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On the Ground on Lycoris The camera opens on a view of the ever-present Harold MacMillan, host of The State of Sol, looking up from his dataslate, placing it down, and nodding resolutely to the camera. “Good evening, and welcome back to The State of Sol. As always I’m your host, Harold MacMillan. Tonight’s headlines include the incoming Jeweler Cup on Konyang, the continued debate on what to do about Elyra following a bloody massacre of striking workers on Aemaq, and reports of increasing terrorist violence on Lycoris. We go now to our reporter on Lycoris, Le Quyen Cong. Le?” The camera switches to a nervous-looking Cong, a bespectacled Hai Phongese reporter for the SANN. She has swapped out her typical jacket and respirator for a blue bulletproof vest-and-helmet combination with “PRESS” written on the front. Behind her is what will be recognizable to any Solarian veteran as a forward operating base of the Solarian Army, complete with camouflage tarps and sand-filled barrier blocks. Quyen nods to the camera. “I can, Harold.” “Where are you, and what’s the situation like?” “It’s tense, but safe here in Forward Operating Base Howe, Harold. I’m, ah, embedded with soldiers of the 164th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, from Earth, who have been responsible for peacekeeping operations in this region. Earlier I spoke with Colonel Richard Carlson, commander of the 164th, who advised the situation here is very dynamic.” The feed cuts to a recording of Cong and Colonel Carlson, who is speaking to the reporter. Carlson is an older man with a well-kept, short haircut. He’s taken the time to pin his sleeves at the elbows and has a bit of scruff on his face — it seems he’s been busy lately. “We can’t deny there’s been an increase in insurgent activity in this region, Miss Cong.” “Why do you think that is?” “Insurgencies are dynamic systems, ma'am,” Carlson seems to be a bit irritated at having to explain this. “They can fluctuate from year to year, season to season, and the ideological foundation of this one is strong. It’s not easy to come in as a ‘foreign’ power and change minds. It's not going to happen overnight, like that,” the Colonel snaps his fingers! "We might end up staying here for a long time. Years." The camera switches back to Cong in the FOB behind her, further back in the fortifications, a large transport helicopter touches down in a shower of dust: this seems to be a fairly hot and dry region of the planet. Some form of noise cancellation on her microphone renders the helicopter barely audible instead of deafening. “As you can see Harold,” Cong turns and points over at the helicopter, “this area is very busy, and troops seem to be enthusiastic about their chances of taking the fight to the Front’s remnants. But with terror attacks increasing in cities some are worried the conflict may be shifting into a more urban phase, placing more Solarians at risk. Back over to you, Harold.” The camera switches back to MacMillan in his office, now wearing a dour expression. He nods to the camera. “That was Le Quyen Cong, reporting from Lycoris. The State of Sol will be right back with reporting on the ongoing efforts to censure Elyra, so stay tuned!” MacMillan points his pen at the viewer as the camera zooms out and fades into a commercial break.

