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EXCLUSIVE: President Torvald Interview: 2 Years In Office President Åke Torvald sat down with Tau Ceti Times’ Aramis for a wide-ranging interview in the presidential office yesterday on the 18th of September, to mark 2 years in office as of the 22nd of September. Over the course of the interview, President Torvald discussed the first two years of his first presidential term and what his administration has achieved, from improving the Republic of Biesel’s security to measures of resolving the Phoron Scarcity crisis. The president also commented on the Kiriniyaga Conflict that threatens stability in the Sparring Sea. Going forward, the president revealed some of his plans for the remainder of his term, including a controversial national service scheme to get young citizens into work amid a growing unemployment crisis in the Republic of Biesel and an uncertain Spur beyond. Here is the full interview. Watch: President Torvald Interview: 2 Years In Office (Full) The hourglass logo of the Tau Ceti Times appears over a black background, completing one turn before fading to reveal a wide interview scene in the Presidential Office. President Torvald sits on a white armchair on the left, wearing little noticeable: a black suit and pale blue tie. Opposite, Aramis — a sleek, silver Baseline — sits cross-legged in striped bell-bottoms and with its mechanical fingers steepled. The pair collide again over a glass coffee table, an iced tea and water tray laid on top. | The Phoron Scarcity | The two spend almost no time reacquainting since their last exchange in April of last year and get straight into the interview— —Beginning with Aramis, who today has alternated to their more feminine voice for this interview, “Good afternoon, President Torvald.” “Aramis. Good afternoon.” “Mister President, your launchpad to power was your commitment to the Republic’s defence,” The synthetic says. “Two years in, you have seen the armed forces overhauled and talks with the Solarian Alliance reestablished. Are you proud of what you have accomplished?” “Oh, absolutely. Everyone should be proud of where our armed forces are at — all service branches. Not even eh, a decade ago, Tau Ceti was still patrolled only by corporate asset protection and a ramshackle militia driven only by its members’, eh, authentic drive to preserve our new republic. Now, we have, uh, a real force that is making use of the Spur-leading innovations that Republic is known for; it’s come a very long way. For that reason, everyone should be proud but, eh, yes, I certainly am proud — most proud, actually.” “The price to pay for this was brutal phoron rationing. That has certainly seen many recalibrate their sense of pride. Do you think it was worth it?” Aramis pokes. Torvald maintains an uncomfy smile through the first question, having come to expect Aramis’ stabs and jabs, and fixes a steady gaze on the synthetic’s head structure. “Absolutely, yes. There is no price too great to pay for our- for our security, our freedom,” He calmly replies. “Our armed forces are in the best possible state to safeguard the Republic — all planets, moons, asteroids, stations of the Republic. It, eh, yes, it comes with a price, of course, but I think that it is absolutely where we should be putting our phoron. No one can say it is not worth it to protect our republic.” “Districts of Mendell City are falling into disrepair. District Eleven, earlier this year, was without adequate power for seventy-two hours. Similar issues are faced on your home moon; Virklund is already in severe disrepair. You say that is worth it?” Aramis’ head cants to the side, the Baseline’s screen flickering an image of the Tau Ceti Times’ spinning hourglass… Torvald shakes his head, brows knitted together as he replies: “The truth is is all of our phoron was going to the wrong places: luxuries, home gadgets— Our Republic is cutting-edge and is still is, with innovations in energy storage to-to FTL communications — but a lot of phoron has gone into phoron-reliant cosmetic and luxury items. People understand that the phoron is better spent elsewhere." The president goes on a tangent, waffling on, "I think, even, that actually regulation should be imposed on ensuring all new phoronics are recyclable. NanoTrasen are eh, starting to do this, but I would like to see this sped up, see it enforced—” The synthetic cuts in, objecting with a palm raised to the air, “But you are not just re-allocating phoron from cosmetics and luxury items. Is the Mendell City Metro cosmetic or a luxury?” “The Metro is adequately provisioned for how—” “Power refits in District Eleven’s station saw delays that rippled—” They both speak over one another, the volume gradually building, both more animated. “— Scottsdan’s luxury phoronics was a huge drain, an unnecessary drain —” "Yes, but—" "— We should scrutinise the megacorporations, even NanoTrasen, and ensure phoronic waste is recycled —" “You are— pardon me, Mister President.” “— and, for example, there are suitable alternatives to dexalin for public hospitals that do not require organophorons.” “You cannot say that dexalin is a luxury product!” "No, that is not what— will you let me speak!" After both have raised their voices, a moment of silence falls as both readjust themselves in their seats. Both glance at someone or something off-screen. It seems Torvald is allowed to continue, as he finishes, “Thank you. Yes, there will continue to be, ehhh, adjustments in expectations from the people, in allocations from policymakers, and actually even the megacorporations — particularly NanoTrasen. But, it will be the price of our freedoms and our liberties in today’s Spur.” Aramis emulates a sharp huff; she moves on with another question: “Zash Vitak, the Social Democrats leader, indicated that phoron alternatives provided by Einstein Engines are the only measure the government should be considering. Do you think NanoTrasen and the greater Conglomerate have failed in their mission to locate phoron beyond the Romanovich Cloud?” Torvald scoffs, looking away for a moment to obscure his expression from the camera. His response is delayed. “No. Uh, no, NanoTrasen and the Conglomerate have not failed. They have identified a source of phoron that is being extracted. The big, eh, the big success here is not this source though — not the depot — it is the credible information that ore deposits do exist outside of the Spur, ehh, anti-spinwards. That is not a failure.” “But the S-C-C were not able to locate any of these Lemurian Sea deposits.” “And we will work very closely with the Conglomerate to… to locate where these new deposits are,” He says. “They will be found; it is only a matter of time.” “Would it not be a more prudent use of time and resources to consider phoron alternatives, such as cryogenic engineering solutions to superconductivity put forward by Einstein Engines?” Aramis asks, almost as a suggestion. “I— It is right to consider every option, and where evaluations do say these cryogenic solutions are better fit over phoron, we are using them. You can see this,” Torvald huffs, vaguely gesturing out of the scene. “But refitting existing phoronic infrastructure sees as much downtime as when phoronic infrastructure has delayed maintenance; we cannot rebase everything to Einstein tech. overnight, just as a Scarcity-solving phoron deposit will not be found overnight.” “Say we-we could… the energy consumption and industrial production of today— a phoronless Republic would be overwhelmed. Everything would have to be scaled down; we would lose our advantages over competing economies.” “What we must do is maintain our existing phoronic infrastructure, and so what we must do is make sure every batch of phoronics out of New Gibson is put to where it is most needed. That is not always going to be the next generation communicator or fancy I-P-C frame outfitted with all the bells and whistles.” Torvald finishes, reclasping his hands atop his lap — after a short delay, he catches himself wincing at that lattermost remark, looking across at