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Non-Citizen Riot on Aemaq Seizes Major Chemical Plant NUZHEID, AEMAQ (GST) - Earlier today the Mahammad Aydamir Chemical Plant was seized by non-citizen person rioters previously employed by the plant. Rioters armed themselves with a variety of industrial equipment used in the chemical industry and have demanded the government reverse the Elyran Security Act and cease the deportation of noncitizen criminals to third parties. The Elyran employees of the MACP were able to flee the facility with assistance from a nearby off-duty police officer and the plant’s security guard staff, and the Nuzheid Police Department has established a cordon of the plant with a negotiation team. The singular hostage held by the rioters, a chemical engineer surveying the lower levels, was released shortly after the cordon was established and delivered a copy of the rioters’ manifesto to police given to her by their leader. Chief Hakim Abbas, NPD, stated the plant seizure is a major security concern for the floating city due to it containing large amounts of highly volatile phoron and other chemicals which pose a risk to public safety, and has requested support from the EAF to secure the area and contain any possible explosion. National Guard troops in the city have already been activated and are working with the NPD to prevent any further escalation by the rioters. Admiral Zubair el-Yamin has stated the Ministry of Defense will take, “any means necessary,” to restore order in the plant from the rioters. The rioters are believed to be former employees of the chemical plant. Little information is available about their identities, and Chief Abbas has stated the NPD is working with the Special Threat Section to determine if foreign intelligence services have any links to the rioters. Municipal authorities in Nuzheid have declared a state of emergency and evacuated a two kilometer radius surrounding the plant, temporarily disabling much of the city’s chemical production. Many private citizens have opted to leave the floating city temporarily due to risk of an explosion at the MACP, with Jewel Starlines reporting it has redirected more flights to handle the increased volume of travel. Further Reading: Army Chemical Warfare Command to Deploy to Nuzheid Republican Assembly Condemns Plant Seizure: “Chemical Terrorism” Phoron Contamination: How to Know the Signs

Resupply Shaft to Iijoki Mine Finished, Miners in “Good Spirits” SEVASCHAIV, VYSOKA (GST) - Himean and Vysokan engineers have announced the successful completion of a resupply shaft to the Iijoki Iron Mine’s Golden Gumori shelter as of earlier this morning. The United Mineworkers’ Alliance project supervisor Jaakko Honkonen advised the resupply shaft was, “a tremendous accomplishment and done in near-record time,” by a team of UMA-certified engineers and mining experts working around the clock. The shaft allows for a several meter long supply tube to be lowered to the mine’s lowest levels and unloaded by the miners, who then load the tube with anything they need disposed of. Honkonen stated the supply shaft is a long, sloping tunnel designed to prevent a runaway supply container from slamming into the shelter’s level, and that it may be possible to evacuate individual miners up the shaft. However, the packages currently take nearly two hours to complete a one-way trip, making its use as an evacuation vector impractical for the time being. UMA officials have stated they are working on the creation of a rescue apparatus and urged patience as they attempt to ensure the safety of escaping workers. Tensions in Sevaschaiv itself have calmed since the disaster one week ago and the city’s Civil Guard has ended its nightfall curfew order for the areas surrounding its government offices and general hospital. Mine workers are reported to be in good spirits with the arrival of new supplies and the prospect of rescue drawing closer. Ganzorig Baatar, foreman of the mine level, sent a photograph of himself and the mining crew trapped in the shelter up with the first returning supply container which he has requested the XNS publish to show the Coalition the miners are alive and, “very thankful the Coalition cares about all of us.” Attached at the bottom of this article is a very crowded photograph taken somewhere in a mine, in front of a shelter. It’s well-lit — the miners appear to have used some floodlights as lighting — and features two rows of Vysokan miners in dirty fatigues and boilersuits. There’s quite a few human details. A woman in the back, her face covered in soot, is waving at the camera while a young man next to her gives her a dirty look. A bearded man off to the side is clinking a bottle with another miner and smiling at the camera. They’re tired and dirty, but these men and women are alive and enthusiastic. At the front and center is an older man wearing a dirt-stained collated shirt and UMA jacket with “BAATAR” written on a pocket in permanent marker, the foreman is grinning widely and holding a sign with “SURFACE OR BUST” written on it. Further Reading: Xanan Companies Seek Solarian Government Reconstruction Contracts, Spark Gadpathurian Condemnation Air Konyang Announced Discount on Nouvelle-Rochelle to Suwon Flights in Government Tourism Bid Sevaschaiv Miner's Charity Alliance Seeks to Aid Local Miners with Coalition-Wide Campaign: The XNS Interviews its Founder

