NewOriginalSchwann

I don't recall if there was a head of security in the round, and lacks the logs for it so I'm going off my memory here. I remember Taylor Morgan, an officer, telling me the CE wanted my engineering key removed, "to prevent leaking information to a saboteur," or something along those lines. So from my knowledge it appears the CE ordered it, but I can't be sure.

I can log onto the server, right now, and suffer a dozen fates far more horrid than getting shot in my head in a trench. My last death was getting my leg broken by a sword and burning alive, while screaming, in a phoron fire that followed it. It happens. The art is incredible and is an easy way to get someone invested into the setting. Like Outboard, I don't think it's edgy or, "haha murder, guys." To say such discounts it as a piece of art.

BYOND Key: NewOriginalSchwann Game ID: cyu-dLZV Player Byond Key/Character Name: QuestioningMark/Cam Mueller Staff Involved: I did not ahelp this in-round as I assumed it was a revolution round, or another one where we would have a mutiny. Approximate Date/Time: 9:30 PM EST 03 March 2025 Let me preface this by saying I’m not really an experienced engineering player (I regularly played it during the Aurora II, so about three years ago or more, with my Horizon engineering rounds coming here-and-there irregularly), with me mostly hanging out in security or medical, so I don’t necessarily have knowledge of what systems and expectations engineers are/should be familiar with. I spawn in on a new engineer and get called to the lobby, then get intercepted along the way by the CE, Cam Mueller, who tells me he needs to take me down to the lower level to “test my knowledge.” of some systems. I’m not unused to hearing about CEs wanting to “knowledge check” new characters, so I figure I need to go on and show I’m not some hub player who doesn’t know what they’re doing. So I go down and get told to pull open the engine purge valves, being told they’ll put gas into the engines. I have no reason not to believe this – it’s my in-character boss, he seems to be testing me for my knowledge, and have no idea how the thrusters work as a player, so I go along with it. There is a desire, I find, to look as if you know what you are doing in front of your in-character supervisor. We do this to both sets of thrusters, then I get a short speech about how important it is to know atmospherics as an engineer. Fast forward a bit, shortly after transfer’s been called, and I get told to go to security by an investigator. I walk there, ask what’s going on, some lines are exchanged, and the investigator starts holding me at gunpoint and telling me I’m under arrest for sabotage. This is, understandably, a shock to me and I initially assume there must have been some misunderstanding, like I pulled the wrong valve or something. My radio is taken, the engineering key popped out at the direction of Mueller (per security), and I’m thrown into processing, questioned, then put into permanent holding. I remain in it for the rest of the round. I play with OOC turned off, so my communications with the player were after this via Discord. I said some things I should not have, and I apologize for those. It was inappropriate for me as a player, let alone as staff. Returning to the matter of the complaint, I don’t really agree with the justification behind the player’s actions. A head of staff wields immense power over their subordinates and is expected to move the round forward, but I don’t believe that’s a good enough reason to have one of your subordinates – who may be a new player – arrested and thrown into security for 20-30 minutes when they’ve done nothing wrong. I was excited, with a new character who seemed to be clicking with the rest of my department – perhaps this was finally the character I needed to break into engineering with a solid, good personality – but that experience, and my agency, was ripped from me by the decision of my head of staff. Not an antagonist head of staff, not an antagonist themselves, but my head of staff, who wanted to get money for disabling the thrusters and needed a “fall guy” for his attempt to drive the round forward. Sabotaging your own ship and blaming one of your subordinates is not something I believe a character would reasonably do for any amount of money as a head of staff. Furthermore, I do not believe the argument of, “my character is racist and nasty,” is enough to justify this. There were two tajara and an unathi in the department when I arrived – why hadn’t he decided to involve one of them in his attempt to drive the round forward? When I first joined this server years ago, I played with antagonist heads of staff and was one of the voices pushing for their removal, which was ultimately successful. This round reminded me of why I, and others, fought so hard for the removal of antagonist heads of staff. Considering the totality of information, I must ask if this is what we want from a head of staff, a role which we place behind a whitelist in the hopes they’ll be able to direct the round? A player who is taken to security and handcuffed loses all agency, and ordering their radio taken away from them only exacerbates this lack of agency – their round is, in essence, ruined, and their time wasted. It’s nothing a head of staff should do outside of exceptional circumstances, such as if they are an antagonist – a loyalist, for example. Ultimately, with my initial anger at it having faded, I find myself more disappointed in this than anything else. A head of staff should know better.

Government Formed — Alliance to be Governed by Populist-Sol First Coalition! Epilogue #4 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Election UNITY STATION, EARTH — Earlier today (GST) the Senate announced the successful formation of a coalition government between the Populist and Sol First parties, with both parties combined surpassing the required 50% limit to form a government. As part of a power-sharing agreement between the two parties, Hendrick Strom has accepted Senator Toshiyuki Sumida as the Senatorial President, giving Sol First a degree of influence over proceedings they have not possessed since the mid-2450s. When contacted by the SANN, the Sol First Party’s office for interstellar relations provided the following comment: “The Sol First Party is pleased to work alongside our colleagues in the Populist Party to further Solarian interests at home and abroad, while respecting the values that have long made our nation a great one.” The opposition is slated to be headed by Senator Anastasie Renaud’s Popular Democratic Party, with Sen. Renaud serving as Shadow President for the Senate. Madelyn Fitzpatrick, spokesperson for Sen. Renaud, provided the following statement to the SANN: “Senator Renaud and the Popular Democratic Party are excited to get to work governing the Alliance, and see this as a chance to prove our platform – and our effective governance – to the Solarian people.” The junior partners of the opposition are the Socialist Unity Party, led by Sen. Trang, and the Communist Party, led by Sen. Pavlov. Neither responded to the SANN’s request for comment. Further Reading: All-Xanu Beer Lover’s League Publishes “Steins of Sol” Recommendation List Silversun Tourism Board Reports Increased Visitors during Winter Season Konyang’s Suwon Sea Bandits Prepare to Head to San Colette

Senate Swears in Hendrik Strom as Prime Minister! Epilogue #3 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Election The camera zooms in on the serious — and now well-rested — face of Harold MacMillan, complete with his iconic Callistean flag lapel pin. He nods to the camera. “Welcome back to The State of Sol. As always I’m your host, Harold MacMillan. Today we go to Unity Station, where the Senate has just voted to confirm Prime Minister-elect Strom as PM. Reporting live from outside the Senate chambers is our ace reporter, Cèline Eylenbosch. Cèline?” The camera switches to Eylenbosch, who is once again standing in the Alliance’s halls of power. Behind her is a well-furnished wooden door in a classical Earther style, potentially leading into a senator’s office. Beside her stands a quite tall Solarian woman of likely middle age, clad in a business suit with a Lunarian flag lapel and wearing glasses. The Cytherean nods to the camera and smiles at it, then begins speaking. “Hello, dear viewers, and thank you, Harold. As you’ve said, the Senate voted earlier to confirm Strom as our next Prime Minister. With me to discuss the confirmation is Senator Haruka Mori, a representative from Harmony City, Luna, and member of Sol First. Senator, can you start by explaining how the vote went for our dear viewers?” Eylenbosch levels her mic towards Mori. “First, let me begin by stating my opinions are my own and do not necessarily reflect the stances of Sol First. For being a procedure we haven’t done since 2461 — and arguably since before that, considering how few senators were able to attend Frost’s confirmation due to harassment by his paramilitaries — it went quite smoothly. Most of this is formality, with us simply confirming what the people have already decided.” “Did anything unexpected happen, senator? I’ve heard rumors of a disturbance inside there.” “There was, ah, one incident involving Senator Trang. She claimed that New Hai Phong’s seats would abstain until its election disputes had been resolved — corruption issues, according to her own words.” “Did her party abstain?” “Some did. As you and I are talking about the success of this vote, it was, as they say, compter pour des prunes — it only damaged their reputation, ultimately.” “Ahhhh, dear senator, you mean to say it was a worthless gesture?” “It was, yes. I'm not unused to political stunts, but I hope this isn't a bad sign for their future coalition partners if they choose to join one.” “And what do you, dear senator, think of our new prime minister?” “I’m pleased to see a return to democracy by our Alliance and am confident the PM will work to advance traditional Solarian values and principles.” “And what of the word on everyone’s lips, coalition? Are you willing to work with him?” “I can’t speak for Senator Sumida, so I’ll have to refrain from commenting on the matter.” Eylenbosch looks almost disappointed by this response, as if she’s had a toy stolen from her hands. “I see. Well, dear viewers, on that mysterious note we must return to you, Harold. Thank you for your time, Senator Mori.” “Of course,” the Lunarian nods politely as the camera switches back to a view of MacMillan. “Thank you, Cèline,” MacMillan points to the camera elbow resting on his desk. “The State of Sol will be right back after this break, so stay tuned!

