TNS 1119

Traveller News Service 1119

001-1119 Acorn /Diaspora

A meteor strike near this small world’s lone settlement knocked out power and life support for several hours today. Emergency crews worked to safeguard the Chirpers in Peracles Park. One death was reported during the emergency due to falling rock.

013-1119 Narquel/Diaspora

The Theocratic Administrate of Narquel announced that a purge of the Panamica Orthodoxy had taken place. "Accomadationists have been cast down and the Church shall rise in shining glory throughout the sector and the Imperium!" said Hurget Guvillia, spokesman for the Administrate.

Hardline fundamentalists have been complaining for several years that the church had not been doing enough to bring the light to the unbelieving masses.

021-1119 Glisten/Spinward Marches

The Admiralty announced the letting of contracts for bids for a variety of ships to be produced over the next five years. A squadron of six Ducal class Battleships is the main prize of the procurement although that portion is dwarfed by the total acquisition program. In all nearly two hundred ships are authorized by the proclamation from the office of Archduke Norris.

Ling-Standard Products and Naasirka are expected to be major bidders. Oskar Bilstein the IX has stated that plenty of work will be available for all the yards in the Domain that are capable of participating in the program.

027-1119 Daama/Vland

A Vargr corsair known as Gvgh'k has claimed the title of First Lord of Daama. Reports indicate that he and his crew massacred the Lords during a meeting aboard their ship. He then married the daughter of late First Lord, by all accounts a well loved ruler, in a Vargr ceremony, forcing her to his bed in the palace. Gvgh'k may hope to cement his claim with a child via high tech recombinant techniques. Human-Vargr hybrids are extremely rare and generally mules and the process to create such a creature is very expensive.

Daama has been suspected of harboring Vargr corsairs in the past, but no direct evidence of this has ever been found.

045-1119 Ameros/Core

Scientists continue to be optimistic about the progress of the Accelerated Terraforming Project being conducted here. They note that the atmospheric pressure and hydrographic percentage have been doubled since the last public report. With only 40 years left in the original timetable the projects financial backers, Hortalez et Cie are waiting to see the results promised.

051-1119 Fosfog/Deneb

Vargr corsairs have taken this human-vargr client world in a stunning victory over local defense forces. The Fosfog Navy, four SDB's of 600 dtons displacement haven't been heard from since reporting the attacking fleet from their post at Huysvik, the inner gas giant of the system. After a week of pillage a Vargr controlled government has been instituted by the Fleet commander, Captain Rhggzzz. Fighting continues around the downport. Fosfog Up is firmly in the control of Captain Rhggzzz's government. A statement from the government controlled media said that "trade agreements with the Imperium would be honored. The legitimate leader of Fosfog looks forward to a long a prosperous relationship with the peoples of Dulinor"

058-1119 Mertactor/Spinward Marches

The Scout Service announced the salvage of The Demonic Christina, a Ynng class freighter out of Tirem/Spinward Marches [2233]. The ship was found drifting in the outer reaches of the Talos/Spinward Marches [1436] system last month with all hands dead. Battle damage apparently caused a misjump when it attempted to leave the Forine system enroute to Milagro last year.

069-1119 Ganad/Core

The office of Dictator for life, Rilioli Y'heliirgg, announced that a ring of saboteurs in the shipyards producing vessels for Empress Ciencia's Fleet had caused the destruction last month of the Destroyer Irititia. The collapse of scaffolding in the yard caused the Irititia to fall 15 meters. The resulting explosions and fires caused the complete loss of the ship and cost 180 lives. Thirteen people were reported apprehended. Officials announced a reward of 1 MCr for information leading to other saboteurs.

083-1119 Yesily/Core

Yesily's Space Defense Force scored a coup against the Traitor Dulinor's Fleet by capturing a cruiser after it had been run out of fuel. The Light Cruiser Hyysot jumped into the system with no gas giant and engaged the small force of SDB's guarding the system's jump points. After scoring multiple fuel hits the Hyysot was captured nearly intact.

090-1119 Infrapolis/Antares

Forces of the Antares League raided the Lanthanum mines at Hotylt, seizing processed ores and then destroying the minehead and plants. Casualties among civilians were low. League forces used less than lethal weaponry to subdue bystanders and defenders.

