Humanity's Dream

In ancient Earth history 1341 years ago on this date, Humanity finally achieved the dream of generations. For the first time, development of advanced rocket technology propelled a human being beyond the boundaries of the homeworld and into space.

To commemorate Yuri Gagarin’s historic flight, pilots gather every year at M. Gorbachev from 1800 UST onwards to swap first-flight stories and buy rounds at the infamous Tereshkova’s Hangout bar. Station manager Shiranya Nilon stated:

“For some it’s quite a pilgrimage. We’ve had pilots come from Sothis, Quince, Fehu, and Canopus in previous years. People want to come and see the cradle of Humanity and remember the moment when the dream of touching the stars was realised. It’s a time for looking back, and for looking forward: we spent many millennia dreaming that dream, and it’s been just over a thousand years since we achieved it. M. Gorbachev is looking forwards to hosting distant visitors again this year, and we hope all pilots will fly safe.”

Cmdr Stateira Eleshenar

Sentient Life | Interstellar Press

Published on GalNet News.

Remlok Latest Gen Escape Pods Recalled

Remlok were forced to recall the latest iteration of their popular escape pods when a fault was found with a pod that was recovered from the surface of an airless moon in Santupik. Master Reuben Hampton, captain of the Pretty Ditty, said:

“I was taking my new SRV out for a run across the dunes, see what it can do, when there it was. Funny thing – it wasn’t putting out a comms signal or anything. Looks like the transmitter never deployed. The occupant was trapped for months with no way to call for help. Dreadful.”

A Remlok spokesperson stated:

“We tried to replicate this in our workshops and found that it did occur when the stress conditions were reproduced, in a small number of pods. We take the trust and safety of our customers seriously, so we are issuing a recall in order to fix this issue. Replacement pods are being provided free of charge to all Remlok owners, and be assured the latest build will be repaired and shipped out as soon as possible.”

Cmdr Stateira Eleshenar

Jameson Memorial Review | Interstellar Press

Federal Citizens Seek Answers

News of former President Halsey has swept through the Federal populace with mixed reactions. Whilst many think that nothing will change, a significant proportion across the political spectrum believe that Jasmina Halsey has vital information about the loss of Starship One and should be assigned a Presidential bodyguard detail. Further, some protests have taken place outside the White House on Mars from citizens calling for a re-vote for the presidency. Protestors declared:

“President Hudson may have won the vote in Congress by taking advantage of Halsey’s absence. The constitution demands that on her recovery a re-vote take place.”

White House officials stated:

“The greatest round-the-clock care is being taken of Jasmina Halsey, as directed by the President’s office. Constitutional issues are not the primary concern at this stage, but will be addressed if and when it becomes necessary.”

Cmdr Stateira Eleshenar

Regulus Observer | Interstellar Press

Implications of Emperor’s Latest Appointment

The appointment of Senator Denton Patreus to the post of Admiral of the Fleet by the Emperor last week has been met with a mixture of speculation and criticism from Imperial high society. General Anthony Corvus, who previously disparaged Patreus’ handling of the Emperor’s Dawn campaign, stated:

“This is a clear conflict of interests. The Senator already commands a private fleet. Will he promote his own officers to leading positions in the Imperial Navy now?”

An anonymous palace source responded:

“Corvus is generally known amongst court circles as a sciolist with the mere pretence to wisdom. Even the lowliest serf knows that every Senator is required to submit to the feudal duty they owe to their liege lord at any time when called upon. The Emperor makes all final decisions about top military appointments.”

A few royal commentators have wondered aloud whether the elevation of the Senator denotes an attempt to confer appropriate status for a different manner of elevation, but their remarks have been widely rubbished by supporters of the Emperor who point out that Her Imperial Majesty is in no rush to address the succession.

Cmdr Stateira Eleshenar

Liaedin Chronicle | Interstellar Press

Data Analysis Reveals Administrative Flaws

Recent studies of major powers have revealed critical errors, according latest data analysis experts Lux Analysis Group. Data Technician Rose Draper, who led the study of galactic power activity over the past nine months, explained the think tank’s findings:

“We’re seeing a lot of illogical activities going on in the major powers. Redistribution and administration seem to be particular problem areas, with contracts, aid packages, and supplies going astray to systems with no value, or worse, that are actually a drain on resources. We believe that the majority of this activity is being caused by inferior communications and substandard bureaucracy across the board. Our advice to major powers is to implement an optimised administration in order to avoid wastage of supplies and miscommunication with potential member systems.”

