NewOriginalSchwann

25 Injured, 146 Arrested in Nouvelle-Rochelle Spat Between Xanan Football Clubs NOUVELLE-ROCHELLE, XANU (GST) - The All-Xanu Public Security Office announced today it had contained a large-scale postgame fight in Nouvelle-Rochelle between supporters of F.C. Columbia and the visiting Admiralty AC ultraleague team. The incident comes during a weekend of protests in Nouvelle-Rochelle against the presence of a major corporate vessel in the system and heightened police presence in the city. The incident remains under investigation by the AXPSO’s Nouvelle-Rochelle department, Principle Police Director Sébastien Fortier praised the quick response of local officers and gendarmes, and condemned the violence. F.C. Columbia General Manager Jacques Khanna called the incident, “a sad day for our league,” but added most fans were not involved in what he described as a riot, and stated the incident did not reflect the typical football fan. Sources in the Sneijders Memorial Stadium, where F.C. Columbia plays its home games, speaking on conditions of anonymity said the fighting was likely sparked by a last-minute referee call allowing F.C. Columbia to have a penalty kick that put the team above Admiralty AC for a last-minute 2-1 win. Most arrested were members of Admiralty AC’s “Ultras” and the injured include six AXPSO officers, including one who will require a new prosthetic arm according to the Nouvelle-Rochelle PSO’s media office. Property damage assessments are, as of the time of this article, ongoing, but expected to be low due to the short length of the fight and quick police response. Further Reading: Begam Condemns “Football Riot” as Protests Enter Second Day Freespeak Dubbing of Latest Monkey King Movie Comes to Theaters: Read the XNS’ Review Here Fisanduhian-Xanan Community Prepares for Annual Feast of Remembrance

Invincible Xanu Party Holds Anti-Conglomerate Protest in Nouvelle-Rochelle NOUVELLE-ROCHELLE, XANU (GST) - IXP leader Raphaëlle Begam has called a snap protest at the Our Lady of Sorrows Cathedral to oppose what she referred to as a blatant attempt by the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate to strengthen its footprint in the All-Xanu Republic by having its flagship vessel, the SCCV Horizon, stop in Xanu for refueling and recreation purposes. Begam started the weekend of protests with a speech on the stairs of the cathedral, calling upon the crowd to protest against foreign interference in the Coalition’s economy. Attached is a video of the speech. Play? >YES< NO Further Reading: 75 Arrested by Public Security Office in Patalipura Drug Ring Bust Beer Lover’s League Condemns Begam for Public Sobriety F.C. Columbia to Hold Game Despite Protests: “Nothing Stops Football”

Republic Suffers Rise in Non-Citizen Person Crimes UTHMA, PERSEPOLIS (GST) - Statistics released early today by the Ministry of Justice (MJ) show a rise in crimes committed by Non-Citizen Persons (NCPs) within the Republic. While violent crime remains low, instances of petty crime such as theft, vagrancy, and improper public conduct have risen among NCP populations on multiple worlds. Crimes of public disorder such as drunkenness/intoxication and narcotics crimes have also risen among NCPs, with an Aemaqii police officer who spoke to the ENN on condition of anonymity stating upwards of half of all arrests for these crimes involve NCPs. The Ministry of Internal Affairs stated these incidents show a troubling pattern of behavior among the noncitizen population, and called on the Republican Assembly to increase funding to police agencies across the Republic. Member of Assembly Aydan Gökay (EPP - AEMAQ) gave a fiery statement to the Assembly where she demanded any NCP convicted of a crime be deported to their planet of origin by the MJ. MoA Said Malik (MDC - NEW SUEZ) countered by stating forced deportations were acts of the Solarian Alliance, and called on the Assembly to increase funds to social services to combat growing noncitizen poverty caused by the shrinking phoron export market. MoA Gökay accused MoA Malik of coddling noncitizens while Elyrans suffer and reiterated her demand for harsh measures against noncitizen criminals. The Assembly based a modified version of MoA Gökay’s funding bill later that day mostly along party lines, with the Elyran People’s Party and Constitutionalists breaking the 451 vote majority needed to pass the bill. The Elyran Security Act, if authorized by Prime Minister, will increase funding to the MJ and create a general-use fund for police departments to supplement their budgets, and imposes a mandatory deportation order for any noncitizen convicted of a felonious crime. Police chiefs across the Republic hailed the bill’s passing as a victory for security, while some humanitarian groups claim it does little to resolve the problems causing this crime spike. The Prime Minister is expected to either sign or veto the Elyran Security Act by the end of this month. Further Reading: F.C. Zezura to Play F.C. Harba in Next Match Jewel Starlines Reports Q2 Profit Loss: “Less Travel Means Less Income” Ministry of Defense and Warfare Reports Conscript Readiness as "Good" for 2466-67