A spokes sophant for Insol Metals, the plant operator, said it would be years before production could begin again.

A bureau of commerce representative said to expect a worsening of the economic picture as the loss of wages and infrastructure put a drag on the already strained economy.

106-1119 Lagash/Solomani Rim

The capital of Sol subsector has fallen to Solomani Forces. Fighting which has gone on for a year has finally ended with the surrender of the 6876th Light lift division.

The Imperial forces have been cut off for six months preserving a semblance of government with the remaining civil authorities. They were surrounded eight weeks ago in the mountains south of the world capital and have been under continuous siege. The sick, starving survivors were taken to a Confederation military hospital.

121-1119 Tarsus/Spinward Marches

The crew of a TBT Commerce Cruiser feared lost in Forinian space were repatriated today arriving in lowberth capsules from Milagro/Spinward Marches. All reported that they had been treated well before being placed in cold sleep. They had no word on the ship or its passengers. TBT spokesman Erron Teil said that TBT forces would not be deterred in their duties and would continue to protect vital shipping.

129-1119 Meshan/Solomani Rim

Terra was cut off when this link in the supply chain to that embattled world was taken by Solomani Confederation forces. The enemy fleet appeared just outside the 100 diameter limit and began attacking the sensenet used to target invaders by Meshans Defense Associates. Special Forces squads simultaneously attacked key power and communications sites, rendering useless its most potent defenses. Landings followed immediately by Confederation Marine and Army corps. The battle for Meshan was over in a week.

142-1119 Kinorb/Spinward Marches

Vargr raiders struck this rich world on the Imperial border, seizing goods estimated to be worth 50 MCr, and at least six hundred slaves. The small defense force was overwhelmed by the Vargr force of seven ships. At least one thousand vargr troops participated in the assault which resulted in the deaths of seventy citizens.

150-1119 Insont/Antares

An Imperial Force was destroyed in a trap at a gas giant in this populous system. A large group of SDB's lurking deep inside the gas giant destroyed the convoy's refueling shuttles in detail before engaging the technically superior Imperials. Maintaining their position inside the clouds of the huge planet, the local forces concentrated fire on any ship attempting to refuel. When the vessels attempted to sally through normal space to the next inner planet to attempt to refuel they were met by the squadron assigned to deny that fuel source to the enemy. A follow-on force then helped to crush the cruiser and fourteen escorts. The Imperials successfully scuttled their ships into the gravity well but nearly six hundred were captured after abandoning their ships.

160-1119 Newcastle/Vland

Vargr forces landed by jump capsule and troop transport, took over all power and communications sites and soon ran the government to ground, forcing a surrender of all local defenses. All government officials, officers, and one twentieth of the population, man, woman and child, were massacred in retaliation for a bombing which totaled the Vargr destroyer Gr'zzghz Rowllz, killing thirty Vargr. Statements were issued warning of further resistance.

175-1119 Agri/ Dagudashaag

Elements of the Lishun Fleet took Argi after a month of heavy fighting in the binary system. The Traitor Dulinor's forces continue to harass the Imperial occupation force in space and on the ground but all strategic areas are under control of Admiral Dame Kathii Guinill, I, KCL. The rebel Fleet in Core sector is dependent on supplies passing through this area and must soon withdraw or face trying to scrounge parts in the war torn Domain.

190-1119 Tulane/Diaspora

Tragedy struck the sport of ornithoptery when Gilma Little and Moran Yong, the two top rated 'thopterists, collided in midair and crashed to the ground, killing both athletes.

The two were engaged in training for the sector wide races at Tsinan/Diaspora [2503] later this year. The accident was observed only by fellow competitor Ashlee Gugelligh, now rated first in the sector.

198-1119 Mora / Mora / Spinward Marches

Red Zone:Pimane

A scientific vessel from the University of Mora today delivered data indicating a strong likelihood of lethal solar flares in the Pimane system (2527 Spinward Marches; E500343-4) within the next two months. As a result, Pimane has been declared a Red Zone until the Navy determines that the crisis has passed.