Viceroyalty: Winter Brings Increased Flooding to Sun Reach SUN REACH CITY, SUN REACH (GST) - With this summer one of the Viceroyalty’s wettest on record, colonial officials in Sun Reach had hoped the winter would bring lower rain levels to the planet’s famously swampy terrain. However, the winter season has brought no sign of relief from the ongoing rains. Increased flooding has been reported in some outlying provinces and in the capital city itself, with multiple unpaved streets having been transformed into muddy quagmires. Viceroy-General Strelitz has declared a planetary state of crisis and Imperial Army pioneers are working to restore the capital to working order. Yearly Helium-3 production levels are expected to not meet their target if this weather continues, and House Caladius has called on the Imperial Army to send more engineering personnel to resolve the crisis. News from the outlying provinces suggests many aquaculture regions have had their crops ruined by flooding. Food aid from the broader Empire is expected to be dispatched if a risk of famine is deemed likely. The floods represent a significant blow to the Viceroyalty’s infrastructure across Sun Reach, with elevated roads and rail lines having been damaged by debris and water. Engineers from the Imperial Engineering & Shipbuilding Conglomerate, which currently holds the contract for Sun Reach’s rural infrastructure, estimate the damage may take a year or more to repair, with some remote areas having suffered from near total infrastructure collapse. Viceroyalty officials have blamed the flooding on the intense rains and prior neglect by the Pirate Lord government. Meteorological experts believe the rains may continue for some time, noting rain has decreased in prior winter seasons. Reachers have begun to refer to the phenomenon as “witch-rain” and some claim it is punishment for their past misdeeds. Citizens impacted by the flooding are advised to report losses to their nearest public official, and colonial authorities are expected to provide assistance to those impacted. Further Reading: Holy Tribunal Dispatches Aid Workers to Sun Reach Coalition-Elyra Relationship Frayed due to Fuel Crisis Solarian Film Magnate “VSI” Authorized to Film on Moroz

Sea Bandits Keelhaul Visiting Solarian Team in Blowout 10-2 Pre-Season Game SUWON, KONYANG (GST) - The Suwon Sea Bandits (organic league) have beaten the Nueva Isabela Veteranos in a crushing 10-2 blowout win, making one of the first post-Rampancy Crisis games a major victory for Konyanger sports fans as the planet looks towards the 2468 Konyang Series in fall. With the Sea Bandits having won the 2466 and 2467 Jeweler Cup, many analysts are holding this victory over a Solarian team widely regarded as one of the best in the Northern Reaches as a sign the trophy may remain in Suwon for another year in 2468. Sea Bandits team captain Kwang-Sun Nae, at a conference after the game, thanked his “swabbies” for a good performance on the field and promised the team’s fans their “booty” would not be plundered next season, suggesting Nae is confident in his team’s ability to hold onto the Jeweler Cup. In the synthetic league the Sea Bandits won a close 4-3 game over the Ushishir Yōkai which team captain Iseul-52 called a “warmup” for the Konyang Series. With the XNS to provide live Freespeak commentary for the entire Konyang Series, officials in the Konyanger Major League hope this season’s viewership will exceed pre-Rampancy Crisis levels and help revitalize the tourist industry of Konyang’s major cities, most of which have seen a drop in tourism since 2465-66. The KML is currently in negotiations with Solarian and Biesellite coverage for the 2468 Jeweler Cup, but has declined to air this series in Elyra due to recent events on the Elyran world of Aemaq, where the government is accused of having massacred striking workers. Further Reading: Konyang National Police Arrest 22 in Connection with “Benevolent Guild” Sports Betting Ring Not Exactly Cricket!: The XNS’ Guide to Konyang Major League Baseball Vysokan Authorities: Trapped Vysokan Miners May Rescued “by February 2468” at Current Pace

INN EXCLUSIVE: The Solarian Ambassador to Moroz Speaks NEW LUXEMBOURG, MOROZ (GST) - In an exclusive interview with the INN’s Josephine Maria Caladius, Lady Ambassador Ulrike de Esterházy von Galántha of the Solarian Alliance graciously accepted an interview invitation. Below is a summarized version of the ambassador’s remarks to the INN. Lady Ambassador von Galántha’s reign has seen a relationship between the Empire and Alliance continue after years of neglect by the illegitimate government of Michael Frost, who usurped power in 2461. The interview was conducted in High Morozi and has been translated to Vulgar by the INN. An uncut version of the interview is available here to INN listeners. Attached to this is a photo of Josephine Maria and von