Aramis in her most opulent frame, phoronic conduits and all. The synthetic nods along at what must have been said dozens of times during the President’s term. Her screen dims as she listens, flickering at the small blunder, but it is allowed to pass. | Defence & Security | Aramis allows Torvald a moment to sip from his glass of water, readying the next segment’s salvo of questions. She asks, “Let’s circle back to defence and security. This has been one of the key aims of both you and the Cetian Conservatives. How has that gone so far?” “Yes. As I said, it’s gone well, very well; everyone should be proud of what we have accomplished. This year we rolled out the Astroforce and the Home Defence Forces; we have modernised our military, made sure it is up to the task. Our space forces are without question the most high-tech. in the Spur right now — without question,” Torvald replies, nodding surely. “I was at the Defence Forum just last week and Legate Vinke told me that eh, piracy and smuggling from the Pustkowie into the Reconstruction Zone is massively reduced, thanks to our service members in the Away Fleets — and will continue to reduce.” He goes to continue, “Not only that—” Aramis raises a hand, sounding a quiet beep before interrupting, “Does this extend to piracy involving the S-P-L-F, who continue to target megacorporate vessels in the C-R-Z?” “Well, that is a particularly tricky one, as they are not run-of-the-mill pirates. This is a well-established, warlord faction fuelled by people smuggling — they are preying on those disadvantaged who cannot afford proper documentation and transport back to the Alliance. And this is a group with backing from Sol,” Torvald hmphs. “We do monitor their activity and eh, the Astroforce is positioned to steer them from well-trafficked warp lanes and ensure they stick to their eh, stick to Hang Tuah’s Rest.. But eh, it is very important incidents of miscommunication are minimised in that case, particularly around Hang Tuah's Rest.” “And when they do not change trajectory and threaten warp lanes?” “Then they no doubt are intercepted by megacorporate asset protection, who are never fond of pirates targeting their vessels. It is megacorporate vessels these eh, these pirates gun for,” Torvald replies, then he furrows his brows. “Of course, the Astroforce monitors this, and if ever other vessels are threatened, then the Astroforce too will intervene. There are always consequences to piracy within our space.” “I will make it extra clear:” Torvald stakes an index finger into his lap. “There will be and have been consequences for any group that attacks vessels, stations, anything in Republic space. No amount of protection will save you.” “Of course,” Aramis beeps. “You mentioned a reduction in smuggling entering from the Pustkowie. Is that not only one gateway, and is Tau Ceti not still in the middle of a smuggling crisis? Why is the problem not being tackled in Tau Ceti?” “Smuggling in Tau Ceti remains an issue, yes, and a lot has historically entered via the Pustkowie — yes, there are other ‘gateways’ too — but our security services under me have been committed to breaking the groups responsible for it,” Torvald replies after a bit of a pause. “And we have actually already crushed one of the major groups — the ‘Outer Eyes’; that was a very big phoron smuggling group, Spur-wide— and a lot of it was illegally-obtained phoronics out of Tau Ceti, phoronics that we could have been, eh, repurposed: stolen workplace electronics, power cabling, all of it.” Aramis nods along. She leans on the armrest with a frozen monitor, propping herself up on an elbow, leaving her reaction awfully delayed for a moment. The question she decides upon is noticeably barbed, “One B-S-S-B source alleged that, even in that instance, they were made aware of the B-I-S obstructing or refusing to assist their operations. How can our security services be expected to resolve smuggling — and security matters — when a rivalry has formed between them under your administration?” “Well, that’s just not true. It isn’t true,” Torvald responds, shaking his head. “The Intelligence Service and B-S-S-B can always work better together, eh, yes, but no, there was no ‘obstruction’. That is not—” “So, you think the B-S-S-B and B-I-S need to set aside their rivalry?” Aramis presses. “Well… Look, the Service and Security Bureau do work very closely, of course but, eh —” He mimes some air quotes. “— small ‘rivalries’ like this between intelligence agencies are bound to occur, always do, but not as exaggerated as what you are suggesting or whatever trite this B-S-S-B insider is spewing. Shame on them, actually.” “Is it normal for intelligence agencies to sabotage one another?” “No, well, of course not. But that isn’t what is happening,” Torvald says, his expression settling into something very flat and neutral. “It isn’t true that the Service obstructs the Bureau. When has that happened?” “So, they were lying?” “I am not going to get into that. But, in this case, it’s not true,” He insists, shaking his head. “There are actually lots of good things coming from our security services. Both Director Lyon and Prueksakasemsuk are cooperating very well on upcoming plans to, ehhh, to better equip our security services and regional police agencies. That’s definitely going to happen; our regional agencies especially are well, they are in sizable need of equipment so they can better resolve the difficulties posed by Mendell's crime and better compete with corporate security. And, uh, yes, the Bureau too, for their on-the-ground work. So, it is not all what you think.” “Of course,” Aramis gently interrupts at the pause in Torvald’s speech, signalling they can move on. | Kirinyaga Conflict | “Something I must bring up is the conflict on Kirinyaga,” Aramis states, their tone shifting to something markedly flatter. “Yes, absolutely.” “In recent months, the conflict has taken a turn for the worse. A paramilitary force led by an Elyran M-P has bolstered the K-E-C, supported by Elyran Navy and Army forces. These Army forces have since begun ‘quarantining’ a city state. Meanwhile, the F-M-D-U continues to attract those outraged by Elyra’s expansion into the Sparring Sea and its domestic policies — particularly those concerning ‘Non-citizen Persons’.” Aramis asks, “Where does your administration stand on this conflict?” “Ah. This has been a very hot situation and one we are definitely monitoring. Firstly, I will say what I have already been saying, which is that what the Mutual Defence Union has done in striking factories, mines, and other civilian targets is truly awful. These are the actions of terrorists and they are responsible for these hostilities,” Torvald says, dipping his head forwards with a grave expression. “What do you think is the correct response from the K-E-C, and the Republic of Elyra, then?” She asks. An uncertain or uncomfortable expression crosses Torvald's face for a moment. He scratches just below his cybernetic left eye, where an electrical conduit runs up to the temple. It buys him a moment to recompose and doctor his answer. “Well, the correct response is, of course, a proportionate one. But, in the long term, a successful response must see the Mutualist Union, Economic Concern and Elyra put together some mechanism in which to restore peace. They must come to a table to diplomatically resolve the conflict — and, of course, this insurgency is going to push that back, deliberately keep pushing that back, but it must always be the long-term goal.” “Would you say that is a lesson learned from the Peacekeeper Mandate?” “It is, yes,” Torvald says, after some hesitation. “There must be a diplomatic resolution. We had a diplomatic resolution with the Samaritans; I have faith that Prime Minister Nouzair and the Elyran Assembly will work for a similar resolution.” “One more. You mentioned a ‘proportionate’ response. What do you think that looks like; is blockading a city a proportionate response?” Torvald repeats emphatically, striking a fist into his palm, “Again, I must make it clear that what the Mutualists