NewOriginalSchwann

XNS LIVE: Minister of Defense Duroc Addresses Reporters on Southern Spur Crisis NOUVELLE-ROCHELLE, XANU (GST) - The following is a live broadcast delivered by Minister of Defense Mathias Duroc, addressing the Republic and the wider Coalition. WATCH? >YES< NO The broadcast opens in a press briefing room within the Ministry of Defense. The Xanan tricolor and Coalition standard hang neatly behind a central podium, behind which Minister Duroc appears composed. His hands rest lightly on the lectern, stage lighting fixed firmly upon him as a faint sheen of sweat forms along his brow. After a moment, he begins speaking. “Citizens of Xanu, fellow members of the Coalition, and our friends beyond our borders. Today, I address you on a matter of profound importance to our entire Coalition, one that I am certain all of you have heard about before, and will again over the coming weeks and months: the scourge of piracy within our great Coalition. Across the southern reaches many of ill repute, with violence in their hearts and no care for their fellow Coalitioners, have turned upon their brothers and sisters. Others look upon Elyra’s recent neglect and see only opportunity -- opportunity seized at the expense of the Coalition,” Duroc clears his throat. “While some seek to exploit this temporary lapse in security, we on Xanu see only the responsibility we owe to our allies. Two weeks ago, the All-Xanu Republic received formal requests for support and military assistance from four Coalition worlds in the region. partners now facing a surge of piracy that threatens their stability, their economies, and the safety of their people. These requests were not made lightly, and they will not be answered lightly. “Accordingly, elements of the 4th Army Corps of the Grand Army will undertake a deployment across these affected areas. Their mission is protective and limited: to secure vital infrastructure, reinforce local defense forces, and support the Frontier Protection Bureau, which has borne the weight of this crisis with distinction. In parallel, the 33rd Expeditionary Fleet will be dispatched to the region. These forces will conduct anti-piracy patrols, escort civilian shipping, and ensure that the lanes of trade remain open and protected. Our forces will operate with the full consent of in cooperation with host governments in accordance with Coalition and Xanan law. Above all, this is an act of solidarity, undertaken for the relief and protection of our allies, partners, and friends. Duroc squares his shoulders and looks directly at the camera. “To those who would prey upon the Coalition in this moment, who mistake our restraint for weakness and distance for safety, know this: I urge you to reconsider your choices while the opportunity still remains. To the people of Xanu: know that your armed forces stand ready, disciplined and capable, carrying not only the strength of our Republic, but its principles both at home and throughout the Coalition. And to our allies across the Coalition: you are not alone in this. Xanu stands with you, steadfast, capable, and committed. Thank you.” The minister’s final words linger as the room falls into a brief silence. An assistant says something inaudible to him and he nods, then leans back into the mic. “I’ll take a few questions.” The assembled journalists rise almost in unison, as a clamor of voices fills the room and hands shoot into the air. Duroc points to a hand in the front few rows. “Good evening, Minister Duroc. Cèline Eylenbosch, SANN,” the woman is speaking Freespeak with a noticeable Solarian accent. “Will this force help stabilize trade routes in the region?” “Our goal of stopping piracy in the region will naturally help stabilize trade,” the reporters begin chattering again and Dueoc points to a man in the middle rows. “Hi minister. Martti Hanski, Free Dorshafen Press. Some critics have suggested Xanu is turning into the Coalition’s version of Luna and throwing its military weight around. Do you have any response to this criticism?” “Well, between us and Luna, only one has caused a civil war,” Duroc pauses for a moment as the reporters laugh. “But to answer your question more seriously, we have an obligation as one of the Coalition’s original members to protect our fellow members who are suffering from adversity. This isn’t an occupation, it’s a relief expedition.” The chattering picks up again and Duroc looks off to the side at the assistant, then back to the crowd. “Unfortunately, that’s all the time we have for in-person questions today. If I didn’t get to yours, you can always contact our press office. Thank you!” Duroc gives a brief wave to the reporters as he stands back from the podium, then hurries off to the exit with a few aides in tow, talking to them all the while. The broadcast continues for a few moments longer, capturing a room filled with restless motion and the low hum of recording equipment, before cutting to the XNS symbol.

