TNS 1120 (alt)
Date: 001-1120 ⑆ Muan Gwi (Solomani Rim 1717)[edit]
¶ Archduke Adair announced today the Empress Iolanthe is due to visit the Solomani Rim during the upcoming Jubilee Year. Her itinerary has not yet been announced, but the Archduke confirmed that the Empress would visit Muan Gwi (Solomani Rim 1717), Shulgiasu (Solomani Rim 2319), Shululsish (Solomani Rim 0214), and Terra (Solomani Rim 1827) at some point during her tour. Ω
Date: 010-1120 ⑆ Vantage (Solomani Rim 1538)[edit]
¶ Jan Malikov, prominent Nationalist delegate to the Secretariat, has resurfaced in dramatic fashion. Appearing before the Council of the Bootean League, he announced his intention to stand for election to the office of Secretary-General of the Solomani Confederation at this year's General Congress of the Solomani Party.
¶ "The Confederation is facing a crisis of confidence," stated Malikov. "With all due respect to the current administration, we badly need leadership of a kind that has not been in evidence for many years. The Solomani people deserve no less."
¶ After the meeting of the League Council, Malikov took questions from members of the press. He continued his civil but vigorous attack against the Solomani government's current policies. He made no comment when asked about his location or activities since disappearing from Home (Aldebaran 1009) on 311-1119. Ω
Date: 012-1120 ⑆ Mora (Spinward Marches 3124)[edit]
¶ The normally reclusive Sylean community of Wavecrest City has become a center of attention, with the approach of the traditional "Feast of the Ancestors." Well-wishers and tourists alike are thronging the walkways of the Sylean quarter, anticipating the nine-day celebration.
¶ In anticipation of Emperor Strephon's upcoming Jubilee Year, festival organizers plan a celebration of particular magnificence. Starburst banners are appearing everywhere in the city. On the first day of the festival, there will be a large procession led by a massive effigy of Cleon I. Afterward, several hundred members of the sector's elite will attend a traditional feast on the grounds of the Sylean University of Mora. Ω
Date: 020-1120 ⑆ Heimdall (Aldebaran 0401)[edit]
¶ The nation-state of Bremagne has withdrawn from the planetary League of States, leaving the stability of this balkanized world in question.
¶ Bremagnians have long objected to the procedures for selecting Heimdall's delegate to the Secretariat. These procedures were laid down in the League's charter over 200 years ago. They strongly favor nations which were predominant at the time, but which have long since been overshadowed by growing Bremagnian influence. The dispute has become heated in recent years, and now appears likely to cause the breakdown of the League of States.
¶ In a statement, Prime Minister Alois Perrault said that "Bremagne will use every available means to secure its right to representation in the Confederation government. We will challenge any delegate that is named to go to Home without recognition of our legitimate concerns." Ω
Date: 024-1120 ⑆ Fenris (Solomani Rim 1830)[edit]
¶ Anti-Imperial sentiments have boiled over in a number of cities, as members of conservative Lodges took to the streets in violent protest. Businesses were looted, vehicles were wrecked, and offworlders and pro-Imperial citizens were mobbed. Rioters engaged in dozens of pitched battles with police, fading away only when Imperial troops arrived on the scene. Casualties have been light, almost entirely limited to unarmed civilians caught in the crossfire.
