Tau Ceti Times

[Caelphon]

Voice of the People

The Tau Ceti Times has established itself as an amplifier of the people, lifting the voices of those across Tau Ceti since our inception in District 13, alongside the Corporate Reconstruction Zone recently. After several attempts, we have now been authorized as an official news outlet within the Federal Republic of Biesel. 

Since our humble beginnings within the bustling District 13, we have prided ourselves on amplifying the voices of the people, and being at the forefront of news that is crucial to the people, and not riddled with megacorporate gossip. 

As always, we will attempt our best to keep you notified of major events happening across all walks of life on Biesel, as well as communities found within the Corporate Reconstruction Zone. Majority of which will take place either through our extranet address or local news terminals, so be sure to check in for the latest news.

Edited September 7, 2021 by Caelphon

[Caelphon]

Celebrating Heritage Day

Since its establishment after the independence of the Republic of Biesel, Heritage Day has become an integral part of being Biesellite. It is a day where her citizens can recognize and celebrate the cultural wealth within Tau Ceti, which now also extends to the greater Corporate Reconstruction Zone. President Dorn has announced that the Heritage Parade will continue as normal and will be making its way through Mendell City’s fifteen districts. He says:

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“We celebrate today as a show of unity and fervent hope of a meshing society. The Republic of Biesel has become a host for dozens of cultural groups, each with its own unique perspective on life: a perspective necessary for the Republic to flourish. It is necessary to recognize the need for “togetherness” especially in our current circumstances. I encourage all those—tuned in or not—to celebrate and put all your worries to ease, if just for a day only. 

…

“The Heritage Parade will make its way throughout the fifteen districts of Mendell City, starting at noon. The Mendell City Police Department has begun preparing the route and will be blocking off several segments. Specifics will be released on the extranet shortly. Enjoy the rest of your Heritage Day, and remember to celebrate.”

Today, Unathite shamanic and priestly institutions encourage visitors to come in, serving food and information to curious Bieselites, as Izweski Kataphracts and priests accompany the various parades in Biesel. Some Unathi, however, refuse to participate, citing alien influence and a want to be left alone. Nevertheless, Heritage Day is a time for most to celebrate the unique and diverse backgrounds all Biesel residents have.

Skrell throughout the Starlight Zone are celebrating Heritage Day through a Duathlon. Involving a race within its regional districts of Lekan Village and Severson City and is sponsored by the internal crime watches. There is a hefty reward for those that secure themselves as victors with many expecting Skrell to line the streets and cheer on the competition. It’s thought that some may even start setting themselves up early to claim their spot. 

The Republic’s synthetics have not been forgotten on Heritage Day. Past a troop of IPC Legionnaires and ahead of a luxurious hovercraft is the Hazel! Deep Cover Lineup, a series of brand-new IPC models designed by Hazel!, for Hazel!, with Hazels to serve as their premier limited-edition collector's design. Sporting blue and waving the Biesellite flag is the first of this series, where officials straight from the design board can be seen not far behind.

The majority of the Zo’rane brood will be lead by Queen Athvur in Belle Cote this year after its relocation from Phoenixport. It is said that the Zo’rane Celebration will include species-themed foods and carnival games sponsored by the Hive. There will also be some Vaurcae celebrating Heritage Day on the outskirts of Flagsdale and the parade route, due to the health hazards within the centre of the district. 

Shrines are being established by the Eternal Church throughout District 11 in dedication to those lost during the recent Solarian invasion. Several priests of the Eternal have also been seen giving sermons regarding the importance of peace and moving forward as a united people. Some light skirmishes have been reported around the remembrance shrines due to many of the Eternal priests around them encouraging people to not only remember the lost Biesellites but also to remember the Solarians who died during the invasion. Many of the High Overseers have voiced their opinion regarding it as a tragic loss of life on both sides and encouraging peace between people despite their planets of origin or heritage.

The people of Imperial Plaza will also take part in the celebrations. Local establishments are opening their doors to the public at reduced prices. A large street fair has been organized by Little Adhomai's inhabitants  Tajaran food and souvenirs are being sold at affordable prices. Tajara, in mostly traditional Adhomian clothing, and tourists have already begun to wander the district to participate in the ongoing festivities.

This exchange of cultural knowledge is important for tying the people of the Republic of Biesel together. To be a Biesellite is to understand that difference does not mean weakness, but a different kind of strength. As a Biesellite, each person is capable of appreciating the diversity of thought that envelops society thanks to the influx of foreign cultures. 

