TNS 1120
Date: 002-1120 ⑆ Urak (Zarushagar 3101)
By the Zarushagar Information and News Service
¶ Governor-General Rischard held a news conference today to answer questions regarding the incident on Holiday Eve involving local civilians and Imperial riot troops. The troops reportedly fired on crowds after having rocks and bottles thrown at them. Seventeen were killed and 34 wounded. "This was a grevious misunderstanding, one which we will make every effort to prevent from reoccurring" said Rischard. The Governor-General denied that relations between this high population world and Imperial forces is strained and went on to add that further investigation will be necessary before all the facts are clear. Ω
Date: 012-1120 ⑆ Antares (Antares 2421)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge43
¶ "Based upon an analysis of the neutriono emissions and the increase in pulsation rate of the star Antares, we believe the chance of Antares going supernova within the next 250 years is about 55 percent," stated Dr Shen Gakivin of the Uucha Astronomical Observatory, located in the red giant's inner belt. "Now that the Circumsolar Neutrino sensor network is online, we have been able to refine our data tenfold over our previous work."
¶ Cashin cam-Cinn, science advisory to Archduke Brzk, replied to the UAO announcement, saying, "We've heard these kinds of negative predictions for decades on end from the Uucha Station. Such grandiose predictions seem designed more to justify increased spending for the station than to conclude anything useful." Ω
Date: 023-1120 ⑆ Ilelish (Ilelish 2707)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge43
¶ At the Federation Natural History Conference, held at Gitaaz Center in Concarraffi, Dr. Javin Stark presented the findings from his recent archaeological digs on Ilelish. The centerpiece of the presentation was a fossilized Droyne skull, which he estimated to be about 300,000 years old.
¶ "This finding obviously presents us with far more questions than answers regarding the history of the world (Ilelish)," Stark stated. "The two main questions are, 'How did Droyne get to Ilelish,' and 'Why did they disappear?' Considering that the date of this skull fits with our estimates of when Suerrat were presumably transplanted to Ilelish by the Ancients, it seems reasonable to assume that a sample of Droyne were brought to Ilelish as well.
¶ "As to why they disappeared -- it could be that they were exterminated while competing with the proto-Suerrat for resources after the Ancients' Final War. An alternate theory proposes that the Ancients may simply have discontinued use of Droyne on this world.
¶ "Unfortunately, we simply don't have enough facts to support any theory conclusively at this time. Our hope of understanding this find lies in locating more evidence and scrutinizing our data to make sure the answer is not before us and simply hiding in the cracks." Ω
Date: 023-1120 ⑆ Ibaru (Zarushagar 0321)
By the Zarushagar Information and News Service
¶ Loyal Fleet Command today announced that the 1756th Fast Intruder Squadron met and defeated a numerically superior force from the Vengeance Fleet in the Augusta (Zarushagar 0821) system three weeks ago. Admiral hault-Dishaeda, Commander-in-Chief/Ibaru (CINCIB), is quoted as saying: "This should put to rest any doubts about the capability of the (Loyal) Fleet to stop the Usurper when we want, where we want". The 1756th reportedly destroyed four ships and damaged three others. Casualty figures have not yet been released. Ω
Date: 027-1120 ⑆ Capital (Core 2118)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge43
¶ The unveiling ceremony for The Enemy of Dreams, a special sculpture commissioned by Emperor Lucan, took place today. The piece has received a lot of attention even before it was publicly presented since it was created by the prominent sculptor Trow Shadii-Eriskany, noted for her controversial works portraying anti-Imperial themes.
¶ The sculptor presents a menacing image of Dulinor with a pistol in one hand, grabbing the dying Emperor Strephon by the collar in the other. The Enemy of Dreams is situated in the center of the Imperial Park. Though the subject is one every Imperial Citizen knows well, the grotesque style of the statue has evoked strong emotion, both pro- and anti-Imperial.
¶ Shadii-Eriskany was noticeably absent from the unveiling. Representatives of the throne report that she left shortly after completing the sculpture to join her husband, wheo has been vacationing in a nearby system. Ω
Date: 023-1120 ⑆ Vland (Vland 1717)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge43
¶ The Vland Ministry of Technology today announced that it issued to the major megacorporations of the empire a Request for Proposal to re-implement the traditional technological patent system of the First Imperium.
