Gal. Nachrichten

  • 5. August 3307
  • Federal Forces Combat New Rebellion

    Pilots Federation ALERT

    In the Kuwembaa system, the Federation is fighting to prevent further factions from declaring independence.

    New Kuwembaa Labour has broken ties with the Federation in protest against the government’s civil surveillance programme.

    Li Chotep for Equality, a local Federal faction, has been tasked to degrade the rebelling faction’s military strength. President Zachary Hudson made a brief public announcement:

    “I call upon all Federal auxiliaries to aid in this conflict. The reputation of the Federation cannot be so easily tarnished by such criminal action.”

    Governor Sonal Mishra, the leader of New Kuwembaa Labour, also requested assistance:

    “The Federal Accord is no longer fit for purpose. We require support to make a stand against this violation of our constitutional rights.”

    Three other Federal factions are about to declare themselves as independent sovereign states: Selkana Labour, United HIP 108095 Values Party and Mutumu Future. These control a combined total of 28 systems.

    However, two recently seceded factions – the Coalition of Uteran and Gluscap Labour – are considering rejoining the Federation, depending on the result of the Kuwembaa conflict.

    Pro-independence pilots can support New Kuwembaa Labour by delivering combat bonds to Gagnan Port station. Federal auxiliaries can fight on behalf of Li Chotep for Equality by handing in combat bonds at the Fortress Liberty megaship.

  • 3. August 3307
  • Superpowers Respond to New Onionhead

    The Alliance, Empire and Federation have clarified their official positions regarding the emergence of onionhead gamma strain.

    All variants of the popular psychedelic drug remain illegal within Federal space. Ambassador Jasmina Halsey, who was president in 3300 when the ruling was made, announced:

    “I am pleased that my decision to outlaw onionhead stands. I still maintain that it leads to experimentation with more dangerous narcotics, and we must steer our youth away from that path.”

    The Empire has also declared onionhead illegal, despite rumours that it is imported by the wealthiest citizens for private use. Princess Aisling Duval told the media:

    “It was insulting enough that Delaine was allowed into the Galactic Summit, but now he’s peddling filthy drugs and pretending it’s medicine! I only pray that nobody loses a loved one to such poison, as I have.”

    The Alliance has not made a broad ruling regarding onionhead, which is illegal in the majority of member systems but available in those classified as having anarchy governments. However, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Corcoran addressed the issue:

    “As with most trade, we defer to the legislation of local authorities. But we are in contact with the IHO and are keeping a close eye on the situation.”

    Onionhead gamma strain remains on sale in selected systems governed by industrial anarchy factions.

  • 2. August 3307
  • Marlinists in Crisis After Starport Bombings

    The NMLA’s attacks against the Marlinist Colonies have caused mass casualties, disruption and political chaos.

    More than 35,000 civilians were killed in the attacks, with twice as many suffering injuries and caustic burns. Safeguard Interstellar is providing vital supplies to survivors, and evacuations of Stillman Hub and Tilman Point stations are ongoing.

    First Minister Jenna Fairfax has been confirmed dead. Minister Amrita Ross has temporarily assumed leadership, but the Marlinist Parliament has been destabilised by heated accusations between its members.

    The Marlinist Constabulary has tightened security, and ACT is running urgent investigations. Captain Milo Castile told the media:

    “This was undoubtedly the work of Theta Group, the NMLA’s weapons specialists. We have found evidence that local Neo-Marlinist supporters provided logistical support, and arrests are forthcoming. However, as always the terrorists covered their tracks remarkably well.”

    Alliance and Federation leaders have sent messages of condolence and offers of medical aid. Prime Consul Kayode Tau is liaising with both superpowers to coordinate relief efforts.

    In the Empire, from which the Marlinists fled as refugees in 3306, there are mixed reactions. Some wish to extend protection to former Imperial citizens, while others see it as poetic justice for their republican beliefs ‘creating’ the NMLA.

  • 30. Juli 3307
  • Rebellion Spreads Across Federal Systems

    New Kuwembaa Labour, which controls five systems, has triggered a second wave of secession by severing ties with the Federation.

    Following the victory of the Azaladshu Free, a minority of Federal factions are breaking away from the superpower in protest against its civil surveillance laws.