[Alberyk]

Mysterious Murder Shocks Imperial Plaza

Mendell City has awoken today to the scene of a mysterious crime: Rrhazumar Krasnov, a Democratic People's Republic migrant living in District Six since 2462, was found dead in his apartment. The body was discovered when a neighbor entered the flat after Rrhazumar did not answer a request to borrow some sugar. Krasnov's body was found lying on a puddle of blood on the living room's floor. Mendell City's police were called by the building manager.

When the officers arrived at the apartment, they found a large crowd gathering before it. A symbol found inside the apartment was the cause of the commotion. Despite the agitation, the crime scene was undisturbed; there were no signs of a break-in and nothing was stolen. The neighbors claimed to have not heard anything strange. The victim was known to lead a secluded life and had no friends in the area. The locals claimed that the murder was carried out by the Bayonet Hand, a mythological killer who hunts down those who left Adhomai to escape the law.

Coroners confirmed that the cause of the death was bleeding caused by a cut throat. The attack was likely carried out with a blade. Toxicology tests revealed that the victim consumed alcohol before his murder. Information on Rrhazumar Krasnov's origins and life was sparse; the Tajara arrived in Biesel as a migrant in 2462 and has been living in the same apartment since then. He held no formal employment and likely worked in odd jobs across the district. Rrhazumar has no family in the system. 

Mendell City police department is currently working to uncover the mystery behind this crime. The murder has quickly captured the attention of the extranet because of its unexplained events and connection to urban legends. Law enforcement representatives explained that criminals commonly make use of local superstition to scare the population; they cited the event of last year as an example. The Democratic People's Republic of Adhomai's embassy promised to collaborate in the investigation.

[Caelphon]

Beginning of Tribuisti de Colonis

When Tribuisti de Colonis’ weekend commences, Mendell City erupts. Hoards of people gather to dance through the streets as music roars loudly. The celebration of Biesel’s initial colonization has become somewhat of an opportunity to become embellished with the culture that it parades. As a result, the Mendell City Police Department positions themselves along the streets of the city, monitoring those that partake in the days-long celebration. In fact, Mendell City and its districts’ neighbourhood party scene has only grown in recent years.

“The whole area has become — where in years past it was a local scene — it’s becoming an intense party destination,” MCPD Spokesman Charles Sullivan said. “People are starting to figure out that this is a fun place to go, and we’re seeing a lot more people coming in from across the Orion Spur.”

Tribuisti de Colonis presents a delicate task for the department: keeping the districts and their citizens safe during the planet wide celebration that nearly triples the average pedestrian population over the course of a few days, a strategic situation few other security forces in the Orion Spur have to prepare for, let alone conceptualize.

“Over a period of time, that kind of got off-kilter, if you will, and our officers were going all over the place,” said MCPD Chief James Ryan, who became the agency’s top cop in June 2462. “They were just kind of using us as manpower. Last year, when I came, we really took a deep dive into what we were doing and wanted to try to find the best way for us to deploy our resources.”

An examination of MCPD’s Tribuisti de Colonis strategy reveals some annual changes — the specific district deployment and the use of new equipment, for example — as well as some consistency year to year, expressly, MCPD’s stated objective to keep residents safe at all times.

[Alberyk]

Imperial Plaza Celebrates the Dholma Festival

As part of its diverse heritage, Imperial Plaza prepares to celebrate the Dholma Festival. The Dholma Festival is a week-long Adhomian holiday honoring the harvest. During this celebration, the Tajara participates in feasts, food fairs, and alcohol festivals. Enjoying the fruits of one's labor and preparing for the next winter are its main themes. Thanks to its large Tajaran community, Little Adhomai will host the event for one whole week. Entire streets will be dedicated to the festival; the people of Mendell City will be able to enjoy a large array of Adhomian food, drinks, and attractions. The festivities will happen alongside the Tribuisti de Colonis.

Despite the current climate caused by the still-unsolved murder, the Dholma Festival will still be held normally. Mendell City police department has promised to deploy extra officers in District Six to guarantee everyone's safety. Because of the district's history with law enforcement, this announcement was met with mixed feelings by the locals. Some claim that the agents have foolishly dismissed the existence of the Bayonet Hand as nothing but another urban legend. Others believe that this gesture is necessary to begin repairing the community's relationship with the city's police.

Celebrations will also be held in the NTCC Odin and SCC's stations. 

[Caelphon]

Belle Cote Fashion Show

The 2463 edition of the Belle Cote Fashion Show will begin later today, with several big names announcing their participation in the fashion extravaganza, showing their proposed trends for the upcoming season. Some of the facts gleaned from those that spoke as a representative of the major brands seem to indicate this year will be mindblowing. 

