NewOriginalSchwann

Solarian Federation of Labour Unions Endorses Renaud for PM! Article 12 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Elections NEW EDINBURGH, CALLISTO - Earlier today (GST) the SFLU officially moved to endorse SPDP candidate Anastasie Renaud (SEN-CALLISTO) for prime minister. With member unions across the Alliance, the SFLU’s endorsement has been taken by some as a sign Strom’s earlier lead has been faltering as more candidates have established themselves. When asked why the Callisto-based SFLU chose to introduce Renaud its president, Vincent O’Dwyer, provided the SANN with the following statement: “This is a great election for organized labor, maybe the best this century, so it was a tough call for us to choose a candidate. Ultimately though, Renaud’s been fighting for the common Solarian the whole time she’s been in office, and isn’t going to give any corporation an easy time. And if we do give them an easy time? Well, look at Tau Ceti.” Madelyn Fitzpatrick, spokesperson for Renaud’s campaign, provided the SANN with the following statement: “The SFLU’s endorsement proves Solarians understand that Renaud, and the SPDP, represent the best course forward for our great nation. With Renaud as prime minister, the Alliance will rebuild itself and bring about a new, better future for our Spur.” Initial analysis of post-debate polls gathered by the SANN’s political reporters show major gains for Renaud across the Alliance. Currently, major parties are said to be in ongoing talks to schedule a second debate. Further Reading: Fraternal Order of Naval Officers Endorses Sumida Strom Launches “Campaign Stop Blitz” Across Jovian System Trang Visits San Colette in Latest Appeal to Northern Reaches

First Prime Ministerial Debate Held Article 11 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Elections The camera opens on a shot of four people in suits — two 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 the first election debate in our nation since 2460,” the man begins, with a banner at the bottom of the screen identifying him as Doctor Xing Dai, Professor of Interstellar Affairs, Oxford University. “For the audience watching at home, I’ll restate the rules of our debate. You will be asked a question and 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?” Silence. “Right,” the woman begins, with a banner at the bottom of the screen identifying her as Doctor Meifen Zhu, Professor of Economics, National Sun Yat-sen University. “Governor Strom, our first question is for you. During your tenure as Sol System governor you worked closely with the Navy, and now accusations have been filed against you stating you as prime minister will be a proxy for the Navy to influence the newly formed civilian government? How do you respond?” “Any true Solarian knows those accusations are inventions of Biesel and the megacorporations designed to slander me,” Strom pauses a moment to let the audience clap and cheer. He’s animated today, throwing weight behind his gestures and words. “I have worked with the Navy, yes, but during a National emergency — and my government held them accountable. Without the mass firing campaign launched by AG Fortenot and cooperation with the Navy to get rid of the ATLAS, SRF, and Frost loyalists remaining in their ranks it is not a question of if, but when the next civil war would have started. And the only people who benefit from that are right across the border from us in Mendell City!” “Thank you governor. Now we move to—“ Zhu pauses, looking down at her desk, then up to the candidates. “Senator Trang, you may begin your rebuttal.” “Thank you. Governor Strom has worked to fix the Navy, yes, but he’s left out a major partner: the Socialist Party. Without our support of his efforts, he would have never gotten the job done.” “Governor Strom, do you have any further comments?” “I do, yes. Senator Trang’s party was helpful, yes, but I find her attempt to wedge the Socialist Party into the question ridiculous. We’re not here to discuss the entire history of the emergency government: we’re here to discuss the future.” “Thank you. Senator Renaud, the next question is for you. The SDPD has stated its intention to expand assistance to the Reconstruction Mandates. Is there any plan by your party to address the crisis on Mars?” “As a lifelong resident of the Sol System, and a firm believer in our ability to assist others, it goes without saying that the SPDP means to assist the people of Mars by passing relief funding for both Martians still on the planet and those who have moved abroad as refugees, both inside the Sol System and throughout the Alliance. It is our duty not just as Solarians, but as human beings, to look after one another when we fall on difficult times. The disaster on Mars was caused by Frost, but does not have to be our legacy as a nation.” “Thank you, senator. Senator Sumida, your rebuttal?” “Thank you. First, allow me to state that Sol First agrees with the SPDP: we must assist Mars and Martian refugees. But if we simply provide a lump sum of assistance, we’ll create a group of people with no incentive to help themselves. It’s better to provide in incentives for Solarian companies — non-megacorporation entities based in the Alliance — to hire Martians and help them rebuild their lives while building a stronger Alliance.” “Senator Renaud, do you have a counterpoint?” “I do. While Senator Sunida’s plan is a nice idea in his economics department, in reality many of these refugees may be too young, too old, or too injured to work. If we force these people to work or starve, we would be abandoning them and any hope of rebuilding Mars’ trust in the central government.” “Thank you, senator. Our next question is for Senator Trang. You’ve faced criticism for your connections to Einstein Engines in the past, particularly after the creation of the SCA. Do you have any comments on these allegations?” “I do, yes. The claim that I am connected to Einstein Engines is, frankly, ridiculous. All my life I’ve striven to fight corruption and corporate influence in our politics. I grew up on New Hai Phong, where Hephaestus owns everything from the governor down, and I’ve worked uphill every day of my political career to beat that allegation. Why would I throw it away for Einstein Engines when I’m so close to becoming PM and breaking Hephaestus’ stranglehold over my planet? I call on anyone who thinks I’m corrupt to look at how Governor Strom,” Trang points to Strom, “backed down when Hephaestus showed resistance to the SCA. Why doesn’t SISA audit his accounts for 2463 so we can know the truth?” Another part of the audience cheers for Trang. Strom looks back at her, clearly incensed. “That’s a ridiculous accusation!” Strom shoots back, pointing to Trang. “Not only did I not back down, I brought Hephaestus to the negotiating table while you stood by and idly threw rhetoric at him! If the Socialist Party intends to govern through rhetoric alone, why not hand over the rest of our Alliance to Biesel right now and save us the trouble?!” Strom’s supporters cheer. “Need I remind the candidates the rules of this debate?” Zhu interjects. “Senator Pavlov, you may begin your rebuttal.” “Thank you. It is clear, based on the behavior of these two candidates, that both are too deeply involved in corporate capitalism to be trusted with the highest office in our nation. Any Solarian who wishes for our nation to be strong and free of corporate meddling should vote for the Communist Party. Only we will give our all in the fight against corporate tyranny and authoritarianism, as comrade Lenin did so many centuries ago!” Pavlov gets a cheer form part of the audience as he concludes his speech. “Senator Trang, do you have a response to Senator Pavlov?” “I don’t feel a need to entertain the communists as a serious candidate in this election,” Trang replies. On the other side of the stage Pavlov shakes his head, but doesn’t break his silence — if anything, he looks satisfied to have gotten the CPASSN into such a hot topic. “Thank you. Senator Sumida, our next question is for you. How does the SFP plan to put Solarians first while maintaining its longtime pro-corporate platform?” “We plan to put Solarians first by creating benefits and incentives for corporations registered in the Alliance which do business here, with a focus on the middle class and small businesses. Furthermore, we plan to do this while avoiding massive deficit spending and ruinous foreign wars. The Solarian people have just emerged from three years of war, of Solarian against Solarian. Now is the time to rebuild, not to seek revenge.” “Senator Strom, your rebuttal?” “This attitude of ‘we’ll handle it later’ when it comes to Solarians in danger is disgraceful. It got people killed in the Northern Reaches, on Visegrad, Mictlan, and dozens of other planets. Are we just going to sit idly by and wait for the corporations to crush any Solarians who want freedom? Do you know what they do to people who want to leave Biesel and return to the Alliance?” Strom goes quiet for a moment, looking around the audience. “Let me tell you. They execute them and stuff their brains into machines used to enrich their corporate masters. That’s what we’re standing against. With Frost we’ve already seen what happens when we back down from evil and tell ourselves it’ll pass. And we won’t let that happen again!” Cheering erupts for Strom as he finishes his speech. “Senator Sumida, your response?” “Senator Strom’s accused the socialists of rhetoric, not action, but here we are with him providing rhetoric without any policy ideas. If the Solarian people want more than words, they should vote for Sol First.” “Thank you,” Zhu adjusts her glasses, then flips to the next page of her booklet. “Senator Pavlov, the next question is for you. If you’re elected, can non-megacorporate business expect increased regulations?” “We believe in the use of the state to guide the market. The typical Solarian business owner can only expect our efforts to impact them if they work for, or are owned by, the megacorporations that plague our modern Spur. Our ultimate goal, of course, is the promotion a socialist future, but we cannot pursue this goal so long as corporations dominate our Spur.” “No rebuttals from the candidates, it seems. I believe that covers our questions for this debate, Doctor Dai.” “It does, yes. Candidates, thank you for your time,” Dai smiles politely at the assembled hopefuls. “This concludes the first debate of the 2467 Solarian federal elections.”