¶ Imperial Army spokesmen dismissed today’s protests as an expected surge in mob violence. "On the Solomani calendar, today was the 7th of May," explained Major Eneri Enleshkaadshar during a press conference. "That's the anniversary of the final surrender of Terra during the Solomani Rim War. We see some unrest every year about this time. The Governor's staff is confident that these malcontents will crawl back into their holes soon enough. I also guarantee that they will do more damage to fellow citizens of Fenris than they will to the Imperium." Ω
Date: 035-1120 ⑆ Ludmilla (Solomani Rim 1216)[edit]
¶ Representatives of the Vegan minority have attempted to present a list of grievances to the central government, but were unable to speak to any official of senior grade. When the Vegans attempted to peacefully block entrances to government buildings, police forces in riot gear attacked and drove the dissidents off. Several hundred Vegans and Human sympathizers were arrested, many of them badly beaten or subjected to repeated doses of riot gas before being taken into custody. Ω
Date: 047-1120 ⑆ Anaxias (Delphi 1724)[edit]
¶ During a routine press conference today, Duchess Margaret announced that she is pregnant, confirming rumors of the past several weeks. Margaret went on to say that she is carrying a single child, which her physicians have declared to be in perfect health. Her husband, Count Blaine Tukera, is said to be looking forward to being a father again. Ω
Date: 048-1120 ⑆ Dingir (Solomani Rim 1222)[edit]
¶ Duchess Erika haut-Beaudoin of Dingir made a brief appearance at her father's Grand Conclave, lending considerable luster to this otherwise-dull gathering of conservative aristocrats. Despite rumors of strain between the Duchess and her father, the Marquis appeared at her side throughout the evening, and the two conversed before his guests with every evidence of warmth. Marquis Beaudoin was particularly careful to introduce his daughter to several of the younger men present, and looked on with approval as the Duchess enjoyed several minuets on the dance floor. Ω
Date: 049-1120 ⑆ Dingir (Solomani Rim 1116)[edit]
¶ Air and interface forces of Waothan and Nueva Argentina have clashed over the neutral airspace of the city-state Todos Santos. Three aircraft were shot down, two Human and one Vegan, before the opposing forces could disengage. Both major states (and Todos Santos) are now engaged in a vicious name-calling contest in the Assembly of Nations, although other powers are attempting to mediate the dispute. Ω
Date: 063-1120 ⑆ Daedalus (Aldebaran 0707)[edit]
¶ The pleasant island resort of White Kyros was attacked before dawn this morning by an armed party of unknown origin. Over a dozen cottages were destroyed before the attackers withdrew. Although no specific report has been released to the media, casualties among both security staff and vacationers were apparently high.
¶ The authorities are treating the incident as an unusually bloody terrorist attack, but have made no public statement as to the identity of the terrorists.
¶ Terrorism and political violence are rare, but not unknown, on Daedalus. The White Kyros resort is quite exclusive, and is known to cater to Solomani Party leaders as well as the occasional Imperial aristocrat on a tour of the Solomani Confederation. Ω
Date: 071-1120 ⑆ Hoatzin (Solomani Rim 0617)[edit]
¶ The Gran Hoatzin Consortium has announced that it will seek bankruptcy protection under Imperial commerce laws. The consortium began three years ago with an ambitious plan to decentralize planetside industrial production, setting up dozens of small robotic factories in the oldest settled regions on Hoatzin. The plan was supported by the planetary government and the office of Countess Muuadin, but strongly opposed by Solomani industrialists in the planet’s New Cities. A series of cost overruns and marketing failures has plagued the consortium since its foundation.
¶ Gran Hoatzin Consortium securities were trading at 7.4 Cr/share on the Hoatzin Exchange at closing, down from 68.5 at their height on 048-1120. Ω
Date: 079-1120 ⑆ Home (Aldebaran 1009)[edit]
¶ The 104th General Congress of the Solomani Party opened today, beginning many days of intense political activity at the Solomani capital. Secretary-General Lin Peres presided over the opening ceremonies, calling for all Party delegates to be "mindful of the heavy responsibility inherent in making decisions that affect all the Solomani people."
¶ As Secretary-General Peres is not expected to win re-election, much attention fell on the Party leaders considered most likely to succeed her. Jan Malikov, a prominent Nationalist delegate to the Secretariat from Vantage (Solomani Rim 1538), is considered the favorite in the upcoming voting. He spoke during several formal gatherings today, and appeared relaxed and confident. Ω
Date: 084-1120 ⑆ Teilhard (Aldebaran 0203)[edit]
¶ This relatively isolated world's starport has been raided by an unusually powerful (or unusually bold) corsair band.
¶ "Whoever they were, they came out of nowhere," reported Ibrahim Tall, captain of the free trader Nureddin's Fortune. "Half my crew was in the settlement on liberty. We had no warning, no time to lift off. They didn't pay any attention to us, though. Apparently they only raided the repair yard and then left."
¶ From eyewitness accounts, the corsairs used one very large vessel, roughly equivalent to a large escort or a destroyer. A wild rumor claims that the corsair was a Confederation Navy warship, but this has not been confirmed and seems very unlikely in any case. Ω
Date: 089-1120 ⑆ Hofud (Spinward Marches 1524)[edit]
¶ Fragmentary reports out of Ny Vanaas, an isolated industrial city, are claiming that the town has been overrun by forces of the Hofud People's Army. A communique from the HPA appeared to confirm this, as the insurgents declared the city "Provisional Capital of the Republic of Hofud."