Alliance Celebrates Second Annual Reunification Day! NEW EDINBURGH, CALLISTO (GST) - Celebrations of Reunification Day — a celebration of the civil war’s end — have continued throughout the day across the Alliance. For many the mood is hopeful, with democratic elections having been held and most economic forecasts predicting growth following investment into the Reconstruction Mandates. Colettish President Maribel Sarmiento, reelected for her next term in 2466, gave the following statement during a meeting of Colettish veterans: “The reason we are here today, celebrating this day with you, is because of the sacrifices made by both our Sovereign Republic and our Alliance. As we look forward to seeing the Northern Reaches emerge from this difficult time, we must not forget the many households in our system where a relative’s portrait sits with a black mourning band around a corner. Thank you, and may God and our Saints protect both the Republic and Alliance.” On Visegrad Fleet Admiral Klaudia Szalai met with Solarian military and Visegradi National Defense Force veterans who fought against piracy in the region allegedly sponsored by Tau Ceti, which denies the charges vehemently. Also in attendance were representatives of the Dominian military, which has assisted in anti-piracy efforts in the Southern Reaches. The embassy of the Republic of Elyra condemned the presence of the Dominian military mission at ceremonies in Fellegvar, and provided a statement to the SANN there is, “no greater threat to peace in the Spur than the Empire.” Elsewhere in the Alliance Prime Minister Strom and Secretary of Defense Courtois laid a wreath at the Unity Station Armed Forces Memorial alongside various military officers, including Governor-General Varzieva and Fleet Admiral von Varnhagen und Langenburg. Also in attendance were members of families who lost loved ones during the civil war, representing all branches of the military and nearly every planet impacted by conflict. Strom provided the following statement: “Two years ago our Alliance overcame the greatest threat to its continued existence in centuries. Today is a day of solemn remembrance both for those who gave their lives for the Alliance and those Solarians who lost their lives in the senseless violence brought on by the neglect of Frost and ATLAS, and the meddling of foreign actors who sought to carve out a piece of our nation for their own. We cannot, as a nation, forget the sacrifices we have made to fight against these enemies. Thank you, and long live our great Alliance!” Foreign response to the Prime Minister’s comments has been mixed, with Tau Ceti’s president calling it dangerous rhetoric that should be left behind in an era of further interstellar cooperation. The Mictlani expatriate community praised the comments, but called for further actions against Tau Ceti for its occupation of Solarian territory. Further Reading: SPP Politician Condemns “Appeasement of Biesel” in Fiery Speech to Harmony City Residents Economists: Elyran Phoron Isolationism Threatens Interstellar Economy SISA: New Hai Phong Suffered Rise in Violent Crime During 2466

