Gal. Nachrichten

  • 8. April 3302
  • Galactic News: Congratulations to Distant Worlds Explorers

    From a vantage point more than 65,000 light years from Sol, a transmission has been received regarding the Distant Worlds Expedition. Sent by a Commander Salomé, the message congratulates Dr Kaii and Commander Erimus on their colossal achievement, and pays homage to the hundreds of other explorers who took part.

    "The voyage has yielded a wealth of exploration data, and may well contain remarkable new discoveries about the galaxy in which we live. It has been a pleasure and privilege to be involved, and I wish all the explorers a safe voyage home."

    Early analysis of the recovered data indicates that a number of new routes have been scouted, including pathways to Beagle Point, the Core, the Formidine Rift, the Norma Expanse and many other parts of the galaxy. These routes combine in a complex cobweb, paths through the void. Sceptics were quick to put these discoveries in context, however:

    "Scouting a route is all very well, and we applaud the achievements of these adventurers," said Karl Devene, head of Astrocartography at Mars High. "But these explorers should not be under the impression that these areas can be considered even partially charted. There is much that remains to be done."

  • Freelance Report: Commander Claims Sovereignty over Sagittarius A*

    Unusual news has emerged from the galactic centre, where an independent pilot has declared herself 'Queen of Sagittarius A*'.

    Commander Lysianassa, the self-proclaimed monarch, made the 26,000 light year journey in a fully armed Federal Corvette with heavy bulkheads and prismatic shields. Most explorers travelling to the centre of the galaxy are lightly armed, if at all.

    The legality and morality of Commander Lysianassa's right-by-conquest approach has been hotly debated by independent pilots. Lysianassa claims to have brought law and order to an otherwise anarchic system, thus protecting defenceless explorers, but not all agree. Some recognise the authority of 'Her Royal Majesty Queen Lysianassa', but others claim she is nothing more than a criminal with delusions of grandeur.

    There are currently no provisions in interstellar law about the neutrality of Sagittarius A*, but it is widely considered a heritage site for humanity.

    Commander Queen Jezza

  • Galactic News: Weekly Conflict Report

    This report presents the latest data on conflict among the galaxy's minor factions.

    Here are the latest factions to experience a civil war:

    • Friends of Sandjin

    • Sandjin Drug Empire

    • CD-39 4830 Purple Boys

    • CD-39 4830 Comms Limited

    • Alpha Volantis Gold Drug Empire

    • Monarchy of Alpha Volantis

    • HIP 57645 Resistance

    • HIP 57645 Clan

    • Camorra of Warra

    • Warra Netcoms Systems

    Civil wars occur when minor factions compete for control of major assets such as starports. When a faction is involved in a civil war, the standard of living, development level and security level in the system it controls are temporarily reduced. Combat activities can bring a civil war to an end.

    Here are the latest factions to experience war:

    • Fintamkina Purple Dynamic Ind

    • Independent Gladyangar Revolutionary Party

    • New HIP 82515 People's Party

    • Volsum Blue Fortune Solutions

    • Revolutionary HIP 100934 Left Party

    • Constitution Party of Gende

    • Liu Di Imperial Society

    • Mizar and Co

    • Independents of Ross 340

    • Hollos Blue Legal Corporation

    Wars occur when a minor faction invades a star system controlled by another minor faction. For the duration of the war, the standard of living, wealth level and security level in the disputed system are reduced. Combat activity between the two warring factions determines the outcome of the conflict. If neither faction succeeds in dominating the other, the war ends in a ceasefire.

  • 7. April 3302
  • Community Goal: Improving Mining Facilities at Kooi Gateway

    The Canary Mining Corporation has announced plans to improve mining in the HIP 93377 system by asking independent pilots to deliver mineral extractors to Kooi Gateway, for the development of improved material-processing facilities at the station.

    A spokesperson for the corporation made the following statement:

    "The new equipment will allow us to efficiently collect, process and store larger quantities of minerals and metals than ever before, as well as offer a wider range of equipment to independent miners working in the system."

    The organisation has promised to reward those who deliver the much-needed equipment to Kooi Gateway in the HIP 93377 system.

    The campaign begins on the 7th of April 3302 and will run for one week. If the final target is met earlier than planned, the campaign will end immediately.

  • Community Goal: Eliminating Agitators in Morrina

    Recent reports from Morrina indicate that the system is in the grip of widespread civil unrest. The system's inhabitants have taken to the streets to express their displeasure with local authorities, which have been criticised for failing to tackle rampant criminal activity.

