The Blame Game

Shares in the cargo handling company Gapah-Morsk have fallen to record lows after recent problems in Gurragchaa Gateway disrupted local shipping.

At a crisis meeting with investors, executive director Trent Collins was quick to assign blame:

"I find it incredible how problems of this magnitude have been allowed to happen on such an important corporate asset. I have staff refusing to go to work because they think aliens have attacked! As far as I'm concerned, the only conspiracy here is the unions planting ridiculous stories to drum up trouble, and ill-disciplined staff bunking off work. If this disruption persists, the only alien threat they're going to see will be the legal kind from other systems taking over their jobs."

Commander Gan

Zaonce Market Circular | Interstellar Press

Distant Thunder

In the depths of space a struggle for dominance has emerged between forces loyal to Archon Delaine and those of Sirius Corporation.

As the core systems become increasingly crowded and diplomatic friction grows, attention is turning to the new frontiers offered by Sothis and its neighbour, Ceos. Although isolated, these systems show great promise for future growth. Kumo commanders are understood to want Sothis as a smuggling hub, while Sirius wishes to consolidate its position with the two systems after recovering from recent financial problems.

Observers from other galactic powers will view these developments with concern, particularly in the nearby Utopian commune of Takurua and also those working to establish a new station in Merope. Speaking recently, notable exobiologist Jan Holtzman who is stationed at Takurua was despondent:

“These new worlds should bring us together in the joy of scientific discovery, not tear us apart with rivalry and war. Such acts will be our species undoing."

Commander Gan

Utopian News Network | Interstellar Press

Published in Polevnic and Gorringa

Roche Rentals Issues Ceti Sector Advisory

Roche Rentals issued a service advisory today regarding their availability guarantees in the wake of travel delays to the Empire.

A recent surge in one-way reservations to the Arjung system has left their fleet in a precarious position, as hubs are forced to work overtime to redistribute their fleet of long-range craft to normal levels.

"This is the first time since tourist delays associated with the Olympus Mons eruption of 2877 that we have needed to temporarily suspend our 24 hour rental availability. It is regrettable that our Hauler fleet has been spread so thin these past few days, but rest assured we are working as hard as we can to fulfill your reservations," said COO Sophie Han during a press conference at Roche Rentals' headquarters in Ekhi.

According to an anonymous source within the company, the company is preparing to file suit against the Imperial Slave Association regarding recent contractual disputes. When the Circular reached out for clarification, Han declined to comment on these reports.

CMDR Mira Alluvion

Zaonce Market Circular | Interstellar Press

Fujin Tea Plantations Celebrate Bumper Crop

Plantation owners in the Fujin star system have reason to celebrate, as this year’s harvest has yielded a bumper crop of the indigenous herbs that are the primary ingredient in the famed Fujin tea. The proposed day’s festivities have been set aside however as the system’s deeply traditional Movement for Fujin Labour government have made it clear that it will be work as usual.

A small number of locals questioned the decision, and have recently begun speaking out against the rigid structure of Fujin society, protests which have thus far gone ignored. Protestors have threatened unspecified action if they continue to be dismissed, and policing has been increased around tea warehouses throughout the system in the event of sabotage.

Some Federation commentators have expressed suspicion about the working conditions amongst the lowest classes on the plantations, but the Federal government has maintained a strict policy of non-interference.

Cmdr Stateira 'Starcloak' Eleshenar

Zaonce Market Circular | Interstellar Press

A Fathers Voice

Utopia was united today as it celebrated the life and transcendence of its founder, SimGuru Rishi Antal.

As Antals primary sun rose above Antal AB1, millions of Utopians networked to experience a simulation of the first pilgrimage to the system, along with witnessing the founding of the Sim Archive there.

Upon his death forty years ago, Rishi became the first recorded neural pattern of the Archive, and in doing so became the master of ‘transcendental technology’.

In a moving speech, Rishis son and heir SimGuru Pranav Antal addressed the masses of networked citizens as the simulation drew to a close.