Imperial Navy vessels have been dispatched to Pimane from the naval base at Mercury (2624 Spinward Marches; B658663-8). These vessels will enforce the interdiction of the system. The Navy is planning to maintain a shielded facility in far orbit in which travellers can be housed safely for the duration of the crisis. This facility will also be used to temporarily house the 9,000 inhabitants of the system who are to be evacuated from the planet.

A spokesman for the Imperial Navy stated that they will do everything in their power to ensure they find all belters and transients as well as permanent residents. They are committed to protecting the population, and to helping reboot the colony once it is safe to do so. Construction and other heavy equipment is also being deployed to Pimane to be ready to go into action if there is damage to the domed cities.

In a brief press conference, one of Archduke Norris' staff announced that the entire operation is being funded from the Domain of Deneb Disaster Relief Fund, and that it is expected that the Emperor will approve an Imperial Grant to reimburse the Domain in turn.

198-1119 Mora / Mora / Spinward Marches

Patents of Nobility Announced

Archduke Norris today announced that the Emperor has bestowed two new titles to Domain residents.

Grand Admiral Baron Bridgehead (ret.) has long served the Emperor as a Knight. His appointment to Baron is in recognition of outstanding continued service since his retirement from the Imperial Navy in 1116. Over the past two and a half years he has actively worked for the Imperium's interests not only in the Spinward Marches, but in bordering states as well.

The Count and Countess Fostriades have served the Imperium's mercantile interests over the past several years. They are expected to take a vacation on their yacht Hermes before taking up their official duties as trade liason to the Darrian Confederation. Count Threasis Fostriades brings his years of experience as a Tukera Lines officer and engineer to the liaison office, which is expected to speed the introduction of new jump drive developments to the Imperial merchant fleet. The Countess Lia has considerable experience in proactive diplomacy, and will no doubt also be an asset in negotiations with trans-Darrian nations in the Reidan Subsector of Foreven.

Neither the Baron nor the Count and Countess were available for comment.

200-1119 Capital/Core

Empress Ciencia Iphengia and Prince Consort Commander Sir Riiker Nevroni Gaagishmuudi, V, KCDi, Baron Skeen announced the birth of a daughter, Grand Princess Iolanthe Aella Nevroni Alkhalikoi. Mother and daughter are reported in excellent health. Prince Consort Riiker is reported enroute to the Front. Admiralty sources refused to discuss the matter citing the Prince consort's security.

215-1119 Khikaba/Lishun

Guerillas kidnapped the husband and children of Vice Admiral Dame Urta Irti, L, from their home outside Genix Reithhla, military capital of Khikaba since the Meson rebellion of 1020. No ransom has been demanded as yet but a holo showing Mr. Irti and his children in captivity has been delivered to the TNS office at Khikaba down. A popular movement to lift military rule has been active since 1030.

226-1119 Pimane / Mora / Spinward Marches

Evacuation Complete

The Imperial Navy today announced that it has completed the evacuation of the Pimane system. Declared a Red Zone 18 days ago because of expected stellar instability, a Naval task group from Mercury took a mere week to relocate the 9000 inhabitants to temporary quarters on the starship Oz. All belter and transient personnel have also been relocated successfully.

It is not currently known how long the crisis will continue.

228-1119 Pimane / Mora / Spinward Marches

Solar Flare Destroys Naval Freighter, Hundreds Killed

The Imperial Navy freighter Paul McGann was today lost with all hands off Pimane. The 25,000 ton ship was carrying essential equipment from the surface when it exploded violently on attaining orbit. Nearly 200 personnel were killed in the disaster.

The first of what is expected to be many solar flares reached the planet Pimane as the Paul McGann lifted off. It is believed the ship made an emergency ascent into orbit, and then attempted a jump to escape the peak energy of the flare. Naval personnel monitoring the Red Zone operation believe the most likely cause was an interaction of the energy wave with the jump drive. The freighter exploded instantly in a burst of highly radioactive debris. Much of the ship was vaporized, but some fragments fell back onto the surface of Pimane. While there is hope of recovering the black box, Naval officials had no doubt that the entire crew perished instantly.

The energy wave diffused rapidly as it approached the outer system; by the time it reached the shielded temporary shelter on the Oz, it was barely detectable.