have done is terrorism; they are terrorists and these were civilian targets that have been struck to further political goals — I call on all responsible Spur states to recognise this. It is absolutely in the cards for eh, the K-E-C to strike back at those responsible,” He says. “But, a long-term response must be a diplomatic resolution, we cannot be tunnel-visioned into hostilities, and the Republic of Elyra must be the one to initiate that.” “Is blockading a city a proportionate response?” Aramis repeats. “Uh. No, it is not. Absolutely not. And I do urge deescalation there. The Elyran Assembly must rein in this Al-Hamid Brigade; must or, eh…— it must be reined in, yes.” The president reclines, interlocking his hands atop his lap and fixing a combative gaze on Aramis. Shockingly, for a Times interview, he is grilled no further, even despite the parallel to the Peacekeeper Mandate — a hot topic for the outlet. | Future Plans | Aramis, meanwhile, flicks through her notes for the first time in the video. A ping is emitted when she lands on the desired page, her monitor flickering once re-trained on Torvald opposite her. “That is enough about security and geopolitics, I do think,” She says. “Mister President, let’s hear your plans for social and economic policies in the next two years of your term?” A brief and mirthless chuckle is elicited from the president. “Actually, I am glad you have asked that,” He replies. “One of my number one objectives is absolutely eh, securing a slice of the education sector back. Public education under Dorn was just not funded; almost no funding. It is no wonder most Biesellites today are reliant on megacorporate schools just because of this,” Torvald says, starting off strong. “What needs to be done is making public secondary schools more competitive with what the megacorporations offer, and so eh, my administration is absolutely looking into that. The party has plans and proposals and some of those are eh, absolutely going to do their rounds in Congress soon.” Aramis emits a wobbly ping, enquiring, “Why is that?” “Well, our markets thrive on competition. But eh, our state schooling is just not doing that; we are a non-player. If we want to equip a population to continue to innovate, continue to find remarkable scientific breakthroughs, then eh, then we need to be a very strong, competitive player in the education sector, and really challenge how things are eh, how things are done.” The synthetic nods along slowly, her monitor flickering. She moves on to a prepared question. “Currently, the Republic is in the midst of an unemployment crisis. Phoronics factories and mining jobs continue to close, leaving what were staple jobs diminished. Do you have a plan to remedy this?” “Absolutely, yes. It is imperative that we begin resolving this, yes,” Torvald nods enthusiastically. “One way we will be doing this is with a relief fund and eh, a programme that will support young unemployed persons in finding work. It will be a big relief fund and will directly help those most affected by unemployment, especially as a result of the Phoron Scarcity. Not just that, but it will also go into projects to better our republic — ehhh, refitting phoronic infrastructure, as an example. Torvald pauses, then prepares with a deep breath. “We are also considering a national service scheme alongside this—” “National service?” Aramis interrupts, demanding elaboration. “National service,” Torvald affirms. “This will be for persons aged sixteen to twenty-one who fail to find gainful employment or eh, do not pursue tertiary education.” “Really?” “Yes. It is very important to understand that this is not all for the military; we do not plan to impose eh, military conscription,” Torvald says. “How it will look like is young persons sixteen to twenty-one out of work, out of education will be provided options for national service. This may be with the Tau Ceti Armed Forces, yes, it may be with regional health and social care services, or it may be with this new relief programme which will organise and create opportunities for work across the Republic. We are also eh, looking into an agreement with the Interstellar Aids Corps to see if that can also be an option. There will be a lot of choices.” “Why?” “Well, Aramis. It is very important we equip the younger generations with… the skills needed to prepare for adult life. More young people today are remaining out of the workforce, are not pursuing education — lots of reasons: poverty, a shrinking job market. We need to get them developing the skills; skills that will make them stand out among employers. But, also, this will supply jobs to young persons, or open their eyes to careers they had not considered, and ensure they are receiving pay.” Aramis kicks up an audible whir for a few long moments, then settles down. The synthetic’s response is delayed… “That is certainly a plan.” She remarks. “Do you see Congress supporting this bill?” “We are getting there. It may be a slow one; perhaps lots of concessions. But yes, I think this will shape into something that Congress eventually supports, yes. And, actually, I think the people will support it to; our Republic is, you know, founded on a very strong sense of eh, duty. — the duty to keep the light of liberty shining. Sitting around expecting others eh, to do that is not it.” “What action would be taken against those who do not participate in this national service?” “I cannot say now. It is in the works; so far, this is a broad outline.” “This is ‘alongside’ the relief programme. How do you intend to pay for this?” “Yes, that’s right. Again, this is a broad outline. I can say that, right now, we are looking at what can be saved in foreign aid — a lot of money, even raw phoron, is sent abroad where it is misused; not acceptable — clamping down on the misappropriation of funds and tax evasion. That’s where we will start.” “Well, then. One final question.” Aramis says. “Yes.” “Is this job harder than you thought it would be?” “It’s eh, it’s a fantastic job—” The synthetic interrupts, “That wasn’t my question.” “It’s a fantastic job,” Torvald repeats anyway, “Yes, it’s a hard one. But eh, my administration is making very good progress; I’m very proud of that and all we have done. We have got our armed forces in the best possible place. I think we can get the republic overall in the best possible place with all that is going on in the Spur.” “And well, this is despite inheriting an awful situation, frankly. Dorn could not have done this; didn’t,” Torvald feels obliged to add. He continues, “And now eh, yes, now I want to get on with the rest of this term and deliver on my mission to see the Republic through the Scarcity; a whole, secure Republic.” Aramis concludes, “Thank you very much, Mister President.” The video cuts to the revolving Tau Ceti Times hourglass logo. But, not before a chirpy advert introduces the LATEST Ingi Usang Entertainment Co. Game-Helm console — now with 90% recyclable phoronic electrical components and non-VR Holo-Dive compatibility! 