“My father founded Utopia to push back the chaos around us, and forge a greater future for humanity. Today we honour my father’s labours by experiencing his life, and rejoicing at the inception of our simulation technology. He, along with thousands of others dwell in the Archive with a voice that will never die, thier collective wisdom guiding our actions as we make our future become reality.”

Commander Gan

Sentient Life Magazine | Interstellar Press

Published in Polevnic.

What is the Shadow Navy?

Within the recesses of the Federation’s special forces community exists a rumor, spoken of in hushed tones and never truly substantiated, of a specialized task force operating on its own authority. Its official designation is unknown, but those who speak of it call it the Shadow Navy. 

The Federation Special Operations Division (FEDSOD) denies all knowledge of the unit, but the Shadow Navy’s existence was revealed during Operation Blossom, in which the group allegedly attempted to wrestle control of Liaedin away from the Empire and return control of the system to the Federation.

Since then, the Shadow Navy has faded from the limelight and out of the minds of many. However, there are those who believe that it not only still exists, but is an active participant in many clandestine and deniable unilateral actions against systems of strategic importance to the Federation.

Commander Driggers

Times of Mars | Interstellar Press

Into the Void

After the announcement by the Explorer's Association, Utopian deep space engineers are once more preparing to apply their expertise by aiding the construction of a new space station within the challenging environment of the Pleiades Nebula.

Drawing from experiences of the highly successful deep space commune of Takurua, Utopian engineers along with Sirius Inc explorers are readying a task force to aid in this new venture.

Utopian engineer Del Arris officially confirmed Utopias response in a later statement:

“Utopia and Sirius Inc have begun assembling teams of explorers, traders and engineers to assist in this task, and will shortly begin deployment.

Our experience with Foothold Orbital at Takurua, and activities on the fringes of inhabited space in Sothis will prove invaluable in dealing with the dangers and pitfalls of such a perilous undertaking. Together we will redefine the frontiers of knowledge, and challenge what is possible.”

Commander Gan

Sagittarius A* Messenger | Interstellar Press

Published in Antal and Takurua.

Former Imperial Slaves Strike It Lucky

The former Imperial slaves of Ngadandari were freed four months ago by decree of Princess Aisling Duval. After their contracts were bought out by the Princess, they were given the option to retain their former positions in the local mining industry and a paid wage. Those who remained have now struck it lucky again, as prospectors today located a previously unknown seam of Ngadandari fire opals.

The planet, which has been strip mined for almost two hundred years, was thought to be nearly exhausted, pushing up prices of the rare gems beloved by Imperial high society. The Princess has announced that every former Imperial slave still working in the mines will be given a share in the rich new vein, which is expected to yield profits high enough to set every individual up comfortably for life.

Imperial business commentators have warned stockholders to sell however, amidst fears that prices will plummet with the increased availability.

Cmdr Stateira 'Starcloak' Eleshenar

Zaonce Market Circular | Interstellar Press

Published in Ngadandari, Cubeo and Achenar.

Pilot’s Federation Campaign to Tackle Drink-Flying

A tragic incident occurred yesterday when the pilot of a packed Orca passenger liner collided with a Lakon Type 9 Heavy coming out of the docking bay at Tarter Dock, Wuthielo Ku. All members of the passengers and crew were killed by the impact and decompression that followed. The Type 9 crew suffered non-critical injuries and no loss of life. Early reports indicate that the Orca pilot had been drinking the system’s infamous Wuthielo Ku Froth just two hours before lift-off.

In wake of incidents like this, and with several ancient Earth festivals fast approaching, the Pilot’s Federation has pledged to run an awareness campaign over the holiday season, warning pilots about the dangers of drink-flying. In a preliminary statement, the Pilot’s Federation advised; “Pilots should never fly while under the influence of alcohol or any drug that may adversely affect safety, and ideally should keep 24 hours between drinking and any planned flight. Our studies of fatal accidents between 3273 and 3300 show that in 14.7% of cases the pilot was above our recommended limit of 0.05% blood alcohol concentration.”

Cmdr Stateira "Starcloak" Eleshenar

Jameson Memorial Review | Interstellar Press

Published in Shinrarta Dezhra and Wuthielo Ku.

