NewOriginalSchwann

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

Senators Move to Found “Freedom from Tau Ceti” Charity UNITY STATION (GST) - A group of cross-party senators led by longtime SPP politician Sen. Erkan Muhtar (LUNA) have announced the formation of a non-government charity with the purpose of assisting those affected by Tau Ceti’s ongoing occupation of Solarian worlds such as Mictlan and Port Antilla. This move, praised by expatriates but condemned by the Republic of Tau Ceti’s embassy, comes only a few weeks after a speech delivered by Sen. Muhtar called on the government to take action against Tau Ceti. Sen. Eirlys Llewellyn (SPP - CAL), a longtime ally of Muhtar who is regarded as the co-leader of the nationalist movement in the SPP, was seen at Muhtar’s side when the charity was announced. Muhtar stated the new charity is not intended to promote any single party’s view on the issue of Tau Ceti, and is instead meant to encourage Solarians to support their fellow citizens living in occupied territory who wish to — but are unable to — leave Tau Ceti-controlled zones for the Alliance. He condemned the Tau Cetite embassy for their criticism of the charity, stating giving back to the needy among society is a longstanding human tradition. “For so long as humanity has existed, there has been charity and compassion between us. It is what separates us from other animals and what makes us human. We must remember that whatever we spend of good, it will be fully repaid to us — and we shall not be wronged. And we must, as a people, look to what would cause our counterparts in Mendell City to condemn an act so intrinsically human.” Distribution of charity funds will be handled by the agency itself, an independent body free of government oversight that Sen. Muhtar has promised to divest himself from. Donations are expected to open at 9AM GST on 26 August and accept most common forms of payment, including the widely-used IdrisBank card. Select foreign currencies are also permitted. Further Reading: Solarian Ambassador to Tau Ceti Meets President Torvald to Discuss Phoron Crisis Visegrad to Expand Orbital Starliner Facilities with New Routes Opening Navy Vessel Rescues Stricken Xanan Cargo Ship: “A sterling example of military conduct.”

Jadranic Explorer Returns from Polar Expedition DURRES, NOVI JADRAN (GST) - Jadranic explorer and biologist Darinka Vrdoljak, a member of the Imperial Jadranic Academy of Sciences’ faculty, has returned to the coastal city of Durres after spending most of the northern pole’s summer months behind the planet’s arctic circle, leading the Imperial Polar Expedition. The entry of IMV Junak into the port of Durres signals the end of what has become one of the longest continuous expeditions into the northern pole. The expedition has catalogued over a hundred unique species previously unknown to humanity and gathered valuable data on the region’s climate and oceanography, potentially allowing for offshore natural gas exploitation in regions previously thought unsustainable for even the strongest oil and mining rigs. The Academy of Sciences and the expedition’s sponsors, including companies such as Soriano Offshore Mining, the Imperial Engineering & Shipbuilding Conglomerate, and Zavodskoi Interstellar, have already described the Imperial Polar Expedition as a complete success, and a step forward for the Mandate’s economy. Durres’ patrician families are reported to be calling upon the city’s burgomeister to hold a public meeting to discuss the selling off of oil- and mineral-rich locations near the city. Dr. Vrdoljak, in a statement provided to the Novi Rijeka Gazette, said this expedition is a great step forward for the Empire’s polar expeditions, but it did not meet her goal of making it through to the interior of the northern pole, which remains a mystery even to satellites. But with the polar winter approaching in October and the expedition having already spent three months in some of the harshest conditions on the planet, she made the decision to return. Dr. Vrdoljak and the Academy of Sciences are reportedly preparing for an expedition to the southern pole during its incoming arctic summer, further pushing the boundaries of our knowledge forward. Further Reading: Ship Collision in Belluno Snarls River Traffic F.C. Novi Rijeka Triumphs Over F.C. Jinxiang in Latest Match Royal Jadranic Opera Company to Begin Fall Season in Mid-September: Read the Gazette’s Guide to Fall Performances Here