Coalition Militaries Hold Joint Exercise on Border SUWON, KONYANG (GST) - Xanan and Konyanger military officials have announced the completion of a joint military preparedness exercise known as Operation Tigre. Intended to address a potential conflict on the Coalition’s western border, the operation involved a theoretical Solarian admiral seizing power in Unity Station and attempting to capture the Haneunim System from the Coalition. Run over the past three weeks, it covered a variety of scenarios including the use of hivebot-derived weapons to attack the Republic of Konyang’s synthetic population and the deployment of phoronic weaponry by the Solarian Navy. All Coalition members contributed forces to the exercise, though some Assunzionii hospital ships were diverted to assist with disaster relief following the Iijoki iron mine’s collapse on Vysoka. Xanan officials, including President Afzal, have called Operation Tigre an expression of the Coalition’s support for all members of the alliance in the face of external aggression. President Hyun Kyung-ho of the Republic of Konyang advised the XNS the operation proceeded according to plan and involved all elements of the Republic’s military and police forces, and provided the following statement: “Operation Tiger represents the continued support our coalition of nations has for every one of its members better than any press conference could. We were wounded by the recent attack on our Republic, but we remain strong, and our enemies know that an attack on one of us represents an attack on us all.” The Solarian embassy in the All-Xanu Republic released a statement noting the Alliance respects interstellar law and claimed the use of a military coup against its government in the simulated exercise was, “deeply disrespectful to those Solarians and foreign citizens who lost their lives fighting against the scourge of extremism in the Northern Reaches.” Konyangers responding to an XNS poll expressed overwhelming support for Operation Tigre, with upwards of 80% of respondents expressing either support or strong support for the military exercise. Synthetic citizens of Konyang were more likely to support the exercise, while 60+ organic citizens were the least likely. Further Reading: Iijoki Iron Mine Expected to Permanently Close due to Instability — Rescue Efforts Continue Elyran Ambassador to Xanu Expresses Concern About Interstellar Tensions, Military Exercises Hit Konyangimation Series “Believe!~ (In the Time)” Releases New Freespeak Dub: Read Our Review Here

Solarian Alliance Establishes Permanent Mission on Novi Jadran NOVA RIJEKA (CST) - At 12:00 Capital Standard Time today the Solarian ambassador to the Empire, Ulrike de Esterházy von Galántha, attended the opening of the Alliance’s first consulate on Novi Jadran since 2459, when the original consulate was closed for budgetary reasons by the Solarian government. Also in attendance were the crown princess and Governor-Marchioness Glavan. Representing the interests of Nova Rijeka’s patricians was Edvard Posavac, a close ally of the crown princess. Ambassador von Galántha and the crown princess cut the ribbon of the new consulate to the cheers of a crowd of thousands gathered along Imperator Godwin Boulevard, the grand avenue of the city. Crown Princess Keeser advised this is an historic day in the history of the Empire’s presence as an interstellar power, and praised the citizens of the Imperial Mandate for their steadfast faith and loyalty while the Elyran Republic, longtime enemy of our nation, has fallen into economic disarray. Following this the crown princess embarked on a tour of the city alongside the Solarian ambassador and Governor-Marchioness, while Mr. Posavec met with the Solarian foreign service officer in charge of the consulate, Maksym Hirnyk, to discuss securing visas for Jadraners wishing to travel abroad to the Alliance via the soon to be opened route to Visegrad and Callisto. May Our Lady of Moroz and Saviour of Novi Jadran watch over the crown princess and provide her long life and prosperity! We at the Gazette are honoured by her presence in our fine city! Further Reading: Coast Guard River Patrol Saves Crew of Stranded Ferry Royal Jadranic Opera Company Reports Best Year on Record Jadranic Officers Honoured at Navy Day Fleet Review