For Cashien’s fall-winter 2463 show, the set is supposedly inspired by the Grattle Alps, thanks to its history as both a mining outpost and popular destination for those wishing to ski at its snowy slopes. Looking at the previous years that Cashien has participated in, many are excited to see what will be unveiled by the jewel-centric fashion brand. 

Le Soleil’s fall 2463 collection is meant to have a story behind each outfit. For this collection, Emilie de Couturier toured cities across Visegrad before the collapse of the Alliance of Sovereign Solarian Nations in late 2462 for inspiration. Couturier wishes to showcase the culture, tradition and products of Visegrad. From made-in-Visegrad wool to the local festive traditions, the dreary moors of Nowa Bratislava — all of it found its way into the collection. 

Jeonshi’s Yunji Kyong has unveiled her plans regarding a new line of artisanal prosthetics meant to collide the worlds of function and style. Hoping to represent a theme of strangeness combined with a celebration of 2380s youth culture. The label’s previous offerings typically consist of a tribute to notable figures that have since passed. It is unknown who the 2463 collection may pay tribute to, but it is suspected to be the previous President of Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals, Tan Meixiang. Meixiang was a striking woman that advocated for there to be beauty in even the strangest of things, always known to sport at least one item of purple. 

The entrance to the Belle Cote Fashion Show includes a red carpet event, with several celebrities already announcing their plan to attend. Yet another facet of the fashion extravaganza celebrities are meant to arrive with an outfit of their creation — oftentimes considered to be out of this world.

[Caelphon]

Craterview Fireworks Spectacular

Craterview city officials have announced details of this year’s Tribuisti de Colonis fireworks display over Craterview’s primary harbour. The Craterview Fireworks Spectacular marks the end of the celebrations surrounding Tribuisti de Colonis and usually gathers quite a crowd annually. 

NanoTrasen has contributed a fair amount to support the entire fireworks display for those that wish to spectate the amazing displays, which coincides with their diamond anniversary within the Republic of Biesel. 

“Thanks to the generous support of NanoTrasen, Craterview is looking forward to hosting a festive Tribuisti de Colonis evening alongside our marinas and piers,” said Mayor Léopold Blanc. “We invite residents and visitors to spend time with us as Tribuisti de Colonis draws to a close, celebrating the colonization of Tau Ceti with a spectacular fireworks display.”

The display will be staged from a barge located off of the harbour, beginning at 9:00 pm. Craterview harbour will become host to several entertainment avenues that include live music, food vendors and carnival rides before the start of the fireworks display. 

Celebrations across the Republic of Biesel are already beginning to die down as Tribuisti de Colonis draws to a close. Despite the dreary circumstances that the Orion Spur finds itself in, this year’s Tribuisti de Colonis is said to have been the busiest one yet.

[Alberyk]

Murder at SCC Station; Little Adhomai Killer Makes Another Victim

The killer terrorizing District Six has struck where law enforcement less expected: aboard a Stellar Corporate Conglomerate space station. Yesterday, The NSS Aurora was visited by a cultural delegation from the Museum of Immigration with the intent of celebrating the Dholma Festival. After the feast, a fierce drinking contest, and an auction bidding for rare Adhomian objects, one of the delegation's members, Gennady Maduev, was found dead at the surface level of the station. The victim has been living in Tau Ceti since 2462 and worked as a musician; Maduev played the P'rrama in local establishments and at the Museum of Immigration. The Tajara had no living relatives in the system, but he frequently sent money back to his family in Shungsta.

The security department aboard the NSS Aurora quickly investigated the murder scene; they discovered a mark similar to the one found in Rrhazumar Krasnov's apartment. Autopsy on-site uncovered that the victim was killed with a bladed weapon. The forensics department was able to isolate fingerprints likely belonging to the criminal - however, no match was found in the Biesellite databases. The SCC promised to collaborate with Mendell City's Police department to find the killer. Law agents have been granted permission to visit corporate space stations and the NTCC Odin to search for clues.

Mendell City's police has released an image of the supposed Bayonet Hand sigil. Law agencies are now offering a bounty of six thousand credits to anyone who provides information regarding the killer's identity.

Spoiler

Image of the symbol found at the crime scene in District Six.

[Alberyk]

Contraband Seized Aboard an SCC Space Station

Tau Ceti law enforcement has confirmed the seizure of a large contraband shipment yesterday aboard a corporate space station. The cargo came into the possession of the station's crew after the ship, a small civilian corvette, carrying it had to dock with the facility because of an emergency. A group of wounded and hungry refugees from the wildlands was present in the crew's compartment. The contraband was discovered after engineers were dispatched to repair the ship.