Pilots Call for Galaxy Wide Starship Lighting Enquiry

More than 220,000 pilots have signed a petition calling for an immediate inquiry into the lack of "anti-collision lights" on starships and the lack of emergency lighting on system authority ships.

Jenson Zanetti, chairman of the Pilot's Federation Safety Board stated: "Most pilots will, at some point in their careers, be struck by either an authority or private vessel they did not see, something which can be disastrous for all parties. If these proposals are implemented, we predict an order of magnitude decrease in the amount of fatal collisions in and around space stations."

The petition calls for all system authority vessels to be fitted with priority vehicle lighting equipment to assist pilots in visually identifying these important craft. The petition also calls for "anti-collision lights" to be fitted to all starships. According to the petition, these would come in the form of green lights on a ship's starboard side, red lights on their port sides, yellow lights on the bottom of their bows, white lights on the tops of their sterns and would include the lights flashing to signify the ship's direction of travel.

The petition concludes by stating that these lights only need to be operational within a station's no-fire zone and when the ship's main lights are active.

CMDR Devenish

Allied News Service | Interstellar Press

Published on GalNet News.

Pilot’s Federation Campaign to Tackle Drink-Flying

A tragic incident occurred yesterday when the pilot of a packed Orca passenger liner collided with a Lakon Type 9 Heavy coming out of the docking bay at Tarter Dock, Wuthielo Ku. All members of the passengers and crew were killed by the impact and decompression that followed. The Type 9 crew suffered non-critical injuries and no loss of life. Early reports indicate that the Orca pilot had been drinking the system’s infamous Wuthielo Ku Froth just two hours before lift-off.

In wake of incidents like this, and with several ancient Earth festivals fast approaching, the Pilot’s Federation has pledged to run an awareness campaign over the holiday season, warning pilots about the dangers of drink-flying. In a preliminary statement, the Pilot’s Federation advised; “Pilots should never fly while under the influence of alcohol or any drug that may adversely affect safety, and ideally should keep 24 hours between drinking and any planned flight. Our studies of fatal accidents between 3273 and 3300 show that in 14.7% of cases the pilot was above our recommended limit of 0.05% blood alcohol concentration.”

Cmdr Stateira "Starcloak" Eleshenar

Jameson Memorial Review | Interstellar Press

Human Rights Group Decries Emperor Lavigny-Duval's Request

Operation Chainbreaker, a human rights activist group based in Sol, has issued a statement critical of Emperor Arissa Lavigny-Duval’s request for slaves ahead of her coronation.

“Emperor Lavigny-Duval’s request for slaves as ‘gifts’ is a shameful display of hypocrisy,” the statement said. “At this moment, the Empire wages war to end slavery in the Pegasi Sector, while its new ruler seeks to proliferate it by offering incentives and rewards for slave traders who bring their human cargo to Achenar.”

The statement continues with a demand that Emperor Lavigny-Duval free all slaves received during the days leading up to her coronation, and that she take steps to abolish the practice of slavery in the Empire as a whole.

“It is the sincere hope of Operation Chainbreaker, and lovers of freedom and the right to self-determination everywhere, that the new Emperor brings an end to the institution of slavery in the Empire.”

Commander Driggers

Liaedin Chronicle | Interstellar Press

Published in Liaedin and Sol. 

Anti-Slavery Protests Erupt in Aisling Systems

Following the announcement that Arissa Lavingy-Duval will be accepting unregulated and Imperial slaves as coronation gifts, thousands of citizens have taken to the streets in Aisling Duval controlled systems.

Sporadic protests are reported in a half dozen systems and reports indicate many are individuals sporting blue dyed hair or wigs and shouting anti-slavery slogans. Officials speculate that many protesters are former slaves. The protesters have called on Aisling to publicly challenge the centuries-old practice but her representatives have so far remained silent.

Despite not being violent, tensions are running high among Aisling's supporters following her failure to ascend to the Imperial throne. Internal Security Forces moved quickly to end the protests requesting all citizens return to their daily activities.

