Top Archon Commander Missing

Top Archon coordinator Commander McFergus has gone mysteriously missing and Delaine's Kumo Crew have responded with a system by system manhunt. Commander DrGottaLottaLove insists that he "better be sick or dead" for leaving the boss waiting.

Combat levels over the last week have increased as Archon put the whole Pegasi region on red alert. McFergus allegedly knows many of the top military plans that Delaine possesses and any confirmed defection will result in an instant intent to assassinate. Current mission orders are to retrieve any black box information that the Commander has absconded with and return it to Gabriel Enterprise in the Harma system.

Commander Mikalus

The Star Express | Interstellar Press

*****

Note: This has since been retracted due to the return of McFergus who dispelled any rumors of his apparent defection or demise.

The Divide

Violence erupted at Wagner Gateway in Antal last night as scheduled lectures regarding the Utopian development of transhuman technology were interrupted by protestors.

Led by Utopian critic Lev Baudrillard, the group demanded the end to what they regard as ‘Utopias hidden agenda of coercive eugenics and social manipulation by advanced simulation technologies’.

‘The Simguru and his ‘Path’ are nothing more than lies leading to human enslavement’ stated Baudrillard. ‘The Sim Archive, the virtual commune of Sukhavati and the irresponsible experiments conducted at this station endanger the very foundations of human identity.’

Seeking to counter the accusations, Administrator Brandis Fedorov addressed the critics: “It is our duty to responsibly develop these technologies, and guide our species to a better future. Baudrillard wishes only to enshrine human limitations, and hold us back.”

Utopian Enforcers later re-established order, detaining several activists for empathy realignment counseling. Baudrillard himself is thought to have evaded capture.

CMDR Gan

Utopian News Network | Interstellar Press

Published in Antal and Polevnic

Archon Launches Blitz on Gliese 828.4

The citizens of Gliese 828.4 discovered that rumors of Delaine's demise were apparently exaggerated. The crime lord focussed unprecedented power on the system, defeating thousands of security forces and stamping his authority on future proceedings.

Many had anticipated an easier defense due to the quiet of previous weeks but Archon's commanders brought everything from Anacondas to Eagles as they blitzed their opponents. Millions of credits had been offered to commanders who defeated large numbers of the Gliese security forces and the result has been a flurry of ranks and titles handed out to Delaine's followers. One commander described the combat scene as a "turkey shoot."

Newly produced Kumo narcotics have once more found their way into multiple systems beyond their current frontier and citizens have been left wondering if they will be next.

Commander Mikalus
The Privateer | Interstellar Press

Religion On The Frontier

Religion is seen by some as a leftover from humanity's ancient past. To others it is just as vibrant and unique as it always has been. Indeed, it is argued by many that the same questions at the center of religion are also the questions which have led to the exploration of much of the galaxy. Is there something else out there? Is there more to our life than what we can see? Is there a deeper experience I am missing?

The Federation and the Empire both sanction official religions and put a big red question mark over others that don't fit the traditional mould. Many people seek a freer expression of their beliefs and feel that the current ruling governments of mankind do not allow for this. Their eyes turn naturally to the frontier.

Far from being a place of only anarchy and despotism there are whole colonies of people seeking to follow their faith in the best way they see fit, away from the ever watching eyes of controlling governments. The Faithful Cult of Mannovalo and the Harai Angelic Shrine are just two such religions in a sea of many. Their people have travelled, much as their ancestors before them once did, to find solace in a place that does not quash or persecute. They have travelled to find their god as much as to find themselves. They have travelled to the frontier.

Commander Mikalus
Sentient Life | Interstellar Press

Obruchev Legacy Backed Up

Reports indicate that Obruchev Legacy, in the system of Geawen is experiencing a sudden boom and a backlog of market requests. The increase in goods sold and the subsequent lines of waiting commanders is due to the renewed interest in Geawen Dance Dust, a rare commodity sought after by none other than the notorious crime syndicate Crom Silver Boys.

The crime syndicate hope to re create Wolf Fesh, a popular psychoactive drug that was banned when control of Wolf 1301 was changed. The Geawen station is located over 400,000 light seconds from the system arrival point and unused to such traffic. It's largest dock is for medium sized ships such as the popular Asp and demand has put a strain on the station's capacities.