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Einstein Engines Orion’s Scar Outpost Reports Tampering by SCC Personnel An Einstein Engines outpost in the Orion’s Scar frontier region was reportedly tampered with by a Stellar Corporate Conglomerate expeditionary vessel in the early hours of September 6th, resulting in a firefight critically wounding three persons. The Stellar Conglomerate has confirmed an expeditionary vessel was operating in the area, but objected to its involvement in the incident. Einstein Engines has announced it will be filing legal actions in response to the incident. The Einstein Engines outpost, located in the OS/A-622 red dwarf system 37.62 Light Years from Tau Ceti, is a logistics hub on the edge of the Orion’s Scar region and gateway for deeper operations. The megacorporation ramped up operations in the area in the 2440s as part of an expanding scientific survey that remains incomplete. Employees assigned to facilities in the area have often branded it a ‘banishment room’ posting due to its remote conditions. The Conglomerate expeditionary vessel, the SCCV Horizon, was transiting through the area on a course to S’rand’marr, an SCC spokesperson said, when it deviated to assist a mining enterprise receiving investment from Hephaestus Industries. The unathi mining enterprise was infringing upon an Einstein Engines site that had been purchased in 2447, however the SCC spokesperson indicated that the expeditionary vessel was not aware of this at the time due to a ‘database hiccup’. Einstein Engines reported that this sudden course alteration was seen as a potential intrusion and attempt at reconnaissance on EE operations in the area, and was on guard as a result. A representative said that, at the time, they were hopeful that the SCCV Horizon would 'pass through with minimal disturbance'. Representatives at Einstein Engines then claimed that a team of hardsuited mercenaries with firearms later entered the facility, where they reportedly tampered with site power infrastructure. An unauthorised programme was also detected in the telecommunications infrastructure in the outpost, delaying EE’s handling of the incident. A brief firefight exchange occurred in which Einstein Engines has confirmed that it detained two intruders, both of whom are receiving critical care for injuries sustained. An additional Einstein Engines internal security specialist is also receiving life-saving care, with the megacorporation reporting that she is in a medically-induced coma receiving treatment for life-altering injuries. Following a damage assessment conducted by EE on September 9th, it was reported the outpost has been rendered inoperable, with the megacorporation labelling it 'end-of-life'. — Hana Myeong-Bernhardt, an Einstein Engines representative in Phoenixport, said, “Between midnight and two-PM Tau Ceti Standard time, the Einstein Engines Site Oscar was subjected to a brazen sabotage attempt by SCC personnel in combat hardsuits, despite best efforts to avoid a kinetic incident of such magnitude.” The representative expanded upon details of the claimed sabotage attempt. “Our asset protection facilities in the area are holding the Conglomerate mercenaries involved [...] the best available medical care is being given. We have arranged for specialist clinicians to be shuttled into the system [...] It was necessary to induce medical comas to render life-saving interventions. [...] When it is possible to transport them at no risk to their health, they will be transported to Tau Ceti where we will review next steps.” — Neil Montandt, Einstein Engines’ Phoenixport Office chief security officer, said his thoughts were with the EE security specialist critically injured in the incident. “This tragic incident reminds us of the risks our security agents like Anastasia Watkins face each and every day keeping spacebound assets safe from pirates, corporate saboteurs, and criminals.” “It’s a very dangerous place and a very dangerous profession. Ms. Watkins faced that challenge with immense courage and bravery, as every one of our security agents who signs up for a posting in a hazardous space environment does.” “I have strong hopes that Ms. Watkins will pull through and make a medical recovery. We at Einstein Engines take immense care of our colleagues injured at work.” Anastasia Watkins, a Cassinian aged 24, began her career with Einstein Engines in 2465 while studying part-time for a Bachelors degree in Education, which the megacorporation has been supporting with their employee sponsorship programme. EE said that Anastasia Watkins is well-loved by family and colleagues alike, who they assure have been receiving consistent updates as she continues to receive treatment. — Einstein Engines have indicated that they will be pursuing legal action against the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate when ‘all information is at hand’, subject to out-of-court proceedings. The Stellar Corporate Conglomerate was asked to comment on the facility intrusion allegations but declined to answer. 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Internal Communique: 2468-09-05 Incident in OS/A-622 SCCV Horizon Crew, A major incident occurred during the expeditionary vessel SCCV Horizon's operations. The intent of this communique is to ensure all personnel are aware of the facts and next proceedings as we navigate the resulting challenges together. * What happened? On 2468-09-05, the SCCV Horizon was re-tasked from its direct transit through the Orion’s Scar sector to the S’rand’marr system to assist a Hephaestus Industries-funded colonial mission. While performing auxiliary objectives, which included industrial research on Einstein Engines’ operations in the Orion’s Scar, two security officers entered the Einstein Engines facility with heavy combat equipment. It was reported a firefight occurred between these officers and Einstein Engines personnel. Radio communication with these employees would be lost and they were declared missing. The security officers were not able to be recovered in the immediate aftermath of the incident. How are the missing officers? Both of the security officers have been detained by Einstein Engines asset protection forces that were operating in the OS/A-622 system. They were critically wounded during the incident. Einstein Engines has informed the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate that both missing security officers are receiving appropriate medical care, but are in unresponsive states so as to perform life-saving medical interventions. Friends, family and SCC representatives are not yet able to contact the security officers yet due to their medical conditions. What are the next proceedings? The Stellar Corporate Conglomerate is making an effort to see a safe recovery of the security officers while balancing legal challenges. This primarily involves challenging negotiations with Einstein Engines. It is expected that Einstein Engines’ cooperation will be limited, until their misrepresentation of the incident is supported by statements made by the missing employees. This incident is also seeing a major review of internal procedures by multiple departments, including Internal Affairs, External Affairs, and Legal to prevent future occurrences of incidents such as this one, and particularly into the screening and issuing of expeditionary taskings. Why did this occur? In addition to supporting Hephaestus Industries’ investment moves by assisting the unathi colonial initiative, an opportunistic decision was made by SCC Operations to perform industrial research as a reduced priority objective. Einstein Engines’ operations in the Orion’s Scar region are recent and largely undocumented. The SCCV Horizon is one of few Stellar Corporate Conglomerate space vessel assets available in the Orion’s Scar frontier region. As such, it was selected for the mission. Were other expedition outcomes affected by this incident? Despite this incident, the SCCV Horizon was partially successful in other expeditionary objectives. The priority objective of establishing a mining outpost to further Hephaestus Industries’ interests was completed. However, an ideal agreement between the unathi colonists and Einstein Engines to resolve the territorial dispute was not made. Hephaestus Industries was able to intervene and negotiate a less-than-satisfactory deal, involving a majority mining yield cut being paid to Einstein Engines. A satisfactory amount of industrial research on Einstein Engines’ operations and asset structuring in the Orion’s Scar was performed. On review, it has revealed abnormally high allocation of asset protection assets to one region and suggested the existence of a clandestine anomaly research endeavour being performed in the Orion’s Scar. Specifics on the research endeavour remain undocumented. * It is our hope that this answers most questions or concerns that have been left in the air since the incident. Further questions, concerns or requests for counselling can continue to be directed to the Employee Portal. FACULTY:6 Crisis Oversight Liaison Remember, you are what keeps this chainlink unbreakable!