¶ Hofud's Imperial Liaison, Sir Jonas Arikar, was quoted as saying "The rebels' statement is just propaganda. This is only a raid, albeit quite a large one. Once Hofud's planetary authorities appear in force, they'll fade back into the wilderness as they always have." He had no comment when asked why the HPA had pressed their attack home against a large city for the first time. Ω
Date: 099-1120 ⑆ Hayt (Solomani Rim 0313)[edit]
¶ A dramatic reversal has taken place in this world's ongoing political crisis. The First Guardians Regiment was sent to the Legislative Assembly building to arrest rebel senators, who had barricaded themselves inside the building in protest against General Shamash Kanten's rule. After several hours of tense standoff, Senator Peresh Bedandii emerged to confront the Guardian unit. With him was Carl Gyldenskjold, Count of Shululsish.
¶ Not wishing to fire upon the count, the Guardians allowed Senator Bedandii to approach, and negotiated with him for several hours. They then redeployed to protect the Assembly hall rather than threaten it. This setback for the dictatorship was widely broadcast over planetary media, just before they were shut down by government censors.
¶ Count Gyldenskjold was not previously known to be on Hayt, and there is no information as to how he came to be in the presence of the rebel senators. Ω
Date: 105-1120 ⑆ Vantage (Solomani Rim 1538)[edit]
¶ An important political scandal broke today, as Vantage government officials announced criminal charges against a prominent Solomani Party statesman.
¶ Jan Malikov stands accused of having accepted bribes from the Imperial megacorporation SuSAG while serving as the planet's Minister of the Environment almost 15 years ago. Officials announced today that a courier ship has been dispatched to Home (Aldebaran 1009), with orders to bring Malikov back for arraignment and trial.
¶ At the same press conference, officials deflected questions about the Imperial far trader Four Kings, whose captain and crew have been in detention for several days. Local press reports speculate that the Imperial merchants are somehow connected to accusations against Malikov, but the details remain unknown. Ω
Date: 106-1120 ⑆ Sacnoth (Spinward Marches 1325)[edit]
¶ The Investigative Branch of the Ministry for Security announced today that politician Karl-Hedin Gudmunsson has been arrested. Gudmunsson, Assistant Minister of the Economy on Sacnoth, was charged with ten counts of bribery, fraud, and peculation.
¶ In a remarkable turn of events, a petition censuring the arrest is being circulated by opposition politicians. It notes Gudmunsson's interest in investigating the role of various large corporations during the past war against the Imperium, and questions the motives for the arrest. However, the government refused to support the statement, citing classified evidence given to them by MinSec. Ω
Date: 119-1120 ⑆ Hayt (Solomani Rim 0313)[edit]
¶ The badly-burned body of General Shamash Kanten, long-time dictator of Hayt, was found in a wrecked grav car near the starport today. The General's remaining troops retain control of several critical points in the capital city, but by all accounts they are wavering and ready to surrender to rebel forces.
¶ Senator Peresh Bedandii has appeared in public for the first time since his dramatic confrontation with Guardian units at the Legislative Assembly building several local days ago. He has called for all citizens to remain calm and prepare to participate in the construction of a new government. Ω
Date: 125-1120 ⑆ Stralsund (Solomani Rim 0618)[edit]
¶ After several weeks of negotiations sponsored by the Countess of Hoatzin, the Paramount of Stralsund has agreed to lay down his office and go into "honorable retirement" elsewhere in the sector.
¶ A ruling council is to be formed within 30 days to oversee the transition of the Stralsund Belt to a new form of government. The Countess, who has gained widespread respect for her actions as arbitrator, has agreed to preside over this council and appoint three out of the six other members. The remaining members are to be appointed by the three largest belt-habitats in the system. Ω
Date: 130-1120 ⑆ Knabbib (Core 2115)[edit]
¶ Julian Trane, distinguished professor of interstellar history, has just published an epic analysis of Imperial history titled The Inevitability of Night.
¶ The new work hypothesizes that interstellar civilization progresses through a continuing cycle of expansion and regression, driven by factors which cannot be avoided by any culture. In public interviews, Trane has carefully avoided making any predictions about the future of the Imperium.
¶ "I am no oracle," Trane said in an appearance on the Knabbib world-news net. "I can't project how Imperial history will proceed over the next week, much less the next thousand years. My work suggests that another Long Night must someday come. It doesn't give us a timetable."
¶ Imperial officials refused comment. Ω
Date: 136-1120 ⑆ Home (Aldebaran 1009)[edit]
¶ The General Congress of the Solomani Party has been disrupted by the arrest of a prominent member.
¶ Agents of the Vantage (Solomani Rim 1538) government entered the Congress chambers to arrest the de facto leader of the Nationalist caucus, Jan Malikov, on charges of bribery and malfeasance. Malikov stands accused of criminal misconduct during his service as a Vantage planetary official in the mid-1100s.
