Pilots Federation ALERT

The NMLA has bombed two starports in the HIP 22550 and Hyades Sector RO-P b6-6 systems in the Marlinist Colonies.

Explosive devices were detonated at both Stillman Hub and Tilman Point stations. As is characteristic of weapons used by the NMLA, caustic enzyme payloads caused widespread corrosive damage.

The combined death toll is in the tens of thousands, with many more injured. There are unconfirmed reports that First Minister Jenna Fairfax is among the fatalities.

The following message was broadcast via NMLA propaganda channels:

“Why are they bombing their own homes? Why would Theta Seven kill his own people? Because they are not our homes! Not my people! They are prisons, not colonies, where traitors to the cause beg for scraps from those who exiled them. True Marlinists will never stop fighting until the Republic of Achenar is restored.”

The attacks are believed to be in response to Verity Dexter failing to win a public vote to lead the Marlinist Consulate, where she would have represented the NMLA political wing.

Prime Consul Kayode Tau, the elected candidate, announced:

“I call upon the galactic community to provide humanitarian aid to Stillman Hub in HIP 22550 and Tilman Point in Hyades Sector RO-P b6-6. We urgently require ships to evacuate the people trapped within these starports to safety.”

The superpowers have partly suspended Aegis and authorised an inquiry into the Alexandria megaship, which disappeared in hyperspace.

Freelance journalist Alexei Keel reported on this development for Vox Galactica:

“Public opinion regarding Aegis has always been chequered, but its founding governments insisted that it played a vital defensive role against the Thargoids. The tragic loss of the Alexandria, carrying thousands of crewmembers and valuable Guardian artefacts, has now raised questions about the organisation’s competence.”

“The Alliance, Empire and Federation have jointly ordered an independent inquiry to determine the facts about the Alexandria. Many Aegis operations were shut down, and detailed investigations have begun. Professor Alba Tesreau and other senior members have already been forced to resign.”

“Part of the reason for such scrutiny is the emergence of the anonymous ‘Salvation’, who many view as running an alternative anti-xeno effort. Some security agencies suspect him to be the leader of an Aegis splinter group, composed of rogue agents and stolen resources.”

La Fédération utilise des communications interceptées par le Proactive Detection Bureau pour prévenir toute nouvelle tentative de sécession.

Advocacy, la célèbre organisation des droits de l'homme, a révélé dans son dernier rapport que la Federal Intelligence Agency espionne les messages privés de militants indépendantistes. Dans de nombreux cas, les individus ciblés ont été arrêtés et accusés de fomenter des crimes contre la constitution.

La directrice adjointe du PDB Bethany Blake s'est adressée aux médias :

« La collecte de ces renseignements entre dans nos attributions légales. Les déclarations unilatérales d'indépendance constituant des actes criminels au regard de l'Accord fédéral, nous cherchons à identifier les agitateurs avant qu'ils ne passent à l'action, conformément à la mission qui constitue la raison d'être de notre réseau de surveillance. »

Arguant que des vies sont en jeu, le vice-président Jerome Archer a défendu devant le congrès la multiplication des arrestations par le PDB. L'un des élus, Bai Zheng, lui a cependant rétorqué que le PDB « est incapable de localiser l'ALNM, mais se révèle admirablement efficace pour dénicher des ennemis intérieurs dont l'existence reste à prouver". »

Le président Hudson et la présidente de l'opposition Winters ont personnellement contacté les représentants de nombreux systèmes dans leur sphère d'influence pour les rassurer et les convaincre de rester dans le giron de la Fédération.

Alerte du Cercle des pilotes

La variété gamma de la tête d'oignon est désormais disponible dans certains systèmes industriels anarchiques.

Les volumes produits sous l'égide du Kumo Council permettent de fournir environ 10% des marchés industriels contrôlés par des factions anarchiques. Contrairement aux précédentes variétés, cette nouvelle venue n'est pas considérée comme une marchandise rare.

Adalyn Cross, journaliste pour Vox Galactica, a commenté cette actualité :

« Si la variété gamma de la tête d'oignon est commercialisée dans un cadre médicinal, la plupart des acheteurs savent parfaitement à quoi s'en tenir. La Coalition pour la légalisation affirme qu'elle n'est "pas plus dangereuse ou addictive que l'alcool ou le café" et souligne ses bienfaits psychologiques et ses usages palliatifs.

