Galactic News
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August 10, 3301
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GalNet Weekly Economic Report
In this weekly digest, the latest GalNet data is compiled to show the economic state of a short list of minor factions and the star systems they inhabit*.
Here are 10 of the 3,788 minor factions currently enjoying an economic boom:
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Shenich Legal Solutions
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Nijuna Company
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Heheng Freedom Party
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Labour of HR 244
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LHS 221 Vision Systems
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Koskit Company
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Gongalungul Comms Organisation
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5 G. Capricorni for Equality
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Ditian Imperial Society
- Official V640 Cassiopeia Front
When in boom, the wealth of the system is increased for the duration and all trade missions have double the effect on influence. Boom can also positively increase a minor faction’s influence. Boom can be entered by consistent trade profits and completed trade contracts. Booms tend to last until they naturally expire or until some other indicator takes precedence, such as famine.
Here are 10 of the 54 minor factions experiencing an economic bust:
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Values Party of BD+26 2184
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New HIP 18187 Flag
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Law Party of YZ Ceti
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Tialocan Jet Raiders
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Justice Party of AZ Cancri
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Sosoling Purple Netcoms Network
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HIP 19758 Empire Consulate
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NLTT 12619 Confederacy
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Forculus Ltd
- Values Party of Jitani
The wealth of a system diminishes while in bust and the minor faction’s influence is also lessened. The effect of trade contracts and actions do not contribute to boom while a bust is active. A bust generally has to run its course before ending.
*Data is correct at time of publishing
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Patreus Reacts Angrily to Crowd’s Taunts
Some elements of the lower-level Imperial political scene have challenged Senator Denton Patreus to explain his connection to Brendan Paul Darius, the assassin responsible for the murder of the Emperor during the wedding ceremony with Florence Lavigny. Since the revelation of the assassin’s identity the senator has steadfastly refused to comment, but responded angrily to accusations from a vocal minority in the crowd outside the senate.
“The notion that I might somehow be linked with the murder of our most loved Emperor is offensive. It does bring dishonour and shame upon me that a man in my employ could perform such a heinous act, but it was certainly done without my knowledge. The thought that I allowed such a man near his august presence torments me.”
He also added that the full resources of his office were being made available to the officers in the investigation and that he would aid them in any way he could.
More responsible commentators agree that the accusations are ridiculous. Speculation remains however as to why the man killed the Emperor and whether he was acting alone or for another party.
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August 9, 3301
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Leaked Footage of Emperor’s Assassination
In a move sending shockwaves of revulsion throughout the Empire, an independent newsfeed, Russell Networks, based in the Tulill system, has broadcast what is claimed to be a holographic recording of the assassination of Emperor Hengist Duval.
Imperial networks are refusing to show the footage and all levels of imperial society are outraged at this insult to the Emperor’s memory. The recording’s authenticity hasn’t been confirmed, but it does clearly show someone who looks like Brendan Paul Darius attacking the Emperor. As the Emperor passes by Senator Patreus’ entourage Darius is seen to lunge from the group. He then stabs the Emperor several times with a blade and inflicting severe facial injuries until being taken down by the nearest guards. In it, others in Patreus’s entourage, including Senator Patreus himself, appear to move to try to stop the attacker, and do appear to be genuinely surprised and shocked.
Chancellor Anders Blaine condemned the broadcast in a statement and refused to comment on its veracity.
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The Reign of Emperor Hengist Duval
In respect of the assassination of Emperor Hengist Duval the planned article for this week has been moved to next week so that historian Sima Kalhana relates some of the key moments from his life.
Emperor Hengist Duval was the 15th in the Imperial Duval bloodline to lead the Empire and he saw a great deal of change in his comparatively short reign. He was born in 3163, only a few days before the death of his grandfather Hender Saik Duval. Some claim that the spirit of Hender had already passed to Hengist such were the similarities in looks and manner noted in Hengist’s later years.
When his father, Hesketh Duval, died in 3233, Hengist assumed his place on the throne. The live broadcast of the coronation created an impression of a serene transition. However lurking beneath this appearance lay significant tensions. Most significant of which was the growing power of the Senate which had developed during the extended period of his father’s illness. A parallel with the situation with Hengist’s coma can be seen in recent months.
