In their convictions that their interests coincide with each other, Commanders following Simguru Pranav Antal and those in the employ of Sirius Gov have agreed a non-aggression pact. They recognise each other’s right to exist, and to co-exist in harmony and in peace. Their ships are free to travel within each other's space.

All freelance Commanders wishing to sign the pact are welcomed in Lembava or Polevnic to do so and make sure that part of the galaxy will be more secure in the future.

This agreement has been made to seek the benefit of both their independent territories as a whole, to promote trade between the two powers and ensure the continued existence of civilization devoted to future prosperity rather than past tradition or present comfort.

The governing authorities for Pangborn Dock in the Abres star system today released an open contract for a staggering quantity of Osmium.

Osmium is a relatively rare transition metal with outstanding hardness and durability properties. It is often used in specialist alloys for starship construction and other heavy industry. While it is uncommon, analysts claim that there is ample supply in circulation for current civilian and military manufacturing requirements. This has led to speculation that a new player may emerge in ship construction or even that a covert build-up of military ships is being prepared.

Dale Torrance, the Business Development Spokesperson for Pangborn Dock, refused to speculate on the rumours:

“Osmium is a material used throughout industry. As the chosen partner in this venture, we are pleased to announce that there will be significant credit bonuses for the successful completion of this contract.”

He then encouraged miners to investigate the contract for more information.

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 (*).

The following 10 of the 4479 minor factions are currently enjoying an economic boom:

• Fong Wang Limited

• Ling Deti Blue Dynamic Comms

• Values Party of Alano

• Canopus Crimson Dragons

• Daksakhi Liberals

• Gyvatiges Jet Power Industries

• Liabeze Legal Organisation

• LP 376-62 Collective

• New Groombridge 1618 Focus

• Zugen Incorporated

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.

These 7 minor factions are suffering an economic bust:

• HIP 117870 Confederation

• Leaders of Kini

• Labour of Gali

• Devane Patrons of Law

• Pachita Crimson Fortune Int

• Progressive Party of GD 140

• Caeritis Front

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

Last week Rishair was the site of political unrest as activists under the banner of "The People's Princess", Aisling Duval, moved in to disrupt the long standing Imperial slave trade of Rishair. These activists have enjoyed highly celebrated and publicized successful protests in many Imperial systems. However, these fanatical rogue elements operating in support of the People’s Princess were given a stark reminder today not to interfere with correct Imperial procedure after mediation attempts by representatives of Admiral Brennus failed.

Rishair is currently the Headquarters for Admiral Brennus, leader of Emperor's Grace and an influential officer in the Imerial Navy. Although Brennus rarely intervenes on purely political matters, he could not stand by and let politics inhibit trade in his vital systems. After failed attempts at resolving the matter diplomatically, Brennus was overheard as saying "I have no patience for this. Contact Senator Patreus, he somehow has the ability to deal with this nonsense!" according to an anonymous Emperor's Grace staff member.

Immediately thereafter, the Rishair system was prepared to come under the protection of Senator Denton Patreus, in a sign of support to Admiral Brennus and Emperor's Grace through what has become known as Operation BBH by Brennus’ advisors. Senator Patreus agreed to step in on Brennus' and Emperor's Grace behalf to establish Rishair and surrounding systems as a military preparation site, legally suspending any rights to protest within the militarized zone.

Although there have been many complaints from the dislodged activists, there has been no comment from Princess Aisling Duval or her staff. Some have commented that this is not surprising given her public relationship with Patreus.

Raf von Thorn

Emperors Grace.

Each week GalNat presents a short list of 10 of the 1666 minor factions currently expanding into new systems*.

• Zi Goan Patron's Principles

• Ymbe Patron's Principles

• Wadjambaru Confederacy

• Social Brivitt Future

• HIP 113632 Empire Consulate

• San Ti Nobles

• Republic Party of HIP 9659

• Purple Natural Incorporated

• Pipedu Prison Colony

• People's HIP 18339 Liberals

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.

The Utopians unveiled their plans to fight back against the pirates of the Pegasi sector today, at a meeting held aboard Yolen Hub in HIP 116213.

Simguru Pranav Antal was met with wild cheers from the gathered crowds as he spoke about the sector’s recent spate of conflicts with the Kumo Crew, the resultant economic downturn and Utopia’s plans for turning all of that around.

Outside the station’s no-fire zone, followers of the Simguru demonstrated the effectiveness of Utopian technology when a wing of ships equipped with Enforcer Cannons shredded an Anaconda in under a minute. A clear message to anyone who thinks the Utopians will let their communes be pillaged simply because their overall philosophy leans towards peace.

Prime Minister Mahon gave a speech today to the assembled graduates of the esteemed Alioth University, the same establishment he graduated from as a student. While his opponents sometimes deride his ‘matter of fact’ presentation, few could argue against the Prime Minister’s passion for the values he holds dear:

“The Alliance of Independent Systems is built upon a single defining principle and that is one of freedom. The freedoms we enjoy range from our personal freedoms as inscribed in the Bill of Human Rights to the freedom of societies and even planets within the Alliance.