Gun in Police Superintendent Shooting Traced to Destroyed Warehouse SUWON, KONYANG (GST) - With much of the planet still reeling from the April shooting of Konyang National Police Superintendent Daewon Kim and the shooter’s motivation still under investigation, the KNP has announced the discovery of where the firearm used in the attack came from. The K8 pistol — the standard handgun of Konyang’s military — used in the incident is reported to have come from a warehouse in Suwon’s metropolitan area believed to have been destroyed by a fire during the Rampancy Crisis. Previously known as KAF Warehouse S19, it stored mostly small arms and body armor. S19 was destroyed early in the crisis due to a power and communications outage that coincided with an electrical fire in the building, leading to the building burning out of control and violently detonating later that same day. Partially redacted documents provided to the public by the XNS note the government reviewed the warehouse’s former site a week after the end of the crisis and determined all equipment stored there was considered to be destroyed. The report noted three crates containing pistols and rifles were unaccounted for but presumed destroyed in the fire or the resulting explosion. Now, with a S19-originating gun used in an attack on another continent, renewed attention has been directed to the three missing crates from the warehouse and their potential route into the planet’s criminal underworld. KNP officials have requested the assistance of the All-Xanu Public Security Office in checking cross-planetary databases for firearms matching serial numbers from S19. A similar request has reportedly been sent to Solarian federal police authorities, which has drawn criticism from Gadpathur. Superintendent Kim is, according to a spokesperson for the KNP, making a steady recovery but is expected to retire from the police force due to the extent of his injuries. Further Reading: Ushishir Authorities: Shooting Had Potential Organized Crime Ties Light’s Edge Casino Allegedly Raided by Biesel-Flagged Vessel Years Later, Suwon Still Picking Up Pieces of Rampancy Crisis

SISA Conducts Major Anti-Organized Crime Operation on New Hai Phong TON GWAI PEI, NEW HAI PHONG (GST) - The Solarian Interstellar Security Agency has announced the arrest of multiple individuals associated with a fraud scheme created in the wake of tajara terrorist attacks on New Hai Phong, with multiple bombs detonating in Nhom Hy Vong, one of the planet’s industrial centers. A SSUP-led initiative signed into law in 2462 to provide relief to families and non-megacorporate businesses impacted by the attack passed despite SFP and SPP(Right) concerns about planetary corruption. Despite benefits to the community, investigation into the Nhom Hy Vong Attack Relief Organization, or NHVARO, have revealed millions of credits were siphoned from the organization by criminal actors on the planet posing as actors impacted by the terrorist attacks. Some are accused of impersonating individuals killed in the attacks and one arrested individual — an employee of the Nhom Hy Vong municipal government — is reported to have delayed releasing death certificates for several victims of the crime in return for kickbacks totaling 176,000 Credits. The most prominent of these groups is the Ton Gwai Pei-based criminal group known as the Pou Zyu Sai, or PZS, who are believed to have ties to Konyanger organized crime and the city’s legitimate entertainment industry. Among the 100+ arrests are, “several dozen,” official members of the gang, according to a spokesperson with SISA’s New Hai Phong field office. Some arrestees are current or prior members of the planet’s local government, suggesting there may be government corruption involved in the scheme. Also seized were several dozen unregistered firearms, some originating from outside the Alliance. Sen. Erkan Muhtar, who led SPP opposition to the NHVARO, called the alleged crimes, “deeply disturbing. Anyone who tries to exploit a tragedy for their own, personal benefit in this manner should be ashamed of themselves. We are a nation founded on the rule of law — not on the naked corruption some have allowed to thrive on New Hai Phong.” Further Reading: Phoron Smuggling Scandal Rocks Xanu’s Political Scene Pan-Solarian in Final Stages to Acquire Route to Novi Jadran Sen. Renaud to Attend Opening Ceremony of New Edinburg Interstellar Shuttleport’s Latest Terminal