    Governor Sonal Mishra of New Kuwembaa Labour made this statement:

    “The Federal government has granted itself draconian powers to spy on its own citizens. Regrettably, the only way to avoid this is to withdraw from the Federal Accord. I urge the president to respect our wishes and accept our sovereign status.”

    In response, President Zachary Hudson ordered Governor Mishra to abide by constitutional law or face the consequences. He has also redirected the Fortress Liberty megaship to the Kuwembaa system.

    Political commentators believe that three other democratic Federal factions are ready to follow the example of New Kuwembaa Labour. If this occurs, up to 28 further systems could become independent as a result.

    There are also reports that influential leaders within the Coalition of Uteran and Gluscap Labour, which both recently seceded, have expressed regret about leaving the Federation. The congressmen who previously represented them believe that these factions could be swayed to return.

  • 29. Juli 3307
  • Far God Megaship Initiative Concludes

    Pilots Federation ALERT

    Independent pilots have supported the Far God cult by delivering commodities to the Panjabell system.

    The Pleiades Concordat paid for shipments of auto fabricators, emergency power cells and insulating membrane transported to Moore Hub station. These will be used to outfit megaships that will be populated by the Thargoid-worshipping cultists.

    Local reporters spoke to one of the sect’s newest converts, Leonard Yates from Agassiz Settlement, now known as the Eighty-Ninth Adherent of the Sixtieth Chapter:

    “The beneficence of the galactic community is deeply appreciated. Our missionary megaship, the Testament, will help carry news of the oncoming apocalypse to every system.”

    “The other megaships – the Perdition and the Sacrosanct – will soon embark on a holy pilgrimage. They will carry thousands of us faithful worshippers into the void to commune with the Far God and hasten Its arrival.”

    Pilots who contributed to the Pleiades Concordat’s initiative can now collect their rewards from Moore Hub in the Panjabell system.

  • NMLA Attacks Marlinist Starports

    Pilots Federation ALERT

    The NMLA has bombed two starports in the HIP 22550 and Hyades Sector RO-P b6-6 systems in the Marlinist Colonies.

    Explosive devices were detonated at both Stillman Hub and Tilman Point stations. As is characteristic of weapons used by the NMLA, caustic enzyme payloads caused widespread corrosive damage.

    The combined death toll is in the tens of thousands, with many more injured. There are unconfirmed reports that First Minister Jenna Fairfax is among the fatalities.

    The following message was broadcast via NMLA propaganda channels:

    “Why are they bombing their own homes? Why would Theta Seven kill his own people? Because they are not our homes! Not my people! They are prisons, not colonies, where traitors to the cause beg for scraps from those who exiled them. True Marlinists will never stop fighting until the Republic of Achenar is restored.”

    The attacks are believed to be in response to Verity Dexter failing to win a public vote to lead the Marlinist Consulate, where she would have represented the NMLA political wing.

    Prime Consul Kayode Tau, the elected candidate, announced:

    “I call upon the galactic community to provide humanitarian aid to Stillman Hub in HIP 22550 and Tilman Point in Hyades Sector RO-P b6-6. We urgently require ships to evacuate the people trapped within these starports to safety.”

  • 27. Juli 3307
  • Aegis Investigated After Megaship Loss

    The superpowers have partly suspended Aegis and authorised an inquiry into the Alexandria megaship, which disappeared in hyperspace.

    Freelance journalist Alexei Keel reported on this development for Vox Galactica:

    “Public opinion regarding Aegis has always been chequered, but its founding governments insisted that it played a vital defensive role against the Thargoids. The tragic loss of the Alexandria, carrying thousands of crewmembers and valuable Guardian artefacts, has now raised questions about the organisation’s competence.”

    “The Alliance, Empire and Federation have jointly ordered an independent inquiry to determine the facts about the Alexandria. Many Aegis operations were shut down, and detailed investigations have begun. Professor Alba Tesreau and other senior members have already been forced to resign.”

    “Part of the reason for such scrutiny is the emergence of the anonymous ‘Salvation’, who many view as running an alternative anti-xeno effort. Some security agencies suspect him to be the leader of an Aegis splinter group, composed of rogue agents and stolen resources.”

  • 26. Juli 3307
  • Velléités d'indépendance sous surveillance fédérale

    La Fédération utilise des communications interceptées par le Proactive Detection Bureau pour prévenir toute nouvelle tentative de sécession.