¶ Gashina Enerish, spokesperson for the ministry, said, "The control of technology by the First Imperium was one of the reasons why it was able to endure for more than 5000 years. The shadow emperor and the minister of technology are united in their belief that the reimplementation of the traditional patent system will be an important part of this Empire's foundataion." Ω
Date: 027-1120 ⑆ San Nuska Kilna (Zarushagaar 0108)
By the Zarushagaar Information and News Service
¶ Reports continue to filter in from Gishin (Zarushagaar 0804) of the total destruction of the high population world of Ginshe by the assassin's fleet. Said to be operating out of Khipge (Zarushagaar ), the fleet is rumored to have used nuclear and asteroid bombardments to wipe all trace of life from the planet. Independent confirmation of these reports has not been obtained. Analysts retained by ZINS believe that the destruction of Ginshe, if true, may be an attempt by the assassin Lucan to force the population of Gishin into his camp. Representatives of Loyal Fleet Command have been unavailable for comment. Ω
Date: 032-1120 ⑆ Shytek-Oberon (Zarushagaar 2826)
By the Zarushagaar Information and News Service
¶ Duchess Victoria, in an announcement today, renounced her loyalty to Lucan's Imperium and proclaimed the establishment of the Independent Duchy of Oasis. Victoria cited numerous examples of how Lucan had failed to adequately support her subsector throughout the Rebellion. In particular, Her Grace pointed to the rising tide of piracy and the emperor's repeated refusal to send ships to combat the problem.
¶ Victoria went on to say that she had been in contact with representatives of the Duchy's 36 worlds and that she has their full support.
¶ While Her Grace's announcement has been met by a wave of popular support, questions remain regarding Lucan's reaction. Can the newly created Independent Navy deal with the pirate threat as well as the Vengeance Fleet? Only time will tell. Ω
Date: 034-1120 ⑆ Tauri (Vland 1817)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 43
¶ Makhidkarun, Sharurshid, and Naasirka held a joint news conference today to discuss their support for the traditional system. They also announced a technology-sharing agreement and cross-licensing pact which would allow each to use the technology developed by the others under the traditional system.
¶ The holding company, to be jointly owned by the three megacorporations, would be administered from a new corporate headquarters on Tauri. The announcement concluded with a dramatic ritual announcement of the name selected for the new organization - Aamikep. The name is a now-archaic Vilani word for patent law. Ω
Date: 047-1120 ⑆ Anaxias (Delphi 1724)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge44
¶ 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 twins.
¶ Her husband, Count Blaine Tukera, is said to be looking forward to being a father again. Ω
Date: 053-1120 ⑆ Krobak (Delphi 0533)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge44
¶ Several recent pirate attacks in this system have caused local naval officials to double up on patrols in the high-risk areas.
¶ This additional effort diverts needed manpower away from the rebuilding efforts at Naval Base Kirbak and will likely lengthen the military occupation of the civilian starport. Ω
Date: 054-1120 ⑆ Capital (Core 2118)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge44
¶ The pirate video source with broadcast stations in the Sylean worlds today added programming in support of Brzk of Antares as the only true contender for emperor of the Third Imperium. Until today, the video programming of the stations (although unlicensed) was tolerated because of its nonpolitical content. With the addition of political (and anti-Lucan) programming, local defense forces have been directed to shut the stations down. Ω
Date: 058-1120 ⑆ Dineal (Zarushagaar 1324)
By the Zarushagaar Information and News Service
¶ Keersiria Epir, Chief Executive of the Darmine Corporate, presided over the ratification of the First Amendment to the Dineal Accords today. The Ceremony was held at the Hall of Iaili in the capital city of Liupmi. The Amendement changes the Corporate from a purely economic entity into a true federation with broad military and foreign policy powers.
¶ In a short speech, Epir said that simply fostering trade in Liasdi subsector would not be enough to reverse the damage done by the Rebellion. Instead, the Corporate would encourage stability in the region by providing a measure of law and order.