    In response to this development, the Morrina Pro-Alliance Party has placed a kill order on all wanted ships operating in the system, and has promised to reward pilots who deliver bounty vouchers to Barjavel Vision.

    The campaign begins on the 7th of April 3302 and will run for one week. If the final target is met earlier than planned, the campaign will end immediately.

  • Galactic News: Research Initiative Trumps Federal Campaign

    The Federal campaign against Onionhead suffered a setback this week when its 'Hand in the Head' initiative received only modest support from the galactic community. Despite the best efforts of Federal campaigners, a competing scheme to support further research into the drug proved more popular with the public. But although the Federal campaign enjoyed only limited success, 'Onionhead tzar' Edward Bores remained bullish.

    "It's true that we hoped to receive more support," said Bores, "but this is still a significant success. Thousands of tonnes of Onionhead have now been removed from circulation, weakening the criminal networks that thrive on the sale and distribution of this dangerous drug."

    Meanwhile, the Altair Purple Mob, which organised the competing campaign, expressed its satisfaction at the outcome:

    "Outlawing substances like Onionhead serves only to criminalise otherwise law-abiding citizens and put money in the pockets of criminals. Thanks to the galactic community, we now have the means to conduct further research into Onionhead and prove beyond doubt that not only is it harmless, it possesses considerable health benefits."

  • Galactic News: Weekly Democracy Report

    This report presents the latest data on democratic activity among the galaxy's minor factions.

    Here are the latest factions to hold elections:

    • Lushu Blue Travel Commodities

    • V749 Herculis Power Limited

    • People's LFT 551 League

    • Kung Mu Crimson Electronics Net

    • LTT 1349 Transport Industry

    • Zenutet Empire Assembly

    • Kungun Universal Corporation

    • Wikmunda Purple Electronics and Co

    • Andhrimi Crimson Travel PLC

    • People's Basigi Coalition

    Elections occur when two minor factions with a similar political structure resolve a conflict over ownership and influence within a system.

  • 6. April 3302
  • Powerplay: Incoming Update

    At 7.00 am tomorrow morning (GMT), the monitoring of powers' activities will go offline for a short period while the latest data is assembled. Pilots who operate for one of the powers should deliver any cargo or vouchers before this time to ensure their activities are registered.

  • 5. April 3302
  • Powerplay: Incoming Update

    At 7.00 am tomorrow morning (GMT), the monitoring of powers' activities will go offline for a short period while the latest data is assembled. Pilots who operate for one of the powers should deliver any cargo or vouchers before this time to ensure their activities are registered.

  • 4. April 3302
  • Freelance Report: Firefly Fandango Theory Disproven

    Weeks after Dr Arcanonn shared Commander Engalo's report of a 'firefly fandango' between the unknown artefacts and meta-alloys, he has issued this update:

    "After Engalo's research was published, our science teams set to work, trying to identify whether an interaction was indeed taking place. Soon after, many Commanders – including Locastan, Criosx and Engalo himself – came to the conclusion that what they were witnessing was most likely a product of the distortion field surrounding the Unknown Artefacts."

    "The field seems to diffract light in the Artefact's vicinity, causing objects around it to appear in duplicate. After close observation, it was concluded that what appeared to be pairs of dancing fireflies were actually duplicates of the same firefly."

    "I commend the teams for their hard work, and am pleased to be able to cross this phenomenon off our list of investigations."

    Commander Lord Zoltan

  • Galactic News: Halsey Talks to the Media

    Former Federal president Jasmina Halsey spoke to select reporters at Leoniceno Orbital today, answering the questions many have wanted to ask since she was recovered from the wreckage of Starship One. When asked about Starship One's destruction, Halsey replied:

    "I remember very little, really. A thunderous noise, then silence. Being thrown across the bridge in my chair, and then being unable to breathe. I remember one of my bodyguards getting me to the pod as things floated about silently, like a dream. The last thing I remember is a terrible pain in my ears and a very loud noise as the pod filled with what looked like steam."

    The former president's voice was distant, and she seemed to drift off between sentences. She certainly did not sound like the forceful leader from last year.

    A reporter from the Alliance Tribune asked President Halsey what it was like to drift through space for so long:

    "It was wonderful. Amazing. I saw the universe, and our galaxy within it, as I'd never seen it before, and I felt the presence of the real caretakers of our galaxy. The paradox of their existence – tiny yet gargantuan, fleeting yet eternal. They spoke to me as I drifted in the void. It was amazing. I must share their message."

