Orion Spur Oracle

[Caelphon]

Beginning of the Training the Horizon Arc

Article #1

Project Venator Revealed by Stellar Corporate Conglomerate!

 

The Stellar Corporate Conglomerate has revealed the finer details of Project Venator, unveiling its designation as the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate Vessel Horizon. It is a prototype vessel designed by the very best minds within the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate to hunt for Phoron deposits within the Orion Spur and beyond. The SCCV Horizon has been outfitted with technology not seen elsewhere in the fleets of the gigantic megacorporations. 

Those working within the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate will be given the ability to transfer their contracts to be completed aboard the SCCV Horizon. Included in the transfer of contracts is the possibility of being shifted to another megacorporation should they be awarded the contract in a department that is no longer equipped with employees from their original megacorporation.

The Stellar Corporate Conglomerate’s spokesmen have commented on the symbolism of the selection of Horizon as the name of the vessel as an indication of the limitless possibilities that are coming thanks to the combined efforts of the conglomerated megacorporations of NanoTrasen, Zavodskoi Interstellar, Idris Incorporated, Hephaestus Industries, Private Military Contracting Group, Orion Express and lastly  Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals. There are few obstacles to overcome in the future with the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate at the helm. 

Date: 01/14/2464

[Caelphon]

Beginning of the People's Protection Arc

Article #1

Promotion of the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion

The Tau Ceti Foreign Legion has assisted the Republic of Biesel in asserting its sovereignty throughout its existence, beginning in 2459. Comprised primarily of those seeking life within the borders of the Republic of Biesel as one of her citizens, the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion has found itself becoming an integral part of the multicultural atmosphere hosted within the Republic, with enlistment considered one of the more common bondages between citizens in a recent survey. 

It is with this that it was inevitable that the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion would find itself becoming more integrated within the Republic of Biesel than it has ever been, with the introduction of the People’s Protection Act within the Republican Congress, instituted by President Dorn following a meeting with his ministerial cabinet. The People’s Protection Act includes within it promoting the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion to the official armed forces of the Republic of Biesel, including with it a significant increase in funds that would allow the revitalization of its arsenal. It also includes provisions regarding the ability for megacorporations to sponsor the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion. 

The Republican Congress is said to convene to vote on the introduction of the People’s Protection Act later this week, with many considering this a monumental moment in the history of the Republic of Biesel, with those within both the State Senate and the Tau Ceti Assembly of Spokespeople having a big decision ahead.

Date: 01/16/2464

[Caelphon]

Article #2 of the People's Protection Arc

Republican Congress passes the People’s Protection Act

 

The Republican Congress has announced that the People’s Protection Act of 2464 has been passed, and now makes up part of the grand system of legislation within the Republic of Biesel. With it, the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion is promoted to the official armed forces of the Republic of Biesel, receiving a significant increase in funding. The Stellar Corporate Conglomerate has additionally sponsored state-of-the-art infantry equipment, making much of the previous arsenal of weapons obsolete. 

The Republican Congress has 400 voting members: 80 Senators and 320 Spokespeople. The State Senate is composed of 42 Unity, 15 Social Progress Front, 11 Free Party, 7 Egalitarian Coalition and 5 Hadiist Party of Biesel Senators. The Tau Ceti Assembly of Spokespeople has a total of 125 Unity, 98 Social Progress Front, 48 Free Party, 32 Egalitarian Coalition, 17 Hadiist Party of Biesel Spokespeople. These representatives then voted on the future of the Republic of Biesel. 

The State Senate found itself with a successful passing of the People’s Protection Act with 35 Unity, 9 Social Progress Front, 1 Free Party, 0 Egalitarian Coalition and 5 Hadiist Party of Biesel Senators voting for it to pass, totalling 50. The Tau Ceti Assembly of Spokespeople found itself with a successful passing of the People’s Protection Act with 102 Unity, 34 Social Progress Front, 8 Free Party, 6 Egalitarian Coalition and 17 Hadiist Party of Biesel Spokespeople voting for it to pass, totalling 167. 

The elevation of the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion to the armed forces of the Republic of Biesel has seen most of its previous responsibilities being absorbed by the Department of Defense, resulting in much of the official megacorporate influence over the organization having been severely diminished. 

Date: 01/19/2464

[Caelphon]

Article #3 of the People's Protection Arc

Tau Ceti Foreign Legion Updates Arsenal 

The Tau Ceti Foreign Legion has released information regarding its arsenal refurbishment, including equipment awarded to the organization from the conglomerate megacorporations that resulted in a significantly boosted ability to handle several situations in which the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion has already been involved, notably within the Corporate Reconstruction Zone. 

Several of their hardsuits have been repurposed to instead be used during training exercises, and instead have been replaced with technologically superior hardsuits that are designed to withstand the abuse given to the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion across the Corporate Reconstruction Zone, especially experienced after the initiation of the Peacekeeper Mandate. 

The organization has already begun to supply its forces deployed across the Corporate Reconstruction with its upgraded equipment, with the first shipments already having been delivered to Mictlan by the Orion Express - with the new megacorporation having been awarded the contract by the Republic of Biesel shortly after the promotion of the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion, and the need to disperse its equipment due to its stretched thin logistics lines - which should shortly be relieved due to the additional funding and assistance from the Orion Express.

