Concerns Of The Populace

An anonymous think piece is going viral amongst the general public, gaining traction due to its forthright views on leading interstellar powers:

“Admiral Yorke’s recent comments are a classic example of what we don’t need, claiming that the people of Neits welcomed the Federation and talking about ‘enemies’. It’s the people who have paid the cost in blood, and will again if he has his way. The new Emperor promised changes would be made but where are they? Even the Alliance has become so embroiled that they can no longer arbitrate. No effort’s been made towards reconciliation or improving the lot of the people all these governments are meant to serve. Look, they’ve all got their pros and cons, but these leaders are so obsessed with petty internal conflicts it’d be a miracle if they actually did anything for the betterment of humanity. They’re practically inviting an outside force to come in and squash us all.”

The piece has met with silence from official sources, but has sparked considerable debate amongst informal public forums.

CMDR Stateira Eleshenar
Liaedin Chronicle | Interstellar Press

Published locally in Sol, Alioth and Achenar.

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.

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

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

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