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Byond CKey
neworiginalschwann
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Senator Erkan Muhtar’s Elyra-to-Earth Religious Tourism Act Passes with “Supporters of State Oppression” Restrictions UNITY STATION (GST) - The SFP has gained a victory today with the passing of the Earth-Elyra Faith Relations Act, which allows for free transit between the Republic and Alliance for religious reasons such as pilgrimages. The Act has a provision which bars designated “Supporters of State Oppression” from entering the Alliance using EEFRA justifications. Calling it, “a victory for the Islamic community in the modern Spur.” Sen. Muhtar provided the following statement to the SANN: “The EEFRA helps alleviate suffering by Elyran Muslims while maintaining our hardline stance against the Republic’s unacceptable violence towards its own citizens. This — need I remind Prime Minister Nouzari — is both against interstellar law and the teachings of the Prophet, praise be unto Him. While some may criticize me for taking a ‘softer’ stance on Elyra through this Act we must understand and acknowledge our Alliance is home to the holy sites of almost every major religion. If we kept people from their faith, we would not live up to the promise of our Alliance: a nation for all humanity.” The EEFRA is expected to be signed into law by PM Strom by the end of the week, and is anticipated to benefit Earth’s economy through religious tourism to holy sites across the planet. The President of the United Arab Republic, which contains multiple religions sites, praised Sen. Muhtar’s decision as, “the right thing to do in a time of interstellar tension.” Further Reading: Solarian Communist Party Condemns EEFRA as “Contrary” to Aims of Anti-Elyra Tariffs Konyanger, Solarian, Dominian Baseball Leagues Open 2468 Season Senator Llewelyn: Republic of Elyra Facing “A Crisis of Unrest”
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There is no option for security-related skills for any character under 25, meaning you cannot* play as a security character under 25. *You can at the cost of being unfamiliar in every combat skill aside from firearms, which is not ideal.
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Konyang Police Superintendent Shot Outside Residence USHISHIR, KONYANG (GST) - Earlier today Konyang National Police Superintendent Daewon Kim, of the Ushishir Police Department, was reported to have been shot outside his residence while cycling. The KNP have released an official statement which notes Kim is, “in stable condition,” and the suspected shooter is in custody. While a motivation has not been released, police in Ushishir have recently undertaken significant efforts against organized crime in the city. Gun violence is rare on Konyang, making this attack an unusual event for the planet. Photographs of the gun captured by a freelance photographer at the scene show it is similar in design to handguns issued to Konyang’s military. A pachinko parlor operator interviewed by the XNS who wished to remain anonymous advised they are, “very worried,” the crackdown and shooting will lead to further violence in Ushishir. “Nobody wants this to become a repeat of ‘65 in Suwon, when it all went to pieces. There’s a way of doing things in this industry: pay your fair share to the local guys and get left alone. Maybe even get some security in return. I don’t want to have my whole business ruined because the superintendent wants to bump up the government’s approval ratings. I’ve got power bills and employees to pay.” Other residents expressed concern the crackdown will force smaller businesses to shutter as tourists avoid the city and local businesses are forced to close their doors. Gyu-ri #079, chief operations officer of the New Paektu Ski Resort, advised the XNS, “the only winners of any unrest in New Hokkaido are trans-stellar corporations with enough capital to endure several loss years. We’ve been lucky and have kept out of the red, but a lot of other resorts haven’t been as fortunate. Nobody here wants to see the prefecture turned into a new Silversun, but we’ll become one if tourists keep avoiding us.” Further Reading: Decision 2470: How will Xanans Vote in a Post-Afzal Era? Shipping in Southern Coalition Remains “Very Risky” per Assessors Opinion: The Alliance at War with its Past on Lycoris
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Bugs, Rains, and Infrastructure Woes Trouble Visegradi Relief Expedition SUN REACH, EMPIRE OF DOMINIA (GST) - The Solarian Scientific and Relief Expedition (SSRE) do Sun Reach under Doctor Dieter Nicolescu, of the Nowa Bratislava Xenosciences Research Institute (NBXRI), has reported its progress as, “slow but steady,” over the past weeks on Sun Reach. A Dominian colonial world, the planet is dominated by marshy terrain and thick forests which make travel by anything but helicopter or boat impractical. Infrastructure has been described by Doctor Nicolesu as, “very limited,” outside of certain areas. The recent winter season brought some of the world’s highest rain levels since recording began in the 2420s, and recent levels have exceeded fragmentary data from before 2302. Doctor Nicolescu informed the SANN his staff are tired, but in good spirits, and have been, “greatly impressed,” by assistance from the local authorities, including military engineers. Xenobotanists from NBXRI working alongside Dominian scientists have identified several plant species native to Sun Reach which were unknown to Solarian scientists and described the planet as a potential, “treasure trove,” of new species. Aside from scientific research the SSRE has distributed humanitarian rations to badly-impacted villages and is assisting local residents with the development of anti-flooding infrastructure to prevent further damage. The local governor’s office, in an official statement provided to the SANN, advised the governor is, “beyond pleased the Alliance has assisted us in our hour of need.” Across the Spur the actions of the SSRE have been viewed by some as a return to form of the Alliance, which has provided aid to other nations in times of need. The Solarian public is generally supportive of further aid, with 57% of respondents expressing some level of support. Those critical generally cited the need for continued support of areas damaged in the civil war or opposition to foreign involvement after 2462. Further Reading: Mandates: Colettish Economy Returns to Prewar Levels Coalition, Dominian, Solarian Public Transit Authorities Meet for Weeklong 2468 Summit in New Odesa Department of Justice Arrests 23 in Major Public Corruption Investigation on Silversun