Date: 01/22/2464

[Caelphon]

Article #4 of the People's Protection Arc

Tau Ceti Foreign Legion Updates Training Tactics 

The Tau Ceti Foreign Legion has included in its updated manifesto that training tactics are to change in the future, as well as the introduction of reserve forces - allowing for enlisted members of the organization to continue to serve even whilst travelling abroad. However, in order to achieve the requirements for citizenship, an individual must actively be deployed, meaning that any amount of time within the reserve force is not counted towards citizenship. 

Reporters from the Orion Oracle conducted interviews with those within the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion regarding these recent additions, with Suraya Al-Zahrani commenting: "Well, like, Suri thinks it's a good thing on the whole. She didn't want to annul her contract or something with a conflict of interest between the Legion and the Horizon initiative, so-- yeah. Reservist is just fine by her, really, since it avoids any trouble for her with the whole thing. Citizenship wasn't specifically this one's reason for enlisting, though; she can't really comment on reserve time not counting."

Perhaps the reputation that the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion has gained over the years as the laughing stock of the Republic of Biesel shall wane, and instead be replaced with a growing admiration as they continue to serve the growing Republic. Additionally, perhaps the Peacekeeper Mandate may soon be discontinued thanks to the upgrades dispersed across the Corporate Reconstruction Zone.

Date: 01/24/2464

[Caelphon]

End of the People's Protection Arc

Article #6

Stellar Corporate Conglomerate unveils Scholarship

The Stellar Corporate Conglomerate has unveiled the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion Corporate Scholarship, a program funded by megacorporations designed to give back to those within the ranks of the Republic of Biesel’s armed forces, most specifically Tau Ceti Legion. The Scholarship will cover the entirety of tuition, as well as university housing.

Included in its stipulations is that those applying for the scholarship must currently be enlisted within the Legion and that it wouldn’t apply to veterans or individuals that have yet to sign up, however, can apply retroactively if an employee is still advancing their studies and is enlisted within the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion. 

With the announcement of the promotion of the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion to the official armed forces of the Republic of Biesel and their considerable increase in funding, the organization will likely grow considerably in the next few months - as it did during the Refugee Crisis of 2463. The minor forces of the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion may soon become a dominating force within the Orion Spur.

Date: 01/25/2464

[Butterrobber202]

Article #6 of the Federation/Solarian Arc

Prior articles can be located in both the Warble Inquirer and the Solarian Alliance Network.

The Jargon Federation: Isolationist No More?

Due to recent events around the Spur, all eyes are fixated on the Jargon Federation! A once isolationist Federation has started a transition into a more active policy regarding foreign affairs. Readers around the Spur are shocked after Jargon Federation’s Grand Councilor Jrugl Weashbi’s fiery, and emotional, speech. This incident has shown that when provoked, the Skrell of the Federation are not one to back down! But what could the implications be for those outside of the Federation?

Many are fearful that a direct act of aggression from the Jargon Federation could spark a chain reaction, causing even more instability in a region that is rife with struggle. While this speech has sparked a fierce determination in Skrell within the Federation, many humans inside Sol are wary of this dispute being further played out within their border.

Quote

“Enough bloodshed has been wrought at the hands of the Federation. I’d rather they kept their ‘aide’ to themselves.” - Anonymous Reader

Quote

TRANSLATED “If they wanted us out of Sol space they should have never made the first move. I guess that’s what we get for trying to help those in need.” -BeshiFan12409 of the Jargon Federation

Quote

“If Sol needs to deal with pirates, they should do it themselves. Don’t know why they are giving Jargon the chance.” - Riley Davis, Sol Refugee

Regardless of where you stand as an individual, I am sure we can all agree that a quick and swift end to this situation would be beneficial to all. Stay tuned for further developments as the Orion Spur will continue to bring you breaking news throughout the upcoming days!

Date: 2/15/2464

Edited February 16, 2022 by Caelphon

[Caelphon]

Beginning of the Continuation of the Mandate Arc

Article #1

Protests across Mictlan

The Tau Ceti Foreign Legion has been attempting to quell the protests occurring across Mictlan, having only increased after the announcement of the Peacekeeper Mandate to be continued indefinitely by President Joseph Dorn in late 2463. Experts and the Tau Ceti government say this is as a result of increased militant actions from the radical anti-corporate group “Samaritans”. These protests are part of a larger Samaritan effort against the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate and the Republic of Biesel. 

The Samaritans have supposedly managed to garner even more support, despite their aggressive resistance to the Legionnaire occupation of Mictlan, even continuing such after the organization found itself promoted to the official armed forces of the Republic of Biesel - and received significant advances in the technology available to them thanks to contributions by the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate. 