At the start of his reign the cold war between the Empire and the Federation was starting to thaw, a process which continued for decades, although friction has recently resumed with the rise of certain powers like President Hudson and Senator Patreus.
Hengist’s reign witnessed a major technological advancement with the introduction of the new frame shift drive. This sped up travel between stars systems and even inside systems by an incredible margin. It created a more quickly shifting political, military and commercial landscape as reacting or causing changing became much easier.
Hengist fell ill early in 3300, and he managed to continue light duties throughout the first half of the year. His sickness worsened as the year progressed and during this time he remained in seclusion with only rare visits to the Senate. At the turn of 3301 he slipped into a coma. Many expected him to not awaken from the coma and it was a great surprise when he recovered several months later.
Near the close of 3300, Hengist decreed that his only legitimate child, Harold (who is Aisling Duval’s unmarried father), was not of sound mind and so unfit for rule, and in any case had no legitimate children himself. Following this announcement Arissa Lavigny-Duval declared that she was the illegitimate child of Hengist. The Emperor supported this claim by announcing his forthcoming marriage with Arissa’s mother, Florence Lavigny, and was expected to formally adopt Arissa and cement her claim to the throne.
With his murder and the marriage not completed the succession to the imperial throne is again not clear cut and many fear the potential instability this could cause to the Empire if not decided quickly after the Emperor’s funeral.
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August 8, 3301
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Millions Pay Respects
Millions of senators, patrons, clients, citizens and slaves from across the Empire are making the journey to the Hall of Martyrs on Capitol in the Achenar system to pay their respects to the late Emperor. The queue to view the Emperor’s body already stretches several miles from the Imperial Palace, with the waiting time now measured in days. Naturally, senators, patrons and clients each have their own entrances.
Palace officials have announced that the viewings will continue, at all hours, until the final funeral preparations begin on the eve of the funeral. Volunteers from the palace staff will aid the mourners and keep the line moving.
The Imperial Naval Infantry will also be stationed along the ever-lengthening line – not because of security concerns, but to ensure the welfare of the waiting people. The population of the city swelled beyond normal capacity during the wedding celebrations, and the influx of mourners has pushed the city to bursting point. Along with the military deployment, local residents are providing those in the queue with food and drink.
Those unable to make the journey to Capitol have created memorials in their own cities, starports and colonies, and are assembling to give their respects.
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August 7, 3301
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Chancellor Blaine Issues Statement
With no clear successor to the Emperor, Chancellor Blaine has accepted the task of governing the Empire until the succession has been determined. He reiterated his statement that the matter would be resolved after Emperor’s funeral. He then revealed more about the investigation into the regicide:
“Officers from the Imperial Guard and Imperial Intelligence Security Service have begun their investigation and are being provided with the resources they need.
“The assassin has been identified as Brendan Paul Darius. Senator Patreus has confirmed that the man was a member of his entourage, and the Senator is helping with the investigation. Darius killed the Emperor in a savage attack using a concealed blade, and a separate investigation has been launched to determine how he was able to sneak a weapon into the Emperor’s presence.
“Darius was killed by the Emperor’s Guard during the attack, and we have as yet been unable to determine his motive for the murder.”
For the remainder of the session, the gathered senators offered support and words of condolence to the Imperial family.
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August 6, 3301
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Gutamaya Shipyards Reinstates Restrictions
Last month, Gutamaya Shipyards temporarily lifted the rank-related restrictions on the Imperial Clipper and Imperial Courier, thereby allowing any independent pilot with an active rank in the Imperial Navy to purchase and fly one of the vessels. Following news of the Emperor’s assassination, however, Gutamaya Shipyards has decided to withdraw this offer, and to reinstate the default restrictions on all their ships.
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Official Period of Mourning Begins
Chancellor Anders Blaine held a press conference in front of the entrance to the Hall of Martyrs and declared the beginning of the official period of mourning for Emperor Hengist Duval:
“It is my solemn duty to officially mark the first day of the four-week period of mourning for our beloved Emperor. As is customary, the body of the Emperor will be placed in the vestibule of the Hall of Martyrs for public viewing and the paying of respect.”