    Advocacy, la célèbre organisation des droits de l'homme, a révélé dans son dernier rapport que la Federal Intelligence Agency espionne les messages privés de militants indépendantistes. Dans de nombreux cas, les individus ciblés ont été arrêtés et accusés de fomenter des crimes contre la constitution.

    La directrice adjointe du PDB Bethany Blake s'est adressée aux médias :

    « La collecte de ces renseignements entre dans nos attributions légales. Les déclarations unilatérales d'indépendance constituant des actes criminels au regard de l'Accord fédéral, nous cherchons à identifier les agitateurs avant qu'ils ne passent à l'action, conformément à la mission qui constitue la raison d'être de notre réseau de surveillance. »

    Arguant que des vies sont en jeu, le vice-président Jerome Archer a défendu devant le congrès la multiplication des arrestations par le PDB. L'un des élus, Bai Zheng, lui a cependant rétorqué que le PDB « est incapable de localiser l'ALNM, mais se révèle admirablement efficace pour dénicher des ennemis intérieurs dont l'existence reste à prouver". »

    Le président Hudson et la présidente de l'opposition Winters ont personnellement contacté les représentants de nombreux systèmes dans leur sphère d'influence pour les rassurer et les convaincre de rester dans le giron de la Fédération.

  • Federal Surveillance Sabotages Independence

    Communications intercepted by the Proactive Detection Bureau are being used to prevent further factions from leaving the Federation.

    A report by the civil rights organisation Advocacy proves that the Federal Intelligence Agency is targeting pro-independence individuals via their private messages. In many cases, they are being arrested for planning to commit crimes against the constitution.

    Deputy Director Bethany Blake, who runs the PDB, gave a statement to the media:

    “I can confirm that gathering such intelligence is within our legal remit. Unilateral declarations of independence are criminal acts that violate the Federal Accord. Therefore we are identifying perpetrators before they cause harm, which is precisely what our surveillance network was established to do.”

    In Congress, Vice President Jerome Archer defended the PDB for boosting arrest rates and saving lives. However, Congressman Bai Zheng remarked that the PDB was “incapable of locating the NMLA, but fantastic at finding enemies among our own people that didn’t previously exist”.

    Both President Hudson and Shadow President Winters have personally contacted the leaders of many systems within their spheres of influence, aiming to address their concerns and convince them not to secede from the Federation.

  • 23. Juli 3307
  • Une nouvelle variante de la tête d'oignon arrive sur le marché

    Alerte du Cercle des pilotes

    La variété gamma de la tête d'oignon est désormais disponible dans certains systèmes industriels anarchiques.

    Les volumes produits sous l'égide du Kumo Council permettent de fournir environ 10% des marchés industriels contrôlés par des factions anarchiques. Contrairement aux précédentes variétés, cette nouvelle venue n'est pas considérée comme une marchandise rare.

    Adalyn Cross, journaliste pour Vox Galactica, a commenté cette actualité :

    « Si la variété gamma de la tête d'oignon est commercialisée dans un cadre médicinal, la plupart des acheteurs savent parfaitement à quoi s'en tenir. La Coalition pour la légalisation affirme qu'elle n'est "pas plus dangereuse ou addictive que l'alcool ou le café" et souligne ses bienfaits psychologiques et ses usages palliatifs.

    Cela n'a pas empêché de nombreux gouvernements, notamment au sein de la Fédération, d'exiger de maintenir son interdiction à l'échelle galactique. Pour rappel, cette substance reste illégale dans toutes les juridictions, sauf les systèmes anarchiques. Certaines autorités s'inquiètent notamment du risque de voir les consommateurs de tête d'oignon se tourner par la suite vers des substances plus dangereuses. Les services de sécurité considèrent quant à eux d'un mauvais œil l'augmentation du chiffre d'affaires d'Archon Delaine.

    Des experts en logistique soulignent en outre que la variété gamma de la tête d'oignon fait l'objet d'une distribution étonnamment rapide. En effet, elle serait déjà disponible dans les systèmes suivants : Alici, Baraswar, Kishpakho, Nastrond et Nocori.