Callisteans on the Election Article 10 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Elections NEW EDINBURGH, COMMONWEALTH OF CALLISTO — 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 Callisteans and their thoughts on the candidates. Some responses have been edited for brevity. “Personally? I support Renaud. She’s given us good, honest representation in the Senate and was one of the few voices against Frost before 2461. If anyone deserves to become the next PM, it’s her. Some of the younger officers like Strom, but I’ve seen it before with Frost. Don’t elect people who make promises they can’t keep,” — Guowei “Gary” Yi, 54, Metropolitan Police detective sergeant. “Most of my colleagues are voting for Renaud, but I have more confidence in Strom to handle Biesel’s threat to the Spur. Everyone saw how they invaded the Middle Ring when Frost got assassinated, and you’re telling me NT ‘coincidentally’ has a cartel ready to go when it happens? [Expletive]! They’d make serfs of us all! Them and their bugs! Vote Strom for a secure Alliance and to free our brothers and sisters on Mictlan!” - Wallace MacPherson, 31, stockbroker. “Well like you can’t just like disentangle Sol from the Spurian economy can you? Like it’s like totally crazy how like someone like I don’t know let’s take Trang like she’s like pushing for autarky of a kind okay? But like it won’t work like the commerce is too like integrated. Like you get me you feel me right? […] so like honestly Renaud has to be like my choice,” - Anonymous, corporate economist. “We cannot, as Solarians, leave the poorest among us behind to spend even more money on our military. Just over a year ago that same military was tear gassing people on Callisto! I’m voting for Renaud — Strom and Trang are too connected to the junta for me, and the SFP is the political wing of the Navy. It’s ridiculous,” — Akida Iweala, 46, physician. “We have to be reasonable. Renaud’s been a good senator for the Commonwealth, yes, but does she – and her party, by extension – truly have the experience needed to govern the entire Alliance? I don’t think so, and I’m concerned about the anti-Navy rhetoric by many of her supporters. In my opinion, the best choice for our future is [Toshiyuki] Sumida,” - Naoki Kondo, 48, bureaucrat. “I’m concerned Strom and Trang will grind the import business to a halt. Callisto is the port of the Spur, and we see ships from as far away as Assunzione, the Federation, or Moroz here. If you stop that, you’ll smother the most successful economy in the Sol System. Is that really who we want to elect? Renaud’s from here and she knows Callisto, and what we need,” - Martin Fitzpatrick, 63, shuttleport manager. FURTHER READING: Helios City Prepares for Upcoming Debate Consumer Spending, New Job Creation Both Up in November Unity Station’s 2467 Christmas Tree to be from Visegrad

First Debate to be Held on Silversun! Article 9 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Elections HELIOS CITY, SILVERSUN — Earlier today (GST) the municipal government of Helios City, Silversun, was announced as having won the bid to host the first debate of the 2467 prime minister election. Wally Jeffries, spokesperson for the city, provided the following statement to the SANN: “It’s true blue to have the debate here in our city, mate. This one’s going to be a ripper, reckon! Every candidate’s got a fair go, so we encourage everyone interested to come, see the debate, and give Silversun a burl while they’re at it.” The debate is set for 17 January, and will be broadcast live on the SANN and its partner news services. The SANN strives to provide you, the Solarian voter, with the most up-to-date and in-depth coverage of our elections. Further Reading: “Inhuman Cruelty” - Mictlani Refugee Describes Vaurca Soldiers of Biesel Stricken Vessel Near Jupiter Saved by Callistean Rescue Team Sol’s Sunny World: The SANN’s Guide to Visiting Silversun

And it's on the wiki! Moving this to completed projects.

Lunarians Give Thoughts on Election Article 8 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Elections HARMONY CITY, LUNA — 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 Lunarians and their thoughts on the candidates. “He is an honest man, hewn from the best traditions of the Alliance’s military and civil service. I struggle to imagine why one would not vote for him [Toshiyuki Sumida], if they were of good character,” — Ottilda Isolde Genoveve von Rantzau, 57, Navy officer. “I’m not normally a fan of Venusians — too loud and too brash — but [Hendrik] Strom? He speaks to the concerns we have as working people when Sumida doesn’t. He’s got my vote,” — Omari Achebe, 32, synthetic repair technician. “I have relatives on San Colette. I think [Toshiyuki] Sumida’s the only candidate who knows what the military needs to stay the greatest in the Spur. [Le Hanh] Trang and [Hendrik] Strom didn’t come off as strong during the crisis,” - Guilermo Olgin, 78, cardiovascular surgeon. “I think the Navy’s going to pick whatever candidate they want. My vote’s not going to matter, so I’m voting for [Kliment] Pavlov. Might as well be funny,” — Llew Belin, 19, philosophy student. “The provisional government’s done a good job fighting corporations, but we need someone willing to go all the way — not to back down like Strom did. That’s why I’m voting [Le Hanh] Trang,” — Zavier Fares, 32, factory foreman. “People will disagree with me on this issue, but we cannot fully disentangle our economy from megacorporations so long as other nations, such as Biesel, have limited regulations of them. The best way forward for us is to work with the corporations while controlling them within the Alliance. Only [Toshiyuki] Sumida is up to the challenge,” — Riko Tanji, 48, economics professor. Further Reading: Department of Defense Seeks ‘67 Funding Increase for Modernization Projects Pluto Reports Increased Helium-3 Yields During 2466 Empire of Dominia Claims Gold in Downhill Skiing

