NewOriginalSchwann

Southern Spur Security Act Passes! UNITY STATION (GST) - After several weeks of intense debate in the Senate the Southern Spur Security Act, which strengthens already existing ties between the Alliance and nearby Empire of Dominia, has passed a vote and is expected to be signed into law by Prime Minister Strom within the day. Voting against were members of the SPDP led by Sen. Renaud, who cautioned against becoming involved in a potential border crisis with Elyra while the Mandates are still recovering from the civil war. Describing herself as, “disappointed,” in the 3SA’s passing, Sen. Renaud provided the following statement to the SANN: “While it is important we establish ourselves and our diplomatic presence on the interstellar stage following years of looking inward under Frost’s regime, we cannot be hasty in our judgement: we only have to look to ‘62 to see how dangerous we can be to ourselves and the interstellar community when we act irrationally, and prioritize force over diplomacy.” The Dominian foreign office released a statement noting the Empire is, “quite pleased,” the Alliance has signaled it intends to establish a greater presence in the region following an increasing number of disputes between Persepolis and Moroz over disputed worlds in the region. Support for the Act remains high among Solarians, with most (67%) respondents agreeing the Alliance will be a stabilizing presence in the region. Further Reading: Entertainment: Interstellar Girls to Launch “Touched by the Goddess” Tour Across Empire of Dominia in Summer Earth-Elyra Faith Relations Committee Secures Major Win in Loosening of Religious Tourist Visas for Elyrans, Goes to Vote General Edwards “Optimistic” About Recent Operations on Lycoris

“Absentee Landlords” - President Afzal Criticizes Elyran Anti-Piracy Efforts in Speech to Assembly NOUVELLE ROCHELLE, XANU (GST) - In a first speech to both houses of the Consultative Assembly earlier today, President Jacques Afzal condemned the Republic of Elyra for neglecting its obligations to control piracy in the southern Spur. Piracy in the region has increased sharply following border tensions between Elyra and the nearby Empire of Dominia, which has sent ship insurance rates soaring and is beginning to have an impact on consumer goods prices as shipping prices continue to rise. Markhor Interstellar stocks have fallen as the corporation continues to face difficulties with its southern routes, where operating costs are reported to have increased. President Afzal described the Elyran attitude towards piracy in the region as, “neglectful,” and described the Elyran Navy as, “absentee landlords away from their duty.” With President Afzal ineligible for reelection in 2470 due to term limits it is likely he wishes for the piracy crisis in the south to be resolved before elections begin, where the All-Xanu Free League is expected to face serious challenges from the Popular Democratic Party and Socialist Union on its left and the Invincible Xanu Party on its right. Public opinion of the Republic of Elyra remains low, at 38%, but higher than its all-time low of 17%, recorded in 2461. Top concerns among Xanan voters include the economy, growing tensions in the southern Spur, crime (particularly drug crime), and immigration, which has steadily increased in priority since 2462. Further Reading: Imperial Sun: Sol and Dominia Move Closer Markhor Hopes Xanu-Sol Shipping will Compensate for Southern Losses Pres. Afzal’s Approval Rating Remains High

Months Later, Vysokan Mine Remains Closed After Disaster SEVASCHAIV, VYSOKA (GST) - As Himean, Vysokan, and Coalition authorities continue to investigate the deadly explosion at the Iijoki Iron Mine, the facility itself has remained closed and shuttered, with its employees placed on temporary paid leave until the Himean United Mineworkers Association (UMA), which operated the mine, can transfer them to another facility, “or otherwise resolve career issues for our employees,” per a spokesperson contacted by the XNS. Some residents of Sevaschaiv, such as UMA contractors and those associated with the town’s mining and metal industries, are concerned the mine’s closure will negatively impact the city’s industrial sector. Ganzorig Borjigin, who owns and operates the Great Host Steel Plant, described the mine’s closure as, “having a noticeable impact on our flow of iron ore. Iijoki was only one mine, but it had Himean equipment and Himean-trained engineers. They were fast and efficient – men and women you could count on to get something done. Sevaschaiv’s government has urged patience from its residents as it works with the UMA to reopen the mine, and anti-Himean protests in the city proper have increased since the explosion. The city’s police force, the Sevaschaiv Civil Guard, has struggled to quell recent protests and stop rioting, and has contracted d.N.A.’s Chevauchée Asset Protection through the end of the year for security assistance work. Further Reading: dNAC on Course for “Record Setting” Fiscal Year Coalition Governments Continue to Debate Frontier Protection Bureau Funding “Fourteen Days in Nueva Isabela: A Vysokan Fighting Against Fascism” Tops XNS’ Bestseller List for Nonfiction