Guns, nuclear waste containers, and barrels containing an unidentified acid were found in the ship's engine room. The origin and purpose of the shipment are currently unknown. The identification of the chemical was hindered because of heat damage caused by a fuel leak. However, specialists confirmed that the compound is some kind of industrial-grade acid. The nuclear waste that was found was likely the byproduct of a rustic nuclear fission technique.

The pilot of the ship was found dead inside the locked cockpit. While the body had clear bullet wounds, coroners were unable to identify the cause of death due to the extensive damage caused by the fuel fire. Another passenger died in an unrelated chemical incident. The remaining survivors have been already interrogated and were given asylum by the government. Authorities are still searching for the ship's registry; they suspect that the smugglers likely registered it in the frontier.

While extranet crime forums claim that the incident was linked to the Bayonet Hand's killings, Tau Ceti law agencies dismissed this hypothesis. Smuggling is becoming increasingly common in the wildlands and the reconstruction zone. Stellar Conglomerate's liaisons promised to continue working with the government to solve this security crisis.

[Alberyk]

Mendell City Police Prevents Terrorist Attack in District Eight

Thanks to information provided by an anonymous source, the Mendell City Police department was able to foil a terrorist attack planned against District Eight. Law agents discovered several explosives hidden inside the foundation of buildings and in the streets of the Starlight Zone. The charges were a mixture of chemical and plastique devices using rustic radio detonators; all bombs were successfully disarmed. Most of the target structures were apartments on the Lekan Village's shore.

Upon further investigation, law agents discovered a net of tunnels under the Lekan village area. The passages were recently built; specialists suspect that they were excavated in the past month. Further exploration led the agents to a wide underground system below District Six and Seven. Mendell City police suspect that the perpetrators were using the underground as a hiding spot to avoid any detection. No suspects were found on site. The point of origin of the tunnels could not be located due to what agents believe to be manmade cave-ins. District Eight's Neightboor Watches are on high alert for any future disturbance.

Mendell City's police department has mobilized its agents to comb the rest of the city in search of the terrorists and any remaining explosives. Residents of the Starlight Zone thanked the law agencies for their quick response. No group has claimed any responsibility for the attempt yet. Investigators suspect that criminal groups in Little Adhomai might be involved. The Jargon Federation diplomatic mission did not comment on the matter.

[Alberyk]

Adhomai Celebrates Two Years of Peace

Since its discovery, Adhomai's history has been marked by two global conflicts. The Second Revolution was the most recent war that plagued the Tajara people. After more than one decade, the conflict came to an end two years ago thanks to the intermediation of the Republic of Biesel. Since then, the Tajara are able to enjoy peace at home and abroad. 

Despite being a holiday in all Adhomian nations, Armistice Day is celebrated sporadically in Adhomai. In spite of this apathy, the Bieselitte Tajaran community gave the holiday another meaning: honoring their unity in the face of the Second Solarian invasion of Tau Ceti. Today, the people of Little Adhomai set aside their differences to commemorate the peace at their homeworld and how they stood as one against a common threat. The streets, casinos, bars, and restaurants are full of Tajara celebrating the Armistice Day.

In Adhomai, the most meaningful expression of the Armistice Day took place in the village of Myahir at the PRA-DPRA southern border. The settlement was cut in half by the borders created during the war; a large fence and armed checkpoint now separate friends and families. However, the barrier is not enough to stop the locals from celebrating the peace. On this day, Tajara met at the border to trade gifts and leave offerings at a small memorial built inside the checkpoint.

The peace on Adhomai is considered to be fragile by most. Since the Armistice, there has been no real effort from any side to draw a definitive peace treaty. Observers believe that another global conflict is inevitable. This prospect haunts the Tajaran community in Tau Ceti, as many still have family and strong ties with the planet.

[canon35]

Tajaran Religious Leader to Travel Across Adhomai

In a historic first for the Tajaran S’rendarr and Messa faith, religious leader Father Valyan K’rrirran has announced he will be embarking on an international trip across the planet of Adhomai. The position of Father in the S’rendarr and Messa religion is considered to be the leader of the entire religion’s priesthood, known as the Parivara (Family.). In recorded history, these men have always remained within the faith’s holy city of Sana Sahira. With his announcement, Father K’rrirran has broken a long-standing tradition for his position.