Galántha sitting in two recliners (antiques made in the early Imperial style, likely dating to the integration of Novi Jadran, if one is familiar with the Empire) opposite one another. Josephine Maria is ever the representative of the high nobility: she is elegantly clad in red, white, and black tones with some purple highlights to show her house, and her blonde hair is as elegant as ever. Across from her is Ambassador von Galántha: a pale-skinned middle-aged woman with dark hair and wire-rimmed glasses over her blue eyes. The ambassador looks severe, even cold, and would not be out of place in a photo lineup of Imperial Army officers. Her dark pantsuit (with Solarian/Lunarian flag pin) contrasts the bright colors of Josephine Maria. J.M. Caladius: Ambassador, thank you for taking the time to speak with the INN. U.E. von Galántha: Of course, Countess Caladius. I am grateful to the people of the Empire for the gratitude and hospitality they have shown our diplomatic mission. JMC: Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself? UEvG: I am from Luna, Earth’s moon? And am a member of House Esterházy von Galántha. Unlike in the Empire, my titles are ceremonial — the only land my family owns from our old holdings is a small estate on Earth. I joined the Foreign Service shortly after finishing my doctoral studies and previously served as chargée d’affaires [chief of mission] to the All-Xanu Republic from 2460 until 2466, where I mostly focused on trans-stellar business and legal concerns, such as the aftermath of the civil war’s onset. JMC: That’s quite a long tenure! How did Frost’s rise to power impact your duties? UEvG: One of the first actions by Frost’s administration was to reorient the Alliance’s foreign relations. The ambassador to Xanu was relieved of his position in 2460 and I, as a ranking foreign service officer, was told to fill in for him while Frost found a replacement. Due to the chaotic political environment this replacement never materialized and I became en pied by 2463. I stepped down in 2466 when Prime Minister Strom appointed a new ambassador to Xanu. JMC: Did your appointment to the Empire come as a surprise? UEvG: No. I have a high degree of proficiency with High and Vulgar Morozi and my doctoral thesis covered early Solarian-Imperial history. I am known as a subject matter expert on the Empire within the Department. Additionally, my heritage — ceremonial though it may be — helps orient our mission within the Empire’s society. Further Reading: Royal Jadranic Opera Company “Likely” to Tour Sol System in 2467 Empire-Wide “Reign of Steel” Tournament Scheduled for January 2467 Imperial Household Prepares for Giving Day

Military: Terrorist Activity on Lycoris “Worryingly” Increased During 2467 UNITY STATION (GST) - The Army’s peacekeeping mission on Lycoris has reported an increase in terroristic activity from December 2466 to December 2467, though certain types of attacks have decreased. Solarian Army casualties were lower in 2467 than 2466 but casualties among Lycorii civilians have increased. Analysts believe this suggests a shift in the Restoration Front’s (RF) tactics from opposing the government to making their presence intolerable for normal civilians. Further information suggests the RF may have split internally, with a group calling itself the “New Restoration Movement” having claimed responsibility for some of the bloodiest attacks against civilians this year, such as the July subway bombings that killed 56 and injured 189, none military personnel. General Patrick Edwards, commander of all forces in the Northern Reaches, described the attacks as, “cowardly,” and promised to bring the perpetrators to justice. General Edwards advised the military has increased patrols of urban areas and increased security measures around major infrastructure. Training of the new Lycoris Planetary Police Service, intended to replace disbanded groups affiliated with the RF, has been accelerated and officers of the LPPS are expected to be patrolling by early 2468, according to the Department of Justice. The New Restoration Front has claimed it represents, “a clean break,” with the ideology of former PM Michael Frost, and only began its terror campaign after the, “betrayal,” of opening relations with Biesel by the Strom government. The Department of Justice has considered the NRF a terrorist group since the July bombings and there is an award for providing information related to the arrest of any members. Further Reading: Pan-Solarian Prepares for “Record-Setting” Holiday Travel Season Labor Leaders Across Nation Criticize Conditions on New Hai Phong Public Opinion of Elyra Lowest Since 2302 in Wake of XNS Whistleblower Report

