Imperial despatches have confirmed that Commander Salomé, also known as Kahina Tijani Loren, was killed in the Arumclaw system on the 29th of April by a bounty hunter known as ‘Besieger’.

Salomé was escorted by several heavily armed vessels, but her Imperial Clipper ‘Seven Veils’ was nevertheless destroyed by weapons fire. Three commanders were seen fleeing Arumclaw shortly afterwards.

Surveillance reports indicate that Salomé’s co-conspirators – Raan Corsen, Tsu Annabelle Singh and Yuri Nakamura – remain at large.

Moments after Salomé’s destruction was confirmed, a transmission was detected in the Teorge system, leading to the discovery of a series of logs. The logs, which apparently date from 3275, contain nebulous assertions regarding a scheme from an unidentified super organisation to manipulate the Empire, Federation and Alliance.

A number of factions tried to defend Salomé and her allies as they travelled from 46 Eridani to the core systems. Imperial intelligence is reportedly trying to identify the factions that supported the conspirators, but anecdotal reports indicate that many have already fallen into disarray in the wake of Salomé’s death.

“She was a force of evil who attempted to sow the seeds of conflict among those who strive for peace,” said Princess Aisling Duval. “Her warmongering is at an end, and the galaxy is now a safer place. It’s just a shame that so many innocent lives were lost before she was brought down.”

Admiral Denton Patreus refused to address claims that the bounty hunter was in his employ, saying only, “Let that be an end to this sorry affair”.

Imperial despatches have confirmed that Commander Salomé, also known as Kahina Tijani Loren, was killed in the Arumclaw system on the 29th of April by a bounty hunter known as ‘Besieger’.

Salomé was escorted by several heavily armed vessels, but her Imperial Clipper ‘Seven Veils’ was nevertheless destroyed by weapons fire. Three commanders were seen fleeing Arumclaw shortly afterwards.

Surveillance reports indicate that Salomé’s co-conspirators – Raan Corsen, Tsu Annabelle Singh and Yuri Nakamura – remain at large.

Moments after Salomé’s destruction was confirmed, a transmission was detected in the Teorge system, leading to the discovery of a series of logs. The logs, which apparently date from 3275, contain nebulous assertions regarding a scheme from an unidentified super organisation to manipulate the Empire, Federation and Alliance.

A number of factions tried to defend Salomé and her allies as they travelled from 46 Eridani to the core systems. Imperial intelligence is reportedly trying to identify the factions that supported the conspirators, but anecdotal reports indicate that many have already fallen into disarray in the wake of Salomé’s death.

“She was a force of evil who attempted to sow the seeds of conflict among those who strive for peace,” said Princess Aisling Duval. “Her warmongering is at an end, and the galaxy is now a safer place. It’s just a shame that so many innocent lives were lost before she was brought down.”

Admiral Denton Patreus refused to address claims that the bounty hunter was in his employ, saying only, “Let that be an end to this sorry affair”.

Last year, the Alliance established a foothold in the California Nebula with the construction of an outpost in the California Sector BA-A E6 system.

Critics of the superpower suggested it was trying to control the system’s barnacles, but the Alliance insisted the outpost was intended solely to support scientific research.

Now, fresh reports indicate that the Alliance is about to expand its presence in the region by establishing both a scientific outpost and an extraction facility in California Sector JH-V c2-12.

Kelvin Masters, a freelance journalist who regularly contributes to the Rewired news feed, commented on the development:

“Of course the Alliance wants the barnacles! They’d never admit it, of course. But that’s not the point. The point is what are the Empire and Federation going to do about it. At the moment they’re preoccupied with Maia and Merope, but sooner or later they’re going to turn their attention to the California Nebula. And when that happens, the situation is going to escalate, I guarantee it.”

Last year, the Alliance established a foothold in the California Nebula with the construction of an outpost in the California Sector BA-A E6 system.

The superpower’s critics suggested it was trying to control the system’s barnacles, but the Alliance insisted the outpost was intended solely to support scientific research.

Now, fresh reports indicate that the Alliance is about to expand its presence in the region by establishing both a scientific outpost and an extraction facility in California Sector JH-V c2-12.

Kelvin Masters, a freelance journalist who regularly contributes to the Rewired news feed, commented on the development:

“Of course the Alliance wants the barnacles! They’d never admit it, of course. But that’s not the point. The point is what the Empire and Federation are going to do about it. At the moment they’re preoccupied with Maia and Merope, but sooner or later they’re going to turn their attention to the California Nebula. And when that happens, the situation is going to escalate, I guarantee it.”

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

Eravate Life Services

Yakabugai Exchange

New 31 Aquilae Green Party

Green Party of HIP 103138

Fusang Fortune Commodities

Leesti Alliance Union

Alpha Centauri Gold Brotherhood

Leaders of BD-08 2963

Independent HIP 108971 Values Party

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:

G 41-14 Purple Travel Solutions

Kini Drug Empire

Labour of Ethgreze

Order of Ethgreze

Laedla and Co

Kokary Holdings

United LHS 3479 Green Party

Crimson State Group

LTT 377 Purple General Corp.