One system administrator, who wished to remain anonymous, stated: "Every week we're getting overwhelming surpluses here, whilst headquarters acquires other systems into the network that are a huge drain on resources. This is costing us badly. I wish someone in charge would do something and rein in the overzealous enthusiasm of some independently contracted pilots."

Cmdr Stateira Eleshenar

Q1 Eridani Dispatch | Interstellar Press

Latest News from Senatorial Fleet

Commander Rubberboots this week spotted a glitch in star system data records. A team of data analysts worked overnight to address the problem and have reported success in fixing the issue, allowing garrison supply vessels to be directed with greater precision and strategic specialists to provide the latest data to HQ.

Detachments of the Fleet, accompanied by starfighter squadrons, have been deployed to Kenna to ensure that Imperial citizens’ interests continue to be represented under the Senator’s beneficent auspices.

Significant portions of the Fleet have seen action in Dakshmandi, Ipilyaqa and Ch’i Lin, against the last stand of right-wing terrorist group Emperor’s Dawn. Senator Patreus has authorised the contracting of independent pilots in addition to Fleet deployment, in order to discharge the duty assigned by Emperor Arissa Lavigny-Duval.

Pilot watering hole The Generator and Accelerator on Parkinson Dock has seen rumours fly over recent events at Obsidian Orbital, with everything from Thargoids to escaped artificial intelligence being blamed. Aide de camps have issued instructions for calm and cohesiveness.

Cmdr Stateira "Starcloak" Eleshenar

The Eotienses Chronicle | Interstellar Press

Rumours Sweep Pilot Hotspots

The recent appearance at Obsidian Orbital of an unknown craft, which scanned the station before departing at high speed have prompted a tide of discussion and rumour across inhabited space. At the Thargoid and Fer de Lance in Barnard’s Star, one veteran pilot gave a five hour oration to a mixed crowd of the bemused and confused:

“Thargoids! It’s Thargoids I tell ya! They never gave up after I escaped their clutches in 3249 and now they’re here for revenge…”

117.78 ly away at The Generator and Accelerator in Eotienses, local pilots have a different idea:

“Word has been going around that it’s the banned AIs coming back. Think about it – the Unknown Artefacts use Morse code. If they’re not from us they gotta be from something we created.”

Interstellar authorities have not yet commented on the incident at Obsidian Orbital, in what is widely interpreted to be an effort to maintain calm until further information can be obtained.

CMDR Stateira "Starcloak" Eleshenar

Zandu Science Journal | Interstellar Press

Stranded Pilot Rescued by Survey Team

A stranded pilot was rescued today after a Universal Cartographics survey team arrived in the unexplored star system, some 1000 ly from Sol. The captain of the SS Amundsen stated in a transmission sent back to inhabited space:

“We picked up a short-range distress signal from the third planet, a metal-rich world with close to 1g but an unbreathable atmosphere. The pilot is suffering from malnutrition and psychological trauma but is otherwise unharmed. We are treating him in our medbay and are confident of a full physical recovery. I can confirm that we still intend to complete our four week survey mission before returning with our data.”

Lindelani Mduduzi was stranded on the planet over three years ago when his craft’s frame shift drive was irreparably damaged after a close encounter with the system’s binary stars, apparently after having set out without filing a flight plan with any authorities. He commented:

“I took my eye off the ball and it cost me. I’m just glad I’ll be back in the Federation soon. Is Halsey still running the show?”

The Pilot’s Federation recommends that all explorers file a flight plan with the appropriate authorities before embarking on expeditions.

Cmdr Stateira "Starcloak" Eleshenar
Sagittarius A* Messenger | Interstellar Press

Published in Shinrarta Dezhra, Nanomam, and Rhea.

Congressional Corporate Donation Transparency Bill

The bill introduced by Liberal Congressman César Neves almost three weeks ago is now undergoing a motion to vote in Federal Congress. The Congressional Corporate Donation Transparency Bill proposes to make representatives’ donations from corporate sources publicly available and transparent. Premier Federal politics show HARDTalk this morning debated the implications of the bill, with former Liberal Congresswoman Ailana Middlebrooks stating:

“Well obviously the Republicans are scared, otherwise they’d be pushing for this vote so they could get it off the table. The fact that they’ve been filibustering it for this long indicates that they’re concerned that not all party members will fall in line.”