Senate Polls Conclude — Coalition Government Guaranteed? Epilogue #2 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Election NEW EDINBURGH, CALLISTO — The Department of the Interior has announced that all senatorial races have been, as of today, concluded with winning candidates aside from several precincts on New Hai Phong, which remain contested due to allegations of corruption and voter suppression. DoI reports indicate big gains in the Senate for the Populist Party and Popular Democratic Party, currently represented by PM-elect Strom and Sen. Renaud, with minor gains for Sol First and the Socialist Unity Party. The Communist Party has polled below all other parties in the election. No party has polled above the 50% required to form a government in the Senate, and the next few weeks are likely to contain negotiations to form the first coalition government since the 2450s. When asked by the SANN, PM-elect Strom provided the following comment: “I’m pleased at how well the Populist Party has performed in the elections and look forward to working with any potential coalition partners in the future. As Solarians, whether in the Senate or in our nation as a whole, it’s important we come together as a united people instead of letting our differences tear us apart.” Sen. Renaud provided the following comment to the SANN: “The success of social democracy in the recent election proves the Alliance is ready to look inwards and take action to address what led us to the crisis of Frost’s government in the first place. As one of the two largest parties in the Senate, we look forward to working together with our partners to better the Alliance for every Solarian!” The breakdown of parties in the Senate is projected to be as follows: Populist: 30% Popular Democratic: 28% Sol First: 22% Socialist Unity: 15% Communist: 5% Prime Minister-elect Strom is expected to be sworn into office by the Senate in the following days. Further Reading: Sen. Sumida, PM-Elect Strom Rumored to be in Coalition Talks All-Xanu Republic Ambassador Meets, Congratulates PM-Elect Strom During Visit to Venus Sen. Trang to Throw First Pitch at Next Ton Gwai Triads Game

Leaders of the Orion Spur Congratulate Prime Minister-Elect Strom on Victory Epilogue #1 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Election UNITY STATION, EARTH - Congratulations from across the Orion Spur have begun to come in for Prime Minister-elect Strom following his victory in the 2467 elections. While Senatorial elections are still being counted and decided, below are some selected responses from interstellar leaders. The All-Xanu Republic and the Office of the President wish to extend our sincere congratulations to Prime Minister-elect Strom for his victory in the election, and look forward to continuing an amicable relationship with the Alliance. The Grand Council would like to congratulate Strom on their election victory. Grand Councillor Jrugl and the other council members are overjoyed to see a return to normalcy within the Solarian Alliance. May the prosperous friendship between the Federation and Alliance continue, Stars willing. The Office of the President of the Republic of Assunzione extends its formal congratulations to the Prime Minister-elect of the Solarian Alliance, and hopes the Alliance will continue to respect and uphold interstellar peace. Crown Princess Priscilla, on behalf of His Imperial Majesty, extends our Empire’s sincerest felicitations to Prime Minister-elect Strom for his victory, and eagerly anticipates further cooperation with the Alliance. May the Goddess watch over the Alliance as it continues to recover from its civil war. The Republic of Biesel extends its congratulations to the Solarian Alliance for its return to a free and democratic system of governance, and to the newly elected Prime Minister Strom for his victory in the election. The President wishes the new Prime Minister the best of luck, and is hopeful that the return of democracy to the Alliance means it will continue to uphold the spirits of interstellar cooperation and internal reformation it has begun to rebuild after losing them under the leadership of former Prime Minister Frost. The Office of the President of the Republic of Konyang extends its congratulations to the Alliance for its return to democracy, and is hopeful it will continue to uphold interstellar peace under democratic leadership. The Serene Republic of Elyra and Prime Minister Nouzari extend our warmest congratulations to the Alliance for its return to democracy following civil unrest. The Federal Technocracy of Galatea, and Chief Director Ceridwen Yarwood, wish to extend our felicitations to the Alliance for its return to the Spur’s longest-standing democratic tradition. Prime Minister-elect Strom and the Alliance may be assured of the Federation’s continued friendship and support. The United Syndicates of Himeo extends its congratulations to the Solarian people for their return to democracy after multiple years of authoritarianism. Further Reading: Department of the Interior Announces Senate Votes to be Counted by Monday SISA Arrests 15 in Connection with Plot to Illegally Close New Hai Phong Election Precincts Celebrations Continue in Susuhe District, Venus, Following Strom’s Victory

BREAKING NEWS: RENAUD CONCEDES – HENDRIK STROM BECOMES THE ALLIANCE’S NEXT PRIME MINISTER! FINALE of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Election After the SANN opening jingle, the camera zooms in on the once-tired – and now very, very alert – face of Harold MacMillan. It is as if the news has jolted the underslept, overworked veteran newscaster back into awareness through pure adrenaline alone. He nods to the camera. “Breaking news out of New Edinburgh just now, where Senator Renaud has conceded her candidacy in response to the gap between her and Senator Strom widening to well over a billion votes. We now go to the Susuhe District, Venus, where Senator Strom is preparing to give his victory speech.” MacMillan gestures to the camera, which switches to a view of an auditorium with a podium flanked by Solarian flags. Behind it stands Strom – around him is an utterly packed arena filled with Venusians, mostly Jintarians, and a press pit filled with cameras and microphones bearing nearly every national symbol in human space – there are local Solarian agencies, the Mendell City Bugle, the Elyran News Network, the Xanan News Service, the Imperial News Network, and dozens more – all preparing to broadcast this event. The SANN’s camera zooms in on Strom, who moves his hands to silence the cheering crowd. “Good evening, my fellow Solarians. Let me begin by stating I want to express my deep appreciation for every Solarian who voted for me and for the Populist Party – I cannot possibly begin to tell you how proud I am of what we’ve done today! I hope that in my victory, every Solarian from humble origins can see a path for themselves to even the highest office in our Alliance. “I also wish to express my support to the billions of Solarians who chose to vote for other candidates in our election. I understand the sting of defeat can make one feel very low, and assure you I will fight for you as Solarians no matter who you voted for. I wish to express my support for the other candidate as well – every party gave it their all this election, and I firmly believe that more competitive elections lead to better candidates winning. A one-party state only benefits those in charge. “Regardless of who you voted for, we, as Solarians, can take comfort in the knowledge that, despite the best efforts of Frost, ATLAS, and other enemies of Solarian democracy, our process works. Our Alliance has taken five candidates through the greatest system in the history of the human race and chosen the most qualified one not through birth, not through corporate sponsorship – no. Our victor was chosen by one Solarian, with one vote, repeated billions of times. Despite a civil war having ended just two years ago, despite the mismanagement of Frost and his cronies, billions of Solarians came out to vote today! And that, my fellow Solarians, is more important than whatever party you chose to cast your ballot for. “But with the election over we must now look to the great tasks ahead of us, and they are indeed numerous. A civil war launched by would-be dictators, fascists, and autocrats has devastated great swaths of our nation, megacorporations still hold entire Solarian worlds in grips that strangle those living there, and the growing pains of our efforts to create the Spur’s largest non-megacorporate economy plague many areas of our Alliance. It is impossible to stand idly by and we, as the Alliance of Sovereign Solarian Nations, are called to act: to bring our Alliance into a new era of prosperity, without internal conflict and free from megacorporate influence, once and for all! “While in my election headquarters I noted several broadcasters, such as the Susuhe Chronicle, calling this one of the greatest political victories of the 25th century. To that I say – apologies to my hometown broadcaster – it will only be one of the century’s great political victories if our Alliance can, after my term is concluded, walk away with its head held high, stronger than it has been in decades. That is the victory the Solarian people deserve – to live in a new era of prosperity and progress. “It is my great hope that, for the next four years, we can conduct ourselves in a manner that will make the Solarians of future centuries look back and say, ‘This was the start of a new age of prosperity for our Alliance,’ and think on this time with pride, not the shame we feel when we look back to the start of this decade. “Thank you, and long live the Solarian Alliance!” Strom flashes his traditional V for victory sign with one arm as the crowd cheers for him and a large holographic screen behind him displays a fluttering Solarian flag. A new day, it seems, has dawned over the Alliance. The camera feed fades out.

