TNS 1116

132-1116 Capital/Core [2118]

Emperor Strephon Aella Alkhalikoi was assassinated at 1517 hours local time, 132-1116, in the Grand Reception Hall of the Imperial Palace by Archduke Dulinor of the Domain of Ilelish. In the ensuing fire fight the Empress Iolanthe was killed, along with Grand Princess Ciencia, the Aslan Yerlyaruiwu Ambassador, twelve Imperial Marine Guards, and a number of bystanders, including Rethe Teaspun, well known TNS reporter. IISS members waiting nearby for an audience with the Grand Princess broke up the attack preventing Archduke Dulinor from ascending the throne. They were joined by the Emperors Aslan Guards, who were wiped out in a surprise attack by the Illelish Guards as they pursued the assassin Dulinor.

System Control Central reported tracking the Archduke's cruiser leaving the Capital system minutes later. Fleet elements are reported in pursuit.

Capital has been placed under martial law, Off-planet transportation has been suspended temporarily. Naval Headquarters has issued a statement that the situation is stable and under control. Rioting has been reported in Capital city.

133-1116 Capital/Core [2118]

The Imperial Palace above Capital has been sealed off by Naval Security troops. Archduke Dulinor is rumored to remain concealed in the palace with a company of bodyguards. It remains unclear whether he fled the Capital system yesterday aboard his cruiser, or if he remains in the Palace. Occasional weapons fire has been reported along the Grand Concourse. Imperial Officers on the scene refused comment.

134-1116 Capital/Core [2118]

Captain Sir Gerols Spirlandin, commanding the Honor Company of the 2nd Imperial Marine Regiment, denied reports that Prince Varian, Strephon's nephew and heir apparent to the Iridium Throne, was killed in skirmishes within the Imperial Palace yesterday.

Spirlandin, 32, of Ibaru/Zarushagar, said "The situation is under control, but the identities of the people in the palace remain unconfirmed. We don't even know if Princess Ciencia is alive. We have recovered the Emperor and Empress's remains, she is nowhere to be found."

News service personnel have not yet been allowed inside the Palace.

135-1116 Capital/Core [2118]

Preparations for Emperor Strephon's funeral tomorrow continued today without incident. Empress Iolanthe will be buried at the same time.

The Admiralty confirmed today that the Palace had been cleared of disloyal elements. The apartments accorded Dulinor in the Palace have been retaken, with no sign of the Traitor.

The body of Prince Varian, until today heir apparent to the Iridium Throne, was recovered from the Imperial Palace this afternoon and now lies in state alongside the Emperor in the central Hall of Nobles beneath the Moot Spire. Varian's funeral is scheduled for Thirday.

Crowds of mourners continue ot file through the Hall of Nobles. Responding to the press of the crowds, last minute arrangements have been made to keep the hall open through the night.

The Office of the Mint has suspended production of the Crimp, pending coronation of the next Emperor. A generic sunburst design has been adopted as a temporary replacement.

136-1116 Capital/Core [2118]

Emperor Strephon and Empress Iolanthe were buried today. The procession from the Hall of Nobles to the Alkhalikoi section of the Imperial Park in the shadow of the Palace moved slowly and without incident.

Prince Lucan, Varian's younger brother and now heir apparent to the Iridium Throne, appeared briefly at the grave site, leaving under heavy security immediately after the ceremony.

136-1116 Capital/Core [2118]

The Grand Princess Ciencia, presumed killed in the assassination of Emperor Strephon, returned to Capital on the IISS Cruiser "Yakariirmr".

Senior Scout Leader Hkal Irritmnl, 45, of Capital/Core, released a statement shortly after landing the "Yakariirmr" at the Palace. "Her Imperial Majesty, by right of Blood, Ciencia Iphegenia Alkhalikoi has ascended the Iridium Throne. The Empress requests the Moot to enter session to confirm or deny her Rule."

The Empress was briefly at the grave site of her parents, buried earlier today. She appeared to be supported by two aides. Asked about her health, Irritmnl said "The Empress was wounded, but she is out of danger. She is ready to shoulder her duties and awaits the pleasure of the Moot."

Imperial Naval and Office of the Emperor spokespersons had no comment.

137-1116 Capital/Core [2118]

Following simple burial ceremonies for Prince Varian, the Office of the Emperor today announced that Grand Princess Ciencia had formally ascended the Iridium Throne in private ceremonies in the Imperial Palace. Long live Empress Ciencia !