The debate opposition, former Republican Congressman Akash Bali, countered: “I think we can all agree that this Liberal notion is just a huge waste of time. The Federation doesn’t need another layer of red tape.”

If the motion is carried the 213 Liberal representatives will be aiming to get Congress’ 49 Democrats on side in order to defeat the 238 Republican party in an upcoming vote.

Cmdr Stateira Eleshenar

Regulus Observer | Interstellar Press

Editor's note: numbers of representatives in the Congress as listed in this story may be subject to change. 

Leading Scientist Expresses Doubts

Yesterday Professor Ishmael Palin called upon independent pilots to deliver meta-alloys, produced by the newly discovered ‘barnacles’ in the Pleiades Nebula, to Obsidian Orbital, suggesting that the material could be the cure for the technological virus spreading through inhabited space. However, Professor Violet Belbin of the Xenological Research Institute today expressed doubts:

“I would caution against any hasty hailing of this wonder material as the answer to our problems. The nature of these ‘barnacles’ is not fully understood. They could be a form of alien life. Harvesting them may have unforeseen consequences. The Xenological Research Institute is sending a team to Maia and asks that Professor Palin takes our concerns into consideration.”

Pilots have already started scouring the system and are bringing back cargo holds full of meta-alloys to Professor Palin’s base of operations at Obsidian Orbital.

Cmdr Stateira 'Starcloak' Eleshenar

Zandu Science Journal | Interstellar Press

Published on GalNet News.

The Fate of the Antares' Crew and Passengers

Last week Sirius Corporation announced the successful recovery of debris belonging to lost passenger liner the Antares, and proclaimed its intention to subject the wreckage to extensive testing to determine the cause of the vessel’s destruction. What is still not known is whether any organic remains were found. The Friends of Antares memorial group issued a brief statement:

“We trust that if any biological remains have been found Sirius Corporation will not delay in repatriating them to the next of kin for appropriate funerary rites.”

One pilot who worked on the recovery effort said:

“If the craft ripped itself apart I doubt there’ll be anything left. If it didn’t… well, I’ve done a lot of rescues and even more wreckages. Explosive decompression ain’t pretty – and I’m not talking about the bulkheads. Any who didn’t try to hold their breaths will have been turned into swollen blue icicles. I don’t know if Sirius Corporation picked any up though – all I found were twisted scraps of metal.”

Sirius Corporation has yet to confirm the recovery of organic remains.

Cmdr Stateira 'Starcloak' Eleshenar

Zandu Science Journal | Interstellar Press

Alliance Pilot Liberates Slaves

A huge outpouring of support for humanitarian aid spread across the Lavian populace today as Alliance pilot Stephen Li delivered 400 human beings, including 86 children, to his home port, rescuing them from branded slavery in Kumo space. The sudden and unexpected arrival of so many malnourished and injured individuals saw station residents rally round to offer medical and food supplies, with many agreeing to host recovering patients. Mr. Li gave a statement to local news outlets:

"I don’t care what some bigwig politician says. I liberated these folk from Comanga and nothing’s going to stop me going back for more. These people are branded with burns bearing the Kumo insignia. Most of them are underweight and suffering from malnutrition. If they’re unwilling or unable to fight alongside the Crew, they wind up as slaves. As a result they’re considered not worth wasting the food on, so they’re just worked until they're used up. Most of the kids were in an industrial processing facility for Onionhead, sorting the crops by grade to be smuggled into the Federation."

"Archon Delaine can jump into a black hole," Li added, "And the Alliance needs to seriously rethink its priorities."

Alliance non-interference has been a controversial internal debate over the past six months, with detractors of the policy decrying Federal pressure as the primary cause.

Cmdr Stateira 'Starcloak' Eleshenar

Alioth Guardian | Interstellar Press

Adoration for the Emperor

Crowds in Capitol were delighted today to catch a glimpse of Emperor Arissa Lavigny-Duval, as the new head of state went about her duties. An ever-increasing crowd had been growing on the planet, hoping to pay personal tribute to the Emperor by demonstration of the adoring masses.