Crown Princess Visits Nuova Vicenza, Departs Mandate NUOVA VICENZA (VST) - Crown Princess Priscilla arrived early in the morning, Vicenza Standard Time, in the port city’s central station to cheering crowds including a PAWELWURST stand the Nuova Vicenza Imperial Constabulary had moved behind a cordon. The crown princess spoke to, and ordered food from, the stand and mingled with the crowds as she had done at prior stops along her tour. Following this the crown princess visited multiple oil and natural gas firms based in the city, such as Soriano Offshore Mining, andpraised the firms for their efforts to exploit gas reserves discovered under the Pontean Sea. While not as suited for interstellar travel as Helium-3 or phoron, petroleum — alongside coal — is a common source of energy across the Mandate and in many areas of the Imperial Frontier, where fusion power can be impractical to establish. The crown princess additionally visited the Emperor Godwin Fusion Energy Plant, the first of its kind established in the Mandate, and spoke to its staff. Earlier this evening Crown Princess Priscilla departed the city, and the Mandate, via a shuttlecraft of the Imperial household, which departed from Nuova Vincenza Interstellar to cheering crowds and the city’s orchestra playing the anthem of our great Empire. Further Reading: Warming Temperatures on Moroz Signify Beginning of Social Season Solarian Army Reportedly Considering Arctic Training Center in Rural Patria Carian Delegation Departs Mandate for Home

Crown Princess Visits Capital, Meets Governor-Marchioness NOVA RIJEKA (CST) - Cheering crowds greeted the crown princess at Grand Central Station as her railcar arrived and she exited it alongside her entourage. Our beloved crown princess took some moments to speak with members of the crowd on the station platform about them and their concerns, with some lucky Rijekans having the ear of the Imperial Palace for a brief moment. The crown princess reportedly delayed her scheduled departure to mingle with the crowd for longer, showing her deep commitment to our Mandate. Following this the crown princess departed for the governor’s residence and met with Governor-Marchioness Glavan. The meeting is said to have, per a release by the Imperial household, covered rural infrastructure and development. This is a marked change from prior meetings between the governor and the Emperor’s family, where the matter of rural development has primarily been discussed as an issue to be resolved locally. Some have begun to question if this may be the greatest victory yet of Edvard Posavec’s popular reformist movement, which has long sought greater oversight of the planet by the Empire, particularly in its rural areas. Crown Princess Priscilla was shown off from Grand Central Station by a jubilant crowd she similarly mingled with and heard out the concerns of prior to boarding her train and departing for Nuova Vicenza, the final stop of her Jadranic tour. Further Reading: Solarian Expedition Continues Work on Sun Reach Alongside Jadraners Jadraner Nominated to Lead Imperial Army Staff Officer Academy in Jinxiang, Moroz Opinion: Governor-Marchioness Condemned by Faint Praise

Crown Princess’ Symposium Concludes BELLUNO (BST) - A two-day symposium held by Crown Princess Priscilla Keeser on the Frontier and Elyran aggression has concluded, with Priscilla departing Belluno via royal railcar earlier this evening to crowds of city residents cheering from the streets and station. While some matters discussed in the symposium are considered to be issues of national sovereignty, and thus unavailable to the staff of the Gazette, the crown princess is reported to have discussed the growing issue of Elyran aggression against the eastern border, the potential future role of the Alliance in regional security, and the need to address infrastructure and governance concerns in the Frontier. The Burgomeister of Durres, Renata Hrelja, spoke to assembled delegates about recent issues with Patria’s western coastline navigation beacons, and emphasized the need for the Imperial government to address issues of infrastructure concerns. A representative of Viceroy-General Hermann Gaufrid-Meinrad Strelitz, governor of Sun Reach, echoed Burgomeister Hrelja’s remarks and expressed his concerns about damage to fuel refineries on the planet following a long period of unexpected extreme weather. Further developments from the symposium are expected to manifest over the coming weeks and months, and the crown princess is expected to arrive in the capital city tomorrow. Further Reading: Edvard Posavec Reported Present at Symposium, Governor-Marchioness Reportedly Not Nova Rijeka Beats Belluno 3-2 in Overtime Football Match Crown Princess’ Surprise Visit to Belluno Central Rail Yard Met by Cheering Workers