Other reports indicate that there is similar dissension within other Imperial Powers. Cmdr Stateira 'Starcloak' Eleshenar, pledged to Senator Patreus, is quoted as saying; "As an abolitionist, I respectfully decline to participate in this gift-giving. I have already gifted our new Emperor with a stunning piece of art as a symbol of goodwill, and it's gifts like these - the demonstrations of our rich culture, and genius of art and science - that would make far better coronation tribute."

CMDR Quade

Capitol Herald | Interstellar Press

Is Emperor's Dawn Operating in Federation Space?

The Federal Security Service recently addressed growing fears that Emperor’s Dawn may be attempting to flee into Federation systems to escape the Imperial Navy’s ongoing counterinsurgency operations.

“We are cooperating with our counterparts in the IISS, but we cannot say more than that,” an FSS spokesman said, emphasizing that measures were being taken to tighten security in systems near the border with the Empire. “If Emperor’s Dawn is using Federation systems as a staging ground for their operations, we will not stand for it.”

Stratis Information Group analyst Marcus Orrin believes that such a move by Emperor’s Dawn would significantly hinder the Imperial Navy’s efforts. “By forcing the Imperial Navy to coordinate with Federal authorities on future strikes, Emperor’s Dawn would buy itself time to regroup.”

“The Empire would also be in a very precarious political position, as any unilateral actions might be seen by the Federation as a violation of their sovereignty.”

Commander Driggers 

Regulus Observer | Interstellar Press

Behind the Scenes at the Imperial Coronation

With the coronation of Arissa Lavigny-Duval imminent, members of the Imperial court are rushed off their feet with last minute preparations.

Baron Elias Lockwood, courtier and Master of Ceremonies, said: "Well, we were able to reuse some of the decorations from the Imperial wedding, and during the month of Senate debate we prepared the groundwork. But some things could only be decided by the Emperor, and food and flowers had to be ordered in fresh. Do you know how hard it is to prepare a coronation in a week? Just yesterday in rehearsal one of the lords in waiting tripped over the Imperial robes. And the IISS have been telling me what we can and can't do!"

The Imperial Internal Security Service stated: "Every aspect of the coronation has been examined for possible security threats. The safety of the Emperor is paramount."

The citizens of the Empire await the historic ceremony with bated breath.

Cmdr Stateira 'Starcloak' Eleshenar

Capitol Herald | Interstellar Press

A Credit To The Profession

Repair facilities have sparked outrage after adding a ten credit surcharge to station fees in protest over accusations of price fixing published by the Pilots Federation.

The contentious report found rampant overcharging among drydocks, and recommended a maximum price for repairs to be enforced.

Any attempt to pay the charge results in another being levied, and local councils have been flooded with messages from exasperated pilots demanding action. Pressure is now growing to avoid a repeat of earlier strikes that resulted in mass biowaste dumping and disruptive system blockades.

"If you want quality workmanship you have to pay for it" said an anonymous worker. "If repair costs are too much, fly something cheaper or stop ramming asteroids. Until this report is dropped, we will keep on charging."

Commander Gan

Allied News Network | Interstellar Press

Elegance in Simplicity

Gutamaya Shipyards’ latest vessel out of the dock, the Imperial Eagle, is now available for purchase across the Empire for any pilot with rank in the Imperial Navy, and positive consumer feedback is already flooding in from commanders.

Cmdr Corrigendum, working in the Prism system, said: “The Imperial Eagle is a blast to fly; it handles beautifully and has looks to match. I was able to stick on the tail of an Imperial Courier during combat exercises. It’s a great addition to the Gutamaya portfolio.” Cmdr Stateira “Starcloak” Eleshenar added: “I love my Eagle, so I was curious to see if Gutamaya could improve upon Core Dynamics’ classic design. Now I’ve taken it out a few times I’m happy to say it retains all the sublime responsiveness of the Eagle, and packs a harder punch in combat to boot.”

When asked the secret to their success, Gutamaya Shipyards’ lead engineer, Ines Allende, responded: “Elegance in simplicity – we kept the core of the design that made the Eagle Mk II great and simply tinkered with a few key elements to produce perfection.”