228-1119 Gemid/Vland

The Imperial Navy Base at Hyporia, a moon orbiting the third gas giant in this balkanized system was attacked and destroyed by a large Vargr Force belonging to the N'Gath Confederation. The Vargr raiders then attempted to take Gemid itself in an all-out assault with drop troops and landings at key points. The two-week battle continues as the world for once works together to repel the invaders. The Navy presence here has been reduced as forces were drawn away by the rebellion in the Domains of Antares and Ilelish. Although the Marquis of Gemid had not kept up the local system defense needed to repel the fleet of the N'Gath, the Vargr didn't count on the large standing armies of each of the nearly dozen large and two dozen or more small nations on this globe at the edge of the Vargr Extents. Most of the Vargr never made it to the surface as the aroused world savagely defended itself with its famous high tech weaponry. Those who did make it down are being swiftly run to ground. Gemids yards are already converting to naval production vowing to dislodge the N'Gath Confederation from its control of their space.

230-1119 Harvosette / Lunion / Spinward Marches

Prodigy Solves Lankhmich Conundrum

A 12 year old student is reported to have solved the Lankhmich Conundrum, which has baffled mathematicians for over 300 years.

Young Sally Forsythe achieved this feat in a high-school paper about the mathematical riddle. Not satisfied with reporting on the history of the puzzle, she astounded her teacher by presenting a solution.

Aldric Lankhmich himself spent the rest of his life trying to find an answer to the puzzle he himself posed in 778, and many other mathematicians have tried since, all to no avail.

Sally said, "I wrote the paper just like Mr. Wandsfrig set. I was wondering what it looked like, so I went to the library and looked it up. The answer was so easy I just put it in my homework."

The solution has yet to be independently verified.

231-1119 Pimane / Mora / Spinward Marches

Hope's End Destroyed

As the second devastating solar flare swept through the Pimane system, a violent explosion ripped through the city of Hope's End. Five Imperial Navy personnel were killed in the explosion, which completely vaporized the domed city.

A gaping crater now occupies the site of the sole habitation on the surface of Pimane. This news was passed on to the thousands of refugees on the naval shelter ship Oz, with a promise of Imperial assistance in rebuilding the infrastructure of the system.

240-1119 Overnale/Spinward Marches

The psionic attacks that wrought devastation on Glisten three years ago struck Overnale today. Provisions for the attacks set in place by Baron Raphael kept damage to a minimum. Twenty deaths were reported, damage was light.

244-1119 Frenzie / Vilis / Spinward Marches

Piracy Strikes Stellatio

An Imperial Navy spokesman announced that a free trader was recently attacked on its way out of the Stellatio (1216 Spinward Marches; D5A4420-4) system.

The captain of the trader, which was not identified for security reasons, claimed that a large pirate ship overtook them and fired several warning shots. Unable to escape, the trader surrendered.

The crew and passengers of the trader were treated with respect and not harmed. No personal possessions were taken, but the entire cargo of valuable pharmaceuticals was stolen.

The pirate captain identified herself as Robin Sherwood, of the pirate ship Berlin. The Zhodani have an outstanding bounty for the delivery of Ms. Sherwood resulting from her actions against their shipping, but she apparently has no prior offenses recorded within the Imperium. Ms. Sherwood and the Berlin were last seen in Sansibar (0412 Spinward Marches; B200310-A) several years ago, when they escaped after a battle with Zhodani naval vessels.

Any information regarding the piracy incident, or the whereabouts of the Berlin or Robin Sherwood, should be reported to Imperial authorities immediately

253-1119 Mora / Mora / Spinward Marches

Archduke Vows "We Will Rebuild Pimane"

In a recorded broadcast, Archduke Norris of Deneb gave an impassioned speech vowing to help the system of Pimane (2527 Spinward Marches; E500343-4) rebuild from the recent disasters.

"We will rebuild New Hope from the ashes of Hope's End," said the Archduke, referring to the city that was destroyed by a solar flare. He added that construction teams were standing by and would be dispatched to Pimane as soon as it was declared safe to enter the system.

The Archduke made no reference to rumors that the explosion originated in a major Ine Givar arms cache.