    Certains soupçonnent Sirius Corporation d'acheminer secrètement des cargaisons de cette substance via son réseau de transport de fret dans le cadre de l'accord entre le gang de Kumo et le Blue Viper Club. Sinclair Faraldo, vice-président du marketing institutionnel, a balayé ces affirmations en les qualifiant "d'absurdes et mensongères". »

  • New Onionhead Variant Reaches the Market

    Pilots Federation ALERT

    Onionhead gamma strain is now available in selected industrial anarchy systems.

    Following the Kumo Council’s initiative, enough product was manufactured to supply approximately 10% of all industrial-based markets controlled by anarchic factions. Unlike previous versions of onionhead, this variant is not listed as a rare commodity.

    Adalyn Cross, a journalist for Vox Galactica, reported:

    “Onionhead gamma strain is being marketed to the public for medicinal use, but most customers are under no illusions regarding its real benefits. The Coalition for Legalisation claims that it is ‘no more harmful or addictive than alcohol or coffee, with potential psychological and palliative benefits’.”

    “This has not prevented many authorities, especially in the Federation, from demanding that it remain universally outlawed. It is currently illegal in all but anarchy jurisdictions. There are serious concerns that it may act as a gateway drug to more harmful substances. Security services are also unhappy about the extra revenue flowing into Archon Delaine’s coffers.”

    “Some logistics experts noted that onionhead gamma strain was distributed with surprising speed. It is already being reported as available from the following systems: Alici, Baraswar, Kishpakho, Nastrond and Nocori. It’s been suggested that Sirius Corporation is secretly ferrying shipments of the drug via its freight transportation network, and is part of the deal between the Kumo Crew and the Blue Viper Club. Sinclair Faraldo, VP of Corporate Marketing, rejected this claim as ‘absurd and libellous’.”

  • 22. Juli 3307
  • Free Marlinist Candidate Wins Election

    Pilots Federation ALERT

    Kayode Tau has been elected as prime consul for the Marlinists, following a successful data delivery initiative.

    The candidate from the Free Marlinist Movement faction received more public votes than rival nominee Verity Dexter. His campaign was supported by deliveries of anomalous bulk scan data and unusual encrypted files in greater quantities.

    Prime Consul Tau will now serve as the lead ambassador for the Marlinist Colonies in all dealings with the superpowers. He gave this statement to the media:

    “The Marlinist Consulate will act to preserve our colonies’ independence, and improve diplomatic relations with the rest of the galaxy. Let me be clear – we do not represent the extremist views of Neo-Marlinism. Our consuls will assist all efforts to eliminate the NMLA.”

    In the Marlinist Parliament, Minister Aaron Whyte protested that ignoring the Neo-Marlinist fringe was “a provocative act that could inflame further violence”. First Minister Jenna Fairfax called for the result of the democratic vote to be respected.

    Pilots who supported Kayode Tau can now collect their rewards from Tilman Point in the Hyades Sector RO-P b6-6 system.

  • Initiative to Outfit Far God Megaships

    Pilots Federation ALERT

    The Pleiades Concordat has requested deliveries to support the Far God cult in the Panjabell system.

    Members of the secretive Thargoid-worshipping sect have gathered in huge numbers, and are preparing to outfit one or more megaships for religious purposes.

    Although the cult has no official spokespeople, local newsfeeds carried a brief message from one of its senior members, known only as the First Herald of the Fifty-Eighth Chapter:

    “The faithful have hidden in the shadows for too long. Now is the time to reach out and welcome the Far God, with the support of our friends in the Pleiades Concordat.”

    “The first megaship, the Testament, will be a missionary vessel to spread the word to all humankind. If we are blessed enough to obtain commodities for more megaships, these will be sent on a pilgrimage into deep space to commune with the Far God.”

    The Pleiades Concordat has requested that pilots deliver auto fabricators, emergency power cells and insulating membrane to Moore Hub in the Panjabell system.

    Far God believers are generally accepted to be non-threatening, albeit controversial due to their reverence of the Thargoids. As the cultists are routinely targeted by anti-xeno extremists, the Pleiades Concordat has placed bounties on all wanted ships to protect deliveries.

  • 21. Juli 3307
  • Federation Threatened by Further Secession

    More Federal factions are considering declaring independence following the recent conflict in the Azaladshu system.

    Sofia Trevino, political journalist with The Federal Times, published an overview of the situation:

    “When Azaladshu Free seceded in reaction to the government’s surveillance laws, it inspired three other factions to do the same, making ten systems and a billion people independent. Superpowers routinely gain and lose systems via local politics, but this was a rare instance of member factions abandoning their fealty.”