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This one has listened and read much about the state of Adhomai. About the woes that its people suffer and the attempts of our Parivara to alleviate it. The Tajara have been caught in a crisis of faith and need aid. But, with so many ailments, where is the best place to begin? He had ruminated on this for long and came to an answer. The children. Orphanages of the Parivara have always suffered from poverty. No longer can it be allowed that children are turned away out of fear that the Sun Priests cannot support them. In the coming months, he will come to each and every nation upon Adhomai and ask its leaders one question. Will they assist our priests in healing the future generations?

A route has already been planned for the Father to travel along and the details of which will be sent to all three governments on Adhomai. Observers and analysts note that due to the escalating tensions between all three border crossings may be impossible. Other issues raised concern the Father’s safety during his journey. Much of Adhomai’s provinces, particularly in the Democratic People’s Republic of Adhomai, face severe crime issues and reports of heavy banditry. It is expected that the Parivara will have to negotiate for guards from the armies or private entities on Adhomai to ensure the safety of Father K’rrirran and his attendants. 

The announcement’s timing occurs exactly with the beginning of the Coming of Dawn religious holiday. A massive ceremony of hymns to commemorate the day was held in Sana Sahira shortly after Father Valyan K’rrirran’s announcement. 

[Coalf]

Free Weekend? We Got Your Back!

You wake up, it’s 8 in the morning and you have a rare free Sunday, what now? Well, worry not, because we at Times Culture have your backs. Our reporters and journalists have gone into the streets to fish out the hottest and newest hits. Some are so hot, you might burn yourself on them, so be careful!

First off is the new-old, old-new band, Bloodstorm! That’s right, our favorite Tajara band is going to be releasing a hit new album. The title? New World Gods! They promise it’ll be as rage fuelled as their previous hits, taking shots at the newly formed SCC and primarily at Nanotrasen, ouch! The spokesman for the band, Vargir Stenovich elaborated to our journalists.

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“New environment, same old [Censored] to take down and tread on,” he explained.

For all fans interested, their first concert will be hosted in the District 6 Arena with police oversight to prevent any hostilities, in just 3 days! However, we have an exclusive scoop that they’ll be performing various secret shows in undisclosed bars and locations.

Advisory: Skrell audiences are advised to avoid the district 6 Arena during the concert.

Next up, brought to you from the famed Konymation studios, the seventh season of the animated series Stormman has finally been released in Tau Ceti! Here only a week after premiering on Konyang, life on the entire planet had practically been put on hold for a couple of days as everyone flocked to their screens to watch the ten brand new episodes! Don’t miss the masked hero as he once more dons his suit, harnessing the raw power of the stormy weather to avenge his loss from season six… and what else? Of course, to beat up those that try to stop him! Watch it now on ETX Network, exclusive distributors in Tau Ceti.

Advisory: Mature audiences only. Contains scenes of violence and gore.

After that, we’ve got some hot news straight from the Jargon Federation! Weshi Beshi, the idol behind such hits as ‘Feel My Wake’ and ‘Carry On’, has announced that they will be doing an online performance of their soon-to-be-released album ‘I Need’ next week. Weshi said in a dual Viv-ID and Chirper announcement that this performance will be streamed on all available services, and as an added bonus it will be performed almost entirely in Tau Ceti Basic! This will be the first major attempt by a Federation idol to reach a non-Skrell audience, so be sure to not miss out on this milestone! Links to the event will be shared on Weshi Beshi’s Viv-ID and Chirper pages.

[Alberyk]

Adhomian Nations and Biesel Recognizes Tajaran Community in the Coalition of Colonies

Representatives from the Free Tajaran Council, the largest Tajaran community in the Coalition of Colonies, have met today in Tau Ceti with Adhomian diplomats to discuss their people's citizenship status. From the revolution until the armistice, the Tajara in Himeo remained largely isolated from their homeworld; the great majority of its population missed the window of opportunity to make use of the citizenship act. To solve this legal nebulous situation, the Council sought the Republic of Biesel to act as an intermediary during the negotiations. Tau Ceti also took part in the negotiation of the deal that ended the decade-long Tajaran civil war.

The parties came to an agreement where the Free Council's population was granted a temporary citizenship status demonstrating their reintegration into the Tajaran galactic community. Its members will be given special passports allowing them to visit the Tajaran countries and Tau Ceti to help them decide. While no deadline was set, the Free Council promised to compromise with one of the nations and forfeit their temporary citizenship in favor of their future benefactor. Because of the structure of the Council's government, the decision would require the absolute majority of the votes.

Diplomats from the Coalition of Colonies and Himeo were also present during the negotiations. The proposal was transmitted to the Foundling District via the extranet, where a gathering of the Council Tajaran population voted in favor of the proposal. Treaties facilitating the trade and cultural exchange with Adhomai were also signed. 