The SANN's State of the Race: January 2467 Article 7 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Elections As part of our coverage of the 2466-67 election cycle, the SANN is dedicated to giving you, the Alliance citizen, the best possible overview of our election we can. Our statisticians have worked tirelessly to ensure our model is the most accurate in the Spur. Sol System Mercury: STROM Opposition to Hephaestus has led to a SPP lead on Sol’s hottest world. Venus: STROM The SPP has shot out ahead of other parties in initial polls, particularly with Jintarian groups. Among Cythereans, polling is split. Earth: TOO CLOSE TO CALL Initial polls show a roughly equivalent split between the SSUP, SPP, and SPDP outside of CPASSN-dominated areas. The Alliance's most populated world remains hotly divided between the candidates! Luna: SUMIDA Initial polling shows the SFP performing well across all groups on Luna. Mars: RENAUD While limited data is available, initial polling shows Mars split roughly evenly between the SPP, SSUP, and SPDP, with a slight lead by the SPDP. Callisto: RENAUD Good governance by the SPDP is expected to give the party a win on Callisto, one of the most populated bodies in Sol. Europa: STROM Limited data available from Europa suggests a lead for the SPP among its underwater cities. Ganymede: RENAUD Like Callisto, Ganymede is expected to go for the SDPD due to its reputation for good governance, Titan: RENAUD The SPDP’ reputation for good governing, and a positive track record in Titan’s cities, is expected to carry them to victory. Enceladus: RENAUD The cities of Enceladus are expected to go for the SPDP. Triton: SUMIDA Significant Navy presence on Triton suggests a win for the pro-military SFP. Titania: SUMIDA Naval presence on Neptune’s moons has long made them SFP strongholds. Pluto and Moons: PAVLOV Pluto is anticipated to vote among communist party lines. Eris/Dysnomia: SUMIDA Like Triton, Navy presence in the Sol System’s furthest body suggests a win for the SFP. Core Worlds: Epsilon Eridani: N/A The Eridani Federation traditionally does not report election statistics. New Hai Phong: TRANG Initial polls show a strong pro-Trang lead on New Hai Phong. Silversun: STROM Anti-corporate attitudes have seen the SPP leading among Originals, with the SFP leading among Expatriates. Northern Reaches: San Colette: SUMIDA Currently a toss-up between the SPP, SFP, and SPDP, the SFP’s pro-military attitude has secured them a small lead amongst Colettish veterans’ groups. D’Anzin: RENAUD The phoron industry of D’Anzin, long dependent on foreign imports, has traditionally been a SDPD stronghold, fearing tariffs would have a negative impact on the local economy. Lhokgon: TRANG The SPP trails the SSUP in Lhokgon, but the planet remains closely divided between the two parties. Novo Igman: STROM The SPP’s anti-corporate messaging has secured it a lead on war-torn Novo Igman, which fears corporate dominance of its reconstruction. New Peoria: TRANG Polls show the SSUP leading on New Peoria, which needs significant reconstruction. Lycoris: N/A The state of emergency on Lycoris has prevented polling by the SANN. Southern Reaches: Sankt Frederick: TRANG The SSUP and SPP currently are nearly tied, with both attempting to win over the agrarian vote. Initial polling shows a slight SSUP lead. Visegrad: SUMIDA Initial polling indicates a weak SFP lead, with the SPP trailing slightly. Expatriate Populations Mictlan: STROM SPP messaging about reunification has resonated strongly with Mictlan who fled their planet’s occupation. Port Antilla: STROM As with Mictlan, the SPP’s message of reunification has resonated strongly. Konyang: SUMIDA Early polling has placed the SFP ahead in the expatriate Konyang population. Further Reading: Konyang Police Charge Three Tourists with Attempted Poaching of National Bird Solarian Alliance, Galatean Federation Scientists Biggest Winners at 2466 Nobel Prizes Hit Venusian Band Just Us Begins Winter Tour

SANN Exclusive: Your Guide to Voting Abroad Article 6 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Elections UNITY STATION, EARTH - Earlier the SANN reached out to the government for information about how Solarian citizens can vote if they are either abroad or on a planet other than the one they are registered to vote on. For more information we have reached out to Doctor Mei Jiang, State Department foreign service officer assigned to the Solarian embassy in Xanu, and Doctor Guoliang Li, program supervisor at the Department of the Interior. Attached are official portraits of Jiang and Li, both typical-looking Solarian bureaucrats clad in dark suits and standing in front of Solarian flags. SANN: For Solarians abroad, how do they know they’re eligible to vote? JIANG: Solarian citizens above voting age who reside abroad are eligible to vote for federal positions, such as prime minister or senators, but local elections are determined on a precinct-by-precinct basis. When in doubt, contact the local board of elections where you were registered — your local embassy or consulate can help you send a letter to them if you’re confused. SANN: What about Solarian crewmembers of interstellar vessels? JIANG: For foreign-registered vessels you’ll need to contact the embassy, or consulate, of the area where the vessel is registered. They’ll be able to assist. LI: For Solarian-registered vessels, such as military ships, contact your registered voting precinct and let them know what ship you are on. SANN: How do you request an absentee ballot abroad? JIANG: That’s through the Solarian Voting Abroad Initiative, or SVAI, which is run by the Department of the Interior. You can request one online, and contact your local embassy or consulate’s voting assistance officer if you need help. LI: Domestically, you’ll have to contact the voting precinct you’re registered in and submit an absentee ballot request. For most precincts, this can be done online. For Martian voters abroad, you’ll need to contact the Department of the Interior to determine what precinct you are registered in if your prior address was in the exclusion zone. SANN: How do you receive an absentee ballot? LI: In the Alliance you’ll receive it by mail, either electronically or physically depending on how you request it. Abroad, either by mail — if the area has a reliable postal service, such as most of the Coalition — or via pickup at a consulate or embassy if the government either lacks an effective postal service — such as Vysoka — or is likely to interfere with the process — such as Biesel. SANN: What about returning the ballot? JIANG: The Department of State recommends absentee ballots submitted abroad be returned to the nearest embassy or consulate directly, so they can be transported via diplomatic courier. LI: Domestically, you can send it back via conventional mail or certified electronic mail. SANN: Thank you both for your time. Do you have resources for Solarian voters to contact? JIANG: The best resource to contact is your local embassy or consulate. The Department of State’s website has helpful links and contact information for them. LI: Citizens with questions can reach out to 2467elect@doi.gov for further information, or check our website. Further Reading: Suwon Sea Bandits Score 4-3 Win Over Ton Gwai Triads in Third Game of Alliance Series “Promise of Jintaria” - University Classmates Reflect on Strom Navy Officer, 14 Students Injured in “Rocket Sledding” Incident on Callisto

Election Date Announced! Article 5 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Elections NEW YORK CITY, EARTH — Earlier today (GST) the provisional government announced an official date for the Solarian 2467 general federal election. Elections are, assuming no delays, to take place on 27 February, with all votes for prime minister expected to be counted by either 28 February or 1 March (Earth Standard Time). Senatorial elections may take longer. Most senatorial seats are up for election due to delays experienced during the civil war. Absentee voting is to be determined on a planet-by-planet basis. A government spokesperson contacted by the SANN advised voters to contact the Department of the Interior, if in the Alliance, or Department of State, if abroad, for more information. Further Reading: SFP Holds Rally on San Colette Phoron Cleanup on D’Anzin Expected to Take Five Years People of the Spur: The Assunzionii