Duke Simlar of Ushra, attending the ceremonies as the Moots representative, gave the Oath of Fealty to the Empress Ciencia. A Palace spokesperson released a statement. "Her Imperial Majesty Ciencia , has stripped the traitor and oath breaker Dulinor of all Imperial Rights, Privileges and Titles. His Heir is invited to Capital to swear fealty to Her Majesty. It is Her Majesties pleasure to offer a reward of 1 GCrimp for the head of the traitor"

199-1116 Medurma/Dagudashaag [2124]

Imperial Naval spokes person Lt. Aggigashidi Hriakkii announced the engagement of Fleet elements by the Illelish Home Fleet. The inconclusive attack by several capital ships was repulsed by the massed elements of the 209th and 218th Fleets. Destroyed in the attack were two IN Strike Destroyers, the "Harvey Stiller" and "Riiker Daggashi". The Illelish Fleet lost the Heavy Cruiser "Vengeful"

213-1116 Glisten/Spinward Marches [2036]

Government sources today confirmed that Ark Ramsey, Owner of MYMINES Inc. had preferred charges of slander and libel against " Any and all persons, groups, and corporate entities " who have spread rumors of MYMINES trade in slaves and abuses by MYMINES and Ark Ramsey. A conviction on either charge, both felonies under Glisten's law, could result in the suspects being incarcerated in MYMINES penal colony for up to 10 years.

Sir Aggidis Blackthorne, a member of the Imperial panel which cleared MYMINES and Mr. Ramsey of the most recent of the complaints filed against it, said "MYMINES has met or exceeded all its contractual obligations to the government including, quarters, diet, medical and life support. What the prisoners want is a guaranty of safety. Its absolutely crazy to mollycoddle these criminals. Rockjackings a very dangerous business. Good law abiding citizens die from it every day. If a few felons are killed to promote the welfare of the system, its a small price to pay"

Sweeps have so far netted 3200 suspects. Mr. Ramsey in a statement released by his press secretary said " I look forward to including these misguided souls in the MYMINES family, and showing them that I have only the best interests of society at heart"

221-1116 Glisten/Spinward Marches [2036]

Today disaster struck the Glisten system. In an apparent Zhodani mind raper attacks, sophonts suffered violent hallucinations which led many to commit unspeakable acts. During the attack, which lasted 9 hours, the IM guard at the UMRC on the grand concourse of Glisten City attacked the Zhodani consulate Embassy with energy weapons. Over 300 protesters outside the embassy were killed, as well as the entire staff except for 2 persons being held as suspected spies. Survivors were unaware that the Marines had attacked. The IM Commandant, General Jorg Arnol, refused to comment. The Zhodani Ambassador, who was giving a lecture at Glisten University, has not been found. Level 14, where the university is located, was the scene of multiple explosions and fires. Surveillance video shows maddened Glistenites attacking the disaster robots.

A government spokesperson confirmed that the fleet had sortied. " I cannot give specifics", said Lt. Comdr. Zzooghz "However, be assured the Navy has the situation well in hand."

The official death toll is 17 thousand in Glisten City alone. Preliminary reports from other habitats give a system wide toll of over 75 thousand. The number is expected to climb.

222-1116 Glisten/Spinward Marches [2036]

Zhodani attacks on the Glisten system continued today. In a psychic attack lasting 10 hours 14 thousand are known to have lost their lives. With the 112 thousand known dead in yesterdays attack the toll stands at 126 thousand. Incoming ships report no other attacks in the Spinward Marches. Safeguards implemented by the Duke General Rapael Gwenneth Ramon Harold Akeilo of Glisten, Baron Overnale , who returned from Deneb early today, held down the toll.

224-1116 Glisten/Spinward Marches [2036]

Zho attacks continue on a system that is rapidly losing hope. Without sighting a single Zho ship, over 250 thousand have died in four days of attacks by the cowardly Zhodani. The Zhodani Ambassador, sought since the attacks began, was found dead, at Glisten University, on stage, before an auditorium of death. The 100 high level University officials were found dead in their seats. Preliminary results are consistent with psychic attacks. Curiously, no other victims in the four day old war show these signs.

The duke appearing on newscasts throughout the system reassured the populace. He asked that the citizens remain calm and cooperate with authorities.

245-1116 Dlan/Illelish [1021]

The Archduke's official state visit to Capital ended abruptly with his surprise return to Dlan and his immediate call for a full-media press conference on the steps of the palace for later in the day.

After appearing wearing an elaborately fashioned crown, the Duke began his statement with a list of wrongs and abuses perpetrated by Emperor Strephon. He concluded with the startling statement: "The Emperor is dead! I have dedicated my life to the people of the Imperium. I claim the Iridium Throne by right of assassination, and shall rule this Imperium as Emperor Dulinor."

The stunned public then listened as the Emperor called for a complete mobilization to seize all of the Imperium for his sacred cause. He made a public and official request to Admiral Hutara, his brother, for the Illelish Fleet to side with him in his sacred struggle to gain his rightfully secured place on the throne.

The Emperor Dulinor retired to his chamber without answering questions. A subsequent statement detailing the new Emperor's trip to Capital and the assassination of Strephon on the Iridium Throne itself. The statement concluded with an account of Dulinor's ascension of the Throne to the well wishing cheers of millions of Capital's citizenry, followed by a selection of patriotic video vignettes.

Celebrations have been organized on Dlan and throughout the sector as the populace is encouraged to honor the beginning of new age for the Imperium and Illelish sector.