The Crom Silver Boys believe all of the necessary ingredients should take no longer than the remainder of the week to procure, so station inhabitants are hopeful that all will return to normal before too long. Other systems such as Tarach and Aganippe are also booming under strong demand but are considering a permit approach taken by another illegal drug producing system, Terra Mater.

Commander Mikalus
Privateer | Interstellar Press

Published in Herthe, Terra Mater and Aganippe.

Controversy Over Return of Fesh

The E.X.O. government of Wolf 1301 made headlines six standard months ago when it comprehensively took over the star system and ran the local Syndicate out of business, ending the trade in Wolf fesh. However, the fears of social commentators at the time have now been proven well-founded, as the Crom Silver Boys gang of the Herthe system launch their project to recreate the artificial psychotrope. One anonymous local commentator stated:

“E.X.O. worked real hard to shut the operation down, but as much as the general public here hoped the recipe of Wolf fesh embraced the cold vacuum of space with the Syndicate, chances were it was still out there. The criminal elements of the galaxy will always be interested in producing goods that hook the user – it’s a guaranteed supply of funds, and the more illegal it is, the more they can charge for it.”

A spokesperson for the Crom Silver Boys responded:
“We’re only providing what people want. If not us then someone else. If fesh is illegal in certain jurisdictions, that should be the concern of the traders and the consumers to lobby local government.”

CMDR Stateira Eleshenar
Zaonce Market Circular | Interstellar Press

Published in Wolf 1301 and Herthe.

Iridium Wing - An Explorers Best Friend

The Fuel rats have become famous throughout the galaxy for those stranded and in need of help. Iridium Wing offers a different type of service. One that Commander Outlawstar can attest to upon returning from his own six month deep space exploration.

Needing to reach the very distant Khun system and fearful of attacks, he requested Iridium Wing to escort him there safely. Their trained pilots meet fellow commanders several light years from inhabited space and stay with the explorer until docking is completed. In this instance Commander Outlawstar found himself further indebted by their provision of a rare alloy to ensure a smooth transaction with the local engineer.

Many explorers find themselves returning to the bubble of occupied space laden with data they can't afford to lose. Yet just as many have studiously avoided combat in the depths of space and some even remove shielding and weapons to enable longer jumps and quicker journeys. A group like Iridium Wing provides a much needed niche service to the galaxy at large.

Commander Mikalus

Sagittarius A* Messenger | Interstellar Press

Published in Khun.

The True Evil's Of Piracy

Is Piracy the new norm? "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." So say the ancient philosophers, and perhaps it's true. In this day and age it's difficult to tell. One man's evil is another man's good.

Enter Archon. For a galactic year he has terrorized the Pegasi sector. At first he was considered a mere upstart needing to be put down. Then he became a thorn in the side of the Empire. Before long the now well documented actions in Cuchua brought about the Pegasi War which at one stage involved all four of the most powerful factions within the Imperium. His name became synonymous with evil.

What now? If good men did do something and the result was nothing then where then does humanity turn? Has the Kumo Crew become immoveable and what does this mean for galactic peace? These are the questions many of the galaxies movers and shakers now ponder.

Commander Mikalus
Q1 Eridani Dispatch | Interstellar Press

Nagi Addresses ISA Condemnation of HIP 23926

Conflict was sparked this week, as the influential Nagi Empire Pact commenced military operations against mining conglomerate HIP 23926 Limited, under the auspices of the Imperial Slaver Association (ISA).

The corporation is accused of serious contraventions of ISA regulations, after an inspection revealed systematic mistreatment of Imperial Slaves at local markets. Nagi's Empire Pact has been vocal in criticising the unsanitary and overcrowded conditions reported. Observers had been expecting intervention from the Pact, itself a strong supporter of the Emperor's Shield of Justice and anti-corruption campaigns.

Agents from the Chapterhouse of Inquisition are providing support to the Pact in enforcing ISA regulations.

Asked why the Chapterhouse was getting involved in ISA matters, Inquisitor Commander Lord Rog explained, “We always stand ready to ensure imperial traditions are upheld."