Emperor Celebrates 313th Founding Day A sounding of the Dominian anthem’s final stanza signals the end of the Imperial News Network’s introduction, with the camera now opening onto an elegant-looking blonde woman in fine raiment. She politely nods her head and clasps her hands together, bringing a House Caladius signet ring with a phoron inlay into the frame briefly, then begins speaking. “Good eve, blessings of Our Lady of Moroz upon you, and welcome to this special occasion — the three-hundredth-and-thirteenth arrival of our predecessors to Moroz, as guided by Our Lady. As always, I am Josephine Maria Caladius, your host. We now go to live coverage of the Imperial Palace, where the Emperor and Crown Princess Priscilla are preparing to give short addresses on behalf of the Empire.” Josephine gestures briefly at the camera, which transitions to a view inside the Imperial Palace in Nova Luxembourg. The wealth of the Empire is on full display here: the palace reception all this is taking place in has an elegant throne where three people sit - presumably the Emperor, Empress, and Crown Princess, with various dignitaries sitting in the audience. Most are dressed in fine clothes that mark their status as high nobility or military uniforms that mark them as the senior officer corps, but some are clad in foreign suits and uniforms. Spread throughout are reporters and camera crews filming the throne from angles closer than the INN, and palace staff — both servants and guards — moving among the audience. Near the front stands a serious-looking taller man in an Imperial Army dress uniform marking him as a member of the palatial guard. The Emperor says something audible only to the officer, who nods and faces the crowd. “His Majesty Boleslaw Keeser, first of his name, will now address the assembled dignitaries and foreign representatives!” the officer’s voice is clearly Morozian, belonging to a member of the upper class, and the audience falls silent as a regal man rises from the central throne and steps forward to a microphone. Emperor Boleslaw is dressed in the traditional garb of his office, including a crown symbolizing his rule over the Empire. Other relics — such as a sword forged by Emperor Godwin to commemorate the formation of the Empire — are also worn. While not geneboosted, he maintains a gravitas and aura of dignity befitting his role. “My loyal subjects,” the Emperor’s voice is steady and well composed, as fits the divinely ordained ruler of the Empire. “On this day, three-hundred and thirteen years ago, our ancestors finished their journey to Moroz with Her guidance, and the foundations of the Empire and Tribunal began to form. I call upon all to use this day as an opportunity to reflect on the progress of our nation since that day so long ago. We have built great cities, traveled beyond the stars, and now proudly call ourselves a great nation. My heir has some further words for you.” As the Emperor returns to the throne another, taller, but similar-looking individual clad in a less ornate, though doubtlessly finely made, military uniform. Crown Princess Priscilla is taller than her father and has no decorations on her person aside from a small ribbon marking her as a Master of Arms in the Royal Fencing Society — the highest rank possible. The crown princess takes a moment to angle the microphone upwards, then begins speaking. “Loyal citizens of the Empire, today we gather to celebrate the past three centuries of Imperial triumph which have brought us into our era of plenty. Yet I ask you to not forget our past is filled with many deprivations our people — Morozian or otherwise — have worked to overcome. I ask you not to forget these struggles were often not resolved in mere days, but through months and years of effort. And I ask you to remember we have overcome challenges before, and will overcome them again if our Empire is threatened. Thank you, and may Our Goddess light the path of the Empire forever.” As the crown princess returns to her seat the audience claps politely. The officer begins to step forward as the camera switches back to Josephine in her office, who smiles at the camera. Her appearance is as picture perfect as it was before. “Wise words from our Emperor and his daughter. During the break in ceremonies the INN will go on a momentary recess from our special coverage of Founding Day and discuss ongoing news. Tonight’s headlines include continued issues in the Republic of Biesel’s fuel sector, an ongoing investigation by the constabulary into a factory accident in Durres, and more topics we’ll discuss after this short break. Stay tuned to the Imperial News Network for the latest news and developments in our great Empire.”

Zhu Confirmed as Ambassador, Embassy in Tau Ceti Reopens! FINALE of Pharsalia After the traditional SANN jingle the camera zooms in on the ever-present figure of Harold MacMillan, host of The State of Sol. Macmillan takes a moment to straighten his tablet, nods to the camera, and begins speaking. “Good evening, and welcome back to The State of Sol. As always I’m your host, Harold MacMillan. Today’s top stories are connected, and take us to both the heart of Unity Station and the streets of Mendell City, Biesel, with our teams on the ground at both locations to bring you the latest news regarding our nation’s diplomatic thaw with Tau Ceti. We go first to Unity Station, where Le Quynh Cong is waiting to give us the latest from the Senate on ambassador-appointee Jianguo Zhu’s confirmation. Le?” The camera switches from MacMillan to a bespectacled Haiphongese woman -- this time without her respirator -- standing in the Alliance’s halls of power: the Solarian Senate. She nods and waves to the camera, smiling for it. “Hi Harold! Is the connection good?” “Le, good to hear from you. We’ve got a steady connection — what’s new in the hearings?” “Right,” Cong nods, “I’m happy to report that Zhu has officially been named ambassador to Biesel by an overwhelming majority of senators, with only a small coalition led by Senator Trang voting no to his nomination.” “What made them vote no? Any explanation?” “We got a quote from Senator Trang shortly after the vote, Harold. She says that, ah— that she supports the pursuit of further relations with Biesel, but does not believe a Lunarian is the best fit for the position, citing the Sol System's continued dominance over politics.” “So, were most of the ‘no’ voters from outside the Sol System?” “They were, or they were part of the Communist Party - Senator Pavlov voted no as well, and told Plutonian media his reason for doing so was Biesel’s suppression of socialist and communist movements in service of the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate.” “Did you get a quote from Ambassador Zhu?” Cong shakes her head. “No, but we got a quote from Secretary Ortiz’s office: it says the Department’s happy to see a formal reopening of relations, and wishes for a continued dialogue with Tau Ceti as we move forward.” “Right. Thank you, Le.” “Of course, Harold.” The camera switches from Cong after she nods to it, swapping back to MacMillan in his studio. “With Ambassador Zhu now confirmed, we go to our reporter on the ground in Mendell City: Cèline Eylenbosch. Cèline?” The camera swaps to an evocative sight: the Solarian flag flapping in the wind in what’s clearly Mendell City. The shot slowly zooms out to show the flag is flying on a flagpole atop an elegant white building set back from the road which stands in a fenced-in lot featuring a few trees. At its front stands a gate with — contrasting the elegant surroundings — four Solarian Army guards with rifles and body armor, complete with helmets. A human Mendell City Police Department officer stands beside one of the soldiers, apparently talking with her idly, and is only wearing a basic vest. The camera then pans to show Cèline Eylenbosch, looking as elegant as ever. Barely visible on her arm is a Solarian blue armband with “PRESS” written on it in multiple languages. She smiles and nods to the camera. “Hello Harold, and all our dear viewers. I’m delighted to announce I’m one of the first — perhaps the first — Solarian reporter in Mendell City since 2462.” “Right Cèline, how does it look on the ground in Mendell City?” “Why, it’s positively thrilling here! As you can see behind me,” Eylenbosch points over at the gate, “the Army’s on the ground here and already working with the locals – the protest last week has the embassy on a heightened state of alert, per a spokesperson we met with, but otherwise it’s proceeding as hoped – for now.” “For now?” “Well, Harold,” Eylenbosch smiles just a bit, “You never know what could happen here – Mendell City’s known for civil unrest and riots, especially since the secession – hopefully the embassy can be stable, hm?” “Let’s hope so. With that aside, what kind of people have shown up at the embassy so far?” “On its first day? Not many people aside from the ambassador – a few Solarian citizens showed up to have their paperwork updated and got a photo with the ambassador for being the first Solarians to visit the new embassy. Exciting, isn’t it?” “I never imagined paperwork could be, but here we are!” Eylenbosch laughs for a moment. “Here we are indeed, Harold. That’s all I have for now.” “Right. Take care out there, and stay safe.” “Of course, Harold,” Eylenbosch nods to the camera. “Back over to you.” The camera switches back to MacMillan in his newsroom, who nods to the camera. “The State of Sol will be right back – so stay tuned!” MacMillan waves to the camera as it zooms away from him and fades out. The commercial, a bit unsurprisingly, is for an independent travel agency called Pan Solarian, and is advertising the fastest, most luxurious flight to Mendell City from Callisto.

