Orion Spur Oracle

[Caelphon]

Article #3 of the Union of Port Antillia Arc

Minister of Defence outlines plan for Cosmonautic Service

Minister of Defence Isandro Burgos has outlined his intention to create the Antillean Cosmonautic Service to ensure the protection of Port Antillia against foreign threats – most notably the Southern Solarian Military District that has begun ramping up its arms production following the elimination of the Southern Fleet Administration and their proliferation throughout the Southern Wildlands. In an assembly which he called, he announced the following:

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Minister Isandro Burgos: The defence of Port Antillia is paramount to her success, and it is of cardinal importance that she develops a respectable armed force of which to repel those that seek her destruction. The Solarian Navy has been instrumental in the stabilisation of the Alliance in the wake of its collapse at the hands of meddling Biesellites. Port Antillia stood a better chance of success beneath the wing of the Alliance, and necessary steps must be taken in order to restore ourselves to its union.   

Minister Isandro Burgos: The Antillean People’s Party stands against further intervention by the Republic of Biesel, where its inability to extend its military force has resulted in insurgent movements across its illegitimately acquired territories. The floundering Tau Ceti Foreign Legion, and its motley alien forces, is the prime example of why Port Antillia must develop its armed forces to avoid its cancerous incompetence – and become more alike to the Solarian Alliance. 

Minister Isandro Burgos: Port Antillia does not need these new foreign powers to assist it – the resources required for our victory can be found here, across our plains, within our seas. We must stand together, stand strong and fight for her. They say our economy won’t allow it, I will prove them wrong! We are Antillieans, and we shall carve our own future! No battle shall be too difficult, no sacrifice is too great. We are one nation, one people, one future! We cannot allow for our struggles to be muddied by this piteous occupation, especially those with foreign anatomies or binary thoughts. 

 

Minister Burgos had many in attendance and many more listening in across Port Antillia. Despite his association with Premier Toño de Avila, support for him has grown exponentially. The Republic of Biesel, and the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate, have been reluctant to issue comments on the radical views of the candidate, but rumours continue to circle that they fund his more corporate-minded competitors in the race for the seat of Premier.

Date: 08/26/2464

[Caelphon]

Article #4 of the Union of Port Antillia Arc

Lorna Rieviere Lashes Out 

Chairperson Lorna Rieviere of the Coalition for Antillean Social Democracy has lashed out at a reporter probing her in regards to her plans for the future of the Union of Port Antillia. Having expanded her campaigning to Carrington in order to bolster her numbers, many still believe despite the latest outburst that she has a chance of becoming Premier – and leading Antilleans into their newfound circumstances. Her assembly was held in Solarian Common but was translated for ease of understanding. 

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Lorna Rieviere: You, who are present here today, and the millions you represent, are the pride of all our people. Your contribution to the struggle, to our irreversible advance towards progress, has been truly enormous. The sacrifices made, and will still be called upon to make, cannot but evoke our greatest admiration for your courage and determination.

Lorna Rieviere: Regardless of the kind of struggle, and regardless of the challenges the struggle posed, you have been the backbone of the struggle for a people. You have been at the heart of the heroic efforts of the oppressed and exploited workers of our country. You have played a leading role in the awakening of our downtrodden masses. The people's movement, the CASD, belongs to you in the same way that you belong to it.

Lorna Rieviere: Therefore it is clear, that your place and role in society and the struggle impose the responsibility on you to act in unison as one of the principal forces of our struggle. This requires of you political maturity, a strong and soundly democratic organisation, and united, determined action for the victory of–

Unknown Male: You’ll doom us! You don’t know [expletive deleted]! You weren’t even here when the Solarian Alliance collapsed, you were just coddled within its Jewels! Go back to Callisto, traitor! We must stand with Biesel! 

Lorna Rieviere: Oh shut up! What have you done for Antilleans, huh? Stood there and heckled me when there are hundreds of thousands, if not millions, struggling to afford to live since we left the Alliance. You are not better than those that wish to force us into a corner, merely a pawn for them to control. We cannot think like you, because if we do, we will descend into anarchy. We must uplift our own first, the common worker must be able to feed their families, without the deception that is bred by unrestricted megacorporations and their synthetic lackeys!

 

Rieviere’s campaign assembly have given many an inkling of what her possible tenure as the Premier may look like should she be successful in her vying for the seat of the Premier, where those from the Caymanas continue to support her as she promises policies aimed to protect the people, and support those that are especially affected by the economic situation that the planet finds itself within. 

Date: 08/26/2464

[Caelphon]

Article #5 of the Union of Port Antillia Arc

Chancellor Julien Guerrier institutes Decree

Chancellor Julien Guerrier of Arthezé has announced his intention to declare a decree that aims at protecting the independence of Antillean industries in the wake of other candidates voicing their support for greater integration both within the Republic of Biesel and the introduction of the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate. Having been a strong advocate for increased separation of powers during the formation of the Union of Port Antillia, Guerrier has shown throughout his tenure as Chancellor of Arthezé that he will ensure the protection of his constituents and uphold their liberties. The announcement has been recorded and uploaded below. 

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Chancellor Julien Guerrier: As Port Antillia marches forward in its journey, it has become necessary that we take necessary steps to ensure the protection of Antilleans, and the industries that allowed us to survive without the assistance of the Solarian Alliance. Our introduction to the greater interstellar community has not been easy, but it has allowed us to see our prospective futures as we look at policies instituted across the Orion Spur – and how they fared. 

Chancellor Julien Guerrier: We cannot forget in our haste to advance to support the existing economy, and supplement it with the introduction of the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate, in order to truly liberate ourselves from the shackles of poverty. This can be accomplished through the Decree of Industrial Co-operation, which I have signed into power following discussions with my ministerial advisors. 

Chancellor Julien Guerrier: The Decree of Industrial Co-operation will see Arthezé become dedicated to protecting the disadvantaged in the wake of the struggles that Port Antillia faces. It is time for the future of our people to be in our hands, and not in those of non-Antilleans. We must guard ourselves, and ensure that our actions are aimed at ensuring Port Antillia prospers for Antilleans above all, and not for those that have not known our struggle. 

 

The Decree of Industrial Co-operation by Chancellor Guerrier outlines that megacorporate introduction to the province of Arthezé will not demolish existing infrastructure and Guayamoucan corporations that have budded – and must be done as a supplemental role to these already existing enterprises.

Date: 08/31/2464

[Caelphon]

Article #6 of the Union of Port Antillia Arc

End of the Arc

Elections Concluded, Premier Announced

The final voting polls have been counted, and it has been confirmed that Chancellor Julien Guerrier was victorious in his campaign to become Premier of the Union of Port Antillia, ending a tumultuous chapter in the planet’s history. Celebrations have broken out across the Premier’s province of Arthezé – where reports of joyous festivities are taking place across the streets. 

Despite their losses, the other candidates all issued statements in support of Julien Guerrier having become the Premier. Even outgoing Premier, Toño de Avila, congratulated the Chancellor and wished him luck in his political career as the leader of the Union. Though some have critiqued his statement, considering the history of the Mister de Avila, many more have already begun to look forward and forget the past as the planet marches on.

Date: 09/02/2464

[Caelphon]

Article #4 of the Dreary Futures Arc

End of the Arc

NanoTrasen Announces Withdrawal

Chief Executive Officer Miranda Trasen of NanoTrasen Corporation has announced their intended withdrawal from the Serene Republic of Elyra citing a hostile environment with little economic benefit as a result of rising domestic tensions from the demonstrations across al-Hamid Square. This comes days after an alleged after-action report by the Elyran Ministry of Defence concerning an incursion that occurred on the SCCV Horizon, the existence of such an incident has been denied by both the Ministry of Defence and the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate.

Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals, Zavodskoi Interstellar, Hephaestus Industries, and Idris Incorporated have not commented on their position within the Republic of Elyra. They seem not to be following in the steps of NanoTrasen as it begins close its doors across the New Suez Free Economic Trade Zone. Employees have been given the opportunity to transfer to the megacorporation’s other branches across the Orion Spur, however, some have been appropriated by other constituent megacorporations within the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate that are taking advantage of NanoTrasen’s removal as they hire those that wish to remain within the Republic of Elyra. 

Additionally, the Republic of Biesel and the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate have denied that a territorial encroachment has occurred and have confirmed that the NanoTrasen proposed resource extraction and refinement operations site will continue - referred to as the Orchard Moon Mining Station.

Date: 09/26/2464

Edited September 27, 2022 by Caelphon

[Caelphon]

Article #1 of the Consequences of the Future Arc

Beginning of the Arc

Orchard Moon Complete; Icarus Arrives

Construction has  been completed on the NSS Orchard Moon, supposedly the Orion Spur’s saviour. It finds itself nestled within an array of deep space asteroids inhabiting the southern Corporate Reconstruction Zone. However, the Orchard Moon deposits are less than the ones found across the Clandestine deposit, it will still bring much-needed relief to the phoron scarcity that plagues the interstellar community. 

NanoTrasen has confirmed that the NDV Icarus has been dispatched to ensure the protection of the NSS Orchard Moon in a capacity similarly seen when it was stationed in close proximity to the NSS Aurora; which has now seen itself in a diminished capacity as a result of the decreased phoron deposits. 

The Stellar Corporate Conglomerate has affirmed that this is a venture solely by NanoTrasen and that it will not have a share within the facilities. However, NanoTrasen has announced its intention to work closely with the other constituent megacorporations of the Conglomerate that have proven to be invaluable to the future of the Republic of Biesel, and its sovereignty that has been tried and tested numerous times. 

Date: 11/02/2464

Edited November 2, 2022 by Caelphon

[Caelphon]

Article #2 of the Consequences of the Future Arc

Tau Ceti Foreign Legions reports to Valley Hale

Following their staged removal from Mictlan, the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion has been reassigned to the Valley Hale region of the Orion Spur, with President Joseph Dorn of the Republic of Biesel announcing the movements to ensure the protection of the NSS Orchard Moon and the valuable mineral that it intends to harvest. Some fear the deployment of troops so close to the Serene Republic of Elyra may worsen the tension – with the latter still alleging that there has been territorial encroachment. 

Some of the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion has already arrived, supplementing the NDV Icarus and its patrols throughout the region, with claims that there have already been minor border skirmishes with unknown parties – a spokesman for the Legion confirmed that this might pose a threat to the armed forces’ ability to meaningfully exert control, but with the presence of NanoTrasen’s warship, will likely be dealt with quickly and efficiently.

When asked to comment, both NanoTrasen and the Republic of Biesel reported that hostile parties have been engaged in Valley Hale but both were quick to deny theories that the Serene Republic of Elyra was responsible for the attacks, stating that the idea is "unfounded and fear-mongering in nature" and that while the region is well within the borders of both Republics, warlords from the former Solarian territories, pirates hailing from the Empire of Dominia, and other rogue parties are known to operate in the region. It is believed that fears of Elyran attacks on Biesellite vessels stem from a false report of an incursion on the SCCV Horizon, which has been denied by all parties involved.

The NSS Orchard Moon is expected to allow normalcy to return within the next few months, with travel in the area by Stellar Corporate Conglomerate vessels steadily increasing as the vital phoron-extraction facility continutes to soldier on in earnest. NanoTrasen has reaffirmed its goal of working closely with the other megacorporations regarding the facility, quoting the success of the NSS Aurora following the integration of contractors from other megacorporations that now make up the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate.

Date: 11/09/2464

Edited November 9, 2022 by Caelphon

[Caelphon]

Article #3 of the Consequences of the Future Arc

Southern Fleet Administration Behind Skirmishes

The Tau Ceti Foreign Legion, alongside the NDV Icarus, engaged in several fleets earlier today – where it was revealed the culprit behind the attacks within the region: the Southern Fleet Administration. Though they posed a threat to the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate’s Flagship the Horizon, it was thought that the group had moved on to less high-profile targets, but the discovery today only further outlines that they seem to be remaining within Valley Hale, and possibly other regions within the galactic south.

Following the brief conflict, Biesellite and auxiliary corporate forces boarded the remnants of the Southern Fleet Administration, stumbling on a rather crucial finding – Einstein Engines technology, which poses a question as to whether it was stolen, or possibly even provided. Though, Einstein Engines has denied the involvement in these wandering warlord remnants. Tension appears to have lessened between the Serene Republic of Elyra and the Republic of Biesel, with confirmation from the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate that they are working with intelligence provided by Elyran authorities – attempting to recover the location of a tanker that went missing shortly after departing the NSS Orchard Moon.

Date: 11/27/2022

Edited November 27, 2022 by Caelphon

[Caelphon]

Article #4 of the Consequences of the Future Arc

End of the Consequences of the Future Arc

NSS Orchard Moon Attacked

 

The NSS Orchard Moon was attacked just days ago by the dilapidated Southern Fleet Administration, which had been routed by the Nralakk Federation earlier this year, with the intention of bringing an era of chaos across the Orion Spur by destroying the corporate installation with a dirty phoronic warhead that is suspected to have had sufficient tonnage to level the entirety of Mendell City. It is unknown how it was created, and probes by NanoTrasen have commenced, but a combination of efforts has prevented additional harm from befalling the Spur. 

The NDV Icarus, SCCV Horizon, and several other spacecraft were ordered to the NSS Orchard Moon to assist in repelling an attack from a force of unknown composition, with NanoTrasen relying on the SCCV Horizon’s advanced sensors to uncover details on the exact SFA vessels that wished to attack the corporate installation. The NDV Icarus held the line as it used its carrier-class status to secure the NSS Orchard Moon; however, the SFAV Helios managed to break the frontline, a refitted cruiser hosting the phoronic warhead, gutted of any significant ability to protect itself in order to host the enormous explosive. 

The SCCV Horizon provided necessary sensor data to the other fleets within the area. It was the only vessel available to prevent the SFAV Helios from reaching its destination – engaging with the Helios and subsequently boarding it. It is without a doubt that the Orion Spur owes great gratitude to those that defended the NSS Orchard Moon, but especially to the SCCV Horizon and those that gave their lives to ensure that the lives of billions of others – in the ensuing chaos should the NSS Orchard Moon have been destroyed – will not be lost. 

The Serene Republic of Elyra announced their gratitude to the Republic of Biesel, and the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate, regarding their handling of the situation – thanking them both for averting a crisis on the shared borders of the two Republics. Additionally, President Joseph Dorn thanked the Serene Republic of Elyra for providing the information needed to prevent the destruction of the NSS Orchard Moon. 

The rogue Commodore Anastasija Siljan was detained by the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate following her failed attack on the corporate facility, and has been taken to an unnamed site to undergo advanced interrogation to further learn of any plots that the Southern Fleet Administration may have planned with the goals of unfolding the Republic of Biesel – and subsequently the Orion Spur. 