The Emperor enjoyed a quiet seasonal break, making the traditional broadcast of Imperial monarchs on Empire Day on 2nd January. Her reflection back on the previous year and expression of goodwill found great popularity amongst the Imperial citizenry, who have warmed to their new sovereign as the late Hengist Duval’s heir.

Replacement of official documents and plaques with the new Emperor’s titles and insignia was also completed over the festive period, and stations now proclaim the glory of Emperor Arissa Lavigny-Duval across the length and breadth of the Empire.

Cmdr Stateira 'Starcloak' Eleshenar

Capitol Herald | Interstellar Press

A Place of Serenity

New explorers setting out into the void have started sending back reports of previously unknown settlements. At multiple locations less than 200ly from the inhabited systems, informal colonies are being formed on recently discovered planets, off the official record kept by Universal Cartographics.

Earth-like worlds are the most popular sites, but unofficial outposts have been verified on other planetary bodies, from high metal planets to icy moons; many of them settled by former pilots, and with population of less than a hundred. Veteran pilot Jonah Adane Tabor, sole occupant of one Earth-like, stated:

“Shinrarta Dezhra? Too many people! Look, I fought a lot of battles in my time – a lot of senseless killing and blood-shedding over nuthin’. I seen my friends blasted into stardust in an instant, vaporised, just like that. Everyone I know is gone now. It crawls into yer brain. I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep… I don’t want to see those things in my dreams no more! I parked up here ‘cause I just want to be left alone. I can’t live with other people. I built this home with my own hands. This is my little corner of the universe to find peace.”

Cmdr Stateira 'Starcloak' Eleshenar

Sentient Life | Interstellar Press

This has been published in Shinrarta Dezhra.

A Strange Destiny

Kumo Crew warlord Archon Delaine unwittingly became the centre of a local religious dispute earlier this week. During their New Year conclave, a schism appeared within the priesthood of the ascetic Faithful Cult of Mannovalo on the meaning of a prophecy that may involve the pirate chieftain.

It seems Archon Delaine fits the description of a 300 year old prophecy describing a white-haired conqueror. A splinter group calling themselves the True Faithful Cult of Mannovalo claims that it is Delaine’s destiny to convert all Kumo vessels into generational colony ships and lead them to a new home in the Large Magellanic Cloud. This is counter to the orthodoxy promoted by the Righteous Faithful Cult of Mannovalo. They instead believe that the warlord will give away all his ill-gotten gains and become the new high priest of their pacifistic religion on Mannovalo 1.

This religious feud threatens the stability of the Mannovalo theocracy as planetside protests increase in intensity. The Kumo Crew has not issued any comment on the issue at the time of broadcast.

Cmdr Stateira 'Starcloak' Eleshenar

Q1 Eridani Dispatch | Interstellar Press

Famous Composer Seeks Patron

International superstar and composer Lilit Kassouni today begins a tour of inhabited space to showcase her new work, '400 Billion Stars'. Critics, who had a sneak preview during rehearsals earlier in the week, are already calling the suite a revolutionary blend of ancient Earth forms and modern technology that tells the story of Humanity’s place in the galaxy.

The tour begins at Sol, and will travel to Sirius, Alioth, Antal, and Achenar to close the final performance. It is widely understood that the composer is looking for a patron amongst the great and good of the galaxy, though in a brief press statement Ms. Kassouni focused on her music:

“It’s telling a tale of the Human experience thus far, and what we may encounter in future. Our history is both beautiful and terrible, and there’s a lesson to be learned in that. I hope it will speak to audiences across space, whether you’re living in the Alliance or the Empire.”

Cmdr Stateira 'Starcloak' Eleshenar

Wolf Entertainment Weekly | Interstellar Press

Published in Sol, Alioth, Antal and Achenar.

The Labyrinth of Bureaucracy

As the Federal Congress reconvenes following a brief holiday interval to mark the start of a new standard calendar year, Liberal representatives are preparing for the reading of a new bill submitted by Congressman César Neves. The bill outlines a proposal to make the Federal system of government more accountable, by requiring representatives to declare any donations they have accepted from a corporate sponsor. Former Congresswoman Ailana Middlebrooks made the following statement on premier Federal politics show HARDTalk:

“Well the system is a joke and has been for decades. A Federal citizen cannot simply bring an issue to their representative to act on. Some bills backed by petitions from significant numbers of the populace are shelved simply because certain members of Congress refuse to vote without a generous incentive – usually only the corporations and the mega rich can afford to sweeten the deal. And what’s going on stays behind closed doors – the Federal public has no idea whether their Congressperson is honest or taking bribes just to do their job.”