39 Tauri Interstellar

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:

Delphin Blue Federal PLC

Junga Interstellar

The Pilots Federation

Independents of Mildeptu

V886 Centauri Future

HIP 107397 Focus

Delta Phoenicis Limited

LP 811-17 Gold Energy Partners

Barnard's Star Alliance

HIP 296 Guardians of Tradition

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:

Sol Workers' Party

Modgud Commodities

Bodb Dearg Order

Njundji Alliance

Leschanatya Future

Future of LTT 911

Workers of Ahaykenkan Confederacy

United Bese Party

Defence Force of HR 8793

HIP 1885 Patron's Principles

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:

Coquim Industry

Crimson State Group

Zugen Incorporated

HR 8170 Brotherhood

LHS 3598 Transport Group

Confederation of Dahan

Idomatyritu Travel Industries

Allied Herthans Front

Peng Dung Jet Creative Network

HIP 113632 Empire Consulate

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 the economic health of the galaxy's minor factions.

Here are the latest factions to experience an economic boom:

Brotherhood of LP 98-132

Uru Federal Interstellar

Avan Labour Union

Union of Wolf 359 Labour

Ngaliba Blue Camorra

Cemiess Commodities

Eravate Network

Brani Federal Holdings

Yakabugai Exchange

Panoi Holdings

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:

Coalition of Ngaliba

Potriti Gold Mafia

Autocracy of Phi Gruis

Nang Ta-khian Public Co

Huaich Independents

Eshu Gold Mafia

Ruchbah Progressive Party

Traditional Kakmbutan Justice Party

G 239-25 Alliance

LFT 880 Vision Company

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:

39 Tauri Interstellar

LHS 1110 Patron's Principles

Njundji Alliance

Leschanatya Future

Coalition of Bodedi

League of Ch'i Lin Freedom Party

Tatapai Empire Assembly

Duduseklis Empire League

Cordenet Group

Egovi Dominion

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

LP 811-17 Gold Energy Partners

Kuwemargl Patrons of Law

Thiin Gold Netcoms Interstellar

Baraswar Crimson Vision Ltd

Peng Dung Jet Creative Network

United Nang Ta-khian Confederacy

NLTT 8653 Empire Consulate

Serrot Blue General Group

Gilyadar Services

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.

Three of the five individuals responsible for the recent theft of meta-alloys from Darnielle's Progress have been positively identified, following analysis of starport security footage. Remarkably, one of the perpetrators has been acknowledged as Commander Salomé, also known as Kahina Tijani Loren.

Loren was sentenced to life imprisonment last year for the attempted murder of Admiral Denton Patreus, but when her convoy was destroyed en route to Koontz Asylum it was assumed she had been killed.

Responding to the news, Imperial authorities promptly placed a galaxy-wide bounty on Salomé to the tune of 500,000 credits.

Meanwhile, Princess Aisling Duval released a brief statement:

"Commander Salomé is a disgraced senator and a convicted murderer. She incites violence wherever she goes, and in the interest of public safety she must be stopped. I urge all those loyal to the Empire to deliver justice to this criminal."

Salomé's accomplices have been identified as former MetaDrive employee Raan Corsen – previously believed deceased – and former Junior Alliance operative Tsu Annabelle Singh. The Empire has placed sizable bounties on both individuals.

Imperial military sources issued the following advice to those interested in pursuing these bounties:

"These individuals should be considered armed and dangerous. Make no attempt to communicate with them. Shoot on sight. Visual evidence of a target's death will guarantee the relevant bounty."

Salomé's current location is unknown, but she is believed to have fled the core systems.

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

Here are the latest factions to hold elections:

Ruchbah Industry

Laedla and Co

Delphin Blue Federal PLC

Union of Wolf 359 Labour

Junga Interstellar

Nuenets Corp.

Marquis du HIP 110867

CD-37 641 Empire Pact

Fawaol Patrons of Law

Barnard's Star Alliance

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 the security status of the galaxy's minor factions.

Here are the latest factions to experience a lockdown:

Zaragas Energy Corp.

Liaedin Mafia

WISE 0855-0714 Gold Gang

Opala Power Commodities

Lokitaka Mu Silver Universal Net

Monoto Worker's Party

Chick Ek Partnership

Afli Patron's Principles

G 180-18 Jet Society

Alliance of HIP 13269

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:

Kini Drug Empire

Delta Pavonis Vision Services

Xihe Purple Brothers

Segoveduwa Empire Party

Nationalists of Aulin

Aulin Focus

HIP 111755 Commodities

Nationals of Algreit

Yenistani Commodities

Saisiyat Patron's Principles

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 the economic health of the galaxy's minor factions.