The Stellar Corporate Conglomerate has affirmed that injuries sustained whilst off-duty during the attack on the NSS Orchard Moon will be covered by the corporate medical schemes for only the unfolding events that took place on Saturday, 10th of December 2464. Injuries sustained following the conclusion of the attack will not be covered by the Conglomerate or its affiliated megacorporations.       

Date: 12/12/2464

[Caelphon]

Beginning of the Libération, Révolution et Évolution Arc

Article #1

Amendment to the People's Protection Act of 2464

President Joseph Dorn of the Republic of Biesel has recently announced in a press conference, amendments to the People’s Protection Act that were passed earlier in 2464 aimed at overhauling the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion and equipping them with a fighting chance against the threats that were presented – such as insurrectionist groups in the Corporate Reconstruction Zone and the skirmishes that broke out with warlords hailing from the Wildlands.

However, President Dorn has stated that these measures were not enough to ensure the safety and security of the Republic in an ever more turbulent Spur. In an emergency quorum meeting between the Republican Congress, an amendment to the People’s Protection Act was passed with significant backing by almost every political party, with only the Cetian Social Democratic Front dissenting, arguing that the Legion’s budget should not be slashed to accommodate these new forces. The amendment titled the “People’s Protection Amendment Act” finally formalized the existence of a proper military to defend the Republic, and allocated significant funding for its creation and training. The current Tau Ceti Foreign Legion will be incorporated into the armed forces as a service branch, and all currently serving Legionnaires that haven’t completed their active service requirements will continue their terms of enlistment. 

Introducing an additional three branches to the greater armed forces, the Tau Ceti Armed Forces is composed of the Tau Ceti Minutemen, Republican Fleets, Foreign Legion and the Corporate Auxiliary Forces. Each will be outfitted with equipment purchased primarily from Zavodskoi Interstellar, and Hephaestus Industries. Personnel from these service branches will also be required to undergo additional training separate from the regime utilized during the dominance of the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion. 

Newly opened recruiting stations have already been overwhelmed by a flood of applicants, both those previously serving with the Foreign Legion and patriotic citizens of the Republic of Biesel – who will be given a chance to defend their nation and see the stars. It is expected that the Tau Ceti Armed Forces will be able to begin deployment by the end of the month, officially. However, it has been confirmed unofficially that deployment will commence across the Republic of Mictlan.  

Date: 07/24/2465

[Caelphon]

Article #2 of the Libération, Révolution et Évolution Arc

Trasen Appointed as Secretary of Defense

Electing to reshuffle his cabinet, President Joseph Dorn has announced the appointment of Nathan Trasen as the Secretary of Defense – the cousin of the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate’s Acting Director Miranda Trasen. Though some within the other political parties of Biesel have criticised the President’s appointment of Nathan Trasen, in particular Zash Vi’tak of the Cetian Social Democratic Front, who called the appointment blatant corporate favouritism and subsequently demanded that President Dorn resign from his position. 

Despite the criticisms, Nathan Trasen has considerable experience as a result of his position as the Chief Security Director of NanoTrasen. Throughout his time with NanoTrasen, he oversaw the deployment of its fleets and its response to rising tensions across the Orion Spur – such as the Second Solarian Invasion, in which he oversaw several fleet manoeuvres during critical moments of the fighting. He has elected to remain as the Chief Security Director of NanoTrasen while he serves as the Secretary of Defense. Where he confirmed that the position would hold no sway in his abilities or decisions as Secretary of Defense, citing that the shared interests of the Republic of Biesel and NanoTrasen should coincide and thereby not interfere. 

Secretary Trasen has already begun discussions with President Dorn regarding the priorities of the Tau Ceti Armed Forces, in particular ensuring the protection of the NSS Orchard Moon as it supplies the Republic of Biesel with much-needed phoron, and overall decreases the strength of the phoron scarcity on the greater interstellar economy. Questioned by many regarding the training of new recruits to the new service branches, it was confirmed that several Legionnaires have already been transferred and given new assignments with their elevation. Additionally, he has confirmed that he will be meeting with his cousin, Acting Director of the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate Miranda Trasen, to discuss corporate contributions to the Tau Ceti Armed Forces. 

Date: 07/27/2465

Edited July 28, 2023 by Caelphon
Dates

[Caelphon]

Article #3 of the Libération, Révolution et Évolution Arc

Tau Ceti Armed Forces Trained by Corporate Mercenaries

Secretary Nathan Trasen announced in a press conference earlier today that the Tau Ceti Armed Forces has purchased military stores from the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate; primarily military surplus from Zavodskoi Interstellar. Additionally, the SCC pledged to continue supplying the armed forces through a lease agreement orchestrated by the Secretary of Defense – with each megacorporation assisting in their specialities. Considered a generous agreement, the Conglomerate appears to be offering these supplies significantly below market value, with several of the spacecraft in the Republican Fleets already due for the installation of a combination of heavy gunneries. 

The Private Military Contracting Group has negotiated a training agreement between itself and the Tau Ceti Armed Forces, with various subsidiaries focusing on particular elements of the armed forces – such as the Xanu Defense Services planning to run several combat simulations, as well as practical manoeuvres to ensure that the Republican Fleets are prepared in the event of another incursion against the sovereignty of the Republic of Biesel.

The Kazarrhaldiye Operations Group, composed of veterans of Adhomai’s Revolutions, will assist in training the Minutemen in counter-insurgency tactics, the identification of explosive devices, and other commonly used insurgent devices that would assist in the Minutemen’s objective of pacifying eastern Mictlan. Select members of the Wildlands squadron who formerly enforced laws in the Outer Rings of the Solarian Alliance have been contacted to instil a sense of loyalism within the Minutemen, additionally assisting in teaching methods to adequately quell riots and deal with close-quarter combat situations.

Date: 07/31/2465

[Caelphon]

Article #4 of the Libération, Révolution et Évolution Arc

Mictlan becomes First Conflict for Tau Ceti Armed Forces

Though the Peacekeeper Mandate continues across the Corporate Reconstruction Zone, it has seen considerable success across Mictlan, where the active combat areas are confined only within the eastern continent of the planet – which the Tau Ceti Armed Forces shall see as their first deployment, at the request of the Mictlan Defense Force. Secretary Trasen announced that the training for previous members of the Foreign Legion who transferred over to the Minutemen has completed and that this new force, now re-organized into the 2nd Division of the Minutemen, will be deploying to Mictlan.

Composed of 15 Legions, the 2nd Division represents a commitment from the Republic for a safer tomorrow in the CRZ. For many of the divisions it is not their first time on the planet, but armed with new equipment and better training, it is expected that they will be able to be an effective force against the terrorists that still roam the Eastern Continent. Critics against the move have pointed out that the vast majority of the Division’s legions were filled with brand new volunteers, primarily immigrants and refugees to the Republic, not veterans of the Foreign Legion. Secretary Trasen assured them that while the division is partially filled with new volunteers, all the officers and senior enlisted of the division are veterans of the Foreign Legion, and he trusts that they can effectively carry out their tasks. Specific mission orders and objectives are classified, but Secretary Trasen has stated that the soldiers of the 2nd will be actively engaging insurgents in the countryside, and mounting patrols to ensure the safety of the local population.