Agafya Nikiforova, one of the representatives from the council, called the agreement, "A great step in solidifying the Council's relationship with their homeworld."

[Caelphon]

Valkyrie Exchange Terminal Expands

The Council of Valkyrian Affairs, more specifically Director-General Charles Arco, has announced that the Valkyrie Exchange Terminal will commence renovations and additions to both its residential and logistics sectors. Mare Gurgite is the proposed site of the Valkyrie Exchange Terminal’s expansion. Councillor of Economic Developer Arthur O’Donnell has announced that the Council will be contracting both Hephaestus Industries and the Orion Express to handle the logistics and construction of the extensions. 

Spanning just over a tenth of the lunar surface of Valkyrie, the Valkyrie Exchange Terminal is a non-corporate entity that manages the affairs of the biesellite moon, working closely alongside several megacorporations to fulfil economic quotas set by the greater Republic of Biesel. It has become a bastion of the biesellite multiculturalism in recent decades, which has led to the need to develop additional facilities to increase the number of residents it can house, and also provide career opportunities through expanding its logistics wing - likely to be assisted by the likes of the Orion Express.

[Alberyk]

Mendell City Police Department Arrest Terrorism Suspects

The Mendell City Police Department announced the arrest of four individuals linked to the bombing attempt in District Eight last year. All of the suspects were Tajara living in Tau Ceti for the past three years. The arrests were only made possible thanks to the information provided by the Democratic People's Republic. The motivations behind the attack are still unknown. So far, the MCPD believes that the incident is linked to organized crime acting within District Six.

Due to the tense relationship between Little Adhomai's inhabitants and the Mendell City Police Department, the arrests had to be performed outside of the district. Investigations are being done in collaboration with the DPRA intelligence service. Because of its importance, little information on the case has been made available to the public. The identity of the suspects is still unknown.

The government is currently negotiating with the Democratic People's Republic about the possibility of deporting the suspects. The Unity party advocated for deporting the Tajara as soon as possible, so the DPRA might judge them as they see fit. Social Progress Front supported deporting the suspects only after they served their sentences. The Free Party opposed any kind of deportation. Hadiist Party of Biesel proposed the cyborgification of everyone involved in the plot. The Egalitarian Coalition stood against any kind of life sentence.

President Dorn thanked President Harrlala for her diplomatic approach to the situation.

[Caelphon]

New Gibson University Students Protest

New Gibson University will become the centre of attention this next week as a result of several civil demonstrations planned by students who oppose the Peacekeeper Mandate that continues to wage on in the Corporate Reconstruction Zone. Hundreds are predicted to come together, predominately in the Sjosidane Square of the Hengsha Campus, to voice their discontent against the Dorn Administration's policy of occupation. 

Campus Security has been ordered to disperse themselves both around and within the demonstration to ensure that it remains peaceful - however, organisers of the protest allegedly claim that they do not wish to fight for their cause violently. Regardless of the intentions, many are reminded of the protesting that went sour outside the Municipal Library of Sikunda where Marcela Avendano, unfortunately, lost her life at the hands of an inexperienced Legionnaire.  

Rumours persist of the inklings of centralisation regarding a primary student organisation against the Peacekeeper Mandate, with supposed links between the Arequipan Institute of Ecology and Natural Sciences and New Gibson University. It is unknown whether these rumours have any concrete foundations, but perhaps additional information will unravel as the demonstrations across the campuses of New Gibson University take place.

[Caelphon]

Strikes across New Gibson

Dozens of industrial facilities find themselves shut down as hundreds step out to show support for the anti-war demonstrations held by New Gibson University across their various campuses. Corporate facilities across the planet find themselves either without employees or shut down as a result of protestors chanting outside their doors – most notably of which is NanoTrasen’s establishments, with many associations the megacorporation with the situation in which the Corporate Reconstruction Zone finds itself within. 

President Joseph Dorn of the Republic of Biesel is scheduled to meet with Presiding Speaker Åke Torvald as the number of those who support the step-out continues to swell. There have been no further comments from other megacorporations present across the arctic planetoid, however, sources from within the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate confirm that there will be harsh sanctions against those that are proven to have “seditious, anti-corporate sentiments of a threatening calibre” – however, little else is known. 

The New Gibson Parliament has had an emergency sitting in order to discuss possible remedies for the developing situation, which the Presiding Speaker will bring up when meeting with President Dorn.  The New Gibson Security Forces have proclaimed that should it get out of hand it will be dealt with, but as it currently stands, the people are merely voicing their discontent with the ruling party, a declaration that has been authorised by the Presiding Speaker. 