Strom, Senate Reach Agreement - PM Condemns Tau Ceti as Threat to Interstellar Peace UNITY STATION (GST) - A series of meetings between Prime Minister Strom and members of the Senate has resulted in an end to the political deadlock which has recently gripped the Alliance. Senator Muhtar’s bloc has agreed to lift their embargo on legislation in return for an official condemnation of the government of Tau Ceti by the Alliance. Senator Muhtar, in a statement provided to the SANN, described this event as, “a great, historic day for Solarians everywhere — whether living under freedom or under foreign occupation. It tells them they are not forgotten by Unity Station, and we shall return for them.” The Office of the Prime Minister of the Alliance of Sovereign Solarian Nations issued an official declaration shortly afterwards which described the Republic of Tau Ceti’s tight controls on phoron and, “brutal repression,” of its illegally occupied territories a threat to the peace and prosperity of the entire Spur, and called upon the Cetite government to stop its cartelization of fuel and occupation of the territories. In response the President of Tau Ceti is reported to have summoned the Solarian ambassador to his palace to explain the Alliance’s demands. Stocks fell in response to the condemnation, though to a lesser degree than previous days. Interstellar reactions to the condemnation have been mixed. The embassy in Mendell City has issued its highest travel advisor for the Republic of Tau Ceti and sources within the Mendell City Police Department have confirmed the submission of several requests to hold anti-Solarian protests outside of the embassy. The President of the All-Xanu Republic advised calm from both parties and cited the centuries of relative peace between the Alliance and Coalition as proof nations can coexist in the modern Spur. Solarian citizens in the Hinterlands celebrated the announcement, with several burning effigies of President Ake Torvald, leader of the Republic of Tau Ceti, outside the governor’s residence on Hang Tuah’s Rest in a rally to support the Alliance. PM Strom’s popularity is expected to have risen after his condemnation, with opposition to Tau Ceti having remained high across all sectors of the Alliance since polling on it began in 2463. The Tau Cetite ambassador to the Alliance lodged a formal complaint with the government over the incident, stating the member-states in the Republic’s occupation zone joined of their own free will after their, “abandonment by the Alliance.” Expatriate groups and the Freedom from Tau Ceti Foundation condemned this announcement as another example of Tau Ceti attempting to shape, “the narrative of occupation,” in its occupied territories. Further Reading: Business Leaders Celebrate End of Government Deadlock Interstellar Observers Reportedly Considering Downgrading Elyra to “Non-Free” State Following New Anti-Immigrant Laws Solarian Ambassador to Moroz to Visit Frigid Dominian World - Read the SANN’s Coverage Here

Sen. Muhtar to Meet with Prime Minister UNITY STATION (GST) - As the deadlock in the Populist Party’s ranks worsens in the face of opposition to Tau Ceti, Senator Erkan Muhtar is reportedly heading to a closed-door meeting with the PM. Several notable SPP senators, including Sen. Eirlys Llewellyn, are reported to be attending, in addition to several prominent members of the Strom cabinet, according to a source within Unity Station who spoke to the SANN on condition of anonymity. The topics of the meeting are not known at this time, but our analysts believe the likely topic is the growing crisis in the Senate over what some are calling the Tau Ceti question. Interstellar leaders have expressed concern over the political crisis and its potential impact on an already fragile interstellar economy, with the ambassador of the All-Xanu Republic, Emmanuel Randhawa stating he was, “gravely concerned,” about the possibility of escalation between the Alliance and Tau Ceti. The Dominian ambassador to the Alliance, Colette-Rosaire Caladius, likewise expressed her concern over the situation, stating the Alliance, “must not fall into disarray so soon after its triumphs.” The Tau Cetite embassy could not be reached for comment. Ongoing issues in the Senate have begun to impact the broader economy, with Callistean stock markets closing lower than they have started ever since the announcement of the boycott three days ago. Analysts across the Spur have called this the first major crisis to confront the Strom government, and polls indicate a slight drop in support for the PM. However, a strong performance in yesterday’s conference is expected to help Strom rally supporters. It remains to be seen if this meeting will address any of the ongoing political issues. Further Reading: OPINION: Phoron - A Dead End of Power Generation Pan Solarian Interstellar Reports CVM Line Construction Ahead of Schedule Callisto, Xanu Football Teams to Play Repeat of ‘66 Match for Charity for Coalition Industrial Disaster