Military Announces New Major Operation on Lycoris NUEVA ISABELA, SAN COLETTE (GST) - Alliance Military Northern Command has announced the start of a new military drive in the equatorial regions of Lycoris known as Operation Spring Rain. Intended to relieve pressure on Army troops in the area and to prevent terrorist forces from gaining control of farmland and former system defense force installations in the area, Spring Rain is predicted to last until mid fall of this year, though a spokesperson for General Patrick Edwards advised the SANN it will continue, “for as long as deemed necessary for security in its area of operations.” Active-duty military personnel and veterans interviewed by the SANN have broadly expressed approval for General Edwards’ decision to move aggressively against the New Solarian Restoration Front, or NSRF. Lycorii interviewed were more doubtful, with many saying they feel caught between government and SRF remnant forces. Gen. Edwards advised his soldiers are, “here to protect the citizens of Lycoris from the threat of the SRF and its splinter groups,” and that cooperation with the Army against the SRF will bring the conflict to an end more quickly. Operation Spring Rain is currently ongoing, having started earlier this week with the movement of additional forces into the equatorial region. Officers of the Lycoris Planetary Police Service have been critical of the Army’s focus on the countryside and NSRF forces there, with an anonymous police officer informing the SANN their department is overwhelmed by investigations into potential NSRF cells active in urban areas. Further Reading: Rains, Insects, Heat, and Bad Infrastructure Plague Visegradi Engineers and Scientists on Dominian World Empire of Dominia Reportedly Considering Expeditionary Force to Lycoris OPINION: The Sparring Sea: A Modern Powder-Keg?

Solarian Alliance Dispatches Expedition to Viceroyalty NOVA RIJEKA (CST) - As the Mandate endures one of its most brutal winters on record since the start of the Imperial era bravely, the Viceroyalty of Sun Reach has been sent aid from the Solarian Outer Ring colony of Visegrad, which dispatched a relief mission consisting of engineering and scientific personnel. Solarian Governor-Admiral Klaudia Szalai advised the Gazette in a statement that the expedition is intended to both, “relieve suffering on Sun Reach and further strengthen relations between Unity Station and Nova Luxembourg.” Known locally as “witch rains,” extreme weather on Sun Reach has caused widespread flooding and damage to both government infrastructure and private property, with some Reachers claiming the storms were divine punishment from Our Lady of Moroz and Novi Jadran. Meteorologists have noted intense weather phenomenon are not unusual on Sun Reach, with the planet having suffered from severe weather events several times since the start of the Imperial era. Doctor Rahela Lemnaru, professor of sociology at the Imperial Jadranic Academy of Sciences, identified several oral traditions among Reachers which suggest the phenomenon occurred multiple times during the pre-Imperial era, though with less severity and more infrequently. The Solarian team is set to arrive by the end of the month, and is expected to play a major role in assistance for those impacted by the disasters. Jadraners on Sun Reach contacted by the Gazette advised the situation was, “not immediately critical,” due to an outpouring of aid on and around the Feast of Devotion, and efforts by colonial authorities to prevent the outbreak of famine in impacted areas. Further Reading: Belluno Exarch Reprimanded for Claim Weather Outbreak on Sun Reach “Punishment” for History of Piracy Solarian Spaceline Reportedly in Talks to Acquire Moroz-Mandate Routes Imperial Jadranic Railway System: January was “Record-Breaking” Month for Weather-Related Delays