Socialists Announce PM Candidate for ‘67 Election! Article 2 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Elections The camera, after the SANN jingle, zooms in on the serious-looking face of Harold MacMillan. “Welcome back to The State of Sol. Today we take you to Cua Song, New Hai Phong, where the Socialist Party is set to shortly announce their candidate for PM. We go now to our reporter on the ground, Le Quynh Cong. Quynh?” The camera switches to a typical Hai Phongese woman standing in an auditorium with Solarian flags hanging from the ceiling. Quynh is bespectacled with short hair, and is wearing a rebreather around her neck that’s been pulled down to show her face — a common sight on the pollution and dust-covered Solarian world. She nods her head to the camera. “Hi Harold! The atmosphere’s electric here in Cua Song, everyone’s excited to see the Socialist Party’s candidate for PM.” “Any predictions?” “Most people think it’ll be Senator Trang! The governors are too, ah, controversial,” Quynh wiggles her eyebrows a bit, trying to imply something, “I heard a bit about them, but nothing suitable for broadcast.” “That fits what I know,” MacMillan laughs for a moment. “Any other potential candidates?” Quynh shakes her head. “Nobody aside from Trang’s been able to get influence over the Socialists, so she’s pretty much the only one.” “Citizens of the Alliance,” a female voice broadcasts over the PA. Quynh gives a signal to the camera, which switches to a view of the stage. “The Socialist Party’s candidate and your next Prime Minister: Le Hanh Trang!” Cheers erupt from the audience as a middle-aged Hai Phongese woman in a black suit walks from the side of the stage to a podium, waving as she approaches it. A chant of “LE HANH TRANG!” comes up from the audience as she approaches. The Senator clasps her hands together and shakes them above her head, motioning for quiet as she mounts the podium and begins to speak. “My fellow Solarians,” Trang begins. “We stand now on the brink of our Alliance’s triumph over corporate greed and domination! Trang stops a moment to allow the cheering to subside. “The Socialist Party has given you, the citizens of the Alliance, a victory over NanoTrasen, over Zavodskoi, over Zeng-Hu,” Trang pauses for dramatic effect. “But!” Trang raises a finger and points it out into the audience. “Our duty is not yet done! Billions of Solarians just like you and me are forced to work under the thumb of Hephaestus Industries and their toady subsidiaries, who take our money and send it to their alien fiefdom while replacing our workers with their synthetics! And to this I say,” Trang pauses, looking around for a moment, then crosses her arms into an X! “No more! More cheering erupts. “If I am elected as your next PM, I will take the fight to Hephaestus!” Trang slams her fist into the podium! “I will fight for the Solarian worker!” Trang slams her fist into the podium again! The crowd has begun chanting her name. “And I will stop aliens and synthetics from taking over our jobs and our country! Thank you!” Trang throws both hands up into Vs for victory. The crowd goes wild, chanting her name and yelling. The senator looks beyond pleased at this reception, standing there and basking in it as the feed switches to a commercial break.

Populists Name Candidate for ‘67 PM Election! Article 1 of WINNER TAKES ALL: The '67 Solarian Federal Elections After the typical SANN jingle the camera zooms in on the familiar face of Harold MacMillan behind his desk. He maintains eye contact -- the anchor can certainly maintain a steely gaze -- with the camera as it zooms in, then begins speaking. “Good evening, and welcome back to The State of Sol. I’m your host, Harold MacMillan. Urgent news has just arrived from Venus, where the Populist Party will shortly announce their candidate. We go now to the Susuhe District and our reporter on-scene, Eberechi Oteh. Eberechi?” The screen splits, with a darker-skinned man in an assembly hall now standing on the right. The idle noise of the crowd can be heard in the background, but it’s hard to make out any words. A Solarian flag banner can vaguely be seen over Oteh’s right shoulder. “Hello Harold!” Oteh has a notable Callistean accent. “I’m happy to hear from you.” “It’s mutual. How’s the atmosphere on Venus?” “The people here are excited, Harold! We’re only a few minutes from the announcement, and the candidate’s acceptance speech.” “Any predictions on who it could be?” “Most people here think it’ll be Governor Strom. There’s been some rumors about Governor Szalai being the nominee after the events on Visegrad, but nothing to confirm it. Hang on,” Oteh puts his finger to his earpiece for a second, then looks at the camera. “The announcement is happening in just a moment, Harold.” “Right, thank you for covering this.” “Of course,” both MacMillan and Oteh disappear as the camera switches to a view of the stage. A podium dominates the center, with the backdrop being a massive Solarian flag hologram that flutters in the “wind.” Posts marked with planets of the Alliance — Callisto, Silversun, Visegrad, and more — can be seen in the audience, signifying delegations. The atmosphere is festive, but the audience quiets as the lights dim and the PA begins to broadcast. “People of the Alliance,” a male voice broadcasts from it, “please welcome your next Prime Minister: HENRIK STROM!!!” A man in a muted gray business suit walks out from the hologram, waving to the crowd as it erupts into cheers. The Alliance’s anthem plays over the loudspeakers as he approaches the podium, moving with purpose. As he nears it, Hendrik Strom throws his left fist up into the air to wild cheering from the crowd! As he climbs onto the podium he gives one last wave and the cheering fades with his gesture for the crowd to quiet. The Jintarian politician takes a moment to survey the crowd, savoring the moment, and begins speaking. “My fellow Solarians,” Strom leans into the podium, now looking serious. “The last six years have been some of the hardest faced by our nation since the Interstellar War. Enemies foreign and domestic seized on our temporary weakness: corporations stole our planets, traitors in the military tried to bring down our government, but did they?” “NO!” yells the crowd. “They didn't! Because our Alliance is the greatest nation in the Spur — and under my leadership tt will continue to be great! Strom pauses for a moment to let the cheering die down. “We will take back our economy from the corporate elite and give it back to the common Solarian! We will secure our borders! And for those Solarians living under occupation, we will come to rescue you! The crowd cheers again. Some begin chanting Strom’s name, which others quickly pick up and spread throughout the audience. “Always remember, Strom pauses for effect, letting the crowd's cheer dominant the theater for a few moments, "that a vote for the Populists is a vote for the future of our Alliance! Thank you, and long live the Alliance of Sovereign Solarian Nations!” Strom raises his right arm with a V for victory symbol as the crowd cheers again! He then begins to work his way off the stage, waving at the crowd, as Hold Us Tight by Just Us, a Jintarian band, plays. The crowd goes wild, cheering and chanting his name as the SANN’s feed cuts out and fades into a commercial break.

First, please accept our apologies for the delay in getting to this. Second, I’m pleased to announce that it has been accepted! Pending editing we’ll hopefully see it on the wiki very soon.