Lowest Levels of Iijoki Mine Contacted — Missing Miners Located Alive! SEVASCHAIV, VYSOKA (GST) - Cheers erupted across Sevaschaiv today as rescuers re-established contact with the Golden Gurmori shelter at the Iijoki Iron Mine’s lowest level. A team of telecommunications specialists working for Siddharta Systems used a small cable-laying robot to reconnect cut wires in the shelter’s power and communications lines, allowing the trapped miners to re-establish contact with the surface. All 52 missing minors were found to be in the shelter, with high spirits and a functional air circulation system. UMA specialists have begun construction of a supply shelf and anticipate being able to resupply the trapped miners by the end of next week. The trapped miners have requested several copies of the latest “Monkey King” movie be included in the first supply list to address their boredom. Miners in the Golden Gurmori are under the leadership of mine foreman Ganzorig Baatar, a 20 year veteran of the mining industry who, according to a UMA spokesperson, is responsible for the mine’s lowest levels and is well-regarded for his expertise and dedication, having attained a masters of engineering from the Dorshafen School of Mines on a work scholarship. Baatar spoke briefly with Coalition media via a video connection and stated he has the, “utmost confidence in my boys and girls,” and in the Arihuin, a protective spirit in Vysokan religion, and hoped they would be rescued before the new year. Tensions in Sevaschaiv remain high but appear to have dropped with the reestablishment of contact between the surface and lowest levels. The city’s Civil Guard has reported a higher than average amount of arrests for public disturbance-related crimes since the disaster earlier this week, and has called on residents to remain calm and keep emergency service lanes clear. Vysokan-Xanans have picketed the headquarters of Chevauchée Asset Protection in response to the PMC’s deployment to Vysoka. Chevauchée declined a request for comment by the XNS, citing company policy which prevents them from commenting on active contracts. Further Reading: Vysokan-Xanan Community Rallies to Support Injured Miners Solarian Government Deadlock Continues Is Elyra a Democracy? Answer the XNS’ Latest Poll Here

Solarian Ambassador Meets Esteemed Duelists DOMELKOS, MOROZ (GST) - The newly-arrived Solarian ambassador to Moroz has struck another blow in her campaign to win the hearts of Morozians everywhere by engaging in a formal meeting with the Empire’s greatest duelists. Lady Ambassador Ulrike de Esterházy von Galántha, subject of a recent INN article covering her meeting with His Majesty the Emperor, has spent the past several days in Domelkos as the formal guest of Her Majesty Empress Lei’s Royal Fencing Society in Domelkos, Moroz. The ambassador, who is said to be a member of a Solarian dueling fraternity on Earth’s moon, is reported to have enjoyed her time among some of the Empire’s finest competitors in the sport alongside the Network’s very own Josephine Maria Caladius. Solarian tour agencies have begun to express interest in expanding their operations in the Empire, particularly with the establishment of new void routes between Solarian and Morozian national carriers. House Caladius and the Chief Commissioner of Economic Development have called upon the Emperor to relax tourism visa requirements for eligible Solarian citizens, citing increased travel and concerns among many Morozians that strict visa requirements first introduced in the 2450s may have a detrimental effect on tourism. CCED Izla Caladius, speaking during a late-night conference, stated the need to retain security must be balanced with the need to keep Moroz from entering into diplomatic isolation, stating the Empire, “cannot suffer the fate of Elyra’s mismanaged economy,” in an era of increasingly expensive foreign travel and growing fuel prices. Ambassador von Galántha echoed CCED Caladius’ opinion, advising the era of Solarian isolationism was, “long over,” and the Alliance wished to, “re-establish old friendships,” in an interview with Countess Josephine Maria Caladius conducted in Morozi. Further Reading: Jadranic Authorities Report Offshore Fuel Deposits May be Biggest in Empire Visegrad: The INN’s Guide to the Alliance’s Hyrcania Imperial Fleet Modernization Review Continues, Advises Contract Bidding to Commence within Fiscal Year