The Chancellor refused to answer questions from the assembled reporters concerning the investigation into the assassination. When asked about the succession, he replied that the matter will be handled in the Senate once the funeral has taken place.
Following tradition, the Chancellor and invited dignitaries wore the black sash of mourning. These will be worn throughout the mourning period and then burned during the internment ceremony.
The Hall of Martyrs was constructed over 600 years ago following the victory against the Federation in the first conflict between the two superpowers. It is open to the public only during the mourning period of those who are to be entombed there. The vast and exquisitely crafted hall beneath the Imperial Palace contains 16,032 obsidian pillars, and only the most honoured members of Imperial society are laid to rest there.
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August 5, 3301
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Emperor Hengist Duval Attacked During Wedding
The city is in a state of shock following news that the Emperor was attacked by a high-ranking official during the wedding ceremony.
Details of the attack are scant at the moment as a total comms blackout was imposed throughout the immediate area following the incident. One of our sources has indicated that the assailant was killed, but that he managed to injure the Emperor before he died. We do not know how serious the Emperor’s injuries are, but our hope is that he makes a swift recovery.
Along the route of the procession, millions of citizens and slaves who had been celebrating the grand occasion wait in stunned silence for news of their beloved Emperor. We wait with them.
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Emperor Hengist Duval Dead
It is with a heavy heart that we report that Emperor Hengist Duval died en route to the Imperial Navy Medical Facility near the Imperial Palace. Confirmation of the news came from Chancellor Anders Blaine, who appeared visibly upset.
He confirmed that the Emperor died after being stabbed by a member of the congregation. Chancellor Blaine refused to provide any details of the attacker, but stated that a full investigation was underway.
A source from the Imperial Intelligence Service told us that the attacker was a member of Senator Denton Patreus’s party attending the wedding. The Senator was unavailable for comment.
In the streets, the Imperial Naval Infantry has started ushering people home as the official period of mourning begins.
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August 4, 3301
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The Eve of the Wedding
The atmosphere here on Capitol is electric. The whole city is abuzz with what some commentators have declared ‘The Wedding of the Century’. Street parties are in full swing in every Imperial system , but none compare to the grand events underway here at the birthplace of the Empire, especially within the Fragrant City as it is now known.
Dignitaries from every major population centre in the Empire have arrived over the past week, and now it is the turn of the foreign dignitaries to arrive with much fanfare. Shadow President Winters is representing the Federation, her business-like attire contrasting with the bright colours of the welcoming officials.
Notable by his absence was Federal President Zachary Hudson. While the Secretary of External Affairs will represent the Federation at the wedding , many have interpreted President Hudson’s absence as a slight – one that may well colour Federal and Imperial relations in the future.
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GalNet Weekly Security Digest
In this weekly report the latest GalNet data is assembled to present ten minor factions experiencing civil unrest or lockdown in their systems*.
Here are 10 of the 350 minor factions in lockdown:
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Kawarawana Gold General Systems
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Priva Industry
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Bellaung Empire Pact
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Mullag Democrats
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Bunda Bridge and Co
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United Ngbato First
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Family of Wira
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United Barathaona Resistance
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Kalvante Monarchy
- Kutkha Free
Lockdowns increase the security rating for a system but also have a negative effect on the system’s wealth. Increased bounty hunting activity can reduce the lockdown period.
Here are 10 of the 700 minor factions experiencing civil unrest:
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HIP 92915 Silver Cartel
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He Pola Empire Pact
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LHS 1541 Gold Netcoms Comms
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Yan Musu Patron's Principles
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BD+47 2112 Gang
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Ross 129 Silver Council
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Noatiaca Purple Drug Empire
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Misisture Electronics Group
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Social HIP 2725 Green Party
- Revolutionary Party of Gluscheimr
Civil unrest is caused by illegal activity within the system as well completing contracts from more nefarious sources. The wealth rating and standard of living will suffer when a system contains civil unrest. Combat missions and activities can be utilised to end civil unrest.
* Data is correct at time of publishing.