Cela n'a pas empêché de nombreux gouvernements, notamment au sein de la Fédération, d'exiger de maintenir son interdiction à l'échelle galactique. Pour rappel, cette substance reste illégale dans toutes les juridictions, sauf les systèmes anarchiques. Certaines autorités s'inquiètent notamment du risque de voir les consommateurs de tête d'oignon se tourner par la suite vers des substances plus dangereuses. Les services de sécurité considèrent quant à eux d'un mauvais œil l'augmentation du chiffre d'affaires d'Archon Delaine.

Des experts en logistique soulignent en outre que la variété gamma de la tête d'oignon fait l'objet d'une distribution étonnamment rapide. En effet, elle serait déjà disponible dans les systèmes suivants : Alici, Baraswar, Kishpakho, Nastrond et Nocori.

Certains soupçonnent Sirius Corporation d'acheminer secrètement des cargaisons de cette substance via son réseau de transport de fret dans le cadre de l'accord entre le gang de Kumo et le Blue Viper Club. Sinclair Faraldo, vice-président du marketing institutionnel, a balayé ces affirmations en les qualifiant "d'absurdes et mensongères". »

Pilots Federation ALERT

Kayode Tau has been elected as prime consul for the Marlinists, following a successful data delivery initiative.

The candidate from the Free Marlinist Movement faction received more public votes than rival nominee Verity Dexter. His campaign was supported by deliveries of anomalous bulk scan data and unusual encrypted files in greater quantities.

Prime Consul Tau will now serve as the lead ambassador for the Marlinist Colonies in all dealings with the superpowers. He gave this statement to the media:

“The Marlinist Consulate will act to preserve our colonies’ independence, and improve diplomatic relations with the rest of the galaxy. Let me be clear – we do not represent the extremist views of Neo-Marlinism. Our consuls will assist all efforts to eliminate the NMLA.”

In the Marlinist Parliament, Minister Aaron Whyte protested that ignoring the Neo-Marlinist fringe was “a provocative act that could inflame further violence”. First Minister Jenna Fairfax called for the result of the democratic vote to be respected.

Pilots who supported Kayode Tau can now collect their rewards from Tilman Point in the Hyades Sector RO-P b6-6 system.

More Federal factions are considering declaring independence following the recent conflict in the Azaladshu system.

Sofia Trevino, political journalist with The Federal Times, published an overview of the situation:

“When Azaladshu Free seceded in reaction to the government’s surveillance laws, it inspired three other factions to do the same, making ten systems and a billion people independent. Superpowers routinely gain and lose systems via local politics, but this was a rare instance of member factions abandoning their fealty.”

“The newly sovereign nations have severed all links with the Proactive Detection Bureau, so their communications are no longer being monitored. Despite broad public support for the Domestic Counter-Terrorism Act, many citizens still consider personal privacy to be a constitutional right.”

“Dozens of other factions are now considering independence. This affects only a small percentage of the systems under Federal control, but is highly embarrassing for President Hudson as well as Shadow President Winters – her organised resistance to the surveillance laws is what inspired factions to secede.”

“Advocacy, the civil rights organisation, claims that the Federal Intelligence Agency has begun arresting secessionist ringleaders under spurious charges. If true, it suggests that the government will go to any lengths to prevent a full-scale rebellion spreading throughout the Federation.”

The Interstellar Health Organisation has published a preliminary analysis of onionhead gamma strain, a recreational drug also known as ‘helix’.

“As with the alpha, beta and Lucan strains, the active component is derived from seeds produced by the onionhead flower native to the planet Panem. These contain alkaloid compounds that have a temporary psychoactive effect on human perceptions and cognitive functions.”

“In the gamma strain, these compounds have been genetically modified using synthetic molecules of unknown origin. This has diluted the concentration of psychotropics, therefore producing less intense hallucinogenic episodes.”

“The practical advantages of these modifications are twofold. First, they allow onionhead to be economically mass-produced using artificial environments rather than grown as natural crops. Second, the gamma strain is more hardy and able to survive for longer periods in storage or sub-zero temperatures.”

Dr Himari Grey, an independent healthcare analyst, commented:

“The IHO’s report suggests we are looking at a type of onionhead designed to be sold in greater volume than previous variants. Its sophisticated composition means it is unlikely to have been developed by the Blue Viper Club. It’s possible that the nomads acquired it from an unidentified research facility, and have now cut a deal with the Kumo Crew for distribution.”

The enigmatic Thargoid-worshipping religious order is examined by Erik Gunnarson of the Wallglass Investigations Agency.

“Of all the myriad faiths practised across the galaxy, the Far God cult is one of the strangest and least understood. But in recent years it has grown from a fringe sect to a widespread religion.”