87 Dead, 209 Injured, 52 Missing as Mine Rescue Effort Continues SEVASCHAIV, VYSOKA (GST) - Rescue and engineering crews have worked day and night in the partially-collapsed Iijoki Iron Mine on Sevaschaiv’s outskirts, with all but 52 of the mine’s 600 on-shift workers accounted for. Of the mine’s workers, roughly 300 — including some injured — were able to evacuate from other shafts or dig themselves out from small cave-ins, with some of these miners citing United Mineworkers’ Alliance equipment and training as the reason for their survival, with the mine having multiplied “hard point” shelters for workers in the event of a collapse. Others were discovered by emergency crews. Including some 45 miners who survived inside an underground cafeteria. The source of the explosion remains under investigation by Vysokan and UMA authorities, with a team of mine safety experts from across the Coalition having arrived yesterday. Rescued miners have reported hearing a large explosion from underneath them, followed by rumbling and shaking throughout the cave, suggesting an explosion deeper in the mine. Rescue teams have reported dangerous instability lower in the mines, preventing them from going deeper until reinforcements can be set. However, authorities have yet to determine an official cause and have stressed caution, citing the need for all available resources to ensure any trapped workers survive. The missing workers are believed to work on the lower levels of the mine, where rich iron deposits had been recently discovered by the UMA. The lower shaft — known as the “Golden Gurmori” by miners due to its high iron levels — is equipped with a shelter that can last for up to two months, assuming air circulation systems remain intact. Per UMA reports, there is no reason to believe the system is nonfunctional. However, attempts to raise the lower shelter by radio have been unsuccessful, suggesting it may be suffering from a power outage. While Sevaschaiv remains calm, local police and private security forces are still on high alert following mostly peaceful protests against Himean presence in the Free System of Vysoka. The city’s Civil Guard has deployed riot gas to disperse crowds gathered outside its general hospital, citing concerns for patient safety as many injured mine workers are being treated inside. Further Reading: Republic of Assunzione Aid Arrives on Vysoka Galatean Authorities Call for Coalition-Run Investigation into Mine Disaster OPINION: Iijoki Disaster Startlingly Similar to pre-'62 Martian Iron Mine Collapses

Major Explosion Rocks Himean-Operated Vysokan Mine SEVASCHAIV, VYSOKA (GST) - Shock and dismay have gripped the industrial capital of Vysoka following a deadly mine explosion earlier today that is believed to have killed more than fifty miners and potentially injured hundreds more. Rescue efforts are currently underway at the Iijoki Iron Mine, operated by the Himean United Mineworkers’ Alliance, in an effort to locate any trapped survivors of the blast. UMA managers and Sevaschaiv authorities are enthusiastic about the rescue operation so far, with heavy equipment having arrived from other mines and a nearby Galatean agricultural research operation having provided medical staff. The cause of the explosion is currently unknown, with XNS reporters having discovered the mine was reported as having no known safety hazards during its recent biyearly inspection by the UMA in June. Vysokan authorities have called for a full, independent investigation by a third party, with some Sevaschaiv officials claiming the accident may have been caused by problems Himean inspectors concealed. Anti-Himean unrest has already been reported within the city itself, and its Civil Guard, supported by private military companies such as Chevauchée Asset Protection, has been deployed to prevent rioting. UMA representatives have denied any attempt to cover up flaws in the mine, citing their obligations to protect worker safety and health as a Himean syndicate. A major Himean syndicate, UMA operates most Himean-owned mines on Vysoka and has drawn criticism from environmental groups across the Coalition for “sloppy” handling of its pollution and environmental impact. Despite this controversy, many Vysokans employed by the syndicate have a positive view of it. This is the first major mining disaster on the planet since the early 2400s when an unlicensed mining operation collapsed, killing anywhere from 125-231 mostly Vysokan miners. Casualty and cost estimates are still ongoing as of the time of publication, but initial rescue efforts have uncovered several dozen living trapped miners and removed them from the site, suggesting the damage underground may be extensive. Further Reading: Xanan Tourist Released from Hospital After 11 Days Missing on Visegrad: “I’m lucky to be alive.” Air Konyang Announces Route Partnership with Pan Solarian Interstellar for 2467 Corporate Vessel Returns After Months Lost in Crescent Expanse