BREAKING: SCC Loses Lemurian Sea Phoron Depot; Leaked Reports Confirmed! A large phoron depot in the Lemurian Sea belonging to a terrorist organisation has been rendered inaccessible in August, according to leaked reports publicised on September 1st from inside the Torvald Administration and the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate, reinvigorating scepticism over the Conglomerate and NanoTrasen Corporation’s ability to resolve the Phoron Scarcity. The phoron depot was claimed to contain a ‘massive’ quantity of phoron on a comparable scale to the NSS Orchard Moon’s original yearly output, significant to mid-term Scarcity remediation efforts. It is believed the stockpile was formed over decades or a century by the terrorist organisation for unknown purposes, who operated a clandestine space smuggling network extending across the Orion Spur. There has been no absolute confirmation that similar stockpiles exist. According to witnesses after the fact, the phoron depot was destroyed, with remaining gaseous phoron expelled into the void. The Stellar Corporate Conglomerate has since formed a restriction zone in the system as gas harvesting operations are conducted, however vessel activity in the region indicates an unenforceable cordon trespassed upon by starved phoron gas miners. An SCC employee who brokered information contained within this report had this to say: ‘It [an operation titled “Operation Deep Dive”] was the most solid intel on a significant quantity of phoron since 2464, thanks to countless hours of effort by the [Biesel Security Services] Bureau and teams on the [SCC-CC] Odin.’ ‘They [the terrorist organisation] took it down with them. It’s an absolute f****** travesty.’ After being approached for comment following the leaked reports, the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate disclosed: ‘We can confirm an operation to investigate a now-confirmed phoron source in the Lemurian Sea was undertaken and that the operation, though resulting in undesirable outcomes, has nonetheless resulted in a noteworthy quantity of phoron, as well as information that may potentially lead to further phoron source discoveries in the Lemurian Sea.’ An exact figure or specifics concerning the phoron harvesting operation was not provided and the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate was unable to specify the location or source of other, theorised Lemurian Sea phoron depots or naturally-occuring deposits. Pictured: An SCC gas-harvesting vessel in the unnamed restriction zone. A large, bulky industrial vessel with a funnel-like fuel scoop mounted to the front has been photographed. It’s grainy, having been taken through a telescope, but the Conglomerate livery painted over a Hephaestus-model gas-harvesting vessel can be discerned. Presumably, it coasts through the remains of the Boneyard, slurping up what little remaining phoron remains — that which did not combust and instead ever-expands outwards as a globular cloud. — Neither the Biesel Security Services Bureau nor the Torvald Administration have been forthcoming with information about the terrorist group responsible for assembling this lost phoron hoard yet. The terrorist organisation even remains unnamed. However, they have indicated that the terrorist group has been in the sights of the BSSB since early 2467 and is now successfully disabled. A BSSB spokesperson said: ‘The phoron blackmarket, or “purple market”, is a really big problem today. Shutting down and locking up those responsible is a key objective of the BSSB. Disassembling this organisation was a huge milestone in achieving that objective.’ But a trusted Republic government source said: ‘This goes way, way beyond phoron [...] the terrorist group had a credible scheme to manipulate state institutions using novel psionic phenomena discovered in the [Lemurian] Sea.’ These claims of novel psionic phenomena roughly coincide with reports of native Lemurian Sea astrofauna demonstrating psionic capabilities being identified in ports throughout the Republic of Biesel. It is not clear why these spaceborne creatures have been left unattended in shipments or the extent of their psionic capabilities. Dock workers throughout the Republic of Biesel have been instructed to report incidents of these astrofauna being identified to local police or corporate security services. The government source assured us: ‘[The claimed terrorist scheme] was foiled. They [the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate] got that right, at least.’ President Åke Torvald was approached for comment at a PR event in regards to the depot incident and said: ‘Yes, I’m not taking questions on that yet. I just am not, no [...] The crazy organisation behind it all though is finished – no more. The BSSB helped crash that ring; [they] did an excellent job.’ The Tau Ceti Times was assured by both the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate and the Torvald Administration that full disclosure of the incident in the Lemurian Sea and all involved parties is being reviewed, but is so far held up due to sensitive matters. Similar News: Lemurian Sea psionic astrofauna smuggled into Republic of Biesel. — All of this marks further decline into the Phoron Scarcity, as promises and efforts to identify a reliable phoron source fall short. Since the leaking of the reports on September 1st and today’s confirmation of the phoron depot’s existence, NanoTrasen Corporation’s share prices fell a cumulative -11.62%. Einstein Engines' stock, in turn, has increased by +9.91% between September 1st and today. Both NanoTrasen Corporation and the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate’s stocks have been volatile since the onset of the Phoron Scarcity in 2462, with investors around the Orion Spur conflicted on where best to put their money to resolve the issue of dwindling phoron supplies. Idris Incorporated senior market analyst April Lefebvre told the Tau Ceti Times: ‘There just hasn’t been anything lately to remind people why they bought NanoTrasen [Corporation], why they chose phoron.’ ‘The fall in stock prices likely isn’t too great a tragedy for the phoron giant, but NanoTrasen is heavily watched and these drops have a major effect on investor psyche.’ Lefebvre did not comment on whether Idris Incorporated investment into the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate and NanoTrasen Corporation would be reevaluated in light of the Lemurian Sea phoron depot incident. Over in Phoenixport, an Einstein Engines representative said: ‘Again, NanoTrasen Corporation and their [Stellar Corporate] Conglomerate have failed the Republic and its people. Again, it is time to recognise and embrace phoron alternatives as the only solution to the Phoron Crisis. Again, a more dignified future without relying on criminal seconds for our stability lies only with Einstein Engines.’ Photo: Biesel Stock Exchange closes trading as NanoTrasen Corporation (NTCO -3.03%↓) stock prices fall 7 days in a row. — From residents in Mendell City’s deprived areas hit hardest by phoron rationing, to investors influencing megacorporate action, to congresspeople in the Tau Ceti Assembly devising strategies: the loss of a potential reprieve from the Phoron Scarcity has not gone unnoticed by the Republic. Most Read: | Defence | Joint military exercise with Serene Republic of Elyra sees delays into next year. | Technology | FTL Drives: Why bluespace will always triumph over warp. | Culture | ‘It’s kind of mad’: Holo-dive streamer Jade Essaidi lands first role in Ingi Usang film production.