The reaction on Mictlan has been mixed, with the recent withdrawal of the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion many had hoped that the Mictlan Defense Force would be able to keep the insurgents under control, perhaps eradicate them for good. Prime Minister Santos expressed hope that the new Republican Armed Forces will destroy the insurgents, finally closing this messy chapter in Mictlan’s history. It seems the Minutemen may fulfil these hopes, as deploying infantry, air, and mechanized legions made up of the best the veteran Legionnaires and new recruits had to offer. Many of these special forces have been carried over from the Foreign Legion and are species-specific, such as the Redsnouts, a force of heavily armored Unathi who are utilized as shock infantry. We wish to remind readers that the name Redsnouts originally comes from the unique livery of helmets worn by members of the group, who have now begun painting their snouts red as a form of Unathi ritual, and not because they devour the corpses of their fallen foes. 

Rumours have also been circulating about deployments to the Western Corporate Reconstruction Zone, known as the "Hinterlands", in what may be an attempt by Secretary Trasen to secure one of our most vulnerable flanks.  

Date: 08/04/2465

[Caelphon]

Article #5 of the Libération, Révolution et Évolution Arc

Zoleth Line Proclaimed by the Republic of Biesel

Today standing on the steps to the State Senate, President Dorn and Secretary Trasen announced the completion of the Zoleth Line after eight months of continuous efforts to keep its existence confidential – initiated by President Dorn as a means to safeguard the Republic. Named after the Zo’rane Warrior Queen, the Zoleth Line is a set of listening posts, naval anchorages, and Minutemen outposts along a particular stretch of the Republic’s Hinterlands. Well staffed, its purpose is to prevent future incursions by “rogue actors”, capable of delaying Solarian dreadnaughts whilst the Republic prepares for a front within Tau Ceti, and smaller threats, such as the constant raids suffered in previous years from within the Corporate Reconstruction Zone before the ceasefire with the Southern Solarian Military District. Piracy also runs rampant within the Region, and the Zoleth Line is well-equipped to ensure the safety of the starlanes. Additionally, Aura will be relocated to the Zoleth Line to ensure capable defences, using its computing power to ensure best the stability and safety of the Republic of Biesel. 

To deal with these issues, the Zoleth Line must be flexible and stiff, where no greater force comes in than the Tau Ceti Intervention Command. Masters of intelligence gathering, this primarily Skrell force helps to manage the hundreds of listening posts dotted along the border, locating incursions and coordinating with fleet admiralty to vector ships into blocking positions. Finding ships in the vast emptiness of space is no easy task, but their unique training and skill set, combined with high-end bluespace instruments, allow them to pinpoint vessels within a parsec, even if engaged in warp or bluespace plotting. Further behind the listening posts sit dozens of outposts and anchorages, constantly ready to respond to any call. Zoleth’s own warriors play a key role here, with members of the Tau Ceti Powered Support Detachment, small squads of heavily augmented Vaurca Warriors built around providing Zo’rane firepower through the use of modified hardsuits with tank and mechanized armaments attached being assigned to the first line of defense. Operating in small Sections of four to six Warriors, they are able to remain mobile and in vacuum due to Vaurcae Exoskeletons, while still carrying enough firepower to rip apart vessels once latched on to the outside and boarding.

The Republican Fleet supports these brave warriors, engaging incursions alongside them, while Minutemen units supplanted by corporate auxiliary forces hold hard points further back along chartered routes of travel. These units will be of the Minutemen’s 3rd Division, the latest to move to active status. Secretary Trasen has stated that the division will continue its training on the Zoleth line, ensuring that it keeps the edge it honed over the previous weeks. Lastly is the TCFL, which act as a mobile reserve force in case reinforcements are needed somewhere. This line will ensure the safety of the Republic and its newfound territories, potentially halting yet another Solarian Invasion before it manages to reach Tau Ceti. Both Secretary Trasen and the President are reportedly happy with having completed the defensive line so quickly, and average citizens can sleep more easily at night knowing that they are well-defended.

Date: 08/07/2465

[Caelphon]

Article #6 of the Libération, Révolution et Évolution Arc

People's Republic of Adhomai Joins Training

At around noon today Secretary Trasen announced yet another partner for the new Armed Forces, the People’s Republic of Adhomai. The People’s Republic has been a long ally of Biesel, and they have fought beside each other on multiple fronts, from Adhomai to Tau Ceti. Many citizens of the People’s Republic have also immigrated to Biesel, making new homes in District 6 of Mendell City, now nicknamed Little Adhomai. Troops from the People’s Republic are sadly unable to visit the district, as their duties are expected to keep them occupied for the duration of their stay.

The People’s Republic Minister of Defense, Irbaykhan Mirarkiizar, spoke in a joint press conference with Secretary Trasen about the training exercises that the People’s Republic would undertake with the new armed forces. He confirmed that the majority of training exercises would be run between the Grand People’s Army and Minutemen, with war games planned in the snow covered mountains of Northern Selene. These wargames will pit the Minutemen and select divisions of the Grand People’s Army against one another in simulated battle, with mock villages, logistic hubs, and other important infrastructure being built. Secretary Trasen wanted to get out of the way that he expects the Minutemen to lose at first, as the divisions he selected to be rotated through the exercise are primarily made up of inexperienced volunteers, who never served in the past. The goal of the exercise he went on, is to teach the new recruits and officers by pitting them against an army with years of experience in battle, in an environment that most are unfamiliar with. Observers will be watching the battle in a command center located aboard the NTCC Odin, and after the exercise is completed go over the results with unit commanders who will disseminate information to their respective units. 

Similar wargames are also planned within the Romanavich Cloud between the PRA’s Kosmostrelki and orbital navy facing off against ships of the Republican Fleets and Minutemen Legions training for combat in the vacuum of space. A travel advisory has been issued for areas of the region, as the exercise is expected to involve some live-fire aspects. Secretary Trasen closed the conference by thanking the PRA, particularly Defense Minister Irbaykhan Mirarkiizar, and declared that a new chapter had been opened in the relationship between the two nations. All currently planned exercises are expected to be completed within three months.

Date: 08/13/2465

[Caelphon]

Article #7 of the Libération, Révolution et Évolution Arc

Auxiliary Corporate Forces Integrated

In an announcement that has been a long time coming, Secretary Trasen today confirmed that the Auxiliary Corporate Forces have finally been integrated into the new Tau Ceti Armed Forces. Making up the last branch of the armed forces, the Auxiliary Corporate Forces will act as a cushion for the new branches of the armed forces as they train and build up strength in case of any unexpected attacks before they are fully ready to defend the Republic. The Auxiliary Corporate Forces will then transition into a proper auxiliary force, acting as a backup in case of massive invasion or crisis, assisting the armed forces in fighting off enemies of the Republic.

Equipped by their respective corporations, the force is composed of mostly Zavodskoi Interstellar and PMCG assets; as well as NanoTrasen Fleet assets such as the NDV Icarus and the renowned ERTs. Employees assigned to the Auxiliary Corporate Forces will now have their paychecks increased by wages from the government, and be considered full members of the armed forces. The SCC has confirmed that individuals serving within the Auxiliary Corporate Forces will be eligible to apply for the Tau Ceti Corporate Scholarship, and the government has stated that organic members and free IPCs of the Auxiliary Corporate Forces will also be eligible to receive Republican citizenship after completing their deployment. IPCs will still be assets to their corporations should they be owned, and make their way towards freedom through other stipulated channels.

Secretary Trasen also announced that the Auxiliary Corporate Forces will begin to deploy alongside the Minutemen on Mictlan, taking over responsibilities for protecting important installations such as FOBs and acting as a quick response force for conflicts. Some members of the Auxiliary Corporate Forces will also be assigned to special action groups, who will hunt down key members of insurgent organizations who present a danger to the stability of the planet. These special action groups are composed of the best of the best from Zavodskoi Interstellar and the PMCG, and CEO Lyudmilla Zavodskoi has promised they will be put to good effect in cutting off the head of the snake. Those on Mictlan can sleep easier at night knowing the worst of their terrorists may soon no longer be a threat.