Crown Princess Opens Symposium on Frontier, Elyran Aggression BELLUNO (BST) - Bureaucrats from across the Mandate and Frontier arrived in Belluno’s Emperor Godwin Administrative Centre by shuttle, train, car, plane, and myriad other forms of transportation over the past few days, with the Belluno Interstellar Shuttleport reporting it broke its record for most government-chartered flights in a single day on the 22nd. They have come to attend Crown Princess Priscilla’s symposium on the state of the Frontier following unprecedented Elyran escalations near the eastern border of the Empire. Also in attendance are Alessandro Amadei, Chief Commissioner for Colonial Affairs, Vice Grand Admiral Xiuling Zhao of the Imperial Fleet, multiple members of the Imperial Army’s high command, several voting members of the Carian Rat, the viceroyalty’s local governing body, and the Solarian ambassador to Moroz. The symposium is expected to last for the entire day, and the crown princess is scheduled to depart for Nova Rijeka to meet with the Governor-Marchioness tomorrow. With both the colonial administration and military’s officer corps possessing many Jadraners, Bellino is viewed by many as an ideal location for the two-day symposium. Rudolph Elezović, a bureaucrat stationed in the Viceroyalty of Xian-Xia who is originally from Belluno, advised the Gazette he was, “very pleased to return to the city of my birth, as is my wife,” and he, “hopes for the best outcome for this symposium.” In addition to the symposium the crown princess is scheduled to attend a performance of the Royal Belluno Opera Society, one of the Mandate’s premier opera companies, at the Empress Lei Opera House tonight. Established by House Seok to further advance the Mandate’s culture, the state of the art opera house is said to be fit for royalty. Tonight, it is expected to prove it is. Further Reading: Interstellar Girls Depart Nova Rijeka, Dashing Fan Hopes of Concert for Priscilla Shrouded Fist: A Symptom of Elyran Mismanagement Carian Delegation Reportedly to Visit Durres, Nova Rijeka After Symposium

Durres Fêtes Crown Princess Priscilla Keeser in Annual Worker’s Day Celebrations DURRES (DST) - The Imperial family’s standard flies high alongside Durres’ municipal flags and that of the Mandate this Worker’s Day as Crown Princess Priscilla Keeser’s shuttle arrived at the Illyrian Building, which has served as city hall since its opening by then-Prince Boleslaw Keeser in 2412. Princess Priscilla was photographed meeting and shaking hands with Durres’ Burgomeister, Renata Hrelja, and its city council, who govern the city under pre-Imperial rights and treaties with Duke Glavan carried over by Emperor Godwin into the Mandate. The Princess also met with local notables and was briefed by Coast Guard officials about the ongoing investigation into potential misconduct in the nearby coastal region. Following this the crown princess toured a factory operated by the Royal Jadranic Armament Works, where she praised its workers as, “one of the strongest links in the chains which bind our great Empire together,” and praised them for their efforts. Most of the Imperial Military’s small arms are produced in Durres, where the Royal Jadranic Armament Works parent corporation — the Morozian Interstellar Armament Conglomerate— operates many factories. The crown princess then boarded a royal train previously utilized by Emperors Godwin and Boleslaw and departed Durres for Belluno, where she is slated to host a two-day conference of colonial bureaucrats and local officials. After this she is scheduled to meet Governor-Marchioness Glavan in Nova Rijeka, then proceed to Nuova Vicenza where she will conclude her tour. We at the Gazette wish our crown princess and future empress good health and safe travels in her visit to our great planet. Long live House Keeser, the Goddess, the Empire, and Novi Jadran! [Attached to the article is a photo labeled as Crown Princess Priscilla and Burgomeister Hrelja in city hall. The crown princess towers over Hrelja — a shorter, stockier woman apparently in her middle age clad in a fairly typical-looking Jadranic suit with a high collar — and is politely smiling as she leans down, military cap held under one arm, to shake the mayor’s hand. Behind them are the flags of Novi Jadran and the Empire.] Further Reading: Jubilant Crowds Celebrate Crown Princess’ Arrival Across the Mandate Railway Authorities Expect “No Delays” Related to Royal Train Caria to Petition Imperial Airways for Additional Flights to Core Worlds

