Recent reports indicate that the Empire has expanded into the Pleiades, having established a number of outposts in the HR 1185 system.

Katherine Ryder, a freelance journalist and seasoned war correspondent, commented on the development:

"Things might have been quiet recently, but that doesn't mean the situation with the Empire and the Federation has improved. This is a cold war, after all."

"Regardless of claims to the contrary, this conflict is about one thing: meta-alloys. Both sides want Maia and Merope because of the barnacles they contain, and both sides will keep pushing into those systems."

"Eventually, one of two things will happen: one side will withdraw...or neither side will. In the latter scenario, war seems inevitable."

Politicians on both sides of the divide have urged the superpowers to engage in amicable talks and establish some kind of agreement over the meta-alloys, but such entreaties have so far fallen on deaf ears.

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

Here are the latest factions to hold elections:

Avan Labour Union

Laedla and Co

GCRV 4654 State Interstellar

Independents of Mildeptu

39 Tauri Interstellar

The Pilots Federation

Green Party of Dulos

V886 Centauri Future

Nuenets Corp.

Democrats of BD-02 4304

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

The Empire has announced plans to construct an outpost in the Andhrimi system, and has placed an open order for materials for use in the construction.

The Alectrona Imperial Society has been authorised to coordinate the campaign, and has promised to reward pilots who deliver building fabricators, energy grid assemblies and lithium to Yurchikhin Station in the Andhrimi system.

After learning of the Empire's plans to gain a foothold in the Andhrimi system, the Federation intends to undermine the operation by targeting Alectrona Imperial Society ships.

The rival campaigns begin on the 16th of March 3303 and will run for one week. If either organisation achieves its aims earlier than planned, the operations will end immediately.

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

Here are the latest factions to experience a civil war:

Avan Labour Union

Vanayequi Independents

Yakabugai Exchange

AG+21 1754 Citizen Party

Fusang Fortune Commodities

LHS 3479 Interstellar

People's Changthini for Equality

Revolutionary Heheng Future

Liaedin Electronics PLC

Liaedin Mafia

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:

Colanja Gold Power Services

Lords of Ngaliba

Cemiess Commodities

Labour of Ethgreze

Order of Ethgreze

Kokary Liberals

United LHS 3479 Green Party

Liberty Party of LP 751-1

Independents of Mildeptu

The Pilots Federation

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.

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

Here are the latest factions to hold elections:

Laedla and Co

The Pilots Federation

Marquis du HIP 110867

Green Party of LFT 926

Modgud Commodities

CD-37 641 Empire Pact

Delta Pavonis Vision Services

New BD+23 3151 Revolutionary Party

Workers of TZ Arietis Democrats

HIP 114530 Guardians

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

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

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

HIP 8593 Empire League

V886 Centauri Future

Liberals of Delta Pavonis

Zeus Bureau

Kuwemargl Patrons of Law

Labour of Kalads

Ciboney Empire Consulate

Cordenet Group

Defence Force of HR 8793

Yhele Empire Party

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.

Here are the latest factions in withdrawal:

Colanja Gold Power Services

Limapa Blue State Commodities

Official Darkates Freedom Party

The Pilots Federation

Iptera Allied Corp.

Natural LP 811-17 Conservatives

Heike Co

Autocracy of Phi Gruis

Partnership of LHS 2819

HIP 13269 Silver Drug Empire

Factions are considered to be in withdrawal if their level of influence within a system drops below a certain level. If the faction's influence remains low for a total of five days, the faction must leave the system entirely. If the faction manages to increase its level of influence, it remains in the system.

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

Here are the latest factions to experience a civil war:

New 31 Aquilae Green Party

Zeessze Clan

Ross 754 Universal and Co

Fusang Fortune Commodities

Vanayequi Independents

Liberty Party of Zeessze

Alpha Centauri Gold Brotherhood

Gliese 868 Services

Luyten 674-15 Industries

Aymifa Resistance

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:

Colanja Gold Power Services

Official Darkates Freedom Party

Order of Ethgreze

Coalition of Ngaliba

Laedla and Co

The Pilots Federation

Nuenets Corp.

Independents of Mildeptu

HR 3954 Crew

People's Changthini for Equality

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.