Cmdr Stateira "Starcloak" Eleshenar

Jameson Memorial Review | Interstellar Press

Published on GalNet News.

Kathy’s Angels

BD+26 2184 recently played host to a memorial service for Kathy McBrayer, mother of Commander Sataris of the East India Company. Universal Cartography recently finalized the renaming of a world in the system in honor of Sataris’ mother. The commander was treated to a ride aboard an Orca, and was escorted to Kathy McBrayer by volunteer security forces.

Representatives from all over civilized space heeded Commander Sataris’ invitation from early September to join the memorial service. The procession of vessels offering support and condolences lasted several hours. One attendee described the sight of the vessels in supercruise as “Kathy’s Angels.”

“I would just want to thank everyone from the Pilots Federation who were able to journey to the memorial planet in BD+26 2184,” Commander Sataris stated gratefully. “I am deeply moved by the amount of support I have received.”

May she rest in peace, with a place among the stars.

Commander Corrigendum

Jameson Memorial Review | Interstellar Press

Published in Shinrarta Dezhra and BD+26 2184.

Prime Minister Mahon Holds Influence over 1000 Systems

The Office of Alliance Prime Minister, Edmund Mahon, announced earlier this week the signing of its thousandth trade agreement. This is a momentous achievement for supporters of the Prime Minister, and a testament to the hard work and dedication of independent pilots everywhere in the Alliance. The achievement is impressive given the Prime Minister's relatively small supporter base and the work of diligent advisors. It is important to remember that Mahon's space doesn’t have the reach of the combined borders of the Federation, and has far less than the Empire. It is a well-earned accomplishment for a single power.

The Office of Alliance Statistics issued a statement: "I'm glad of the fact that Mahon has been able to expand in an ethically positive and synergistic way. In all honesty, it is very impressive. I am glad that we have been able to expand our influence to so many people, but it is simply a milestone and we will continue to move forward."

It is evidence that the Alliance should be counted among galactic major powers and a pointed reminder that they intend to maintain their autonomy.

Commander NOIR1787 

Alioth Guardian | Interstellar Press

Published on GalNet News.

Older Nanites at Risk from Hackers

A slew of reports have come in over the past week from thousands of people with Alacarakmo skin art that the images created no longer respond to their programming devices, and in some cases produce offensive images and text that is completely out of their control. This has led to embarrassing incidents and Congressman Urqu Flores was yesterday forced to yield the floor during the middle of a debate when his tattoo began reading obscenities directed towards leading Federation politicians.

Responding to complaints, Body Décor company executives announced that they were investigating the matter, and this morning released a statement: “In all cases, the consumer had acquired our product over fifty years ago. Rigorous testing revealed that this dated code has become vulnerable to hackers. We are working as fast as possible to implement new security protocols and transmit them to the older nanites. The Body Décor company would like to apologise for any distress caused to our customers.”

Cmdr Stateira "Starcloak" Eleshenar

Allied News Service | Interstellar Press

Mahon Administration under pressure?

Alliance economic expansion has finally shown signs of slowing down. After the highly speculative investment in the systems of Hooriayan, Wolf 412 and MCC 684, these systems enjoy many new business opportunities. However, doubt about the soundness of the investment remains.

Yet there are silver linings for Edmund Mahon: The previously frosty relationship with key Imperial senators has thawed, with the Senate even dispatching a taskforce for joint strategic operations. Asked to comment on this recent change in Imperial policy, a spokesperson of the "Protectores Zemina Nostri" said:

"Within the Empire, Zemina Torval has always promoted the value of tradition, stability and peace. In the past, the Alliance was recognized as a threat due to border disputes. This stance was recently reevaluated by our strategists. Even if Mahon's academic vision depends on a vastly different societal model, he shares Senator Torval's goal in building lasting and functional societies.

"Where military competition is a wasteful way to resolve disputes, economic competition increases prosperity for both."

Commanders Gran Solo and Jemy Murphy

Allied News Service | Interstellar Press

An Unwilling Slave

Federal investigators were shocked yesterday when they broke into the apartment of Specialist Engineer Lei Lan on Mars High. Ms Lei’s family had informed the authorities after she had not contacted them for her weekly holo-call three weeks in a row, and the Federal Security Service were called in when Ms Lei’s employment record revealed that she had recently been part of the team working under Sean Richards investigating the disappearance of Starship One.