The Liberal party will be hoping to crack the whip to their own members and find partial support amongst the Republicans, although whether they gain the support they need remains to be seen.

Cmdr Stateira 'Starcloak' Eleshenar

Regulus Observer | Interstellar Press

Published in Sol, Nanomam and Rhea.

Utopia's Newest Initiate

Pranav Antal’s Utopian vision was predicted by commentators to see an influx of pilgrims at the beginning of the new standard year, as the Utopian message spreads across civilised space, but today there was an unexpected addition to Utopia’s initiates.

Amelia Chong, daughter of late Federal governor Neil Chong of VVO 19, made formal pledge to the Utopian cause at Tanner Settlement in Polevnic, just days after appearing before a congressional corruption committee on Mars. Ms. Chong stated:

“I loved my father but these past weeks it has become apparent to me just how deeply he was willing to compromise his principles, to betray a friend, to betray the Federation. That trial was a sham. Captain Oliver Jackson never kidnapped me; he liberated me from another Kumo captain and took me home. He’s painted as a monster but it’s all just scaremongering by the corporate press. The time I spent amongst his crew I learned just how mistreated they’d been by the Alliance, the Empire, the Federation. I feel ashamed that I believed the stories for so long. I won’t be surprised if Congress sweeps my testimony under the rug instead of taking action and addressing the problem. Perhaps Utopia can provide the answers I’m looking for, and that humanity so desperately needs.”

Cmdr Stateira 'Starcloak' Eleshenar

Regulus Observer | Interstellar Press

Eotienses Celebrates Planetfall

Eotiensians today mark their most important date in the standard calendar, Planetfall. It is 989 standard years since the first colonists set foot on Eotienses A 3. Independent colonists first arrived in 2288, setting up Parkinson Dock for lucrative mining operations and Adams Market to oversee the terraforming project and serve as a trading hub. The first small settlement was founded by Isabelle Patreus, the expedition’s specialist botanist, on 21st December 2312. Two years later the system voted by majority referendum to become part of the nascent Empire.

To commemorate the date, native Eotiensians prepare a feast with family, friends, and the local community. This is a traditional celebration of Eotienses’ advanced agricultural technology, driven by the demands of a planet with minimal axial tilt, a 39 day ‘year’, and a week-long rotation. In addition, the annual Planetfall Games kick off with the festival, a competitive sporting event in which hang-gliding and paragliding are considered the height of the spectacle, flight being easier to achieve in Eotienses’ 77% gravity.

The historic Water Palace, seat of noted Senator and 22nd Duke, Denton Patreus, is open to visitors for one day only, and hosts an extravagant open buffet for all who wish to attend.

Cmdr Stateira 'Starcloak' Eleshenar

The Eotienses Chronicle

Published in Eotienses as an independent story.

Federal System Burns, Governor Killed

Governor Neil Chong, of the Social VVO 19 for Equality party, has been confirmed as amongst the dead in what has been described as a brutal attack on Meade Port by forces suspected to be with Archon Delaine’s Kumo Crew.

Witnesses described how a Federal Corvette, flying the colours of Captain Oliver Jackson, arrived at Meade Port to collect a ransom of the governor’s children. The following day Governor Chong’s office released a statement that Captain Jackson had been brought to trial on charges of piracy, kidnapping, and murder. The trial was brought to an abrupt halt by the arrival of three heavily armed Anacondas followed by power failures across Meade Port, during which the prisoner absconded and 55 were killed in the fighting that ensued. A new viral recording was released shortly afterwards which appears to confirm the identity of Kumo lieutenant ‘Blackjack’:

“Chong was traitorous scum! I thought there was still a chance for reconciliation with the Federation, with an old Navy buddy as envoy. Turns out he was the one betrayed me all those years ago. My wife figured it out and he shot her dead! Let VVO 19 burn. Let them all burn!”

Cmdr Stateira 'Starcloak' Eleshenar
Regulus Observer | Interstellar Press

Published in Harma, Sol, Achenar and VVO 19.