NewOriginalSchwann

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

Suwon Authorities: Traffic Congestion “Top Priority” for Administration SUWON, KONYANG (GST) - As part of an urban planning initiative known as “Suwon 2485” authorities in the Republic of Konyang’s most populated city have announced their intent to address major traffic issues in the metropolis on the heels of Suwon being voted the Coalition’s most congested city for the fourth consecutive year. In second place is Point Verdant (locally known as Aoyama), also found on Konyang. Other most congested cities were found on Xanu and Vysoka, where many rural roads are in a state of neglect. Overcrowding has become a major issue for the world since its economic boom in the early years of this century, with many Konyangers living in small apartments and relying on public transportation systems due to the lack of space for anything aside from K-cars: small vehicles known as “Konyang cars” designed for use in urban areas. Congestion has become a major complaint of tourists, with the Konyang Board of Tourism reporting it as one of their most frequently seen complaints. Eun-ah Lim, spokesperson for the Suwon Board of Supervisors, advised the city, “does not want to leave visitors eager enough to come here after the crisis a bad perception of our city by having them stuck in traffic for hours,” in response to an email by the XNS. The city is reportedly in the, “very early,” stages of planning future infrastructure expansions, but Lim confirmed the municipal government is currently in the process of acquiring land to expand the Syngman Rhee Interstellar Shuttleport, allowing for more flights per day and shorter waiting periods for starliners prior to departure. Other proposals have included land reclamation in the Kaneyama Bay region and acquiring new light rail units from elsewhere in the Coalition, with the Himeo-based ULRAS reportedly a top contender to supply the trains per a source in the municipal government. Further Reading: Experts: Investigation into Iijoki Mine Disaster Could Last Months Report: Military Recruitment Numbers on Xanu Rose in 2467 Venusian Film Studio Reportedly in Talks to Produce Story of Tourist’s Survival in Visegrad’s Wilderness

SANN Cameras Roll as Army Patrol Comes Under Fire FORWARD OPERATING BASE HOWE, LYCORIS - A reporting team led by Le Quyen Cong and embedded with the Army’s 1st Infantry Division witnessed a shocking escalation in Lycoris’ peacekeeping operations as their patrol came under fire from unknown actors assumed to be affiliated with the former Restoration Front. Cong’s footage of the patrol and the incident is featured in the video link below. THE FOLLOWING ANN-PRODUCED VIDEO CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING: VIOLENCE, STRONG LANGUAGE PLAY? >YES< NO Further Reading: The 2467 Jeweler Cup: Where to Watch Konyanger Baseball on the SANN Visegradi Meteorological Team “Very Likely” to Assist Dominian Government in Weather Emergency on Colony 2467 in Review: PM Strom’s First Year in Office

Diplomatic Relations Severed with Elyran Republic, Fleet Moved to Protect Colonists NOVA LUXEMBOURG, MOROZ (GST) - In a blatant example of typical Elyran disregard for interstellar law and peace, the Elyran Republic has broken diplomatic ties with the Empire in favor of further destabilizing already fragile peace in the Southern Spur. Crown Princess Priscilla Keeser, acting on behalf of His Majesty Boleslaw Keeser, has severed all relations with the Elyran Republic and banished all diplomatic staff from within our borders in return. Deeming Elyra, “a threat to peace in the entire Spur,” in a fiery speech to the Imperial Electors and their cadet house representatives, the crown princess has promised all necessary actions shall be taken to ensure the continued safety and security of Imperial citizens in the Southern Spur. To deter any Elyran aggression against Imperial colonies in the region, Grand Admiral Huiling Zhao has moved the elite 1st and 2nd Battlefleets to the region, with more forces reportedly being summoned to the Caer Sidi System to defend the citizens of the Empire from any aggressors. Abroad, our friends in Unity Station have already taken decisive action against the Elyran Republic in response to crimes against its own citizenry, for which the crown princess has praised Prime Minister Strom in a call to Unity Station. The former ambassador to Elyra, Baron Rüdiger von Sinzendorf, arrived to Nova Luxembourg earlier today via bluespace diplomatic flight and provided the following statement to the INN: “The Republic of Elyra, as a state, has long been a spoiler against the existing interstellar order, and their expulsion of His Majesty’s Diplomatic Service after an incident in which their military was the aggressor beggars belief. In my two-score of service to our Empire I can recall no nation less respectful than the Elyrans: their phoron-based wealth — dredged up by near-slaves they do not grant even the basic niceties of citizenship — has made them complacent and ill-tempered. We can only pray their brutish fools shall not lead the Spur into extinction over some accursed thing in the Southern Spur.” Further Reading: Vice Grand Admiral Xiuling Zhao to Visit Luna as Part of Military Outreach to Alliance CCED Caladius and CCHMIM Volvalaad Authorize Emergency Funding Increase for Military Fortress Wei: Our Shield Against the Eagle