 

[Caelphon]

Presiding Speaker Addresses Situation

Presiding Speaker Åke Torvald addressed the New Gibson Parliament, following his meeting with President Dorn, and the greater population of New Gibsonites. As the support for an anti-war movement continues to rise, many have called into question the legitimacy of New Gibson within the Republic of Biesel. The economic situation within the Orion Spur is already tenuous at best, with the industrial heart of the Spur’s economic hegemon refusing to produce goods, a frightening realisation begins to set in. 

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Presiding Speaker Åke Torvald: The instability of the Corporate Reconstruction Zone has forced New Gibsonites to play accomplices to the atrocities that are committed across it. When we look towards Mictlan, the people of New Gibson clearly have voiced their alignment with their freedom from the military occupation that exists – and they have made it clear they will not stand for the Republic of Biesel’s handling of the circumstances.

Presiding Speaker Åke Torvald: President Dorn and I spoke at lengths, where I outlined the need to allow discontent to be voiced so that the Republic of Biesel does not fall into the same situation in which the Solarian Alliance now finds itself within – of which the President agreed. I understand the worries brought to my attention regarding the Orion Spur’s decline into an economic recession, and I recognise that New Gibson is instrumental to the greater Republic of Biesel, however, it is for that reason I believe the voices of New Gibson must be heard. 

Presiding Speaker Åke Torvald: Following the necessary, emergency sitting held by this parliament – New Gibson will exist under a new dispensation within the Republic of Biesel, one that will not stand for the current handling of the Corporate Reconstruction Zone. Therefore, it was determined between both President Dorn and myself that further decisions regarding action will not be done unless consulted by the representatives of the federal planetary states of the Republic of Biesel – this includes Prime Minister Ladislao de Santos of Mictlan – and have their voices heard on the way forward when stabilising the Corporate Reconstruction Zone. 

 

Protests across New Gibson have declined in numbers but still continue. The situation is believed to be under control, and the New Gibson Security Forces maintain their prior position on the matter – some facilities have become operational once again, putting Tau Ceti’s economic strain at ease following the former’s prior shutdown. 

Edited September 12, 2022 by Caelphon

[Caelphon]

Council of Six Representatives Meet 

Following discussions between President Joseph Dorn and Presiding Speaker Åke Torvald, it was determined that a forum be held regarding further intervention within the Corporate Reconstruction Zone and the way forward, as many regions within the Republic of Biesel’s newfound states, begin to stabilize. Referred to as the “C6R” or the Council of Six Representatives, the forum will continuously expand as planetary states are introduced – but for now, consists of the six most integrated. 

The representatives comprise the following: President Joseph Dorn of the Republic of Biesel, Director-Governor Charles Arcos of the Commonwealth of Valkyrie, Presiding Speaker Åke Torvald of the Parliamentary Republic of New Gibson, High Queen Vaur of the Zo’ra Hive of Caprice, Prime Minister Ladislao de Santos of the Republic of Mictlan, and Premier Julien Guerrier of the Union of Port Antillia. Acting Director of Operations for the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate, Miranda Trasen, was also invited as an honorary member of the Council of Six Representatives. 

Lasting approximately an hour, the discussion entailed the future of the Corporate Reconstruction Zone and the Peacekeeper Mandate, where issues faced were brought to light by several parties – most of which were by Prime Minister Ladislao de Santos. Acting Director of Operations Miranda Trasen outlined the economic restoration of Mictlan – including immediate withdrawal of the megacorporation sanctions placed on the planet. Additionally, the introduction of civic welfare services will be offered in exchange for employment with the constituent megacorporations of the Conglomerate as a means to ensure compliance with their intended initiatives to develop the planet economically.

President Dorn confirmed that the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion would begin removing themselves from Mictlan, following the successful implementation of the economic initiatives by the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate, and meaningful stabilisation of the planet. Prime Minister Ladislao de Santos criticized the former opinion, raising that staged removal should commence immediately, as the Mictlan Defense Force could be used to intervene if necessary. A concession was agreed upon, where the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion would begin removing themselves from the western forward operation bases, but the region surrounding Lago de Abundancia would remain occupied by its forces. 

The final proposed plans found themselves unanimously agreed upon by the Council of Six Representatives, and will soon begin implementation. Despite the decline of President Dorn’s approval rating in the wake of the phoron scarcity, it has since shot up yet again, seemingly restoring the legitimacy of his office as he maintains the title of President of the Orion Spur’s economic hegemony. 