Jewel Starlines Reports Major Drop in Profits from FY66: The End for Interstellar Travel? UTHMA, PERSEPOLIS (GST) - Jewel Aerospace (JEA), parent company of flagship carrier Jewel Starlines, has reported an overall loss for financial year 2466. This comes as a surprising drop in fortune for the company, with FY66 having been one of its best on record. Other interstellar carriers, such as Pan Solarian and Air Konyang, have reported net profits for the fiscal year, leaving some shockholders confused at how JEA could be operating Jewel Starliners at a loss. Professor Mücahit Okur, of the Harun Al-Rashid University of Economics and Humanities, provided the following statement to the ENN via email. “The problem is fuel. Jewel Starlines has long prided itself on being the sole flagship carrier to exclusively use phoron-based bluespace engines in its interstellar fleet, while other carriers — such as Pan Solarian — use primarily Helium-3-based warp engines. Being the fastest, most luxurious carrier in the Spur does not matter if you cannot turn a profit due to fuel costs and exorbitant ticket prices.” Jewel Aerospace told the ENN it has, “the utmost confidence in Jewel Starlines to turn a profit,” and has no intention of cutting staff or routes from the company. Despite this assurance, shares of Jewel Aerospace took a dive on the New Suez Stock Exchange, closing down 5.73% from their opening price. Analysts fear this may be a sign of worse to come for the flagship carrier, with similar one-day share drops having occurred before the bankruptcy of companies such as Uthma Interstellar and Medina Warpways. Further Reading: Warp Speed?: Behind Pan Solarian Interstellar’s Unexpected Success F.C. Uthma Reaffirms Commitment to Fly Jewel Starlines: “Flagship Team, Flagship Carrier” United Syndicates of Himeo Condemns ESA, Refuses to Accept NCP Repatriations

Pan Solarian Interstellar Announces New Callisto-Visegrad-Moroz Route NEW EDINBURGH, CALLISTO (GST) - Pan Solarian Interstellar, the Alliance’s longtime flagship interstellar carrier, has announced the launch of its first new interstellar travel route in nearly a decade. The new Callisto-Visegrad-Moroz route is expected to open in November 2467 and the company has announced it expects to see more flights to Moroz than Tau Ceti or Persepolis. The coming opening of the “CVM” route marks a major milestone for a company once assumed to be floundering under pressure from bluespace-equipped spaceliners. However, rising costs for phoron-based spacecraft have carved out a niche for warp-based companies such as Pan Sol, Xanan Interstellar, and Imperial Airlines. The new route, which features a stopover at Visegrad, shortens travel time to Moroz by several days, removing previous stops at the Empire of Dominia’s border crossing which required travelers to fly on Imperial Airlines vessels. Pan Sol CEO Gui Cheng credited the new route to a partnership with Einstein Engines and recent diplomatic cooperation with Moroz. “It’s clear now, more than ever, that warp technology is the future of commercial interstellar travel,” Cheng informed investors in a statement released shortly after the new route’s announcement. “Phoron is too expensive and too subject to foreign market manipulation to become a viable alternative for our company.” Pan Sol is reportedly in talks with Idris Incorporated to allow the megacorporation access to its route for luxury cruises and travel. However, Solarian Corporate Authority regulations require a majority of the route’s traffic consists of non-megacorporate flights, limiting the CVM route’s use for Idris. Reaction on Callisto to the route has been well-received, with the Morozian community in the Commonwealth reported to be happy with a more efficient route to their home. Further Reading: Department of State Warns Against Travel to Elyra After “Deportation Act” Signed into Law Callisto’s Crown: Commonwealth’s Football Team Wins Against Mictlan for Second Year Straight OPINION: Nothing Ventured, Little Gained: The Failures of Elyra’s Phoron Exporting Strategy