BREAKING: Pavlov, Sumida, Trang Concede — Race Narrows to Strom and Renaud Article 30 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Election After the SANN opening jingle the camera zooms in on Harold MacMillan, who sits behind his desk and leans on it slightly -- coffee mug off to one side and stack of papers to the other. The veteran newscaster still looks tired -- he's been at this for well over 24 hours, with only short breaks -- but maintains his ever-resolute demeanor and expression “Breaking news in the election just now as three candidates have conceded defeat in the race. We now go to Luna, where Senator Sumida is about to give a short speech announcing his withdrawal.” Macmillan gestures at the camera, which swaps to a view of a well-decorated room featuring a stage and podium. Behind the podium sits Senator Toshiyuki Sumida, the Sol First Party’s soon-to-be-former candidate for PM. “My fellow Solarians,” Sumida begins. “We have fought a hard campaign and given our all in hopes of winning the prime minister’s office, but we can no longer ignore the stark reality of statistics: we have lost our chance. Sumida pauses for a moment. “But do not be disheartened or ashamed, as the struggle for our venerable Solarian principles continues, and our party is performing well in senatorial polling. We may not be the prime minister’s party, but we will be a voice he or she cannot ignore. Please accept my sincerest apologies for my failure to secure the position, and may our Alliance continue to prosper. Thank you,” as he ends his speech, Sumida steps out from the side of the podium and bows deferentially to the audience. Sumida’s speech is followed not by cheering, or jeering, but by polite clapping as he gracefully stands back up, then exits both the stage and the race. The camera switches back to MacMillan. “With Senator Pavlov declining to hold a speech we now go to New Hai Phong, where Senator Trang is preparing to concede.” MacMillan gestures to the camera again, which switches to a view of a union hall on New Hai Phong. In contrast to the well-dressed and formal-looking Lunan, Trang’s sleeves are rolled up to her elbows and her suit jacket is off. She leans on her podium as a crowd looks on, then stands up and begins speaking. “I know you’re disappointed in this — believe me, I am too — but let me tell you that we have not even begun to fight for our cause as a party! Trang pauses a moment as the crowd cheers and claps. “We have not won the prime ministership, no, but we remain a force to be reckoned with in Solarian politics! And while we are,” she pauses again, “will we ever stop fighting against corruption and corporatism?!” Trang leans her mic towards the crowd. “NO!” they respond as one. “Then we may have conceded this race, but we’ll never concede our ideals!” Trang throws her fist into the air to cheers! “Thank you for choosing me to be your candidate, and long live our Alliance and the Socialist Unity Party!” The crowd cheers as Trang exits the race with her popularity intact. The camera switches back to MacMillan. “Two to go, audience. Exit polls indicate Strom leading slightly across the Alliance, but only by a few tens of millions. Will he retain that edge? Stay tuned.” The camera fades out as MacMillan looks through his papers, holding them with one hand while flipping through with the other.

Voting Begins to Close Across the Alliance Article 29 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Election After the opening SANN jingle the camera focuses on, as always, the indomitable if tired Harold MacMillan. He nods to the camera — the papers and Callistean flag coffee cup remain on his desk. “Good evening, and welcome back to the SANN’s special coverage of the 2467 federal elections. Across the Alliance, including here on Callisto, polls are beginning to close and more ballots are being counted. With me by phone is Doctor Giacomo Principi, a Solarian election expert. Doctor, can you hear me?” A short pause follows before Principi, through a phone on MacMillan’s desk, responds. “Yes, Harold. I can hear you— sorry, it’s a bit crowded in here,” Principi is a bit hard to make out over some background noise in his audio. “Can you hear me?” “We can, yes. It’s a bit hard though, lots of background noise.” “Sorry— I’m with my staff and we’re monitoring the election results as they come in. You said you had questions?” “I do, yes. What do you think of the election so far?” “Well, it’s gone quite smoothly aside from some minor disturbances — the kind of things local police handle, such as unruly voters and the like. It’s a sign of the durability of Solarian democracy — we endured Frost, and now we’re going back into the right path.” “That’s good news for us,” MacMillan nods to the camera. “Any idea who will win?” “Well,” Principi hrms, pausing for a moment. “It’s still hard to say, Harold. But we’ve seen two candidates pull ahead in early polling.” “Which ones?” “Strom and Renaud — Pavlov was leading for a bit as the Soviet republics tend to count their votes faster. Both performed strongly in polling, so it’s not as surprising as it might seem.” “Any other observations?” “Sumida and the SFP aren’t doing as well as anticipated outside of areas they’ve traditionally performed well in, and neither is Trang. We won’t be able to speculate about why until much later, but the gap between these two candidates and the leading two is only getting larger based on government numbers.” “Thank you, Doctor.” “Of course.” “That was Doctor Principi. We go now to another source, our very own Le Quynh Cong reporting live from Cua Song. Le?” The camera switches to the bespectacled reporter, yet again wearing her respirator and now standing outside of an election precinct somewhere in urban New Hai Phong. Behind her a line of Hai Phongers file into the precinct — the line is definitely smaller here, but there’s an impressive number out for how late it is. Cong waves to the camera. “Hi Harold!” “How’s the situation there?” “Good! Precincts across the planet like this one are staying open until midnight, so workers can get in to vote, and most of the people you can see behind me are Hephaestus workers coming in from second shift or getting ready to leave for third shift.” “You’ve been reporting from New Hai Phong all day, Le. Have there been any incidents?” “One, Harold, but we didn’t see it personally. An election precinct in an area dominated by the Socialist Unity Party was shut down temporarily by police due to alleged dangerous weather conditions and civil unrest, but was opened shortly after by soldiers from the 4th Haphongese Armored Division working with election officials. A source close to Senator Trang informed me she’s been involved in multiple holocalls with Governor Lai and is alleged to be threatening to demand a recount of the planet’s votes if necessary.” “Concerning news, Le. Hopefully there’s no further disruptions.” “Hopefully,” Cong nods to the camera. “Back over to you.” The camera switches back to MacMillan. “The SANN will be right back with more coverage of the elections, so stay tuned!”

Solarians go to the Polls! Article 27 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Election The camera, after the traditional SANN jingle, focuses on an unexpectedly tired-looking Harold MacMillan, with a mostly drained Callistean flag-decorated coffee mug sitting next to him on his desk on a coaster. While he might have slight bags under his eyes, the veteran newscaster looks as confident as ever as he nods to the camera. “Good evening, and welcome to a special edition of The State of Sol. I’m your host, Harold MacMillan. This election cycle our coverage begins very early, with multiple planets across the Alliance choosing to open their polls at midnight on the 27th. We now go to, well, about an hour’s ride by rail from our office to an election precinct in New Edinburgh, where our ace reporter Cèline Eylenbosch is reporting live. Over to you Cèline.” In contrast to the somewhat tired MacMillan, Eylenbosch looks as good as ever — as if she fell off the cover of an Idris fashion magazine. She smiles at the camera. Behind her is a line of Callisteans outside the concrete-and-glass facade of a government building stretching up into the sky. In the background cars whizz by, some honking, and an elevated magnetic railway hisses by, cars rattling slightly as they pass. “Thank you, Harold. I’m here at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Street government building, which serves as the election precinct for the surrounding half-kilometer of Callisto,” behind her the line of voters have noticed Eylenbosch and are starting to wave to the camera, some whistling and waving both Callistean and Solarian flags. “As you can see, dear viewers, Callisto’s excited to vote. Aren’t you?” Eylenbosch levels her camera at a young woman with a Callistean flag hat and a takeaway coffee in her hand. “I’m totally excited to vote!” she yells, throwing a V for victory sign up into the air. “GO RENAUD!!!” Her fellow Callistean join in with clapping and whistling as Eylenbosch turns the mic back to herself and begins walking down the line, using some device in her hand to manipulate the camera’s angle — she’s apparently using a camera drone rather than an actual cameraman. As the camera turns to look down the line, more Callisteans wave to it. The crowd here is a diverse one — men and women, young and old, middle-class bureaucrats and working-class longshoremen. A car honks as it passes by, Callistean flag trailing from one window. “As you can see, today’s events have drawn quite the crowd.” The camera switches focus back to Eylenbosch, who now stands beside a middle-aged man in a Solarian Army veteran’s hat. “Are you excited, my dear veteran?” she turns her mic towards him. “I’m as excited as any man can be!” he responds. Eylenbosch’s expression changes a bit — this man has a Mendell City accent. “Are you from Tau Ceti?” she asks, looking curious. “Yeah! I am, yeah. I left it in ‘52 after it seceded — like hell was I going to sit by and stay in a ‘democracy’ run by the Trasens!” “You think Biesel isn’t a democracy?” “Hell no!” some Callisteans around the expat clap and cheer at his comments. “Dorn and that new guy, Torvald, they’re both owned by NT! But we’ve got a real democracy here in the Alliance, and that’s something worth fighting for!” “Is that why you joined the Army?” “Yeah! Then I volunteered for the Coletters — the regular Army said I was too old, but I still got some fight in me!” the man grins as a man behind him claps him on the shoulder. “Never put an old soldier down!” “Thank you for your time, sir,” Eylenbosch nods her head to the veteran and keeps working her way down the line. “How are things in the office?” “I’m going to try to get some sleep in the break room in a bit,” MacMillan responds. “Then get back to coverage. High spirits otherwise.” Eylenbosh nods to the camera. “I’ll be here in the meantime, dear viewers, providing the coverage you’ve come to expect from the SANN. For example, what do you think about the election?” Eylenbosch levels her microphone at a thirty-something man in a business suit and overcoat, who looks up from his phone in momentary surprise – he almost drops it, but manages to keep his grip on it. “I’m, ah– I’m excited for it! Sorry, you kind of surprised me. I didn’t get to vote during the last election because ATLAS closed this precinct,” the crowd around him boos and jeers at the mention of the group, “but now I’m here, and I’m not letting anyone take this from me! GO RENAUD!!!” The crowd near the man cheers as Eylenbosch turns the mic back to herself. “Thank you. Harold, back over to you.” The camera switches back to MacMillan at his desk. He’s refilled his coffee mug in the meantime, and added a few new papers – printed ones, not the dataslate he’s typically seen with – to his desk. He nods to the camera. “The State of Sol will be right back with more continuous coverage in just a few minutes. For now, stay tuned – and have a good night.” The camera zooms out as the traditional SANN jingle plays, and MacMillan rubs his face and then speaks to someone off camera, lifting up a few papers. Whatever he says isn't recorded by his mic.