Date: 08/14/2465

[Triogenix]

Article #8 of the Libération, Révolution et Évolution Arc

ORACLE SPECIAL: INTERVIEWS FROM THE FRONT

The Oracle is pleased to present a special news article that has been in the works for several weeks. Enterprising journalists of the Oracle went out to Mictlan itself to interview members of the Minutemen and Auxiliary Corporate Forces currently stationed on the planet as part of the new armed forces mission to shine the light of liberty on the planet that has gone through so much in recent years. Interviews can be found attached to this article, and we at the Oracle that each and every member of the Armed Forces for their service to the Republic.

Interview 1: Decurion Akio Nakao - 2nd Division, 3rd Legion - Fort Ilhuicatl, Mictlan

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The video starts to play, showing a young asian woman dressed in legion fatigues with two golden torches on her collar, the symbol of a Decurion. She is standing in front of a gray wall, with no one else visible in the frame. She speaks with a standard Biesel accent, with slight undertones of Konyang present.

 

Akio: “Right, so uh, how’s this work then? You guys ask questions and I answer?”

 

Interviewer(male, silversun accent): “Pretty much, why don’t we start with a little personal stuff for the audience, who are you, what’s your rank, where are you from, stuff like that.”

 

Akio: “Uh–right. My names Akio Nakao, and I’m a Decurion. I was born and raised in Mendell City by my parents, who immigrated twenty or so years ago before we were an independent nation. My father worked for Idris on Bullard, he’s a banker, and supported me, my younger brother and my mom. We had a small place in the same district that he worked, it wasn’t much but it was home for my childhood, you know? They’re both originally from Konyang, immigrated here to seek better opportunities living in homewood now that I’m out of the nest. I went to school to get a degree in law, joined up with the Foreign Legion about halfway through my second semester, then dropped out a month ago to accept the Minutemen’s offer to go full-time with them as an officer, used some of my school funds to get a certificate of commission with a little help from Idris. So now I command a Troop out here, and that’s pretty much me summarized!” She laughs a little.

 

Interviewer: “Good, good. What made you switch to the Minutemen and why’d you decide to join the Foreign Legion in the first place?”

 

Akio: Purses her lips, thinking for a second. “Well, my dad was always a big supporter of independence, never really liked the Sol all that much living here and in Konyang. I think the big reason I joined up is the 1st Solarian Invasion, you know? I didn’t really like having foreign troops, especially those marines, on our soil and my dad got hurt pretty bad protesting the occupation. By the time I was in college I had kinda forgotten about it, but when the recruiter came around looking for volunteers I decided to put my name up, and got accepted just before the second invasion. As for the Minutemen– I think the big thing for me was that it’s…. uhhhh, a truly professional organization, we get better equipment, better training, and–well, just all around better everything then what the Foreign Legion got. Like–I fought in the second invasion, and it wasn’t great. We were outgunned and poorly equipped, if it wasn’t for the rest of the Spur and the SCC I don’t know if we’d have made it through. The Minutemen give us the tools and training we needed back then, and that feels nice you know?

 

Interviewer: “Right, good to hear! So, how have things been here on Mictlan? Is this your first time on the planet?

 

Akio: “Well, I was here as part of the Peacekeeper mandate for a few months, but didn’t see alot of action. I was stationed at Citlalli as a Senior Legionnaire, it was a pretty quiet deployment. Things have been going alright this time around, not as good as I hoped but looking back it was silly of me to think that the Samaritans and other insurgents would just roll over and give up just because we’ve got new equipment. We’re giving it to them hard but they’re so spread out and kept in the jungle that it’s hard to pinpoint exact locations sometimes. There are days where I send out resupplies or pick ups for patrols on the Eastern Continent and it’s perfectly clear, then they come under attack right as the shuttle is landing, bullets flying everywhere and the radio exploding… it’s not very fun. Aura’s a massive help with this I’ve heard, but even an AI has some limitations.

 

Interviewer: “I can understand, so, can you explain to our viewers what it is that you do?

 

Akio: “Sure! My century is a supply and maintenance century, meaning we’re focused on keeping the combat troops fed and equipped, as well as repairing damaged equipment. It’s not a flashy job but it’s a necessary one for the functioning of the legion. My Troop specifically is supply, we work under our centurion and coordinate with the 5th century who fly the transport shuttles to keep the base and combat patrols supplied with everything they need to be effective, whether it’s extra charge-packs for their rifles or food and water. My job is to essentially help organize this effort, keeping track of supplies, manpower, and managing who gets what to ensure all units who rely on us for supplies remain combat effective. It’s alot of spreadsheets and warehouse work, but like I said, it’s needed.

 

Interviewer: “Alright! Last question, do you have anything to say to our viewers?”

 

Akio: “Not really, just keep up the support, it’s helping alot. Soon we’ll have these insurgents, whichever group they pledge to, under control and Mictlan can finally know peace and stability!

 

The Interview ends, and the video stops playing.

 

Interview 2:  Prefect Za’Akiax’Yikuz Zo’ra - 2nd Division, 7th Legion - Fort Ilhuicatl, Mictlan

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The video starts to play, showing a large red Vaurca Warrior dressed in armor with a energy rifle slung across his chest and all the pouches on the armor filled. The armor looks stronger than the old Foreign Legion armor, but is already worn and even has a few dents on the arms and chest. The Vaurca speaks with a mechanical voice, but there is still a present Zo’rane accent.

 

Interviewer: “Right, don’t worry, we’ll do this quickly.”

 

Yikuz: “Yezzz, pleazze. I have to head out on patrol zzoon.”

 

Interviewer: “Right then, let’s get this out of the way quickly, what’s your name and rank?”

 

Yikuz: “I am Yikuzz, of Zoleth’zz Brood. I am a Prefect.” 

 

The Vaurca seems to think that is enough, and doesn’t say more.

 

Interviewer: “Right, and what is it that you do?”

 

Yikuz: “I am in command of a combat zzection, mozztly other Vaurcae like myzzelf. We patrol the areazz where insurgent activity is common, and work to defeat them. This involvezz shooting them. Zzzometime a bazzse is spotted, and then we clear out the bazzse.”

 

Interviewer: “I understand, is this your first time on the planet? If not, how has the new armed forces changed things?”

 

Yikuz: The Vaurca reaches up to adjust something, when they speak again, their voice is almost entirely mechanical and there’s no trace of accent. “I was here originally with the Foreign Legion for several deployments, also fighting insurgents. It was a struggle in the Eastern Jungles where recharges for weaponry were few. The new weapons that have come with the new organization are very nice, Kumar has done well with the charge-packs and the gun itself, the insurgents are still learning about our new weapons in ambushes when they don’t expect us to be able to fight for more than a few minutes. It allows us to be much more effective in our duties. The armor is also much better, I have been shot at many times and not hurt badly because of it.” The Vaurca points to the dents on the arm plates and his chest. “Sadly some of my K’ios did not make it. Support in other forms is also more reliable and constant; airstrikes are efficient and powerful, the insurgents have not yet learned how to damage the new planes. There is also more medical staff on call, and it is easier to get around the planet with transports constantly flying. It has changed for the better, and much easier to hunt the insurgents now.”

Before the Interviewer gets a chance to speak, someone off the screen shouts something unintelligible and the Vaurca glances at the source before waving his hand.

Interviewer: “Right, seems like you’re needed, so we’ll call it here, thanks for your time.