Ambassador von Galántha Visits Emperor of Dominia NOVA LUXEMBOURG, EMPIRE OF DOMINIA(GST) - In a first for the 2460s, Solarian ambassador to the Empire of Dominia Ulrike de Esterházy von Galántha has met with the current Emperor, Boleslaw Keeser. This is the first meeting of its kind since Ambassador Julian Strauss’ 2459 meeting with Emperor Keeser prior to the Department of State ordering a cessation of Sol-Moroz ties as part of former PM Frost’s agenda. Ambassador von Galántha described the meeting as productive and focused on a further re-establishment of relations with the Empire, which the Alliance has maintained since 2356. As part of the initiative, the Emperor was gifted a set of antique Earther plate armor dating to roughly one-thousand years ago for display in the Royal Morozian Institute of History. Crown Princess Priscilla Keeser, heir apparent to the Dominian throne, provided the ambassador with one of the original black boxes from the United Nations’ expedition to Moroz. With the embassy in Nova Luxembourg, the Empire’s capital, fully operational after its closure from 2460-65, Sol-Moroz relations are expected to improve. Travel agencies on Visegrad contacted by the SANN have reported an increase in Dominia-originating travelers to the planet after a heavy period of decline from 2460-66 caused by unrest in the region. Further Reading: Pan Solarian Interstellar Reports Net Gains for Q3 2466 to Q3 2467: The Return of the Alliance’s Flagship Carrier? Morozian Community on Callisto Celebrates Ambassador’s Visit Xanan Tourist Discovered Alive After 11 Days Missing in Visegradi Countryside

All-Xanu Public Security Office Announces Major Drug Bust NOUVELLE-ROCHELLE, XANU (GST) - The All-Xanu Public Security Office has announced a major victory in the war against drugs in the All-Xanu Republic with the successful conclusion of its “Operation Golden Polecat.” A planet-wide operation involving the AXPSO, multiple local agencies, and the Rangers, numbers released today by Xanan authorities show several hundred arrests have been carried out across the planet. With President Afzal having made the war on drugs one of his priorities in office, analysts are stating this could be a major coup for Afzal’s All-Xanu Free League after recent unrest in Nouvelle-Rochelle and protests led by the Invincible Xanu Party. Drug reform advocates such as All-Xanu Socialist Party have criticized the operation, with AXSP leader Oscar Durrani calling it, “misguided,” and unlikely to address the long-term causes of drug use. The ACPSO’s media office confirmed some of the arrested are from Coalition member-states other than Xanu, including individuals linked to Vysokan and Konyanger organized crime, and the Rangers were used in these arrests. The Invincible Xanu Party has released an official statement condemning the illegal drug trade and its support for a reintroduction of the death penalty for drug trafficking offenses, providing a statement that, “drug-related deaths should be treated as what they are: murders of innocents by criminals.” Law enforcement agencies across the Spur have praised the AXPSO for its efforts to combat Xanu’s illegal drug trade. Officials with the Konyang National Police praised the operation, stating it will decrease illegal drug smuggling on the Xanu-Konyang-San Colette trade route. Abroad, Solarian Alliance Attorney General Henri Fontenot praised the AXPSO for its actions stating, “the war on drugs is a conflict across interstellar borders.” Solarian police authorities, according to a source within the AXPSO speaking on condition of anonymity, are currently in talks with Xanan authorities regarding the extradition of several dozen Solarian citizens arrested during the operation. Further Reading: What is the Benevolent Guild?: The XNS Looks at the Konyanger Criminal Group Cleanup Continues in Nouvelle-Rochelle: Total Riot Cost Estimated at Over 1,000,000 Credits Munjigae Publishing Reports “Record Setting” Fiscal Year

Jadranic Authorities Report Rail Network in Need of Expansion BELLUNO, NOVI JADRAN (GST) - Officials with the Imperial Mandate of Novi Jadran’s Bureau of Railways have reported the mandate’s current rail network — while sufficient — is in need of improvement and expansion following the growth of cities and the planet’s industrial output since its original creation in the early 2400s under Emperor Godwin. Citing increased passenger numbers and a growing demand for the movement of raw materials from the countryside into the Iri River’s industrial zones, the Bureau of Railways advised the current railway network will be insufficient to handle regular service between Novi Jadran’s cities by the mid-2470s. The report also noted insufficient capacity to meet the demands of mineral concerns operating in the countryside such as the di Falerio Excavation and Mining Conglomerate. Chief Commissioner of Economic Development Izla Caladius, speaking to the press and members of both the Royal Morozian Investment Group and Imperial Engineering & Shipbuilding Conglomerate during a late-night conference stated the improvement of Novi Jadran’s railway network was, “an economic imperative,” for the Emperor and crown princess. Representatives from Zavodskoi Interstellar expressed their support for the CCED, advising the INN the megacorporation’s operations on Novi Jadran stand to profit from infrastructure development. Governor-Marchioness Glavan’s office advised the INN the Jadranic government is already in discussions with the CCED to ensure Jadranic firms would be used in the construction of the improved railway system. Mayors of the planet’s four major cities issued a joint statement in support of the railroad network’s expansion, citing increased complaints from passengers about delays and disruptions to commuter and leisure rail travel. Further Reading: “Anarchy!” Jadranic Tourist Describes Surviving Sports Riots on Xanu Prime INN Releases Fall 2467 Opera Guide: Read it Here Colonial Authorities in Sun Reach Report Increased Rainfall, Sporadic Flooding in Northern Rural Zones

