Martian Times [FT][Closed]

by **Lady Scylla** » Wed Jul 24, 2019 1:41 pm

Read Article in GalStan // Leer Artika en Lang Marslander

Tighter Regulations, Fines Imposed on Corporations
Magistrate, Attorney General place hefty fines on corporations that produced infected augments

Laconia, Mars (Laako, Mars) -- Following an extensive investigation of the Black Thursday Crisis by Civil Defense's Intelligence and Cyberwarfare Divisions, Director Nakamura submitted the office's findings to the Emergency Committee's review panel. Following days of deliberation behind closed doors, the Emergency Committee filed with the Department of Justice and Attorney General Maxim Pratt to enforce prosecution against the corporations on allegations of gross economic malpractice, medical malpractise, fraud, negligence, and violation of the Fair Consumer Act of 2093 and the Civil Medical Act.

Attorney General and the DoJ agreed with the reports filed and during a major hearing in Laconia today, AG Pratt with the Department of Commerce chose to enforce fines against the corporations in excess of £120 billion, much of it going towards reconstruction efforts and damages to families who lost loved ones during the crisis from the cybervirus. Finally, CEOs Ferdinand Cruz, Andrew Darwin, and Theresa MacCormick and a number of other corporate officials are due to be arraigned before the Magistrate on a number of charges, including the aforementioned. Reporters and government officials related to the proceedings expect it to be the biggest corporate criminal case in a century.

Along with the fines, the Department of Commerce in compliance with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Emergency Committee's findings and recommendations has held a number of major hearings the past few days to discuss and ultimately enforce new regulations on corporations to cover the unfortunate gap that allowed hardware to be infected in the first place. Already, the Martian Party has jumped on the bandwagon and proposed legislation that'd guarantee stringent government regulations imposed by the Forum making it more difficult to repeal them in the future. This would remove the Department of Commerce's ability to instate regulations itself and make it an overall legislative matter which many corporations including a number of officials in the DoC oppose.

by **Lady Scylla** » Thu Jul 25, 2019 4:21 am

Read Article in GalStan // Leer Artika en Lang Marslander

Former Chancellor Van Allen Apprehended in Rsai, Faces Extradition
Fredric Van Allen was apprehended by colonial authorities in the Rsai Confederation and is facing extradition back to Mars

Laconia, Mars (Laako, Mars) -- The former Chancellor, and head of the Camera Faction, Fredric Van Allen, was caught late last night by colonial authorities as he tried to board a spaceliner out of Rsai. According to the Rsai government, Van Allen was travelling under an assumed identity and attempted to purchase a ticket on an outbound spaceliner in order to flee the authorities. The spaceliner depot's facial recognition identified Van Allen after he was temporarily detained for a suspected fake ShardID.

Van Allen is wanted for a number of capital offences in the Conglomerate, most notably treason. He and two others were detained and are expected to be extradited after the necessary paperwork has been filed. Laconia has gone ahead and dispatched the Conglomerate Marshal Service who will take Van Allen and the other two suspects into custody and transport them back to face trial. According to court filings from AG Pratt, Van Allen faces charges of Treason, Illegal Assembly of an Armed Militia, Secondary Acts of Terrorism and Armed Rebellion, Mismanagement of Federal Funds, Fraud, Evasion, Refusing to Comply with a Lawful Disbandment, and Subversion of the Crown's Authority.

If indicted on the charges, Van Allen will most likely face the death penalty for his crimes. Treason, Secondary Acts of Terrorism, and Secondary Acts of Armed Rebellion are capital offences in the Conglomerate meaning they receive the maximum allowed penalty. However, if for some reason Van Allen isn't indicted on the aforementioned capital offences and instead is done so on the rest of the charges, then he'll likely serve life in prison instead. AG Pratt's filings have not disclosed what sort of punishment prosecutors may pursue in the Magistrate (Supreme Court), and a number of files have been sealed which could contain additional charges.

The CMS refused to comment on the extradition itself but did explain that the paperwork had been filed with the Conglomerate's central enforcement agency that handles such matters between the territories and subject states. That being said, many expect the paperwork to go through without a problem and for Van Allen and the other two suspects to be transported within the week. It is unclear who the other two suspects are as they have not been named, though Rsai authorities stated they were not with Van Allen at the time during his apprehension.

by **Lady Scylla** » Fri Jul 26, 2019 6:27 am

Read Article in GalStan // Leer Artika en Lang Marslander

Government Passes Senate Act, Martian Forum Formed
Names change as government sets out to direct new policy and diplomacy

Laconia, Mars (Laako, Mars) -- In an effort to normalise relations among martian powers, the Martian Charter was subsequently signed and has been officially ratified between the Martian Conglomerate, the Eridani Imperium, the Republic of Sunset, the United Imperial Kingdom of Macisikan, and the Menelmacari Ascendancy. The organisation that handles international relations between martian states, the Martian Forum brought a new found problem to a new government. PM Suzume Cora opted to avoid confusion rather than retain a similar legislature name to that of the organisation by reviving the older legislature's name, thus bringing the legislature of the Conglomerate back to its original name.

''It's pretty humorous, really,'' the PM said. Despite the name change, the Martian Senate will remain, functionally as it is now since the Government Act. With confusion now out of the way, the government has begun a process of establishing diplomatic relations with a number of nations in a bid to rebuild Mars' image. ''It's imperative for the Conglomerate, we may control a good chunk of the planet (Mars) but there are other nations we border, and with colonies across the galaxy, the time for good, friendly ties is upon us,'' the PM said in a closed interview with Martian Times.

The new organisation strikes a different tone than previous administrations' attempts to remain isolated. For the past century, the general policy was that the Conglomerate was strongest alone. However, political and social changes have changed the minds of many. It's brought about a sort of identification crisis for Martians, even today the Conglomerate maintains its originality as one of the first states on the planet and it's dictated that Martian be referred to citizens of the nation, and martian to those of the planet.

This nationalism has started to falter the last few decades as Martians interact with other cultures. ''The Conglomerate for the longest time was just that of Martian citizens, but after it started establishing colonies and building an empire in different parts of the galaxy, well, we had these new cultures that weren't human, weren't citizens, weren't Martian. I think that has changed how people think about the world -- their viewpoint -- about things now,'' University Professor, and Head of Cultural Studies at Martian University, Harald Schultz stated.

''Overall, you've got a new generation of Martians that are now asking themselves 'What does it mean to be Martian?' 'Who are we?' and I think that's a question that has truly remained unanswered for far too long. There is a bit of pride because we're supposedly the 'first' Martians. But we definitely aren't the only ones on the planet, others came after and during the migration when Laconia was first settled. We were just bold enough to say it was our right, and I think, I think that's what sets us apart. It is because we ask ourselves these questions, we built an identity,'' Schultz further commented.

The Prime Minister's election has already brought a major shift in the overall political landscape, she is especially popular among the newest generations. Cora's politics revolve around the need to redefine Martian culture towards that of acceptance and inclusion, a stark contrast to her predecessors. Beyond tackling the aftermath of the recent crisis, the PM's agenda involves a number of international trips and the establishment of embassies, new trade treaties, and a comprehensive rework of the Colonial Authority which could mean sweeping reforms for colonial administrations across the Conglomerate.

''It's still too early to tell what sort of mark her policies are going to leave on the nation and it's history, but I do think we're entering a new era, a Suzume Cora Era,'' MU Historian and Professor Garland Rames stated.