Similar to the last reports regarding the attacks by the Samaritans, major population centres across Mictlan have found themselves engulfed in anti-Biesel propaganda. Posters litter the walls of cities while flyers decrying the SCC and Republic of Biesel have been spread throughout community centers. These attempts at propaganda against the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate and the Republic of Biesel has resulted in the megacorporations announcing that they will be implementing a new special initiative that will assist in restoring order to the Corporate Reconstruction Zone, at the behest of the republic. While no details about the initiative have been revealed, sources close to the president state that a “Project Aura'' has been greenlit for development. We will keep you loyal readers apprised of further information as it is released.

Date: 2/28/2464

Edited March 1, 2022 by Caelphon
Arc name has been changed. Siege of Mictlan -> Continuation of the Mandate.

[Caelphon]

Article #2 of the Continuation of the Mandate Arc

Samaritans attack Tau Ceti Foreign Legion Supply Routes

The radical anti-corporate terrorist organization “Samaritans” has attacked several Tau Ceti Foreign Legion supply routes across Mictlan simultaneously this past weekend. These supply routes were carrying several of the advanced hardsuits donated by the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate several weeks ago after the elevation of the Legion to the official armed forces of the Republic of Biesel. Included were several firearms and explosive equipment. 

Those cohorts of the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion on Mictlan have been placed on high alert, with additional forces being deployed from Biesel in an attempt to either reclaim their stolen apparatus or to deter any further attacks on established supply routes. The Private Military Contracting Group has also begun tightening security surrounding the Exclusive Economic Zone on Mictlan containing corporate assets owned by the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate. 

Prime Minister Ladislao de Santos has announced that he will be addressing the people of Mictlan later in the week regarding changes to the Peacekeeper Mandate and the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate’s presence. After the conclusion of his announcement, Prime Minister de Santos’ microphone did not stop broadcasting, allowing many to hear scandalous anti-corporate remarks being made by him and his staff. Both the Conglomerate and the President's Office have declined to comment on these remarks. Allegedly, support for the Prime Minister has risen as well.

Date: 3/5/2464

[Caelphon]

Article #3 of the Continuation of the Mandate Arc

Tau Ceti Foreign Legion Firearm Incident

BREAKING - The Tau Ceti Foreign Legion has reportedly fired at members of a protest involving students from a local university, who were gathered outside the Municipal Library of Sikunda. The students in question, having gathered for a reason not associated with the Peacekeeper Mandate or to align themselves with the Samaritans, were marching across the Municipal Library in hopes of having their voices heard -  they instead found one of their number fired upon by a member of the Legion. 

While information is still being uncovered, allegedly the student protest was in the process of being disbanded by the Legion when a student became aggressive with a Volunteer Legionnaire. Fearing for his safety, the Volunteer Legionnaire drew his firearm and issued a warning to the student instructing them to stand down or lethal force would be utilized. Despite the warning, the student decided to violently charge the Volunteer Legionnaire, which resulted in her being fired upon until they were no longer a threat.

Marcela Avendano, aged 21, has been reported as deceased following attempts by both Medical Legionnaires and medically-trained staff within the Private Military Contracting Group to resuscitate her. Marcela Avendano was in the process of studying Xenobiology at Tupac Amaru University and was set to complete her degree at the conclusion of the 2464 academic year. Investigations have been opened into the incident by both planetary authorities and the wider authorities of the Republic of Biesel.

Date: 3/7/2464

Edited March 7, 2022 by Caelphon
Stupid picture.

[WhatsUpBrotendo]

Article #4 of the Continuation of the Mandate Arc

Riots erupt across Mictlan

Following the death of Marcela Avendano due to a Tau Ceti Foreign Legionnaire having open fired upon her outside of the Municipal Library of Sikunda, there has been a sweeping wave of protests across the major population centres of Mictlan. The Foreign Legion and Private Military Contracting Group have proved themselves unable to cope with the massive number of protestors; resulting in them being unable to ensure that all protests remain peaceful, causing many to devolve into riots.

Prime Minister Ladislao de Santos has declared a state of emergency on Mictlan, with both the Contracting Group and the Legion deploying additional troops to assist the Mictlan Defense Force in quelling the violence erupting across the planet. There are increasing worries that the Samaritans will use this moment of weakness to strike at the vulnerabilities that exist across Mictlan, including the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate’s facilities present within the Exclusive Economic Zone. 

As the number of forces increases across Mictlan in an attempt to quell the unrest, it is suspected that many have begun to support the Samaritans despite their anti-corporate alignment. There have been attempts to reach the Conglomerate for comments regarding the developing situation on Mictlan, however, all have been unsuccessful.

Date: 3/11/2464

 

[Caelphon]

Article #5 of the Continuation of the Mandate Arc

Samaritans Commence Urban Guerilla Warfare

The eruption of riots within the major population centres across Mictlan has allowed the Samaritans to seize the chance to exploit the vulnerabilities of the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion, Private Military Contracting Group and the greater Stellar Corporate Conglomerate through the use of urban guerrilla warfare tactics resulting in dozens of casualties - with two confirmed ruination of integrated positronic chassis attempting to earn their freedom. 

In a swift, decisive, unexpected attack the Samaritans severely harmed the forces present in quelling the unrest within the streets of Lago de Abundancia - using the urban environment to their advantage. The concealment of their allies within the surroundings present allowed the Samaritans the element of surprise, beginning their attack on those patrolling with the deployment of a considerably powerful electromagnetic pulse device - believed to have been acquired following their attack on supply routes earlier this month. Disabling most of the equipment, and terminating two IPCs. 