¶ Malikov has refused to invoke delegate's privilege, and vows to return to Vantage to face the charges. It is unclear how his absence, even if temporary, will affect the ongoing campaign for the office of Secretary-General. Ω
Date: 147-1120 ⑆ Esperance (Solomani Rim 1116)[edit]
¶ Count Willem Salacrou has arrived on Esperance to begin a round of mediation involving both Imperial and local officials.
¶ "This is shuttle diplomacy," the Count said during a press conference at the starport. "War on Esperance would benefit no one, not the Imperium and not the Human or Vegan citizens of the planet. If I can help defuse the situation, all the better." Ω
Date: 150-1120 ⑆ Dimmurak (Solomani Rim 1111)[edit]
¶ Planetary elections have yielded a razor-thin majority for the pro-Imperial Iishadun Party, along with a great deal of election-day violence and widespread accusations of vote fraud.
¶ Cheng Golok of the Interstellar Brotherhood of Labor stated that "if the Iishadun and their megacorporate sponsors think that they can steal this election, they are sadly mistaken. Under the Dimmurak constitution, the IBL and the People's Party demand a recount, to be monitored by neutral observers."
¶ Late this evening, the Citizen’s Advisory Council issued a statement agreeing to the IBL demand, announcing that officials of the Imperial Ministry of Justice would be invited to oversee a recount and (if need be) a run-off election. Ω
Date: 160-1120 ⑆ Mora (Spinward Marches 3124)[edit]
¶ The office of Duchess Delphine, in conjunction with Archduke Norris and the Ministry of Colonization, announced today that Bronze (Spinward Marches 1627) would be placed under interdiction for the next 270 days. At the end of that period, the planet will be opened to any and all persons or corporations for claim-staking and exploitation.
¶ Results of the IISS survey of the planet were released simultaneously, and the intent of the Red Zone is to allow all competitors to plan on equal footing for operations beginning next year. Ω
Date: 168-1120 ⑆ Dimmurak (Solomani Rim 1111)[edit]
¶ Three days before planetary elections, a bomb blast in the capital city claimed the life of seven citizens and an undetermined number of offworld observers. Notable among the casualties was Cheng Golok, leader of the Interstellar Brotherhood of Labor and a prominent figure in the pro-democracy movement here. It is unknown whether Golok was killed or merely wounded, as IBL officials quickly moved him to a secure location.
¶ "The knife at the throat of our enemies has been taken away," said Eneri Shirika, so-called Speaker for the People’s Party. "A great man has fallen, and we cannot know if he will return. Yet if our enemies hoped to silence him, they will be disappointed. They will find him returning as a thousand knives wielded by free, unafraid people."
¶ Public reaction to the bombing has been one of shock and anger. The effect on the upcoming elections is as yet undetermined. Ω
Date: 173-1120 ⑆ Esperance (Solomani Rim 1116)[edit]
¶ Peace talks between the Vegan and Human blocs on Esperance have broken down, after a series of shouted exchanges between principal negotiators. Count Willem Salacrou, the lead Imperial negotiator, was seen to be pale and drawn as he left the conference room. To the press, he stated that: "I've never seen anything like this. As long as both sides were engaged in lower-level discussions, everything seemed to go well. The minute the principals got into that room together, it all fell apart. If I was a superstitious man I'd say that there were evil spirits plaguing us."
¶ Both negotiation teams have left the neutral city of Todos Santos for their respective capitals. Forces on both sides of the contested borders are said to be on high alert. Ω
Date: 177-1120 ⑆ Esperance (Solomani Rim 1116)[edit]
¶ War began today, as Waothani air and grav-armor forces crashed across the border into territory of the Human Bloc. The city-state of Todos Santos was quickly surrounded by Vegan forces, and declared itself an open city to avoid attack. Imperial observers quickly set up residence in the city and began monitoring the battle. In accordance with international law, the commanders of all significant system-defense squadrons have delivered their commands to the Imperial Navy for sequestration. Ω
Date: 185-1120 ⑆ Home (Aldebaran 1009)[edit]
¶ During closing proceedings of the Solomani Party Congress, the Secretariat has elected a new Secretary-General.
¶ The new chief executive of the Solomani Confederation is Marc Chissano. Chissano is a member of the ruling family of Twilight (Aldebaran 0911) and has served as his homeworld's delegate to the Secretariat since 1113. He has also held a series of posts in the Solomani bureaucracy, most recently serving as Deputy Minister of Information. His politics are believed to be firmly radical - he has consistently supported strict racial-purity laws and an anti-Imperial foreign policy.