¶ Epir made it clear that the new federation would not attempt to force its views on other worlds, but would consider all applications for membership on an individual basis. Final integration of Ishag, Dineal and Nidke, the Accord signatories, is expected to be completed shortly. Ω
Date: 060-1120 ⑆ San Nuska Kilna (Zarushagaar 1080)
By the Zarushagar Information and News Service
¶ Unconfirmed reports indicate that a scout task force sent to investigate reports of the destruction of Ginshe (Zarushagaar 0805) has not reported back and is now two weeks overdue. A squadron belonging to the Usurper's fleet is believed to still be operating in the area, but it is unknown whether or not it may have contributed to the squadron's delay.
¶ Loyal Fleet Command has stated in the past that communications with its forward elements in the vicinity of Gishin (0804) are sporadic at best, no doubt contributing to the current lack of hard data. Ω
Date: 067-1120 ⑆ Sternbach (Zarushagaar 1410)
By the Zarushagaar Information and News Service
¶ Fighting continues on and around Mushiar (Zarushagaar 1407) between the forces of the assassins Dulinor and Lucan. Dulinor's 12th Jump Division, with the help of the 1433rd Assault/Cruiser squadron, continues to hold the starport, sending hydrogen fuel to orbit to support commerce raiders striking deep into the Lagaar subsector. Dulinor is opposed by the "emperor's" elite 45th Armored Regiment and the 2nd Heavy Interdiction Squadron.
¶ General Liten of the Sternbach Self Defense Force (SSDF) predicts that "if the assassin's (Dulinor's) forces lose their grip on Mushiar, they may turn their attention on this system and its three gas giants to support their pirate fleets". He went on to say that the SSDF is on a heightened state of alert and that all ground, COACC and naval forces will fight to insure the non-aligned status of Sternbach.
¶ A Travellers' Aid Society spokesman has declared Mushiar a red zone until further notice. Ω
Date: 084-1120 ⑆ Udim (Zarushagaar 1933)
By the Zarushagaar Information and News Service
¶ Two days ago, a large number of warships, presumed to be from the Federation of Daibei, were sighted refuelling at this system's outermost gas giant. This brings to over a dozen the number of such sightings over the last two months.
¶ Dr. Graiz Urtnen of the Center for Government Affairs, a non-profit think tank, has advanced the theory that Daibei is conducting raids to coreward in order to keep both Dulinor and Lucan off balance and sap their strength. These irregular appearances have caused little alarm thus far among the general populace due to the fleet's distance from the planet. Ω
Date: 091-1120 ⑆ Libuka (Zarushagaar 2202)
By the Zarushagaar Information and News Service
¶ Medical supplies and personnel continue to pour through Libuka Downports Two and Six to aid the beleaguered people of this world who are suffering from the effects of the Khiaffa Plague. Six ships of the Imperial 3981st Heavy Spacelift Squadron arrived today bringing with them nearly 40,000 tons of plague vaccine for distribution to the affected areas.
¶ Governor-General Sharr toured the field hospital at Downport Six and is quoted as saying that he "was much encouraged by what he saw" and that "with the Emperor's continued help, all of Lagaar will benefit as Libuka and Compunccion have".
¶ The Governor-General mediated the dispute between the nations of Hanos and Lerret on Compunccion (Zarushagaar 1907) in 1119. His efforts led to a successful resolution of the situation. Ω
Date: 102-1120 ⑆ San Nuska Kilna (Zarushagaar 0108)
By the Zarushagaar Information and News Service
¶ Scout Taskforce 7A, declared overdue eight weeks ago, arrived today with proof confirming that Ginshe has been totally devastated by the Vengeance Fleet.
¶ Sensor recordings indicate that the planet was subjected to extensive nuclear and asteroid bombardment and that a condition of "nuclear autumn" exists. The Taskforce made an extensive search for survivors of this atrocity, but could find none. Loyal Fleet Command was reportedly "speechless at the magnitude of this horrible crime". It has not specified what actions it will take in retaliation.