The Department of the Interior’s Frequently Asked Questions for the 2467 Election Article 27 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Election NEW EDINBURGH, CALLISTO — With one day left until the Alliance’s federal elections the SANN has compiled a helpful list of election FAQs with assistance from the Department of the Interior. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions from the DoI’s website, www.sdoi.sgov/elect2467/faq. Q: Can I still register to vote on election day? A: Yes. Bring a valid ID showing Solarian citizenship such as a passport or passcard with you to your local election precinct and you will be able to vote. Legal permanent resident cards are not considered to be a valid proof of citizenship. Q: When do polls close? A: This is decided by local authorities. However, no election precinct is plowed to close before 1900 and all are required to be open by 0500. Precincts not following this guidance should be reported to the Department of the Interior. Q: When will I know who won the election? A: Preliminary results for Prime Minister are expected on 28 February, but a full count may take until early March. Preliminary results for the Senate are expected by early next week. Q: What is being done to combat potential election fraud? A: Election officials at the Department closely coordinate with the SISA and a number of Solarian police forces. Election fraud is a federal crime punishable by a minimum of five years in prison, with restitution. Crime doesn’t pay. Q: Are election materials available in multiple languages? A: Election materials are available in all human languages aside from Tau Ceti Basic, which is banned by the Foreign Influence in Elections Act of 2452 and the Preventing Illegal Alien Voters Act of 2462. Q: Are partisan materials or clothes allowed inside election precincts? A: No. You will be asked to remove or conceal any items, and partisan political activity is banned within 100 meters of an election precinct. Q: Who should I call if there’s an emergency at my election precinct? A: Contact your local emergency services, not the Department of the Interior. Some election precincts may have Solarian Army personnel stationed at them who can be identified by brassards with “ELECTION SECURITY OFFICER” on them, and should be alerted to any potential issues. In an emergency, please follow their instructions if they are present. Further Reading: Renaud Holds “Double Overtime” Rally in New Valletta with Returning Callistean Football Team Visegradi National Defense Force Announces Increased Security Measures for Election Day Gen. Patrick Edwards States Solarian Army’s NORCOM at Heightened Readiness State for Election

Live from Binyaria! Article 26 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Election After the SANN introductory jingle, the camera focuses on — as always — the mustached face of Harold MacMillan. He nods resolutely to the camera and straightens his posture. “Good evening, and welcome back to The State of Sol. As always I’m your host, Harold MacMillan. We go now to the Susuhe District in Binyaria, Venus, where our reporter Eberechi Oteh is reporting live from a rally in support of Senator Strom’s campaign for PM, with only two days left until the election! Eberechi, over to you.” The camera switches to Oteh, standing in a crowd of Jintarian’s mostly dressed casually — there’s very few suits here, and most are in Strom’s traditional grey coloration, with few accessories. One woman a bit further back is wearing a white coat which stands out in the crowd — potentially a doctor, potentially a Cytherean, potentially just another Jintarian. The atmosphere is lively — there’s an excitement to the crowd one can feel even through the camera — and a large Solarian flag dominates the background. It’s patriotic, if nothing else. Oteh nods to the camera. “Thank you, Harold,” he begins, pointing at the crowd behind himself, “as you can see, with only two days until the election, these SPP supporters are certainly excited about their chances!” “It seems so! Who have you seen at this rally, Eberechi?” “Mostly Jintarians — Cythereans aren’t a common sight at these rallies, and there’s a competing Sumida rally going on in ‘Cytherean Bibyaria’ as the locals call it. Even without Venusian entertainment being underrepresented, there’s still a good variety of people here. In fact—“ “There he is!” someone in the crowd shouts! “It’s Senator Strom!” Anything Oteh intended to say is drowned out in the crowd’s cheering as, behind the reporter but still in the camera’s view, the Pride of Jintaria walks through the doors under the flag and into the room. Strom flashes a V for victory sign above his head and motions for the crowd to be quiet. Aside from an aid next to him, the senator stands alone — he has no bodyguards and no surrounding cadre of officials. It’s Strom, a man next to him with a briefcase, Oteh, and the crowd. After the crowd quiets he gestures to the aide, who takes a microphone from his briefcase and hands it to Strom. “My fellow Jintarians!” Strom pauses just after he begins, letting the words linger in the air. “I speak to you today not as Senator Strom, not as Emergency Governor Strom — no! I speak to you as Hendrik Strom, a fellow Jintarian, and from the same level as you!” Strom gestures around at the crowd. He’s literal about being on the same level — the senator isn’t on a stage, and some in the back are standing on their toes to see him. “My fellow Jintarians, and my fellow Solarians who have dared to support real change: we have fought hard for the victory we’re going to enjoy in two days!” Strom throws his fist into the air as the crowd goes wild! “And after I win, I will keep fighting like hell for everyday Solarian people!” The crowd cheers again! Strom puts the mic down and walks into the crowd, shaking hands and taking to people as he goes — the Jintarian seems comfortable like this, mingling with others and getting face-to-face with voters. The camera focuses back on Eberechi, who is now standing next to a middle-aged man dressed in what could reasonably be described as business casual. A reflective-striped jacket sits over his collared shirt, with the name “MARKOWSKI” printed on the left breastpocket. “And there you have the candidate, Harold. With me is an attendee who expressed interest in speaking with me, Vincent Markowski.” “Thanks for talking with me. It’s not every day the Power Complex gets its voice heard, you know.” “You’re an engineer in Binyaria’s power station?” “It’s a huge level, not really ‘just’ a station. But yes, I work down there as a shift supervisor. Most of us are Jintarians just like the Senator, but we've got a few Martians too -- refugees from when Frost blew up Mars.” “Why do you support Strom?” “That's an easy question. I support him because he advocates for the common Solarian and good, traditional Solarian values. I supported the SFP during the last election, when I was younger, and they were just a Trojan horse for ATLAS and Frost, so why the hell would I vote for them again?!" Markowski shakes his head. "Strom will bring real change!” “Right, Vincent, thanks for your time,” Oteh moves to cut the interview. “Harold, back over to you.” “Thanks Eberichi. On that note we need to go to a short commercial break. The State of Sol will be right back with more hard-hitting coverage of our elections in a few minutes, so stay tuned!”

Election Week Analysis: WHO WILL WIN? Article 25 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Election After the traditional SANN opening jingle the camera zooms in on the face of Harold MacMillan. Sitting across from him is the familiar, bespectacled face of Doctor Giacomo Principi, of the Callistean Institute of Interstellar Studies. MacMillan nods to the camera. “Good evening, and welcome back to The State of Sol. As always I’m your host, Harold MacMillan. With me today is Doctor Giacomo Principi, an expert on Solarian elections who’s come to talk to us about what the election looks like only a few days out. Doctor, once again, thank you for coming.” “Of course, Harold. I’m happy to be here — and please accept my sincerest apologies about Callisto drawing on Saturday.” MacMillan laughs! “Thanks, doctor. I know we’ll get them back in the Orion League later this year.” “I hope so! Anyways, anyways — let’s get to politics. With only a few days to go until the election on the 27th this may be the last time we have a clear, Alliance-wide picture of what voters might do.” “And what does the picture look like?” “Candidates are, as you’ve seen, doing last-minute ‘blitzes’ across the Alliance to rally support for themselves and their parties — you’ll recall our earlier discussion about potential coalitions in government We've seen Trang cross the Northern Reaches, Sumida the Southern Reaches, and both Renaud and Strom traveling throughout the Inner Ring." “I do recall our discussion. You still think we're going to have a coalition government?” “Well, as it stands polling shows some of the comments last week by Trang and the SSUP have damaged Sumida and the SFP, though we can’t truly say how badly -- but, it doesn't look like we'll have a SFP majority” “Is that good for Trang?” “I can’t say. Not every Sumida-slash-SFP defector-votee is going to go over to the SSUP. They might instead go for Strom, or even Renaud.” “If you do have to guess, where do you think they’d go?” “Strom,” Principi replies without hesitation. “He’s got the conservative leanings of Sumida without the corporate language.” “Something else you spoke about to me earlier, doctor, was the struggle Trang has to get dominance on other planets like she has on New Hai Phong. Can you elaborate a bit on that for the viewers?” “Certainly,” Principi clears his throat. “We won’t know exactly why until further analysis is done – of the academic sort, Harold – so I can only truly give you my theory. This being she has a good message very applicable to New Hai Phong’s struggle, but one potentially not as ‘impactful’ to a voter not from the planet. How many other planets have struggled with tajaran immigration or Hephaestus corruption in its manner?” MacMillian hrms to himself. “What about the other candidates, Renaud and Pavlov?” “Renaud’s performing well across the board, so no real change there. Pavlov’s, well, the Communist Party has always been a somewhat niche candidate, Harold. I think it’ll be strong enough to serve as a junior coalition partner.” “Right. Doctor, now we come to the ultimate question,” MacMillan leans forward a bit. “Who do you think will be our winner?” Principi thinks on the question for a moment. “I don’t believe I should spoil the surprise for our viewers, Harold.” MacMillan laughs! “And there you have it! Doctor, thank you for your time.” “Thank you for having me.” “The State of Sol will be right back after a short commercial break. Up next: coverage of the ongoing peacekeeping efforts on Lycoris. So,” MacMillan points his pen at the camera/viewer, “stay tuned!” The camera zooms out as MacMillan and Principi, both now not being recorded, talk once again among themselves.