Veteran Senator Condemns PM’s “Appeasement of Tau Ceti” in Address to Senate After the opening jingle the camera zooms in on — as always — the stoic face of Harold MacMillan, veteran anchor of the SANN. He takes a moment to nod to the camera as he adjusts something on his PDA. “Good evening, and welcome back to The State of Sol. As always I’m your host, Harold MacMillan. Today’s top story takes us to Unity Station, where the People's Party is in disarray following a speech by veteran senator Erkan Muhtar. In this speech he condemned PM Strom’s reopening of diplomatic relations with Tau Ceti, stating no relationship to the government in Mendell City can exist so long as Solarian territory is occupied by Tau Ceti. For more on this developing story we go live to our veteran correspondent: Cèline Eylenbosch. Cèline?” The camera switches to two people standing in the halls of Unity Station. On the left is unmistakably Cèline Eylenbosch — as Cytherean and blonde as ever, looking as if she has stepped off the cover of a fashion magazine. On the right is a tall, thin, and olive-skinned man seemingly in his middle age. There are flecks of gray in his combed-back hair and well-kept mustache, and wrinkles around his eyes. He wears a dark brown suit and a matching tie with a Solarian flag pin on it — elegant, but not overassuming. A very Lunarian style, which makes him recognizable to many Solarians as… “Hello dear viewers,” Eylenbosch waves coyly at the camera. “I and your friends in the Network are dedicated to bringing you the most up-to-date news, and staying ahead of any developing story. Senator Muhtar, thank you for agreeing to this interview — it’s wonderful to see an engaged politician, hm?” Eylenbosch turns her microphone to Muhtar with a barely concealed look of glee on her face. The senator maintains a stoic, dignified expression. “It is, Miss Eylenbosch. Senators are elected to represent the people — our nation. That so many across history have neglected their duty for short-term gains is nothing short of dereliction.” “Senator, you’ve been a member of the People’s Party since 2452. Why break with them now?” “I am a man of principles, Miss Eylenbosch,” Muhtar states plainly. “I was elected by my constituents to serve the Alliance’s best interests, not a party leader’s job security. If our nation is not respected by a party, that party is unworthy of being elected.” “And what principles has the prime minister neglected?” “Mr. Strom was elected to his position — the most powerful elected office in our Spur — to ensure the future of our nation, both free and occupied. By his actions he has moved to appease our enemy, as we did in 2450 and 2459. If appeasement is how this government intends to deal with its enemies, we will be more efficiently served in electing Mister Torvald to the office of prime minister and surrendering wholesale to him.” “My, dear viewers, that’s quite a statement. Senator, what is your goal with this?” “I desire nothing less than the disestablishment of any relations with Tau Ceti until they end their illegal occupation of our territory. We cannot pursue a diplomatic solution while they pursue rule of force.” “Are you opposed to diplomacy with Tau Ceti in totality, senator?” “I am opposed in the strongest terms to any rapprochement with Tau Ceti which does not bring us closer to ending their occupation.” “My, my. Senator, thank you for your time.” “Of course.” “What a fascinating discussion, my dear viewers,” says Eylenbosch as Muhtar walks away and she turns to the camera. "But — alas! — we must depart for a brief commercial break. I shall miss you. Adieu!” The Cytherean waves to the camera as the screen fades out and into a commercial.