¶ As usual, the Secretariat held its elections behind closed doors, so details of Chissano's election are unclear. Several delegates have stated to the press that Chissano was a "compromise candidate," nominated only after several more prominent delegates were unable to break a deadlock. Ω
Date: 201-1120 ⑆ Esperance (Solomani Rim 1116)[edit]
¶ Nueva Argentina claimed that its forces had halted and smashed a Waothani advance near the city of Guevara today, inflicting massive casualties on the invading Vegan forces. Waothani defense spokesmen dismissed these reports, but admitted that the advance into Human Bloc territory "has not entirely met expectations." Ω
Date: 202-1120 ⑆ Gram (Spinward Marches 1223)[edit]
¶ A protest was jointly lodged with Confederation House by the Border Worlds Authority and the Imperium early this morning. Both states are objecting to the recent reconstruction work on Bryn Avgrunn Base, between the planets Orcrist (Spinward Marches 1126) and Enos (Spinward Marches 1130).
¶ A spokesman for the Confederation rejected the protest. "We admit that the previous base at that location was intended to threaten Caladbolg (Spinward Marches 1329), yet it also bridged the four parsec gap to our most outlying world. After its destruction in the last war, Enos (Spinward Marches 1130) was cut off, and that needs to be remedied. We are willing to allow Imperial inspectors on the station, but rebuilding will be going ahead in light of recent obstruction of traffic through along the alternative J-2 route through Border Worlds space." Ω
Date: 208-1120 ⑆ Enos (Spinward Marches 1130)[edit]
¶ The planet Enos is in shock today after a statement released by the Regent of Enos, Hamund Nafnisen Riseger. "Queen Ros has suffered a severe horse-riding accident, and is now at Hardenberg Castle," it said. "While the queen will recover, our top medical specialists are indicating that it will take several months or more before she will be well enough to resume her duties. Until that time, she will be withdrawing from public life. We ask that your thoughts be with her in this difficult time, and express our hopes that her health returns quickly." Ω
Date: 225-1120 ⑆ Esperance (Solomani Rim 1116)[edit]
¶ After a brief cease-fire, fighting resumed today in the region of the city of Guevara between troops of Waothan and its human rivals. Waothani mechanized infantry and grav armor resumed their advance into territory claimed by Nueva Argentina.
¶ In response to the renewed fighting, Imperial Naval spokesmen announced that Esperance would soon be subject to a full blockade, enforced by elements of the 1291st and 1295th Colonial Fleets already in system. Ω
Date: 234-1120 ⑆ Esperance (Solomani Rim 1116)[edit]
¶ Sporadic reports of combat in the deep Esperance system were confirmed by a spokesman for the 1291st Colonial Fleet. "A number of Esperancian SDB squadrons with human crews have broken the Treaty of Milagro and taken up arms on behalf of the Human Bloc," said Lieutenant Fielle Wilson-MacCraig, IN. "As this is also constitutes treason against the Imperium, our forces have responded decisively. I am happy to inform you that the rebel SDBs have been smashed by elements of the 1291st Colonial Fleet, and the few survivors have scattered into deep system space."
¶ In other news, Lieutenant Wilson-MacCraig denied rumors of tension between senior IN commanders on the scene in Esperance. "All naval commanders involved in the observation and blockade of the planet are fully aware of their obligation to follow the chain of command," he said before ending the press conference. Ω
Date: 238-1120 ⑆ Ludmilla (Solomani Rim 1216)[edit]
¶ The Vegan tuhuir Ewm Shao Gwi has called for outside arbitration in its ongoing legal dispute with the human-supremacist government of Ludmilla. A commission composed of Imperial officials is expected to arrive on-planet within two weeks. Highly-placed sources in the subsector government have expressed concern that the Human-Vegan conflict raging on nearby Esperance (Solomani Rim 1116) is in danger of spreading to nearby worlds. Ω
Date: 245-1120 ⑆ Sacnoth (Spinward Marches 1325)[edit]
¶ Sir Adrian Montrose, prominent official in the Imperial Border Office, was found dead today in his suite at the Ambassador's Hostel in Foerstaborg. Although Imperial and Border Worlds security forces are investigating the death as suspicious, there was apparently no sign of foul play. Ω
Date: 250-1120 ⑆ Esperance (Solomani Rim 1116)[edit]
¶ A particularly vicious outbreak of the Vegan catarrh has taken place in regions already affected by the ongoing war here. The disease has little effect on Humans, who may suffer no more than mild upper-respiratory discomfort, but it is often very debilitating or even fatal to Vegans. Perhaps as a result, the Vegan advance into Human Bloc territory has slowed dramatically in the last few days. Ω
Date: 258-1120 ⑆ Europa (Aldebaran 2208)[edit]
¶ Violent riots have erupted in several major population centers here, apparently leading to a full-scale popular revolt against the dictatorial Europan regime. A number of Home Guard units have apparently declared for the insurrection and are now fighting the regime's Republican Guard troops. Ω
Date: 265-1120 ⑆ Esperance (Solomani Rim 1116)[edit]
¶ Full-scale Imperial intervention began today on this war-torn world. Admiral Sir Kristian Sandkvist, commanding the 1295th Colonial Fleet in system, announced that his office had uncovered credible evidence of biological warfare against the forces of Waothan, using a genetically engineered virus. "This constitutes the use of a weapon of mass destruction, which is a clear violation of the Imperial Rules of War. I am therefore ordering the immediate investment of Esperance. As soon as planetary space has been secured, forces of the Imperial Army and Marines will land and begin the task of separating the combatants and degrading the ability of the so-called Human Bloc to continue fighting."