    This unorthodox statement prompted a flurry of further questions, but Halsey's escorts promptly led her from the room.

  • Galactic News: Weekly Security Report

    This report presents the latest data on the security status of the galaxy's minor factions.

    Here are the latest factions to experience a lockdown:

    • Revolutionary UGP 145 Free

    • Votadini Fortune Holdings

    • Dukes of Karsu

    • LHS 2637 Dominion

    • LTT 17149 Pro-Independent Party

    • Barnard's Star Advanced Corp.

    • Nationals of NLTT 897

    • FF Andromedae Jet Comms Holdings

    • Siris Exchange

    • LP 282-7 Gold Federal Corp.

    When a faction experiences a lockdown, the security rating of the system it controls temporarily increases and the system's wealth temporarily decreases. Bounty hunting activity can shorten the lockdown period.

    Here are the latest factions to experience civil unrest:

    • HIP 24597 Bridge PLC

    • Sandagaray United

    • Laukang Corp.

    • HIP 10716 Vision PLC

    • Kuyu Organisation

    • Maridwyn Constitution Party

    • Ch'u Ti Co

    • Nan Sapwe Crew

    • Nationals of Algreit

    • Social Miola Coalition

    Civil unrest is the result of illegal activity. When a faction is affected by civil unrest, the standard of living in the system it controls temporarily decreases, as does the system's wealth. Combat missions and activities can bring civil unrest to an end.

  • 2. April 3302
  • Galactic News: Weekly Expansion Report

    This report presents the latest data on expansion among the galaxy's minor factions.

    Here are the latest factions to have expanded into new systems:

    • Nobles of Kirrae

    • Sanuma Gold Dynamic Industries

    • New Khaima Democrats

    • Irulachan Jet Public Inc

    • Jaroere Exchange

    • HR 8380 Silver Central Solutions

    • Crimson State Industry

    • Alanaribri Transport Holdings

    • Nationals of HIP 6108

    • HIP 101857 Silver Life Int

    Expansions occur when a minor faction reaches a sufficient level of influence and there is a populated system within striking distance. Expansion is costly, so when a faction expands, the wealth and development level of the system it controls are temporarily reduced.

  • 1. April 3302
  • Galactic News: Access to Naraka Temporarily Restricted

    The Naraka system is remarkable for being one of two star systems to bear the name 'Naraka'. For some, Naraka is a system located in the Hydrae Sector, whereas for others, it's a system situated between Pi-Fang and Eranin.

    This quirk of circumstance has long been a source of confusion for independent pilots, but Universal Cartographics has deigned to address the issue by renaming the former of the two systems. Following this announcement, a Federal spokesperson released a brief statement:

    "Until Universal Cartographics has dealt with this issue, all travel to the Naraka system is been restricted. Access to the Naraka system located between Pi-Fang and Eranin remains unhindered."

    Not everyone is happy about the impending change, however, with one resident of the soon-to-be renamed system remarking:

    "This is all well and good, but what will happen to my mail? It's like Universal Cartographics didn't even consider the postal service."

  • Galactic News: Concern over New Ship Modules

    Recent reports indicate that some members of the galactic community are concerned about the development of Unknown Artefact-resistant ship modules. Critics of the new technology, developed by Professor Lea Tantaga, have claimed it will facilitate further black-market trade of Unknown Artefacts, thus exacerbating the so called-technological plague.

    In an attempt to counter the rising concern, a member of the technical team at Obsidian Orbital released the following statement:

    "I know some people are concerned that these new modules might aggravate the technological plague, but there's every reason to believe we can use the Unknown Artefact-resistant material developed by Professor Tantaga to protect our starports from UA-related malfunctions. All that's needed is for pilots to deliver meta-alloys to the affected starports. We'll do the rest."

  • Galactic News: Weekly Conflict Report

    This report presents the latest data on conflict among the galaxy's minor factions.

    Here are the latest factions to experience a civil war:

    • Allied Loki Tan Movement

    • Brotherhood of Loki Tan

    • Mombilar Group

    • Mombilar aristocrats

    • Independents of Tolun

    • Tolun Travel Organisation

    • HIP 37722 Bureau

    • HIP 37722 Blue Brotherhood

    • El Tio Empire Party

    • El Tio Systems

    Civil wars occur when minor factions compete for control of major assets such as starports. When a faction is involved in a civil war, the standard of living, development level and security level in the system it controls are temporarily reduced. Combat activities can bring a civil war to an end.