BREAKING: Provisional Government Announces Start of Solarian Elections! Article 28 of Dulce et Decorum The camera, after the introduction, zooms in on the unmistakable visage of Harold MacMillan yet again. He slides his PDA to the side and looks at the camera. “Welcome back to The State of Sol. Today we go to Unity Station in Earth’s orbit where our star reporter Céline Eylenbosch has urgent news from the provisional government. Céline?” The camera switches to a fashionable, blonde Cytherean woman standing in a carpeted hallway in front of a fancy wooden door. Eylenbosch looks excited — nearly as excited as she did when reporting on the lead-up to intervention in 2465 — and smiles to the camera. “Hello, dear viewers. As Harold said, we have big news today,” she looks down at her watch, then back up to the camera. “As of fifteen minutes ago, the provisional government has announced the first general election since 2461 will take place starting in November and ending in January of next year.” “Inspiring news!” MacMillan comments. “Exactly, Harold. All Solarians should be happy about this! Our nation has taken a giant step towards healing, and it’s now for the people to decide what the future will bring!” Eylenbosch gestures at the hall of government around her, looking thrilled at the prospect of months of political reporting. “Céline, who’s expected to try for Prime Minister?” “Right now it’s hard to say. Trang and Strom,” despite her general enthusiasm, Eylenbosch cannot hide all of her disdain for the Jintarian when she says his name -- the corner of her mouth twitches slightly, “are likely candidates. Other parties will put their candidates forward too, but there’s been no comment from the social democrats, conservatives, or communists. Yet.” “How’s the mood on Unity Station?” “Oh! There’s only one word to describe it, Harold: elated,” Eylenbosch smiles slyly at the camera. “For three years we’ve been deprived of political excitement, and most reporters I’ve spoken with are eager to get back to work! I, personally, can’t wait to cover this.” “Céline, I’m not as excited as you are, but I’m eager to give our viewers a clear-eyed look at our democracy in action.” Eylenbosch laughs briefly! “Oh, we will Harold! Back over to you.” The camera switches back over to MacMillan at his desk. “The SANN will offer continuous coverage of the elections, viewers. For now, The State of Sol will be right back after a short commercial break.”

SANN LIVE — The Northern Reaches Reconstruction Efforts Article 27 of Dulce et Decorum After the SANN jingle finishes and the logo flys off the side of the screen, the camera opens onto the unmistakable visage of Harold MacMillan sitting behind a desk with a PDA on it. The camera zooms in on MacMillan and his Callistean-flag-lapel-featuring suit. “Welcome back to The State of Sol — as always I’m your host, Harold MacMillan. With the cowardly attack on Visegrad overcome by local police, we go to our reporter in the Northern Reaches. Shufan?” The left side of the camera swaps to a typical Solarian woman — Shufan Koh, to those experienced with the SANN — standing in front of a construction site wrapped by a cloth screen covered in patriotic slogans. “DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR” can be seen, in part, on it. “Hello Harold,” Shufan nods politely at the camera. “I’ve been told you’re in Novi Igman?” “That’s right, Harold,” Koh gestured to her right, causing Harold to retreat and a middle-aged Slavic man wearing a hardhat to appear standing next to Koh on the sidewalk. “I’m here in an industrial district with Professor Vuk Kostić, a engineering professor working with the government to repair Novi Igman’s infrastructure.” “Thank you for offering to interview me,” Kostić smiles politely, nodding his head. “Professor, what was life like during the Civil War?” “It was, ah, not good, Shufan. We were part of San Colette’s defensive pact, initially, but the Front eventually overcame our defenses.” “What did they do during the occupation?” “Look“ Kostić glares at Shufan. His expression has shifted from neutral to irritated. “This interview was supposed to be about reconstruction, can we discuss that and not the occupation?” “Sure,” Koh looks a bit taken aback by Kostić. “Thank you,” the professor nearly hisses the words before clearing his throat. “Most of our infrastructure was damaged by the Front, or during the resistance against them. It’s taken us over a year — almost 18 months — to really start to recover our industrial capacity.” “Why is that?” “What the Front didn’t take back to Lycoris, they tried to destroy,” Kostić shakes his head. “I suppose they wanted to destroy us alongside them, make our home into a mutual Carthage.” “A mutual Carthage?” “To totally destroy us, essentially. It’s something I learned from one of my university colleagues,” Kostić smiles sadly for a moment. “But they did not succeed, and that’s in part due to the bravery of the people here.” “Thank you, professor,” Koh seems eager to cut the interview now. “As you can see the path to recovery is a long one, but one we’ll reach. Back over to you, Harold.” The camera transitions back to MacMillan, still sitting at his desk. “Thank you, Shufan. The State of Sol will be back after this short commercial break — stay tuned!”

Northern Reaches Trials End Article 26 of Dulce et Decorum HARMONY CITY, LUNA - Today as of 9PM (GST) the Department of Justice has announced its final verdicts in the Northern Reaches trials against former Solarian military and government officials for alleged crimes committed during the Solarian Civil War. All verdicts relate to the so-called “Solarian Restoration Front,” an Alliance-designated terrorist group first active in 2463 and still present on Lycoris. Rear Admiral Anton Verglas and Commodore Florentina von Keyserling, both of the 35th Fleet, Admiral Renart Paquet, 32nd Fleet, and Commodore Deng Fa, 33rd Fleet, are among several dozen ex-Navy officers found guilty of treason, desertion, sedition, extermination, forced deportation, the illegal or illegitimate use of force against Solarian citizens, and other crimes not listed here. Due to the severity of the circumstances, the Department of Justice has opted to seek the death penalty. Governor Thomas Wilks and Lieutenant Governor Richard Andersen, both of Lycoris, have been charged with sedition, operating a forced labor apparatus, labor trafficking, forced deportations, and the denial of civil rights to Solarian citizens. The Department of Justice has likewise opted to seek the death penalty. Former planetary police commissioner for Lycoris Alexandre Bernard has been charged with sedition, murder of a Solarian government employee (multiple counts), forced deportation, illegitimate use of force against Solarian citizens, and other crimes not listed here. The Department of Justice as likewise opted to seek the death penalty. Lieutenant General Sophia Zambrano, of the Lycoris System Defense Force, has been charged with treason, accessory to extermination, illegitimate use of force against a Solarian member-state, murder of Solarian military personnel (multiple counts), and other crimes not listed here. The Department of Justice has opted to pursue the death penalty for the severity of these crimes, which were carried out while the charged party was a serving member of the military. When asked by the SANN for his thoughts on the charges, Attorney General Henri Fontenot provided the following quote: “As I and the department promised last year, we have delivered the Solarian people justice in the face of unspeakable violence committed against our nation and our citizens by those who once claimed to serve it. It is my supreme hope as your attorney general that we shall move forward as a nation and recognize today as what it is: a victory over evil.” Further Articles: Visegradi Authorities Announce Further Arrests Connected to Terrorist Plot Solarian and Dominian Navy Announce Successful Joint Bust of Cross-Border Smuggling Operation The Light of Liberty’s Reality: Life in Mendell City’s Slums