Prime Minister Strom Names First Ambassador to Biesel Article 8 of Pharsalia UNITY STATION, SOL SYSTEM — Earlier today (GST) the Department of State and Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) released a statement saying veteran foreign service officer Jianguo Zhu had been chosen as the first person ever appointed ambassador to Tau Ceti. Zhu is a veteran diplomat and with previous experience in Persepolis, Vysoka, Xanu, and skrellian space, and his appointment is expected to be confirmed by the senate, “within the week,” according to a source within the Department of State speaking on the condition of anonymity. The SANN reached out to office of Senatorial President Toshiyuki Sumida and received the following statement: “The Senate stands ready to help the Alliance enter a new chapter of diplomacy, but wishes to advise that the interests of the Solarian people must be respected — even if they are currently living under foreign governments.” SANN reporting has discovered the embassy will likely be in Mendell City’s first district, Biesel, Tau Ceti, in a building indicated by a member of the Mendell City Police Department speaking on the condition of anonymity as being a former Solarian government building from the pre-secession era. The MCPD source indicated they were aware of plans by residents of Mendell City to protest the embassy’s reopening, but stated they were not at liberty to discuss the matter further. The SANN reached out to Biesel Security Services Bureau with a request for comment but did not receive a reply. In response the SISA’s office for interstellar medial affairs was contacted, and a spokesperson provided the following statement: “The Solarian Interstellar Security Agency is committed to ensuring the safety and security of Solarians at home and abroad, and is watching the situation in Tau Ceti closely with our foreign and domestic partners. Solarian citizens seeking to travel to Tau Ceti should be aware of any alerts and advisories issued by the Department of State.” The Department of State’s travel advisory for Tau Ceti, per their website, remains at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, due to instability throughout its territory and the presence of organized crime in Mendell City, in addition to a limited Solarian government presence. The only higher category is Level 4: Do Not Travel, which currently applies to some worlds in the Coalition of Colonies. Further Reading: VSI: Next Monkey King Movie Expected Summer 2467 Venusian Tourist Extradited from Dominian Custody Following Intrusion into Military Zone, Conviction by Military Court Xanu’s Nouvelle-Rochelle Captains Thrash Callisto’s New Edinburgh Castilians in Latest Cricket Match