They then launched an assault on the hindered forces, successfully managing to push them back. Additional forces have been forced to be deployed following the Samaritans’ ambush. The chassis of the two IPCs that were pulsed were eventually reclaimed, however, there is a slim chance of recovering due to the extensive damage following the deployment of the EMP according to onsite machinists.

Date: 3/13/2464

[Caelphon]

Article #6 of the Continuation of the Mandate arc

Lago de Abundancia Under Siege!

The streets of Lago de Abundancia have become a battleground following the attack on patrolling forces earlier this week; As the forces of the republic attempting to restore order within the city come under sustained attack by armed insurgents. The Tau Ceti Foreign Legion, Private Military Contracting Group and the Mictlan Defense Force have deployed additional combat units to critical locations currently controlled by republican forces - which is currently only the Degollado Harbour, the nearest harbour to the forward operating base that oversees the situation within the city. 

All able-bodied persons within the city have been instructed to assist the republican forces or make their way to the Degollado Harbour in order to be evacuated, these orders were made legal by the state of emergency enacted last week. Evacuation attempts have been somewhat successful initially, however, the number of those making their way to the port has decreased significantly since the republican forces began engaging armed insurgents across the city..

Contacts within the Legion have confirmed that republican forces will begin to shell at-risk buildings where it is believed that the Samaritans are basing their operations. Intelligence gathering regarding these at-risk buildings has been slow, but is expected to increase following the deployment of “Project Aura”. No further details can be acquired at this time regarding “Project Aura”, or any impact it may have on the current crisis. 

Date: 3/18/2464

[Caelphon]

Article #7 of the Continuation of the Mandate arc

Lago de Abundancia Still Under Siege! 

Continuing since last week, Lago de Abundancia is still not yet pacified by the republican forces of the Mictlan Defense Force, Private Contracting Group and the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion.  Successes occurred over the weekend, with republican forces expanding their pacified zone south from the Delgollado Harbour - managing to evacuate a further thousand persons trapped in their homes by the insurgent attacks earlier this week. Additionally, several insurgents were captured and detained and revealed crucial information about the Samaritans, and further attacks the terrorists plan to make.

Large portions of Lago De Abundancia are still considered to be undergoing severe rioting and are outside the control of any republican forces. However, the usage of “Project Aura” has significantly assisted republican forces in turning the tide of the battle. Several at-risk buildings previously highlighted by “Project Aura” have been destroyed with precision munitions, and many more were raided by republican forces, who managed to detain several hostiles.

Those still within the city are advised to avoid locations believed to be host to insurgents, rebels or members of the Samaritans, and remain within their homes as republican forces continue to push further into the city, expanding the pacified zone where possible. 

Date: 3/21/2464

Edited March 21, 2022 by Caelphon

[Caelphon]

Article #8 of the Continuation of the Mandate arc

Lago de Abundancia Reclaimed

Prime Minister Ladislao de Santos addressed the people of Mictlan and announced that Lago de Abundancia has been rid of the Samaritan infestation following the incredible liberation of the city by the forces of the republic, primarily, the Mictlan Defense Force, the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion and the Private Military Contracting Group. The republican forces have begun their final sweep of the city, putting an end to the siege and restoring order. The Interstellar Aid Corps has been contracted by the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate to begin restoration, as well as setting up field hospitals for those that were unable to be evacuated during the siege. 

Despite attempts by republican forces to minimize casualties, approximately four hundred people died as a result of the siege. A large portion of the casualties were aligned with the guerillas that lay siege to the city, however, a small percentage of the casualties were persons caught in the crossfire between the republican forces and the Samaritans. The Tau Ceti Foreign Legion, Mictlan Defense Force and the Private Military Contracting Group have announced in a joint press conference they will be investigating the circumstances leading to the deaths of the civilians, and should there be misconduct on behalf of any republican forces they will be thoroughly punished. 

The Stellar Corporate Conglomerate has also begun contracting its employees to assist in the restoration of Lago de Abundancia. Those that accept the opportunity to uplift and restore the ruins left by the Samaritans will also receive significant bonuses due to the hazardous urban landscape present. Additionally, employees that accept the opportunity will be reassigned to return to their previous corporate facility when requested.

Date: 3/25/2464

[Caelphon]

Article #9 of the Continuation of the Mandate arc

Martial Law Ends 

The death of Marcela Avendano was undoubtedly tragic. Following an investigation by the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion, Legionnaire Henry Ryan has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and has been sentenced to Cyborgification. While there are no words to describe the pain of Marcela Avendano’s family, a certain closure has been reached, as those responsible have been apprehended and punished. The Legion, at the conclusion of the trial, also released the bodycam footage from the incident, as it was no longer considered evidence.

Viewer discretion is advised, and the video has been deemed not safe for work or children. Violent imagery is displayed. 

Spoiler

The video starts out with the camera peering through the blue-tinted plexiglass of a TCFL riot shield, with a body of people approaching it. Most of the people have their hands raised in the air and seem to be chanting, their words can barely be made out.