    Here are the latest factions to experience war:

    • Ngane Patron's Principles

    • Caleta Liberals

    • Gugurun Jet Power Industries

    • Svaratia Syndicate

    • Pilati Rats

    • Plendovii Solutions

    • Sak Nicopa Bureau

    • Harma Law Party

    • HIP 28193 Empire Pact

    • Ross 163 Liberals

    Wars occur when a minor faction invades a star system controlled by another minor faction. For the duration of the war, the standard of living, wealth level and security level in the disputed system are reduced. Combat activity between the two warring factions determines the outcome of the conflict. If neither faction succeeds in dominating the other, the war ends in a ceasefire.

  • 31. März 3302
  • Galactic News: Meta-Alloys Appeal Comes to an End

    The Pioneers Cooperative has announced that the recent appeal for meta-alloys has received the full support of the galactic community. Having taken delivery of thousands of tonnes of meta-alloys, the organisation will now begin producing ship modules that can safely transport the Unknown Artefacts. A spokesperson for the Pioneers Cooperative released a brief statement:

    "Given the relative scarcity of meta-alloys, we were concerned we might not receive enough, but the galactic community has proven itself equal to the task. Work on the new modules is scheduled to start at once."

    Meanwhile, Professor Tantaga was asked about the starports experiencing UA-related malfunctions.

    "In theory, the UA-resistant material could be used to return the affected starports to normality, but I don't think launching a second campaign for meta-alloys is the right approach. In my opinion, the affected starports should be given the formula for the UA-resistant material, so any meta-alloys they have can be used to protect their outposts."

  • Galactic News: Terraforming Campaign Comes to an End

    The Revolutionary Party of Vennik announced that it has received sufficient quantities of terrain-enrichment systems to bring its terraforming project to a successful conclusion. Hundreds of pilots responded to the organisation's appeal by delivering the much-needed commodities to Nixon Enterprise. The success of the campaign will allow the organisation to embark on the final phase of its plan to terraform Vennik 1, by preparing the planet's surface for agricultural development.

    Following the success of the campaign, a spokesperson for the Revolutionary Party of Vennik released a brief statement:

    "For decades, the people of Vennik have harboured a dream – a dream of a life-sustaining, fertile Vennik 1. Today, that dream becomes a reality. We are hugely grateful to those who helped us achieve our dream by supporting our recent appeal. Thanks to you, the arid expanses of Vennik 1 will soon be verdant panoramas, resplendent with life."

  • Community Goal: The Onionhead Clash

    The ongoing Federal campaign against Onionhead has taken a new turn with the appointment of an 'Onionhead tzar', who will assume overall responsibility for eliminating the drug from Federal space. Edward Bores, a seasoned government official, has assumed the role, promising to employ "targeted measures" in the fight against the illegal narcotic.

    At a press event, Bores marked his appointment with the announcement of an innovative new campaign:

    "We are launching an initiative called 'Hand in the Head' designed to encourage Federal citizens to surrender any Onionhead in their possession. Individuals who deliver Onionhead to our headquarters at Grandin Gateway in the Altair system will be generously rewarded. At the end of the campaign, any Onionhead we have received will be destroyed."

    Meanwhile, an organisation known as the Altair Purple Mob has launched a campaign to prove that the drug is harmless, with the ultimate aim of having it reclassified as a non-toxic plant. Like the Federation, the organisation has issued an appeal for quantities of the drug, but unlike the Federation, the Altair Purple Mob intends to study the plant rather than destroy it. A spokesperson for the organisation said:

    "Legalising Onionhead would decriminalise its users, provide the Federal government with a new revenue stream, and destabilise the criminal network through which the drug is currently bought and sold. It's a no-brainer."

    The competing campaigns are scheduled to begin on the 31st of March 3302, and will run for one week.

  • Galactic News: Weekly Democracy Report

    This report presents the latest data on democratic activity among the galaxy's minor factions.

    Here are the latest factions to hold elections:

    • NLTT 18945 Progressive Party

    • Green Party of Wolf 10

    • Devane Patrons of Law

    • Wolf 359 Blue Travel Commodities

    • Cuchoen Inc

    • BD+27 1739 Values Party

    • Prthi Democrats

    • Urvane Empire Consulate

    • Anahit Patrons of Law

    • Narasimha Ltd

    Elections occur when two minor factions with a similar political structure resolve a conflict over ownership and influence within a system.