Investigation into Pataliputra Port Reveals Thousands of Unregistered Fuel Shipments PATALIPUTRA, XANU (GST) - An investigation by the Metropolitan Port Authority Police Department (MPAPD) of Pataliputra and All-Xanu Public Security Office (AXPSO) has revealed thousands of incidents where fuel-grade phoron was shipped to the port in containers marked as holding non-fuel goods such as nonperishable foods and motor vehicles. In a pattern described by Special Inspector Jacques Lybaert, AXPSO, as, “a consistent approach designed to avoid catching the eye of law enforcement and regulatory agencies,” port staff moved kilotons of fuel from unknown sources to buyers on Xanu starting in 2440. With the price of phoronic goods having risen steadily over the past 30 years it is likely this represents one of the most profitable criminal enterprises discovered in the history of the Republic. Port Authority and AXPSO officials are reported to have expanded the investigation to multiple ports across Xanu and several individuals have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the scheme and multiple ports have seen drops in activity due to ongoing investigation-related closures and restrictions. Representative Marie Chatterjee (FL), who represents the Bamhda District of Pataliputra — which includes Bamhda Interstellar Port, where the fuel smuggling was initially discovered — condemned the AXPSO’s behavior as, “heavy handed and irresponsible,” conduct which, “will damage our city’s economy after it’s already been hit by decreased trade across the Coalition in recent months.” The discovery of a major fuel smuggling ring which has operated with impunity for 30 years may become a headache for President Afzal and the Free League as they look towards the 2740 presidential election, where they are expected to face a tough contest from the Popular Democratic Party and its leader, Representative Murali Delacroix, former mayor of Pataliputra. Rep. Delacroix, in a statement to the XNS, advised he is, “very concerned by recent developments in my city,” has been in contact with his constituents in recent days, and hopes the investigation will not, “cause any lasting damage to an already strained port city’s economy.” Further Reading: Elyran Government Denies Existence of “Shrouded Fist” Insurgent Group Prices Worsen on Assunzione as Shipping Issues Continue AXPSO: Fuel Shipments to Other Worlds “Likely Part” of Smuggling Ring

Late Thaw Brings Relief for Rail, River Travel; Trouble for Rural Roads NOVA RIJEKA (CST) - After a brutally cold winter which buried great lengths of the Imperial Jadranic Railway System under meters of snow in some areas, the thaw has come late in the year and flooding is expected to continue into early to mid summer. Some, particularly in rural communities, are concerned the annual flooding may negatively impact rural communities already suffering from the severe winter, particularly in areas such as the north-western Iri Delta, near Durres, which was the site of a dramatic maritime accident when a freighter ran aground due to what many have alleged to be faulty coastal navigation systems. Edvard Posavec, a longtime member of His Imperial Majesty’s Diplomatic Corps and a longtime critic of rural noble families, advised the Gazette communities in areas such as the NW Iri Delta are, “in dire need of assistance from the government,” as, “infrastructure in the region has historically lagged behind standards of other rural districts, let alone the Iri River Basin Region.” A constable serving in the region who spoke to the Gazette anonymously relayed similar concerns about washed-out roads, “particularly with the [Imperial Army’s] pioneers involved in recovering that beached ship.” Despite rural concerns, shipping and tourist companies in the Iri River basin have reported an increase in their profits and operations since the start of spring, with railway authorities reporting the last major weather-related transportation delays took place during unexpected snowfalls in late April. Pontean Sea shipping levels have remained lower than average, with Belluno Imperial Transoceanic’s CEO citing the MV Sveta Magdalena incident and irregularities found in shipping beacons along the Durres coastline as major concerns during a quarterly shareholders’ meeting. Further Reading: Durres Prepares to Fête Princess During Annual Worker’s Day Celebration Fusion Trains: The Future of Jadranic Railways? Opinion: Rural Infrastructure — The Mandate’s Enduring Problem