Callisto-Visegrad-Moroz Route Celebrates Two Months of Operation NOVA LUXEMBOURG, MOROZ (GST) - In a conference for investors and business media, Pan Solarian Interstellar CEO Gui Cheng commemorated two months of operation by the new Sol-Dominia route operated by Pan Solarian in late November 2467. Citing the opening of the route as, “a fantastic windfall,” for Pan Solarian, Cheng showed previously internal company data on traveler numbers for the route. While not the top interstellar route for Pan Solarian, which remains Callisto-Xanu, the CVM route has passed Callisto-Visegrad-Persepolis and Callisto-Tau Ceti in travel numbers for the past two months. With tensions growing between the Republic of Elyra and the broader Spur, a Pan Solarian analyst spoken to by SANN reporter Cèline Eylenbosch advised he believes Elyran travel will sharply decline in 2467 and 2468 compared to 2466, where it reached five-year peak. Travel to the Republic of Tau Ceti has similarly declined, with many Solarian travelers describing it as unsafe or wishing to economically boycott the Tau Cetite tourist industry until it ends the occupation of Solarian territory. Morozian investor Jean-Louis de Montagne, employed by a hedge fund affiliated with a major Dominian family known as House Caladius, was interviewed by the SANN and described the CVM route as, “an incredible opportunity to bring Unity Station and Moroz closer together. The Solarian embassy in Nova Luxembourg noted it has processed more tourist visas in the past two months than in all of 2466. Further Reading: Venusian Film Industry Reports 2467 One of its Best Years Elyran Market Restrictions Rattle Solarian, Xanan Wine Industries Idris Incorporated and Pan Solarian in Talks to Charter Idris Flights on CVM Route

Republic of Elyra Hit by Hardest Tariffs of Decade in New Law UNITY STATION, EARTH (GST) - Deadlock over the Nuzheid Act has been resolved by the Senate following a compromise between it and the opposing Sultan Act, which primarily dealt with Elyran economic and political leaders. Under the Nuzheid Act all imports from Elyra are subject to an incense 45% tariff, the highest imposed by the Alliance since a 100% tariff against Biesel was lifted in 2460, and accounts held in the Alliance by prominent Elyran military, economic, and political leaders are to be frozen until further notice. Sen. Pres. Sumida (SFP-LUNA) led the push to pass the Act following news of attacks by Elyran Navy ships on independent vessels. Describing the actions of the Elyrans as, “no better than piracy,” Sumida officially declared the measure as passed. PM Strom is expected to sign the Nuzheid Act into law and there is broad support in the Alliance for retaliation against Elyra following its actions against striking workers last year and the subsequent naval incident in January of this year, with 74% of respondents favoring some level of tariffs, roughly the same level as in December 2468. Some members of the Alliance’s business community have expressed concern about potential phoron price increases in the near future, as a minority of the Alliance’s phoron comes from the Republic of Elyra, and the price of the fuel has only increased since 2462. Further Reading: Army Reportedly Increasing Patrols in Equatorial Lycoris Heavy Rainfalls Inundate Dominian Planet Coalition World Mourns Dead, Celebrates Living in Mine Disaster’s Aftermath

Survey Ship’s Crew Returns with Shocking Story of Mistreatment by Elyra, Biesel SHANGDI, CAER SIDI SYSTEM (GST) - The surviving crew of the House Volvalaad-operated scientific vessel Zhu Yu, thought missing by many in the Imperial scientific community, returned today to an Imperial Fleet facility with a harrowing tale of murder, mistreatment, and piracy in the Sparring Sea that saw 11 of the vessel’s 15 crew killed in action. The vessel’s captain, one Ayaka Imai of Zhurong, described the incident as, “the worst I have seen or heard of in my four decades as an officer,” and noted it began when the Zhu Yu was forced into an asteroid belt by an Elyran Republic vessel while traveling in independent space. The crew was forced to abandon ship, taking only what they could immediately carry, and were rescued by a passing vessel from the Republic of Biesel, which provided limited medical aid to the survivors. In a flagrant disregard for interstellar law, the Republic of Biesel’s vessel allowed for the Elyran ship to steal the Zhu Yu’s survey data and return it to Persepolis, where it will surely be used to aid Elyran imperialism in the region. In a final act of barbarism the Elyran crew is reported to have desecrated the dead by destroying the stricken vessel with bodies still aboard, leaving the relatives and loved ones of the deceased crew without even a body to mourn. Chief Commissioner of Imperial Sovereignty Antonio Caladius has summoned the Republic of Biesel’s ambassador to Moroz to explain why its vessel refused to aid the Zhu Yu beyond the most basic humanitarian duties. The Solarian ambassador to Moroz has issued an official statement in support of the Zhu Yu and against piracy, calling the phenomenon, “one of the great challenges facing the Southern Spur in this decade.” With its massacres of striking workers a recent memory for many in the Spur, this incident is simply a reminder of the Elyran Republic’s danger to interstellar peace. Further Reading: Imperial Fleet Reportedly Considering Further Patrols in Sparring Sea Holy Tribunal Prepares for Annual Feast of Devotion, Calls for Charity to Aid Sun Reach Novi Jadran Faces One of its Coldest Winters on Record