The full text of the international organisation, the new Martian Forum, can be found here: martianforum.mc.gal.org/portal/charter

by **Lady Scylla** » Sat Jul 27, 2019 6:52 am

Read Article in GalStan // Leer Artika en Lang Marslander

Van Allen Arrives In Laconia To Face Trial
The former Chancellor of the previous administration has arrived in Laconia under CMS custody ahead of his trial

Laconia, Mars (Laako, Mars) -- It's a brisk cool morning in Laconia as an unspectacular shuttle lands on a pad. This in itself wouldn't be odd except there's no scheduled flights today on the public manifest, and the pad sits atop the Conglomerate's Marshal Service HQ. Indeed, their cargo today is one of peculiarity as it's not the typical ruffian CMS goes out to get but a former government official, Fredric Van Allen.

Van Allen's exact arrival remained unpublicised as the CMS expected large crowds and even danger otherwise. Truth is, Van Allen was never very popular among the public, the Chancellorship was not a democratic office elected by the public but one created and managed by the Camera during its rise to power. Understandably, there is probably a long line of people who would gladly take time out of their day to take a pot-shot at the former politician, but the Conglomerate maintains the importance of Rule of Law, and an untimely assassination would cost the current administration credibility even it would be cathartic for the public.

The former Chancellor faces a slew of charges that, if convicted, would ensure he spent the rest of his life behind bars. However, he also faces three very grave charges that could result in his execution. Capital offences are a surprisingly small list of what the government calls 'State Crimes' that often carry the harshest sentence. In all, Van Allen faces charges of treason, secondary acts of terrorism, and secondary acts of armed rebellion. These crimes are also the hardest to prosecute for.

Van Allen will face a months long battle against state prosecutors and public opinion as he tries to avoid the ultimate punishment. Already, Civil Defence, Military Intelligence, and CMS have launched a number of investigations in the wake of the crisis and filed or logged over 300,000 documents and items of evidence for the case. Many in the capital are expecting it to be the trial of the century as the State prepares itself. It is imperative to PM Suzume Cora's administration that justice is served and done so through due process of the law.

by **Lady Scylla** » Mon Jul 29, 2019 4:42 am

(Galactic Standard) Read Article in GalStan // (Marslander) Leer het artika in Laang Marslaander

Senate approves SB-7102
Senate passes legislation at 401-49 to expand lend-lease towards the GRA

Laconia, Mars (Laako, Mars) -- The Department of Defence has been ordered to expand on the GRA Fulfilment and Relief Act following the passing of SB-7102 which proposed a number of amendments to the original legislation. The bill has freed up the Martian budget in order to further support the GRA in it's defensive war. GRAFRA had been established under Van Allen's administration as a policy deal that'd help reinforce Martian security in the Gamma Quadrant for its Freyan colonies. The deal provided the GRA not only the R-77 rifle but also basic infantry supplies such as textiles, food, and body armour.

The GRA has remained in a conflict with an aggressive and barbaric foe which created concerns in the government about Martian colonies in the region. The amendments have expanded on GRAFRA and will now allow the Conglomerate to provide the GRA with lend-lease comprised of armoured vehicles such as tanks and IFVs, cybernetic augments and prosthetics, craft, weapons, munitions, cyber-warfare units, AI, drones, combat droids, and a half dozen ships such as cruisers, destroyers, and frigates. GRAFRA's expansion also covered another interesting amendment, providing the GRA with the 23rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade MEU ''Deathwatch'' which will assist in training GRA troops on Martian systems.

Deathwatch will remain behind the lines as outlined in the legislation, and be forbidden from participating in combat with the enemy. It's an interesting development as Mars continues to build defences both at home and elsewhere in the galaxy. Raging conflicts have become growing concerns for the nation's interests, and while the nation has been preparing itself defensively and avoiding engagements if at all possible, it still is willing to supply potential allies with the necessary materials in a greater effort to ensure Martian security.

by **Lady Scylla** » Tue Jul 30, 2019 5:06 am

(Galactic Standard) Read Article in GalStan // (Marslander) Leer het artika in Laang Marslaander

Martian Expeditionary Perimeter: What is it?
SB-7103 clears the Senate increasing funding to Mars' defence strategy in the Reaches as Martian spires appear near Trans-Beta Expressway

Laconia, Mars (Laako, Mars) -- The Martian Senate has greenlit a new expansion to the Solarian Defense Act that established the MEP, an identification and defence-in-depth region of the Reaches. The new legislation frees up funding to establish new spires close to the Trans-Beta Expressway as Mars' 1st Fleet moves into the region to support the endeavour. Some 320,000 workers have been employed since the start of the SDA/MEP project with the possibility of more coming in the next few months. That being said, questions regarding Mars' ambitious plan have been lobbied and following information provided by the Ministry of Defence, Martian Times can answer some of them:

What is the SDA/MEP?
The SDA/MEP was a plan laid down by the Van Allen administration to set future policy guidance on Mars' military and the nation's defensive strategies. The SDA, or Solarian Defence Act, refers to the legislation that was passed creating the Martian Expeditionary Perimeter or MEP for short. The MEP expands out over the Reaches and is defined as a patrol and observation area for Martian military forces to focus their efforts and tasking.

Martian patrols of the region have greatly increased with larger and more numerous warships travelling along daily patrol routes to monitor nearby trade routes and international space for pirate and hostile activity. Mars has spent a great deal of R&D into building the 'Spire' a modular station/ship that can be moved into position and defines an area where Martian ships are likely to patrol through. These mobile stations have a variety of roles from deep space observation, communications, detection and traffic monitoring, and even civilian use such as refuelling points. Often they're assigned a small contingent of security craft, and then have larger warships moving between them across the Reaches.

Why was the SDA/MEP created?

Mars' evolution from a localised city-state to a growing regional power has been a main driving force behind the SDA/MEP, especially as the country became more concerned over the last century with its own security. Sol has long been a system, alongside the Reaches, dominated by a few larger powers much older than the Conglomerate such as the Menelmacar Ascendancy and the Republic of Sunset. As the Conglomerate's own pull on astropolitics grows, it's sought to carve itself into a position where it can balance power.

Van Allen pushed hard for the idea that a 'Martian Era' was falling on Sol and the Reaches, accusing the Menelmacar and the Sunsetti (Nimatojin) of stagnation and complacency. While debated by analysts, Van Allen argued it had become Mars' duty to protect the region in light of this. The reality is that as the Conglomerate grows, the need to protect its assets becomes more crucial. The country is riding an economic expansion thanks to its colonial trade, which sees Martian freight moving across the galaxy. There's a growing sociopolitical revolution of Martian identity as the nation turns into a multi-species empire, and major technological advances have also fuelled Mars' rise to prominence in the region. With this growing power, the country is seeking to define itself among older states.

What does this mean for trade?

The Reaches are a robust region of many inter-connected trade networks rivalling if not surpassing that of Liu Xiu. However, the impact of Mars' SDA/MEP plan on these routes seems likely to be minimal. The Conglomerate hasn't pushed patrols into trade corridors nor has it built spires in them either. There's been no reports of Martian ships intercepting or interfering with the transit of trade in these areas, giving credit to the plan's notion for observation.

And while Martian warships may shadow trade routes on their patrols, the distance is within lightyears as the craft gather information on traffic coming into the Reaches. That being said, no warship has gotten any closer to merchant vessels, instead preferring to keep their distance. The reason is more a political minefield awaits them if they push their luck. Mars has built a greater density of Spires with civilian modules such as hotels, docks, refuelling points and trading outposts close to the routes in an effort to drive additional incoming to the country. So while Martian warship sightings will be more common, unless specifically requested for assistance or performing activity like piracy, it is unlikely they'll interfere with trade traffic.

How many Spires are there?