Elyra and Tau Ceti Mend Fences, Finalize Border UNITY STATION (GST) - In a seeming effort to turn a new page following tensions and minor skirmishes over the “Orchard Moon” corporate mining site, the Republic of Elyra and Republic of Tau Ceti have signed an agreement which cedes control of critical Valley Hale regions to Tau Ceti in return for increased security cooperation between Uthma and Mendell City. With the border zones having been the site of multiple violent skirmishes between Elyran and Tau Cetite forces, and home to several productive mining operations, economists have stated the agreement brings a degree of stability to a region plagued by tension since 2462. Some, however, have called the gesture a predatory one by Tau Ceti, which has long held interest in establishing sole control over the regions formerly disputed by Elyra. With the Republic of Elyra weakened by internal strife and a declining interstellar phoronics market, Tau Ceti likely has aims beyond regional security in its treaty with Elyra. Domestically, the Republic of Elyra has faced severe civil strife since its expansion of the draft to all residents, including noncitizens, residing within its borders, which has led to an exodus of many foreign nationals not holding “Non-Citizen Person” worker status. Foreign reactions to the act’s passage have been mixed, with the Xanan ambassador to Unity Station advising the Xanan Republic is, “disappointed,” Elyra has not moved to address increasing piracy in the southern Spur. Tau Cetite politicians have been more supportive of the gesture, calling it a, “step towards a more peaceful Spur.” Further Reading: Neither Citizen, Nor Person: Inside the World of Elyran Citizenship and Immigration Upcoming Coalition Memoir of Solarian Civil War a Most-Anticipated Book of 2468 A Royal Welcome: Dominian Heir Reportedly Considering Solarian Tour

Increasing Tensions Renew Calls for Frontier Protection Bureau Expansion NOUVELLE-ROCHELLE, XANU (GST) - With the Elyran and Dominian navies now focused on protecting their respective colonies in the Badlands-Sparring Sea Region, some voices within the Coalition have called on its member states to increase funding to an agency thought neglected by many: the Frontier Protection Bureau, or FBP. Established by the Coalition as an anti-piracy and security force for members lacking the resources to fund an inter-system navy, the FBP is most known for its Rangers. Equipped and funded by the Coalition’s members, the Rangers are known for their daring and heroism. However, many ex-Rangers have criticized the Coalition for making them, “do far more with far less.” The most prominent of these critics has been former Ranger and current IXP Representative Philippe Durant, who represents the Bamdha District of Pataliputra and has long been an advocate for a stronger FBP. Representative Durant has been particularly critical of President Afzal’s government, which he states is neglecting, “a key ally in the war against drug pushers on Xanan streets,” by not increasing funding to the FBP. Xanans remain divided on the issue of FBP funding increases, with general public support for the Rangers (71%) not translating into support for funding hikes (47%). More respondents from the All-Xanu Republic believe it either pays enough (37%) or more than enough (25%) then not paying enough (35%) or paying significantly less than enough (12%), with the remainder being undecided. Further Reading: Galatean Federation, Konyang Reportedly Oppose FPB Funding Increases Solarian Insurance Firms “Very Concerned” Over Increasing Piracy in Southern Spur Torch and Eagle: Are Biesel and Elyra Drawing Closer?

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Alliance, Empire Sign Mutual Naval Cooperation Agreement UNITY STATION (GST) - With instability growing in the southern Spur as the Elyran Republic engages in actions senators have called, “no better than piracy,” against civilian vessels accused of entering its territory, the Alliance of Sovereign Solarian Nations and Empire of Dominia have signed a mutual agreement for naval cooperation in the region. Described as formalizing already established de facto agreements between Southern Command (SOUCOM) and the Imperial Military’s Northern Military Frontier, the treaty — if it passes the Senate — will allow for mutual extradition of pirates between the two countries and is expected to greatly decrease the amount of piracy risk faced by Solarian ships in the region. It will also allow for certain ports and facilities to be used by both militaries. Secretary of Defense Courtois and Chief of Naval Operations von Varnhagen described the treaty as an encouraging step towards stabilizing a tense situation between Moroz and Persepolis in the region, and a step towards a more stable southern Spur under joint Solarian and Dominian naval patrols. SecD Courtois provided the SANN with the following statement: “I believe it cannot be overstated how important further interstellar cooperation is to maintain a peaceful and stable interstellar environment. The actions last month by the Republic of Elyra represent a dangerous escalation of tension in an area we have interests in maintaining peace and stability. We only have to look at the ‘Wasteland’ region to see what happens when governments sit back and do nothing to resolve instability.” The Southern Spur Security Act, or 3SA, is currently undergoing talks in the Senate and a vote is expected to come within the month. Respondents to a SANN poll expressed general approval for the Act, though many respondents expressed concerns about the Dominian government’s lack of freedoms. The desire to stop a war in the region was the highest priority for most respondents, with 63% putting it as their top concern. Further Reading: DoD: Progress on Colettish SDF Modernization “Ahead of Schedule” Ton Gwai Triads Clinch 9th Inning Win Against Novi Rijeka Ducals Sen. Muhtar Reportedly Undecided on Southern Spur Security Act