A body was found on the site, and the Federal Security Service have released a brief statement: “The body of a female in her thirties was discovered at the property, and removed after official recording. Preliminary forensics indicate that the individual was subjected to an invasive Pavonis ear grub, concealed beneath the hair at the back of the skull. We cannot yet confirm the identity of the individual.”

Pavonis ear grubs are infamous for their ability to burrow into flesh and parasitise higher brain functions, occasionally used by the slave traders that plague the Federation fringe systems.

Cmdr Stateira "Starcloak" Eleshenar

Regulus Observer | Interstellar Press

M. Gorbachev Impound Hangar Theft

Station officials at M. Gorbachev were left red-faced today when the quarterly review of station operations was published, revealing that three vessels were stolen from the spaceport’s impound hangar sixteen weeks ago.

Head of Station Security Summer Takahashi stated; “We believe the culprits smuggled themselves in the cargo hold of a ship that had been impounded. They overpowered the team at the entrance post and hacked into the security systems. The vessels were then flown through access shafts into the main docking bay, and out the station entry slot, evading security forces long enough to make frame shift jumps.” She added; “The ships left Sol on different escape vectors, and their wakes were lost in the next systems, making it impossible to know where they all ended up."

Amidst accusations of negligence from angry pilots, station officials said that security protocols had been since revised following the isolated incident and that ship owners’ vessels are in safe hands at M. Gorbachev.

Cmdr Stateira "Starcloak" Eleshenar

Regulus Observer | Interstellar Press

Tenim Neseva Confirmed as High Commissioner

After months of blocked votes and parliamentary conflict, the Federal Congress has confirmed the appointment of Tenim Neseva to the post of High Commissioner of the Federation Foreign Service.

Congresswoman Lainey Presamaco led an eighteen-hour-long filibuster to delay the confirmation vote, attempting to persuade her Republican counterparts to rethink their position. Republicans remained undeterred and, after overriding the filibuster, pushed Neseva’s appointment through with a straight-line vote.

Congressional majority leader Robert Emersson was pleased with the final outcome, saying “Tenim Neseva has been a diligent steward of the Federation’s foreign affairs for many years now, and I am confident that he will tend to his responsibilities with the tact and discretion befitting the office.”

Neseva will be sworn into office next week, thus assuming the responsibility of determining the Foreign Service’s long-term diplomatic goals and overseeing the operations of hundreds of diplomatic missions across the Federation.

Commander Driggers

Regulus Observer | Interstellar Press

Published in Sol.

The Outer Limits

One team of explorers is challenging the loner stereotype. There is something awe inspiring about watching multiple explorers form a co-ordinated jump to hyper space and then see them reappear at the final destination. It is a far cry from that special commander who knows they are on their own fighting the heat damage if they happen to drop next to an unexpectedly large star.

The First Great Expedition is organized by several commanders who have created a community of family and friends. They can help new explorers just setting off into the dark, and plan new group goals such as the current Sagittarius-Carina expedition. Over 30 commanders are involved in that particular adventure, and one month in it shows no sign of letting up.

A simple search of any database for "The First Great Expedition" will direct an explorer to a place where they can communicate with the commanders of this great undertaking and become part of the story. In their own words they have strived from the outset to "provide cohesion, cooperation and a shared sense of purpose." Rumor is that they've achieved just that.

Commander Mikalus

Interstellar Press | Sagittarius A* Messenger

Tightened Security

In direct response to recent events following Emperor Hengist Duval’s shocking assassination and allegations of Emperor’s Dawn agents amidst the highest circles of power, leading figures in the Empire have tightened their security.

Princess Aisling Duval recently conducted investigations into the background of her foremost supporters, and others have been prompted to do the same. Rumour has it that several prominent senators have bolstered and re-equipped their personal bodyguards, or undertaken closer scrutiny of their coterie.

