The New Network Of Archon Delaine

For a year now the Kumo Crew have been associated with the crime lord of the Pegasi sector. It is well known that this group of criminals supply their special flavour of contraband and 'law enforcement' to any systems that resist Archon. What has also become increasingly clear are the number of other factions now willing to side with Delaine.

As efforts to undercut and repel the advancement of his illegal maneuverings have been rebuffed a surge in the number of corrupt governors, factions and leaders has been noted. Criminals that once watched from the sidelines to see the result of the intense Pirate war feel emboldened and are beginning to form an intricate web of protection and service around the notorious ruler. While legitimate trade routes still exist there has been a boom in the number of reported black markets throughout the last 12 months and many now deem these the 'safer' way to make money.

The growth of this network makes it more challenging for the bounty hunters and investigators of the empire to locate the elusive self styled king and bring him to justice. Never the less, many still vow to do so. The frontier has never been more perilous or rewarding for those who will brave it.

Commander Mikalus
Liaedin Chronicle | Interstellar Press

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Note: This has since been retracted due to the return of McFergus who dispelled any rumors of his apparent defection or demise.

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.

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

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

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

The Dark Side Of The Empire

An Imperial law enforcement survey from the last seven days has revealed over 240,000 alleged criminals were summarily executed by Commanders loyal to the Empire. These are executions without a trial, highlighting a side of the Imperium which Senators are often reluctant to discuss.

The largest culprits are the supporters of Arissa Lavigny Duval, and the implementation of their 'crime sweeps' is made even more disturbing when one considers they are made outside Duval's sphere of political influence. The heavy handed approach threatens to split Lavigny and Aisling supporters; the latter holding more liberal views than many of their counterparts. 

Although other political leaders, such as President Hudson in the Federation, also offer a more forceful approach to those with opposing views, Lavigny’s struggle is particularly pronounced due to the current concern of overloading prison colonies. Citizens and Senators argue that before being filled with P.O.W’s they should first be filled with lesser criminals that otherwise face the end of their short lives. 

Commander Mikalus

Liaedin Chronicle | Interstellar Press

Crop Harvesters Harvesting More Than Crops?

The Pegasi sector is enjoying the surge of an unlikely trading good. The humble Crop Harvester. Exports from Lusonda, 34 Pegasi and multiple other systems have surged, coinciding with a boom in the illegal black market sector.

The conjunction is not incidental. An undercover advocate discovered that the legitimate trade of crop harvesters is a mask for the illegitimate smuggling of narcotics, battle weapons and imperial slaves. The ruling power in the Pegasi area, the Kumo Crew, are themselves active supporters of this method.

This means demand for crop harvesters is likely to soar. The humble item which enables the provision of food for so many is a staple of the Kumo Crew. A sign that your average citizen isn't forgotten and that piracy is here to stay.

Commander Mikalus

The Privateer | Interstellar Press

Published in Lusonda.

Rumors of Raids Run Rampant

Since the Imperials discovered Archon only recently departed from a forward base on Tjakiri the question which has haunted Imperial Commanders is what was he doing there?

This week saw focused Kumo raids across a large swathe of Empire territory, seemingly intent upon Imperial capital ships. Despite the Imperial statements that all attacks were rebuffed it appears at least one vessel, stationed in the current conflict zones of Allavaste, was forced to flee and potentially destroyed. Yet another source indicates there was a failed assault on the Imperial Military base of Facece. Such attacks were only raids and fall far short of full frontal invasion, so why are the Kumo Crew doing this?

Rumor has it that Delaine was in Tjakiri following up on a lead that might suggest weaknesses within the heat relays of the Empire ships. The suggestion, of course, is that this weeks' raids were just the forerunner to something much more worrying and sinister.

Commander Mikalus

Liaedin Chronicle | Interstellar Press

The Cost Of War

The Social Ngbato Labour Union has contacted the Empire to plead for leniency on its people. It is joined by representatives of Lusonda and Huichi. Their systems have faced the brunt of the Imperial assault against Archon Delaine and regularly see thousands of ships destroyed each week.

"This is beyond necessary. The Kumo fleet working in Ngbato continues to be crippled by targeted attacks, but the fighting inevitably escalates, affecting the trade and health of our system."

It is a regular priority target of the Imperium, and the latest records indicate 3,300 ships destroyed in 5 days of fighting.

"Our request is simple. Those ships carry our own families and those of our loved ones. Destroying more than is militarily strategic only results in senseless deaths. Please prevent it."

One Imperial Commander responded with some regret: "The Empire salutes the dedication of its pilots, however, we encourage our commanders to redirect their attention once military undermining targets have been reached within the system."

The Kumo Crew response was measured; "We will believe it when we see it."

This is war, and war is often nonsensical.

Commander Mikalus

Q1 Eridani Dispatch | Interstellar Press

'Operation Uranus’ Successful

This week, Archon Delaine hit back at the renewed Imperial offensive. Using a multi-pronged attack, the Kumo Crew struck hard at systems under the influence of Senator Patreus. Dubbed ‘Operation Uranus’, the campaign successfully pushed the system of Contiku into turmoil.

The number of Kumo Crew raids within Imperial space increased during the week, with multiple Imperial commanders reporting run-ins with the cartel. Although a combined task force of Imperial powers laid siege to the Pegasi sector, pilots loyal to Senator Patreus failed to prevent the pirate counter-attack. This may jeopardize the fragile alliance between the powers, and strengthen internal opposition to the Pegasi Pirate War.

Time will tell if the operation has shifted the balance of the power, but Archon Delaine certainly refuses to go gently into the night.

Commander Mikalus

Liaedin Chronicle | Interstellar Press

Published on GalNet News

As Old Smuggling Routes Close New Ones Open

Depending on which side of the war you find yourself, news from the Pegasi sector can be uplifting or unnerving. Inevitably, certain routes that once provided a constant stream of credits for smugglers have come to a close, only for new ones to open.

Rumor has it that one such route deals with rare goods from the Kamorin sector. With violence on many of Kamorin's borders there's a relatively safe passage still to be found into Antal space. While the people of Antal dream of Utopia, these particular rare items are of a violent nature, serving the small but noisy underclass who disagree with the Simguru's style of peace.

The return trip for smugglers who make such trade is said to be equally as profitable. For pirates afraid of the law within Federal and Imperial space it provides the perfect alternative.

Commander Mikalus

The Privateer | Interstellar Pres

Sagittarius A* - The Galaxy's Latest Vacation Spot

For many the hustle and bustle which is the sea of humanity from Lave to Mikunn is something to be escaped. Commanders select the exotic sight of Sagitrarius A* to relax, take a break and open up a canister of beer.

Language is no barrier as pilots turn to translators when welcoming visitors from afar. As with any destination, fuel can sometimes be a problem, but friendlies like Commander Metta have it all figured out. "I store Fuel Rat limpets for deep space rescue and provide beer, liquor and rares to explorers that celebrate making it to the core."

It's a journey not to be undertaken lightly and often takes 2 weeks or more. But perhaps you want a rest from the constant wars, bounties and trading. Sagittarius A* might just be the perfect vacation spot.

Commander Mikalus

Sagittarius A* Messenger | Interstellar Press

Published in The Lave Herald