 

The Vaurca begins to walk out of the frame as the video ends, slamming down his faceplate and double checking all his pouches.

 

Interview 3: SLgn. Malik Inaya- 2nd Division, 5th Air Legion “The Firestarters” - Fort Ilhuicatl, Mictlan

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The video starts to play, as the camera comes into focus a dark-skinned human smoking a cigarette comes into view, standing in front of an enormous aircraft. He’s wearing a vacuum sealed flight suit, and has the helmet retracted, showing his face. He wears the pins of a Senior Legionnaire. After about a second of the camera being in focus, a second human, this one light skinned but with a massive tan, also walks into the frame to stand beside the Senior Legionnaire. This second human has the pins of just a regular legionnaire. The SLgn. goes to speak, his voice deep and rumbling.

 

SLgn. Malik: “Everything set?”

 

Interviewer: “Yea, we’re rolling, give me a moment…” There’s a rustle of pages. After a few seconds, the interviewer walks into the frame, beaming, to stand beside the two humans being interviewed.

 

Interviewer: “Right! Welcome to Fort Ilhuicatl, Mictlan. I’m here today with two members of our Republic’s new armed forces, both of them part of the 5th Air Legion. Could you both please introduce yourselves for our audience?

SLgn. Malik: “Senior Legionnaire Malik Inaya, callsign Owl cause someone thought it’d be funny given my family’s from Elyra, and I’m a pilot.”

 

Lgn. James: “Legionnaire James, callsign Wizard, and I’m this [BEEP]’s R-I-O. That’s uh, Radar Intercept Officer.”

 

The Interviewer beams: “Great, great, our viewers haven’t had a chance to speak with any pilots yet, I’m surprised you two aren’t commissioned!”

 

Both shrug, and then Malik says: “Yea, well, we get paid like we’re commissioned, we just don’t get rank. Something to do with organization, I don’t get it but I also don’t really care, I didn’t join for rank.

 

Interviewer: “Yes.. Yes.. So tell me, what do you fly? I’m assuming it’s what we’re currently standing in front of”

Malik turns around, as the camera pans out to fit the entire plane into view.

 

SLgn. Malik: “Yep! This is a Hephaestus Gryphon-118, it’s a space/air capable aircraft, designed as air support for planetary defense and assaults. Top of the line, internal bomb bay capable of holding a massive amount of ordnance– can’t give out the actual number, sorry, pretty fast but not as fast as those orbital control fighters. Seats two, one RIO and one pilot, and pretty comfortably at that.”

The interviewer nods along, letting his eyes drift over the plane before asking: “I assume you don’t use the spaceborne capabilities that much?”

 

Malik chuckles saying, “Nah, the spaceborne stuff is for when you might be assaulting a planet. Gotta get support to the ground pounders somehow you know? And if you’re assaulting a planet, that support’s gotta come from orbit, so these can also be flown off carrier decks. We mostly leave the spaceborne stuff to the dedicated orbital or space control fighters, and the space only Gryphon-120’s… they’re built to fight up there, and do bombing runs against enemy ships. Most of ‘em are stationed either in orbit or Fort Citalli.

Interviewer: “I see… so, what is it that you do that requires you to be here, ready to sortie across to the Samaritans area of operations?”

 

SLgn. Malik: “Well, like I said, we’re air support for the ground pounders, whether it’s the MDF or other Minuteman units. We’re the only Air Legion in the Division, and most of our cohorts are dedicated to air support. If the ground pounders need something to go away, or have eyes on the enemy, we can swoop in and drop bombs on the area where the enemy is, or saturate the area with rockets; we sometimes even use precision missiles when they run into the few remaining Samaritan vehicles or mechs. When we’re on-station, we can provide that support in less than two minutes flying time… and well–we kinda earned ourselves a nickname thanks to our Major.”

 

Interviewer: “Yes, I heard about that, would you mind explaining it to our viewers?”

 

SLgn. Malik: “Yeah–well uh, our Major, he grew up here. Joined the TCFL first out of the Mictlan Defense Force, then shifted over to the Minutemen once it was formed. He knows the Eastern Continent where most of the fighting happens is mostly jungle, so he started ordering us to outfit our Gryphons with incendiaries, Zo’rane Fire mixed with Napalm and a little Thermite for an extra kick, burns for ages and is sure to neutralize whatever we’re bombing. That was legion-wide, so the ground pounders who called us in named us the Firestarters cause of it.”

Interviewer: “Interesting… and it’s effective?”

 

Malik snorts: “Yea it’s effective. Zo’rane fire will burn for hours, and it’s kinda hard to avoid us when we’re coming in low and fast. Doesn’t matter if you’re under 7 feet of plasteel, there’s gotta be an air vent or door somewhere, and it’ll either get in that way or just melt through the reinforcements. I saw a video of one of our bombing runs once, a Captain sent to me, one second it just looks like a standard firefight that you’ll see on the news, with Samaritan fire coming from a treeline, and the next, there’s a massive boom as we fly overhead, then the entire treeline erupting in flames. Just a straight line of fire, right where those Samaritans were. Anyway–that’s it right? I gotta go do some paperwork.”

 

Interviewer: “Yes, that’ll be all, my thanks and our viewers thanks for your service!”

 

The camera then fades out, and the video ends.

 

[Caelphon]

Article #9 of the Libération, Révolution et Évolution Arc

Minutemen Help Settlements In Need of Assistance!

The Tau Ceti Minutemen have decisively cleared several Mictlani settlements from Samaritans – sweeping through the area alongside the Auxiliary Corporate Forces and the Foreign Legion. Intelligence was given by the Zoleth Line’s Aura during the early hours of this morning, confirming significant communications that it predicted was certainly a mounting ambush on Lago de Abundancia yet again, previously a harrowing ordeal that the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion in co-operating with the Mictlan Defense Force engaged in almost a year and a half ago. 

With support from the Tau Ceti Rainmakers, using primarily short-range artillery, the Minutemen were able to clear a route towards the centre of the Samaritan Enclave within the local region. Shortly after making contact with the insurgents, the Tau Ceti Powered Support Detachment made its way through a separate rear flank, ensuring the anti-corporatists were ensnared within a trap and unable to flee from the Tau Ceti Armed Forces. After nearly three continuous hours of switching tactics and levelling an attack on the Enclave, the Minutemen were able to declare themselves victorious as they detained numerous, however rather low-level, insurgents. 

Following a retreat to safer territories, the Hazardous Environmental Gestalt Unit’s Fulcrum was assigned to disaster relief within the area, ensuring that the local inhabitants that were cleared from association with the Samaritans would be relocated towards major population centres across the planet, with support from the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate ensuring that those innocent of wrong-doing would “find themselves accepted within the personnel ranks of the Conglomerate, should they apply.” 

Veni. Vidi. Vici. 

Date: 08/23/2465

[Connorjg1]

Article #10 of the Libération, Révolution et Évolution Arc

End of the Libération, Révolution et Évolution Arc

 Ve'katak Phalanx Announces Participation In Armed Forces Training Exercises!

Earlier today Secretary Trasen met with Representative Ta'Akaix'Nalgeretta of the Zo'ra Hive to  announce the commencement of wargames with the Vaurcesian Private Millitary Company the "Ve'katak Phalanx" and its associated partners. This is the latest in a series of training exercises started early last month between the Tau Ceti Armed Forces and the People's Republic of Adhomai. Throughout the announcement, which was broadcast from the grandiose meeting halls of Caprice's New Sedantis, Secretary Trasen again stressed the importance of the military alliance between the Zo'ra Hive and the Court of Queens with the Republic. He went on to reiterate the Vaurca importance to the Republic's defence and expressed his strong belief regarding the positive effect such exercises will have on all involved.