¶ Taskforce 7A, forced to seek repairs at Gishin due to an attack by a numerically superior force, also reported that Loyal Fleet forces were pinned down at that world at the time of the attack and were powerless to prevent the tragedy. Ω
Date: 116-1120 ⑆ Union (Zarushagaar 0924)
By the Zarushagaar Information and News Service
¶ The first ship to arrive in this system on the edge of the Great Rift in eight months, landed today at Port Trinity, the Republic of Colchester. The 400 ton subsidized merchant, named the Load Runner, was cordoned off by local enforcers to keep excited onlookers from mobbing the crew and possibly damaging the ship.
¶ The brokerage house of Haisby and Powell has announced that it will auction off the Load Runner's 40 ton cargo of dynamic holo memory modules (DHMMs) next Thirday at a public auction. Warren Haisby, senior partner at H&P, told a ZINS reporter that privately submitted bids "in the six figure range" have already been received for consideration.
¶ The crew of the Runner had little to say regarding the Rebellion except to say that the fighting continues. Ω
Date: 119-1120 ⑆ Shytek-Oberon (Zarushagaar 2826)
By the Zarushagaar Information and News Service
¶ The 1st Infantry Company of the Droyne Battalion made its first appearance today as part of the Honor Regiment at the Ducal Residence. The company is an all Droyne unit from Usyupkut (Zarushagaar 2730) and its presence is symbolic of that world's support for Duchess Victoria's rule. The changing of the guard ceremony, attended by Her Grace, included troops from Irap (Zarushagaar 2630), St. John (Zarushagaar 3130) and Shytek-Oberon as well as the Droyne company.
¶ Duchess Victoria used the opportunity to emphasize the vital service performed by the Duchy's military forces in keeping Oasis free and independent. She declined to comment on the current status of the Duchy's anti-piracy campaign. Ω
Date: 159-1120 ⑆ Terra (Solomani Rim 1827)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge46
¶ An archaeologist helping with the restoration of the Cheops Historical Site has found the oldest Terran writing known.
¶ Dr. Daniel d'Aidre announced today that cave paintings found in the excavation date back 23,000 years. No translation has yet been made, but the marks and designs clearly point to their being writing, probably for use in a religious ceremony.
¶ The Cheops Historical Site, under the care of the Terran Historical Administration, was flooded in 1106 when terrorists destroyed a dike holding back the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Ω
Date: 168-1120 ⑆ Knabbib (Core 2115)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge44
¶ Julian Trane, distinguished Professor of interstellar history, was arrested yesterday on treasonous publication charges by agents of the Emperor Lucan.
¶ Trane's epic historical work, The inevitability of Night, was published clandestinely despite a ban by the Imperial Ministry of Information. That publication led to his arrest on a charge of treasonous publication.
¶ The Inevitability of Night hypothesizes the interstellar civilization progresses through a continuing cycle of expansion and regression fueled economic and technological factors which cannot be avoided by any intelligent culture.
¶ In his last interview before his detention, Professor Trane commented that he saw parallels between the beginning years of the Long Night and the present Rebellion.
¶ Imperial authorities refused comment. Ω
Date: 194-1120 ⑆ Sharim (Gushemege 1038)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge44
¶ Doubt continues as the truth behind the reappearance of Strephon in Gushemege sector, despite the virtually absolute evidence that he died in Dulinor's assassination plot on Capital in 1116.
¶ Recent conjectures in the press have provided three distinct explanations for the individual calling himself Strephon. He could be a surgically altered actor, a pseudobiological robot, a clone, or the real Strephon (whose double died in the assassination).
¶ No firm evidence has been presented for or against any of these conjectures.
¶ Surprisingly, several leading nobles (including Brzk and Margaret) have made public statements leaving open the possibility that the individual in Gushemege is really Strephon. On the other hand, the only thing that Lucan and Dulinor seem to agree on is that the "real" Strephon is an impostor. Ω
Date: 199-1120 ⑆ Zuiar (Dagudashaag 0705)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge44
¶ Following more than a year of violent civil war, Zuiar declared allegiance to Lucan and the Third Imperium on 090-1120. Loyalist forces answering to Strephon today delivered an ultimatum demanding that Zuiar declare allegiance to Strephon.