Disgraced TCAF Admiral Gerald Biedermann Hospitalised on Live Show Article 8 of Shake-ups and Break-ups, Pt. 1 The former Tau Ceti Minutemen admiral, Gerald Biedermann, aged 70, has received much attention following his hospitalisation on a live show broadcast. Gerald Biedermann received a Bad Conduct Discharge from the Tau Ceti Armed Forces (TCAF) in 2467 for anti-corporate sentiments after 43 years of service as a well-respected, career naval officer, from proto-TCFL militias and through into the Tau Ceti Minutemen under the TCAF. Since then, Mr. Biedermann has appeared in anti-corporate circles and on live shows to speak out on his treatment and concerns about the TCAF. Last week, Mr. Biedermann was invited on one such liveshow, the Plex 3 at Jie Live Show, broadcast to residents of Mendell City. Tragedy struck at 21:23, half way through the show, during a segment where Mr. Biedermann strongly criticised the Peacekeeper Mandate, abandonment of the Corporate Reconstruction Zone's security to the megacorporations, and then a perceived three-way tug-of-war between military senior leadership, the president and a corporate-biased secretary of defence. Mr. Biedermann could be heard gasping mid-sentence and suddenly clasped his chest and collapsed. First-aiders on the live show were quick to spring into action. Paramedics arrived at 21:38 and got to work identifying the cause of Mr. Biedermann's chest pains and collapse. At 22:14 after thorough examination, the paramedics blue-lighted a fast deteriorating Mr. Biedermann to hospital for an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a pacemaker failure. As a result of Mr. Biedermann’s history and comments made on the Plex 3 at Jie Live Show, the Tau Ceti intranet has been ablaze with conspiracy theories. Less reputable, anti-corporate media outlets and Mr. Biedermann's cult following have been labelling the incident as an attempted assassination with little basis. The Mendell City Police Department have acknowledged to the incident but have said that no investigation is being opened. Mr. Biedermann’s family have yet to make a comment to any media outlet, but the granddaughter of Mr. Biedermann posted on Chirper: ‘me and my family just had a big scare and could have lost someone we love. please stop trying to contact us about another news hit piece or your theories’. Most Read: | Biesel | Mendell City's District 11 brownouts seem to resolve after 2 weeks — City blames phoron cabling thieves. | Health & Medicine | NanoTrasen Corporation unveils new SurePump Model 3 bionic heart | Defence | SecDef Nathan Trasen eager to attend joint military exercise with Elyra later this year ((To be continued then…))

Armed Forces Reform Bill Assented: The Highlights Article 7 of Shake-ups and Break-ups, Pt. 1 The Armed Forces Reform Bill, proposed by the Cetian Congress of Conservatives, has been assented by President Åke Torvald after approval by the Tau Ceti Assembly of Spokespeople and State Senate. The Armed Forces Reform Bill is an expansive revision of the Tau Ceti Armed Forces (TCAF) that was drafted in light of the Strategic Military Review 2467 Report (SMR) commissioned by the Cetian Conservatives. Published in March, the SMR was an in-depth analysis of defence policy by foreign policy, defence industry, and military experts. The bill was deemed by President Åke Torvald to be ‘necessary [...] to field an effective military’. Here are the important highlights of the bill: Planetary Forces: A new branch of the TCAF is to be founded, dedicated to planetary air, sea and land operations: the Home Defence Forces. Each major inhabited body of the Republic of Biesel is to have its own Home Defence Force. The new branch will be staffed by personnel transferred from the other TCAF branches who have specialised or who have experienced in planetary operations, particularly the Minutemen. Planetary TCAF infrastructure will be reorganised under the Home Defence Forces branch, except where required by another branch of the TCAF. Space Forces: The Tau Ceti Minutemen and Republican Fleets will be merged into a single Republic Astroforce instead of both holding spacebound responsibilities. Vessel armaments and staffing will be reorganised to accommodate smaller fleet tactics and strategies operating at high distance and high relative velocities – ‘hit and run’ movements. A new class of droneships and siloships with cross-system capabilities is to be designed and fielded. A 7.5bn investment into remote- and AI-guided drones and missiles, as well as piloting software, is to be made. An Electronic and Cyberwarfare Legion of the Republic Astroforce will be founded to make use of remote and AI-guided armaments, and other electronic warfare systems. An undisclosed, multi-billion sum will be paid to the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate for the purchase of the military artificial intelligence Aura by the Tau Ceti Armed Forces for use by the Electronic and Cyberwarfare Legion. A 3bn investment into long-range laser and electromagnetic armaments is to be made. NanoTrasen Corporation is to be re-contracted for laser and electromagnetic armament research-and-development and production. Zavodskoi Interstellar is to be re-contracted for shipbuilding research-and-development and production and the development of select ballistic armaments. Corporate Auxiliaries and Private Military Contracting: The Corporate Auxiliaries will be decommissioned as an official branch of the TCAF at the end of 2468, pending final review of the new Republic Astroforce’s shipbuilding and armament production targets. Personnel and equipment belonging or loaned to the TCAF will be rolled into the Republic Astroforce. The Private Military Contracting Group will be contracted for the provision of military contractors where necessary. The Corporate Reconstruction Zone is to primarily be defended by private military contractors. 50bn is to be saved by 2473 for emergency military contracting purposes. Foreign Legion: The Foreign Legion will be merged into the Republic Astroforce and Home Defence Forces as the RAF Foreign Legions and HDF Foreign Legions. The Foreign Legions will continue to serve the same functions as their predecessor in regards to citizenship opportunities, however now requires a senior commissioned officer’s reference to be submitted with a citizenship application. First Strike Weapons: A 5bn investment into bluespace warhead delivery mediums is to be made. 4.5% (up from 2.0%) of the strategic phoron reserve is to be dedicated to first-strike, phoronic warheads. Civilian: A Civil Preparedness Leaflet is to be published on the government website and mailed to accessible residences biannually, containing advice on various disaster responses (natural disasters to invasions). Industry and infrastructure planning is to account for sabotage risks when implementing new industrial facilities or infrastructure, alongside other routine considerations. Most Read: | Transport | Delays Over Valkyrie Exchange Terminal During Major BSSB-BIS Smuggling Investigation | Technology | What are AI singularities and what's stopping Huginn from achieving one? | Arts & Culture | TCAF Second Invasion hero Symphony added as playable Foreign Legionnaire: Heroes of Tau Ceti character skin.

Unidentified Object Scanned in Northern Reaches Article 6 of Shake-ups and Break-ups, Pt. 1 On the 4th of June, a freighter sighted what they claimed to be a ‘ghost ship’ in the Northern Reaches. The IFV Drink Up Thee Scrumpy, a small, independent freighter transporting cargo from Ganymede to Lhokgon, was using a series of warp lanes between the Nueva Patria and New Peoria systems. At 17:22 Galactic Standard Time, after entering the system of New Peoria, The IFV Drink Up Thee Scrumpy performed a sensor scan that our experts say was timed ‘just right’ to capture an unidentified object transiting the system’s star. Video: While our experts contest that this is a supernatural ghost ship, this is still an interesting discovery that we are looking to get to the bottom of. It is currently hypothesised to range from a derelict vessel colliding with debris, explaining the sudden change in velocity, to a recorded sighting of a military stealth ship. Our attempts to request a copy of scan data have not been replied to. However, Truth Finder has been able to verify that the IFV Drink Up Thee Scrumpy is an authentic freighter vessel that was operating between Nueva Patria and New Peoria during the time it claimed to be within the region of space. If you have any information on this sighting of an unidentified vessel in the New Peoria system, please contact Truth Finder.