So far, the MoD reports that the MCN has established 79 Spires, a third of those are near routes and mostly cover the NE quadrant of the Reaches out from Sol. The SDA/MEP calls for a total of 1500 around the Reaches by 2195 though this is a ballpark figure and the real number may be lower,. Te next big expansion is happening around the Trans-Beta Expressway which will see 20 new Spires being moved to the area.

Anything else?

The MCN has stated plainly that unless a ship requests assistance such as needing a tow, or one is engaging in piracy by attacking vessels within routes, it is very unlikely any MCN warship will contact craft or move into the trade lanes. According to a memo from Hawking, the nation's central military command, the MCN's duties are strictly regulated to observation and patrol -- ''Being seen, not being heard''. That being said, MCN warships are required to notify nearby craft if they are entering the trade lane and for what purpose, especially if moving in to engage a pirate.

by **Lady Scylla** » Wed Jul 31, 2019 4:54 am

(Galactic Standard) Read Article in GalStan // (Marslander) Leer het artika in Laang Marslaander

MCN Mars Arrives In Reaches
The flagship of the Conglomerate's battleships has arrived in the Reaches with escorts ahead of MEP expansion

Solarian Reaches, Alpha Quadrant -- The crown jewel of the Martian Conglomerate Navy has arrived in the Reaches with a heavily armed escort of cruisers and destroyers in perhaps the largest show of force by the Martian Conglomerate to date. The MCN Mars, under command of Grand Admiral Nerys Harlow, is the most heavily armed and largest of Mars' battleships. The ship was the first laid down of the seven Mars-class warships with the MCN Laconia, MCN Anseris, MCN Harbinger, MCN Iron Sovereign, MCN Dread, and the MCN Reaper's Call following after.

The arrival would coincide with Mars' new expansion plan for the MEP which will see a major build up of forces around the Trans-Beta Expressway in the coming weeks during construction of stations. A source familiar with the military commented that the task group's arrival brings the amount of Martian warships in the Reaches to its highest number yet. ''We haven't seen a build up, a concentration, of Martian warships on this scale before,'' political analyst Gotfried Reddington said.

While an official figure is unknown, Reddington estimates that there's around 400-500 warships now operating in the Reaches. ''A few hundred doesn't sound like a lot, but these are some of the most cutting edge designs, it's perhaps the only thing the Conglomerate has excelled at. The firepower available to the Conglomerate in the Reaches right now probably outdoes all the firepower at the country's disposal during the two-decade long Colonial Wars,'' Reddington added.

While the buildup of Mars' forces in the region has steadily been growing for months now, the one place it hasn't increased is in Sol itself. Mars is barred by the Sol START treaty with the Menelmacar over the number of warships it may have deployed in the system. This hasn't stopped them from building an armada outside of it, however. Along with the MCN Mars comes the nation's most decorated admiral, Nerys Harlow, who until recently held command of the entire Gamma Quadrant's Martian naval forces. Harlow's reputation as a calculating and competent commander during the Colonial Wars has earnt her the moniker 'The Morrigan' by her subordinates.

by **Lady Scylla** » Thu Aug 01, 2019 4:58 am

(Galactic Standard) Read Article in GalStan // (Marslander) Leer het artika in Laang Marslaander

PM Suzume Cora Meets With Peninsular Leadership
The Prime Minister met with Peninsular President Van Fielt today in a diplomatic first between the two rivalling nations

Liaso, CFP -- In an unprecedented move by the new administration, PM Suzume Cora made a trip to the CFP, a Conglomerate rival, and met with President Van Fielt and Peninsular leadership in an effort to help normalise relations. The CFP and MarCong were left in a gruelling battle of words and wit after a few tense weeks of aggressive posturing by Martian forces along Peninsular's expanse, including unverified claims by the Peninsular that Mars was tapping their civilian communications, something Laconia has strictly denied.

Since then, diplomatic communications between the two powers has remained unsparingly terse. The Prime Minister's visit has stoked the flames for a possible recourse between the two nations, with the PM herself stating that the visit was ''necessary to restore trust''. While Mars had agreed to cease its aggressive flybys and antagonising manoeuvres around the Peninsular expanse, the sabre-rattling left an impact on overall public and political opinion in both countries. According to Laconia, this is the first of many future meetings between the two's leadership with a hope that an embassy exchange and diplomatic talks may take place in the future to finalise the policy shift.

by **Lady Scylla** » Fri Aug 02, 2019 5:28 am

(Galactic Standard) Read Article in GalStan // (Marslander) Leer het artika in Laang Marslaander

Fieldmarshal Henrik Schultz To Tour Missile Bases with Senator Olorime
MAF launches annual inspection initiative with Senator Olorime's support

Martian Conglomerate, Mars -- In an effort to improve morale and ensure readiness of the nation's forefront in its defence, Senator Olorime has agreed to fund a bill for Fieldmarshal of Army Staff, Henrik Schultz that would mandate an annual inspection of the nation's forces carried out by leadership. Olorime noted that it was great not just for patriotism but to keep morale high for troops. ''They're doing great things defending our country, and too often there's little chance for them to get some spotlight,'' she said.

Henrik Schultz who lobbied the upcoming bill said that among his first stops for the inspection would be the nation's missile bases. ''There's so much that goes into our nation's defence, and working from the back to the frontline of our defences, I think it'll be good for our soldiers,'' he commented. Schultz is expected to arrive at the first of several stops starting this week as he meets with his subordinates, with him will be television crews to perform interviews with soldiers and document the new process. For many soldiers, there's been an aura of excitement, Sergeant Flanders of 1st Armoured told Martian Times that many of the men, especially engineers, were excited to show the public what some of their jobs are like.

by **Lady Scylla** » Sun Aug 04, 2019 2:56 am

(Galactic Standard) Read Article in GalStan // (Marslander) Leer het artika in Laang Marslaander

Sunsetti Press Martian Defences
Aircraft of the Republic of Sunset antagonize maritime border over the Hellas Sea

Hellas Sea, Mars -- Aircraft of the Sunsetti military have been crossing the Hellas Sea and buzzing Martian borders in an escalation on the red planet. Reportedly flying low before raising altitude, the aircraft have resorted to flying as close to the Martian border, often within a few meters, and continuing their path down the full length in a brazen display of recklessness.

Prime Minister Suzume Cora called it a "reckless and endangering act", with the DoD stating that it has been forced to scramble fighters during the incidents to ensure the craft don't cross the border. DoD spomesman, Richard Hewitt told Martian Times that the Conglomerate would defend its airspace from aggressiom, including downing violating aircraft. "We have a zero tolerance policy for this, if they cross the border, we will shoot them down," he said.

The PM has convened her cabinet to discuss the provocation among other major security issues. "Our response will be measured if this continues," she said outside the capitol.

by **Lady Scylla** » Tue Aug 06, 2019 3:49 am

Aug Clinics Firebombed
Regency-linked terrorist firebomb aug clinics in Porterugio

Porterugio, Martian Dominion of the United Provinces -- Porterugians in the Delta Quadrant found themselves on the receiving end of a series of firebombings by the Regency late last night. According to authorities, masked men carried out a series of attacks on a number of aug clinics across the colonial port town, killing three and injuring a dozen. The Regency claimed responsibility for the attacks after allegedly biohacking a civilian and announcing such in Porterugio's constabulary before he committed suicide.

The civilian has yet to be identified, though CMS and Porterugio forensic experts were able to confirm the man's shard had been compromised. The suicide caused a lockdown of the constabulary for about an hour. It would be the first mention of the Regency since the Black Thursday attacks in Laconia, over 75,000 lightyears away. The Conglomerate Marshals stated that it was far too early to make much comment on the investigation regarding the civilian, the firebombing, and the Regency.