LIVE: Xanu vs Callisto Article 24 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Election The camera opens to an overhead shot of Hastings Colosseum in downtown Nouvelle-Rochelle, the field visible below, and a sizable number of people milling around outside the stadium. The stands appear to be packed. The camera switches to a well-dressed and bald man in a press box high over the field. “Welcome to The Hall of Columns, Hastings Colosseum here in the New Columbia District of Nouvelle-Rochelle. I’m Romeric Dubois, and today we are bringing you the highly anticipated matchup in this Orion Cup group, Callisto against Xanu!” The camera switches views again as Dubois continues speaking, showing both teams lined up in the tunnel, waiting for the go. Xanu, being the home side, are in their traditional green and orange colored shirts. Callisto is forced into their away colors of red and yellow. “It’s been the most anticipated matchup since these groups were announced, fierce rivals going toe to toe with qualification for the knockout rounds on the line for Xanu. A win will do it for them today, but Callisto simply need a point to go through, and they are the favorites.” Whilst he was speaking, the players moved onto the field for the traditional pre-game ceremony. The Orion Cup anthem is played as the starting 11 are lined up in the center of the field. Both teams then exchange memorabilia for the game, and assume their positions. Callisto lines up to kick off, and on the referee’s whistle, do so. “And we’re off!” The game starts quickly, with both teams playing aggressively, in the fashion only a rivalry could bring out. After 15 minutes, there have been a few chances at both ends, but nothing clear cut. After another 8 minutes, Callisto’s star forward, Geoff Higgins, gets on the end of a ball from the defense. “And here’s Higgins on the end of that ball, he’s gotten through the defense…and he scores!” The away section, easily some 30,000 Callistean fans, fills the stadium with cheers as Higgins slots the ball past the goalkeeper and runs over to celebrate in front of them. The remainder of the half goes by without much but further physical play, resulting in a few yellow cards being brandished. “After 45 minutes, Callisto leads 1-0. There have been chances at both ends, but the Crimson Cats defense was exposed at the back by Geoff Higgins, and that one mistake is all it takes against this Callisto team.” Xanu kicks off the second half, with a new life about them. Imposing themselves on Callisto, it takes just 3 minutes for them to get their own chance from their own star midfielder, Jacques Yao. “Here’s a chance…oh, what a save from the keeper! It’s retrieved by Xanu, and crossed into the middle– YAO!!! GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!” The stadium practically explodes as Yao heads the ball past the Callistean goalkeeper, then jumps atop an advertisement board and throws his arms up in celebration. The Callisto team restarts the action, and begins relentlessly attacking the Xanu goal, but to no avail. Xanu gets a few more chances over the next 30 minutes, but can’t find the goal they need. In the 88th minute, the game heats up. Geoff Higgins, the Callistean striker, dives in hard for the ball against Yao, who goes down hard, and causes the teams to come together in anger. “And oh! Higgins has caught Yao there, he could be in trouble! Something of a melee has broken out here, and the referee is going to have a lot of work to do. It’s all started with Higgins lunging in hard, and I think he caught Yao high on the leg, who is in some distress on the floor. And- oh! A red card! It’s a red card for Higgins, he’s off! Callisto down to ten men late in the match!” After Higgins has marched off the field, and the teams have been cleared, the game has gone into stoppage time, with the official signalling 5 minutes to be played. Yao lines up a free kick from the previous foul, but at a tough angle. “He could try his luck from here, but the angle is working against him. The referee blows the whistle…and he takes it– OH MY! HE’S DONE IT! HE’S SCORED! XANU HAVE SURELY GOTTEN THE WINNER!” Yao expertly curls the ball off the far post and into the back of the net, sending the crowd into a frenzy as he is mobbed by his teammates. Views of the crowd show utter pandemonium, with fans jumping, mobbing each other, and cheering. Callisto gets the game restarted, with a scant few minutes remaining, throwing everything they have at the Xanu net. With mere seconds to go, they manage to win a corner. “This is surely the last kick of the game, the crowd is waiting for the final whistle if Xanu can defend this corner. Callisto has sent their keeper up for the corner. They line up, the ball is whipped in…AND THEY’VE SCORED! THE KEEPER, RICHARD ANSELMO, HAS SCORED WITH WHAT IS SURELY THE LAST ACT OF THE GAME! OH MY WORD.” The Callistean goalkeeper found himself beating the defender on him, and heading the ball past his opposite number. The visiting section of fans now replicates the scenes the entire stadium had just moments prior, as Anselmo runs to the Callistean dugout and is mobbed by his teammates. The Xanan team is practically frozen in place on the field, completely devastated by what has just occurred. After the prolonged celebration ends, the teams kick off, and the referee immediately brings the game to an end. “There’s the final whistle, what drama to end the match. Xanu 2, Callisto 2, off the header from the Callistean keeper to give them the point they needed to progress…and heartbreak for the Xanan team. That’s all here, we’ll have post-match coverage coming up right after this.”

Live from San Colette! Article 23 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Election As the traditional SANN opening graphic and jingle ends, the camera zooms in on the ever-present face of Harold MacMillan: mustached and with the Callistean flag pin adding a bit of local flair to his suit. “Good evening, and welcome back to The State of Sol. As always I’m your host, Harold MacMillan. As the eyes of the Spur go to Xanu in anticipation of tomorrow’s football game between Callisto and Xanu, the SANN goes to the Sovereign Solarian Republic of San Colette’s capital, Nueva Isabela, where Céline Eylenbosch is reporting live from a Sol First Party rally. Over to you, Céline.” The camera switches to the blonde and well-dressed Cytherean star of the SANN, who is standing in a fancy-looking ballroom surrounded by well-dressed Coletters — some wearing Solarian Navy or Colettish Civil Guard uniforms. “Thank you, Harold, and good evening, dear viewers. I’m reporting from a meeting of the Fraternal Order of Naval Officers — the largest Navy veteran organization and an endorser of Senator Sumida.” “Who’s at this meeting aside from veterans, Céline?” Harold asks. “Many people, Harold. Notable members of civil society, engineers and researchers, and members of San Colette’s local military forces. If only you had tuned in earlier, President Sarmiento just spoke.” “The President of the Colettish Republic?” “The same, Harold,” Eylenbosch sighs a bit, “if only she had stopped for an interview, hm?” “Do you have anyone to interview?” “Oh, Harold, you wound me. Of course I have someone to interview,” Eylenbosch snaps her fingers to someone behind the camera, making eye contact with them, then looks back to the camera. “They’ll be here in a moment.” A few moments later, true to Eylenbosch’s word, a serious-looking younger woman in a Civil Guard dress uniform enters the frame and stands opposite the Cytherean — she’s just a bit shorter than Eylenbosch, who angles the mic to her counterpart. “Good evening. I am Corvette Captain Leticia de la Fuente of the Colettish Civil Guard,” de la Fuente pauses for a moment. “It seems I have a habit of being interviewed by the media.” “What do you mean, hm?” “Well, ah, I worked with the XNS when they were reporting from here during the Civil War. But that was only for a few weeks, I reported to the frontline after that.” “So you’ve seen combat?” Eylenbosch lights up a bit at the prospect. “I have, yes. I was engaged in space, orbital, and terrestrial combat during the Civil War.” “A legitimate war hero, dear viewers! Why do you support Sumida?” “He’s the only candidate, speaking as myself and not for the Civil Guard, who seems to truly value the Solarian Armed Forces. Strom talks about them, and I value what he did in the Civil War, but I don’t think the Populists can ever truly understand the military, especially the Navy.” “Why is that, my dear hero?” “We have an institutional tradition stretching back to before the space age, ma’am. There’s a pride that comes with wearing a uniform and serving the broader Alliance.” “And what about the Mandates?” unlike Cong, Eylenbosch has not caused a stir in the crowd. They continue politely talking with one another as the officer and Cytherean talk. “If we set up a system where the Mandates rely on handouts from Unity Station, we’re just recreating the system that let disloyal officers step in and establish fiefdoms when it collapsed. We have to pick ourselves back up after a certain point.” “Thank you, my dear captain, for your time. Harold, back to you.” The camera switches back to MacMillan, who looks as comfortable as ever. He nods to the camera. “The State of Sol will be right back with more of the news you rely on from around the Spur. But before we go to commercial break, one last message from me:” MacMillan raises his fist! “Go Callisto, beat Xanu!”