BREAKING: Alliance and Tau Ceti Move to Reopen Relations – Developing Story Article 7 of Pharsalia After the SANN’s traditional opening jingle, the camera zooms in on the ever-present, and ever-steady, face of Harold MacMillan, host of The State of Sol. The veteran newscaster nods to the camera, takes a moment to move his dataslate, and begins speaking. “Good evening, and welcome back to The State of Sol. As always I’m your host, Harold MacMillan. Today’s top story is a breaking one, having only just come out of Unity Station: the Alliance and Tau Ceti have, after over a decade of no relations, decided to formally reopen diplomatic relations between Unity Station and Mendell City. For more on this we go to our ace reporter, Cèline Eylenbosch. Cèline?” The camera switches from MacMillan in his broadcasting room to a view of an iconic blonde Cytherean woman standing in a fancy-looking hallway with oak doors and red carpet – the halls of Unity Station, for any viewers familiar with the Alliance’s capital. A bar at the bottom marks her location at “Unity Station - Department of State.” Eylenbosch is, once again, well-dressed in the latest fashion trends out of Idris Incorporated’s spring catalogue. A Cytherean to the core. She smiles to the camera and begins speaking. “Good evening, Harold, and hello, my dear viewers.” “Cèline, what does it look like in the Department of State?” “Well, Harold,” Eylenbosch points a finger to a door behind her, turning slightly. Is that Idris Incorporated's 2467 Vermilion Sunrise re-release on her index fingernail? “behind this door, our secretary of state and Tau Ceti’s diplomatic teams have just finished their negotiations, and a clerk just notified us a few minutes ago that both parties have agreed to reopen formal relations – that’s why I called you and said it was so urgent.” “So, what does this mean for the Alliance? What’s the next step” “I’m not Doctor Principi, Harold,” Eylenbosch wags a finger at the camera, grinning a bit coyly, “but I can still tell you what’s going to for sure happen – no theory though.” “Right, right.” “An ambassador will need to be appointed to Tau Ceti, and our embassy there will have to be reopened. The senate will have to confirm the ambassador, of course, but that shouldn’t take long – it’s a simple majority.” “That sounds easy enough. Has Ambassador Oritz offered any comments yet?” “Nothing yet,” Eylenbosch can’t help but look a bit disappointed, pouting for the camera, “but we did get a quote from a foreign service officer in the diplomatic security branch who spoke on condition of anonymity. They said there are concerns in the Department about ‘blowback’ – their words, not mine – from the residents of Mendell City, where the embassy’s set to be.” “What are they concerned about?” “Mendell City was one of the targets hit when the 35th Fleet invaded it prior to its attempt to overthrow the Alliance, and there’s still a lot of ill-will there. The SISA is currently working with their security agency, according to our source, to stop any violence from breaking out – but there might be protests, Harold. Hopefully we’re there to capture it, hrm?” Eylenbosch’s earlier disappointment fades, replaced with enthusiasm. She wants to be there, in the thick of it. “I’d hate to miss a story only to have the Tau Ceti Times pick it up – wouldn’t you?” “I have to say,” MacMillan laughs for a moment, “it wouldn’t fit the SANN to lose an exclusive to Tau Ceti.” “It wouldn’t!" Eylenbosch grins for the camera again, "But that’s why you have me, my dear viewers, to bring you the hard-hitting information from the ground – should it come to be!” “I’m sure they appreciate you, Cèline. Anything else to add? Further comments?” “Nothing at the moment, Harold. Back over to you.” The camera switches back to a view of Harold, once again in his office. He nods to the camera. “That was Cèline Eylenbosch reporting live from Unity Station. As we move to enter this new era of Sol-Tau Ceti relations, you may not know what’s coming in geopolitics: but you’ll always know the SANN will be there for you: so stay tuned!” MacMillan points to the camera as it fades out and into a commercial.