Insurgent Group Claims Responsibility for Elyran Draft Office Attack NOUVELLE-ROCHELLE, XANU (GST) - A recent attack against an Elyran draft office on Aemaq has been claimed as, “a revolutionary attack against an oppressive government,” by a previously unknown group calling themselves the Shrouded Fist. Prior to today the Elyran government had not officially named any subjects in the incident and did not respond to the XNS’ request for comment on the matter. Our reporter was ejected from the Republic of Elyra for inquiring into the group allegedly behind the bombing. The Shrouded Fist, in an announcement made on popular social media platform Chirper, advised the attack was, “a strike against the government’s oppression of its workers,” and stated more attacks would follow unless the drafting of non-citizens ceased immediately. The post contained a video allegedly shot by the bomber, or bombers, of a device being planted within the draft office. Chirper deleted the post shortly after it was published due to terms of service violations, but the XNS has been able to acquire a copy of the recording. This video contains content which may not be appropriate for all viewers. Play? >YES< NO Further Reading: Xanan Government Upgrades Elyran Travel Hazard to Highest Level Dominian Forces in Sol: What Does it Mean for the Spur? Markhor Reports Drop in Southern Coalition Shipping Profits

Department of Defense Establishes First Mictlani Unit in Six Years NEW EDINBURGH, CALLISTO (GST) - Calling today, “a critical step towards righting the wrongs of 2462,” SecD. Lucien Courtois and General Chi Hoa Phan, Chief of Staff of the Solarian Army, have officially added the 119th Infantry Division (Mictlani) to the Solarian Army’s post-2465 list of divisions. Founded from a combination of Mictlani Defense Force (MDF) units, the 137th Infantry Division (Mictlani), and the 142nd Cavalry Division (Mictlani), the 119th has become a central hub for Mictlani forces opposing the Tau Ceti-aligned government occupying the world. Senators and Mictlani in the Alliance have praised its formation, with Sens. Erkan Muhtar and Eirlys Llewelyn called it an important gesture to a community, “gravely slighted,” by the normalization of relations with Biesel last year. The embassy of the Republic of Tau Ceti called the 119th’s formation, “misguided,” and, “a dangerous escalation in an already tense Spur.” A spokesperson for the embassy stated Mictlan left the Alliance of its own accord following, “government abandonment,” in 2462-63 and has, “prospered,” since its occupation began. Sofia Flores, spokesperson for the NGO Society for a Free Mictlan (SML), responded Tau Ceti’s allegations are an, “utter and total fabrication,” which overlook damage done during the Tau Cetite Armed Forces’ (TCAF) occupation of the planet and its major cities. Support for an end to the occupation of Mictlan remains extremely high among Solarians, with 89% responding they are supportive or very supportive. However, far fewer respondents support going to war over Mictlan, with 45% stating they would be willing or very willing, and 53% stating they would be unwilling or very unwilling. Among Mictlani and other refugees support for war is far higher, with 92% responding they would be willing or very willing to accept a war with Biesel for a free Mictlan. Further Reading: Courtois: 119th Division to be Based in Northern Command Region Among the Woods: Visegradi’s Pagan Communities Zeng-Hu Stocks Wobble After Damage to Coalition Regional Headquarters

Assunzione: Southern Coalition Shipping Remains “Hazardous” TRIESTO, ASSUNZIONE (GST) - Despite efforts to control and police major warp lanes in the south, shipping lanes continue to see less traffic and more incidents than this time in 2467. Warp lanes around the Republic of Assunzione have become some of the most incident-prone in the Coalition during the past few months, and the Republic has issued an official statement it is attempting, “all available means,” to protect travelers, but warned the warp lanes near it are, “particularly hazardous.” Routes passing near the Lemurian Sea — a mostly unpopulated and little explored region of the Spur — are reported to be the most dangerous. An area associated with legends and folklore, the Lemurian Sea is regarded as a cursed area by many Assunzione. Most expeditions into it since the 23rd century have been corporate-funded or sponsored by the Assumzionii government, with few outside actors expressing interest in the region. It is presently unknown why so many ships have begun to stray close to the Sea when typical warp lanes often take ships away from it. Astral phenomenon may be behind the disappearances, per the Tsukuyomi Institute of Interstellar Observation, based in the Federal Technocracy of Galatea. Travelers voyaging near Assunzione are recommended to ensure their automated emergency broadcast system(s) are functional and up-to-regulation prior to approaching Light’s Edge. It is additionally recommended to avoid warp lanes near the Light’s Edge-Lemurian Sea border due to ongoing concerns about the area’s safety. Further Reading: Bombing of Elyran Military Office Remains Unsolved Assunzionii Writer Ozias Terzis Teases Next Book on Spurian Precursors Over Objections from Scientific Community, Zeng-Hu Solarian Ambassador to Xanu Meets Pataliputra Business Leaders