Porterugio has been shaken by the string of attacks, and the exact motives of the Regency have continued to remain unclear though contacts from Civil Defence noted that the firebombings were remarkably low-tier compared to the well-coordinated cyberattack that brought Laconia to its knees. There are questions of whether the events could be the result of a copy-cat organisation without the resources at their disposal. The Regency's attack on Laconia has managed to fuel sectarian violence between androids, cyborgs, and organics with much of the city still under military lockdown and international peacekeepers assisting in mediating the issue.

by **Lady Scylla** » Tue Aug 13, 2019 5:14 am

Military Finance Act of 2177 Passes
SB-7173 clears the Senate with new changes to the MAF's budget

Laconia, Mars -- The Martian Armed Forces (MAF) have been given a larger budget thanks to this year's MFA legislation. MFA bills come before the Senate every four years which sets the course for major financing of military programs, weapons, and other necessary items for the MAF. SB-7173 wanted to expand the government budget for the MAF from 5% to 7% freeing up £1.2 trillion for a total of £4.2 trillion. Major opponents of the legislation argued that the increase was unnecessary, so much so that SB-7173 was vetoed by the lower chamber just two days after it cleared the Ministry.

The National Assembly (lower chamber) argued that Mars' defence budget commitments were adequate already to sustain military policy for the next four years and even suggested lowering the budget to 3%. Assembly President Miguel Mathis stated during an assembly hearing that ''Generally, when the Conglomerate is looking at oncoming conflict, the budget is increased. Hawking estimates that in order to defeat other astropolities of our size, or to engage in extensive naval conflict, a budget of around 10% is required. I cannot understand where the Ministry sees the need for an increase so close to that threshold since the Conglomerate is not engaged in an armed conflict.''

Despite President Mathis' concerns, the PM resubmitted the legislation to the Ministry after the veto where it was then passed via 2/3 of the chamber. Thanks to Mars' legal process, that vote overturned the lower chamber's veto and passed the legislation. ''I understand the Assembly President's reservations about the increase, I chose to allow the legislation to be tabled not only for the precedent but due to ongoing intelligence and information from the respective ministries familiar with our defence and its related maintenance,'' PM Suzume Cora was quoted as saying.

Among the usual budget re-allocations in the MFA, the MFA of 2177 called for the removal of the nation's old R-700 assault rifle in favour of a new rifle program, and the creation of over two dozen new automated brigades (units composed of androids) which would add an additional 150,000 units to the MAF's personnel plus more for the logistics and maintenance required. In total, roughly £216 billion will be going into new automated combat units and logistics and mark the largest military expansion of the MAF since 2157.

Other programs in the MFA include additional construction of another three Mars-class battlecruisers, and an entirely new destroyer program. Athena, the nation's central warmind will be receiving major upgrades in the budget as well including several large software reconstructions not just for it but other battleminds and shipminds. ''The future of the MAF is automated defences and artificial intelligence. The Conglomerate lacks the manpower compared to even our neighbours, but our edge has always been our technology,'' Brigadier Gen. Neal Shelton stated last month at a military conference. Shelton was one of the major contributor's to the MAF budget.

by **Lady Scylla** » Tue Aug 13, 2019 11:37 pm

Alert: Spaceliner Hijacking
HMMS Heraklion has been hijacked via a cyberattack on the ship's automated navigator

Solarian Reaches -- The Regency has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack it launched on the spaceliner HMMS Heraklion overriding the vessel's automated navigator. According to reports from Civil Defence and the Transit Authority, the attack occurred 340 LY from Sol on a return trip from New Arnhem in Delta. It is unclear how the Regency managed to infiltrate the ship's automated systems, but the vessel has been tracked heading for Sol. The terrorist organisation was widely held responsible for the Black Thursday cyberattack, and suspected in recent firebombings in Delta. They've been broadcasting a message off of the ship's beacon since the attack stating, ''The Regency shall set you free.''

The Prime Minister has convened an emergency meeting with the Joint-Chiefs and several Ministers on the situation. Grand Admiral Nerys Harlow dispatched a number of warships to shadow the vessel which is carrying 2,300 passengers. A statement from the Admiralty Office described the attack as unprecedented but that measures were being put into place to recover the vessel or ensure it is no longer a potential threat. In 2153, colonial separatists known as the Rta Coalition (RtaC) hijacked a spaceliner, the HMMS Aurora, and crashed it into a station killing thousands. This event kicked off the Colonial Wars. Since then, the MCN has implemented new policies in dealing with such situations.

''If at all possible, we will recover the vessel and ensure the safety of the passengers. The vessel is currently moving very slowly and poses no immediate threat to any settlements or installations,'' Grand Admiral Nerys Harlow stated during a small press conference. Despite Harlow's reassurances, Mars implemented a Homeland Doctrine that prioritised safety of settlements like Laconia over such hijacked vessels. If the issue can't be resolved peacefully, the Trident may be mobilised to ensure the Heraklion doesn't threaten the Martian surface.

by **Lady Scylla** » Sun Aug 18, 2019 3:31 pm

Alert: K. fungiosa Outbreak
Mars declares a Public Health Emergency in the wake of the Heraklion incident

Martian Conglomerate -- Prime Minister Suzume Cora has signed a National Emergency directive declaring a public health crisis following recent events involving the hijacked HMMS Heraklion spaceliner. The vessel was taken over by terrorists calling themselves the 'Regency', and attempts to retake the vessel discovered that passengers had fallen ill to a deadly pathogen from the Red Abyss. Unfortunately, the Heraklion was destroyed in the resulting clash with terrorist forces. Following news of the pathogen Karax fungiosa aboard the vessel, the Martian government has chosen to enact a series of enforcement protocols regarding its borders and ports of entry.

The Martian Delta will see the arrival of the 7th and 15th fleets to enforce tighter restrictions on colonial transportation and engage with international partners in screening efforts for the illness. Traffic that does not submit to screening will be subject to hostile action by Martian and international forces. Vessels found to be contaminated with the K. fungiosa pathogen will be immediately quarantined and crews subsequently removed and monitored for symptoms. This directive has made it illegal and a State Offence to harbour anyone showing signs of K. fungiosa.

Under the directive all traffic arriving and leaving the Martian Delta will be screened and directed to specific regions. Craft found trying to bypass these measures will be fired on. If you experience symptoms of the pathogen, you are to seclude yourself from the public and notify your resident Sanitater Office for Disease Control or Civil Defence.

by **Lady Scylla** » Wed Aug 21, 2019 5:55 am

Alert: Martian Delta Attacked
Martian Delta has come under attack by hostile craft prompting mobilisation

Martian Delta Colonies, MC -- Admiral Granger has mobilised the entirety of the Delta Armada after two devastating attacks on Martian vassal and colonial states in the region. Last night, an unprecedented strike was carried out by a hostile force against the Military Governate of Rta. Andromeda Station was heavily damaged. New Rta, Gordon, and Fort Sekhaan were also hit. On the otherside of the Delta, the Nysaar Territory was also attacked. The Nysaari mounted a defence calling up their coalition forces but were overwhelmed in the attack. According to reports, Highmark Station has been completely destroyed.