¶ The ultimatum calls for an electronic referendum of all population with a deadline of 210-1120. Ω
Date: 200-1120 ⑆ Diishalum (Dagudashaag 0714)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge44
¶ Forces loyal to Strephon have seized the orbital starport of this world and delivered an ultimatum demanding allegiance to Strephon.
¶ The ultimatum calls for an electronic referendum of all population with a deadline of 210-1120. Ω
Date: 201-1120 ⑆ Stinj (Verge 1809)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge44
¶ In a lightning raid, unidentified forces attacked this world and sacked the capital, carrying off art treasures, refined precious metals, and technological components, while leaving the city in flames.
¶ Initial reports that the forces were Imperial Marines (reflecting their initial radio identification) have been discounted as a ruse. Ω
Date: 206-1120 ⑆ Regina (Spinward Marches 0310)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge44
¶ The Archduke of Deneb today announced the establishment of an Imperial force dedicated to maintaining the secure borders of the Imperium.
¶ "After careful consideration," the archduke stated, "the government has determined that a special force -- to be known as the Patrol -- can best execute the policies of the Domain of Deneb in securing the Imperial borders from the incursions and invasions which are common of late."
¶ Patrol ships will cruise the borders of the domain with powers to repel invaders and to pursue them into non-Imperial territories. Armed Patrol ships will carry troop units capable of boarding actions and planetary surface missions. While the Patrol may call upon Imperial and Reserve Navy forces, it will be equipped and trained to deal with most situations with its own strengths.
¶ Planetary positions will initially be filled by reserve naval and military personnel. Additional positions are open to enlistment.
¶ As an enlistment incentive, Patrol retirees will receive up to 100 square kilometers of land on an agricultural or other suitable world. This is expected to be especially attractive to Aslan enlistees and is being announced in Aslan.
¶ The Aslan translation of Patrol is Trekhyalr, or Land Protector. Ω
Date: 212-1120 ⑆ Knabbib (Core 2115)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge46
¶ Julian Trane, distinguished professor of interstellar history, has committed suicide in prison, according to police.
¶ Guards delivering lunch found Trane hanging from a hand computer strap in his cell.
¶ Trane was arrested almost two months ago for ignoring an Imperial Ministry of Information ban against the publication of his new book, The Inevitability of Night.
¶ Imperial authorities expressed their regret at the death.
¶ "Professor Trane's suicide is another in the list of crimes for which the ultimate responsibility belongs to Archduke Dulinor," a spokesman said. Ω
Date: 252-1120 ⑆ Mora (Spinward Marches 3124)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge47
¶ Archduke Norris today officially named Mora as the capital world of the provisional government of the Domain of Deneb.
¶ "From this beautiful world, we will together be able to build outward, beyond our current borders, toward the full Imperium as we once knew it," Norris said in prepared remarks.
¶ Mora, already the capital of the sector and subsector, is expected to undergo a healthy increase in employment and construction to keep up with its new responsibilities.
¶ The central location of Mora within the Domain of Deneb was seen by analysts as a principal reason for the move.
¶ The Duchess of Delphine was represented at the ceremonies by her grandniece, Elane, next in line to rule Mora itself. Ω
Date: 261-1120 ⑆ Warinir (Daibei 0507)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge45
¶ The Solomani Navy has been driven back with heavy losses by three fleets of the Federation of Daibei Navy after a series of engagements along the border.
¶ The initial penetration by Federation forces reached the industrial complexes at Uston (Daibei 0139) and neighboring Aston (Daibei 0140), and spent more than a month destroying the Solomani manufacturing installations of the system before being forced to withdraw.
¶ The pursuit drew the Solomani Navy into Daibei territory, where it was ambushed at Sineli (Daibei 0127). Ω
Date: 269-1120 ⑆ Tripolis (Verge 2612)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge45
¶ Unidentified forces attacked this world recently and looted the population centers of the western continent. Initial reports indicated that the attacks were carried out by Ilelish Army troops, but post-attack investigations have disproven that theory. Ω
Date: 270-1120 ⑆ Anaxias (Delphi 1724)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge45
¶ Duchess Margaret gave birth to twins today, sparking an air of celebration around the world.