Recent reports indicate that a Federal convoy has been destroyed in the Sutekh system. It is not yet clear who is responsible for the attack, but security agencies based in Sutekh have tentatively identified the Adad Exchange, an Imperial faction.

The Adad Exchange is also understood to have launched an operation to recover military intelligence from the wreckage. The Federation has responded with a counter-operation designed to prevent the intelligence from falling into Imperial hands. The United Sutekh Future has been authorised to coordinate the campaign.

Both factions have appealed to the galactic community for support, promising to reward pilots who support their operations. The campaigns begin on the 16th of February 3303 and will run for one week. If either side achieves its aims earlier than planned, the campaigns will end immediately.

This report presents the latest data on the economic health of the galaxy's minor factions.

Here are the latest factions to experience an economic boom:

Colanja Gold Power Services

Limapa Blue State Commodities

Brotherhood of LP 98-132

Uru Federal Interstellar

Avan Labour Union

Coalition of Ngaliba

Cemiess Commodities

Eravate Network

Eravate Life Services

Vanayequi Independents

Boom is usually the result of consistent trade profit and completed trade contracts. When a faction experiences a boom, the wealth of the system it controls temporarily increases and trade missions completed in the system have double the effect on influence. The faction's influence may also increase. Booms typically last until they naturally expire.

Here are the latest factions to experience an economic bust:

Confederation of Dahan

Defence Force of Baga

LTT 2622 Crimson Power Solutions

BD-13 2439 Comms Systems

Copian Xing Labour

Kokondji Jet Boys

Independent Sopdu Labour

LTT 1582 Exchange

Workers of MCC 445 Green Party

Kung Mu Progressive Party

When a faction experiences a bust, the wealth of the system it controls is temporarily reduced and the faction's influence is temporarily diminished. Trade actions do not contribute to boom while a bust is active. A bust typically has to run its course before ending.

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

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

Branglal PLC

Natural LP 811-17 Conservatives

HIP 13269 Silver Drug Empire

HIP 114530 Guardians

Mutujiali Empire Consulate

Jaques

New Belenja Defence Party

HIP 65921 Silver Bridge Systems

Paesui Xena Empire Group

Cheneti Guardians of Tradition

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.

Here are the latest factions in withdrawal:

The Pilots Federation

Zugen Incorporated

Heike Co

Firdaus Transport Company

Mictlan Empire Assembly

HIP 114044 Empire Group

Karsha Empire Consulate

Peng Dung Jet Creative Network

Xuanduna Imperial Society

Betel Free

Factions are considered to be in withdrawal if their level of influence within a system drops below a certain level. If the faction's influence remains low for a total of five days, the faction must leave the system entirely. If the faction manages to increase its level of influence, it remains in the system.

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

Here are the latest factions to hold elections:

Official Darkates Freedom

HIP 8593 Empire League

United LHS 3479 Green Party

Junga Interstellar

The Pilots Federation

Green Party of LFT 926

Modgud Commodities

Iptera Allied Corp.

Ngaledi Federal Corporation

Jet Fortune Exchange

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

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

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

The Pilots Federation

39 Tauri Interstellar

Liberals of Delta Pavonis

Co-operative of Yiman

Kuwemargl Patrons of Law

Heike Co

Kapurri Emperor's Grace

Kondriates Prison Colony

LHS 199 Guardians of Tradition

Jaques

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.

Here are the latest factions in withdrawal:

Labour of Ethgreze

Kokary Liberals

Eranin Peoples Party

BD+07 4267 Gold General PLC

LHS 3598 Transport Group

HIP 13269 Silver Drug Empire

Dominion of Skadjalini

HIP 113632 Empire Consulate

Aisoci Empire League

Briganu Confederacy

Factions are considered to be in withdrawal if their level of influence within a system drops below a certain level. If the faction's influence remains low for a total of five days, the faction must leave the system entirely. If the faction manages to increase its level of influence, it remains in the system.

Animosity between the Empire and the Federation has been growing for months, but leaked communications suggest that clandestine negotiations may be taking place between the two superpowers.