Bulk Carrier Grounds in Western Iri Delta During Storm DURRES, NOVI JADRAN (GST) - Jadranic Coast Guard officials and local residents have reported the grounding of the Nuovo Vicenza-flagged cargo vessel MV Sveta Magdalena along the Durres coastline in an intense winter sea-storm, Storm Markovic. The Storm was of a type known as a “westerly howler” in many local coastal communities, and visibility is reported to have been very poor along the coast. The Sveta Magdalena is reported to have struck a rock along the coast known as the Goddess’ Fingers and been deliberately grounded by its captain to save its cargo and crew. Captain Ljudevit Horvat, an Imperial Fleet veteran and twenty-year employee of the Royal Durres Shipping Corporation — the operators of the Sveta Magdalena — has been praised by the Coast Guard and the burgomeister of Durres for his quick thinking and efforts to save his crew, all of whom are confirmed to have survived the grounding. However, according to the Coast Guard, he is to be removed from active command until a full review of the incident can be made. Citizens of Durres are reportedly planning to petition the governor to have Captain Horvat cleared of any wrongdoing due to his actions saving his crew. Authorities have advised caution, and that the captain will continue to receive regular pay during his furlough. Local engineers have conducted preliminary work on the ship and believe it may be able to be refloated. Prospective estimates believe the vessel can be moved to a drydock before the end of winter, where further repairs will be carried out. Shipbuilding firms in Durres are expected to compete for the project due to the ship’s fame and its origin in the city’s dockyards. Further Reading: Who is Lady Ulrike de Esterházy von Galántha? The Gazette Looks at the Alliance’s Ambassador Dr. Darinka Vrdoljak Continues Preparations for Next Expedition, Considers Interstellar Fundraising Tour Opinion: Coalition Mine Disaster Casts a Dismal Light on Jadranic Mine Safety

United Syndicates Condemns Solarian-Dominian Joint Military Venture: “Naked Imperialism” RAUTAKAIVOS KAUPUNKI, HIMEO (GST) - The government of the United Syndicates of Himeo has officially condemned a Solarian Alliance military modernization program aimed at the Empire of Dominia’s navy, describing it as a blatant attempt to destabilize the Southern Spur and destroy Coalition trade with the Republic of Elyra in the region. First Speaker Marja-Leena Helminen, in a speech to assembled United Himean Workers’ Party delegates and members stated the move was, “yet another example of our neighbors toying with autocracy,” and introduced an official motion to condemn the Alliance. Attached is a short video of the First Speaker herself in front of a crowd. In contrast to the suits and dresses of most politicians, Helminen is clad in a relatively simple dress shirt and pants -- with no tie -- combination that wouldn’t look out of place on a middle-class Xanan or Konyanger office drone. Breaking this up is a canvas jacket bearing the UHWP logo on its breast and reflective strips around the cuffs. She has no lectern, no podium, and stands at roughly the same level as the crowd: a symbolic and literal expression of the United Syndicates’ ideal of equality among all. Most of the crowd are dressed similarly, with some still being covered in dirt and dust from the mine work that defines so much of life on Himeo. “Make no mistake, my members and syndicalists!” Helminen yells, gesturing expressively with her hands! “This is an effort by the Alliance — long an enemy of our Coalition, and of workers everywhere! — to militarize a dictatorial, theocratic power where you or I would have to scrape — would have to BEG — for a fraction of the rights we enjoy on Himeo!” The crowd boos! “Xanu and the corporates in Biesel have told us — time and time again! — the Alliance has changed, that it is no longer the imperialist dictatorship it once was. That it was now a democracy, just like us,” she pauses for a moment. “And I’m sure we can all agree that Biesel is a democracy just like us, even if President Trasen is unelected.” The assembled crowd laughs and chuckles, with a few throwing insults at President Miranda Trasen with great élan. “But you and I, from the guys on the refining lines to our delegates representing workers across our syndicates, know what this is. What this really is: naked imperialism, and a threat to workers across the Southern Spur and beyond!” The room erupts into cheering! Somewhere in the front, a woman takes off her Planetary Guard uniform cap and begins waving it in the air. “As our ancestors fought for our rights as workers and syndicalists!” Helminen does not need a gesture to quiet the crowd, which goes silent at the sound of her voice. “So too will we fight for the future of our Spur, for the workers’ Spur! And we will never — NEVER! — surrender to tyranny, whether that be Galatea’s dictatorship of the technocrats, Biesel’s corporatist regime, or capitalist imperialism!” The First Speaker throws her hand into the air and yells to the crowd, “FOR WE SHALL OVERCOME!” The crowd roars back, “ALL ADVERSITY!” Further Reading: All-Xanu Armed Forces “Concerned” by Increase in Moroz-Earth Military Cooperation President Afzal Prepares for Holiday Season, Meets Students in Nouvelle-Rochelle Xanan Film Studios Reportedly Debating Film on Missing Tourist’s Survival