“Nagi Empire Pact shares this noble aim and so deserves our support. Emperor Arissa has a vision for the Empire, good treatment of our slaves is part of that,” he finished “We will endeavour to make her vision become a reality.”

Commander Edgar Starwalker
Capitol Herald | Interstellar Press

Published in HIP 23926, Nagi and Kamadhenu.

Supply And Demand

Growers of Any Na coffee roots have observed booming business over the last year, with demand for the once-unfashionable drink outstripping supply at various points over the past quarter. The Independent Grower’s Association put out a statement:

“Any Na Coffee is an exclusive drink for discerning palates. Be assured that we intend to plough our profits back into our organic, ethical plantations this season, so that we can meet the growing demand.”

Market research suggests that the economy has benefitted from the interest taken by Liberal Shadow President Felicia Winters and style icon Emperor Arissa Lavigny-Duval in the star system, stoking the awareness of the bohemian minded general public.

CMDR Stateira Eleshenar

Zaonce Market Circular | Interstellar Press

Published in Any Na

Sideris Remains Open-Minded

Cynthia Sideris, current chair of Universal Cartographics, made a brief comment this morning on Jasmina Halsey’s ostensibly failed search for the ‘architects of creation’, outside UC headquarters:

“Whether or not Ms. Halsey’s ‘architects’ exist is still open to question, but chances are that some form of extra-terrestrial sentience exists in our galaxy. We’ve received data from explorers ranging as far as Beagle Point, but even that is still only an infinitesimal fraction of known stars in the galaxy. Well attested past encounters with Thargoids are just one example of such a meeting, but there could be many more sentients we’ve yet to meet. We can only keep looking.”

Former President Halsey’s psychological review continues.

CMDR Stateira Eleshenar

Zandu Science Journal | Interstellar Press

Published on Galnet

Solid State

There were jubilant scenes aboard Wagner Gateway in Antal last night as Utopian scientists brought the prototype virtual commune known as 'Sukhavati' online.

Populated entirely by neural patterns stored in the Sim Archive, its architects, Curators Gol Deleuze and Zita Ingersoll were delighted at the final outcome:
"Combining Utopian Sim technology with advanced computer mainframe design, we have established a place where the teachings of the Simguru can be fully realised, a true transcendental paradise free from the limitations of the lower worlds."

However, philosophers and theologians have expressed grave concerns about the significant moral and ethical implications of the project. Noted Utopian skeptic Lev Baudrillard registered his disgust at the news:
"By reducing individuals to data, you decrease the value of life itself as people become mere files, endlessly duplicated and destroyed at the whims of others. I'd rather face oblivion than exist in such horrific purgatory."

CMDR Gan
Utopian News Network | Interstellar Press

Published in Antal and Polevnic

Chapterhouse Restores Order to Nemgla

Months of political upheaval in the Nemgla system came to an end this week as Kamadhenu's Chapterhouse of Inquisition made the difficult decision to impose direct rule upon the struggling mining colony.

Visitors and workers alike had been alarmed by outbreaks of violence ever since rival corporations had arrived to engage in a turf war for control of Nemgla's mineral wealth.

Original rulers Integrated Nemgla had requested assistance from Kamadhenu following the loss of their Norman Point mining facilities to Sauraratec Industries; Inquisition operatives were sent from the Chapterhouse to mediate a peaceful resolution.

It is understood that before talks could begin a second corporation, Arapa Crimson Advanced, unexpectedly seized control of chief starport Maine's Inheritance, deposing Integrated Nemgla as system authority. There are conflicting reports immediately after this point, but what can be determined is that Integrated Nemgla's governing council was assassinated by unknown assailants, and that the system then suffered an almost complete breakdown in order and security lasting up until this week.

Eyewitnesses have reported Chapterhouse and Arapa Crimson Advanced armed forces clashing at key locations in recent days. From Shajn Market in Kamadhenu a spokesperson for the Chapterhouse of Inquisition confirmed that they had now taken control of the Nemgla system:
“Events in Nemgla up until yesterday were clearly spiralling out of control. The reported fate of Integrated Nemgla's leadership is a tragedy, and we grieve together with the people of Maine's Inheritance,” she continued, “We commend the actions of our Inquisitors who were coincidentally so well placed to intervene at the critical time, protecting innocent civilian lives from any further harm,”
“Although it has been a difficult decision to make, the Chapterhouse of Inquisition will now strive to govern the people of Nemgla responsibly in the absence of their former leaders.”