255-1119 Borlund/Deneb

Thabian, leader of Borlunds population of seventy billion, pledged an additional army corps to Archduke Norris to help stem the tide of Vargr raiders. The troops will relieve other UA troops in garrisons around theDomain of Deneb.

The relieved troops will attack Vargr corsair bases along the border and into the Vargr Extants in Gvurrdon and Tuglikki Sectors.

257-1119 Mora / Mora / Spinward Marches

Jonkeereen Petition Archduke

Jonkeereen leader Armis Kowrollia formally presented a Petition for Imperial Intervention (PII) to the Seneschal of Archduke Norris of Deneb at the palace today.

Tensions on Kowrollian's home planet of Ianic (1924 Spinward Marches; E360697-5 ) have escalated between the ruling non-geneered humans and the Jonkeereen minority over attempts to establish a Bureau of Jonkeereen Affairs. The government of Ianic has refused to listen to Jonkeereen representatives, claiming that there is no constitutional way to establish such a bureau.

Traditionally the Imperium takes no hand in local politics, considering such as outside the Imperial mandate. The PII is normally used for cases of war affecting Imperial jurisdictions, or to prevent potential use of banned weapons. This is the first time a PII has been used for political reasons.

The Seneschal accepted the petition on behalf of the Archduke, and indicated that the petition would be heard. No comment was made on when a ruling is expected.

261-1119 Mora / Mora / Spinward Marches

Amber Zone: Pimane

Officials today downgraded the status of the Pimane system (2527 Spinward Marches; E500343-4) from Red to Amber.

This results from an announcement that Imperial Navy and Imperial Interstellar Scout Service scientists have determined that the solar instability in Pimane's primary is over.

The system was classified as a Red Zone on 198-1119. Since then five major solar flares have been observed. Two of these caused loss of life: the J6 Imperial Navy freighter Paul McGann was lost with all hands, and a later flare caused an explosion which destroyed the downport city of Hope's End.

The star has now returned to a stable state; while IISS staff will set up an observation base to monitor solar activity, officials have assured the public that no more flares will occur in the foreseeable future.

Reconstruction will start shortly now that the system is no longer interdicted. The Amber Zone classification is expected to remain until the new starport has been completed; until then, service for interstellar traffic can be obtained at the Imperial Navy outpost in far orbit, although only class E facilities are currently available to the public.

263-1119 Mora / Mora / Spinward Marches

Jonkeereen Petition Denied

The Jonkeereen Petition for Imperial Intervention (PII) in the situation on Ianic (1924 Spinward Marches; E360697-5) has been denied by Archduke Norris of Deneb. Citing precedent that a PII would not be issued for internal politics, Norris nevertheless expressed sympathy for the Jonkeereen situation.

Armis Kowrollian, who presented the petition on behalf of the Jonkeereen of Ianic, had no comment. He left immediately to return to his homeworld.

269-1119 Bolivar/Dagudashaag

Empress Ciencia's Vengeance Fleet crushed the traitor Dulinor's defenders at this major Naval and Scout base on the border of Ilelish Sector. The Imperial Battleships Forceful Hounding and Grilled Baktoh received heavy damage but are expected to be ready to fight within a few months. The traitors Core Fleet has been restricted by supply problems since the Lishun Fleet began working its way rimward through the sector.

283-1119 Ypse/Zarashagar

Empress Ciencias Fleet dealt another blow to the traitor Dulinor by taking this important link in his Core Fleets supply chain. When the Lishun Fleet closes the route through Dagudashaag Sector it will be cut off and vulnerable. Commentators have suggested that its commanders would surrender rather than waste their men.

284-1119 Denotam / Vilis / Spinward Marches

Pirates Raid Passenger Liner

In an audacious raid in the Denotam system, pirates struck the passenger liner Minnow shortly before it was due to jump.

The pirate ship Berlin pulled alongside the Minnow, and pirate captain Robin Sherwood came aboard the liner herself to assure the passengers and crew that they would not be harmed. She apologized for the inconvenience, and explained that as soon as her crew had transferred the cargo they would be on their way.