PM Prepares for First Holiday Season in Office UNITY STATION (GST) - In a welcome return to form for many Solarians, the Prime Minister’s Office has reinstated the traditional winter season celebration after nearly a decade-long suspension of the celebration by former PM Frost and the interim emergency government. The Unity Station Christmas tree for this year has been delivered from Visegrad and, for many in the Mandates, serves as an important reminder of reunification. Klaudia Szalai, current leader of the Southern Reconstruction Mandate, called the tree, “an important symbolic gesture to the unity of our Alliance, now and forever more.” Prime Minister Strom described the holidays as, “a time when all Solarians can come together and celebrate what we have accomplished over the past year. We now live in a freer, more just, and more peaceful Alliance than at any time during the past decade. But we should not forget those suffering elsewhere in the Spur who suffer under the tyranny of foreign occupation, afraid criticism of their government or simple protests will have them condemned to a fate worse than death: that of cyborgification. To those Solarians living under the boot of oppression, I give you this message: we have not forgotten you!” The embassy of the Republic of Tau Ceti condemned the statement as, “a disgraceful misuse of the holidays for political gain,” and threatened to close its consulate in Nueva Isabela, San Colette, due to what it termed an, “increasingly hostile environment towards the Republic’s government.” The Freedom from Tau Ceti Foundation applauded Strom’s remarks and has announced that all donations by new members will be met and doubled between now and Christmas. Further Reading: Rolling Blackouts, Ghettos, Bloodthirsty Mercenaries, and Rampant Crime: The SANN Reports on Mendell City Venusian Firm Granted Filming Contract in Dominia in Industry First ‘66 REPEAT Charity Match Ends Xanu 2 - 1 Callisto: Our Greatest Defeat Since the Interstellar War?

Jinxiang-class Destroyer to be Modernized in Joint Alliance-Moroz Venture HONGSE CHENGBAO, ZHURONG (GST) - Earlier today Grand Admiral Huiling Zhao announced a collaboration with the Solarian Department of Defense to modernize the venerable yet aging Jinxiang-class destroyer, which has been produced by the Fleet since the early 2420s. In an official statement provided to the INN, the Imperial Fleet Office of Press Relations stated the class’ modernization is expected to be complete by early 2468, excepting delays. The move was praised by Fleet veterans’ associations for demonstrating the Empire’s commitment to ensuring the Southern Spur remains safe for Imperial vessels and free of external hegemony. Grand Admiral Huiling Zhao, in a statement provided by the press office, advised the modernization was a necessary effort to ensure the Imperial Fleet maintains parity with other militaries in the Southern Spur. Grand Consul-Elector Caladius stated he was disappointed more funds were not being used for the modernization of the merchant fleet, which has seen a decline in its profits since 2462. Modernization efforts are slated to begin on Luna before the end of the month, with the Zhurong Imperial Shipbuilding team preparing to depart and work with a Solarian Navy team on the details of the modernized Jinxiang-class. Further Reading: Elyran Republic Wracked by Crisis Constabulary Breaks Major Sun Reach-Elyra Human Trafficking Ring Forecasters Predict Intense Weather During Jadranic Winter Season

PM Strom Commemorates Five Years since Civil War’s Start UNITY STATION (GST) - This November is a sorrowful reminder for many Solarians of the Civil War’s start. Five years ago, our nation erupted into chaos as Solarian turned against Solarian, with violence only ending in 2465 following the defeat of the Restoration Front in the Northern Reaches. The prime minister commemorated those lost during the Civil War today in a speech to the assembled Senate. Attached is a video of Strom standing at a lectern in the Senate’s chambers. Flanking him are Senatorial President Sumida, leader of the Senate, and Shadow President Renaud, leader of the opposition. All are grim-faced and serious, and Strom is wearing a pin with the Mictlani flag on it. It is, after all, five years since the start of the Civil War and the devastating defeat suffered in ‘62. “Five years ago,” Strom grips the sides of the lectern, looking much more like the firebrand senator who banned tajara and led the emergency government than Strom the PM and peacemaker, “members of the galactic community