    “The newly sovereign nations have severed all links with the Proactive Detection Bureau, so their communications are no longer being monitored. Despite broad public support for the Domestic Counter-Terrorism Act, many citizens still consider personal privacy to be a constitutional right.”

    “Dozens of other factions are now considering independence. This affects only a small percentage of the systems under Federal control, but is highly embarrassing for President Hudson as well as Shadow President Winters – her organised resistance to the surveillance laws is what inspired factions to secede.”

    “Advocacy, the civil rights organisation, claims that the Federal Intelligence Agency has begun arresting secessionist ringleaders under spurious charges. If true, it suggests that the government will go to any lengths to prevent a full-scale rebellion spreading throughout the Federation.”

  • 15. Juli 3307
  • Data Required for Marlinist Election

    Pilots Federation ALERT

    Rival candidates have requested deliveries of data to help secure their bids to lead the Marlinist Consulate.

    The Marlinist Colonies are voting for who will be elected as their prime consul. This influential role will diplomatically represent all Marlinists and make broad decisions on their behalf.

    The first candidate is Verity Dexter from the Marlinism Reformation Party, which is acting as the NMLA political wing. She has the support of Senator Lorcan Scordato to be made an Imperial patron:

    “I am in a unique position to finally provide our people with a voice in the Imperial Senate, and to speak for Neo-Marlinists. As prime consul, I will negotiate a permanent peace with the NMLA.”

    The second candidate, Kayode Tau of the Free Marlinist Movement, is focused on sustaining the Marlinist Colonies:

    “Neo-Marlinism and terrorism have no place within our republican ideals. I will strive to keep our systems independent, and to protect the rights of peaceful Marlinists everywhere.”

    In order to help secure their campaigns, both candidates have requested deliveries of anomalous bulk scan data and unusual encrypted files. Shipments for Verity Dexter should be delivered to Stillman Hub in the HIP 22550 system, while those for Kayode Tau are expected at Tilman Point in the Hyades Sector RO-P b6-2 system.

    The Alliance, Empire and Federation have recognised the Marlinist Consulate as an ambassadorial body, and agreed that the election of its prime consul is a strictly internal matter.

  • Kumo Crew Campaign Starts Drug Production

    Pilots Federation ALERT

    The Kumo Crew syndicate has procured enough materials to introduce a new product to the market.

    The drug originated with the Blue Viper Club, a piratical travelling community whose dredger is currently in the vicinity of Kumo City station.

    It was confirmed that enough shipments of agronomic treatment, liquid oxygen and performance enhancers were received to enable immediate mass production. Pilots also fought to protect haulage vessels from pirate ships, suspected to be Kumo Crew rivals.

    The Interstellar Health Organisation has obtained a product sample and confirmed that, despite the name ‘helix’, it is a new variant of the recreational drug onionhead. As such, the product will be legally classified as onionhead gamma strain when it appears on the market.

    Despite claims of medicinal and psychological benefits, it is likely to be illegal in most systems. President Zachary Hudson, Princess Aisling Duval and several other political heavyweights have expressed outrage at the open manner by which its ingredients were procured.

    Archon Delaine, warlord of the Kumo Crew, responded:

    “Every system government generates revenue from the pharmaceutical trade, so the holier-than-thou attitude from these hypocrites turns my stomach. Helix brings happiness, and provides income for my people. I make no apologies!”

    Rewards for pilots who contributed to this campaign are now available at Kumo City in the Pegasi Sector PN-T C3-14 system.

  • 12. Juli 3307
  • The Story of Onionhead

    A new product being manufactured by the Kumo Crew could be a version of onionhead, the controversial recreational drug.

    Dr Himari Grey, an independent healthcare analyst, published this review on Vox Galactica:

    “Little is yet known about ‘helix’, but the persistent rumour that it is derived from onionhead has sparked keen interest from physicians, politicians and narcotics users alike.”

    “Onionhead’s active ingredient is extracted from plant seeds found only on Panem in the Kappa Fornacis system. Its psychotropic and hallucinogenic qualities are well documented, but there is conflicting evidence regarding addictive strength and toxicology.”