Northern Reaches Trials Continue on Luna Article 20 of Dulce et Decorum HARMONY CITY, LUNA — Today as of 6PM (GST) the Department of Justice has announced several verdicts in the ongoing trials against former Solarian military officers and government officials for crimes committed in the Northern Reaches during the Solarian Civil War. All verdicts relate to the “Anti-Corporate League,” a group active from 2463-65 in the Northern Reaches and allegedly supported by the Coalition of Colonies. Admiral Frederich Müller, commander of the 67th Fleet, Rear Admiral Ruben Pravin, acting commander of the 66th Fleet, and Admiral Nikola Camilo, commander of the 58th Fleet, have been convicted of treason, desertion, sedition, and destruction of civilian property. The DOJ has opted to seek the death penalty as their crimes were carried out while a member of the military. Governor Damjana Mariyana, New Atlantica, has been convicted of sedition and accessory to destruction of civilian property, and has been sentenced to 30 years’ federal imprisonment. Mladan Spartak, Department of Interior employee and League Minister for Corporate Repossession and Distribution, has been convicted on public corruption charges, theft charges, and sedition, and sentenced to 25 years’ federal imprisonment. Sovann Soth, Department of Interior employee and League Minister of Revolutionary Affairs, has been convicted of sedition and sentenced to 20 years’ federal imprisonment. The trials of members of the “Solarian Restoration Front” remain pending. A source close to the SANN advised we are likely to see a resolution, “within the year,” at the current rate. Further Articles: Callistean Group Sues Navy for Misconduct, Brutality in 2465 Riot Monorail Accident on Visegrad Injures 15 Martian Government Reports Drop in Airborne Phoron for Third Straight Month

SISA Announces Further Arrests in Bombing Plot Article 18 of Dulce et Decorum HARMONY CITY, LUNA – Today at 11AM (GST) the Solarian Interstellar Security Agency announced further arrests of individuals related to the bombing plot against the ongoing trials for those accused of crimes in the Northern Reaches. The arrests included all individuals that escaped custody after the initial arrests, as well as persons who provided, “material support,” to the plotters. In total the agency has announced the arrests of over thirty individuals, all of whom have now been arraigned on an assortment of charges, including: conspiracy to utilize a weapon of mass destruction, conspiracy to commit murder against a public official, and conspiracy against the Solarian Alliance. The offenders face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. SISA further identified the alleged ringleader of the plot, 47 year-old Bianca Accetta, a native Lycorii and alleged former member of the Solarian Restoration Front’s government on Lycoris. The agency stated that Ms. Accetta’s association with the former rebel government is still under investigation, and more charges may be pending. The agency stressed that its investigation into the plot was still ongoing, but that there appeared to be no further threat to the public or trials. While further arrests are possible, it is believed that most, if not all, of the individuals associated with the plot have been tracked down. Anyone believing they have information relating to the individuals or the plot is encouraged to contact their local SISA field office. Further Reading: Alliance Champions League Group Stage enters final two matchweeks INTERSTELLAR✰GIRLS release surprise new album Toowoomba-Tauranga: The Winter Wonderland of Silversun

Exclusive Interview with an Officer of Visegrad’s National Defense Force Article 17 of Dulce et Decorum The camera opens onto two men — one Liao Qi, the other a younger-looking man in a forest green military uniform with a mustache — sitting across from one another. Compared to the tense environment of the last interview, this room is a well-lit office with tasteful wood decor. Barely visible off to one side, by the door, is a woman in a matching uniform wearing a vest. “Lieutenant, thank you for meeting with us on such short notice. Could you introduce yourself for the audience?” “I’m Jakab Koroknay, First Lieutenant, National Defense Force.” “Thank you. First, how do you feel about the NDF’s reformation?” “I’m supportive of it. As a planet and region we’re past the emergency period where we needed an integrated command structure with the Navy. Now, we can return to a sense of normalcy in the Danube System.” “What does that normalcy look like?” “Normalcy for us is the NDF handling security on Visegrad itself and in its orbit. We managed most security operations in the system before integration with the Navy and have continued to do so now. Our main issue as it stands now is a lack of synthetic equipment — we can’t easily reintegrate the units seized by the Navy back into our force.” “Why is it difficult?” “Well,” Koroknay pauses for a moment, considering his response. “Sorry, it’s a bit hard to describe to a general audience. Navy synthetics are designed for naval work, while ours are designed for police use. It’s hard to swap the programming over and we don’t want to deprive the Navy of assets.” “In your opinion, how is the reformation of the NDF proceeding aside from this matter?” “Quite well. We’ve managed to exceed our staffing goals thanks to an agreement to hire back NDF personnel from the Navy and many Visegradi signing up, including individuals returning from abroad. Furthermore, the Department of Justice has provided us with support when and where we need it — reestablishing a SISA office on Visegrad last year has helped fight major crimes here. One of our challenges has been acquiring linguists specialized into Coalition languages and dialects, and the D-O-J helped us resolve that issue.” “Lieutenant, thank you for your time.” “Thank you for stopping to speak with us, and for waiting for your interview request to be approved.”

XNS Exclusive: Interview with a Konyang Armed Forces Officer Article 16 of Dulce et Decorum As always, a Himean man is the sole host of the XNS’ Interviews and News segment. On a rather cozy sofa sits the famous Jude Scholes, smiling at the camera. Behind him on a holoscreen is a middle-aged Konyanger man in a military uniform. Despite the gray streaks in his hair there is a sharpness to his eyes and face. He appears to be in an office of some kind with a map of Konyang on the wall behind him. Vague writing is present around Suwon, but it’s too blurry to make out. “Welcome, our faithful guests, to tonight’s episode of Interviews and News! I’m Jude Scholes, your host, and tonight we have a returning guest, Captain Jung-Hee Eum of the Konyang Armed Forces! Captain Eum, thank you for taking time away from your duties to speak with us.” “Thank you for having me, Jude. It’s always a pleasure.” “Captain, with the Solarian government having re-established control over the Solarian Northern Reaches, are you concerned at sharing a border?” “Not at this time. Sharing a border with another state rather than a loosely-organized 'insurgent group,’” Eum makes air quotes as he says insurgent group, “has given us more stability in the short term.” “Hand in glove, Captain?” Eum looks at the screen with confusion for a moment, then looks at something off-screen. When he speaks again his professionally neutral expression has returned. “Yes, I believe we have the situation under control.” “Are there any concerns the Solarians might launch a cross-border attack of their own, similar to what happened in Biesel in ‘62?” “The Solarian Navy of 2462 is a different entity compared to the one that triumphed in their civil war. While the Alliance maintains a large force in the region, it’s spread throughout the Reaches — very little is present at the Sol-Coalition border.” “Not to spit into the glass, captain, but can you be so sure?” “I’m not able to speak to specifics at this time. However, if the Alliance does intend to launch an assault, we’ll be able to prepare.” “Right, right,” if Scholes is irritated by this response, he doesn’t show it. “Have refugees continued to cross the border into Konyang?” “We’ve seen a near total stop to refugee crossings with an end to the fighting. We’ve had more crossings from the Coalition to Sol, as Solarian citizens return to their country, than Sol to Coalition crossings. Repatriating bandits from Konyang to Sol is another matter of concern, but the crisis earlier this year has delayed talks.” “Captain Eum, thank you for your time. Unfortunately, that’s all we have for tonight.” “Thank you for having me.” “Until next time, I’m Jules Scholes and this is the Xanu News Service!”

