Following weeks of tireless meta-alloy harvesting, a team working under the direction of Professor D Luffy at Bond Hub in the Varati system has finally been able to match the success achieved by the teams at Obsidian Orbital.

In a brief interview, Professor Luffy said:

"We knew it was only a matter of time before we managed to get Bond Hub fully operational again, but it took many Commanders to get us there. We can't thank everyone enough for the hours they've spent transporting meta-alloys between the Pleiades and Varati – a journey that's by no means easy!"

Other affected stations have renewed their appeals for meta-alloys, no doubt hoping that this nuisance will soon be eradicated from our lives.

Commander Lord Zoltan

Gilya Signature Weapons, a rare trade commodity prohibited in a number of jurisdictions, are once again in production at Bell Orbital in the Gilya system. The development is the result of intervention from various commercial interests, priests from Sacra Oculus, and the independent Commanders of the Pilots Federation.

A spokesman for the Gilya Law Party said: "The return of this extremely sought-after commodity has made Gilya an independent and commercially profitable high tech system."

In addition to Gilya Signature Weapons, the system now produces progenitor cells and combat stabilizers, and has two lucrative black markets.

Commander Light Fingers

Sacra Oculus

The United Epsilon Indi Flag has announced that its campaign to decriminalise Indi Bourbon received the full support of the galactic community. Hundreds of pilots responded to the group's appeal for help, flooding Mansfield Orbiter with illegal rare liquors in protest against the Federal decision to restrict the sale of the popular bourbon.

Yulia 'The Needle' Kuriakova, a spokesperson for the organisation, released a brief statement:

"It is with great pleasure that we announce the reclassification of Indi Bourbon, thanks in no small part to the hundreds of Pilots Federation members who answered our call. Corporations need to learn that they cannot undermine long-held traditions just to line their own corrupt pockets. It is no small irony that those same officials accepted bribes to legitimise Indi Bourbon."

Admiral Denton Patreus has announced plans to expand the Imperial Navy with a new Majestic-Class Interdictor. The formidable vessel will boast a range of imposing weaponry, including an array of modular interceptor guns.

Lieutenant Severin, who is overseeing the ship's construction, issued a statement to the media:

"I know there are some who would question the need for this vessel. To those individuals, I say this: just how safe do you feel? We live in an age in which even Emperors can be murdered. An age in which our enemies' faces are not known to us, and betrayal and deceit are encountered at every turn. The need for a strong, battle-ready navy has never been greater."

"In order to complete production as swiftly as possible, we have placed an open order for supplies, and have authorised the Mundjiga Patrons of Law to reward pilots who deliver materials to our base of operations at Sagan Port. I implore all those who are loyal to the Empire to support this operation."

The campaign begins on the 21st of April 3302 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 democratic activity among the galaxy's minor factions.

Here are the latest factions to hold elections:

• Endr Dominion

• LP 329-20 and Co

• Green Party of Bhritzameno

• 14 i Orionis Indie Union

• Revolutionary Heretia League

• Independent Ongkandjeri Partnership

• LTT 18486 Jet Energy Company

• Navajoar Fortune Corporation

• People's Omicron Ursae Majoris Partnership

• Djuhty and Co

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

At 7.00 am tomorrow morning (GMT), the monitoring of powers' activities will go offline for a short period while the latest data is assembled. Pilots who operate for one of the powers should deliver any cargo or vouchers before this time to ensure their activities are registered.

An escape pod containing Canonn scientist Shannon Day has been miraculously recovered by an explorer named Commander Josh Hawkins, according to transmissions received from his ship.

In his transmissions, Commander Hawkins revealed that he was able to extract Shannon Day's pilot log from her escape pod. From this he discovered that her ship had been sabotaged by Socha Korbemile, the former Canonn member who betrayed Dr Arcanonn.

Now, the Canonn Interstellar Research Group has announced that two scientists – Commanders Bowen the Kotoc and Julian McCoy – have been dispatched to find Commander Hawkins and bring Day's escape pod home to Thompson Dock in the Varati system.

When news of Day's rescue reached Dr Arcanonn, he requested that her escape pod be recovered as quickly as possible, but it is not yet known why she is so important to the scientist.

Commander Lord Zoltan

Authorities at Fozard Dock in the HIP 19934 system have announced the immediate suspension of all services due to Unknown Artefact-related interference. Starport personnel have confirmed that only docking and shipyard access remain available. This brings the total number of starports closed as a result of the technological plague to 12.