No-one was harmed, and no personal items were taken. A sealed cargo shipment was stolen from the hold, the pirates returned to their ship, and then the Berlin jumped. The Minnow reported to Navy authorities, and then continued on her scheduled flight, jumping 12 hours late.

No comment was available from the Denotam Naval Base, nor was the nature of the stolen cargo announced. A full inquiry is expected.

285-1119 Ianic / Lunion / Spinward Marches

Explosion Kills 32, Jonkeereen Separatists Claim Responsibility

An explosion ripped through a government building in the capital of Ianic this morning, destroying the building and killing 32. A further 120 were injured and taken to hospital for treatment; 12 of those died in traffic accidents on the way.

The Jonkeereen separatist group Urban Desert Army claimed responsibility for the blast, and said that further acts of terrorism would continue until a Bureau for Jonkeereen Affairs was established.

A spokesman for the political organization Jonkeereen Rights Party denied any connection with the UDA, and condemned the terrorists. Their leader Armis Kowrollian is currently offworld, presenting a Petition for Imperial Intervention to the Archduke on behalf of the JRP.

297-1119 Quiru / Lunion / Spinward Marches

Scoutship Missing, Presumed Lost

The Donosev-class detached duty survey scout Rattlesnake, en route from Resten (2323 Spinward Marches; B310100-B), has been declared missing, presumed lost. It is more than 30 days overdue on a routine charter flight. Foul play is not suspected.

Anyone with information concerning the fate or whereabouts of the Rattlesnake are asked to report it immediately to their nearest IISS office.

299-1119 Capital/Core

Sir Genta Hysith, Marquis Ferry was arrested and with his family taken to the Imperial Palace. No word on the charges are forthcoming from the palace at this time. MOJ spokessophant, Moonbeam Charly, said that the ministry would not investigate unless asked by appropriate authorities.

308-1119 Aki/Spinward Marches

A week of terror is over in this high population system on the edge of the frontier. Psychic waves emanating at the speed of light from the Ancient base discovered at Glisten three years ago were responsible for the deaths of sixty thousand and damages estimated to top 1,370 GCrimp. Officials thanked the Imperial Navy for providing the psi shields which allowed key personnel to continue working during the week long series of attacks. Nearly a million sophants including the Zhodani ambassador to Glisten were killed in the disaster three years ago. Officials reminded the public that a second series of attacks were due in one month.

315-1119 Resten / Lunion / Spinward Marches

Author Akim Gavrolovitch Dead at 41

Thriller author Akim Gavrolovitch has been reported dead in a hunting accident. According to a report filed at Resten, Gavrolovitch died on 289-1119 on the Red Zone planet Gorram (2322 Spinward Marches; X554220-0). There were no witnesses, but the report indicates that he was shooting from the airlock of a gcarrier; an animal struck the vehicle, killing him instantly. Gavrolovitch was 41.

A native of the planet Capon (2324 Spinward Marches; B747748-A), Gavrolovitch was the author of several subsector bestsellers, including Gram Rising, Porky's War, and The Iderati Conspiracy. His book Archduke Bedlam was notorious for its barely-disguised portrayal of Archduke Dulinor, and was banned in Ilelish as a result.

Gavrolovitch leaves one posthumous manuscript: the novel The Arden Gambit is due to be published early next year.

322-1119 Dula/Lishun

The Admiralty announced that Catalyst/Lishun [2312] had fallen to the First Fleet of Dzo last month. The world was easy prey with the fleet engaged elsewhere against the rebellious Archduke Bzrk. The Vargr have encroached on the coreward portions of the sector since the Archduke declared independence from the Imperium and joined the Julian Protectorate.

333-1119 Ianic / Lunion / Spinward Marches

Armis Kowrollian Arrested

Jonkeereen rights activist Armis Kowrollian returned today to his homeworld. On leaving the spaceport jurisdiction, he was immediately arrested and imprisoned. He had been visiting Mora (3124 Spinward Marches; AA99AC7-F) to present a Petition for Imperial Intervention to Archduke Norris; the PII was denied.

Jonkeereen representatives immediately issued a statement of protest and condemnation of the arrest.