Following Secretary Transen's announcement, he was then invited to tour the Zo'ra Hive fortress of Dis. Situated not far from the Caprice capital of New Sedantis, Dis hosts the Tau Ceti embassy on the planet and has a critical role to play in Tau Ceti's defense, acting not only as the Hive's military coordination centre but as the storage facility for the ever-important Warforms when not deployed alongside the Armed Forces. The Secretary closed by expressing how pleased he was with the state of the fortress despite the ongoing Phoron crisis and his desire for the Warforms to be able to get more experience now the Republic has a mightier Armed Forces with which to support them. 

After the tour had concluded spokespeople for the Ve'katak Phalanx and the Biesel Department of Defence released further details regarding the joint exercises. The wargames will take place staggered with the ongoing exercises by the Grand People's Army, with forces expected to rotate between them, and will occur primarily around and within the newly formed defensive fortress, the Zoleth line. Reportedly the primary focus of the exercises is set to be vessel or station boarding and close-quarters combat in urban, jungle, and barren environments. The titular Zo'ra Queen Zoleth herself is to command the Vaurca forces during the exercises. A statement released by her office has expressed her "strongest hopes" regarding the performance of the Tau Ceti Armed Forces and her wishes for "this to be the start of a profound and fearsome military relationship between all involved."

All ongoing exercises are set to conclude in three months time. Vaurca Warriors of the K'lax and C'thur Hives are said to be participating in the exercises, but the Hives have not yet responded to a request for comment. 

Veni. Vidi. Vici. 

Date: 02/09/2465

Edited September 4, 2023 by Caelphon
Arc concluded.

[La Villa Strangiato]

Piracy Reports Rise Within Weeping Stars; Coalition Rangers Advise Caution

A recent rise in reports of armed piracy have the Coalition Rangers urging caution to vessels traveling within the Weeping Stars, said Xanu officials yesterday.

Since the beginning of the pan-galactic phoron shortage, and the retreat of Solarian forces from the Middle Ring, piracy in the Coalition of Colonies is the highest it’s been since the decade after the Interstellar War. With the return of Alliance control to the Shield Pact, it is expected that piracy in the region and surrounding areas of inhabited space will decline, but Xanu Defense Force experts speculate the upheaval will push members of the Solarian Restoration Front, as well as the League of Independent Corporate-Free Systems, into the borders of the Weeping Stars.

What Coalition Ranger representatives are most concerned about is privateers and pirates unaffiliated with Solarian splinter factions, and that they may use the recent mass migration of fleets to move unimpeded through Coalition space. They may use their vessel designs or spoof their identification signature to avoid notice, Ranger officials said.

“We’re requesting all vessels in the area to remain alert, and refresh passengers on proper emergency procedure,” said Ranger Captain Senna Laschivan in a press conference in Nouvelle-Rochelle. “If you detect a vessel whose signature you cannot identify, immediately hail them and request IFF.”

Laschivan also recommended vessels perform regular radio maintenance to avoid friendly fire. “The best way to avoid miscommunication is to ensure your channels and telecommunications are functioning as intended. Always keep handheld radios on your person and at your bridge.”

The Coalition Rangers, as well as Hephaestus Industries asset protection vessels, will be conducting heightened patrols of the Burzsia system and the systems nearby Burzsia. Authorities advise all vessels to have their IFF readily available.

[Triogenix]

Hephaestus Shipping Lanes Struck by Pirates

Today Hephaestus shipping lanes within the Weeping Stars region were struck by pirates, causing havoc in the area. Days after news that piracy was on the rise in the region, Hephaestus ships carrying cargo were attacked from Konyang to Assuzione, by a multitude of different pirate organizations. It is unclear so far if this is a coordinated attack by multiple different pirate groups, or if it was merely a coincidence, as many disparate groups looked to take advantage of lack of security measures. The timing of the attacks suggests coordination, but experts are divided on the issue. However, sources high within the SCC’s sector administration for the Coalition have stated off the record that they believe the Hephaestus cargo manifests may have been leaked, resulting in the pirates gaining access to information they otherwise would not have. It is unclear exactly why, or how these pirates began their attacks, but the results have been plain to see. 

 

The Coalition has since stepped up patrols in the region, deploying several ranger vessels to the area, with the goal of eliminating pirates whenever discovered, and protecting trade ships moving through the region. The Galatean Federal Navy and Gadpathurian Navy have also begun to mobilize portions of their forces, but will take significantly longer to reach combat readiness. The Xanan Navy has also begun to draw up plans for trade escorting across the entire Coalition, should this spread of piracy continue, though they heavily discount the possibility, but do not yet have a theory as to the sudden rise of piracy. Hephaestus personally attributes it to the Trinary Perfection and other Unionist elements in the Coalition, who have had contentious relationships with the corporation in the past. They have begun moving significantly more security forces into the area, to the protest of the aforementioned groups, with Himeo in particular bringing the matter before the Coalition Assembly, which has yet to bring it to the debate floor.

 

We will keep our readers updated on the situation as it progresses. One possible related note is the departure of the SCCV Harmony from Biesel orbit. An Icarus-class drone carrier, it departed with no fanfare, quickly moving to the outskirts of the system before entering bluespace. Their destination has not been revealed, but it is more than possible that the carrier is being sent to the Weeping Stars at the insistence of Hephaestus.

[La Villa Strangiato]

SCCV Horizon Skirmishes With Pirate Vessel

The Stellar Corporate Conglomerate flagship Horizon engaged in battle with a pirate freighter yesterday, report Conglomerate authorities.

On the 22nd, the Horizon was in the process of responding to a distress beacon launched from the Hephaestus cargo ship HCV Crius. On reaching the vessel's coordinates, the Horizon was assaulted by a pirate ship later identified as the ICV Wolf, which was part of a two-ship fleet of privateer vessels captained by Mictlani fugitive Olivia Sanchez. This vessel is suspected to be the perpetrators of the original attack on the Crius, and Conglomerate representatives confirm that the Wolf was attempting to steal phoron shipments from the Crius that were later secured on the Horizon.

Yesterday, the ICV Wolf’s Den, the Wolf's sister ship, attempted a boarding operation on the Horizon while firing on the vessel. The boarding operation was repelled by the Horizon’s security team, and the Wolf's Den was disabled by Horizon weaponry. The SCCV Harmony, an Icarus-class carrier ship, was warped into the sector to support the Horizon. Two of the pirates from the Wolf’s Den surrendered to the Horizon after the failure of their ship systems, confirmed SCCV Harmony captain Marianne Cross, and are currently being held aboard the Horizon as investigations into the incident are ongoing. The ICV Wolf's Den has been rendered entirely non-functional in the aftermath.

“The Horizon managed to secure important Hephaestus shipments at serious risk to life and limb,” Cross said when approached for comment in Burzsia yesterday.

“It’s essential that we remember that this phoron isn’t just sold; it’s also used in lifesaving medicines, and used to power ships around the Spur with bluespace drives. Without the Horizon’s help, ships that desperately needed this phoron might not have received it.”

In the aftermath, vessels operating in the Weeping Stars region are still advised by Frontier Protection Bureau to remain on high alert. Coalition authorities encourage all vessels to have their IFF displaying proper name and designation at all times to avoid conflicts of interest, and ensure proper safety procedures and clear radio communication.

