately abdicated from the throne and handed any and all authority and legitimacy to the position of Secretary-General held by Evan Roth. Moving quickly, the administration moving upon the former Empress’s political momentum initiated several new policies meant to blunt the free falling economy, reverse the surging unemployment and instability. Shrugging off criticism that some of policies were extreme in their application, the Roth administration was undeterred from preventing what they saw as the complete collapse of Martian society.

With assistance from foreign allies such as the Phoenixi Domain, along with the persistent focus from the Roth administration the United Republic began a comprehensive and extensive domestic stimulus and advancement plan of action. Massive infrastructure projects began all across the territory of the United Republic, sending droves of people back to sustaining work rebuilding and improving upon existing infrastructure in several fields. Direct financial stimulus support to everyday citizens has begun to flow out from the government coffers, in an effort to backstop everyday citizens and grease the wheels of a stalled consumer economy. The United Republic has looked to respond to the suffocating recession by engaging upon a massive public works program as well as a significant citizen stimulus initiative as their main pillars of support.

To help underwrite the financial commitment by the new government in the reconstruction effort, the UR has engaged upon a significant public relations and diplomatic blitz with their neighboring star-states. Attempting to secure financial investment, trade agreements, and mutual security consensus. At first glance this diplomatic effort seems to have been largely successful with the United Republic being able to secure assistance from several nations: United Imperial Kingdom, Republic of Sunset, Ascendancy of Menelmacar and now even the Phoenix Domain. It is widely accepted be several analysts that the United Republic of Mars will continue to build upon these successes with other states within the Solarian Reaches and the greater alpha quadrant.

The situation within the territory of the United Republic has improved dramatically from where we were during our last expose. The initial efforts at reconstruction and stimulus has lead to an expansion and settlement shift, with sections of the populace opting to leave the confines of the established populated areas for the more rural frontier. This shift has lead to a situation where the periphery of the United Republic is rapidly gaining influence and significance from the influx of investment capital and people. One result from this migration of people is the emergence of the once disenfranchised alien populations of the UR, stepping into roles abandoned by the migrating humans from the core to the frontier. Populations of species that were once looked down on with disgust and pushed to the fringes of society by a distrusting population, now are gaining legitimacy and are slowly becoming more accepted by the majority human society. Trade between Martian territories have begun to pick back up on the back of a renewed security endeavor by the Martian Navy to engage upon anti-piracy operations throughout Martian territory. While this domestic trade has not yet reached pre-crisis levels they have begun to reach a level of population sustainability where food shortages are quickly becoming a rare event.

Many other publications have begun to deem this initial period of successful political reformation, physical reconstruction and social change the “Martian Miracle”. However it is our opinion here that the United Republic of Mars has some ways to go before anyone can empirically state that a ‘miracle’ has occurred. While they have achieved some semblance of stability, in truth, their position is still tenuous and the possibility of recent gains being rolled back is real. With a renewed focus on diplomacy and achieving comprehensive agreements with their neighbors, there is no doubt we will continue to see the United Republic reach out beyond its sphere to continue to better the situation within its sphere. The situation of the Martian people is no doubt trending in a positive direction after years of war, economic downturn and political instability. Yet, we’d caution them to not become complacent with the gains they have achieved so far, when they have so much further to go. It is very heartening to see this society avoid a quick and through collapse, to not fall into the same self-destructive patterns that have consumed so many other societies across the stars. We here at the Frontier Bulletin will continue to monitor the situation, and will hopefully compile a more positive follow up sometime in the future.

State of the Galaxy [FT|News|Closed|Updated: June 30th]

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