The hostile force was quickly routed after the arrival of Granger's 3rd fleet in Nysaar and a consolidated effort by the Rtai, Rymese and Deltan Colonists. ''It's too early to tell who was responsible for the strikes, but I've authorised the mobilisation of the entirety of our Delta fleets,'' Granger stated following the events last night. Skirmishes with hostile forces carried on into the morning, Hawking stated that the alien vessels were of an unknown model and varied in size from small craft to larger warships. Prime Minister Suzume Cora has called for an emergency meeting in the wake of the attacks to discuss their next steps.

by **Lady Scylla** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 8:25 am

Martian Reformation Legislation Clears Senate
Cultural, administrative, linguistic, and religious legislation and offices have been created by the Senate

Laconia, MC -- The Martian Senate has passed a series of bills collectively referred to as the Martian Reformation Acts which covers topics from language, administration, and Sovereign offices. The first bill to clear the Senate was the Flamen Martialis Civil Act creating the public office of Flamen Martialis and assigning it to the Sovereign. This places the Sovereign at the head of the Laconian Temple of Mars as the head-priestess, and establishes the office in perpetuity making the Flamen Martialis a permanent office that can never be removed by the Senate.

Among powers granted to the Sovereign under the office, the Sovereign may declare religious holidays and establish temples abroad. The Temple of Mars has been a growing and decentralised religion in the Conglomerate for around 150 years. Sometimes referred to as the Cult of Mars, Eternal Flame, Order of the Flame, Martialism or Martianism; the religion is a mix of Old World cultural beliefs originating from the Classical World of Rome.

Martialism depicts the God of Mars as a national deistic personification of not just their planet but their nation and identity as a whole. It is atypical of religious doctrines and beliefs in that Martians don't associate Mars as a literal god, (in fact the majority of the Conglomerate holds atheistic beliefs) but still hold a cultural and at times superstitious belief system around their home planet that is deeply rooted in tradition. One such example of common Martian and by extension Martialist practise that has been observed is the act of cutting one's hand in a ceremony called Sangria Martianna. Soldiers preparing to depart Mars for deployment or to go to war carry a ceremonial blade a Gladius, though this blade is much shorter than the classical-world sword of the same name.

Soldiers would carry out the ceremony by cutting across the left palm of their hand with a gladius and dripping the blood onto the soil. The belief behind the Sangria Martianna was that if soldiers died abroad, they were always home on Mars regardless. While originally, the hand used for the ceremony varied, the left hand became the norm due to its closeness to the heart. Such practises are common in Martian culture, but Martialism ultimately was stunted significantly without some sort of centralised body to build new temples. The cities of Laconia and Toscana, which are both on Mars, are the only two settlements with Temples of Mars. None have been built abroad meaning that Martialists from around the Conglomerate have long needed to travel to Mars to attend ceremonies or make offerings.

The new legislation and powers granted to the Sovereign means that HM can order the construction of new temples in cities abroad. These temples, like the two in Laconia and Toscana will be lead by Flamens(priestesses) elected to the position for life by the public. Their duty is less a religious one and more a symbolic and ceremonious one such as maintaining the temples, carrying out offerings, scheduling ceremonies, and standing in the stead of the Sovereign. While Martialism will still likely remain extremely decentralised overall, it spreads the belief system across the Conglomerate much easier.

Other legislation passed by the Martian Reformation Acts is the establishment of Tuscan, a New World Romance language, as the standard for administrative and public functions. The E Acta de Llengua Toscana or Tuscan Language Act will seek to standardise Tuscan by establishing the Royal Academy of the Tuscan Language. Their goal is to push for the Toscanic Dialect's dominance over the many varieties of the language that has resulted in spelling differences and some drastic grammatical ones as well.

The last in the legislation is the Martian Doctrine that establishes the Conglomerate as the sole inheritor of Mars. The Doctrine still recognises international claims on the Red Planet, but has stripped the term 'Martian' from any person who is not a citizen or resident of the Conglomerate. As well, and while unlikely, the Doctrine covers how to handle the potential for any other state to adopt 'Martian' in their name in the future. Instead, other peoples on Mars that are not a part of the Conglomerate will be referred to as Marslanders or simply inhabitants of Mars. Finally, the Doctrine covers a Manifest Destiny, that while it acknowledges is unlikely to ever come to fruition, establishes that the Conglomerate should ''at all presented opportunities, exercise via diplomatic means to acquire territory on the planet of Mars from non-Martian states to secure themselves eventual domination of the Red Planet.'' The Doctrine strictly outlaws Mars from acquiring land on the planet through war.

by **Lady Scylla** » Mon Sep 02, 2019 2:25 am

ALERT // PUBLIC ADVISORY // ALERT

ALERT // PUBLIC ADVISORY: ALL PRESS SERVICES HAVE BEEN BROUGHT OFFLINE FOR EMERGENCY TRANSMISSIONS TO THE PUBLIC. AT 21:10 MST, A HOSTILE CRAFT INTERCEPTED MILITARY SPACE IN HAWKING. ALL CITIZENS IN MARTIAN PROPER ARE ADVISED TO SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY AND FOLLOW REQUIRED EVACUATION ROUTES TO SHELTERS PROVIDED BY CIVIL DEFENCE AND ON-DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.

AT 21:10, ATHENA ELEVATED MARTIAN DEFCON FROM 3 TO 2 AMID CONCERNS OF AN ATTACK. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT ALL CITIZENS REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY AND SHELTER IN PLACE IF UNABLE TO FOLLOW EVACUATION ROUTES. CITIZENS ARE ADVISED TO CARRY ONLY WHAT IS NECESSARY SUCH AS THREE-DAYS WORTH OF FOOD AND WATER AND CLOTHING. PETS MUST BE LEFT BEHIND. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.

AT 21:10, TRANSIT AUTHORITY RESCINDED ALL AUTHORISATIONS FOR CIVILIAN CRAFT ACROSS THE CONGLOMERATE. THESE CRAFT WILL HEAD TO SPECIFIC PORTS AT THE MILITARY'S DISCRETION. LACONIA DOME HAS BEEN ACTIVATED FOR THE DURATION OF THIS EMERGENCY AND WILL NOT BE ACCEPTING ANY TRAFFIC AT THIS TIME. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.

IN THE CASE OF AN ATTACK, CITIZENS ARE EXPECTED TO SHELTER IN PLACE. AVOID LOCATIONS ON THE SURFACE SUCH AS ABOVE GROUND STRUCTURES. AVOID SHELTERING IN STRUCTURES COMPOSED OF TIMBER OR FLAMMABLE MATERIAL. CITIZENS SHOULD SEEK OUT BASEMENTS, SUBWAYS, OR OTHER UNDERGROUND STRUCTURES COMPOSED OF CONCRETE OR BRICK. IF NONE ARE AVAILABLE, SEEK SHELTER IN LOW LYING AREAS AWAY FROM WINDOWS OR FLAMMABLE MATERIALS. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.

IN CASE OF A NUCLEAR OR OTHER STRATEGIC ATTACK, CITIZENS ARE EXPECTED TO FOLLOW THE AFOREMENTIONED GUIDELINES AS WELL AS: DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE FLASH. LIE AS FLAT TO THE GROUND AS POSSIBLE, IDEALLY IN LOW LYING AREAS AWAY FROM GLASS, WEAK STRUCTURES, OR FLAMMABLE MATERIALS. DO NOT REMAIN IN THE OPEN. SEEK UNDERGROUND SHELTER AS IMMEDIATELY AS POSSIBLE. COVER WINDOWS. DO NOT DRINK FROM OPEN WATER SOURCES. DO NOT EAT FROM OPEN FOOD SOURCES. REMOVE CLOTHING TO AN ISOLATED AREA. DO NOT SHAMPOO/CONDITIONER HAIR. SHOWER IF POSSIBLE WITH POTABLE BOTTLED WATER THAT IS COLD. KEEP A RADIO OR OTHER EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT CLOSE FOR UPDATES FROM CIVIL DEFENCE. DO NOT LEAVE SHELTER FOR A MINIMUM OF 3 DAYS. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.

by **Lady Scylla** » Wed Sep 04, 2019 11:47 am

12 dead during emergency evacuations; Sunsetti-Martian tensions run high
12 people have been killed during emergency evacuations after Sunsetti warship threatened Martian sovereignty in war hysteria

Laconia, MC -- The Prime Minister has relinquished her emergency powers and is heading back to Laconia after a tense few days that brought the Conglomerate and the Republic of Sunset close to war. The PM was visiting Hawking, the nation's central military headquarters, when a Sunsetti dreadnought, the Nocturnal arrived and forcibly breached Martian territory. Immediately, Hawking went into lockdown and a tense stand-off erupted between the two powers as the Conglomerate declared DEFCON 2.