“Juan Perez, let us read! Juan Perez, let us read!

The mass of students continue to approach the camera and its operator, but he takes the time to swivel his head both left and right, showing the line of legionaries currently blocking off the thin street, numbering no more than 30 in view. As he looks at the person to his left, a skrell, they look up at the camera and warble slightly, before both turn back to look at the approaching crowd. Then their headsets crackle to life. Someone who is obviously a Vaurca begins to speak in accented Tau Ceti Basic.

“Right, our orderzz have been convhirmed, we are to break up this protezzt. I will give them a chance to zztand down, ivh they do not, gazz launcherzz vhire vhirst, then the vhront echelon movezz vhorward to break them up, and the arrezzt zzquadz vhollow behind. Underzztood? Good.”

The headset then clicks off, and there’s a general shuffling heard, as the protesters continue to advance, holding placards with pictures of books, chanting the same words. When they get within about 60 meters, there’s a loud whine behind the camera as a megaphone turns on, before a different voice, this one obviously Solarian, addresses the crowd.

“Attention residents of Sikunda, this is the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion. This is an illegal gathering, no permits have been issued by the municipal government, and we have been ordered to ensure public safety by asking you to disperse and return home. Should this request not be followed, you will be dispersed by force.”

The megaphone then clicks off, and an eerie silence descends on the street. The protestors towards the front of the mass attempt to slow, but are continually pushed forward by those behind them. As they draw nearer, panic can be seen beginning to break out on their faces, all the while a constant drone of orders to hold steady are given by an accented Vaurca over the legion headsets. When the protestors reach around 20 meters, the headset clicks twice before the vaurca speaks again:

“They are not zztopping, we do this the divhicult way, gazz, you are vhree to vhire. Vhront, give it vhivhteen zzecondz, then ruzzh them.”

The headset clicks off again, hard breathing and the voices of the protestors are all that can be heard, before a single word in basic is shouted behind the camera.

“FIRE!”

A set of thunks go off behind the camera, and the wearer arches his head up slightly to watch as six projectiles arc over the first few lines of protesters and land in the middle of the crowd, exploding with a muffled WHUMP as gas rushes out and envelopes most of the protest. All that can be heard by the camera is screams of panic for about ten seconds before the tromp of boots begins, and the line of legionaries begins to advance, keeping in formation. They speed to a trot crossing the distance to the cloud of tear gas and people, shifting their shields down into small squares to allow for more mobility, and then with their shields up, charged into the protestors. The camera jerked around as its wearer entered the gas cloud. 

On the right side of the screen, a woman is clawing at her eyes, before a unathi and human come into the frame and tackle her down, hitting her with their batons as she writhes on the floor. On the left side of the screen, the skrell comes across a man still standing, and strikes down with their baton on his knees, forcing him to the ground, before reversing the motion and striking upwards, spurting out blood from the man's face. To the camera’s direct front, there is an older man, most likely a professor by the way he’s dressed, coughing and trying to steady himself against a lampost on the side of the road. The wearer of the camera proceeds to sucker-punch him in the gut with the baton, then brings the baton left to right at head level, crashing into the man's temple. He falls without any further resistance. Similar scenes continue for another four minutes until the gas cloud has mostly dissipated, and those still around are a non-threat.

It is at this point that the wearer of the camera begins to cuff people, both those still awake and those bloody and unconscious. He cuffs 2 people, the camera documenting everything, before proceeding to a girl crying over the limp and bloody body of another. The wearer calls over to a Tajara with bright white fur, asking for help, but is rebuffed as the Tajara snaps on a set of cuffs to someone underneath their boot. A sigh is heard before the wearer of the camera approaches the girl alone. He roughly pulls the crying girl off the body, and wordlessly begins to attempt to cuff her as she strains against him. He swears a few times, the video bleeping out the words, as he tries to use an inefficient technique to restrain the girl. As he tries to snap the second cuff on, she breaks free, pulling herself away and standing up, blood running down her nose. She breaks free, a rough sound of metal scrapping leather is heard, and a blaster with its safety off enters the frame, pointing at the resistant girl.

“DOWN! ON THE GROUND, NOW! GET DOWN!”

The voice of the wearer screams at the women, panic and nervousness evident in his voice.

“Volunteerrr!”

A cry from off to the left, as the ragged breathing of the wearer increases in pace, his head snaps toward the sound, seeing a dark-furred tajara approaching, their hand on their own blaster, before snapping back to the half handcuffed woman.

She takes a step forward.

The camera shows the wearer's trigger finger depress on the trigger, then again, and again, and again, and again until she dropped to the floor.

The video explodes with sound, as thirteen different people try to talk at once, over the headset, screams of terror, legionnaires calling for a medic, before a dark-furred arm grabs the blaster from the left of the screen, tugging it downwards, the camera falling as well, and as it hits the ground. 

the video ends.

With the deployment of additional forces to the major population centres across Mictlan, most of the violence has found itself subdued following the Legion, Contracting Group and the Mictlan Defense Force targeting areas of high unrest strategically following the implementation and usage of Project Aura; an evolved artificial intelligence designed for assisting in peacekeeping operations at a strategic level, created by a collaborative effort between Zavodskoi Interstellar, NanoTrasen Corporation, Hephaestus Industries and Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals. 