Jason Nygaard, a reporter for The Federal Times, said:

"We believe the Federation is meeting with Imperial dignities behind closed doors. The nature of these meetings isn't clear, but we have noted unusual ship movements around the historic Cambridge space port."

Cambridge, once of the few ancient Earth cities preserved in its historic form, is notably free from surveillance. It has been associated with many remarkable events in its long history.

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:

Brotherhood of LP 98-132

Wolf 359 Blue Travel Commodities

Alpha Centauri Gold Brotherhood

New CD-61 6801 Flag

Democrats of BD-02 4304

Bhotho Rats

Njikan Jet Dynamic Industry

Oho Bajo Public Holdings

Confederation of Dahan

Nationalists of Aulin

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:

Brotherhood of LP 98-132

Ngaliba Blue Camorra

WISE 0855-0714 Gold Gang

Partnership of LHS 2819

i Bootis Central Limited

Mictlan Empire Assembly

Ovid Defence Force

Lokitaka Mu Silver Universal Net

Blue Major Exchange

Values Party of Snotock Ek

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.

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

Here are the latest factions to experience a civil war:

HIP 5712 State Corp.

Wolf 359 Blue Travel Commodities

Union of Wolf 359 Labour

Potriti Gold Mafia

AG+21 1754 Citizen Party

Eranin Peoples Party

Chet Crimson Society

Marquis du HIP 110867

Villae Cartel

Luyten's Star Co

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:

Ross 754 Labour

Cemiess Commodities

Labour of Ethgreze

Kokary Liberals

United LHS 3479 Green Party

Chamunda Crimson Gang

The Pilots Federation

Zugen Incorporated

39 Tauri Interstellar

Revolutionary Heheng Future

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.

It has been several weeks since conflict was reported between the Empire and the Federation, following months of hostility between the two superpowers. The last incident connected to the Empire-Federation rift was a clash between the Pleiades Resource Enterprise and the Ant Hill Mob in November. Since then, there have been no reports of conflict.

But intelligence recovered from the Parun system indicates that Laksmii Jet Power Industries, an Empire-aligned organisation, has devised a plot to smuggle quantities of personal weapons, explosives and reactive armour into Underwood Port. It is understood that Imperial agents based in the system will use these items to conduct guerrilla attacks against the Independents of Parun, the system's controlling faction.

Having received word of this plot, the Independents of Parun has placed bounties on all Laksmii Jet Power Industries ships operating in Parun in the hope of thwarting the operation. Both factions have appealed to the galactic community for support, promising to reward pilots who support their campaigns.

The rival operations begin on the 12th of January 3303 and will run for one week. If either organisation achieves its aims earlier than planned, the operations will end immediately.

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

Here are the latest factions to hold elections:

Order of Ethgreze

HIP 8593 Empire League

Vanayequi Independents

Coquim Industry

GCRV 4654 State Interstellar

Junga Interstellar

The Pilots Federation

Sol Workers' Party

Independents of Mildeptu

Modgud Commodities

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

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

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

Branglal PLC

Bodb Dearg Order

Sesmu Incorporated

Ahayus Syndicate

Any Kutjara Legal Incorporated

Djinaura Brotherhood

Mbayame Domain

Quiness Crimson Legal Solutions

Meiri Blue Crew

Marquis du Unuteniling

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.

Here are the latest factions in withdrawal:

Ross 754 Labour

i Bootis Democrats

Workers of TZ Arietis Democrats

Confederation of Dahan

Peng Dung Jet Creative Network

Leaders of LFT 1404

Aisoci Empire League

Movement for Tobarci Confederacy

Allied Lacabil Conservatives

HIP 113010 Empire Assembly

Factions are considered to be in withdrawal if their level of influence within a system drops below a certain level. If the faction's influence remains low for a total of five days, the faction must leave the system entirely. If the faction manages to increase its level of influence, it remains in the system.

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

Here are the latest factions to hold elections:

Limapa Blue State Commodities

The Pilots Federation

39 Tauri Interstellar

Independents of Duamta

V886 Centauri Future

Delta Phoenicis Limited

Inupiates Patrons of Law

Fawaol Patrons of Law

HIP 296 Guardians of Tradition

Momotaro Silver State PLC

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