It is the first time in the Conglomerate's history that the nation activated STRATCOM, it's strategic command for the nation's CBRN forces, and deployed nuclear and chemical forces in the wake of the standoff. The stand-off caused major disruptions as the Transit Authority rescinded all civilian traffic permissions. Laconia, the nation's capital, was effectively sealed off and Civil Defence took over evacuations for the public. Twelve people were killed during the evacuation process, two from suicide, and ten from trampling during the ensuing panic.

''I'd just gone to sleep when the CBRN sirens went off, it was terrifying. People were screaming, and police and military vehicles had begun flooding the city. They were banging on doors, kicking them open in some cases to evacuate civilians to shelters,'' Diadra G'thal, a resident of Laconia, said.

Princeps Senator Riatta Lawson (UP) condemned the Republic's actions for its ''unacceptable and belligerent behaviour''. ''This is now the second event in many months that the Sunsetti have acted in an undiplomatic manner, threatening not only our sovereignty, but the lives of the public. This time, people died. I will be introducing a bill to the Senate immediately threatening sanction against the Republic for this act,'' Lawson stated during a press conference.

Negotiations are reportedly ongoing in the Martian Forum to demobilise forces, as other nations such as the UIK had also mobilised military units within the Exarchy. Even with PM Suzume Cora's Martian Party dominating the National Assembly, a number of delegates within her own party are calling for some sort of economic retribution against the Republic for the act. The PM has been inundated with a number of major crises as of late, and the Unity Party have been slowly chipping away at her authority.

''It's an absolute disgrace. We cannot stand by and let these bastards do this, action must be taken, and the Prime Minister's diplomatic approach clearly isn't working to dissuade this level of barbarism,'' Senator Gerry Ferguson (UP) stated during a fiery speech in the Senate last night. With the PM's position under siege in the wake of the crisis, and tensions still running high between a number of Mars nations, the overall optics seem rather grim.

Grand Admiral Ronald H. Granger Retires

Grand Admiral Granger, a respected war-hero in the nation for his decisive blow in the Colonial Wars has also announced his retirement. He was overseeing the incident in Hawking, and after its resolution, has decided to return home. ''It's been an absolute honour serving with you, and serving the Martian Conglomerate. I thank each and every one of you for your hard work and effort, for your loyalty and devotion to protect our great nation. A leader is made of his men, and I can say that my men are perhaps the best,'' Granger said in his resignation speech to thirty thousand naval personnel.

Granger's retirement comes at an uncertain point in the military's history as it undergoes the largest re-modernisation program ever conducted and continues to engage in conflicts across the galaxy. The Conglomerate maintains four Grand Admirals who oversee all fleet operations in a specific quadrant, them and the Fieldmarshals make up the Joint-Chiefs in the Conglomerate's Armed Forces. RGA Granger oversaw military operations in Delta and held 32 fleets and task groups under his 40 year command. The Senate is already looking for replacements to nominate to the position, though final selection is the discretion of the Empress.

Granger will be given land for his service and retires with full military honours. He is expected to receive a military parade in his honour in his hometown of Ombria on Mars in the coming weeks for a final send-off by personnel that served under his command. Granger's gun-ho attitude and boldness earned him the respect of many within the military, with much of the nation considering him a hero. The 73 year old has had his fair share of controversies over the decades but this has failed to negatively impact his reputation as the man who ended the Colonial Wars.

by **Lady Scylla** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 4:10 am

Princeps Senator Lawson Proposes Blockade Bill of the Republic of Sunset; Vote Of No Confidence
United Party ministers are seizing on the opportunity to strike a blow against the RoS and the Prime Minister

Laconia, MC -- PM Suzume Cora's arrival in Laconia has not gone unnoticed as the Senate becomes a political battleground putting the PM under siege. In a double blow to Cora's Martian Conservative Party and her leadership, Princeps Senator Lawson called into session the Senate and tabled the ''Sunsetti Economic Sanction and Retaliation Bill'' or SESAR. The controversial legislation would push for heightened tariffs on nations trading with the Sunsetti outside of Sol, as well as declaring a blockade and 'search & seizure' of Sunsetti merchant shipping. The legislation goes further in declaring the Republic's government as defunct, and condemning the Sunsetti for ''aggressive actions amounting to a 'shadow war' against the MC''.

Opposition to the bill came largely from the MCP, who is the dominant party in the Assembly but not the Ministry, with President of the Assembly Drew Arlow calling the bill ''absolutely ridiculous''. Arlow stated that if the bill passes the Ministry, he would immediately issue a veto forcing the legislation to go back to the Ministry for a revote. Assembly Delegate Anne Garish told the Martian Times that the move by the UP (United Party) was an ''...astropolitical threat to an already unstable diplomatic mess.''

''No way would anyone reasonable and well-versed in the current political atmosphere vote for this bill. It's nothing but grandstanding and a powerplay by the Princeps,'' Garish noted. Alongside the bill, the Princeps also tabled a vote of no-confidence against the Prime Minister alleging that her diplomatic strategy with foreign powers was naive and a threat to the sovereignty and national security of the Conglomerate and its citizens. In that particular legislation, the document makes the following statement: ''[...]the national motto of our nation is SPQM, Senatus Populusque Martianus. The Martian Senate and People. Prime Minister Suzume Cora cannot be considered to have represented either capacity faithfully and rationally.''

Despite the tabling of the no-confidence bill, it's likely the magistrates overseeing the Senate will declare it unconstitutional due to an error in the legislation which names the PM as the target. Under Senate Precedent, legislation cannot ''[...]unfairly target, demean, insult, aggravate, or otherwise directly mention (any) person of the government in which its contents provide the subject in a negative light. All legislation must refer to positions only for the sake of civility.'' Given the precedent, the naming and personal-attack on the PM will likely see the call thrown out. Voting on the SESAR bill is expected to begin later today after an expected several rounds of heated debate. It's been pointed out to the Martian Times from political experts that if the PM is removed via a no-confidence motion, the Princeps Senator is the most likely candidate to be the next PM.

by **Lady Scylla** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 9:04 am

Prime Minister Argues Against SESAR Bill; No-Confidence Dismissed By Speaker
PM Suzume Cora addresses Senate ahead of vote, survives possible no-confidence motion

Laconia, MC -- With the Senate now in session, tensions are fuming as UP and MCP senators debate the SESAR bill. Prime Minister Suzume Cora arrived home to a hostile take-over by incumbent Princeps Riatta Lawson who is challenging the PM's authority in a two-pronged attack. The first of which was a vote of No-Confidence against the PM, which was promptly thrown out by the Speaker. ''This really shouldn't have come as a surprise to anyone in these chambers over how the Magistrates would interpret this bill. It's completely rubbish. No-Confidence has been suspended for six months as is required by law,'' Speaker Roger Whitney stated.