248-1116 Dlan/Illelish [1021]

Sector Admiral Hutara and his Fleet Officers made an official announcement that the Illelish Fleet has declared for Dulinor. In a brief but ancient ceremony, Hutara offered his dagger to Dulinor, who solemnly accepted, and then briefly embraced his brother.

249-1116 Glisten/Spinward Marches [2036]

The surprise Zhodani attacks of a month ago have returned. With a toll of 512 thousand in eight days of attacks last month, Glisten rocked as 135,000 died in today's attack. As in last months attack, not a single ship was sighted. Fleet Elements beginning to return, sortied again. Duke Glisten, at a press conference, said that a team of trouble shooters were at that moment closing in on the source of the attacks. Pressed for details, he had no comment.

254-1116 Glisten/Spinward Marches [2036]

The Duke of Glisten today announced that the perpetrators of the psychic attacks on Glisten had been taken into custody. Citing security, he refused to comment on the situation except to say that the attacks had not been perpetrated by the Zhodani as suspected and the Imperium was not at war with the Zhodani Consulate. With a final toll approaching a million dead, this reporter wonders, Why not?

265-1116 Amdani/Daibei [2014]

Heightened high level conferences and military activity in the area have done nothing to quell rumors that Core sector is in civil unrest. Statements from the nobility have been universally, "No comment."

As of this date, all naval personnel have been put on special alert, all shore leaves have been canceled, and a complete media blackout of naval exercises has been imposed. The Admiralty has no comment.

299-1116 Overnale/Spinward Marches [1937]

Pictures rumored to be of a working Ancient base in the Oort cloud of the Glisten system were released by a local reporter who had a lurid story of murder, theft and sex at the supposed site. A few grainy pictures of a nondescript planetoid with a ship nearby are all the evidence available. The story did not name the supposed discoverers, who would be rich from such a find. The Empire owns all Ancient sites within its borders.

309-1116 Amdani/Daibei [2014]

Official announcement of Emperor Strephon's assassination has reached the sector. The nobility has also released a statement encouraging the populace to have faith in the systematic and peaceful shift of power to Strephon's heir, Empress Ciencia.

Messages from Core sector have indicated that Prince Varian was killed in combat in and around the palace area. His brother, Prince Lucan who for a brief time was believed to be the Emperor is in seclusion.

313-1116 Terra/Solomani Rim [1827]

In an unexpected move, much of the Imperial Rim Fleet has been concentrated and many reservists have been placed on alert. No substantial explanation has been forthcoming.

General Yoshtiru of the Terran Home Guard has called for a high level conference of the commanders of all troops stationed on Terra.

322-1116 Terra/Solomani Rim [1827]

Military installations in Asia, Africa, and North America have been closed to civilians. All active duty personnel worldwide have been recalled from leave or furlough.

An unofficial source stated that large shipments of materials have been arriving at these closed installations. The exact nature of the shipments is unknown, and no official Home Guard spokesman will comment on the issue.

330-1116 Regina/Spinward Marches [0310]

The ducal household today announced that Duke Norris of Regina will travel to Rhylanor to meet with representatives from several key worlds in the Spinward Marches and Deneb sectors. The conference is scheduled to cover "economic matters", a general term used when the agenda has not been made public. The exact nature of the meeting has not been disclosed.

In related matters, a rumor that the Duke has recently received a private communication from Emperor Strephon has not been confirmed by official sources.

339-1116 Eddum/Dagudashaag [0531]

System Defense boats mauled a rebel fleet refueling at the systems outer gas giant. The Illelish fleet jumped in system with black globes on and attempted a daring raid for fuel at Haleez. Elements of the 443rd colonial fleet destroyed fourteen refueling shuttles before being forced to retire. Experts say this will force a lengthy stay to refuel the capital ships.

Sources at the Admiralty said "It is unlikely that the fleet will attack Eddum, but our men and women in the Fleet stand ready to defend her."

340-1116 Regina/Spinward Marches [1910]

It was announced to day that Duke Commander Sir Norris Aella Aledon of Regina, Count Aledon, Marquis of Regina, Baron Yori, has been issued a Patent as Archduke of Deneb. The Archdukes territory includes Deneb, The Spinward Marches, Trojan Reach and Reft Sectors.

343-1116 Glisten/Spinward Marches [2036]

The Duke General Rapael Gwenneth Ramon Harold Akeilo Glisten, Baron Overnale admitted to the presence of an Ancients installation in the Oort cloud, but cautioned against trying to approach it. "Fleet elements guard the approaches to this site", said the Duke, "At some point in the future, it may be opened to the public. But the accident at Antiquity is much upon our minds. As information is cleared it will be released to the public. The Emperors prerogatives may not be ignored"

The Ancient site at antiquity was damaged in an accident several years ago. The Empire owns all Ancient artifacts in Imperial space. Any find must be turned over to Imperial Authorities.