Tau Ceti's Diplomats Arrive at Unity Station -- SANN Analysis Article 6 of Pharsalia After the SANN’s opening jingle the camera zooms in on, as it always does, Harold MacMillan. Once again sitting across from him is Doctor Giacomo Principi, of the Callistean Institute of Interstellar Studies. After taking a moment to adjust the papers on his desk, MacMillan nods to the camera and begins speaking. “Good evening, and welcome to The State of Sol. As always I’m your host, Harold MacMillan. Today’s feature story is the recent, and long-awaited by many, arrival of Tau Ceti’s diplomatic delegation at Unity Station. Returning to the show to discuss these events is Doctor Giacomo Principi of the Callistean Institute of Interstellar Studies. Doctor, thank you once again for coming.” “Of course, Harold. I’m happy to be here.” “Now, Doctor, could you start by explaining a bit about the current state of Alliance-stay Ceti relation for our viewers?” “I can, yes,” Principi clears his throat. “As you know, roughly 15 years ago in ‘52 the government ceded — some would say it failed to intervene — independence to Tau Ceti. Since then there have been no formal diplomatic relations between Unity Station and Mendell City, and two failed interventions in Tau Ceti by the Navy, with the most recent — in ‘62 — resulting in the civil war.” “So what’s changed, doctor? Why pursue relations now?” “The interstellar realist perspective is that Tau Ceti now controls more of the Spur than ever before, following defections and annexations during ‘62 and ‘63. Tau Ceti’s government has, through its use of force, legitimized itself — but I wouldn’t call it stable.” “Why wouldn’t you?” “Their new zone of control,” Principi draws a circle in the air using his pen, “isn’t stable, Harold. Arguably their frontier administrative center — Mictlan — is a potential flashpoint for internal security problems, with it having recently experienced what I would describe as a civil war and-or revolt against Tau Ceti.” “Doctor, would you still say Biesel is worth engaging with diplomatically?” “Yes,” Principi replies without hesitation. “The Coalition has internal conflict but we still engage with them. We need to look ourselves in the mirror and accept Tau Ceti is a peer rival of the Alliance now, for better or worse.” “What do you mean by that, Doctor? By peer rival.” “Ah! What I mean to say is Tau Ceti has the ability to contest the Alliance on ‘even grounds,’ despite its smaller military. It can being a great economic force to bear against us during a period when much of the Alliance is recovering from a period of crisis.” “Thank you, doctor. As a closing statement, what do you want to see from these negotiations?” “If you’ll permit me to be naïve, Harold, I’d like to see us go through the rest of this century without another crisis centered around Tau Ceti. I’d like for my children to grow up in a better Spur than ours.” “Let’s hope your naïvity becomes reality, hm?” “Let’s, Harold.” “Right — Doctor Principi, thank you for your time.” “Thank you for having me.” “The State of Sol will be right back,” Harold points at the camera, “so stay tuned!”

Government Confirms Tau Ceti to Send Diplomatic Mission to Unity Station Article 4 of Pharsalia UNITY STATION, SOL SYSTEM — Earlier today (GST) the Department of State announced the government of the Tau Ceti System (GTCS) will send an official diplomatic mission to Unity Station as part of ongoing negotiations between Tau Ceti and the Alliance. This delegation is the first of its kind from the GTCS since its declaration of secession and has been cited as, “an important step towards normalizing relations between our peoples,” by a Department of State spokesperson contacted by the SANN. The Department of State provided the SANN with the following statement: “Normalized relations with Tau Ceti will allow our nation to turn the page to a new Spur, leaving behind a decade of attempts by rogue elements to invade other powers that led to our civil war. Secretary Ortiz eagerly awaits meeting with her counterparts from Tau Ceti.” Reactions to the diplomatic mission from the GTCS, and of normalizing ties, have been mixed across the Alliance, with the Solarian Federation of Labour Unions calling it a step towards building a united front against megacorporation dominance, and the Society for a Free Mictlan (SML) calling it, “an insult to every Solarian living under the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate’s illegal occupation of our territory.” A spokesperson for the SML provided the following statement to the SANN: “While the SML has full confidence in Prime Minster Strom, we oppose any move to normalize relations with Mictlan’s occupiers. One only needs to look back to their ‘peacekeeping’ to see the price everyday Solarians paid for Biesel’s rescue: destroyed houses, murdered innocents, cyborgified dissidents. Is this a state we should have relations with? No!” The SANN will continue to report on Tau Ceti's diplomatic mission as the situation develops. Further Reading: Navy Announces “OBSIDIAN CAGE 67” Readiness Exercise at Coalition Border to Test Readiness Ulrike de Esterházy von Galántha Confirmed by Senate as Ambassador to Moroz Ton Gwai Triads Score 9-7 Win Over Colettish Guards in Latest Game