The suspension keeps the Senate from pursuing endless no-confidence motions by requiring a minimum of six months. While many are unsure about Lawson's strategy, her role as Princeps means she was always well aware of the precedent that caused the bill to be thrown out. This hasn't slowed her down either, the entrance of the PM was met with boos and sneering by the UP delegates spurred on by Lawson who called Suzume Cora a 'walking prat in a pretty hat'. The Speaker was forced to attempt and regain order amid the commotion that prompted cross-aisle arguments between the two parties.

The SESAR bill was brought to the table once the chambers were returned to order, and began with a number of damning remarks by Princeps Lawson against the PM and her government. ''[...]As Martians we have a right to have responsible government and what has the honourable Prime Minister brought us? Crisis after crisis. She's running in circles apologising and tilting her skirt at every opportunity with officials from foreign and hostile governments that want nothing more than to take advantage (of Mars),'' Lawson stated in her opening remarks.

The Prime Minister took to the table next addressing Lawson's claims, ''The United Party started the ball rolling for a number of these crises. [...]The Princeps should know this, it was her vote that swung the last election and got Van Allen elected in the first place. Camera didn't come from the MCP.'' The back and forth has continued between the two and other delegates from both sides since. Senator Marc Halway was forcibly removed by the Sergeant-At-Arms after reportedly punching an unidentified delegate during a particularly tense moment, and another UP Senator allegedly through their brandy at Lady Walsh (MCP) and yelled, ''Here's some alcohol to serve while you whore the nation.''

Voting on SESAR is expected to begin in just hours after the debates. Lawson is pressing the cross-benchers in Cora's party into rebellion by feeding off of aggravation and frustration with the recent incidents involving Hawking and other crises. At the moment, just by party lines, Lawson has the majority necessary in the Ministry to pass SESAR without an issue. Of the thirty ministers in the upper chamber, only two are MCP. However, she must win over some of the MCP delegates in the Assembly in order to force the hand of Assembly President Drew Arlow so he is unable to veto it.

Out of the 450 Assembly delegates, 301 are held by the MCP and only 149 are held by the UP. If Lawson can cause at least 5 MCP delegates to rebelliously vote against the PM, she will have caused a 'Hung Assembly' where the MCP will have lost the 66% majority required to press the President for a veto. By doing so, the Assembly would be unable to act against the Ministry bill and it would pass unhindered. It'd be a severe blow to the PM's government as it would undermine her credibility greatly, making her chances of resignation or losing a no-confidence vote in the next six months very likely.

by **Lady Scylla** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 10:47 am

SESAR Deafeated In Vote; Lawson Humiliated
SESAR bill is rejected by the Ministry as PM Cora manages to rally support and avoid a 'Hung Assembly'

Laconia, MC -- An exciting day in Laconia as the Senate announced its decision on the 'Sunsetti Economic Sanction and Retaliation' bill or SESAR. In a humiliating blow to Princeps Lawson, SESAR was struck down not in the Assembly but the Ministry where Lawson's Unity Party holds 28 of the 30 seats. In a landmark decision and a first in cross-benching, SESAR was struck down at 21-9 with the majority of Lawson's party voting against her. Likewise, Lawson also saw a crippling blow in the Assembly when 7 of the UP delegates sided with the MCP, and all of the MCP remained firmly behind embattled PM Cora.

The two votes ensured that even if SESAR had cleared the Ministry, it would have been quickly and easily vetoed by Assembly President Drew Arlow. However, the fact that so many of the Unity Party went turncoat against Lawson's bill surprised many, including the PM. The change in the tides came after PM Cora went after Lawson on her funding of the Camerata's political arm which attempted to storm the Sovereign's palace last year, and over the Lakon-5 project, a massive international economic project being led by Dornalia.

Lakon-5 which is set to be the largest economic undertaking to foster trade with international partners in the Conglomerate's history has been prided as one of the greatest achievements of PM Cora's tenure thus far. Securing a number of major contracts to build the infrastructure for the station and create closer ties won over some of the Unity Party ministers who for months have been grappling with an increasing national debt. PM Cora used the L5 project to pivot UP ministers against Lawson, noting that if Lawson became PM the deal would never go through. ''I've dealt with crisis after crisis, and I'm still here honourable Princeps. The economy is growing, the military is being upgraded, the public is happier. What have you done for this nation? I'm still here, where are you, Madame,'' the PM said in a searing rebuff against her challenger.

Assembly President Arlow stated that the turn-around was almost ''unbelievable''. The vote ends Lawson's attempts at securing the position of Prime Minister for herself in perhaps one of the greatest political moves seen in recent years. Political experts explained to the MT that Lawson's moves were calculated. Lawson's attempt to pass the no-confidence motion meant one couldn't be passed for another six months. If she had managed to deal a blow to PM Cora's government and caused their coalition to collapse, she would have become the next PM and be immune from no-confidence for those six months.

Even more interesting, had she succeeded in turning those much needed 5 MCP delegates, she would have been immune to any vetoes during that time-period. Lawson would have been practically untouchable by the Senate and her Ministry would have been able to pass any number of laws undoing much of PM Cora's reforms. However, it seems that the Ministry which was hostile to the new PM a year ago has decided to place their bets on her economic and national policies rather than securing the office of Prime Minister.

The loss for Lawson undermines her own power as she banked so much on her position. Some experts expect she'll be encouraged to resign her post by her own party in the wake of the defeat or be overtaken by another senator in the coming years. Regardless, she's lost respect from the UP for the defeat, and the embattled PM has come out on top. ''Iron Lady,'' Drew Arlow stated to MT, ''It's an antiquated term, but I think the PM has earned it. She survived the unthinkable and sunk her opponent in the process. The Iron Lady and her Ironclad Diplomacy.''

by **Lady Scylla** » Fri Sep 06, 2019 4:04 pm

Martian Conglomerate 2177 // Martian Times is a publicly funded news service. You can donate here: martiantimes.mc.gal/donate // Language Options / >>English<< / Tuscan / Local / Help

Demobilisation Begins After Successful Negotiations
Martian forces have begun to demobilise after negotiations in the Mars Forum succeed in easing tensions

Laconia, MC -- Sunsetti-backed Outer System Alliance forces (OSA) have begun to demobilise off the border with the Laconian Republic in the wake of strenuous negotiations that took place in the Mars Forum. The move came after a tense stand-off that drew the two states dangerously close to open conflict following what the government called ''aggressive behaviour'' on behalf of the Sunsetti. The Sovereign announced today that she had taken control of the armed forces and began issuing orders to stand-down finally.

Hawking followed up on the Sovereign's statement and the DEFCON, the Defence Readiness Condition, has been lowered to 3. Grand Admiral Nerys however will be continuing her initial task of increasing security in the Reaches despite the cooling in order to maintain ''operational security'' of the MEP stations. Nearly 2 million personnel had been activated and deployed following the Hawking Crisis and should be returning back to their original stations across the galaxy in the coming days.

Princeps Lawson Resigns

After her failed powerplay on the hill, Riatta Lawson (UP) announced her resignation from government life entirely. The move, while not entirely unexpected, will give the Martian Conservatives a new Ministry seat, increasing their seats to three. Lawson has no family that can inherit the position leaving it vacant. The Assembly has quickly nominated Assemblyman Harris (MCP) and now awaits an appointment by the Sovereign. Tyler Harris was the Chancellor of the MCP prior to his nomination, with his deputy Rigel Tetsuda expected to take his place.