PM Strom: “I will not be Intimidated” UNITY STATION (GST) - Defiance from the prime minister’s office has been the immediate response to an effort by senators to force the closure of the Alliance’s embassy to the Republic of Tau Ceti. In a press conference given earlier today by PM Strom, he stated the Alliance, “would not look inwards after nearly a decade of civil strife,” and retreat from the interstellar stage in shame. Below is a recording of when PM Strom was asked how he intended to address the growing political crisis over the embassy. The camera opens onto a conference room seen hundreds of times since 2462: the Unity Station press room. This is the same room where the emergency junta was announced in ‘62, and the same room where Strom and his cabinet members have given so many speeches, briefings, and conferences. Behind his podium Strom looks confident in his grey suit, though a careful observer may note he grips the sides of it with more strength than normal: this is the first political crisis he’s faced since his election. “Mister Prime Minister,” a voice that is unmistakably Cèline Eylenbosch cuts in, “I understand you wish for the Alliance to be an interstellar leader again, but now do you intend to address this — dare we say what it is — this political issue, hm?” “What our country needs,” Strom begins without hesitation, “is to avoid the mistakes of the past decade of ruin. We have tried — twice! — to resolve the mistake previous governments made concerning the Tau Ceti System. The first attempt — by a man who, need I remind you, killed millions of our fellow Solarians on Mars — resulted in our nation becoming a pariah, and Solarian spilling the blood of Solarian in a sick foreshadowing of what was to come. “The second attempt,” Strom taps his index finger on the podium twice for emphasis, “started a series of events that nearly ended our nation’s existence with a devastating civil war and the greatest loss of territory since the Elyran crisis over a hundred and fifty years ago. Go to the Mandates,” Strom points to his right at two flags along the wall, representing the northern and southern mandates, “look at the mass graves on Lycoris, the people living in refugee camps on Lhokgon, or Sankt Frederick, or any one of a dozen worlds — and tell them we should pursue force against Tau Ceti for a third time. Attempting to bring our nation’s government to a halt over this is obscene.” A recent attempt to pass legislation concerning agrarian subsidies unrelated to Tau Ceti was blocked by the boycott, suggesting further legislation may likewise be blocked until demands are met. Sen. Llewelyn issued an official statement saying she, “will not falter,” until the Tau Ceti issue is addressed, and was joined by several members of the SPP’s right in her statement. Stock markets on Callisto have closed lower for the second day in a row as uncertainty over the Senate deadlock builds. Further Reading: Investors Concerned Government Crisis May Impact Pan Solarian Interstellar Construction Mictlani Community in Exile Rallies Behind Llewellyn Where is Sen. Muhtar?: The SANN Analyzes His Potential Role in the Boycott

More Senators Condemn Reopening of Mendell City Embassy: Dissent in the SPP? UNITY STATION (GST) - Following a month of deadlock over a move to condemn the opening of diplomatic relations with Tau Ceti, a group of SPP senators led by Sens. Eirlys Llewellyn (CAL) have threatened an embargo on further legislation proposed by PM Strom unless he closes the Alliance’s embassy in Mendell City. Llewellyn described the embassy's continued existence as, “approval of anti-Solarian imperialism,” and, “spitting in the face,” of those living in areas occupied by the Tau Cetite Corporate Occupation Zone. While most senators aligned with Llewellyn are SPP, several members of the SSUP, SFP, SPDP, and CP-ASSN have signed onto the proposal. Notably absent from the list of supporters is nationalist SPP leader Sen. Erkan Muhtar (SPP-LUNA), who could not be reached for comment. Mictlani advocacy groups in the Alliance have praised Senator Llewellyn for her efforts to protect their rights as Solarian citizens, but members of the Alliance’s business community have expressed concern about politics interrupting regular trade and business between the Alliance and Tau Ceti’s system. A Callistean freight company owner speaking to the SANN on condition of anonymity stated she was, “very concerned,” politics would interfere with her ability to move products to and from Tau Ceti. An official with the Tau Cetite embassy on Unity Station contacted by the SANN stated the move was, “ill-advised and threatens to disrupt peaceful relations between Mendell City and Unity Station.” Prime Minister Strom’s office advised the SANN the prime minister is considering, “all possible outcomes to avert a possible conflict,” and called upon Solarians to remain unified in the face of adversity. The statement noted the Alliance under Strom’s leadership has seen markets recover over the first half of 2467 and millions of jobs created in areas affected by the civil war in addition to the reopening of relations with both Moroz and Tau Ceti. Support for the PM remains high across the Alliance, with 57% of respondents in a recent Callistean Institute of Interstellar Studies poll supporting him. Respondents self-identified with the SFP and SPP had the highest levels of support for PM Strom, with SSUP, SPDP, and CP-ASSN-identifying respondents having below average approval of the PM. Further Reading: Crest Olympia Monorail System Finishes Einstein-Assisted “Olympia 2070” Modernization Plan Senate Approves FY69 Funding Increase for Southern Command Visegradi Government to Promote Eco-Tourism as Pan-Sol Prepares to Open New Routes