Aura has allegedly been instrumental in the success of the Peacekeeper Mandate across both Mictlan and the wider Corporate Reconstruction Zone, supposedly utilizing intelligence gathered through both the deployed troops of the Legion and the Contracting Group, as well as surveillance drones, in determining a series of strategies that would yield high successes. While there has been pushback from the implementation of such a machine, there is no doubt it has been successful. Aura will continue to operate within the Corporate Reconstruction Zone, ensuring the success of the Peacekeeper Mandate and the expansion of the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate. It will operate similarly to Bubble, with different instances focusing on different fields and operations across the Orion Spur, devoting themselves to the stability of the Republic of Biesel. 

Date: 3/28/2464

Edited April 1, 2022 by Caelphon

[Caelphon]

Article #10 of the Continuation of the Mandate arc

 

Stellar Corporate Conglomerate Restricts Mictlan

The Stellar Corporate Conglomerate has announced that they will effectively end civil- and service-orientated operations on Mictlan until the unrest subsides, citing their reason due to the concerns for the safety of their employees and their corporate assets. This will essentially create artificial shortages of goods that are required for basic function outside of the Exclusive Economic Zone. This comes after the Samaritans launched several attacks across the major population centres of the planet, which resulted in the declaration of Martial Law by Prime Minister Ladislao de Santos. After sustained attempts, the unrest was quelled and order restored; resulting in the end of martial law. 

The pullout will target goods associated with the construction of improvised weapons and explosives; however, it is believed these artificial shortages will impact almost every market across Mictlan - will many projecting an enormous rise of unemployment levels outside of those appointed within the Exclusive Economic Zone. Against expectations, civil unrest did not swell after this announcement, which many experts attribute to the efforts of the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion and the Private Military Contracting Group targeting and moving forward with quelling the unrest generated due to the actions of the Samaritans, believed to have been assisted by the Founding Movement. 

Date: 4/01/2464

[Caelphon]

End of the Continuation of the Mandate arc

Article #11

Stellar Corporate Conglomerate Employee Announcement

The Stellar Corporate Conglomerate has released the minutes of their shareholders meeting alongside announcements concerning employees across the Republic of Biesel - specifically meant to target those within the Corporate Reconstruction Zone. The Conglomerate has updated its employee guidelines regarding anti-corporate alignments and the cutting of ineffective punitive decisions that went nowhere. 

Employees that show and/or orient themselves with individuals that show anti-corporate alignments will have their corporate privileges restricted, as well as potentially be demoted and/or terminated from their current position. This includes the monitoring of social media to observe the content employees curate. This is indiscriminate and applies across the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate and the megacorporations beneath its banner.

Employees within the Corporate Reconstruction Zone will be further restricted regarding their access to facilities within the Exclusive Economic Zones and will undergo regular searches to ensure compliance with the additional contraband regulations stipulated in the new employee guidelines. This concerns only employees within the Corporate Reconstruction Zone. Additionally, those who violate these updated employee guidelines regarding anti-corporate sentiments and fail to comply with the contraband regulations will face harsher punitive charges than previously - with those having a history of such likely facing demotion and or termination from their position within the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate. This is indiscriminate and applies across the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate and the megacorporations beneath its banner.

Date: 4/04/2464

Edited April 4, 2022 by Caelphon

[Caelphon]

Article #2 of Training the Horizon

Article #1 was released to confirm the name of the new setting earlier this year. 

New Opportunities on the Horizon

The Stellar Corporate Conglomerate has announced its plans for its flagship; the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate Vessel Horizon. Commencing its maiden voyage throughout the Republic of Biesel, specifically within the Corporate Reconstruction Zone, the Horizon has been given the aim of investigating deep space anomalies, as well as potential colony sites throughout the region in order to establish both a bastion from which the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion and the Private Military Contracting Group can operate from, as well as recuperate losses faced during the Mictlan uprisings. 

This comes as a surprise after the Conglomerate released information regarding the Horizon’s ability to detect phoron from ranges previously thought impossible. NanoTrasen also announced in conjunction with the Conglomerate statement only the highest calibre of its own scientists were allowed to work on the technology, and its schematics are strictly classified. Comments could not be gathered from the other megacorporations beneath the banner of the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate. 

Regardless, the Horizon is said to be undocking from the Vickers Shipwright Dock located on Valkyrie. The Conglomerate has also confirmed that it will be releasing occasional updates regarding the progress of its flagship throughout its first objectives, and what it could possibly uncover.

Date: 4/09/2464

[Caelphon]

Article #3 of the Training the Horizon

Wild Cetus on the Horizon

Information gathered from yesterday’s press release by the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate has given us insight into the progression of its flagship, the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate Vessel Horizon. The crew of the Horizon reportedly were made aware of a deep space anomaly through its integrated scanning modules - and upon approach discovered a Stellar Dionae Primo, or a Wild Dionae Cetus - a mass of Dionae so immense, in the numbers of a million Dionae Nymphs, that it can be considered a stellar body, travelling across the Corporate Reconstruction Zone. 