Lawson is expected to fully vacate her seat by the end of the week. Her resignation also means that the Princeps is now vacant as well, normally under Senate precedent this position automatically moves to the next most senior official. However, the Senate voted to withhold the seat from Lawson's successor, Senator Ferdinand Palantino. Palantino is expected to try and challenge the motion in the Rathaus (Supreme Court), but there's no law or precedent against the Senate taking such an action. Like Lawson, Palantino belongs to the 'Mars Alone' faction of the Unity Party. The Senate's motion has proclaimed Senator Nao Wesley as the next Princeps, who hails from a small but growing faction in the UP called the 'Foundation Caucus'. The Foundationists are more open to Prime Minister Cora's economic and social policies.

With a friendlier Princeps, the Prime Minister will be able to continue her economic projects with less scrutiny. However, should her plan fail, it still leaves a UP senator in the position meaning that the Unity party could turn up the heat later and eye for office of Prime Minister. Senator Wesley doesn't share Lawson's hardliner ideals meaning she is more likely to cooperate with the PM and listen to the UP leadership's pushes for caution.

by **Lady Scylla** » Sun Sep 08, 2019 7:10 pm

Martian Conglomerate 2177 // Martian Times is a publicly funded news service. You can donate here: martiantimes.mc.gal/donate // Language Options / >>English<< / Tuscan / Local / Help

2177 Convention Of Government Passes
PM's directive clears both chambers of government

Laconia, MC -- A naming convention proposed by the Prime Minister to standardise government titles and remove discrepancies has passed the legislature at 75%. The convention, which required approval by the entirety of the legislature redefined names for itself, its two chambers, the Sovereign, and other offices to reduce confusion or make official distinctions. While the convention didn't actually affect government function in anyway, it was still a major change that will cost the government nearly £30 billion.

The Rathaus

The first major change by the convention addresses the term 'Martian Senate', which initially was used to directly refer to the entirety of the legislature. Instead, PM Cora and other officials looked towards the original town hall and administrative building that used to house the Laconian Republic's government during the 2030s. The building was known as the Rathaus (meaning town hall), and thus adopted the name for the legislature officially.

The Senate

The Ministry never formally had an official name often using the Federal Ministry or Chamber of Ministers at different points in history. Despite this, leading to additional confusion, the legislators of this upper chamber were often called 'Senators' because 'Minister' was usually a term reserved for the Prime Minister's cabinet. The convention chose to re-apply the name 'Senate' to this body to remove that discrepancy.
The Congress

The lower chamber of the legislature has long been called the Assembly, specifically the National Assembly. This alone led to discrepancies for regional governments who are often governed by their own Assemblies. To add to further confusion, officials within the body were also called 'Senators'. To correct this, the convention adopted the name 'Congress' for the body.

The Sovereign

Perhaps one of the oddest discrepancies was the interchangeability of 'Sovereign' and 'His/Her Majesty'. While the Conglomerate does not consider the Sovereign a 'Monarch' because she technically presides over public offices (even though the Sovereign is functionally just that), an obscure law from 2115 dictated the style 'Sovereign' for domestic purposes and 'His/Her Majesty' for foreign relations. This odd law was mostly struck down by the legislature in 2127, but some provisions remained such as the above. In order to resolve this, the convention chose the term and style 'Sovereign' for all purposes effectively striking down the aforementioned law's remaining provisions entirely.

So why was the Government such a mess?

Unlike most nations which strictly defined their government composition and functions early on, the Conglomerate's government was a 'living relic' of adaptation. Originally, after the establishment of the city-state of Laconia in 2030, the city was ruled by a commission of elected officials. When the city expanded and formed the Republic of Laconia in the 2050s, the Election Crisis of 2053 saw the office of dictator created to resolve the election crisis and several others at the time. This dictator eventually became the 'Sovereignship', with much of the office's roles changing drastically by 2060. The Sovereign and commission then created a public assembly as the commission became more permanent. The roles of these bodies changed over time as the nation changed. Historian Grant Vickers told MT, ''The Conglomerate's government was like a cake basically. As the nation grew larger, rather than holding this massive convention to just reshape the government entirely, some new office or committee was created and layered on top of the whole thing. What you have basically is a system that is composed of different systems from different points in history and only in the last few decades have there been efforts to standardise and slowly reshape the government into a more homogeneous and functional system.''

by **Lady Scylla** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 1:13 pm

Martian Conglomerate 2177 // Martian Times is a publicly funded news service. You can donate here: martiantimes.mc.gal/donate // Language Options / >>English<< / Tuscan / Local / Help

Prime Minister Visits Liaso
PM has met with President Van Fielt of the CFP in move to further diplomacy and continue talks

Liaso, CFP -- The Prime Minister has announced a major diplomatic plan by travelling to a number of nations over the coming weeks. Her first stop was the CFP where she met with President Van Fielt and the two exchanged kind gestures. The PM, who had visited the Peninsular previously, has remained adamant about restoring faith with their neighbours after a tense crisis months ago. President Van Fielt was delighted to have received an ornate box with a bottle of Toscana Spiced Rum, something that he had supposedly taken interest in.

A further ceremony was held with the PM and members of the 1st Brigade, a ceremonial unit of the Conglomerate, who gifted the PM's sabre, an heirloom from her father, to the CFP. ''This has long been a very special ornament and heirloom in my household. It belonged to my father, Sergeant Williams Cora, who died while serving his country. My father had different opinions about war [...] he found it a cold reality that too often took lives before they had truly began because nations could not set aside differences. And so, I think he would be especially proud to have his sabre used in such a momentous occasion. May it be a sign by my government and me personally that we can build a better future,'' she said during the ceremony's speech.

Following the ceremony, the PM and President retired to play a Peninsular form of cricket and discuss future plans for the two nations. While the road to friendship is still a work in progress, the PM noted that it was crucial as a first step to restoring faith in the relationship between the two powers. ''Everlasting friendship and peace, that's the goal,'' the PM told MT when asked about the 'round the galaxy' diplomatic plan. ''The Conglomerate has had enough battles, it's time we open dialogue.''

by **Lady Scylla** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 6:47 pm

Martian Conglomerate 2177 // Martian Times is a publicly funded news service. You can donate here: martiantimes.mc.gal/donate // Language Options / >>English<< / Tuscan / Local / Help

Solidarity Tour: PM Meets With Domain Officials
PM Cora has met with Domain officials securing vital trade deal and relations

Haven, Anchorpoint Circlet, Phoenix Domain -- PM Cora met with seven officials from the External Affairs Council of the Domain's Conclave (Legislature). It is the first time Martian leaders have met with the Phoenixi in person marking a historic day not just for a relationship between the two nations, but the Prime Minister. PM Cora has launched her 'Solidarity Tour' by visiting a number of nations around the galaxy to discuss economic and political matters and improve relations with the MC.

The meeting with the Domain was very fruitful according to those familiar with the talks. The Nalarian Expanse, which is home to a number of territories of the MC, will be receiving vital trade from the Phoenixi following the talks. The PM managed to successfully sway Domain officials in opening trade with the region as well as humanitarian aid to the Nalarians who are still recovering from a civil war. Domain investors seem interested in the prospects of a closer financial relationship with the MC in this region which has prompted a host of new corporate charters by the Ferrous Trade Corps which oversees the expanse.

With a major victory under her belt, the Rathaus back home has applauded her efforts for her diplomatic tact. ''It's one thing to have officials meet, but the Prime Minister has really started setting the stage for a new Martian-era of diplomacy. None of us could have expected it,'' said Senator Sean Brand (MCP). The Prime Minister also got to tour the Phoenixi circlet, a ringworld, and enjoy some of the finer things about Phoenixi cuisine and culture during her stay.

Martian Times [FT][Closed]

Who is online