CMDR Edgar Starwalker
Capitol Herald | Interstellar Press

Published in Nemgla and Kamadhenu.

Probability Space

Concern is mounting in the hermitage system of Antal as reports suggest a prototype supercomputer known as Prometheus is predicting "a coming dark age".

The revolutionary mainframe uses near infinite amounts of raw data to create advanced social models, but since its activation the computer has repeatedly simulated a galactic upheaval resulting in trillions of deaths.

"We are currently running diagnostic tests on its logic centres, but so far the machine is functioning correctly" stated its designer, Bruno Ensor.

When asked if he believed the predictions, Ensor gave an unsettling reply:

"My colleagues in Sirius Gov have a saying: '....with enough data we can predict almost anything'.....the unknown artifacts, Starship One, barnacles, Halsey... maybe the computer can see something in the data we cannot. Maybe it really has shown us the future, and we just simply refuse to believe it."

CMDR Gan

Zandu Science Journal | Interstellar Press

Published in Antal

Local Dispute Over Bast’s Snake Gin

Local gin producers have recently found themselves under fire from animal rights campaigners, who object to the system’s most popular export; Bast’s famous snake gin. Artemesio Sallis, current treasurer of the Interstellar Animal Protection charitable organisation, stated:

“Contrary to claims that Bast snake gin is a cure-all for numerous ailments, there’s no evidence it does anything of the sort. The creation of this beverage is distressing and painful to the animal, and it’s sold as nothing more than a lurid tourist trap. I’d like to think in the 34th century we’ve moved past such disturbing animal cruelty.”

An association of gin producers responded:

“Bast snake gin is renowned through space for its curative properties, and is a traditional drink that has been part of our culture for centuries. This type of nannying interference is neither needed, nor wanted. Snake gin is bottled with no cruelty to the animal whatsoever. Our buyers will not be put off by these spurious claims.”

Cmdr Stateira Eleshenar

Zaonce Market Circular | Interstellar Press

Published in Bast. 

Above and Beyond the Call of Duty

Since the calls put out over ten months ago by leading interstellar figures for independent pilots to pledge their ships and their service, the response from commanders has been overwhelming. Many have been pledged from the day recruitment offices opened, and their efforts have been invaluable in supporting their chosen leaders. 

Some have chosen to serve in one particular field, tirelessly hauling the supplies that keep outlier systems connected to headquarters, whilst others have seen tours of duty along domain borders that have lasted for months. Rumours abound also that covert and unidentified strike teams cross over the borders, risking danger time and again to disrupt enemy efforts. One anonymous pilot stated:

“I’ve racked up thousands of hours since I took my pledge of allegiance. There’s been some exhausting weeks, it’s true. But it’s all worth it if I can make a difference.”

CMDR Stateira Eleshenar

Jameson Memorial Review | Interstellar Press

Published in the following systems: Gateway, Rhea, Harma, Polevnic, Kamadhenu, Nanomam, Eotienses, Lembava, Cubeo and Synteini

Is Karetii Couture Losing Its Appeal?

Karetii couture has long held a grip on the imagination of the fashion world, consistently leading the latest style trends and adorning the rich and famous. However the company’s annual review, published last week, raised concerns about a drop in profits over the past standard year. The report highlights administrative difficulties between local Federal authorities and recent Alliance trade agreements in the region. Spokesperson Videric Mundo stated:

“The Alliance is simply out competing the Federation in agriculture. Federal agricultural enterprise is failing in the face of better prices, and people are clamouring for the basics like essential food supplies rather than spending their credits with us as they have done in the past. Once this situation is rectified we’re confident the market will see an upswing.”

Leading business commentators have noted that Karetii couture has not been seen to be endorsed by leading public figures in the past year, as political upheaval in both the Federation and the Empire has brought a greater focus on policies rather than image. In the forthcoming year the company will be hoping to at last benefit from Alliance trade deals and enjoy support once more from the galaxy’s rich and famous.

CMDR Stateira Eleshenar

Zaonce Market Circular | Interstellar Press