The crew of the Horizon were able to locate the Stellar Dionaea Primo - a gigantic coalesced being of thousands of Dionae Nymphs that are considered ‘untamed’ and travel across the stars with no knowledge of civilization or culture - thanks to the electromagnetic disturbances created through the Wild Cetus’ connection to a destroyed freighter. While it is unknown how the freighter was acquired by the organisms, it can be presumed through exchanges between the crew and the Dionae, that the Cetus is the likely reason for its derelict state - and based on previous events such as both Dionae-Skrell First Contact and the tragedy of the Ophion, it would be a probable assumption. 

Dionae present on the Horizon were able to translate the intentions of the Wild Cetus, seemingly travelling across the stars to the location of their seeding grounds, referred to as the “Unabating Call” believed to be a pulsar located approximately less than a light-year from the Cetus’ last known location after the Horizon continued on its journey. There have been discussions from the scientific community within the Republic of Biesel, with many hoping to study and observe the Cetus. 

Date: 4/24/2464

[Lucaken]

Article #1 of the Dreary Futures Arc

Drones pick up signals

NanoTrasen has announced, separate to the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate, that its drones have located anomalous signals within Valley Hale. Spokesmen on behalf of NanoTrasen confirmed that the megacorporation has experimented with altering the technology present on the SCCV Horizon to be more compact, with the first prototypes of such technology being sent across the Orion Spur. 

Hope has been relit within the hearts of many, especially those impacted by the growing scarcity of the valuable mineral. Many have critiqued the megacorporation for prematurely announcing the discovery, some accusing them of doing so to increase the prices of their stocks, or merely to reignite the tensions between the Solarian Alliance and the Republic of Biesel. Other members of the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate have not commented on the discovery, and our attempts to communicate with their spokesmen have been in vain.

Date: 7/23/2464

[Caelphon]

Article #2 of Dreary Futures Arc

NanoTrasen finds Phoron 

Thanks to the advanced technology present aboard the Venator-Class SCCV Horizon, NanoTrasen has announced that phoronic elements have been discovered within the Valley Hale region of the Republic of Biesel, less than a light-year from the shared border with the Serene Republic of Elyra. Additional efforts are required to determine its exact location, but it is certain that soon there may perhaps be a remedy to the ongoing phoron scarcity. 

The Serene Republic has levied allegations of encroachment following the discovery, however, there are no formal discussions between the respective representatives of either Republic. Prior to the Horizon’s departure, the Conglomerate agreed that protection was required for their flagship, securing its safety with the hiring of the FSF Caravaggio. Commanded by Captain Gerhardus Kruger, the FSF Caravaggio is a vigorous Taipei-class that has been central to the ongoing stability of the Free Solarian Fleet-patrolled Wildlands, now vital to the ongoing effort to combat the phoron scarcity. 

While it may have been believed to bring relief to the Orion Spur, preliminary scans of the detected elements show it will likely not alleviate the scarcity, but instead slow it down - essentially maintaining the status quo for a while until the veins of phoron are exhausted. However, until the actual discovery of the precious mineral the only advantage to the detection is the slight recovery of the interstellar economy. 

In other news, the Biesellite Credit has strengthened in light of this discovery. However, it is expected to be overtaken in the coming months by the Solarian Credit as the Spur begins to rely predominantly on Helium-3 to fuel their economy unless the phoron scarcity finds itself resolved according to economic analysts within the Republic of Biesel. The Federation Squipp saw some weakening but has remained stable during the ensuing energy crisis.

Date: 08/07/2464

[Caelphon]

Article #3 of Dreary Futures Arc

Southern Fleet Administration Remnants Encountered 

The SCCV Horizon discovered remnants of Beauchamp’s Southern Fleet Administration harbouring a considerable repository of phoron in close proximity to what the Conglomerate believes is the origin of the supposed phoronic elements found within the region. The FSF Caravaggio was unable to engage these raiders which forced the Horizon, in the subsequent abandonment of the raider’s hideout, to reclaim the rightful property of NanoTrasen. 

Captain Gerhardus Kruger, alongside Lieutenant Riette Becker, were both assassinated after the SFA swept through Odyssey Station. The crew of the Horizon engaged the remnants of the faltering warlord state, ridding the Republic of Biesel of these brigands harbouring the lifeline of the Orion Spur. Further investigation from the Horizon revealed an intricate plan regarding the group’s intention to provide the hold of phoron to the Serene Republic of Elyra, allegedly hired to do so. The Serene Republic has denied these claims, stating that their state-owned enterprises would have been in charge of the extraction and refinement of the phoron, not Solarian outlaws. 

The assassination of the FSF Caravaggio’s Commanding Officers has put into question whether they will remain as an escort to the Horizon. Supposedly, it finds itself headed by Lieutenant Commander Pieter du Plessis, the FSF Caravaggio’s Operations Officer.  Whatever happens, the Conglomerate will continue hunting for the origin of the phoronic elements detected and is closer than ever before according to representatives. Many continue to hope that it will be enough to satiate the ever-growing consumption of the Orion Spur.