¶ Forces of Nueva Argentina and its Human ally nations are apparently in full retreat, as the Imperial Navy bombards their forward positions and logistics areas. Off-world, the Imperial 226th and 310th Field Armies (based on Yrsai (Solomani Rim 0511)), the 311th Field Army (based on Glaucas (Solomani Rim 0612)) and the 634th Field Army (based on Upirzanu (Solomani Rim 0814)) are all preparing to land once the way has been opened for them. The 1105th Lift Infantry Corps, already based on Esperance, has made a lightning strike to occupy the city of Todos Santos. Imperial forces are opening a command-and-control center there to oversee occupation of the disputed territories. Ω
Date: 267-1120 ⑆ Shululsish (Solomani Rim 0214)[edit]
¶ The Office of the Duke reports that Archduke Adair will arrive on Shululsish on or about day 320, to preside over a four-day session of the duchy's Senate.
¶ The most pressing order of business is likely to be the selection of a candidate for the vacant position of Duke of Alderamin. The current situation is complicated by the lack of any other Imperial duke associated with either of the subsectors of the duchy. By the Archduke's decree, Imperial counts holding demesnes in the Duchy of Alderamin will be eligible for election to the duchy.
¶ Although the choice of the Senate is not binding on the Emperor, he is considered unlikely to overrule it so long as Archduke Adair gives the result his own concurrence. Ω
Date: 275-1120 ⑆ Ludmilla (Solomani Rim 1216)[edit]
¶ After several rounds of talks, a legal agreement has been reached involving the government of Ludmilla, the Vegan tuhuir Ewm Shao Gwi, and the Imperium. The Ludmillan government will take no further steps to nationalize Vegan business interests on Ludmilla, and will provide the same protection and service to Vegan ships as to any others transiting the critical Boskone (Solomani Rim 1214) system. Any concessions made by Ewm Shao Gwi are unknown at this time.
¶ Human supremacists within the Ludmillan public are mounting a vocal protest against the agreement, but a surprisingly large number of Human citizens are remaining silent or voicing support. Apparently a large segment of the Human populace is significantly less committed to anti-Vegan policies than most outside observers had suspected. Ω
Date: 277-1120 ⑆ Anaxias (Delphi 1724)[edit]
¶ Duchess Margaret Alkhalikoi Tukera gave birth to a single child today, sparking an air of celebration around the world.
¶ The child was a girl, named Julia Iphegenia Cassir Alkhalikoi-Tukera.
¶ Both mother and child are reported to be in good health. Ω
Date: 293-1120 ⑆ Esperance (Solomani Rim 1116)[edit]
¶ After several days of fierce fighting, the Imperial 310th Field Army has entered Ciudad de las Estrellas, the Neuva Argentinean capital city. The Nueva Argentinean government has already fled to a redoubt in an unknown location, but Army spokesmen confirmed that its representatives are already attempting to negotiate a surrender to Imperial authorities. While guerilla action remains a possibility, the Esperance War appears to be over. Ω
Date: 300-1120 ⑆ Esperance (Solomani Rim 1116)[edit]
¶ Escorted by a powerful Imperial naval detachment, Archduke Adair arrived in-system to perform a brief inspection of colonial forces occupying Esperance. After receiving a briefing on the situation, the Archduke appeared in public to praise the Imperial soldiers and spacemen involved in bringing the Esperance War to a speedy conclusion. "With malice toward none, with mercy to all, we intend to bring a new era of peace and reconciliation to this troubled world."
¶ The Archduke had particular praise for the Imperial commanders on the scene. For his actions as overall commander during the Esperance War, the Archduke announced that he was granting a baronetcy to Admiral Sir Kristian Sandkvist, commander of the 1295th Colonial Fleet, effective immediately.
