NewOriginalSchwann

Chatterjee Out! Representative Ejected from Grand Assembly Over Criminal Allegations PATALIPUTRA, XANU (GST) - The Free League has officially ejected Marie Chatterjee from the party over her alleged involvement in a massive fuel smuggling ring discovered earlier this year. The representative’s seat will be filled by an interim caretaker representative from the same Pataliputra constituency appointed by President Afzal in his capacity as the FL’s leader. The FL is expected to struggle to hold onto Chatterjee’s seat in the next election due to the scandal surrounding her exit from the Grand Assembly, and Popular Democratic Party representatives have already moved to capitalize on the FL’s slow pace in ejecting Chatterjee, with Rep. Murali Delacroix — PDP leader and former mayor of Pataliputra — calling the ejection, “yet another example of the Free League’s inability to serve the common Xanan.” The fuel scandal, and a FL member’s involvement in it, have become a serious blow to FL popularity across the Republic, with President Afzal’s approval rating dropping below 50% for the first time since the winter of 2462-63, when phoron prices spiked following the Biesel Crisis of 2462 and the start of the Solarian Civil War. With Afzal constitutionally unable to run for a third term, the president’s goal is likely to have a graceful exit from office which will allow the FL to retain the presidency for another five years. In Pataliputra, where Chatteejee’s former district is, the FL is less popular than it has been for the past twenty years. Most residents of Chatterjee’s district interviewed by the XNS stated they would not vote for the FL candidate in the next election due to Chatterjee’s behavior in office. Rahim Mohammad, an electrician employed by the city’s utility service, told the XNS he felt, “betrayed by Chatterjee. We voted for her to represent us, and all she did was steal from us!” Further Reading: Vysokan Mine Explosion Investigation “Nearing End” Investigation into Corporate Misconduct in Southern Coalition to Continue XNS Voted Best Service for Watching Xanan Cricket in League Poll

Tensions Escalate in Southern Spur Over Border World NOVA LUXEMBOURG, MOROZ (GST) - Tensions between the Empire of Dominia and Republic of Elyra have continued to rise in the Southern Spur region over an unclaimed border world, Kirinyaga, which is one of the most habitable worlds in the region. A former Alliance world lost during the Elyran Crisis in the early 24th century, Kirinyaga has become the flashpoint for decades of border tension between Moroz and Persepolis, with both powers assumed to be involved in the planet’s ongoing internal conflict. The past months have seen an escalation in Elyra’s presence and methods on the planet, with recent footage acquired by the ANN showing gunship strikes by the Elyran Navy on targets claimed to be affiliated with anti-Elyran insurgent forces. The harsh methods used by the Elyran Armed Forces on Kirinyaga have brought condemnation from the Alliance, with Xiu Fang, former special counsel to the Department of State on Tau Ceti, describing the EAF’s actions on Kirinyaga as, “comparable to those seen on Mictlan during its illegal occupation by Tau Ceti.” The EAF’s Office of Interstellar Outreach did not respond to a request for comment by the ANN. With Solarian diplomatic relations to Elyra at a historic low following democratic backsliding by the Republic, it remains to be seen whether the crisis can be deescalated before it becomes a wider conflict. Solarian diplomatic staff in the Empire of Dominia are working with the Empire to defuse the situation, according to a Department of State official not authorized to speak publicly. Further Reading: Ambassador to Xanu Briefed on Newly Discovered Hostile Xenofauna San Colette Planetary Baseball Team Continues to Struggle in Latest Season Silversun Tourist Authority: Summer 2468 Best Year Since 2460