XNS Exclusive: Konyang Reacts to the Alliance's New Diplomatic Stance Towards Biesel Article 3 of Pharsalia SUWON, REPUBLIC OF KONYANG — In what XNS host Mariska van den Soeterik has called, “a stunning reversal over a decade’s worth of efforts to isolate Biesel,” the Alliance has stated it will seek a diplomatic relationship with what many Solarian politicians have called a rogue breakaway state: the Republic of Biesel. To give you an understand of how this has impacted what many analysts view as the Coalition’s most vulnerable world to the Alliance, our very own ace reporter Liao Qi has traveled to Konyang to catalogue the views of its everyday citizens — human and synthetic. Below it an excerpt from the XNS’ soon-to-release documentary What Our Future Holds: Konyang, the Rampancy Crisis, and the Alliance. The camera focuses on a middle-aged man smoking a cigarette under an awning. Round glasses sit on his face and his hair is starting to go grey around the edges. He’s wearing a National Police rain slicker with a badge on it marking him as Inspector Myung-Ki Hak — assuming, of course, you can read Konyanger Common. A voiceover begins. “Inspector Myung-Ki Hak,” Liao Qi’s voice begins, “is a twenty-five year veteran of Konyang’s police, having served in Suwon — the Republic’s capital — for his entire career. Inspector Hak tells us the rampancy crisis of 2466 was the worst state he’s seen the planet in.” Hak exhales upwards, takes the cigarette out of his mouth, then looks to the camera and begins speaking. “We all know the story, but most off-worlds don’t know the details of it, how it happened. I was there, so,” he shrugs his shoulders, “I can.” “What was it like during the first days?” “Confusing. I worked homicide at the time — still do — and kept having to respond to these calls out for dead or injured people with synthetic subjects. These were pretty brutal attacks too, at least some of them. Just savaged beyond recognition — like hit-and-run vics we get sometimes,” Hak takes another drag from his cigarette, then sighs after exhaling the smoke. “That started escalating fast — really, really fast — over the next few months, and it only really stopped when the corporates brought that device.” “Where were you when the crisis stopped?” “You’re going to be disappointed, Liao: I was asleep after an all-day shift trying to keep my department secure!” Hak laughs, waving his hand! Qi appears to join in for a few moments. “Right. Now, with the crisis behind us, how is Suwon?” “We’re recovering, but it’s slow. It’s always slower to build things than it is to destroy them — people spend 21 years raising a kid only for them to get shot during an overloader deal gone wrong. Life goes on for them as it goes on for our damaged metropolis. The big issue on everyone’s mind is what Sol will do with us.” “And what do you think they’ll do?” “Nothing good,” Hak scowls, then drops the cigarette butt and snubs it out with his shoe. “I think Strom’s the latest edition of Sol’s long-standing tradition of invading and killing anyone who stands against them.” “So you think he’ll invade?” “I think we should be asking when he’ll invade, not if. And when he does come, he’d better be ready for a fight. I’ll go the way of Commodore Taeyang if I have to.” The video ends with a shot of Hak's face, still scowling. What Our Future Holds: Konyang, the Rampancy Crisis, and the Alliance will premiere on the XNS on 24 April 2468. Further Reading: Places to See: The XNS’ Guide to the Scarlands Coalition Member-States to hold “Initiative North” Naval Readiness Exercises Near Konyang C.F.X.P. Heads to New Hai Phong in First Football Match in Sol Since Callisto-Xanu Game