Commentators are expecting the Senate to make the succession announcement the Empire has been awaiting with bated breath, and for a coronation to be planned with strict levels of protection and safety measures in light of security failures at the Imperial wedding, though it is not yet known if a limit will be placed on the number of spectators.

Cmdr Stateira "Starcloak" Eleshenar

Capitol Herald | Interstellar Press

Saavedra Virus Eradicated

The Friends of Kui Hsien today announced that the last patient in quarantine has recovered from the Saavedra Virus. The entire populace of the system has now been vaccinated, and the virus has been declared eradicated.

Three months ago the Friends of Kui Hsien were forced to declare a quarantine of Saavedra Dock as the virus broke out. It caused mental impairment and affected fine motor control, posing a particular danger to pilots. Despite their best efforts, it escaped quarantine and spread across the system, causing mass panic. In addition, incursions from the Santupik Blue Ring gang hit refugee convoys attempting to reach designated medical supply Type 9s scattered throughout the system.

Senator Patreus took action to deploy peacekeeping forces to the system, and the Ducal Argent Hospital on Eotienses A 3 dedicated its efforts to developing a vaccine. Emma Mueller, chairwoman of the Friends of Kui Hsien cooperative council, today praised the collaborative efforts of doctors across the two systems, as well as a fund-raising effort in Eotienses that has paid for a new medical wing at Saavedra Dock.

Cmdr Stateira "Starcloak" Eleshenar
Liaedin Chronicle | Interstellar Press

Published in Kui Hsien.

The Fight For HIP 106072

Another system has fallen to Archon. Within the last week Imperial and Kumo Crew commanders faced off in a battle that incurred staggering losses for both fleets, and the decimation of Hip 106072. For some time the Empire had been tracking undisclosed packages dropped off by those loyal to Delaine. Then it all came to a head.

As with all war, it was difficult to track the ebb and flow of battle as it unfolded. News reports were unclear. For weeks Archon's expansions had been stymied and blocked. Rumor had it that some of the Crew were becoming discontent, so at the back of everyone's mind was the question of the day: would losing HIP be the straw to break the camel's back?

As the fog of war cleared what remained was a system devoid of the millions who fled, yet somehow standing. It had a new master. Archon claimed another scalp and the Imperial Command shouldered the responsibility of yet another system succumbing to piracy.

Commander Mikalus

Liaedin Chronicle | Interstellar Press

The Face of the Pegasi War Helps Refugees

Aasha Singh, rescued Imperial Slave and the face of the Pegasi Pirate War, was spotted recently at Orcinox's Orbiter assisting authorities with the resettlement of refugees. A line of people stood ahead of the table where Aasha's blue wig peaked out from beneath a traditional freedmen's Pileus cap.

When asked about why she shaved her head Aasha replied that it is a local Munshin tradition for a freed slave to shave her head and wear a soft cap: a tradition that experts say dates to ancient times on Earth. "I think this is part of any Imperial citizen's calling," said Aasha, "but my experience at the hands of the Crew gives me a valuable perspective on the lives these people are leaving behind." The interview was cut short by Aasha's insistence she return to work.

Though the war rages on, brave men and women can look to heroes like Aasha Singh as an example of Imperial fortitude.

Commander Quade

Capitol Harold | Interstellar Press

Published in Munshin.

Survival Of The Fittest

When living on the frontier of human space there are but two rules. The first: it's only yours if you can hold onto it. The second: if you found it, run fast.

Hip 108822 is a small mining colony, formerly known for absolutely nothing, and cared about by none. Now, known about by all of the Kumo Crew as they enforce the first rule there. The once-poor citizens of Hip 108822 thank Archon for the wealth they now produce - and keep.

The strength of this pirate band keeps at bay independent commanders who would otherwise steal the rare metals mined in Hip. It also acts as a staging ground for Delaine's further expansions along the frontier. In galactic terms it's a win-win situation rarely seen with the Kumo Crew.

When the reach of the Empire falls short to protect them, there is solace found in those whose reach can, regardless of their background or morality.

The strong survive, the weak perish. Such is life on the frontier.

Commander Mikalus

Interstellar Press | The Privateer