stood by and watched as Tau Ceti tore our nation apart by striking our weaknesses and exploiting our divisions. They stood by as our fellow citizens were imprisoned, were murdered, and were turned into corporate equipment by secessionists in Tau Ceti and their corporate sponsors! They saw us as weak, as corrupt, as an easy target to exploit and defeat in detail!” Strom pauses for a moment. A murmur of disapproval goes through the assembled senators at this reminder of the past. “But they were wrong!” Strom pumps his fist into the air to cheering, then returns it to the lectern! “Our great nation — the oldest human nation, and the home of our species! — is stronger than any secessionist, any Tau Cetite, any corporate stooge could ever imagine!” Strom pauses again, this time to murmurs of approval and a few claps. “Our nation has become stronger than it was five years ago, ten years ago, twenty years ago! Because the Solarian people believe in the Solarian Alliance! And that is something a corporation can never truly buy!” The assembled senators erupt in applause, including Sumida and Renaud, which continues until Strom quiets the chamber with a gesture of his hand. “As we mark five years since the start of the Civil War, I thank every Solarian for their support of our nation, and of our efforts to rebuild and reclaim what we have lost since 2462. I also thank all those who cannot be here with us today to celebrate, whether they are casualties in the Civil War or forced to live under foreign tyranny,” Strom pauses a moment and looks around the silent chamber in approval. “I also wish to assume any Solarians living under foreign occupation: we have not forgotten you, and we will come back for you. Thank you, and long live our Alliance.” Strom flashes double V for Victory signs as his speech ends and the assembled chamber bursts into a standing ovation. Further Reading: Coalition to Slow Future Elyran Trade San Colette Holds Day of Mourning to Honor War Dead Department of Justice Continues Prosecutions of Visegradi Terrorists Behind 2466 Attack

Prime Minister Condemns Elyran Human Rights Violations After Nuzheid Massacre UNITY STATION (GST) - The Office of the Prime Minister has issued an official Solarian government statement condemning the Republic of Elyra for its response to protests in its fuel industry. Describing the Elyran response as, “an unacceptable violation of human dignity,” Prime Minister Strom condemned the Elyran state as, “sliding into the same authoritarianism we have so recently escaped,” and called on other members of the galactic community to join the Alliance in condemning Elyra’s response in an address to the assembled Senate. Shadow President Renaud has led a senatorial effort to officially sanction Elyran phoron exports in response to the suppression of Nuzheid labor protests, and has been joined by several members of the SPP’s factions along with SPDP and SPP senators. Senatorial President Sumida and the SFP, alongside other members of both SPP factions and the CPASSN, have called for sanctions on Elyran political, business, and military leaders instead, citing the Republic of Elyra as one of the only practical non-Tau Cetite sources of phoron. Negotiations may take weeks to resolve as neither faction has enough votes for a supermajority due to the SPP’s split and the CPASSN acting as a spoiler. Senator Pavlov (PLU), CPASSN leading senator, advised his party had chosen to back Sen. Sumida’s proposition due to it directly targeting leading figures of the Elyran system and stated he expects, “full backing,” from his party members. Polls conducted by the SANN indicate there is widespread support for action against Elyra for its response to the protests, with 76% of respondents favoring some level of response and 34% favoring a “very harsh” economic response. Abroad, Coalition states have already moved to condemn Elyran for its actions. Further Reading: Workers Rally on New Hai Phong, Callisto, Pluto, Others in Support of Elyran Non-Citizen Workers Callisto-Visegrad-Moroz Route Reported as On Schedule Silversun Tourism Down, Callisto Tourism Up: The SANN’s Report on 2467 in Travel

VICTORY AT LAST! ARMY SEIZES CHEMICAL PLANT FROM TERRORISTS NUZHEID, AEMAQ (GST) - Encouraging news has finally arrived from Aemaq following the seizure of the Mahammad Aydamir Chemical Plant from the rioters who have been in control of the facility for the past four days. Late yesterday negotiations between the Nuzheid Police Department and the rioters broke down, and the local EAF commander, Colonel Aiyla Nabi, took over the perimeter. Shortly afterwards a local power company reported a spike in energy usage by the MACP, a likely indication the rioters — officially declared terrorists by the Ministry of Internal Affairs following the incident — were attempting to critically overload phoron processing centrifuges in the facility. Acting