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Our Army Extends a Hand of Friendship to Unity Station NOVA LUXEMBOURG, MOROZ (GST) - With ties deepening between our great Empire and the venerable Solarian Alliance the High Lord General of His Majesty’s Imperial Army, Grand Duchess-Electress Dorothea-Frieda Strelitz, has confirmed His Majesty’s Imperial Military is in discussions with their counterparts in the Alliance regarding the dispatching of an expeditionary force to the rebellious Solarian world of Lycoris. There, the Alliance’s army has fought valiantly against the scourge of insurrection and rebellion in defense of its people and Unity Station’s laws. Opposing the Solarian government is a motley collection of rebels and bandits affiliated with a vanquished pretender to Unity Station. The Alliance has magnanimously recognized our continued excellence in counter-insurgency operations with minimal disruption to our population, and the Imperial Army’s Department for Imperial Outreach has advised the INN if any forces are deployed, they will likely be drawn from the First Army Group, responsible for the garrison and defense of some Imperial Core sectors, or the 3rd Army Group, assigned to the near frontier, and the expeditionary force, “should not exceed a division in its size.” With Lycoris resembling Hyrcania or Sun Reach in its climate and environment — a temperate world covered in thick, sometimes tropical, forests. Rumors have begun to spread about which forces will be deployed to the Alliance, with many vying for the honor of such a prestigious duty. Rumored frontrunners are the X. Army’s airborne units, notably the 12th Airborne Operations Brigade, or the II. Army’s mountaineering units, notably the 1st Mountain Division. Both units are rapid-deployment and difficult-terrain forces, with the 1st having a long history of operations in Fisanduh’ difficult terrain. Enlistment and transfer requests for both are reported to have sharply increased, with many young soldiers seeing it as an opportunity to prove themselves as able to assist our ally in its domestic security. Further Reading; Jadranic Authorities: Coastal Navigation System Suffered “Consistent Neglect” in Certain Areas Solarian Scientific Expedition Arrives in Sun Reach, Sun Reach Commissioner of Imperial Education: Imperial Students to Attending Solarian Universities Increased “Dramatically” in 2567-68 Academic Year
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Snake Eyes: Konyanger Police Dismantle Organized Crime Gambling Operations in Tourist Hotspot USHISHIR, KONYANG (GST) - The Konyang National Police have announced a major operation to curtail organized crime-affiliated gambling rings in the tourist hotspot of Ushishir, New Hokkaido, as the Republic of Konyang struggles to recover its position as a tourist destination following the Rampancy Crisis. Known for its health tourism and winter sports, which draw tourists from across the Coalition and beyond, the city avoided the worst impacts of the crisis but has struggled to attract tourists in the aftermath, with Xanans interviewed by the XNS citing concerns about safety as one of their top reasons for not visiting Konyang. Other reasons included religious concerns and increasing travel costs, with more Xanans opting to vacation on Xanu itself in 2467 than any other point in the last decade. Criminal operations targeted by the National Police included gambling halls and clubs affiliated with known Konyanger organized crime groups such as the Benevolent Guild and 5-Cheung. Several foreign nationals affiliated with Konyanger organized crime were arrested, with the National Police stating in an official press release it is working with Solarian, Xanan, and Vysokan authorities to coordinate potential law enforcement extraditions. Superintendent Daewon Kim of the Ushishir Police Department informed the XNS he was, “very happy,” with the outcome of the investigation and hoped it would, “help revitalize tourism in our city. Organized crime and corruption have been consistently cited as a top issue for the Republic of Konyang since a 2463 Coalition-led report on its government following its entry into the defensive pact. Xanu’s government has been particularly vocal about Konyang’s corruption issues, with some politicians claiming criminal organizations operating on Konyang provide an “open door” for Biesel- or Alliance-originating illicit goods to enter the Coalition. Further Reading: Rep. Begam Praises Konyang Police Actions LibertIPC Criticizes All-Xanu Public Security Office for “Substandard” Support for Synthetic Officers Stafýlia: Inside the Assunzionii Fast Food Juggernaut
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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
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“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
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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
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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?
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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
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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
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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?