I am pleased to report this application is ACCEPTED! Congratulations, and thank you!

All hands, Allow me to first once again commend your collective efforts to keep this fine vessel in operation during a most trying era in its history. Thus far, we have been tested and we have not been found wanting. Be proud of your accomplishments, but do not forget we remain far from our goal of returning to civilised space. Continue your efforts and we shall be rewarded with victory! Due to efforts made by staff on duty during an 06-09-2467 visit by cartographic personnel, we are more aware as to what dwells in Beta Marax I and Berkley 72. We have had to part with roughly a quarter of our total helium supply, which is a matter we would do well to address. Per cartographic data, Betra Marax I is possessed of a some two-hundred-years-old refueling depot infested by hivebots. Some among you may have fought these wretched synthetics upon Konyang, and I presume most are familiar with them more generally. While hazardous, your prior accomplishments upon Konyang prove these synthetics can be challenged and beaten by those prepared enough. However, we should be loath to risk an encounter with them in exchange for a station which may have no fuel remaining in its tanks. To our galactic north is the system of Berkley 72, which contains little of interest beyond delaying our journey to CES 142. With the Malebranche slated to enter Berkley 73 in short order, alongside its escorts, I wish to advise the crew we cannot dither in a mostly unoccupied system whilst these brigands assemble their strength in an effort to slaughter us all. As the blessed Lady of Moroz said unto the stalwart and faithful Katarina, “do not martyr yourself on a path you cannot follow.” With these wide words in mind, I recommend we immediately perform a bluespace jump to CES 142. This will place us far from the danger of the blackguards following us, and – with fortune – near to escape from this accursed warp lane. Have faith both in yourselves and in your fellow crew, and we shall overcome our struggles. Furthermore, be aware hard decisions may be required of your command staff: supplies shall not last forever, and rationing may be required if our efforts go awry. You may have to place your individuality aside for our survival as a collective – but we shall survive. Of this, I assure you. Faithfully, Doctor Marianne Frauke Minamoto di Trevisani, Chief Engineer

All hands, Allow me to first extend my sincerest felicitations as a member of our command staff: you have performed to the highest standards expected of our staff, and done so in an exceptionally difficult situation. A lesser crew would have failed to rise to this occasion, and found themselves prisoners or worse. Be proud of your efforts and our victory! However, know the path ahead of us is not an easy one. We are far off of our course and the pirates remain an active, capable threat. We cannot afford to dawdle, as doing so would risk not just our ship and mission, but our lives as their cruiser is far more combat-capable than our vessel. Yet hope is not lost. Through our efforts we have slipped the attention of the pirates and their cruiser. This is our prime advantage and we would be fools to squander it. Thus, I am recommending we immediately perform a bluespace jump to Beta Marax I to confuse our pursuers. In the meantime I strongly recommend you, as members of this vessel’s crew, take the time to familiarize yourself with your colleagues. They are your best hope of survival and a return to civilized space. We cannot, in this most dire circumstance, afford to lose ourselves to our petty differences. As the Goddess dictates, “to lie is to sow embers; to betray us to sow salt.” In trying times, we must trust in one another regardless of our personal differences. Faithfully, Doctor Marianne Frauke Minamoto di Trevisani, Chief Engineer