Candidates in Profile: Le Hanh Trang Article 22 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Election As part of our ongoing series on the 2466 federal election, the SANN is pleased to announce a limited series of articles placing the candidates for PM in profile. Recently our reporter Eberechi Oteh met with SSUP candidate Le Hanh Trang during a rare break from the senator’s busy campaign schedule. The following interview has been edited for length. Eberechi Oteh: “Senator, thank you for taking the time to meet with us.” Le Hanh Trang: “Of course. It’s important to get our voice out there as the SSUP, especially when we’ve been so slandered.” EO: “Can you start off by telling me a bit about yourself?” LHT: “By training I’m an attorney, and served as an Assistant Solarian Alliance Attorney before entering politics after I got a firsthand look at New Hai Phong’s corruption. My husband’s still in law, and we don’t have any children.” EO: “What was your first look at corruption?” LHT: “Our office was working with the SISA to take down a fairly sizable branch of a criminal enterprise in Ton Gwai Pei — that’s an area corrupt even by Haiphong standards, to give you a sense of this — but somebody started informing the criminals from inside our office, allegedly taking kickbacks in exchange for reduced sentences. That blew the entire case up in our faces.” EO: “Did you find out who the mole was?” LHT: “Things like that tend to get forgotten on Haiphong. We never did, and I left after that. If I couldn’t fix the system from the Solarian Attorney’s Office, I’d go into politics. It sounds bizarre, but when you’re in your late 20s and freshly married you’re more willing to take these leaps.” EO: “How did you get into politics?” LHT: “I joined the ticket of the Haiphongese Socialist Party — later the SSUP — and got into local office, then the Senate, by being a fighter. I’ve never stopped being a fighter, Eberechi. That photo of me from ‘59 describes my whole philosophy.” EO: “The photo of you with bloody knuckles in the Senate?” LHT: “Yes, from after we got anti-corruption passed despite ATLAS opposition. One of them tried to punch me in my jaw, but he missed. I didn’t. That’s what put me on the map as a senator.” EO: “Putting the past aside, what would you do if elected PM?” LHT: “We need to fortify the Alliance against further megacorporate meddling in both our economy and our elections. Look at the interview with Mister Pham not even half a week ago — are we going to sit by and let Hephaestus turn us into another client state, just like the Hegemony? Are we really no smarter than that?” EO: “You’ve also spoken out against further alien immigration. Do you still hold these views?” LHT: “Yes. Hephaestus has shuttled in cheap alien labor for decades and the Solarian people have finally gotten wise to their tricks. Need I remind you that Haiphongers paid real blood for megacorporation greed? I visited the site of the Tajara Revolutionary Army bombing the day of. Men, women, children, grandparents — all killed by an alien immigrant’s attack. Lives snuffed out, families destroyed, children reduced into bloody corpses — and people still advocate for them. The tajara can’t even live in peace on their own planet, let alone the Alliance!” EO: “Polling suggests the SSUP is on the way to needing a coalition around it, if you become PM. Is that something you’re prepared to do?” LHT: “We’ve already been in talks regarding potential coalition partners. I can’t say more at the time.” EO: “For a closing question, do you have any thoughts about Senator Strom? You’ve worked a lot together over the years, before your falling out over the SCA.” LHT: “I think it’s ironic he accused my party of being words, no action, when he walked back his rhetoric over Biesel during your interview. That’s all I have to say.” Further Reading: Strom, Sumida Hold Rallies on Earth as Election Day Approaches Renaud to Hold Video Rally with Callistean Football Team on 20 February Suwon Sea Bandits Anticipated to Win Konyang Baseball League - Analysis

Live from New Hai Phong! Article 21 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Election The camera, after the SANN jingle, zooms in on the distinctive mustached face of Harold MacMillan, who nods his head to the camera (and audience, by extension). “Good afternoon, and welcome back to The State of Sol. With a little over a week to go until the federal elections we go to our reporter on-scene in Cua Song, New Hai Phong: Le Quynh Cong. Le, what are you seeing down there?” The camera switches to the bespectacled reporter the audience is familiar with, now wearing her respirator. Behind her a crowd of Hai Phongers in election regalia mill about, some talking with one another and some celebrating something unknown to the viewer. Cong waves to the camera and begins speaking — her eyes suggest she’s smiling, but her mouth is invisible under the mask. “Hi Harold!” she begins, voice muffled slightly by her respirator. “I’m here at the Ngoi Sao Chuyen spaceport in a rally in support of Trang, who many view as representing the planet’s interests!” “Who’s attending the rally?” “All kinds of people! We’ve got line workers and roboticists from the factories, government employees, service workers, even a few bureaucrats! It really feels like change is in the air here!” “Anyone particularly interesting who’d be willing to go on air?” “Yes! Uh, hang on Harold,” Cong turns from the camera, puts her mic down for a second, and gestures to the crowd for a few moments. She then turns back. “He’s coming, one second!” Out of the crowd emerges a middle-aged and sturdily built Hai Phongers man wearing a SFLU-emblazoned baseball hat and a shirt that says “AESON AND LY OUT — TRANG IN!” over a Solarian sun. Above that he’s got on a reflective, heavy-duty jacket — this is someone who works for his living. “You needed me to speak?” he asks. “Yes, if you’re willing!” “I am.” “Awesome! Harold, this is Pham Bá Lǒc — he’s a labor organizer from Nhom Hy Vong who’s been trying to get out the vote for Trang in Gung Hy Vong and Sieng Nang Zi.” “The two major Hephaestus facilities there,” Pham leans in to add. “Right! Anyways, Bá Lǒc, can you tell the audience a bit about what it’s been like to campaign against Hephaestus?” “Harder than you’d think in a democracy,” Pham snorts bitterly. “Hephaestus knows how dangerous the likes of Trang and Strom are, so they give us lectures on how we’re all going to lose our jobs if they get elected. They even brought someone from Governor Loy’s office in to tell us about the ‘dangers’ of it.” “And you’ve been fighting against that?” Cong asks in response. A few people in the crowd have started watching her and Pham, interested in hearing what they’re saying. “Yeah, and it's been easy. We’re not college guys, but we aren’t the idiots corporate things we are — all of the guys on the line have seen the corruption Hephaestus gets into firsthand. They own this whole planet, and Trang’s the only one fighting them.” “I see you’re wearing a Federation hat, are you a member?” “Yeah, proudly. I ran the local chapter a few years ago but had to give it up to our next president — term ended,” Pham shrugs. The watching crowd in the back’s grown larger. “What do you think about it endorsing Renaud?” “I mean I’m disappointed but I get it, you know? Renaud’s for workers and I’m… fine with her, I guess, but I don’t know if she’ll fight for us. We need someone to fight like a demon for NHP, and only Trang’s gonna do that.” “Thank you for your time.” “Of course. And for the people watching at home,” Pham leans into the camera a bit and points right at the viewer! “VOTE FOR LABOR, NOT FOR LUNA!” Pham raises his fist into the air, coat flapping a bit, and turns to the crowd — which cheers and claps for the union man! “VOTE LABOR!” they cheer, “NOT LUNA!!” Cong watches the crowd for a moment, seemingly a bit swept up in it all, before turning back to the camera. Pham continues his chant, having gotten the crowd into it. “And there you have it!” she says. “Back to you, Harold.” The camera switches back to MacMillan behind his desk, looking a bit more concerned than he was before — but it only lasts a moment before he switches back to his confident expression. “Thank you, Le. The State of Sol will be right back with more of the hard-hitting and truthful commentary you’ve gone to expect from us.” The camera zooms out (and fades out) into a commercial for Trang, showing the candidate shaking hands with a crowd of factory workers in Hephaestus colors. It proudly declares her as, “the only candidate willing to take the fight to megacorporation corruption!”