Navy: Recent Developments in Southern Spur “Concerning” for Regional Security FELLEGVAR, VISEGRAD (GST) - Admiral Monika von Schintling, commander of Southern Command, has issued a statement on recent border tensions between the Empire of Dominia and Republic of Elyra. Describing the recent events as, “a worrying trend of rhetorical and security escalation,” von Schintling advised the military’s forces in the area had moved to a heightened state of readiness as a deterrent against actions, “counter to national interests in the region.” This heightened state of alertness has seen local forces such as the Visegradi National Defense Force call up additional personnel in support of any possible military operations in the Southern Reaches. PM Strom is reported to have suggested the military readiness escalation in response to Elyran actions against civilian starships and the presence of significant Dominian naval assets in the region. An official with the Imperial Fleet, Dominia’s navy, advised the Alliance has, “no reason to be concerned,” about Dominian military operations in the region due to, “our nations’ long history of friendship,” and encouraged security cooperation against Elyran encroachment in the Region. The Elyran Ministry of Defense and War (MDW) did not return the SANN’s request for comment. Solarians in the Southern Reaches expressed general approval to increasing military readiness by Southern Command, with 65% approving of the decision. Support is highest on Sankt Frederick but lower on Visegrad, where Governor/Fleet Admiral Klaudia Szalai has attempted to reassure Visegradis the NDF will not be subordinated to the Navy and disbanded, as it was during the civil war in the region. Fleet Admiral Myo Yunso is reportedly to be a likely candidate for overall command of the Navy’s forces in the area. Further Reading: Strom: Elyran Activation of Phoronic Weaponry “Unprecedented” Level of Escalation Callistean Stock Markets Rattled by Interstellar Tensions VSI: "Tensions Won’t Stop Tours"

Republic of Assunzione to Increase Naval Patrols TRIESTO, ASSUNZIONE (GST) - Citing an increasingly unstable situation in the Sparring Sea and Elyran domestic unrest, the Republic of Assunzione has announced its navy will be increasing its presence and number of patrols in the Light’s Edge region to prevent the spread of piracy. President of the Assunzionii Republic Antonello Rosiello has additionally requested the deployment of more Frontier Protection Bureau vessels to the region, and proposed the formation of a joint naval command in the southern Coalition to increase cooperation in anti-piracy actions. As the Republic of Elyra’s attention has shifted towards the Sparring Sea and Empire of Dominia, security gaps have opened up in the region and piracy has increased, particularly since the start of 2466. Rear Admiral Layth Sidi, commander of an anti-piracy task force operated by the Republic of Assunzione Navy, described the situation as comparable to the aftermath of the Interstellar War, and worried it may escalate further unless the Coalition increases its presence in the region. An All-Xanu Spacefleet officer speaking to the XNS on the condition of anonymity described themselves as, “disappointed but unsurprised,” at the increase in piracy in the region, stating, “Elyra has always been more interested in fighting with the Imperials than cooperating with its neighbors.” Xanan and Solarian insurance companies have reported a sharp increase in the number of claims made for piracy-related damages, with Lloyd’s Interstellar Register listing it as one of the top claim categories alongside interstellar collisions and fires. Further Reading: Stock Markets Rattled by Increasing Piracy Galatean Federation, Himeo, Xanu Express Interest in Southern Anti-Piracy Operations Konyang Reportedly in Talks with Galatea for Next-Generation Space Superiority Fighters

Among the Exiles: Xanu’s Fisanduhians Speak NOUVELLE-ROCHELLE, XANU (GST) - With the Reformed Morozian Tribunalism festival known as the Feast of Devotion having taken place earlier this month, the XNS is proud to announce the upcoming release of a documentary covering the Fisanduhian community on Xanu. Second Homeland features interviews with a variety of Fisanduhiam-Xanans ranging from Vice President Erick Alexis to regular Xanans of Fisanduhian ancestry. Narrated by Spur-renowned author and Fisanduhian-Xanan Elaena Chatfield, Second Homeland premiers on 10 March 2468 on all XNS websites, streaming platforms, and holoTV channels. Below is a preview of the documentary. PLAY? >YES< NO Tune in to the XNS on 10 March for the premiere of Second Homeland. Further Reading: Environmental Groups Criticize Himavatia Undermining Operations Four Years After Civil War’s End, Alliance Still Faces Internal Conflicts Around the Spur: Why is Biesel so Averse to Cricket?