¶ The first child, a girl, was born at 20:00 exactly. Her name is Julia Iphegenia Cassir Tukera. Following his sister by 12 minutes was a son, Paulo Trulia Strephon Tukera.
¶ Both children and the mother are in good health. Ω
Date: 275-1120 ⑆ L'oeul D'dieu (Spinward Marches 3010)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge45
¶ The patrol has begun security sweeps along the traditional Imperial coreward border of Deneb in the Domain's continuing effort to repulse Vargr corsair invasions.
¶ The Patrol, newly established by the Archduke of Deneb, began active operations almost immediately using naval reserve ships and crews. In a show of force, the first sweep was assigned the border from L'oeul d'Dieu/Spinward Marches to Corfinium/Deneb. Ω
Date: 301-1120 ⑆ Wair (Magyar 0116)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge45
¶ The Solomani Navy has driven back with heavy losses the invading Daibei fleet forces which were marauding the industrial complexes of Uston and Aston in rimward Daibei sector.
¶ Initial dispatches calling for assistance were answered by two Solomani task forces under command of Admiral John Charles.
¶ Once the Daibei fleets were driven off, a portion of the force remained at Uston to secure it from further attack and to render assistance. Admiral Charles continued the pursuit of the enemy fleet into enemy territory. Ω
Date: 309-1120 ⑆ Anaxias (Delphi 1724)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge46
¶ Speculation and rumors about Duchess Margaret's children continue to flood the local press.
¶ Dr. Bakala Setree, a physician with over 40 years of service in the duchess' household, claims that the recent birth of twins was a result of artificial insemination.
¶ The father of the children, according to Dr. Setree, is the late Emperor Strephon.
¶ Dr. Setree said Duchess Margaret will soon file a petition with the Moot to act as regent in behalf of her daughter, Julia Iphenenia Cassir Tukera, who as the direct descendent of Strephon would be next in line for the throne.
¶ Spokesmen for the duchess refuse to confirm or deny Setree's allegations. Neither of the children has been seen in public since their birth, but holorecordings of the twins have been released. Ω
Date: 342-1120 ⑆ Capital (Core 2118)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge46
¶ Capital police are investigating the recent death of Viscount Roberto Avery, a member of the Moot.
¶ The viscount was killed instantly when his air/raft exploded in the air while approaching the home he shares with his wife and two daughters.
¶ Assassination is suspected, but police have no leads at this time.
¶ The Moot has not met since the assassination of Emperor Strephon by Archduke Dulinor more than four years ago. Viscount Avery was known to be a strong and vocal supporter of Margaret. Ω
Date: 343-1120 ⑆ Hexos (Spinward Marches 2828)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge46
¶ Imperial authorities under Archduke Norris are investigating claims that Aslan Ihatei using biological warfare have slaughtered more than half the population of this world.
¶ Spokesmen have not released complete details, but said "more than a dozen" warships drove away Aslan insurgents upon arrival at the system.
¶ More than the 35,000 people have died in the last week, most of them in the capital city of Dione. Deaths of livestock are also reported. Ω
Date: 351-1120 ⑆ Capital (Core 2118)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge46
¶ Naval spokesmen for Emperor Lucan have announced continued success in their rimward campaigns.
¶ "Solomani forces cannot stand up to the technological developments that our weapons researchers have recently completed," said Rear Admiral Daadushaa. "We are, in fact, calling back some of our fleet elements in other areas so that those ships can be retrofitted.
¶ "The emperor is preparing an ultimatum to be delivered to the false claiments around the Imperium once this update has been accomplished."
¶ Daadushaa said he could not comment at this time on the nature of the experimental weapons, but said Lucan's message would be announced publicly at the same time that ambassadors carried it to outlying regions. Ω
- Dave Nilsen. Survival Margin (Game Designers Workshop, 1993), .
- Author: Greg Videll