    “This didn’t stop it being banned in the Federation in 3300 by former President Jasmina Halsey, who was concerned about its popularity among youth culture. Political fireworks followed when Fleet Admiral Vincent bombed onionhead crops against her orders, which five years later led to the Scythe of Panem terrorists seeking revenge.”

    “Production soon shifted to the Tanmark system, where the Lucan onionhead strain boosted its popularity. Two further variants have appeared since, a result of enterprising genetic engineers modifying the seeds to flourish in different ecospheres.”

    “Could helix be another strain? The Interstellar Health Organisation (IHO) is currently acquiring samples for analysis, so we’ll soon know if this marks a new chapter in onionhead’s notorious story.”

  • 9. Juli 3307
  • Scriveners Clan Abandons the Hesperus

    Pilots Federation ALERT

    The dredger belonging to the Scriveners Clan has left the Perseus Dark Region KC-V c2-2 system, where the Hesperus megaship is located.

    The 200-year-old ‘ghost ship’, once owned by Azimuth Biochemicals, was discovered in April when the nomadic clan began salvaging it for materials and data.

    Erik Gunnarson of the Wallglass Investigations Agency speculated:

    “When the Scriveners laid claim to the Hesperus, I expected only a cloud of fragments would remain. But their salvage operation has been prematurely abandoned, after stripping the megaship’s innards and leaving behind a mostly intact hull.”

    “Why have they done this? Perhaps because this particular dredger clan avoids outsiders. Public interest in the Hesperus inspired thousands of curious travellers to see it for themselves, potentially drawing more scrutiny than the secretive tribe could bear.”

    “Alternatively, the Scriveners detected richer pickings elsewhere – either fresh resources for the dredger to consume or new information for their ‘Knowledge Core’. In theory they could still be tracked down as their vessel’s hyperdrive has a similar range to modern-day fleet carriers.”

    “We know very little about the Scriveners, and even less about other clans. However, with the recent appearance of the Blue Viper Club dredger at Kumo City, I’m hopeful more may be revealed about these roaming societies.”

  • 8. Juli 3307
  • Independence Spreads from Azaladshu System

    Pilots Federation ALERT

    The Azaladshu Free faction has defeated the forces of Neche Inc and retained independence from the Federation.

    As a result, the Azaladshu, LFT 824, LHS 277 and LTT 3919 systems have confirmed their independent status. The victory also inspired the Coalition of Uteran, Lp 726-6 Free and Gluscap Labour factions to secede from the Federation, affecting all systems under their control.

    Mayor Constanza Noguera, leader of Azaladshu Free, declared:

    “A Federation that abuses the rights of its people has no authority. With the help of our loyal supporters, we’ve made a stand for dignity and civil rights.”

    The situation has caused turmoil in Congress, with President Zachary Hudson being criticised for his inability to contain this rebellion.

    Shadow President Felicia Winters responded to accusations that she orchestrated the seceding factions:

    “I support their rejection of our harsh surveillance laws, but not their methods of protest. I have no wish to see the Federation lose member systems for any reason.”

    Pilots who supported the Azaladshu Free faction can collect their rewards at Eratosthenes Ring station.

  • Kumo Crew Initiative to Produce New Commodity

    Pilots Federation ALERT

    The Kumo Crew syndicate is requesting deliveries to mass-produce a recreational drug named ‘helix’.

    The drug is believed to originate with the Blue Viper Club, a nomadic clan travelling aboard an ancient dredger that recently appeared near Kumo City station.

    Arch-Corsair Kay Volantyne, representing the Kumo Council, provided details to local newsfeed The Pegasi Sentinel:

    “Helix will change lives across the galaxy! Derived from high-quality organic crops, and with many medicinal and psychological benefits, it is guaranteed to bring contentment.”

    “All we need to kick-start manufacture are deliveries of agronomic treatment, liquid oxygen and performance enhancers to Kumo City in the Pegasi Sector PN-T C3-14 system. The Kumo Council also offers generous bounties on all wanted ships to protect traders carrying these commodities.”

    Many authorities have registered concern that this will exacerbate drug addiction and misuse, which are common social problems. However, some markets have shown interest in the potential new product.

    Vox Galactica has reported rumours that helix may be a previously unknown strain of onionhead, a highly popular psychedelic. It remains unknown whether the Blue Viper Club cultivated helix aboard their dredger or acquired it from another source.