¶ In other news, the Vegans of Waothan have taken the unusual step of agreeing to all terms of the Imperial peace accord before those terms could be announced. "We are confident that the Imperium will protect our rights," said Raeb Alaok, adviser and spokesman for the Waothani central government. Raeb Alaok declined to address rumors of recent shuffling of administrative positions within the Waothani government. Ω
Date: 310-1120 ⑆ Hoatzin (Solomani Rim 0617)[edit]
¶ Archduke Adair appeared in public with Countess Aurelie Muuadin of Hoatzin today, presiding over a gathering of Hoatzin's foremost industrial and business leaders. The Archduke praised the Countess for her management of her domain, particularly with regard to the recently negotiated end to the Stralsund dictatorship and the financial bailout of the Gran Hoatzin Consortium. Afterward, gossip columnists speculated about whether the Countess had attracted the Archduke's eye, but there seemed no visible evidence of any personal connection between the two. Ω
Date: 320-1120 ⑆ Shululsish (Solomani Rim 0214)[edit]
¶ Archduke Adair has arrived on Shululsish to preside over the upcoming meeting of the ducal senate. He has taken up residence on the estate of Count Gyldenskjold, sharing those quarters with such worthies as the Countess of Hoatzin and the Aslan leader Teahtaukhakhtko. Late this evening he appeared at a grand ball held in the Ducal Palace, accepting the homage of the assembled peers.
¶ It appears that a clear majority of the duchy's peerage has arrived on Shululsish for the convocation. A clear quorum of the electors seems almost certain. The highest-ranking peer not in attendance is the Count of Dimmurak, who sent his regrets (and his proxies, held by the Marquis of Boqueron). Many other prominent figures of the Alderamin region are also present, including representatives from all major Imperial corporations and several delegates from the Vegan Autonomous Region.
¶ One delegation of particular interest is that of Teahtaukhakhtko. The Aslan chief is naturally accompanied by his son and heir Staiyoea, but also by two young Aslan not formerly seen in his retinue. Aslan-watchers on Shululsish have spent much time speculating about the identities of these new followers, whom the ko is apparently treating with great honor.
¶ Security in the starport area and throughout the capital is very tight, with Imperial and planetary forces all involved and on high alert. There has been no trouble, although a minor incident occurred early this morning when a passenger off the Dingir Star was arrested by the planetary constabulary. The passenger's identity is still being held in confidence, but he is reported to be a former employee of Tukera Lines presently traveling on a Cuchulain passport. Constabulary spokesmen announced that he was being held on suspicion of involvement in assault and extortion charges, dating back to 1116. Ω
Date: 322-1120 ⑆ Shululsish (Solomani Rim 0214)[edit]
¶ Today's debate in the ducal senate involved the identity of the next Duke of Alderamin. Post-session interviews revealed several surprises. Count Carl Gyldenskjold of Shululsish was mentioned by a number of the barons as the leader in the day's discussion, winning a substantial plurality of the votes. Other candidates receiving significant vote blocs included Count Willem Salacrou of Cuchulain and Countess Aurelie Muuadin of Hoatzin.
¶ The biggest surprise of the day involved the Aslan chief-paramount, Teahtaukhakhtko. Apparently at one point in the day's discussions he was nominated for the duchy, and during the balloting he received a small bloc of votes. However, the ko himself refused to be held in consideration for the office, and quite visibly instructed all Aslan members of the senate to abstain from voting. Thus the ko received votes only from non-Aslan senators, and clearly did not vote for himself. No explanation has been forthcoming for this maneuver.
¶ A small bloc of pro-Solomani peers registered a protest vote by nominating and supporting the ancient Solomani cultural icon, Mickey Mouse. Archduke Adair was said to be noticeably irritated, and ruled the nomination out of order.
¶ The day's proceedings were apparently orderly, although Baron William Royce of Hoatzin was ejected from the convocation about midday. The palace's Sergeant of Arms refused to comment on the reason for the ejection, other than to note that it was ordered by Archduke Adair. Baron Royce was seen departing the senate building wearing an unusual piece of costumery: two large black discs affixed to the sides of his head. Ω
Date: 323-1120 ⑆ Shululsish (Solomani Rim 0214)[edit]
¶ On the final day of the senate convocation, the electors continued to cast their ballots in order to select a candidate for the Duchy of Alderamin. Unofficial sources indicate that there was considerable back-room negotiation, both overnight and between today's rounds of balloting. On the 14th ballot, Count Carl Gyldenskjold of Shululsish won a clear majority of the electorate and was declared the choice of the convocation by Archduke Adair. The Archduke immediately decreed his concurrence with the selection, and announced that Count Gyldenskjold will immediately assume the position of Duke of Alderamin, subject to confirmation by the Emperor.