Northern Reaches Trials Begin Article 14 of Dulce et Decorum HARMONY CITY, LUNA — Today at 9AM (GST) the Department of Justice formally began trials related to the Solarian Civil War’s impact in the Northern Reaches. Most defendants are military personnel from the naval and military wings of the “Solarian Restoration Front,” a terrorist group active from 2462 until 2465, or its civilian administration, including the former governor of Lycoris. A smaller number are from the “Anti-Corporate League,” though many named in the September indictment are currently awaiting extradition from the Coalition of Colonies. When asked by SANN reporters what he thought of the trial starting, Attorney General Fontenot’s office provided the following: “These trials are a chance for the Alliance to show that, no matter what may occur, the rule of law will prevail. These trials may take a very long time, but they represent our great nation’s commitment to not let criminal actors go unpunished. Ultimately, we hope it will be a step towards healing the wounds left by the civil war.” Assistant Solarian Attorneys Masud Lakhdar and Sarah Kalemba of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights Section were contacted by the SANN and declined to comment on an ongoing trial. The media representative of SISA Special Agent in Charge of the Lunarian Division Ulrike Henriette Marilda von Rantzau, provided the following: “Our division has been investigating allegations made against the alleged subjects for over a year, while at the same time assisting the San Colette Division in rebuilding. I have full confidence in our personnel as we take this matter to trial.” The SANN will continue to report on this matter as it develops. Further Articles: Callisto Beats Xanu 3-2 in Latest Football Match San Colette Residents Describe Life Under Orbital Fire People of the Spur: The Dominian Lyodii

XNS Exclusive: Interview with Augustín Cabanas, Leader of the Solarian People’s Liberation Front Article 13 of Dulce et Decorum The camera opens on a bizarre sight. In the middle is a poorly lit table with two men sitting on either side, with Solarian flags pinned to the wall around them — one clearly Liao Qi, the other a middle-aged Mictlani in a Solarian Navy admiral’s uniform. In the background a mixed group of men and women, their faces obscured with Solarian flag bandanas and sunglasses, stand at attention with assault rifles. Qi, notably, looks tenser than normal. A cigarette slowly burns in an ashtray in front of the Mictlani as Qi begins speaking. “Admiral Cabanas, before we begin let me thank you for giving us this opportunity to interview you.” “Of course,” Cabanas leans onto the table, crossing his arms. “I hope the ‘Republic’ was not too much of a problem coming here.” “It wasn’t,” Qi clears his throat. “Could you introduce yourself to our viewers?” “Not everyone is familiar with our struggle,” the admiral hmpfs to himself. “I am Admiral Augustín Cabanas of the Solarian People’s Liberation Fleet, which has been fighting against corporate occupation since March 2463. We are the only ones fighting for a free, Solarian Hinterlands.” “Right,” Qi clicks his pen. “You’ve been fighting without official Solarian support for two years, then?” “Yes. Allies have given us arms and tools to keep fighting, but supplies are limited. It is only through our own hands that we are still free. The corporations will never conquer us as long as we draw breath.” “Conversations on the Extranet suggest you’re very popular in the Hinterlands. Why do you think you are?” Cabanas laughs for a moment! “I am a gregarious man — and I am a force for Sol, not corporate greed. The people here, Liao, they support our Alliance. Unlike Mictlan, my home, the corporations do not control us. Yet.” “Yet?” “They have more than us, and can overwhelm us in time — drowning us in the blood of their mercenaries and conscripts. But they do not — so far.” “Is there anything you’d like the wider Spur to know about your struggle? “Yes,” Cabanas takes a drag off of the cigarette in front of him, then exhales smoke to the side before speaking. “Do not, my friend, the corporate media of the Spur will tell you we are terrorists. They will try to diminish our struggle. But they cannot run from the truth that ours is a just cause, and we fight for our freedom and our homeland. We have no quarrel with the common people of Tau Ceti. Do not be mislead by the corporations.” “Thank you, admiral.” “Thank you, Liao. My men will see you safely to the Solarian border. Tell our story to the Spur. Allow them to see why we fight.”

Press Release: Former Government Official to be Tried for Crimes in Northern Reaches For Immediate Release - Office of Interstellar Relations, Department of Justice Article 10 of Dulce et Decorum One-hundred and sixty former civil and military government officials have been indicted for offenses against the Solarian government and people during the period of chaos in the Northern Reaches commonly known as the Solarian Civil War. According to a government indictment unsealed yesterday several former Solarian Navy officials — Anton Verglas, 35th Fleet, Normand Quinault, 33rd Fleet, Florentina von Keyserling, 35th Fleet, and others — allegedly committed crimes against humanity during a period of military rule over Lycoris. The defendants allegedly seized property from Solarian and foreign nationals without proper authorization, and conspired to overthrow the Solarian government. The defendants then allegedly carried out a systemic campaign of violence and intimidation against the residents of Lycoris and the territories near it. The charges announced today are the most recent in the Justice Department’s ongoing effort to change individuals who committed severe crimes in the Northern and Southern Reaches during its period of unrest. Attorney General Henri Fontenot, Department of Justice Criminal Division head Robert Hendricks, and Special Agent in Charge of the SISA office in the Republic of San Colette Isabella Alvarez made the announcement. The Solarian Interstellar Security Agency (SISA), with assistance from local partners, is investigating the case. Assistant Solarian Alliance attorneys Masud Lakhdar and Sarah Kalemba of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights Section are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Army Provides Update on Northern Reaches Peacekeeping Operations Article 7 of Dulce et Decorum The SANN jingle ends and focuses on a middle-aged Solarian man in a business suit sitting across from a serious-looking man in a Solarian Army uniform. The officer's hair is buzzed short and showing plenty of grey, while the anchor has only a patch of grey here and there. “Hello and welcome back to Around the Spur. I’m your host Zhang Kai. With me is Major General Patrick Edwards of the Solarian Army, and one of the senior commanders of forces on Lycoris,” Zhang begins, taking a moment to adjust some papers sitting on the table. "General, thank you for taking time out of your duties to visit our studio on Callisto." “Thank you for having me.” “How is the situation on Lycoris, generally?” “The situation has improved over the past year. We’ve had to invest heavily into counterinsurgency operations on Lycoris, but we’ve reduced the insurgency on the planet and Lycoris Minoris to a fraction of its strength in 2465.” “With it being so reduced, is it time to scale back the Army’s presence on it?” “Not yet. Tau Ceti’s handling of Mictlan taught us how to not handle a counterinsurgency, and you don’t want to withdraw before you’ve totally eliminated the insurgency or you’ll be back where you started in a year, maybe two or three years.” “We’re learning from Tau Ceti?” Edwards affords himself a brief chuckle before speaking. “That’s a generous way of putting it, Kai. What Tau Ceti’s army — the 'Foreign Legion' as it was known at the time — has shown us is how to not do things. We’re not learning from their successes, just their mistakes. Compare how we handled Mars and they handled Mictlan.” “You’re a veteran of the Martian campaign, yes? What made it succeed?” “I served in it, yes. What made it succeed where Mictlan stumbled was our Army-Navy coordination, a cooperative local population we won over through hearts and minds, and using troops from Mars itself — people who wanted to help their homes.” “You’re Martian, correct?” “I am. My first command was a Martian unit, and I’m honored to have helped my home.” Zhang looks at something off-screen for a moment, nods to whatever he's looking at, and looks back to Edwards. “That’s all we have time for right now. General Edwards, thank you for coming.” “Thank you for having me.” "Have a safe flight back to the Northern Reaches, General -- we'll be right back. State of Sol with Harold MacMillan starts right after this program at 7PM GST."