Here are the latest factions to experience an economic boom:

Social Zaragas Independents

Brani Federal Holdings

New 31 Aquilae Green Party

G 41-14 Purple Travel Solutions

Ruchbah Industry

Kokary Holdings

Eravate Network

Brotherhood of LP 98-132

Zeessze Clan

Delphin Blue Federal PLC

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:

Coalition of Ngaliba

Autocracy of Phi Gruis

Partnership of LHS 2819

League of Ross 1015

Atroan Gold Gang

Huaich Independents

Liberate Ceos

G 239-25 Alliance

People's Perendi Future

Wirangu Life Co

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:

HIP 73428 Exchange

HIP 9610 Jet Legal Systems

Wolf 217 Left Party

Official Palengue Liberty Party

Matia Empire League

Jaques

Revolutionary Abazates Democrats

HIP 65921 Silver Bridge Systems

Noblemen of Vanayeb Hua

Egovi Dominion

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:

Zugen Incorporated

Ross 210 Pro-Alliance Party

LHS 3505 Crimson Mafia

Zeus Bureau

HIP 13269 Silver Drug Empire

HIP 28987 Empire Pact

Annarr Dynamic Corp.

Firdaus Transport Company

LTT 700 Jet Major Holdings

LHS 3516 Fortune Company

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:

Vanayequi Independents

New 31 Aquilae Green Party

Kini Drug Empire

Fusang Fortune Commodities

Luyten 674-15 Industries

Leesti Alliance Union

Alpha Centauri Gold Brotherhood

Aymifa Resistance

Bodb Den Advanced Network

Liaedin Electronics PLC

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:

Limapa Blue State Commodities

Lords of Ngaliba

Labour of Ethgreze

Order of Ethgreze

Crimson State Group

Liberty Party of LP 751-1

Alioth Pro-Alliance Group

Gandui Empire Group

Zugen Incorporated

Nuenets Corp.

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.

An Alliance spokesperson has announced that its operation to the crew of an Alliance convoy from opportunistic slavers in the Rahu system has reached a successful conclusion.

Hundreds of independent pilots supported the campaign by recovering escape pods from the remains of the convoy and delivering them safely to Acharya Station. Meanwhile, combat pilots neutralised slavers who were attempting to take escape pods from the wreckage.

As the operation drew to a close, an Alliance spokesperson made a brief statement:

"We are immeasurably grateful to the galactic community for its support. Countless members of Alliance personnel have been spared a lifetime of enforced slavery, and we have you to thank for it."

Pilots who contributed to the initiative can now collect their rewards from Acharya Station in the Rahu system.

An Alliance spokesperson has announced that a Naval convoy has been attacked in the Rahu system. The spokesperson also confirmed that criminals have begun targeting the convoy with the intention of taking escape pods from the wreckage. They went on to say:

"These criminals have just one aim: to abduct Alliance personnel and sell them into illegal slavery. We cannot allow these vile opportunists to take our comrades captive."

"We are therefore asking pilots to recover escape pods from the wreckage and deliver them to Acharya Station in Rahu. We have also placed a kill order on all wanted ships operating in the system, in support of the rescue operation."

The campaign begins on the 23rd of February 3303 and will run for one week. If the final target is met earlier than planned, the campaign will end immediately.

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

LHS 3516 Fortune Company

Idomatyritu Travel Industries

Allied Kui Xenab Regulatory State

Brotherhood of Caerete

Jaques

HIP 5712 Guardians of Tradition

Friends of Kotigen

Defence Party of NLTT 57668

League of Ross 1015

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:

Limapa Blue State Commodities

Coquim Industry

Zugen Incorporated

Durius Dominion

Ross 210 Pro-Alliance Party

HR 8170 Brotherhood

HIP 13269 Silver Drug Empire

Regulatory State of Kausan

Lao Zi Blue Fortune Corp.

Imenhit Limited

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 the security status of the galaxy's minor factions.

Here are the latest factions to experience a lockdown:

Apoyota Domain

Quator Ring

Mutujiali Crew

United Wat Yu Confederacy

HIP 117399 Confederacy

Yenistani Guardians of Tradition

Ngadjal Citizens' Forum

Hecate Creative Industries

Jamapa Alliance

Aerial Universal Network

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:

Chamunda Crimson Gang

Laedla and Co

Groombridge 1618 Inc

Bhotho Rats

LP 811-17 Gold Energy Partners

Heike Co

Segoveduwa Empire Party

Karsha Empire Consulate

Bureau of Tetrian Liberty Party

Partnership of LHS 417

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.

The leaders of the galaxy's three superpowers have released further statements concerning reports of mysterious spacecraft.

Emperor Arissa-Lavigny Duval, responding to the recent statement from Federal President Zachary Hudson, said:

"Once again, President Hudson has shown himself to be little more than a warmonger. I say again: we must not jump to conclusions. We have not yet acquired any reliable information about these vessels. We must be patient."

No sooner had the Emperor made her statement than President Hudson responded. Speaking at a rally on Mars, he said:

"Some believe that aliens have infiltrated the Empire. An improbable claim? Maybe. But then again, maybe not. After all, we are almost certainly dealing with an extremely advanced species. Who knows what they are capable of?"

Alliance Prime Minister Edmund Mahon did not release a statement, but former Federal president Jasmina Halsey, who has become one of Mahon's most trusted advisors, made an announcement in which she seemed to address the ongoing Federal-Imperial conflict as much as the mysterious ships:

"Understanding. Cooperation. These must be our watchwords. We have to go beyond party politics and petty point scoring. Only by working together can we hope to avoid bloodshed."