“But we should not accept this grace blindly or assume that its existence continues by mere chance. The birth of the Alliance came from removing the burden of the Federation and the Empire who for centuries fought each other for our resources and we were caught helpless in the middle.

“Both of those organisations proudly describe their origins as being freedom from the tyranny of others. And yet now they are the tyranny and it is our duty to oppose them, while also ensuring that we don’t become them.”

The speech then turned to the minutiae of the Alliance’s democratic process. But pundits were quick to comment that this was a bold statement from the Prime Minister and that perhaps the recent successes in the Old Worlds region show a more robust future for the Alliance in galactic politics.

This weekly report indicates some of the minor factions enduring significant health issues such as famine and outbreaks*.

The following minor factions have reported famines:

Dukes of Mikunn Famines cause a massive drop in the standard of living for the systems inhabitants. Food trade and related contracts are essential to alleviate the suffering of the populace. Due to the state of emergency combat missions and activities provide no effect on influence.

Outbreaks have been reported by the following minor factions :

• LHS 115 Democrats

• Democrats of BD-02 4304

• Rana General Co

• Workers of Skeggiko O Labour

Tarutaalli Group Like famines, outbreaks cause a major disruption to the inhabitants’ standard of living. Resupply of medicines and related trade contracts are needed to end the outbreak. Due to the state of emergency combat missions and activities provide no effect on influence.

* Data is correct at time of publishing.

Hundreds of businesses have closed and thousands of people are quarantined following an outbreak aboard Newton Dock in what could be the most devastating epidemic of the decade.

The illness, the origins of which are currently unknown, has made its way across much of the region. Reports are coming in from surrounding systems indicating that the infection might already be spreading.

Carl Simmons, the Chief Medical Officer of Newton Dock, released the following statement in regards to the spread of this disease:

“At the risk of causing a panic, it is my duty to report that the outbreak is spreading at an alarming rate. Until we have identified how it managed to reach so many systems in such a short span of time, residents are advised to stay in their homes and travellers are advised to avoid the area.”

“Early signs of infection include vomiting blood, excessive sweating, sores and waves of intense dizziness. If you suspect you’ve been infected, please report to the local authorities at the earliest available opportunity. They will inform you how to proceed.”

In total almost 27 million residents now find themselves at risk from either disease, famine or both.

During a press conference in Alioth earlier today, Prime Minister Edmund Mahon has expressed his gratitude towards the independent pilots who supported his initiative to strengthen the economical bonds with the Old Worlds in the Lave cluster. Mahon assured his declared intention to keep the cluster open for traders of all affiliations and has announced an open trade agreement that will grant any trader safe passage.

To ensure the safety of trader ships in the sector, he has commissioned the Alliance Defence Force to establish a permanent presence in the sector, to counter the growing threats to civilian traders from piracy and crime. The Council of Admirals has announced that the deployment of such forces will begin soon.

Each week GalNat presents a short list of 10 of 1,552 minor factions currently expanding into new systems*.

• Junga Patron's Principles

• Revolutionary Party of Nuenets

• HIP 114044 Emperor's Grace

• Brigid Imperial Society

• HIP 117865 Empire Pact

• Volo Fortune Partners

• Ambiliates Legal Ltd

• Atroan Gold Gang

• BD+38 3327 Federal Company

• People's Kurukujiali Confederacy

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.

This weekly transmission takes the latest GalNet data and lists some of the systems currently in conflict around the galaxy*.

Here are 10 of the 8,008 minor factions involved in a civil war:

• Liberty Party of LP 751-1

• Revolutionary Party of Nuenets

• Bhotho Rats

• HIP 118169 Freedom Party

• Bactondinks Ring

• Green Party of Lung

• Bactondinks Life Corporation

• Blue Major Exchange

• HIP 118169 Silver Electronics

• Union of Bets

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 3,020 minor factions at war:

• LHS 1197 Inc

• Dukes of Shangdi

• Union of Iteliuona Resistance

• Cuchoen Inc

• Samnienas Crimson Hand Gang

• Justice Party of HIP 21414

• Quechua Citizens' Forum

• Trua Gold Ring

• Usipedia Noblement

• Kuan Gu Collective

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 activates determines who wins the war. If no winner emerges then the war will end in a ceasefire.

*Data is correct at time of publishing.

Each year, thousands of pilots go missing in the black.

Some are waylaid by pirates. Others are lost to the dangers of space. However, an estimated 63% of all deep space losses are attributed to pilots who simply run out of fuel in an area where others rarely tread.

Now a new initiative, which is being backed by the Pilots Federation, is hoping to turn those figures around. A group of independent pilots, calling themselves the Fuel Rats, have begun patrolling the outer fringes of civilisation. Their mission? To provide assistance to traders and explorers before their life support runs out.

Commander Murishani of the Fuel Rats issued the following public service announcement regarding what to do in case of a fuel shortage:

1) Do not panic. Panicking costs fuel and air. You are running out of both!

2) Remain with your ship. Exit supercruise. Throttle to 0. Disable nonessential modules.

3) Call for help from the Fuel Rats immediately. Time is precious.

4) Reduce activity and food consumption. Preserve oxygen. Wait for help.

A full list of active members of the Fuel Rats is available from the Pilots Federation upon request.