quickly, National Guard and Army troops under Colonel Nabi stormed the facility with assistance from NPD riot police officers, rapidly seizing control over the facility with minimal casualties before the terrorists could cause a massive explosion which may have destroyed most of the floating city, potentially crippling g Aemaq’s chemical production for years to come. Ninety after the assault began, National Guard troops with the 15th Infantry Regiment raised the Aemaqii flag over the facility’s control tower, signaling the plant had been fully retaken and terrorist forces had been eliminated. Official casualties stand at 22 injured, five severely, for government forces; and 98 detained, 12 killed for the terrorist force that seized control of the plant. Recovered from the plant was an assortment of improvised weaponry, 22 firearms, and five high-yield explosives likely intended to be used in the facility’s destruction. EAF and police forces are currently in the process of sweeping the plant for any hidden terrorists or concealed explosives. Residents of Nuzheid are expected to be able to return to the floating city tomorrow after the all-clear is given. Admiral el-Yamin, Minister of Defense, started he is impressed at the quick thinking and professionalism displayed by Colonel Nabi and her troops, stating the EAF’s ability to rapidly respond to a crisis situation is owed to lessons learned during the vaurca invasion. Further Reading: Elco to Perform Review of Non-Citizen Employees Following Plant Crisis EPP Calls for Death Penalty for Terrorist Leaders Aemaq Board of Tourism Predicts Decreased Visitor Traffic

Department of State Evacuates Personnel from Elyran City in Face of Potential Phoron Attack The camera zooms in on the unmistakable face of Harold MacMillan, host of the State of Sol. He gives the camera a confident nod and puts down a few papers he was holding, then begins to speak. Across from him is an older woman in a well-maintained suit and sweater with eye augmentations in place of what should rightfully be glasses. “Continuing news from the city of Nuzheid on the Elyran colony of Aemaq, where striking workers have seized control over the Mahammad Aydamir Chemical Plant, a major industrial complex responsible for some of Aemaq’s phoron production. Earlier this week the Department of State evacuated its staff from the city and issued a notice that all Solarians should depart as soon as they are able. As our correspondent, Cèline Eylenbosch, was denied entry to the Elyran Republic, I am joined now by Professor Alexandria Chan, who teaches chemistry at the Commonwealth University of Adlinda. Professor Chan, thank you for coming onto the program.” Chan nods politely. “Thank you for having me.” “Now, professor, what can you tell us about this facility? Should we be concerned about a potential disaster? Is this an overreaction by the Department of State?” “I don’t believe it is, Harold. As you and your audience likely know, phoron is an extremely volatile compound in a gaseous state, similar to fossil fuel vapors when that fuel was common in the 20th and 21st century. The, ah, this chemical plant likely has most of its phoron sitting in an unrefined but liquid state, though we can’t rule out the possibility it has solid photon storage.” “Presumably coming from either Medina or Persepolis, the capital world?” MacMillan interjects. "That’s correct. Both planets are home to significant deposits of phoron’s solid form, known sometimes as ‘crystalline’ phoron. Specialists in phoronics have long considered these to be the largest practical deposits outside of the Alliance, which controlled most phoron deposits until very recently.” “And what would we expect to see if an explosion at the plant happened?” “Initially, assuming you were far enough from the blast to survive it and its shockwave, you would first hear and then feel the blast. Windows would be shaken or blown out by the shockwave, people outside may be flung or seriously injured, but you wouldn’t immediately see phoronic contamination. We’ve seen phoron facilities explode before, primarily on D’Anzin during the civil war, and the smoke from them is generally tinged with purple as are any fires, though these generally take on a purple-orange tint.” “What should Solarians in Nuzheid do?” Chan ponders the question for a second before speaking. “I believe the best thing you can do in this situation is to evacuate the area. Phoron contamination can be very deadly, Harold. Look at what’s happening on Mars.” MacMillan, looking a bit concerned, nods his head. “Thank you for your time, Professor Chan.” “Thank you for having me,” Chan nods politely. “Viewers, that was Professor Alexandria Chan. The State of Sol will be right back after a short commercial break, so stay tuned.” MacMillan points at the camera as the view of the studio fades out and into a regular commercial break.