XNS Exlusive: One Year After Volunteering Article 6 of Dulce et Decorum The camera opens on a typical-looking Solarian woman in a small apartment wearing the clothes of a typical low-ranking National Police detective — a cheap suit and a rain slicker, though the slicker rests over the back of her chair. The rank patch of an Assistant Inspector of the National Police is barely visible on the slicker's sleeves. Rain platters against the singular window of the apartment and the entire shot feels cramped, with Liao sitting across from the woman on a small director’s chair. Glossy hair, unblinking and softly glowing eyes, and an antenna sticking out from behind her right ear indicate this woman is undoubtedly a synthetic. “Right, Cynthia, can you begin by telling us what happened after our last interview?” “Of course,” the woman nods. “As you’re likely aware, Commander Forsythe did not survive the battle of Nueva Isabela. He was killed attempting to throw a satchel charge onto a Front tank after we ran out of rockets and artillery was unavailable. He wouldn’t let anyone else volunteer for it.” “I’m sorry.” Cynthia shakes her head. “You don’t have to apologize. He made his decision, and we won — we stopped the Front from going further, and the Alliance finished them off.” “What happened to you after the Alliance’s victory?” “Liked most free synthetics I realized the Alliance wasn’t friendly to me. So, I bought transit to Konyang with funds left to me by Commander Forsythe.” “Why not Biesel?” “I couldn’t go back,” she shakes her head. “The Republic has no place for me after what happened on Mictlan, and what we did there for it and our 'benefactors.' Plus, we all saw the election results last weekend.” Qi nods his head. “Why Konyang, then?” “They seemed like the best, and nearest, choice. I have skills and I had enough money to get my papers in order.” “And you started working for the police?” Qi gestures to the raincoat with his pen. “Oh!” The synthetic looks behind herself at the coat, then back to Qi. “Yes, I managed to get a position in a synthetic crimes unit in Aoyama through an acquaintance. That was last August, so I’ve been with the APD for a bit over a year now.” “How did your department handle the rampancy outbreak earlier in the year?” Cynthia pauses for a few moments, drumming her fingers on her legs, leaving only the sound of the rain in the background. “Better than we feared, worse than we could have. I’m glad I didn’t settle in Suwon,” she smiles softly, crossing one leg over the other. “But I’m not happy it happened at all.” “Do you keep in touch with your fellow volunteers?” The synthetic considers the question for a moment. “Some of them. None of the Dominians, as you might assume. Watts — the Martian, you interviewed her — went back to Mars. She seems to be doing well. Got married, I think she has a kid on the way — we don’t talk a lot. Her husband seems nice from the video calls I’ve had with them. Our sniper — that Dominian woman — told me she hoped we’d never meet again, then left without another word. I suppose that’s something,” the shell shrugs. “Most of the synthetics in our unit went to Biesel or paid to cross the border into the Coalition. I hope none of them ended up rampant.” “That’s all the time we have for now. Cynthia, thank you for speaking with us again.” “It’s my pleasure. Keep us in your thoughts.”

Southern Mandate Reestablishes Local Force in Visegrad Article 5 of Dulce et Decorum The camera opens on a conference room full of reporters and journalists, all looking at an empty stage. After a few moments the doors open and several individuals walk in — one of which is undoubtedly Klaudia Szalai, current governor of the region. As she takes the podium, the clicking and flashing of cameras halts. “Citizens of Visegrad,” she begins. “It has been nearly four years since our planet’s system defense forces were integrated into the Solarian Navy under emergency defense authority. Now, with the region having stabilized as our Alliance grows, I am authorizing the reformation of the Visegradi National Defense Force.” The assembled dignitaries clap and the clicking and flashing of cameras resumes. Szalai remains quiet for a moment, then silences the crowd with a gesture of her hand. She then steps back and to the side, letting an older Visegradi man have the podium. A caption at the bottom of the screen notes him as Mariusz Kovacs, Minister of Public Security. He clears his throat and begins speaking. “As our planet’s most senior law enforcement officer, it brings me great satisfaction to announce that the reformed NDF will be led by Commandant Willerich Kozak, a veteran of the Intervention who nearly sacrificed everything to protect the Alliance. I have no doubt Commandant Kozak will lead us to victory against all enemies of Visegrad!” More clapping sounds out and more photos are snapped as Kovacs lets another man step to the podium. Kozak is still as severe-looking as he was in the Xanu News Service’s view of him, but a robotic hand gives the former volunteer soldier a different appearance. Kozak shakes Kovacs’ hand and turns to face the audience, letting them quiet before speaking. “Thank you for entrusting me with the responsibility of commanding our security force. Let me announce, first, that any NDF members who have gone abroad since its integration into the Navy are welcome to return to its ranks and defend our people. Second, let me state that any enemies of our people who think they can attack Visegradi internal security, are wrong. I will bring the last secessionists to heel, and rebuild what they have destroyed. Kozak pauses for a moment, clearing his throat. “Further, the NDF’s re-establishment has allowed us to reconstitute the Army’s Jäger divisions garrisoned here by detaching them from the Navy. Know that if you threaten Visegrad we will hunt you down, whether that be in our cities, our homesteads, our forests, or in our orbit.” Kozak pushed himself off of the podium to clapping from the assembled dignitaries as Szalai takes her position on it once again. “Thank you, Commandant. Questions?” A hand shoots up from a man in the front. Szalai points at him. “Governor Szalai. I’m Alojzy Kalinowski with the Visegrad News Network,” his accent is clearly Visegradi -- the local media's not letting this pass by without a showing, “with the NDF forming under non-Navy control, does this bring us closer to elections?” “It does,” the Fleet Admiral nods. “The Mandate believes Visegrad’s security situation has improved to a point where civilian control of the NDF is advisable.” Szalai points to another hand, this one belonging to a woman in the middle of the audience. “Admiral Szalai, I’m Andrea Wu with the Tau Ceti Times,” Szalai narrows her eyes slightly at the mention of Biesel. “How can foreign nationals expect to be treated by your reformed security services?” “Fairly and under Alliance law,” Szalai answers curtly. “Next question.” Szalai points to a well-dressed woman in the front row, who quickly stands. “Governor. Zlatka Babic, Jadranic Record,” her accent is clearly foreign. “Are anti-piracy operations in the Badlands being handed over to your NDF?” “Anti-piracy operations will be handled by the Solarian Navy, with regional forces securing the space around Visegrad. One more question then we’re out of time,” Szalai points to a short man in the front row, who stands. “Governor. I’m Do-Yun Park, Bitbyte. Are there any plans for synthetic personnel in the NDF?” “Commandant Kozak?” Szalai looks at Kozak, who moves to the microphone. “At the moment we plan to buy back synthetics seized under emergency authority. I can’t comment on anything beyond that.” Kozak steps back and Szalai steps forward. “That’s it for now. Any questions should be forwarded to the governor’s office for comment.” As the crowd claps and the reporters murmur amongst themselves, the dignitaries walk off the stage and the broadcast ends.