Private Military Contracting Group Ready and Able to Commit to the CRZ Article 5 of Shake-ups and Break-ups, Pt. 1 The Private Military Contracting Group has announced that it is ready and able for the increased security contracting load in the Corporate Reconstruction Zone as part of the Republic of Biesel’s plans to focus on the Tau Ceti system. With the Republic of Biesel’s government planning to defer its security objectives in the Corporate Reconstruction Zone to megacorporation asset protection and private military contractors, the Private Military Contracting Group has been preparing to commit additional security forces to the CRZ to work alongside asset protection. Many of these PMC are expected to be reassigned from existing assets within the Tau Ceti system, particularly those made available to the PMCG by Nexus Corporate Security, which the Republic of Biesel's government has reaffirmed the defence of as its chief security objective. The Stellar Corporate Conglomerate and constituent megacorporations have also released similar statements committing to an increased asset protection presence in the Corporate Reconstruction Zone as the TCAF plans to shift its resources to the Zoleth Line or out of the CRZ. Notably, Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals has committed to a sizeable allocation of its limited asset protection resources to and around Port Antillia, coinciding and contingent on the biomedical company's plans to establish a firm presence on the planet. These plans are expected to go into effect mid-to-late June when the Republic of Biesel's bill to revise the TCAF and its objectives is ratified.

President Torvald Addresses Plans for Republic’s Defence in Light of Armed Forces Reform Bill Article 4 of Shake-ups and Break-ups, Pt. 1 President Åke Torvald has reaffirmed his support for the Armed Forces Reform Bill after its clearing of the Assembly of Spokespeople and ahead of its deliberation in the Senate. The president weighed in on a series of Chirper posts: ‘The Armed Forces Reform Bill is necessary if we are to field an effective military that can punch up and not have to rely on the coddling of megacorporations or the benevolence of friends elsewhere in the Spur. A small but well-supported and well-equipped force. One that acts on smarts and not its size.’ The bill seeks to implement this strategy with a multi-billion investment and large strategic phoron reserve allocation into next-generation extreme-range sensor systems akin to the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate’s Venator quantum sensors line, remote and AI-guided drones and missiles, and the design of droneships, sensor relays and a corp of the Armed Forces to make use of such. Long-range laser and electromagnetic armaments have also received a significant investment and allocation of phoron, with NanoTrasen Corporation alongside Zavodskoi Interstellar contracted for the production of these phoronic armaments. With more sophisticated systems planned to appear in vessels, new officer recruitment targets have been set to see these systems operated, and enlisted recruitment targets have been reduced. Overall, these changes appear to set a new goal: smaller fleets that minimise direct engagement with an enemy for longer distance, calculated strikes with high-range equipment. President Torvald said: ‘In a pitched battle, we lose. If not for chance intervention, we would have twice to single battlegroups already. But this is space, it doesn’t play by the same rules as other fronts. Our forces need to be geared for the environment they are in, and not to what military tradition from Earth and Luna dictates a military should look like.’ Notably, the bill also reallocates a significant amount of defence maintenance funding away from the Corporate Reconstruction Zone (excluding the Zoleth Line) and to installations within the Tau Ceti system. This appears to be in line with previous statements made by President Åke Torvald, including a controversial post he made in March saying: ‘The [Corporate] Reconstruction Zone should, you know, have its security guaranteed by the corporations too instead of leaving that burden almost entirely on us. Otherwise, at this point, it should be the Republic Reconstruction Zone.’ Secretary of Defence Nathan Trasen was approached for comment by Tau Ceti Times reporters in regards to what appears to be the prioritisation of Tau Ceti’s defence at the expense of the Corporate Reconstruction Zone. Mr. Trasen addressed the concerns saying: ‘I’m sure that’s not what he meant [...] President Torvald and I work very closely in all things defence. We both think the Corporate Reconstruction Zone and its planets are critical objectives of ours. [...] Both the TCAF and megacorporate asset protection forces have a major role in ensuring its security and always will.’ Most Read: | Biesel | Mendell City’s District 11 plunged into the longest brownout yet, ongoing for 74 hours. | Culture | Devin Paraiyar says contact with another sapient alien species will be made in our lifetime. | Crime & Policing | ‘What was I meant to do? Drag ‘em all the way to court?’: Independent Biesellite spacevessel crewperson convicted for murder after killing a pirate boarder.

i would like to see mindshields go bc they are a paper shield at best (easily bypassed with EMPs or surgery) and as such just a nuisance hurdle for antag gimmicks, and because i have faith in command whitelistees. like, you can technically just spam an EMP Rune until you roll the mindbreaker meltdown, then convert as per usual. vampires, now uplink-bound, can just purchase a box of emp grenades. but psiprotect isnt a suitable replacement in its current state and isn't intended to persist after the ADFT arc (subject to change of plans). psiprotect causes tremors, which technically makes you ineligible for all command roles (tremors are a cited example of Limb Impairment), if not for the extraordinary circumstances of ADPI in the Lemurian Sea.

ive been a bit mixed on mechanical skills, but can appreciate their purpose (not so large a reliance on rule restrictions). the problem i see as skills keep getting added is there are already many skills and more are coming, and i'm already seeing some that have unremarkable differences or don't really fit the skill system imo. ministry and leadership do the same thing with rather minor differences. why not merge them into an all-purpose 'Oration' or 'Charisma' skill, bc that's what they're really doing (and it would encompass secular counselling, acting performances, telling a good joke, etc.) instead of there inevitably being lots of different flavoured 'use speech ability to increase morale' Ministry, Performance, Humour, Leadership, and so on skills. tenacity also just doesn't seem like a skill to me? you can't learn tenacity or the ability to bleed slower. the description says that it represents your 'will to live' — that's not a skill. something like tenacity could've been tied to the morale system (higher morale = higher will to live) or the planned Quirks system. similarly, carousing is a very weird skill that, again & as currently implemented, is not a skill and instead changes your bodily traits instead of reflecting anything learned. this could've been a planned Drug Resistance quirk or something. i dont think bodily/personality traits should be tied to a skill system. on the morale system, which is a bit tangential to skills but was added in the same PR (i think) and heavily interacts with it. i'm not a fan of the morale system at all for the same reason i wouldn't be a fan of emotional moodlets. they are prescriptive to how my character should feel, and while i can just ignore the system, people are putting points into morale skills, so you are doing a disservice/invalidating their skill purchases by ignoring the morale system. i would like it if you could select which morale sources affect your character, but that would probably require another character set up tab — some characters may seek alcohol, others the words of others, some may be hardened against morale bonuses.