Date: 08/18/2464

[Caelphon]

Beginning of the Union of Port Antillia Arc

Article #1

Union of Port Antillia announces Premier Candidates

The transitional government of Port Antillia has announced its intention to hold early elections following the resignation of Premier Toño de Avila, after months of calls to step down following allegations of incompetence by several prominent politicians across the planet’s provincial states. Several parties have declared their candidate’s intention to run for the office of Premier, with rigorous campaigning having commenced shortly after the Union of Port Antillia’s announcement. 

The Antillean Libertarian Party (‘ALP’) has announced that their candidate, Iara Galindez, will be running for the office of Premier on a campaign promoting stronger ties to the Republic of Biesel, and the introduction of megacorporations to the Union of Port Antillia - ensuring that rapid, sweeping steps can be taken in order to secure the economic prosperity of the planet and the next generation of Antilleans. 

Social Democratic Front of Port Antillia (‘SDF-PA’) has confirmed that their candidate, Chancellor Julien Guerrier of the Arthezé province, will be running for Premier. The SDF-PA has proposed securing the future of Port Antillia through regulated economic cooperation within the greater Republic of Biesel and ensuring that such cooperation empowers the Union first and foremost. The SDF-PA also plans to commence social welfare efforts to help downtrodden Antilleans, using corporate taxes to pay for the programmes. 

Coalition for Antillean Social Democracy (‘CASD’) declared that their candidate, Lorna Rieviere, will also be running for Premier. The CASD stated that their campaign will focus on policies that are for uplifting the working class present across provincial states, through Antillean-first policies that aim to regulate the economy and ensure that the common labourer will not have their influence or employment threatened by non-Antilleans in the wake of the planet’s integration within the Republic of Biesel. 

Antillean People’s Party (‘APP’) has reported that their candidate, Minister of Defence Isandro Burgos, will be running for Premier as well. With a focus on ensuring that Port Antillia can stand strong without the assistance of megacorporations, as well as the Republic of Biesel, and promotes the return to the Solarian Alliance. Campaigning for complete immigration reform, restrictions on synthetic life, as well as funding the creation of the Antillean Cosmonautic Service to assert themselves as a regional power in the wake of the Southern Solarian Military District's massing of arms, the APP has declared itself to be the only pro-Antillean party. 

Date: 08/21/2464

[Caelphon]

Article #2 of the Union of Port Antillia Arc

Iara Galindez declares support for Synthetic Rights 

Secretary-General Iara Galindez of the Antillean Libertarian Party (‘ALP’) came under fire following her most recent interview with reporters from the Orion Oracle, where she found herself beholden to answering questions to satiate the curiosity of many across Port Antillia, where some have not agreed with her views in the wake of the planet’s recent integration into the Republic of Biesel. The exchange below has been translated from Tradeband to Tau Ceti Basic, for easier understanding for our readers.  

Quote

 

Orion Oracle Reporter: Miss Galindez, thank you for taking a few moments to meet with us from the Orion Oracle. Many are curious to learn more about the candidates that may possibly become Premier following the resignation of Toño de Avila earlier this month. 

Iara Galindez: Welcome, please ask away. I’m here for the constituents of Port Antillia, whatever questions need answering, I’m happy to alleviate any worries regarding my potential plan of action should I be elected. 

Orion Oracle Reporter: Miss Galindez, you’re a notable proponent of the introduction of megacorporations to Port Antillia. The Antillean Libertarian Party has outlined their own reasons for such in their manifest, but many are asking why you believe they’re the best way forward.       

Iara Galindez: When I look at both the advantages and disadvantages of bringing megacorporations to Port Antillia, I have to admit the boons that come with them far outweigh any negatives. By all means, Port Antillia is not flourishing. Many are struggling to cope with all these changes, and many are incapable of supporting their families after the collapse of the Alliance. I believe that the influx of capital by the megacorporations will alleviate our immediate problems, where the long-term presence of these corporations will allow us to tackle our issues without fear of overextending our budget. 

Orion Oracle Reporter: And what about all those that they will bring with them? Synthetics, Skrell, Tajara – they’re all going to flood into the newly established facilities, should you become Premier, of course. Do you believe Port Antillia can handle the issues that this will create?  

Iara Galindez: I must admit, I’ve never fully understood why it would be an issue. The Republic of Biesel has a thriving multicultural environment, and I don’t see why the Union of Port Antillia cannot one day replicate that. I admire all the steps taken to ensure that the Republic of Biesel is an inclusive society - including the measures taken to allow Synthetic participation in its social, political and economic environments. 

Orion Oracle Reporter: So you support Synthetic Rights, Miss Galindez? 

Iara Galindez: I don’t understand why someone wouldn’t. They’re just like anybody else. They have their own thoughts, they develop relationships with others – why shouldn’t they be afforded the same liberties that I can enjoy?

 

Despite many denouncing Secretary-General Iara Galindez’s views on both megacorporations and synthetic rights, she has seen a notable increase in support across social media – most coming from synthetics that have seen a glimpse of her interview. Only time will tell whether her standings will either increase or decrease her likelihood of securing the office of the Premier.

Date: 08/22/2464