The affected stations are:

• Fozard Dock, HIP 19934

• Irens Dock, Manite

• Ackerman Market, Eravate

• von Bellingshausen Port, Almar

• Haack Gateway, Halbangaay

• Gabriel Enterprise, Harma

• Gurragchaa Gateway, Warkushanui

• Gaiman Dock, 49 Arietis

• Weyn Dock, 64 Arietis

• Korolyov Hub, Arawere

• Lobachevsky Outpost, Pic Tok

• Carter Port, Rhea

Meanwhile, the following starports are still experiencing technical issues:

• Alexander Freeport, HIP 18843

• Bloch Vision, Loperada

• Love Ring, Evejitaka

• Robigo Mines, Robigo

• Saunders's Dive, Wolf 1301

• Skvortsov Orbital, 63 G. Capricorni

• Hinz Hub, Ngobe

A Fuel Rats public relations official has announced that the collective has now succeeded in rescuing more than 10,000 stranded pilots.

Comprising a widespread network of voluntary search and rescue agents, the Fuel Rats has maintained a success rate of over 95% since its foundation in June 3301. On average, the group saves 36 pilots a day.

"The Fuel Rats is the only collective entirely dedicated to such rescues," said the representative. "For a cooperative based on volunteers, donations and goodwill to reach such a milestone in less than a year is impressive."

"When I look back at our anarchic beginnings, and see this ragtag bunch of misfit explorers expand into this remarkable cooperative, I am humbled."

The representative also explained that the group is planning a memorial service for all those the Fuel Rats failed to save. The service is currently planned for the 5th of May 3302 and is scheduled to run for one week.

Commander Kerenn

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

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

• Malibata Purple Bridge Comms

• Confederacy of Mandubii

• Nagarans League

• Guardians of Harmony

• LHS 304 Crimson Dynamic Co

• HIP 58213 Co-operative

• Keliuona Patron's Principles

• Bodhinga Empire Assembly

• Silver Life Co

• Uniting Qamadi

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.

The Powerplay Weekly Report summarizes the activities of the galaxy's movers and shakers in the Federation, the Empire, the Alliance, and Independent spheres of influence during the previous week.

The Federation:

The Federal Navy's garrison supply shortage was ended this week, preventing the need to abandon another base in Phra Mool. Federal President Zachary Hudson is currently receiving intelligence reports from a number of systems and will decide where to focus the efforts of the Federal Navy by the end of the week.

Shadow President Winters claimed the full support of residents in the Puntin system this week, bringing the number of systems under her direct control to 70. Federal Aid transports are currently attempting to showcase the merits of Federal health and welfare programs in HIP 50489 and Kappa.

The Empire:

Ao Kax descended into turmoil this week, jeopardizing Arissa Lavigny-Duval's hold on the system. If the Emperor is able to allocate sufficient supplies to garrison the Shield of Justice and restore order, HR 4720 may join her cause.

Princess Aisling Duval claimed support from citizens in Blod and HIP 95256, swelling Aisling's support base to 60 systems. The People's Princess is currently dispatching sealed contracts to the Conii system.

Senator Zemina Torval finalized the purchase of assets in HR 6948, but deals to acquire matching assets in Grudi fell through. Torval currently has her sights set on Bandjigali, Candecama, and VVO 19.

Senator Denton Patreus, the Admiral of the Imperial Fleet, was rebuffed in his efforts to stage his fleets in Medzistha and Mula Wendes. Patreus' fleets are currently staged in LFT 142, Menero Kimi, and V374 Pegasi.

The Alliance:

Alliance bureaucrats busily collected an unprecedented quantity of briefings and status reports from preferred trading systems. The blockades put in place by Federation-aligned corporations forced twelve systems to rescind their trade agreements with the Alliance. Prime Minister Edmund Mahon is reportedly attempting to reestablish relations with these beleaguered systems. A total of 86 systems remain in the Alliance trade network.

Independents:

No systems changed hands among the independent powers this week, but each power is preparing to make bold moves in the coming week.

SiriusGov CEO Li Yong-Rui is attempting to purchase huge swathes of private and government assets in Chang O. Pirate Lord Archon Delaine was unable to secure new strongholds in Mikunn and Latugara, and no new insurrections have been spotted.

Simguru Pranav Antal is attempting to expand the reach of Utopia to Allowa, Anouphis, Antanyamai, FS 34, LP 708-253, Maia, and Renpetani. Should all of these systems become a part of the enclave, Utopian enclaves will be present in 55 systems.

Professor Ishmael Palin has announced his intention to retire from the research institute he founded last year. In a statement, the professor explained the reasoning behind the decision:

"It has been a tremendous pleasure to be part of the discourse surrounding the Unknown Artefacts, and to share ideas and opinions with so many passionate individuals. But there are dark forces at work in the galactic community – forces that exist in opposition to the ideals I hold most dear – and I lack the strength to continue fighting them."

"I have therefore decided to relinquish my directorship of The Palin Institute to Professor Cora Shaw, who has for many years been my closest ally. I have every faith in Professor Shaw's ability to lead The Palin Institute to even greater heights, and to uphold the ideals for which it stands."

"I fully intend to continue researching the Unknown Artefacts and meta-alloys, albeit in a more inconspicuous fashion, at my personal research centre on Maia A 3 a. Those who wish to visit me there are very welcome to do so. There is nothing I enjoy more than spending time with those who share my interests!"