SANN LIVE: Department of State to Announce New Diplomatic Initiative Article 1 of Pharsalia After the SANN’s opening jingle the camera focuses in on the ever-present face of the network: Harold MacMillan. The newscaster nods to the camera, slides his dataslate away, and begins speaking. “Good evening, and welcome back to The State of Sol. As always I’m your host, Harold MacMillan. Today’s feature story is an impending announcement by the Secretary of State, Carmen Mercado Ortiz, following her recent confirmation by the Senate after weeks of hearings related to Strom’s cabinet formation. With the press conference about to begin, let’s go to our reporter on-scene: Cèline Eylenbosch.” The camera switches from MacMillan to a blonde-haired Cytherean woman — now dressed in spring fashion — standing in a fairly crowded conference room. “Hello Harold, and hello dear viewers,” Eylenbosch smiles at the camera. “Cèline, what does it look like in there? How’s the atmosphere?” “Oh it’s practically electric, dear viewers. Rumors have been spreading for most of today about what these new initiatives are — Secretary Ortiz has only ‘officially’ been in her position for a week. So what could she possibly have dreamt up in that time, hrm? Dare I say, could it be a rapprochement?” “With what?” “Well, the most rumored-about one is, of course, Tau Ceti, Harold. Not even the most speculative Binyarian tabloid would guess Gadpathur!” Eylenbosch laughs at her own joke! “But Biesel? The Spur wonders, don’t they?” “Right. How long until it starts?” Eylenbosch looks down at her watch, bringing it up far enough for the viewers to get a look — and Idris-produced Model 89 Ophelia, by the looks of it. Holographic too, and apparently in the colors of Venus’ flag. After a moment of viewing it — long enough for anyone watching to get a good look at the Ophelia — she looks back to the camera and smiles at it, letting her watch-hand drop back down. “In a few minutes, Harold, so let’s switch this to the stage view,” Eylenbosch gestured to the camera, causing the viewer’s eye to swap to a different camera overlooking the stage. As per most Solarian Alliance press conferences the podium is covered in microphones from various agencies and nations — some from as far away as Assunzione or Novi Jadran. After a few moments a Solarian Army guard touches his earpiece and leans over to open a door behind the podium, letting a middle-aged woman in a typical Solarian business suit out. She says something to him briefly, then takes the podium, taking some glasses out of her pocket and putting them on. On her lapel, right below the Solarian flag pin, is a Mictlani flag pin. “Thank you for your presence,” she begins, leaning a bit towards the microphones. “I am pleased to, on behalf of the Solarian people, discuss our upcoming diplomatic agenda for Prime Minister Strom’s term. “As our Alliance is emerging from a period of struggle unseen since the Interstellar War, I wish to assure the Spur writ large that our nation wishes, above all, to seek a peaceful future in the wider interstellar community, while respecting the interests of Solarians everywhere. With that said, the main purpose of this conference is to announce that we are seeking to reopen diplomatic relations with nations Frost’s dictatorship severed relationships with.” A murmur goes through the crowd of reporters as camera lenses flicker. “First among these is the nearby system of Tau Ceti, also known as the Republic of Biesel,” Ortiz pauses for a moment, letting her words sink in. “There are, as the interstellar community is aware, numerous diplomatic conflicts which may ‘bubble over’ between the Alliance and Tau Ceti. It is in the interest of both our government and Tau Ceti’s to ensure war does not break out, and that a diplomatic solution may be reached.” More murmuring and camera lenses flickering fills the air as Ortiz stops talking for a moment. “I now leave the floor open to questions.” A sea of hands shoots up. Ortiz points to a well-dressed man in the front row. “Secretary Ortiz, Liao Qi with XNS. Does the Alliance have any interest in changing its relationship with the Coalition, particularly around Konyang?” “At the time our government believes our relationship with the Coalition, where we maintain diplomatic missions with nearly every member-state aside from Gadpathur, is not in need of further modification. We trust our partners sitting in Xanu feel the same.” “Thank you, Secretary.” Another sea of hands shoots up. Ortiz picks out a well-dressed, if pale, woman in foreign clothes. “Senator Ortiz, Anastazija Leno with the Novi Rijeka Gazette. Over the past years we’ve seen further cooperation between the Empire of Dominia and the Alliance. Can you speak to any plans to further strengthen this relationship?” “Cooperation between the Empire and Alliance has mostly been under the purview of the Department of Defense, so it’s outside of my responsibility. I can, however, say that the Solarian people appreciate the cooperation with your navy to reduce piracy near the Southern Reaches.” “Thank you, Lady Secretary.” The sea of hands goes up yet again. Ortiz picks out a distinctive blonde-haired woman in the first row. “Hello, dear Secretary. Cèline Eylenbosch, SANN. How long have these negotiations been ongoing for, with Tau Ceti?” “Roughly two weeks, with them having started under the acting secretary. There haven’t been any official diplomatic meetings, yet, but I can say Prime Minister Strom has approved this initiative — he wants to see the Alliance’s border security issues handled within his term, and so do I.” “Thank you.” The sea of hands goes up again. Ortiz picks out a man further in the back who is dressed sharply. “Secretary, I’m Baqir Yassin, ENN. With the Alliance posed to reopen relations with Biesel, are there any plans to change its relations with the Republic of Elyra?” “Not at this time, no. So long as Elyra tightly restricts its fuel exports, we cannot see a deeper relationship with it,” Ortiz looks down at her podium, then back up. “And I must apologize, that’s all the time we have for questions. Thank you for coming, and long live the Solarian Alliance.” Ortiz waves to the crowd, then turns and walks back through the door to the shouted questions of unlucky reporters and the snapping of cameras. The view switches back to Eylenbosch, who looks positively thrilled. “Well, dear viewers, isn’t this exciting news?! Back over to you, Harold!” Eylenbosch waves to the camera, which then switches to a view of MacMillan. “It is,” MacMillan straightens his posture, looking at the camera/viewer. “The State of Sol will be right back after this short break, so stay tuned!”

While I cannot speak for Campin and Lain, I am not interested in modifying the cantons in this manner. I do not doubt they are going to stay as-is, in the upper corner of the flag. This topic — modifying Solarian flags to remove their cantons — tends to come up every few months, and my response has always been the same: there is not a great interest on the team to make modifications to these flags. I understand there are size inconsistencies in the cantons, and one could correct them, but I do not want to see the design modified.

I'm pleased to report this has been accepted after consideration by the human lore team, and will be put onto the wiki shortly. Congratulations, and thank you for your contribution!

I don't recall if there was a head of security in the round, and lacks the logs for it so I'm going off my memory here. I remember Taylor Morgan, an officer, telling me the CE wanted my engineering key removed, "to prevent leaking information to a saboteur," or something along those lines. So from my knowledge it appears the CE ordered it, but I can't be sure.