“Its central tenet is that an unknowable being exists beyond our dimension – the Far God. What we call the Thargoids are its heralds, preparing for when it descends from hyperspace to instantly wipe out all life. This apocalyptic creed therefore attracts people who have nothing to live for, and who find purpose in awaiting armageddon.”

“The cult has no official name or spokespeople, and its followers willingly replace their names with titles such as adherent, disciple and witness. This dehumanising approach includes its members wearing simple black robes and making their hive-chapels resemble Thargoid bio-technology, complete with ammonia fumes.”

“Despite praying to an alien species, this is not the Thargoid fifth column many feared it to be. In fact they are pacifistic fatalists, expecting death and never offering resistance. This has caused them to be victimised by other doomsayer cults, anti-xeno activists and even the Federal Intelligence Agency… yet their serene patience has allowed them to survive.”

“The discovery of two abandoned void-temples in the Etain system provided an insight into the cultists’ mindset. Here can be heard the final testaments of people willingly entombed in suspended animation to await the Far God’s arrival.”

“More recently there are reports of several chapters of the sect migrating to the Panjabell system. This is controlled by the Pleiades Concordat, a theocracy devoted to the Far God, so perhaps it is preparing something bigger – or stranger – than we’ve seen before.”

Pilots Federation ALERT

Rival candidates have requested deliveries of data to help secure their bids to lead the Marlinist Consulate.

The Marlinist Colonies are voting for who will be elected as their prime consul. This influential role will diplomatically represent all Marlinists and make broad decisions on their behalf.

The first candidate is Verity Dexter from the Marlinism Reformation Party, which is acting as the NMLA political wing. She has the support of Senator Lorcan Scordato to be made an Imperial patron:

“I am in a unique position to finally provide our people with a voice in the Imperial Senate, and to speak for Neo-Marlinists. As prime consul, I will negotiate a permanent peace with the NMLA.”

The second candidate, Kayode Tau of the Free Marlinist Movement, is focused on sustaining the Marlinist Colonies:

“Neo-Marlinism and terrorism have no place within our republican ideals. I will strive to keep our systems independent, and to protect the rights of peaceful Marlinists everywhere.”

In order to help secure their campaigns, both candidates have requested deliveries of anomalous bulk scan data and unusual encrypted files. Shipments for Verity Dexter should be delivered to Stillman Hub in the HIP 22550 system, while those for Kayode Tau are expected at Tilman Point in the Hyades Sector RO-P b6-2 system.

The Alliance, Empire and Federation have recognised the Marlinist Consulate as an ambassadorial body, and agreed that the election of its prime consul is a strictly internal matter.

The Marlinist Consulate, established to represent Marlinists across the galaxy, has triggered political instability among the colonies.

Local newsfeed The Marlin Standard detailed the situation:

“The formation of the Marlinist Consulate will shortly conclude with the public election of its leader. The prime consul will serve as the official Marlinist representative to the superpowers, establish foreign embassies and make wide-reaching diplomatic decisions.”

“One of the two leading candidates is Verity Dexter from the Marlinism Reformation Party, who promises to speak for the Neo-Marlinist fringe. The Free Marlinist Movement’s candidate, Kayode Tau, directly opposes that position.”

“Senator Lorcan Scordato has championed Dexter’s bid, proposing that she be recognised as an Imperial patron to represent pro-Marlinist citizens of the Empire. Despite many protests, Chancellor Blaine concurred that patronage is within the purview of individual senators.”

“Some Marlinists see this as a chance to finally obtain influence in the Senate, after centuries of being marginalised. Others are enraged at Neo-Marlinists gaining legitimacy and acting as the NMLA’s political wing.”

“The rift has affected parliament, where First Minister Fairfax again urged Minister Aaron Whyte to cease representing the NMLA and hand over all information to ACT. Whyte retorted that his diplomatic breakthroughs would soon make the counter-terrorism unit redundant.”

A new product being manufactured by the Kumo Crew could be a version of onionhead, the controversial recreational drug.

Dr Himari Grey, an independent healthcare analyst, published this review on Vox Galactica:

“Little is yet known about ‘helix’, but the persistent rumour that it is derived from onionhead has sparked keen interest from physicians, politicians and narcotics users alike.”

“Onionhead’s active ingredient is extracted from plant seeds found only on Panem in the Kappa Fornacis system. Its psychotropic and hallucinogenic qualities are well documented, but there is conflicting evidence regarding addictive strength and toxicology.”