AXSF Expeditionary Force to Southern Coalition Reports Discovery of New Deep-Space Fauna TRIESTO, ASSUNZIONE (GST) - The 33rd Expeditionary Fleet under Admiral Vineet Singh has, in a press conference on Assunzione, stated they encountered a previously unknown xenofauna they have named “Melusine” after an ancient Solarian water spirit. Several melusine cadavers were exhibited by the All-Xanu Spacefleet but no living specimens were present as, according to a scientist with the fleet, living melusine exert, “considerable averse mental pressure,” on sentient species through unknown means. The discovery of this new species has electrified the Coalition’s scientific community, and many xenobiological experts have expressed interest in traveling to Assunzione to study the creatures, some from as far away as the Alliance or Moroz. Described as, “squid-like,” by an Assunzionii scientist at the press conference, melusine have a large eye on the front of their body and a series of appendages they likely use to propel themselves. The 33rd Fleet advised it had first encountered melusine in the Lemurian Sea, with the animals becoming more common in the inner Sea, and that they are able to release an inky fog resembling the anomalous “fog” phenomena native to the Lemurian Sea if threatened. Commander Jules Courbet, also with the 33rd Fleet, advised melusine were, “a significant threat to extra-vehicular activities,” in the Sea, but had been, “contained,” within the region. Commander Courbet advised he was not at liberty to discuss the matter further. Rumors melusine were sighted on New Suez, Elyra, during a recent incident involving a Stafýlia corporation refrigerated shipping container were dismissed as, “highly unlikely,” by Admiral Singh, who stated it was, “doubtful,” melusine had traveled so far without being encountered by any vessel. Further Reading: Source: Corporate Flagship to Depart Southern Coalition Space Zeng-Hu Headquarters Fire Damage Likely to Cost “Millions” to Repair The Lemurian Sea: Inside the Coalition’s Oddest Sector

Noble Family Under Investigation for Neglect NOVA RIJEKA (CST) - The de Castillo family is, according to a source within the constabulary, officially under investigation for alleged neglect of the navigation beacons in their domain, which are believed to have led to the grounding of the MV Sveta Magdalena during an intense sea-storm in late 2467. Salvage operations are still ongoing, with the Jadranic Coast Guard and multiple engineering firms reportedly having mostly completed the work needed to refloat the vessel, though it is expected to remain in drydock for repairs until potentially early 2470. A formal investigation into a noble family for misconduct is a rare occurrence in the rural countryside, where the heads of many notable families supersede the authority of burgomeisters and other elected authorities. The investigation to the de Castillo family follows the exoneration of Captain Ljudevit Horvat, the ship’s captain, and its crew by a Belluno court for any wrongdoing in the freighter’s grounding. A spokesperson for the Royal Durres Shipping Corporation advised they were, “quite pleased,” by the exoneration, but declined to comment on the alleged investigation into the de Castillo family. A spokesperson for the de Castillo family did not respond to the Gazette’s request for comment, and our reporter has seen her attempts to travel to the de Castillo estate, which is located on a small island and can only be reached by the sea, repeatedly delayed and cancelled. The Jadranic Coast Guard and constabulary refused to comment on the story, citing Imperial policy. Further Reading: Soriano Offshore Mining Discovers “Massive” New Underwater Natural Gas Deposit Imperial Airlines Breaks Ground on Emperor Godwin Interstellar Shuttleport in Novi Rijeka Carian Silver Goods Increasingly Popular in Mandate

Protests Continue in Pataliputra as Free League Considers Ejecting Representative PATALIPUTRA, XANU (GST) - Street protests calling for the resignation of Representative Marie Chatterjee (FL) have continued for the past two weeks as the Free League has debated whether the representative should be ejected from the House of Delegates and the party. President Afzal is heavily involved in negotiations to see Chatterjee removed, according to a source within the Free League who spoke with the XNS on the condition of anonymity. Protests in Pataliputra have remained mostly peaceful, with only minor incidents of violence, and have centered around Chatterjee’s alleged connection to an interstellar smuggling ring discovered in the port city earlier this year. Also fueling the protests, according to protestors interviewed by the XNS, are rising fuel prices, discontent with President Afzal’s handling of the fuel smuggling scandal, and anti-Free League sentiment, with many who mentioned this point stating their support for the Popular Democratic Party over the Free League. Support for the Free League has dropped since the start of the Pataliputra fuel crisis, with most Xanans (52%) believing not enough is being done to addesss alleged corruption in the city. Disapproval of the government’s handling of the crisis is highest in Pataliputra (72%) and lowest in Nouvelle-Rochelle (35%). Despite this, approval for the AXPSO’s handling of the situation remains high (60%) across all regions of Xanu. Further Reading: Piracy Decreases in South for First Month in a Year Assunzionii Economy Shrunk During First Half of Year Approval of Elyra Remains Low Across Coalition