[Triogenix]

Article #1 of the Hasta La Victoria Siempre Arc

Quarterly Minutemen Report Shows Worrying Increase in Terrorist Attacks

After taking over the Foreign Legion’s peacekeeping duties on Mictlan, the Minutemen have released their first quarterly report to the public. 

 

Containing mostly data from the Foreign Legion’s deployment, it shows an increase in terrorist attacks across the planet, with a dramatic increase in terrorist attacks occurring in urban centers. Unlike previous attacks which were mostly targeting the Foreign Legion, Minutemen, or other Biesel institutions, these attacks have been focused on unaffiliated civilians.. 

 

Usually these attacks make use of small explosive devices , which typically target government buildings such as courthouses or jails, and are timed to explode several hours after they are placed. So far very few of these attacks have been committed in comparison with others, but are rising at an alarming rate over the past months. 

 

The Founding Movement, a terrorist organization with roots in the anti-corporate “Founding Movement” political party, has begun to take credit for many of these attacks.

 

“All who stand by in the face of oppression are as guilty as their oppressors,” said a statement from a Chirper account for the group before it was banned yesterday. “When we take action to rid our home of our oppressors, anyone who stands in our way must go the route of the enemy.” 

 

Biesel Security Services Bureau has taken the statement as an implicit threat against the populace of the planet. The office of Defense Secretary Nathan Trasen has put out a statement condemning the attacks, and that Mictlani law enforcement will receive full support from the BSSB to combat the terrorist threat.

 

“This has gone on long enough,” Secretary Trasen’s statement read. “The organization known as the ‘Founding Movement’ has terrorized Mictlan’s populace alongside the Samaritans for too long, and peace deserves to be in the hands of the people of Mictlan.”

 

Bombings are not the only type of terror attack on the rise. Targeted killings, ambushes of armed patrols, and gun violence all saw a sharp uptick in the past three months, as the insurgent organizations on Mictlan used the switchover period between the Minutemen and Foreign Legion to gain purchase and develop their terror campaign in the continent of Huitzilopochtli further. 

 

While the Founding Movement is primarily active in the cities of Lago de Abundacia, Sikunda, and Arequipa, the Minutemen have been engaging in skirmishes on Huitzilopochtli, where the paramilitary insurgent group the Samaritans dominate the area. The Minutemen have requested backup from the Secretary of Defense in order to increase their effectiveness in fighting the large insurgent force; Secretary Trasen is said to be currently considering the proposal. 

 

“We had hoped the Minutemen would prove to be our ‘silver bullet’ in the insurgency matter,” said Za’Akaix’Maki Zo’ra, a Tau Ceti Armed Forces officer. “It’s becoming more clear that we’ve allowed the issue to expand too far. With time and support, our troops will be able to decisively finish this battle and return home safely.”

 

The situation in the Corporate Reconstruction Zone is currently developing, and we at the Orion Spur Oracle intend to continue covering updates as they arise.

[Triogenix]

Article #2 of the Hasta La Victoria Siempre Arc

Bomb detonated in Valtas Square outside MDF Headquarters, hundreds dead and many injured; Founding Movement claims responsibility

WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DESCRIPTIONS OF THE RESULTS OF TERRORIST BOMBINGS. VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED.

Today at approximately 5pm local time, three explosions at Valtas Square in Arequipa, Mictlan killed at least twenty people and injured over 100, shattering glass tunnels and catwalks and sending heavy smoke over the center of the city.

The explosions were centered around the Mictlan Defense Force Headquarters, with two of the bombs in backpacks, and one car full of plastic explosives detonating in the parking lot at the center of the square. The glass bridges connecting the MDFHQ to the rest of Arequipa were heavily damaged, raining glass across Valtas Square.

At least twenty people were killed by the blast radius or because of the fall from the shattered tunnels. Hundreds are injured, with others suspected to be buried in the rubble of surrounding office buildings and residential areas. A ten-year-old boy was one of the victims of the attack, with a fourteen-year-old girl at Saint Valentina Hospital in critical condition. Most of the known casualties are government workers or employees at the businesses surrounding the square who were leaving work for the day.

Emergency services have requested support in identifying bodies, and ask anyone to come forward with information regarding the deceased or missing persons. Some photos of identifying features are available on the website of Saint Valentina Hospital morgue, though viewers are advised photos may be graphic. The official death toll is as of yet undetermined.

The blast has also partially collapsed the Sandinia Avenue LRT tunnel, with the Blue LRT railway currently out of order from Sandinia going west to Seguerra.

Prime Minister de Santos, during a briefing in Parliament, said; “This terrorist attack is the act of cowards, against a civilian population, no matter what excuse they give themselves. My heart is with the people of our capital city, who have undergone so much violence in the last years. I can promise those responsible for this reprehensible crime will be found and punished to the fullest extent of the law.” Evoking the national motto, de Santos added, “Mictlan will endure once more. We are still here.”

The Founding Movement have already claimed responsibility for the bombing, putting out a prepared statement mere minutes after the explosion. “Today we have struck a blow against the Bieselite collaborators and their masters,” read the statement in part. “The damage can be rebuilt, but the results remain.”

The office of the Mictlan Defense Force Headquarters has issued a statement claiming the damage is largely superficial, owing to its reinforced walls, and can be repaired within the week. In solidarity with the victims of the attack, the headquarters has elected to remain in its damaged state until the rest of the rubble is cleared from Valtas Square.

Edited November 21, 2023 by La Villa Strangiato

[Triogenix]

Article #3 of the Hasta La Victoria Siempre Arc

BREAKING: Secretary Trasen Approves Further Deployment of Forces to Mictlan; People’s Protection Funding Act Passed

Following the bombing of the Mictlan Defense Force Headquarters yesterday, Defense Secretary Nathan Trasen has announced that he has approved the deployment of more Minutemen forces to Mictlan. 

 

In a statement released by the Defense Secretary’s office, Trasen claimed that the insurgency and terrorism on Mictlan was a major threat that needed the maximum response.

 

“Earlier this week, more than thirty people died and many more were injured,” said Trasen, “because we as a nation did not do what we needed to protect them. Mictlan is a planet of the Republic of Biesel. When I took the oath of office I swore to protect all of our citizens, on all of our planets, no matter what issues may befall them.”

 

In addition to Minutemen Forces, the Bureau of Defense has also allocated more funds for hiring specialized corporate mercenaries to increase intelligence operations to predict and prevent further terrorist attacks. Financial analysts report that the additional funding allocated to the Tau Ceti Armed Forces is becoming “stretched”. In light of this issue, congress convened in an emergency session yesterday to pass the People’s Protection Funding Act, which gave the armed forces needed funds short term. NanoTrasen has also offered to transport the newly assigned Minutemen to Mictlan free of charge.

 

Outside of Biesel itself, a statement has been issued from the paramilitary insurgency group known as the Samaritans, suspected by Biesel intelligence to be working in tandem with the Founding Movement. The Samaritans have unequivocally condemned the bombing, calling it a “crime against our people”. In a short, minute-long video featuring former First Sergeant of the Mictlan Defense Force Xiomara Salvo, she demanded the cessation of the Founding Movement operations. “If [the Founding Movement] continues [...], the Samaritans will hold you in the same regard that we hold the TCAF. There will be no mercy”. 

 

Diplomatic experts have claimed the video is a sign of the insurgent groups on Mictlan fracturing. Some suggest that the infighting may contribute to an easier victory for the Minutemen, though outcomes and the nature of any infighting are unknown at this point in time.

 

We will keep our readers updated as this story develops.