Airborne Unit Selected as Imperial Expeditionary Force NOVA LUXEMBOURG, MOROZ (GST) - The High Command of the Imperial Army has announced the 12th Airborne Operations Brigade (AOB) will be the Empire’s mighty sword abroad in defense of our allies in the Alliance. Formed to serve as a quick dagger to any enemy force that would dare arms against our Empire, the brigade has the military’s utmost confidence in its victory over terrorism at home and abroad. Known for their distinct berets and valorous record of service, our “Paras” are eagerly anticipated by the Alliance and shall, Goddess willing, arrive in time for summer operations on Lycoris, a Solarian colonial world beset by insurrection and rebellion. The Brigade’s paras are, “eager to get into the action,” per one of its officers, Captain Gradialav Bojanić, commanding officer of Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, who provided the following statement to the INN: “Our paras represent the best, brightest, and most well-motivated soldiers of HM’s Imperial Army. After their last tour hunting Reacher scamps they are more than ready to get to the Alliance and show our allies how the One-Two Punch handles a band of scraggly blaggards.” A Solarian Army spokesperson contacted by the INN advised the Solarian Armed Forces are, “very pleased,” to see the expeditionary force getting underway. Our citizens should take comfort in the growing alliance between Moroz and Unity Station, and our enemies should be wary of it. Further Reading: Investigation into Alleged Maritime Navigational Issues on Novi Jadran Continues Viceroyalty: Rain Levels Decreasing on Monthly Basis Army in Talks with Alliance for Next-Generation Laser Protection Systems

San Colette: Phoron Cleanup on D’Anzin May Take “Many Years” NUEVA ISABELA, SAN COLETTE (GST) - In a press conference earlier today held by the Republic of San Colette and the Northern Solarian Reconstruction Mandate Geraldo de los Reyes (GOV-NSRM) announced phoronic cleanup on D’Anzin is proceeding, “at pace,” but may take, “several years to a decade,” before the planet is declared fully clean of residual contamination from massive phoron fires started by secessionist groups during the 2465 invasion of the planet. President Maribel Sarmiento (PPC) stated she is, “very pleased,” with efforts to clean up the planet, but hopes the pace of cleanup can accelerate as it goes on. D’Anzin was a major source of San Colette’s native phoron processing industry prior to 2462, and was badly damaged in fighting on the planet in 2465. Cleanup operations are being led by the NSRM with assistance by Einstein Engines and the government of Mars, both of which have prior involvement in dealing with phoron contamination during the “Violet Dawn” catastrophe. The population of D’Anzin has dropped steadily since 2465 due to both contamination and a shrinking phoronics industry, with many facilities destroyed or only partially functional and export restrictions on the fuel limiting practical access to foreign markets. Colettish Phoronics (PhoroCol) has seen its profits shrink and is, according to a 2467 report, at risk of bankruptcy without subsidies. An immigrant from D’Anzin to San Colette who spoke to the SANN on condition of anonymity advised they would not return to the planet after cleanup was completed as, “there’s nothing for me there – no jobs, no future. Better to put my skills as a pipe-fitter to use in the shipyards here [on San Colette] instead of collecting unemployment [on D’Anzin].” Cleanup on the planet itself is described as, “hazardous and potentially dangerous,” in a Solarian government posting seeking transfers from other branches of the Department of the Interior to the NSRM’s division. Government-owned synthetics are reportedly being heavily used to clean up the most contaminated areas, such as destroyed facilities where phoron stockpiles burned for days during the planet’s invasion. Further Reading: Solarian Association of Medical Professionals to Release Results of 2466-68 Martian Phoron Contamination Study SISA Reportedly Investigating Public Corruption Scandal on New Hai Phong Empire of Shadows: Hit New Documentary Covers Ake Torvald and the Cetite Security State Behind His Rise to Power