Department of State Maintains Upgraded Travel Advisory for Elyra NEW ODESA, LUNA (GST) - The Department of State has opted to maintain a “do not travel” advisory to the Republic of Elyra originally put in place in March 2468. The advisory level is the highest the DoS is capable of placing on a country and is generally subject to review and renewal every six months. However, due to what the Department cited as, “extraordinary circumstances in the region,” it has opted to preliminarily extend the advisory until March 2469. A DoS spokesperson contacted by the SANN advised reasons include ongoing civil unrest, poor relations between the Republic and Alliance, and recent tensions between it and the Empire of Dominia. Also cited is the recent arrest and release of Xanu News Service journalist Marsha Stangl, an ethnic Fisanduhian who was detained by Elyran-aligned paramilitary forces on Kirinyaga for two weeks. Multiple governments, including the Alliance, condemned the detention, with the Institute for a Free Galaxy — a Xanan NGO — describing it as, “the most recent and dangerous example of Elyran democratic backsliding.” A SANN reporting team on Kirinyaga has reported intimidation by Elyran forces but as of the time of publication has not been subjected to arrest or detention. A do not travel advisory means the Alliance’s government has, “little to no way of aiding a Solarian in danger,” abroad, and was most recently used during Adhomai’s civil war. This is the first time it has been used against a human-majority nation since the end of the civil war. Further Reading: Insider: SCA Considering Investigation into Zeng-Hu Drug Testing Standards Visegradi Transit System Beats Luna in Unofficial “Best Public Transportation” Vote Callistean Authorities Investigating Coalition Food Company for Misleading Shipping Manifests

Vysokan Politician Accuses Xanu of “Dominating” Coalition Politics NOUVELLE-ROCHELLE. XANU (GST) - In a speech against what she described as, “Xanan imperialism,” Rahe, Vysoka, politician Lkhagvasüren Bolormaa decried recent Xanan intervention in the southern Coalition following an increase in piracy against shipping. Bolormaa described the action as motivated by, “the profits of Markhor shipping executives,” rather than, “the increasingly flimsy idea of Coalition unity.” She additionally accused Xanu of, “deliberately delaying funding,” for the Frontier Protection Bureau (FBP) to increase dependence on its military. The FBP’s rangers — its anti-piracy arm — have requested quota funding increases since the start of the crisis, but Coalition member-states have yet to reach a consensus. Many smaller members have called the current FBP quota a burden on their own defense while others have called the FBP’s structure an outdated relic of the immediate postwar era. The Xanan public remains divided between support for the FBP, support for its reform, and support for its abolition. However, most (64%) Xanans described the FBP as ineffective or very ineffective, a sharp increase from last August (48%) attributed by the XNS to the ongoing shipping crisis in the southern Coalition the FBP has been unable to contain on its own. Coalition planetary authorities have also questioned why the FBP was unable to detect a massive phoron smuggling ring discovered on Xanu earlier this year. IXP leader Raphaëlle Begam accused Zavodskoi Interstellar, which controls significant portions of Rahe, of using the ongoing crisis as part of, “a cynical attempt to scare us into buying their products.” Further Reading: Free League Opens Expulsion Proceedings for Rep. Chatterjee as Protests Continue Navy Arrests Multiple Wanted Individuals Near Assunzione as Relief Effort Continues Fisanduhian-Xanan Reporter Marsha Stangl Released by Elyran Authorities After Detention on Kirinyaga