Elyran Republic Expels Himean Ambassador - United Syndicates Close Embassy in Response RAUTAKAIVOS KAUPUNKI, HIMEO (GST) - In a vote by its assembly, the Council of Himeo, today, the United Syndicates has opted to close its embassy in the Serene Republic of Elyra in response to the expulsion of Himeo’s ambassador to Elyra. First Speaker Marja-Leena Helminen has indicated her government intends to pursue an expulsion of the Elyran ambassador to Himeo in response to, “grievous wrongs committed by the Elyran state against its people.” Himeo’s announcement makes it the first major Coalition government to formally denounce the Elyran government for its handling of a strike in its chemical industry, which some have called a massacre waiting to happen. During the voting session Himean politician Oskar Ljungberg, leader of the radical National Himean Worker’s Vanguard, called on the Himean government to send military aid to non-citizen Elyran workers and threatened he would, “find any means to carry out our goal of ensuring the rights of workers everywhere,” if his motion was denied. Ljungberg received cheers from members of his party and boos from other parties, who shouted Ljungberg down as a provocateur uninterested in the plight of Elyran workers. The Elyran embassy in the All-Xanu Republic issued an official statement condemning Himeo’s actions and accusing it of meddling in Elyran national affairs. Polling conducted by the XNS across Xanu has shown strong disapproval of Elyra’s recent actions by most Xanans, with Himean-Xanans showing the highest disapproval rating at 93%. Members of the All-Xanu Socialist Union and Popular Democratic Party have called upon the Republic to issue an official condemnation of Elyra’s actions. The Office of the President has advised the matter is being taken, “under consideration,” by President Afzal. However, the Assembly may be able to force through a condemnation with sufficient votes. Stocks in both Kulkarni and on Callisto’s exchanges closed lower following Himeo’s announcement as the interstellar business community braced for lower levels of Coalition-Elyra trade in the event of worsening relations. Further Reading: United Syndicates Debate Extending Universal Refugee Status to Elyran NCPs Solarian Government Evacuates Consulate in Nuzheid, Urges Citizens to Depart City OPINION: Chemical Plant Crisis Merely Latest Incident of Elyran Government Repression

Chemical Plant Siege Enters Third Day NUZHEID, AEMAQ (GST) - 72 hours have passed since the seizure of the Mahammad Aydamir Chemical Plant without a resolution. Security forces continue to maintain their cordon and NPD Chief Abbas had advised, in a press conference earlier today, that progress has been made in breaking the rioters’ hold on the plant. However, Chief Abbas stated negotiations may take several more days and the rioters have likely stockpiled supplies in anticipation of trying to “wait out” government authorities. Admiral el-Yamin countered by stating if the rioters have stockpiled supplies, they may have also stockpiled weapons and explosives to destroy the chemical plant. National Guard and regular Army troops have joined the existing police cordon and specialist chemical troops have been deployed in the unlikely event of a major detonation at the site. Residents of Nuzheid have spent much of the past three days in a state of panic and shock at the prospect of their city being at risk of a major chemical disaster. Information obtained from the city’s government has revealed a worst case scenario explosion may contaminate up to half of the city. “It’s insane,” said Latef Salam, insurance salesman. “Things like this, you hear about them happening in Biesel, but here? We have the National Guard in the street handing out gas masks! Is this what the NCPs want? For us to live in terror?” Municipal authorities in Nuzheid have ordered an evacuation of all residents in a four kilometer radius of the plant and have announced a fund to cover temporary citizen relocations during the ongoing state of emergency. Some are calling the MACP siege the greatest crisis the Republic has faced since the vaurca invasion. Further Reading: Himean Ambassador Expelled for Statements in Support of Rioters Solarian Government Urges Citizens to Evacuate Nuzheid National Guard Provides Ships, Shuttles for Evacuation