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August 3, 3301
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Imperial Commanders Closing in on Secret Smuggling
Rumour has it that several Imperial Commanders are closing in on a well-known smuggling route between the Torval and Delaine owned systems. Imperial slaves are illegal in Delaine space but sell for a small fortune on the black market. The Empire hates this because it takes what they consider indentured servants and citizens from a life of Imperial service to a life of forced labour. Commanders who use the secretive route have plenty to say about the prospect of impending Imperial intervention, with Commander Infinity+1 saying:
"Ain't it funny how we're s’posed to be the bad guys, but the Empire has so many slaves they're practically giving them away!"
When pressed to reveal the systems he runs between, Infinity stated, "I'm not telling you about my favorite route, but let me just say thank you to the honorable Zemina Torval"
Profits allegedly run towards 4,000 credits per slave. Only time will tell if the Imperials can break the back of this illegal trade route and round up the smuggling ring, but one thing is certain – until the Empire fixes the problem of Archon Delaine, there will be other runs to take its place.
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Meet the Powers – Zemina Torval
Senator Zemina Torval is the subject of this article from political commentator Marcus Macmillan about the movers and shakers in 3301.
In many ways Senator Torval represents the solid and traditional politics of the Imperial Senate. She is seen as a paradox by some, particularly with regard to her views on Imperial slavery. She adopts the position that tradition expects but that many fail to achieve in the care of the millions of slaves from her business interests. She can be vocal in condemning those who fail to take proper care of their slaves, but she is equally open about how they form the foundation of the Empire.
She takes the long and more considered approach to amassing power. She lacks the impetuousness of Patreus, but is quite willing to work with him to achieve her goals. She prefers diplomacy to force, but has a substantial military fleet capable of handling most situations.
Her desire for power is more than personal ambition: she is, in a sense, the matriarch of a developing dynasty. Torval focuses her energy on building a legacy for future generations. Even though she was born wealthy, she still possesses a strong work ethic and will labour tirelessly to get things done.
While her time is dominated by her senatorial responsibilities and business concerns (she is, famously, the controlling shareholder in Mastopolos Mining), Torval tries to find the time to be with family, who are very important to her. In her younger days she enjoyed hunting, but that pastime is now limited to her rivals in business and the Senate.
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GalNet Weekly Economic Report
In this weekly digest the latest GalNet data is compiled to show the economic states for a short list of minor factions and the star systems they inhabit*.
Here are 10 of the 3,995 minor factions currently enjoying an economic boom:
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Gyton's Hope Resistance
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Beldarkri Constitution Party
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Progressive Party of No Myoin
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Obambivas Netcoms Ltd
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Codorain Network
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New HIP 60953 Constitution Party
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Gender Flag
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Obambivas United Industries
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Narakapani Exchange
- Lactonacaya Empire League
When in boom, the wealth of the system is increased for the duration and all trade missions have doubled effects on influence. It can also positively increase the minor faction’s influence. Boom can be entered by consistent trade profits and completed trade contracts. Booms tend to last until they run out or some other indicator takes precedence, such as famine.
Here are 10 of the 93 minor factions currently experiencing an economic bust:
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Wolf 1301 Crimson Electronics
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LTT 9097 Gold Advanced Co
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LHS 1197 Gold Family
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HR 692 Empire League
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HR 826 Movement
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Official AZ Cancri Dominion
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Mob of Groombridge 34
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NLTT 12619 Confederacy
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Forculus Ltd
- Values Party of Jitani
The wealth of a system diminishes while in bust and the minor faction’s influence is also lessened. The effect of trade contracts and actions do not contribute to boom while a bust is active. A bust generally has to run its course before ending.
* Data is correct at time of publishing
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July 31, 3301
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GalNet Weekly Expansion List
Each week GalNat presents a list of 10 of the 1,787 minor factions currently expanding into new systems*.
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HIP 117958 Netcoms and Co
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Turot Creative Industries
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Badbadzist Freedom Party
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Varati Independent Union
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Konohi Empire League
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T'ieni Blue Galactic Group
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Vertsety Network
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Sakthau PLC
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Nyikan Co
- Marquis du Chao T'ien
Expansion occurs when a minor faction reaches a sufficient influence rating and there is a populated system within striking distance. The act of expansion is a costly one, and the wealth and development rating suffers during the period of expansion.