AXPSO Arrests Representative in Connection with Smuggling Operation PATALIPUTRA, XANU (GST) - As cameras rolled the All-Xanu Public Security Office raided the office of Representative Marie Chatterjee (FL) and arrested the representative along with several of her associates. Since then, AXPSO agents have removed dozens of boxes presumably containing evidence from the representative’s office. Special Inspector Jacques Lybaert, lead investigator of what has become the largest criminal investigation on Xanu in years, advised he was authorized to disclose Rep. Chatterjee had been arrested after messages were discovered on an encrypted email server which showed her and her office as being in contact with an individual identified as the Seeing Eye who is, according to Special Inspector Lybaert, the potential ringleader of the fuel smuggling operation based on recovered communication records. A Free League spokesperson contacted by the XNS advised the party was, “shocked,” to hear about Rep. Chatterjee’s arrest and had, “no prior knowledge,” of any wrongdoing. The spokesperson advised the FL is cooperating with the AXPSO and, “hopes this matter will be resolved quickly.” President Afzal’s office advised his stance is the same as the FL’s. Representative Murali Delacroix, leader of the Popular Democratic Party and former mayor of Pataliputra, advised he is, “utterly disgusted at the naked corruption of the Free League,” and asked if, “we can truly be certain this money hasn’t lined President Afzal’s pockets too.” The XNS has been unable to independently confirm any reports of misconduct by other FL members. As of the time of writing is unknown what the name “Seeing Eye” relates to. XNS journalists were able to identify a small cybernetics corporation in Foy-Niljen named Seeing Eye which, when contacted, advised they were, “flattered,” by the XNS contacting them, but had no in-house shipping company for their products, which provide cybernetic enhancements designed to counteract vision issues. An AXPSO media official advised he was unable to speak to the matter as, “the investigation is ongoing.” Further Reading: Protests in Pataliputra Call for Chatterjee to Resign Assunzione Continues Investigation into Zeng-Hu HQ Attack Alpha League Cricket “Very Successful” on Konyang in Recent Broadcast Season

Alliance Celebrates Reunification Day! Originally published 17 July 2468 NEW EDINBURGH, CALLISTO (GST) - In celebration of the Alliance’s third annual Reunification Day the SANN is pleased to print a special release by the office of the prime minister in celebration of our nation’s unity. My fellow Solarians, Three years ago today our Alliance — torn apart by civil war and strife for years — was reunified, and the Solarian flag once again stood proudly from New Atlantica to Visegrad. Since then Reunification Day has become an important opportunity to renew that unity, and our faith in the Alliance as a whole. Today, we remember the sacrifices of soldiers, sailors, marines, and civilians who have fought for a unified Alliance, and reeducate ourselves to the basic principles of our great nation. Reunification Day is a day to remember how far we have come as a nation since the dark days of 2461 and 2462, when the Alliance seemed to stand at a precipice. It is also a day to remember how far we must go. Millions of Solarians live under temporary foreign occupation, or in communities still scarred by war. As your prime minister I have committed to leaving no Solarian behind. On this day, I recommit myself to that goal. As we approach the next decade of the 25th century we must take measure of both our accomplishments and failings as a nation during this decade. Our Alliance has been at its weakest point since the Treaty of Xansan, and is now at one of its strongest points. We have rebuilt our economy, reformed our military, and stand more unified than any point in the past decade. The great lesson of today is to never forget the sacrifices made to protect our nation and its founding principles. If we remember those principles and our unity of purpose in ensuring they do not fade from the Spur, our nation will not falter, and we have no reason to fear the future. Hendrik Strom Further Reading: San Colette Opens New War Memorial in Nueva Isabela Trouble on the Frontier?: Megacorporation Under Fire in Coalition New Hai Phong Environmental Pollution Remains “Very Bad” per Department of Interior Report

This has human lore approval of it’s needed (also Fyni deserves it for how much stuff she did for Caria).