Elyran Security Act Signed into Law UTHMA, PERSEPOLIS (GST) - Earlier today the prime minister signed the controversial Elyran Security Act (ESA) into law. Championed by MoA Aydan Gökay of the EPP, the Act imposes harsh penalties for noncitizens convicted of a felony in Elyran space and increases funding for police agencies across the Republic. While criticized by immigrant rights groups, polling by the ENN indicates the ESA has support across Elyra. The ESA calls for the government to begin deportation proceedings for any noncitizen convicted of a felony offense. If this is not possible, such as in the case of Dominian refugees, the convicted person is to be held in prison until a suitable third party country can be found. MoA Said Malik (MDC - NEW SUEZ) called this compromise a “bandage on a gaping wound” and claimed the ESA goes against Elyran principles of human rights. MoA Gökay referred to this compromise as a necessary measure to ensure the effectiveness of the procedure. Further Reading: All-Xanu Republic Condemns ESA The Biesellite Corporate Reconstruction Zone: Can it Survive? Solarian Embassy Moves to Reduce Staff: “Little to Discuss”

25 Injured, 146 Arrested in Nouvelle-Rochelle Spat Between Xanan Football Clubs NOUVELLE-ROCHELLE, XANU (GST) - The All-Xanu Public Security Office announced today it had contained a large-scale postgame fight in Nouvelle-Rochelle between supporters of F.C. Columbia and the visiting Admiralty AC ultraleague team. The incident comes during a weekend of protests in Nouvelle-Rochelle against the presence of a major corporate vessel in the system and heightened police presence in the city. The incident remains under investigation by the AXPSO’s Nouvelle-Rochelle department, Principle Police Director Sébastien Fortier praised the quick response of local officers and gendarmes, and condemned the violence. F.C. Columbia General Manager Jacques Khanna called the incident, “a sad day for our league,” but added most fans were not involved in what he described as a riot, and stated the incident did not reflect the typical football fan. Sources in the Sneijders Memorial Stadium, where F.C. Columbia plays its home games, speaking on conditions of anonymity said the fighting was likely sparked by a last-minute referee call allowing F.C. Columbia to have a penalty kick that put the team above Admiralty AC for a last-minute 2-1 win. Most arrested were members of Admiralty AC’s “Ultras” and the injured include six AXPSO officers, including one who will require a new prosthetic arm according to the Nouvelle-Rochelle PSO’s media office. Property damage assessments are, as of the time of this article, ongoing, but expected to be low due to the short length of the fight and quick police response. Further Reading: Begam Condemns “Football Riot” as Protests Enter Second Day Freespeak Dubbing of Latest Monkey King Movie Comes to Theaters: Read the XNS’ Review Here Fisanduhian-Xanan Community Prepares for Annual Feast of Remembrance

Invincible Xanu Party Holds Anti-Conglomerate Protest in Nouvelle-Rochelle NOUVELLE-ROCHELLE, XANU (GST) - IXP leader Raphaëlle Begam has called a snap protest at the Our Lady of Sorrows Cathedral to oppose what she referred to as a blatant attempt by the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate to strengthen its footprint in the All-Xanu Republic by having its flagship vessel, the SCCV Horizon, stop in Xanu for refueling and recreation purposes. Begam started the weekend of protests with a speech on the stairs of the cathedral, calling upon the crowd to protest against foreign interference in the Coalition’s economy. Attached is a video of the speech. Play? >YES< NO Further Reading: 75 Arrested by Public Security Office in Patalipura Drug Ring Bust Beer Lover’s League Condemns Begam for Public Sobriety F.C. Columbia to Hold Game Despite Protests: “Nothing Stops Football”