Candidates in Profile: Hendrik Strom Article 21 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Election As part of our ongoing series on the 2466 federal election, the SANN is pleased to announce a limited series of articles placing the candidates for PM in profile. Recently our reporter Eberechi Oteh met with SPP candidate Hendrik Strom. During a rare break from the senator’s busy campaign schedule. The following interview has been edited for length. Eberechi Oteh: Senator, thank you for meeting with me. Hendrik Strom: Of course. A press independent of megacorporations and the government is a cornerstone of our Alliance’s democracy. EO: “Can you start by talking a bit about yourself for our viewers?” HS: Happily. “I’m a Jintarian and I’m proud of it — I’ve given my life to serving both my community and the wider Alliance. I met my wife Annie when I was just a councilman and we’ve been together since, and have raised two daughters: Annette and Henrietta, who both now work in the Department of State. Annie likes to tell me that if I can do as good of a job as PM as I did raising them, I’ll have all of our problems fixed in a year [laughs]!” EO: “What about your suit? You’re always seen in a grey suit, so how did that start?” HS: “I started doing it to contrast the Cytherean politicians in their Walk-Like-Idris suits — the ones that cost a typical hydroponics worker’s yearly wage to buy. I get my suits from Nicola Tagliavento’s: it’s a small, family-owned business a few blocks from the apartment I lived in when I got into politics. They still make all of my suits.” EO: “How many do you have?” HS: “Four.” EO: “Only four?” HS: “Any money I could spend on more clothes is better spent fighting for the real reason I got into politics: the common Solarian, who might be struggling to put food on their table and pay their bills, or be worried a synthetic or alien might replace the job they’ve been working for years. That’s something worth fighting for.” EO: “If you’re elected Prime Minister, what would your first actions in office be?” HS: “You’ll have to forgive my arrogance, but I don’t think there’s an ‘if’ I become PM. When I’m elected, I intend to act on my campaign promises: the SCA will be bolstered, megacorporate influence will be curtailed, synthetic labor will be more tightly regulated, and alien immigration will become harder.” EO: “What about Tau Ceti?” HS: “That’s an issue we can address after the election — but let me caution you and say I’m not the warmongering maniac some members of the press have made me out to be. When politicians across the political spectrum were willing to sit by and let Frost launch another invasion of Biesel back in ‘62, I was one of the first to stand up and go ‘no’ to him.” EO: “Recent polling suggests the SPP might be short of the absolute majority it needs in the Senate to pass legislation without a coalition government. Do you have any comment on this?” HS: “We’ll work with whoever we need to to get our policies through. The Alliance should be above petty partisanship, and we don’t have to worry about anyone other than humans — I stand by my support of the Third Tajara Ban. Those innocents on New Hai Phong would still be alive if we had been harsher on immigration.” Further Reading: “Never Pavlov” Rally in Fellegvar, Visegrad, Draws Thousands Despite Rain SAMV Gunnhildur and Crew Honored with Colettish Medal of Freedom in Ceremony Callisto-Xanu “Game of the Decade” Football Match Scheduled for 22/02/67 at 18:00 GST on all SANN Channels

The State of the Race: February 2467 Article 20 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Election The camera zooms in on the ever-recognizable face of Harold MacMillan, host of The State of Sol. The veteran newscaster nods to the camera, takes a moment to stare at it, and begins speaking. “Good evening, and welcome back to The State of Sol. I’m your host, Harold MacMillan. In today’s featured story we talk with Doctor Giacomo Principi, of the Callistean Institute of Interstellar Studies and an expert on Solarian elections. Doctor, thank you for coming onto the program.” The camera pans out to reveal a middle-aged man in a nice suit sitting across from MacMillan. Doctor Principi is balding and clean-shaven, with a keenness to his eyes and rimmed glasses on his face. “Thank you for having me,” Principi replies. “Now, Doctor Principi, you know me — I’m not Cèline,” the academic smiles a bit at MacMillan’s joke, “so let’s get right to business: how do you believe the two recent debates have impacted our candidates’ standings in the polls?” “Thank you, Harold — I’ve never been one for Cytherean small-talk,” MacMillan laughs for a moment, “but, continuing, initial polling data we’ve reviewed suggests gains for Renaud, Sumida, and Strom at the cost of Trang.” “What about Pavlov?” “He’s holding strongly in areas traditionally dominated by the communists, but hasn’t made progress elsewhere. The communists will have some degree of political force in the Senate, yes, but it doesn’t seem realistic Pavlov will become PM. Potentially a critical figure in whatever coalition government runs the Senate, but not the PM.” “You don’t think the Populists or Social Democrats will achieve a majority?” “One might be close, but we don’t think so. It depends on how they both perform on some of the more contested worlds such as Earth, which is evenly split between them and has a significant percentage of the Senate’s seats. For example, the European Union’s senatorial districts might be a near even split — a ‘dead heat’ to use a more popular term — between the SPDP, SPP, and SFP. That could be the situation across most of Earth.” “And how would that impact the Senate, and whoever becomes PM?” “Let’s assume, say, Trang wins, Harold.” “Right.” “But the Socialist Unity Party only has, say, 38% of the Senate. Which means they’re going to need to cooperate with another party, such as the Popular Democratic Party, to get above the 50% needed to pass anything. This may effectively curtail some of the more radical ideas our populist parties have.” “Such as the rhetoric surrounding the breakaway system of Tau Ceti?” “That’s right, yes. We’ve already seen Senators Sumida and Renaud advocate for a more diplomatic solution to the ongoing territorial disputes.” “I suppose it’s up to the people then, Doctor Principi.” “That it is, Harold.” “And that’s all the time we have! Doctor, thank you for your time.” “Thank you for having me.” “The SANN will be right back with more news, so stay tuned!” Macmillan points at the camera. “Up next: Callisto goes back to Xanu for a rematch of last year’s game. Can they remain undefeated?” The camera fades out to the SANN jingle as MacMillan and Principi — neither being recorded anymore — seem to talk casually among one another.

Candidates in Profile: Kliment Pavlov Article 19 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Election As part of our ongoing series on the 2466 federal election, the SANN is pleased to announce a limited series of articles placing the candidates for PM in profile. Recently our reporter, Le Quynh Cong, met with CPASSN candidate Kliment Pavlov on San Colette during a campaign stop. The following interview has been edited for length. Le Quynh Cong: “Thanks for agreeing to meet with me and speak about the election.” Kliment Pavlov: “Of course. I am happy to dispel rumors spread about me by my rivals.” LQC: “Can you tell us a bit about yourself? To help the audience get to know you.” KP: “I am from Pluto and, until my election as senator, worked in the bureaucracy with my wife. My son works in the refining industry as an engineer. In my younger days I was quite a prolific ice hockey player on Pluto. You can find some of my team’s photos in the Yuri Andropov Ice Hockey Arena in Leningrad, on Earth.” LQC: “During the debates the legitimacy of the communist party as a serious political entity has been questioned. Do you have any response to this?” KP: “It is all too common for the capitalist system to degrade the viability of socialist institutions to blind their workers. Who was it that first discovered warp travel and sent humanity beyond Earth? The Soviet Union!” LQC: “So, what would be your first goals if elected PM?” KP: “First we must move to secure our Alliance against foreign corporate influence. The SCA will be fortified — turned into a bastion against corporatism — and we will use it to break apart the megacorporations still inside our borders, then distribute their assets to the common people. It will be a difficult path, yes, but it will lead us into an even greater future. We have not experienced an Alliance totally free of megacorporate influence since the Interstellar War!” LQC: “What about your foreign policy?” KP: “We must look inwards to our own flaws before we move to sweep away the robber barons who have seized our systems and oppressed our peoples. It may take decades, but the fall of Biesel is inevitable. I can see it as clearly as I see you.” LQC: “What will you do if you lose the election?” KP: “I will continue to represent Pluto’s people and Party until I am defeated by another.” Further Reading: Mictlani Exiles’ Group Rallies in Support of Strom Renaud Releases New Ad Series with Cats, Holds Rally on Silversun Callisto 3, Visegrad 2: The Unbreakable Team?