Suezi Port District Quarantined by Authorities Following Outbreak of Strange Illness QAMAR AZRAQ, NEW SUEZ (GST) - The Suezi Port Authority has announced the quarantine of the New Kosseir Port District following an outbreak of strange, flu-like symptoms among dockworkers. Workers at the plant reported feelings of exhaustion, sluggishness, severe headaches, and — in some examples — intrusive thoughts. As the port mostly handles refrigerated foods it was assumed the source of the outbreak was contaminated shipments or improperly stored refrigeration, or a gas leak, leading to hazardous working conditions. However, personnel sent in with hazardous environment respirators reported the same symptoms after several minutes and one responder was removed following an attempt to throw themselves under a moving automated cart system. When removed, the responder had no recollection of the event. The district is currently closed to all employees, with citizen workers assigned to different facilities if not required to ensure the safety of its automated and semi-automated systems. New Suezi police and National Guard personnel have established a security cordon and the governor is reported to have petitioned for the Ministry of Defense and Warfare to dispatch a hazardous environment team to the area. Local officials have urged calm and advise all arriving freighters should expect delays if inbound to the moon. As of the time of writing no deaths have been reported, but 83 port workers or first responders have been hospitalized for various conditions. Despite earlier fears, workers have not shown signs of being exposed to a chemical attack and seemed to recover quickly when removed from the district. Further Reading: National Guard Asks for Citizen Cooperation in Containing District Piracy Continues to Rise in Southern Spur 18 Non-Citizens Detained in Draft Office Riot

Assunzione Suspends use of Zeng-Hu Drug by Exploratory Agency TRIESTO, ASSUNZIONE (GST) - The Assunzionii Expeditionary Corps (AEC) and Council of Seven, the planet’s legislature, have announced the immediate cessation of its use of the Zeng-Hu anti-psionic drug PsiProtect Broad Use in operations. AEC officials contacted by the XNS advised they are also recalling all vessels not currently in the Lemurian Sea which have been issued the drug, and have begun investigations into the effect of PsiProtect branded drugs on AEC staff and operations with assistance from police authorities. The Assunzione Department of Pharmaceutical Research and Review (ADPRR) has issued an advisory against using PsiProtect-branded drugs and ordered a general recall of the PsiProtect Broad Use drug until allegations of misreported adverse effect frequencies such as the frequency of seizures, nausea, tremors, and death caused by its use have been investigated and reviewed by the agency. An official with the agency who spoke to the XNS on condition of anonymity advised ADPRR officials, “no longer trust,” Zeng-Hu’s internal review process following the release of multiple files demonstrating a pattern of neglect by its subsidiary companies in ensuring their drugs do not cause serious harm to patients. This investigation marks the latest in what has become a difficult year for Zeng-Hu, with an under-investigation fire having closed off multiple floors of its Assunzione headquarters and stock prices having plunged on Xanu and Callisto following the PsiProtect Scandal. On Xanu multiple delegates have called for an investigation into the megacorporation, and the AXPSO has allegedly begun to investigate several Zeng-Hu employees in connection to the ongoing Pataliputra fuel smuggling scandal. Further Reading: Burnt Computers, Battered Corpses: Triesto Police Continue to Investigate Motel Killing Allegedly Linked to PsiProtect Scandal Solarian Department of Commerce Launches Investigation into Zeng-Hu Under Special Authority Zeng-Hu Stocks Dive as Scandal Continues

First Dominian Troops Arrive on Lycoris LYDEN, LYCORIS (GST) - A spokesperson for the Department of Defense has confirmed the arrival, as of earlier today, of the first troops from the Empire of Dominia to assist with peacekeeping efforts on Lycoris. Our reporter on the planet, Le Quynh Cong, provided the following report to the ANN. PLAY? >YES< NO Further Reading: Dominian Heir Conducts Whirlwind Tour of Tundra Planet Tau Ceti More Reliant on Mercenaries to Remain Stable OPINION: ATLAS in Memory and History