Republic Suffers Rise in Non-Citizen Person Crimes UTHMA, PERSEPOLIS (GST) - Statistics released early today by the Ministry of Justice (MJ) show a rise in crimes committed by Non-Citizen Persons (NCPs) within the Republic. While violent crime remains low, instances of petty crime such as theft, vagrancy, and improper public conduct have risen among NCP populations on multiple worlds. Crimes of public disorder such as drunkenness/intoxication and narcotics crimes have also risen among NCPs, with an Aemaqii police officer who spoke to the ENN on condition of anonymity stating upwards of half of all arrests for these crimes involve NCPs. The Ministry of Internal Affairs stated these incidents show a troubling pattern of behavior among the noncitizen population, and called on the Republican Assembly to increase funding to police agencies across the Republic. Member of Assembly Aydan Gökay (EPP - AEMAQ) gave a fiery statement to the Assembly where she demanded any NCP convicted of a crime be deported to their planet of origin by the MJ. MoA Said Malik (MDC - NEW SUEZ) countered by stating forced deportations were acts of the Solarian Alliance, and called on the Assembly to increase funds to social services to combat growing noncitizen poverty caused by the shrinking phoron export market. MoA Gökay accused MoA Malik of coddling noncitizens while Elyrans suffer and reiterated her demand for harsh measures against noncitizen criminals. The Assembly based a modified version of MoA Gökay’s funding bill later that day mostly along party lines, with the Elyran People’s Party and Constitutionalists breaking the 451 vote majority needed to pass the bill. The Elyran Security Act, if authorized by Prime Minister, will increase funding to the MJ and create a general-use fund for police departments to supplement their budgets, and imposes a mandatory deportation order for any noncitizen convicted of a felonious crime. Police chiefs across the Republic hailed the bill’s passing as a victory for security, while some humanitarian groups claim it does little to resolve the problems causing this crime spike. The Prime Minister is expected to either sign or veto the Elyran Security Act by the end of this month. Further Reading: F.C. Zezura to Play F.C. Harba in Next Match Jewel Starlines Reports Q2 Profit Loss: “Less Travel Means Less Income” Ministry of Defense and Warfare Reports Conscript Readiness as "Good" for 2466-67

Alliance Celebrates Second Annual Reunification Day! NEW EDINBURGH, CALLISTO (GST) - Celebrations of Reunification Day — a celebration of the civil war’s end — have continued throughout the day across the Alliance. For many the mood is hopeful, with democratic elections having been held and most economic forecasts predicting growth following investment into the Reconstruction Mandates. Colettish President Maribel Sarmiento, reelected for her next term in 2466, gave the following statement during a meeting of Colettish veterans: “The reason we are here today, celebrating this day with you, is because of the sacrifices made by both our Sovereign Republic and our Alliance. As we look forward to seeing the Northern Reaches emerge from this difficult time, we must not forget the many households in our system where a relative’s portrait sits with a black mourning band around a corner. Thank you, and may God and our Saints protect both the Republic and Alliance.” On Visegrad Fleet Admiral Klaudia Szalai met with Solarian military and Visegradi National Defense Force veterans who fought against piracy in the region allegedly sponsored by Tau Ceti, which denies the charges vehemently. Also in attendance were representatives of the Dominian military, which has assisted in anti-piracy efforts in the Southern Reaches. The embassy of the Republic of Elyra condemned the presence of the Dominian military mission at ceremonies in Fellegvar, and provided a statement to the SANN there is, “no greater threat to peace in the Spur than the Empire.” Elsewhere in the Alliance Prime Minister Strom and Secretary of Defense Courtois laid a wreath at the Unity Station Armed Forces Memorial alongside various military officers, including Governor-General Varzieva and Fleet Admiral von Varnhagen und Langenburg. Also in attendance were members of families who lost loved ones during the civil war, representing all branches of the military and nearly every planet impacted by conflict. Strom provided the following statement: “Two years ago our Alliance overcame the greatest threat to its continued existence in centuries. Today is a day of solemn remembrance both for those who gave their lives for the Alliance and those Solarians who lost their lives in the senseless violence brought on by the neglect of Frost and ATLAS, and the meddling of foreign actors who sought to carve out a piece of our nation for their own. We cannot, as a nation, forget the sacrifices we have made to fight against these enemies. Thank you, and long live our great Alliance!” Foreign response to the Prime Minister’s comments has been mixed, with Tau Ceti’s president calling it dangerous rhetoric that should be left behind in an era of further interstellar cooperation. The Mictlani expatriate community praised the comments, but called for further actions against Tau Ceti for its occupation of Solarian territory. Further Reading: SPP Politician Condemns “Appeasement of Biesel” in Fiery Speech to Harmony City Residents Economists: Elyran Phoron Isolationism Threatens Interstellar Economy SISA: New Hai Phong Suffered Rise in Violent Crime During 2466