Phoron Supertanker Missing, Presumed Lost - Dominian Privateers Likely Responsible UTHMA, PERSEPOLIS (GST) - The Ministry of Phoron Management has confirmed the ERCSS Ghawar, a New Suez-originating phoron supertanker last seen on Saturday, as missing and presumed lost in or near the southern Coalition. The MPM has confirmed the vessel was operating on known warp networks on a routine Suezi-Xanan-Biesellite route known to be patrolled by naval vessels, and had recently departed New Suez with a full load. The Ministry of Defense and Warfare described all routes used by the Ghawar as, “extremely secure against attack by anything not part of a military-strength force.” The MDW has pointed a finger at the nearby Empire of Dominia and its privateering fleets, citing the recent movement of two major Morozian naval forces into the Sparring Sea and Badlands as a pretext to the attack. Blame has also been cast on noncitizen members of the crew, as the Ghawar’s crew register had several noncitizen members per a crew logbook shared with the ENN. The Empire’s foreign office has described the accusations as, “baseless,” while aligning itself with major pirate factions such as the “Goddess’ Flotilla” known to operate across the southern Spur. Elyran Navy garrisons along the western border have been placed on high alert in anticipation of further Morozian attacks on civilian shipping, and phoron-tipped munitions are being deployed to the garrisons to counter any full-scale attacks by the Empire. The MDW has advised the weapons are to be used in the event an organized Imperial effort is directed at the Sanitary Cordon operated by the navy. The western and northern garrisons are cooperating with Coalition and Biesel forces in a coordinated search for the missing supertanker. Further Reading: Stock Markets Plummet as Shipping Threats Mount MDW: Reservists to Assume 48 Hour Readiness Prime Minister: Moroz “Playing with Fire” by Striking Phoron Shipping

Coast Guard: Bulk Carrier Repairs Delayed by Storms, Cold DURRES, NOVI JADRAN (CST) - Coast Guard officials in the Durres district have advised ongoing repairs of the MV Sveta Magdalena, beached in early December, are behind schedule due to the ongoing harsh winter conditions across much of the western Iri delta and coastline. With this December having been one of the coldest in the western Iri delta region since the start of the Imperial Era, the salvage operation may now take until late winter to complete. However, damage to navigation beacons caused by Storm Markovic has been repaired on schedule with the assistance of the Imperial Army’s Pioneer Corps and civilian contractors. Damage reports of the vessel describe its condition as, “moderately damaged,” though likely to be able to withstand the winter and be moved to dry dock when weather lifts. Coast Guard officials have noted the number of damaged beacons is greater than initially estimated and many display signs of, “highly irregular,” damage not generally associated with Sea-Storm damages. With many beacons in the storm’s damage zone falling in territory controlled by a cadet branch of the Brignole family known as the de Castello family, which is responsible for their maintenance per an agreement with the Coast Guard. A source speaking to the Gazette on condition of anonymity advised the beacons were a known problem to the Coast Guard, which was unable to address them due to the family’s prestige, and local mariners, with pilot charts acquired by reporters in Durres noting the western Iri Delta’s northern reaches, near where the Sveta Magdalena grounded, explain navigation beacons may be inoperative, and to avoid the region during Sea-Storms. The seneschal of the de Castello family was contacted by the Gazette but has not responded as of the time of this article’s release. A former river pilot speaking on condition of anonymity reported they were, “not surprised,” at widespread reports of navigation problems in the region as, “every pilot worth their weight knows the Castello’s coastline is hazardous. The only surprise is it took a ship grounding to get the word out.” Captain Ljudevit Horvat of the Royal Durres Shipping Corporation, officer in charge of the Sveta Magdalena during its grounding, is currently working with the Coast Guard to determine a cause of grounding for his vessel, which is likely to return to service in 2469. Further Reading: Solarian Band “Interstellar Girls” Reportedly Considering Imperial Tour Beacon Repair May Take “Millions” of Crowns Sun Reach: Solarian Alliance Reportedly to Send Humanitarian Relief Force