¶ When the news reached planetary networks, Shululsish erupted into impromptu celebration. Count Gyldenskjold is quite popular here on his homeworld, and many citizens were quite open in their wish that he be promoted to the duchy. Ω
Date: 341-1120 ⑆ Esperance (Solomani Rim 1116)[edit]
¶ Nueva Argentina signed the Imperium-brokered peace accords today, although leaders of the former Human Bloc of nations expressed resentment at the terms of the agreement. "This treaty places Esperance in the effective control of Waothan and its Vegan-irredentist government," said President Miguel de la Pena of Gran Colombia. "No matter what the fortunes of war, the Human citizens of Esperance have rights as well, and will one day cast off this fascist regime."
¶ Speaker Raeb Alaok of the Waothani government rejected these veiled threats. "Waothan has no interest in violating the rights of Human citizens of Esperance. Indeed, Waothan has many Human citizens of its own who are valued members of society. Still, the so-called Human Bloc has several times committed treason against the Imperium, violated the Rules of War, and trampled on the civil rights of Vegans everywhere on this planet. They can hardly claim to be the victims at this point." Ω
Date: 350-1120 ⑆ Home (Aldebaran 1009)[edit]
¶ Secretary-General Marc Chissano has accepted the resignations of three members of the High Council: Grand Admiral Georgi Asatiani of the Combined Fleets, Minister of Justice Rabindranath Chan, and Minister of Economics Joshua Dahvin.
¶ Although the membership of the High Council changes occasionally as a matter of course, it has been over a century since as many as three members have left the Council simultaneously. Political analysts believe that the current changes indicate a significant shift in factional power at the highest levels of the Solomani government. Ω
Date: 352-1120 ⑆ Capital (Core 2118)[edit]
¶ The Imperial Guard has declined to release the names of three persons arrested on the Palace grounds yesterday, pending further investigation.
¶ "The culprits were apparently simple journalists, seeking out advance information on the upcoming Holiday celebrations," stated Sir Ioan Khatena, spokesman for the Imperial Guard. "We have no information thus far to indicate a more sinister purpose. Still, this is unlikely to make any difference in our treatment of the situation. Break into the Palace to steal a currant bun from the kitchen, and the Guard will treat you exactly as if you had planned mayhem on an Imperial minister."
¶ Preparations for the upcoming Holiday have been carried out under a great deal of secrecy. Imperial spokesmen promise only that there will be a celebration of unparalleled magnificence. Ω
Date: 355-1120 ⑆ Capital (Core 2118)[edit]
¶ Emperor Strephon formally opened the Holiday season today, presiding over a traditional Alkhalikoi family ceremony at the tomb of the Empress Arbellatra. In a departure from usual practice, the Emperor invited the news media to record the ceremony from a discreet distance.
¶ The Emperor was assisted during the ceremony by his daughter, Grand Princess Ciencia Iphegenia. The rest of the Imperial family was absent, most of them already on their way to distant regions of the Imperium in order to preside over local celebrations of Strephon's jubilee year.
¶ Duke Ian Ashran of Cemplas also played an important role in the observance. The Duke was accompanied by his wife and a number of her Tukera kinsmen. The Duke's ancestor, Sergey Torgyan Ashran, was Arbellatra's consort and is also interred in her tomb. The Ashran family has the right to participate in the annual ceremony, although they decline the honor in most years.
¶ After completing the ceremony, the Emperor departed the scene without making any official statement. Ω
Date: 365-1120 ⑆ Capital (Core 2118)[edit]
¶ On the eve of his jubilee-year Holiday, Emperor Strephon has announced the engagement of his daughter, Grand Princess Ciencia Iphegenia.
¶ The Grand Princess' intended consort is Doctor Frater Ganidiirsi Ling Simalr, F.O.A., heir-designate to the Duchy of Ushra in the Dagudashaag Sector. He is a tenured professor at the University of Sylea, and holds the Banasdan Chair of Comparative Sophontology there. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential young scientists in the Third Imperium, and is believed to be an unofficial adviser to the Emperor.
¶ The Grand Princess and her intended will depart Capital after the opening celebrations of the Emperor's jubilee, sharing a Grand Tour in the Dagudashaag and Gushemege sectors. The wedding will take place on Sir Ganidiirsi's homeworld of Ushra (Dagudashaag 1016) late in 1121. Ω