Double Murder in Triesto: Is It Related to the Zeng-Hu HQ Attack? Article 4 of True Widows Truth Finder has been made aware of an ongoing, double-murder investigation into two Assunzione citizens, which our analysts suspect may be related to the Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals Frontier Headquarters attack and data leak. Two individuals were found together on the 17th of May in an alleyway of the Trieto arcology’s lower levels - a man and a woman, both of whom have not yet had their identities confirmed by city authorities. Both persons were found dead, the man with a fatal gunshot wound to the head and several to the torso, and the woman with a lethal stab wound and gunshot wounds to the lower extremities. The Triesto Metropolitan Police Service have so far declined to make a statement to Truth Finder, but have said that an investigation is underway. CCTV camera footage was posted by the owner of an adjacent motel on Chirper recently on May 24th, however was reportedly taken down for breaching community guidelines on the posting of violent content. Fortunately, Truth Finder was able to preserve this footage. Video: The preserved CCTV footage shows the murder victims cutting through an alleyway, where an unidentified figure in a military suit approaches from behind. Both persons are shot at by a firearm and fall to the ground, where the figure can then be seen executing them both. This manner of death, so soon after the attack on the Zeng-Hu Frontier HQ in Triesto, and a frightening exchange of phrases suggests that these events are connected. The Triesto Metropolitan Police Service and Fire Service concluded their investigation into the Zeng-Hu HQ fire last week, releasing a statement attribuing the fire to a negligent employee who supposedly confessed to causing the fire. Now, with greater stakes and two murders involved, we believe the megacorporation is going to have a much harder time suppressing whatever business it is they do not want found. Truth Finder will do whatever it takes to see Triesto’s investigation into the fire re-opened with this double murder in mind.

Republic Citizens Polled on TCAF Support Post—Peacekeeper Mandate Article 2 of Shake-ups and Break-ups, Pt. 1 The majority of Republic of Biesel citizens do not feel proud of the Tau Ceti Armed Forces, a poll conducted by the New Gibson University has revealed. Social researchers from New Gibson University (NGU) devised the survey in light of the Peacekeeper Mandate and its effects on the Tau Ceti Armed Forces’ (TCAF) recruitment rates and support. The survey was made available both online and had physical copies mailed out to all citizens of the Republic of Biesel, from Tau Ceti’s outer planets to Mictlan and Port Antillia in the Corporate Reconstruction Zone. The findings revealed that less than half of Republic citizens felt pride towards the TCAF, falling from 67% in 2462 to 44% in 2468. Half of the respondents who indicated no pride for the TCAF referred to the Peacekeeper Mandate in their reason why. Other reasons included lingering humiliation from the Second Invasion of Tau Ceti in 2462 and the general readiness of the TCAF. On the other hand, those who indicated pride cited the TCAF’s multicultural environment and its role in policing piracy and smuggling within the Republic’s borders. These views are prominent among all age groups surveyed by NGU, however the reasons and themes expressed in qualitative responses indicate differing reasons. Citizens in the age bands 16—25 were more likely to refer to online media content in their responses, with the infamous ‘Redsnouts’ special forces unit and its rumoured scandals mentioned in 19% of responses in the age group. Those in the age band 60—80 were more likely to cite core republic values and the right to self-sovereignty, with 36% responding an opportunity for referendum should have been given to Mictlan and Port Antillia prior to their acceding into the Republic of Biesel. The researchers said, ‘It is clear that the Peacekeeper Mandate has deeply affected views towards the Tau Ceti Armed Forces.’ The poll also confirmed concerns regarding fast-dropping recruitment rates into the TCAF. Whereas in 2460 62% of citizens said they would enlist if the Republic of Biesel had to go to war, only 49% of respondents said they would answer the call. However, when the qualifier of enlisting in the event of an attack on the Republic of Biesel was made, the number of respondents who said they would enlist in the TCAF sharply rose to 66%. Dr. Michael Holtqvist, the lead researcher, said, ‘These findings are of absolutely no surprise to my team and I. The Peacekeeper Mandate was not popular during or after — we saw protests, we saw politically-motivated arrests when our news and media flipped on the government. Something will have to change if faith in the TCAF is to be restored.’ Though, he noted: ‘It should be noted though that this is the first major, wide-spanning survey that includes all within the current Republic of Biesel — Port Antillians, Mictlanians [sic], and Cetians — where previous surveys only sampled those in Tau Ceti. This will certainly have its own, confounding effect on results, but nonetheless it is critical they are involved in such surveying.’ Most Read: | Phoron Scarcity | Einstein Engines acquires multiple NanoTrasen Corporation phoronic production facilities on New Gibson after massive auction. | Crime & Policing | Woman, aged 108, caught after 63 years on-the-run for Idris Incorporated high-value transit vessel robbery. | Health & Medicine | "YomiGenetics saved my life." - Port Antillian teen back in school after brain tumour treatment.

Congress to Deliberate New Armed Forces Reform Bill Article 1 of Shake-ups and Break-ups, Pt. 1 The Cetian Congress of Conservative’s Armed Forces Reform Bill has begun running through the hoops of Congress’ chambers, with experts predicting the bill to clear both the Tau Ceti Assembly of Spokespeople and the State Senate with record timing. The Armed Forces Reform Bill is an expansive revision of the Tau Ceti Armed Forces that was drafted in light of the Strategic Military Review 2467 (SMR) commissioned by the Cetian Conservatives. Published in March, the SMR was an in-depth analysis of defence policy by foreign policy, defence industry, and military experts. It highlighted several areas of concerns, which the Cetian Conservatives aim to rectify with the Armed Forces Reform Bill. The changes that seek to be implemented with the bill vary from the revision of public defence objectives, the contracting of military equipment production, and both macro- and micro-level structuring of the TCAF branches. The bill also includes a number of measures intended for civil preparedness, from information leaflets addressing various emergencies to incorporating anti-sabotage assessments into routine civil infrastructure planning. The Tau Ceti Armed Forces and its preceding Tau Ceti Foreign Legion have been shaken up numerous times by the government’s attempts to modernise its military. However, President Ake Torvald has insisted that it is necessary. ‘What we have isn’t going to work out against any contemporary military [...] The idea that we could pull a force of comparable size to the longstanding military forces elsewhere out of our arses in six years is mythical,’ President Torvald said. ‘We need to make sure that what we do have can punch above its weight.’ In his typical fashion, the president added a jab at the former president Joseph Dorn, ‘It doesn’t help that the last administration’s blunders on Mictlan tanked our recruitment rates too [...] we have to account for that too.’ Most Read: | Megacorporations | ‘I knew I shouldn’t have plugged it in’: Man confesses to Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals Coalition Headquarters fire | Crime & Policing | Illegal Readic racing tournament organiser arrested in series of arrests on Anemenostrovilos. | Defence | Republic of Biesel to organise the largest non-Solarian joint-military exercise of the century with Elyra.