* Data is correct at time of publishing.
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Meet the Powers – Denton Patreus
Senator Denton Patreus is the latest subject in this sixth article from political commentator Marcus Macmillan about the movers and shakers in 3301.
Senator Patreus is often seen as the muscular aspect of the Imperial Senate. He is one of the more powerful senators (although lagging behind the heavyweights of Senators Lavigny-Duval and Zamina Torval) and enjoys great loyalty from his followers. This is in part due to his record of low taxation funded through aggressive economic and military conquests.
While some have accused the Senator of unethical behaviour for his strong-arm tactics, others respond that if governments put themselves into debt then they only have themselves to blame. His shrewd policies have allowed him to assemble deep credit reserves and a formidable fleet, providing him with power beyond what his standing might indicate.
Hailing from Eotienses, he is a charming and charismatic leader who prefers to govern from his Majestic-class Interdictor called ‘Imperial Freedom’. During the Emperor’s illness, he called for the Imperial throne to pass along lines of popularity rather than blood. Since the Emperor’s recovery he has steadfastly supported Hengist Duval, but many wonder if this attempted break from tradition has limited his popularity in the wider population.
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GalNet Weekly Conflict Report
This weekly transmission takes the latest GalNet data and lists some of the systems currently in conflict around the galaxy*.
These are 10 of the 12,761 minor factions involved in a civil war:
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Ruchbah Progressive Party
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Lwalama Patron's Principles
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Mapor Incorporated
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Independent Khawchuang Green Party
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HR 2283 Independents
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Monarchy of Luyten 205-128
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Confederation of Caelottixa
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Sosoling Alliance
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Hemaskas Corp.
- Arimavante Constitution Party
Civil wars take place between minor factions in the same system over ownership of major assets like starports. During civil wars, only combat missions and activities help bring the conflict to a resolution. Security, development level and standard of living indicators all drop for the duration of the civil war.
The following are 10 of the 2,415 minor factions at war:
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Crimson Netcoms Co
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Quiness for Equality
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GQ Virginis General Corporation
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Xolotl and Co
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United Ao Progressive Party
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Revolutionary 16 c Ursae Majoris Future
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HIP 92342 Silver Fortune Comms
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HIP 8564 Corp.
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Irusamara Drug Empire
- Union of Huveang De Alliance
Wars occur when a minor faction invades another star system. For the duration of the conflict, standard of living, wealth and security are all severely impacted. Combat missions and activities determine who wins the war. If no winner emerges, the war will end in a ceasefire.
* Data is correct at time of publishing.
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July 30, 3301
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Ending Corruption at Home and Abroad
Concerns have been raised that the ongoing war of liberation in the Pegasi sector, Operation Davy Jones, has left the Empire exposed to invasion and corruption. Addressing these concerns, Senator Arissa Lavigny-Duval had these words for her constituents:
"With so many of our Imperial fleets engaged in battle, it is understandable that some are anxious about the security of our territory. I want to assure our citizens that local security forces are not impacted – in fact, over half of the Imperial fleet is held in reserve. Over the past weeks, a number of Imperial systems in our home space witnessed corrupt and repressive governments replaced by traditional patronages. Much of the heavy lifting has been done by Imperial reserve fleets. Our continued success in the Pegasi sector will soon liberate our citizens living there. To shirk our duties to our citizens, whether at home or abroad, is unacceptable.”
Commander Corrigendum
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GalNet Focus on Democracy
This weekly roundup highlights some of the minor factions around the galaxy pursuing the dream of democratic freedom by holding elections*.
Here are 10 of the 2,009 minor factions holding elections:
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HIP 20998 Empire Party
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Zearla Advanced Company
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Wreaken Construction
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Hoji Patrons of Law
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Bark Pular Travel Limited
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Defence Party of Nastrond
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Agarla Citizens' Forum
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Liabeze Patron's Party
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Sorbago Mastopolos Mining Inc
- Agarla Patron's Principles
Elections occur when two minor factions are of a similar political structure resolve a conflict over ownership and influence within a system.
* Data is correct at time of publishing.
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