Second Prime Ministerial Debate Held! Article 18 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Election The camera, for a second time, opens on a shot of five people in suits — three men and two women — standing behind podiums on a stage. They stand opposite a man and a woman sitting behind a desk with the SANN’s logo on it. Behind them sits the audience, who clap as the camera pans around the candidates and settles on the two behind the desk. “Candidates, thank you for attending this second debate,” Doctor Xing Dai begins. “For the audience watching at home, and due to some interruptions in the last debate, I’ll restate the rules of our debate. You will be asked a question and are given three minutes to answer it. After this time every other candidate may, if they are willing, make a rebuttal, which will be given three minutes as well. You can provide a counter-argument to this after it is made. Doctor Zhu will be presenting your questions. Do you have any comments before we begin?” Once again, silence. “Right,” Meifan Zhu begins, looking down at her papers. “Senator Sumida, our first question is for you. Sol First has historically always been very close to the Solarian military. Do you believe you’ll be able to balance this relationship with your opposition to foreign military involvement?” “Thank you,” Sumida looks ever the part of the Lunarian political elite: he is well-composed and well-dressed, presenting a stark contrast to Strom’s iconic grey suit, who stands at the podium to his right. “A well-funded and respected military does not mean we must involve ourselves in aggressive foreign affairs. The Alliance is a powerful nation which holds a great deal of sway in the interstellar community even without the use of military force. Yet, at the same time, our enemies should not mistake this for passiveness: a well-funded military force ensures the safety of our Alliance more than any other factor.” Sumida, having finished his speech, received cheers and applause! It seems San Colette is giving the conservative a warmer welcome than Silversun did. “Thank you. Senator Strom, your response?” “Senator Sumida is correct that we are a powerful nation. But,” Strom pauses for effect, looking at the audience, “our Alliance was not saved from destruction in the civil war by interstellar sway! It was solved by the blood, by the sacrifices, and by the bravery of our armed forces fighting for our homeland!” Part of the audience cheers for Strom, who returns their adoration with a raised fist and expression of resolve on his face! However, he’s definitely getting less cheering here than on Silversun. Zhu bangs a gavel twice, shortly bringing order to the theater. “Senator Sumida, your response?” “I believe Senator Strom has badly misinterpreted my words. I and my party have no apprehension — no qualms — about utilizing the full force of the military to preserve the stability of our nation. Anyone who doubts this only needs to look at the SFP’s support for the Navy during the intervention. Both of my children were involved in the civil war, with my daughter being aboard the Gunnhildur when it arrived in San Colette.” “Thank you, senator. Our next question is to Senator Strom. Over recent weeks some of your comments about the Republic of Biesel have raised concerns among voters. Do you intend to carry out military action against it?” “As the Alliance’s next prime minister I intend to use military force when and where it’s necessary to do so to preserve the Alliance’s security and stability. As a nation that expects to be taken seriously, we cannot stand idly by and hope issues will resolve themselves without force. One only needs to look at the blasted ruins of Mictlan’s once-great cities to see what happens when we abandon our own. What took us centuries to build took the so-called ‘Republic’ months to destroy.” “Thank you. Senator Renaud, your response?” “With due respect to Senator Strom, Biesel isn’t a one-system nation we can use the Navy to push around at will any longer. They’ve absorbed much of our territory and several of our fleets. Any use of force against Biesel would spark the largest foreign conflict we’ve been in since the Interstellar War, and who’s to say it’ll stop with us and Biesel? The Coalition’s right there, and the nations of the Sparring Sea are already at one another’s throats. Will we brag about liberating Mictlan only to have destroyed it again?” “This is a ridiculous accusation designed to slander me as a warmonger!” “Senator Strom, must I remind you of the rules of this debate?” Zhu looks to the Jintarian. “You may give a formal response to Senator Renaud if you so choose.” “I don’t find it necessary to respond to her when she’s completely misconstrued my response to make me into some successor of Frost. It’s an insult to both my character and the character of those who helped overthrow Frost!” “Thank you, senators,” Zhu, despite her professional demeanor, cannot help but look a bit irritated for a moment. “Senator Trang, the next question is yours. If elected you’ve stated you intend to fight back against Hephaestus Industries and other megacorporations. How do you intend to do so?” “The best way to fight against megacorporations is to attack the corruption they use to make themselves dominant in the market and snuff out the competition, or buy it out. Unless we want to end up serving shareholders instead of our citizens, we need to be vigilant against these megacorporations. It only takes one bought election to roll back the SCA’s regulations and turn us into another Biesel.” “Thank you, senator. Will there be any responses from the candidates?” Zhu looks around at the assembled hopefuls. “I see. Senator Pavlov, the next question is for you. Some member states, such as Visegrad, have a complicated history with the Soviet Union and communism. Do you have any reassurances for these citizens?” “I do, yes. Under the leadership of the communist party their small businesses will be freed of interference by megacorporations and other cronyists, allowing them to enter into a new age of prosperity. There is no reason to be concerned about our leadership.” “Thank you. Senator Sumida, your response?” “I have no reason to believe Senator Pavlov and the communists will stop with just megacorporations. After they’re finished with Idris, they’ll come for large Solarian-owned corporations such as San Colette’s TyVS, then they’ll work their way down to businesses operating on just a planet, just a province, just a city, just a town — they won’t stop until every single planet in our Alliance is a copy of Pluto,” as Sumida finishes, the audience erupts into cheering! “Thank you. Senator Pavlov, do you have a retort?” “Only to say the conservatives have misunderstood our positions for centuries, and will continue to do so.” “Right. Our final question is for Senator Renaud. You have stated you would increase funding to the Mandates and Mars. How do you intend to raise the funds for this?” “While they’re not popular by any means, the best way to raise money for our fellow Solarians is to increase taxes on our corporations and the richest people in the Alliance. This isn’t, before Senator Sumida mentions it, directed at Solarian-owned corporations such as TyVS: it’s for megacorporations and the ultra-wealthy. If Idris wants to do business in the Alliance, they’ll need to do it on our terms: we aren’t Biesel, where a megacorporation executive’s sibling serves as their military’s head!” “Thank you. Any responses, candidates? Zhu looks around at the assembled hopefuls yet again. And again, silence. “With no rebuttals from our candidates, I believe that concludes our debate. Doctor Dai?” “Candidates, Doctor Zhu,” Dai begins, smiling politely at the assembled politicians and crowd, “thank you for the time. This concludes our second and likely final debate. Good luck in the elections!”

San Colette’s Thoughts on the Election Article 17 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Election NUEVA ISABELA, SOV. SOLARIAN REP. OF SAN COLETTE — As part of our ongoing coverage of the 2466-67 elections, the SANN is dedicated to bringing you up-to-date and hard-hitting coverage that gives you, the viewer, a perspective on what the average citizen thinks of the election and candidates. Below are a selection of Coletters and their thoughts on the candidates. “Good Solarians died because politicians decided to stand around and debate the merits of intervention. There should be no debate about the merits of intervening to save our fellow Solarians from enemies foreign or domestic. That’s why I’m voting for Strom,” - Benito Davila Ramirez, 46, TyVS engineer. “The only way to stop further unrest and theft of our territory is through the creation and maintenance of a strong military with a competitive edge. The Navy is the Alliance’s shield and its sword, and only Sumida understands what it needs,” - Mercedes Tolentino Carreras, 31, Civil Guard (Colettish) officer. “We’ve just come out of the most devastating conflict in centuries and need to rebuild. Is now really the time to shake our fists at Biesel and the Coalition? I understand the sentiment that’s sent many Solarians to Strom, but I worry he’ll lead us to war. We’ve already experienced enough war in our lifetime. That’s why I support Renaud,” - Ester Aguiló Serrat, 28, PhoroCol economist. “I support Sumida, but I’ll take anyone other than Trang. She’s a snake who takes money from Einstein Engines while ignoring the suffering of us while we were fighting the civil war. It’s no shock Strom abandoned her the first chance he got,” - Isandro Florin Licona, 58, CAISC foreman. “My friends abroad — I travel often for business — say voting for anyone but Strom is voting for Renaud, but I don’t agree. Sol First has a long tradition of upholding what makes our Alliance so great as a nation, and I believe Sumida will carry on that tradition. A strong Navy means a strong Alliance,” - Silvio Verano Caraveo, 47, TyVS engineering consultant. Further Reading: Sen. Sumida, Sen. Renaud Hold Rallies in San Colette Sen. Strom Pushes for More Relief for Novo Igman Veterans: “Utterly Heartbreaking Abandonment” Callisto 4-2 Against Novi Jadran as Streak Continues

I support this change! It makes planning for (mostly player-led) events on the ship less awkward, and moves the entire crew off of night shift.

Candidates in Profile: Anastasie Renaud Article 16 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Election As part of our ongoing series on the 2466 federal election, the SANN is pleased to announce a limited series of articles placing the candidates for PM in profile. Recently our star reporter, Céline Eylenbosch met with SPDP candidate Anastasie Renaud in her Ha Wan District apartment during a rare break from the senator’s busy campaign schedule. The following interview has been edited for length. Céline Eylenbosch: “Thank you for agreeing to meet with me and speak to our dear viewers, senator.” Anastasie Renaud: “Of course! In the social democrats, we believe in staying connected to the people — we work for them!” CE: “Let’s start by telling the viewers a bit about you, senator? Who are you as a person?” AR: “Well, I was a personal injury lawyer before I was elected to the district council in the 50s, then to the Senate in 2460 — they kicked me out once Frost took power, but I came back in ‘62. Since then I’ve been working for the interests of the common Solarian. I’ve been married to my job since I passed the bar [laughs]! I do have two tuxedo cats, Kiki and Florian. You might have seen them in our campaign ads — they’re very well behaved!” CE: “I see. Have you been leading the social democrats for long?” AR: “Since 2462, when I was elected by our party to an eight-year term. It’s been a great opportunity and honour to work as the head of one of the Alliance’s oldest continuous parties.” CE: “If you’re elected to prime minister, what will your first goals be?” AR: “In a perfect world where we have an absolute majority, my first goals are to increase aid to the areas hit hardest by the civil war: Mars and the mandates. I’d also work to place more guards against corporate influence in Solarian politics and our economy. We had to fight for years to get regulations like the SCA passed, and we can’t let it disappear.” CE: “And your foreign policy?” AR: “No more foreign wars or interventions, unless it’s in defense of current Solarian territory. The two ‘invasions’ of Biesel were catastrophic for our nation, and we need to be concerned with provoking a Second Interstellar War with Biesel or the Coalition if we act too aggressively.” CE: “Oh, you think there could be another war?” AR: “I do, yes. Today’s environment is far less stable than it was twenty, even ten, years ago. We seem to forget Biesel weaponized phoron during the second invasion too.” CE: “What would you do for Solarians living under Biesel’s occupation then, my dear senator?” AR: “The only way forward is through diplomacy. We cannot afford another Interstellar War.” Further Reading: Sec. Courtois to Seek Defense Budget Increase in 2468 Fiscal Year Sen. Strom Holds Rally on Triton Callisto 3, Port Antilla 0: Sol’s Unstoppable Footballers?