335-1119 Ianic / Lunion / Spinward Marches

Amber Zone: Ianic

TAS representatives on Ianic (1924 Spinward Marches; E360697-5) today announced that the system is to be immediately be classed an Amber Zone, as violence spread following the arrest of Jonkeereen rights activist Armis Kowrollian two days ago.

Press access is being heavily restricted, but reports have been coming in of major acts of violence across the planet. The Bureau of Information has issued a statement that a crack-down on criminals has taken place; travellers who have reached the safety of the starport have described a situation more akin to a civil war.

Jonkeereen in the system have been banned from inter-city travel, and are subject to internment without trial if arrested in the wrong area or without ID. Rumors that Kowrollian's home city of Caraanthen is being besieged have not been confirmed, nor have allegations that Bureau of Politics artillery have been deliberately shelling civilian targets in the mainly Jonkeereen city.

Meanwhile, the capital has been the site of running battles between the government and several paramilitary factions. While the Urban Desert Army is most active, claiming to control a full third of the city as well as responsibility for the destruction of many government buildings, other groups are also taking advantage of the situation. Some of the paramilitary groups are in fact fighting alongside government troops against the rebels.

The starport remains operational and has been untouched by the upheaval. It is expected that travel through the system, as well as visitors to the starport, will not be severely affected by the crisis. Travellers should, however, exercise caution and be prepared for delays. In no event should off-worlders leave the starport jurisdiction.

The Government, as well as several of the other major groups including the UDA, the Anarchist Coalition, and the Citizens for Traffic Laws, have stated that they are seeking mercenaries. Conventional repatriation agreements are being offered by all sides in the conflict.

336-1119 Ansha/Ilelish

The President of Ansha declared it an open world as Empress Ciencia's Vengeance Fleet arrived in force at this world in the rimward trailing quarter of the sector. The high tech, high population world was spared the destruction of a invasion by the act, endorsed by the three representative houses of the worlds government.

340-1119 Aki/Spinward Marches

The second in a series of psychic attacks on this high population system at the Imperial frontier left the final death toll at 110 thousand. Damages were estimated to top 2,450 GCrimp in the two attacks. A spokesperson said, "It would have been more but so much was destroyed last month there wasn't a lot left undefended. We have a lot of rebuilding to do."

354-1119 Gaashushnu Lii Mur/Deneb

The last of this doomed worlds inhabitants is believed to have died. No contact with survivors of the global nuclear war in 815 has been made in over a year. At last count 400 survivors eked out a living on this blasted sphere. The red zone decreed by the Imperial Navy will remain in place.

355-1119 Querion / Querion / Spinward Marches

Zhodani Navy Confirms Fleet Lost

A spokesman for the Zhodani Consulate Navy today confirmed rumors that the 117th Fleet has been lost. She declined to elaborate on the Fleet's mission, but did state that it was engaged in exercises outside the Consulate.

The spokesman refused most questions, but stated categorically that the 117th Fleet's mission had indeed been cleared beforehand with the Imperium in accordance with the Treaty of Quar. She also said that negotiations were in progress for the return of the survivors, and that she could assure that they were being treated well and were safe. She refused to confirm or deny whether the 117th Fleet was subject to a natural disaster, or had been defeated in battle.

Names of the casualties and the survivors are being held until relatives have been contacted.

360-1119 Sorel/Spinward Marches

The psionic attacks that killed a million Glistenites four years ago struck Sorel today. Losses were minimal as the citizens of the entire low population world were provided psi shielding by IM crews during the attacks.

365-1119 Narsi/Spinward Marches

The Sword Worlds Confederation sent a note to the Imperial Ambassador complaining of State sponsored terrorists from Imperial Member worlds. They state that Mora ships have been attacking peaceful merchants and slaughtering the crews. They claim a squadron of Imperial vessels took part in an attack on a relief convoy at Dawnworld in District 268 last month. Over a hundred crew are believed murdered after surrendering. Officials reported that dozens of bodies, shot through the head, were recovered. Tests are underway to identify the remains. Data seems to support the idea that a large, well trained group is operating in the area, but Mora has traditionally been cool to the level of violence claimed. They also have little interest in the region so many parsecs away.

The ambassador denied that any such attack was at Imperial behest.