“This didn’t stop it being banned in the Federation in 3300 by former President Jasmina Halsey, who was concerned about its popularity among youth culture. Political fireworks followed when Fleet Admiral Vincent bombed onionhead crops against her orders, which five years later led to the Scythe of Panem terrorists seeking revenge.”

“Production soon shifted to the Tanmark system, where the Lucan onionhead strain boosted its popularity. Two further variants have appeared since, a result of enterprising genetic engineers modifying the seeds to flourish in different ecospheres.”

“Could helix be another strain? The Interstellar Health Organisation (IHO) is currently acquiring samples for analysis, so we’ll soon know if this marks a new chapter in onionhead’s notorious story.”

Pilots Federation ALERT

The dredger belonging to the Scriveners Clan has left the Perseus Dark Region KC-V c2-2 system, where the Hesperus megaship is located.

The 200-year-old ‘ghost ship’, once owned by Azimuth Biochemicals, was discovered in April when the nomadic clan began salvaging it for materials and data.

Erik Gunnarson of the Wallglass Investigations Agency speculated:

“When the Scriveners laid claim to the Hesperus, I expected only a cloud of fragments would remain. But their salvage operation has been prematurely abandoned, after stripping the megaship’s innards and leaving behind a mostly intact hull.”

“Why have they done this? Perhaps because this particular dredger clan avoids outsiders. Public interest in the Hesperus inspired thousands of curious travellers to see it for themselves, potentially drawing more scrutiny than the secretive tribe could bear.”

“Alternatively, the Scriveners detected richer pickings elsewhere – either fresh resources for the dredger to consume or new information for their ‘Knowledge Core’. In theory they could still be tracked down as their vessel’s hyperdrive has a similar range to modern-day fleet carriers.”

“We know very little about the Scriveners, and even less about other clans. However, with the recent appearance of the Blue Viper Club dredger at Kumo City, I’m hopeful more may be revealed about these roaming societies.”

Pilots Federation ALERT

The Azaladshu Free faction has defeated the forces of Neche Inc and retained independence from the Federation.

As a result, the Azaladshu, LFT 824, LHS 277 and LTT 3919 systems have confirmed their independent status. The victory also inspired the Coalition of Uteran, Lp 726-6 Free and Gluscap Labour factions to secede from the Federation, affecting all systems under their control.

Mayor Constanza Noguera, leader of Azaladshu Free, declared:

“A Federation that abuses the rights of its people has no authority. With the help of our loyal supporters, we’ve made a stand for dignity and civil rights.”

The situation has caused turmoil in Congress, with President Zachary Hudson being criticised for his inability to contain this rebellion.

Shadow President Felicia Winters responded to accusations that she orchestrated the seceding factions:

“I support their rejection of our harsh surveillance laws, but not their methods of protest. I have no wish to see the Federation lose member systems for any reason.”

Pilots who supported the Azaladshu Free faction can collect their rewards at Eratosthenes Ring station.

Le groupe paramilitaire ALNM a confirmé que la faction Marlinism Reformation Party agit désormais en tant que représentante politique.

Une déclaration anonyme a été diffusée via les canaux de propagande de l'ALNM :

« Nous soutenons le ministre Whyte pour représenter la cause néo-marliniste et parler en notre nom. Nos objectifs restent les mêmes : le retrait de la famille Duval et l'instauration des élections démocratiques au sein de l'Empire. »

Les réactions ont été couvertes par plusieurs fils d'actualités :

L'Imperial Herald : « La proposition du sénateur Scordato d'ouvrir les relations diplomatiques avec les colonies marlinistes est déjà discutable. Mais l'empereur pourrait-elle accepter un jour le dialogue avec des extrémistes qui ont essayé d'assassiner la famille impériale ? »

Le Federal Times : « L'idée de négocier avec des terroristes est aussi abjecte pour l'Empire que pour la Fédération. Et pourtant, l'occasion d'empêcher un autre “Neuf Martyrs” ne peut être ignorée. »

L'Alliance Tribune : « En l'absence d'une avancée de l'UAA, peut-être qu'une discussion pacifique est la meilleure manière de désamorcer la menace terroriste... Même s'il s'agissait du dénouement escompté par l'ALNM depuis le début. »

Le Marlin Standard : « Beaucoup de nos concitoyens accueillent avec bienveillance des liens plus étroits avec l'Empire, surtout si cela implique de pouvoir contacter les amis et la famille laissés derrière. Cependant, l'utilisation de notre parlement comme plateforme par l'ALNM a causé une agitation généralisée. Aaron Whyte étant ouvertement défié par les autres ministres, une guerre civile marliniste n'a plus l'air si impensable. »