Army Announces Procurement of Solarian Laser Defense System JINXIANG, MOROZ (GST) - Following a recent accord with Solarian military development companies by the Imperial Army, the Solarian-produced anti-laser system known as the Energistics Ablative Countermeasure System, or EACS, has been licensed for use by the army and production by the Morozian Interstellar Armaments Conglomerate. Describing EACS as, “both a valuable tool for our military and a kind gift from our allies in the Alliance," Lady Dr. Eliza Volvalaad, Chief Commissioner of His Majesty’s Imperial Military, advised she was, “very pleased,” with the acquisition, particularly in the face of growing Elyran threats against the Spur. “This system will allow our vehicles to better engage in combat against the Elyran threat and their multitude of energy weapons. We would be neglectful in our duties to the military as a procurement office if we did not pursue all possible measures to protect our citizens against the growing Elyran menace to the Spur.” EACS is a system of plates attached to a vehicle's armor which allow for the energy of a laser weapon’s shot to be absorbed and dissipated away from the vehicle and its crew. It was used by Solarian forces during their civil war to great effect and has long been an item of interest to the military, which currently relies on liquid nitrogen smoke projectors to disrupt and dissipate energy weaponry. With the Elyran menace already attempting to seize border worlds, MIAC has advised equipping vehicles with EACS is its, “highest priority as a corporation.” Further Reading: Caria Lodges Protest with Elyra Over Illegal Merchant Vessel Seizure Piracy Continues in Coalition’s South Fleet, Solarian Navy to Hold Joint Anti-Piracy Maneuvers

Consultative Assembly Special Committee Discusses Alleged Corporate Piracy in Southern Spur NOUVELLE-ROCHELLE, XANU (GST) - With survivors of the critically damaged Coalition-aligned refueling station Makris rescued by the Xanan 33rd Expeditionary Fleet having told authorities their station was attacked by a corporate vessel affiliated with the Republic of Biesel, the Consultative Assembly decision to hold an emergency session— the first of its kind since 2465 — to discuss the matter with corporate authorities has been widely praised throughout the Coalition. These allegations mark another blow to megacorporations in the Coalition on the heels of earlier revelations about Zeng-Hu’s testing practices and attacks against Hephaestus’ holdings. Anton Riviera, a lawyer employed by the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate (SCC), represented the cartel before the special committee. While the committee has yet to release its findings, recordings broadcast live by the XNS from its hearing earlier today has painted a contentious picture about the fate of the Makris. Testimony provided by multiple witnesses from the station indicated, shortly after most vessels left the station, a SCC vessel nearby engaged an independent vessel, which suffered a catastrophic reactor detonation, before boarding the station and engaging in a running gunfight with its crew. Myung Park, a maintenance technician aboard the station, advised he heard meltdown alarms shortly after the boarding shuttle departed, followed by, “a tremendous bang,” as the Makris lost central power. Nearby independent vessels and AXSF ships engaged in rescue efforts over the following days. Mr. Riviera called the allegations made by Makris crew, “blatantly misleading,” and advised the SCC vessel’s onboard data recorder indicated it had been fired upon by the Makris and its defensive vessel when approaching to purchase fuel. A Makris crew member with a bandaged face was recorded standing and yelling, “liar,” at Mr. Riviera as he spoke. Mr. Riviera indicated vessel security forces boarded the station to disable its weapons systems and escape the system without causing further damage to the Makris, and stated the SCC vessel’s recorder indicated the Makris’ crew had unintentionally overloaded their reactor through extensive weapons usage. Describing the incident as an, “unfortunate accident,” Mr. Riviera praised nearby ships and the AXSF for rescuing stranded crew the SCC vessel was unable to render aid to due to damage. Representative Jean-Marie Dumont (PDP-FN) questioned Mr. Riviera about a second alleged attack by a corporate vessel in the southern Coalition, to which Mr. Riviera advised he had, “no knowledge of such an incident,” but advised the SCC would cooperate fully with relevant national authorities. Rep. Fahmida Ghose (IXP-KH) asked if Mr. Riviera had any comment on ongoing issues surrounding a Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals drug testing scandal, to which he responded by stating he had no comment about the incident. Rep. Ghose responded by asking if Mr. Riviera had any interest in explaining to Xanans why the SCC had allowed Zeng-Hu to, “murder thousands of Coalition citizens through neglect,” at which point committee chair Rep. Albert Singh (FL-NR) adjourned the meeting. Further Reading: Ministry of Defense: Xanan Expeditionary Force Having “Stabilizing Effect” in Southern Coalition Controversial Author Ozias Terzis Detained for Breaching Police Cordon at Zeng-Hu Headquarters IXP to Hold Anti-Conglomerate Rally in Pataliputra