Edited September 19, 2022 by Caelphon

[Caelphon]

Hephaestus Industries Expands Foothold

Following discussions between Prime Minister Ladislao de Santos and representatives from Hephaestus Industries, it was announced that the megacorporation found find itself integral to the rebuilding of the more damaged parts of Mictlan, namely the region surrounding Lago de Abundancia. In addition, it shall supplement the existing orbital enterprises in regard to both resource harvesting and refinement – securing Hephaestus Industries as a key player in the economy of the planet. 

The megacorporation has been contracted to begin reconstruction of more dire sections of Lago de Abundancia following the insurrection crisis that was mounted by the Samaritans and the Founding Movement just months ago. The Tau Ceti Foreign Legion’s engineering division found themselves having been the primary effort to reconstruction, now find themselves supplemental to the waves of Hephaestus Industries’ contractors. 

Mictlan Orbital Excavation Ventures – a newfound subsidiary of the megacorporation – shall find itself solely dedicated to the harvesting of extraplanetary resources that previously went untouched as a result of the planet’s instability. The staged removal of the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion as a result of Mictlan’s recovery has allowed for projections for the prospects of the planet to skyrocket – which can be assumed the primary reason for Hephaestus’ expansion into its orbital industries.

[Caelphon]

Fort Yaotl Purchased By Zavodskoi Interstellar

Zavodskoi Interstellar Industries has purchased Fort Yaotl from the Republic of Biesel, more so from the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion, in an attempt to further integrate themselves within Mictlan’s economy. Having been auctioned off following the end of the Peacekeeper Mandate thanks to discussions between the Council of the Six, Fort Yaotl served as an instrumental processing facility for those displaced from their homes during the height of the Biesellite attempt at stabilizing the planet and now shall serve as the headquarters for the megacorporation it nows finds itself host of. 

Zavodskoi has announced its intention to develop both industrial and research facilities – away from the populated regions of the planet – with its subsidiary Confiance Technologies’ introduction of its military wing into the Republic of Biesel, and subsequently the first outside of the Solarian Alliance. However, Zavodskoi Interstellar has assured both parties that there will exist separate databases and servers to ensure “the sensitive data held cannot get into the wrong hands”. 

Fort Yaotl has since begun its renovation into the newfound regional headquarters of the megacorporation – including undergoing a name change, “Makarov Industrial Research Centre”. The Private Military Contracting Group has also been called in to establish perimeters surrounding the area once renovations are complete to protect the megacorporation’s sensitive data, and whatever else it intends to use the facilities for. 

[Caelphon]

Celebrations in Arequipa

For the last week, hundreds of those residing within the planetary capital of Mictlan, Arequipa, have taken to the streets and celebrated the ending of the Peacekeeper Mandate in the wake of the Council of Six’s meeting, and the subsequent end of the megacorporate sanctions that were levied on Mictlani – drastically causing a rise in the price of living, and an overall decline in the quality of life. 

Slowly, Mictlan has seen itself live up to the name of the capital of the Corporate Reconstruction Zone, where new enterprises have been established as projected stability continues to rise across the planet. Prime Minister Ladislao de Santos has confirmed additional economic ventures are still yet to be announced, regardless Mictlani celebrate their newfound liberation from the instability that had shackled them during the height of the Peacekeeper Mandate. 

[Caelphon]

Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals’ Promises Preservation

Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals has reported purchasing several hundred hectares of land in the coastal region surrounding Sikunda to create create a wildlife preservation centre in the wake of the planet’s planned urbanisation projects since the lifting of the Peacekeeper Mandate across Mictlan. Considered the largest within the greater Republic of Biesel, the Ma Ding Preservation Site shall be the headquarters for Zeng-Hu Pharmaceutical’s expansion on the planet.

In addition to the wildlife preservation centre, the megacorporation shall commence constructing xenobiological research facilities on the grounds – of introducing altered Mictlani species of both flora and fauna into the Ma Ding Preservation Centre in order to study the ecological reaction to the existing environment – which representatives have sworn will not affect the environment outside the facilities. 

Idris Incorporated and Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals have allegedly begun discussions about expanding the Ma Ding Preservation Site to include tourist activities such as game drives, hunting and even sectioning off some of the preservation site to create hotels and a vibrant golfing course amidst the jungles of Mictlan. 

[Caelphon]

Premier Announces Cabinet and Greater Political Integration

Following his successful vying for the Premier, Julien Guerrier has announced the composition of his ministerial cabinet, who will become instrumental in moving forward with the plans that the Premier will begin to implement regarding the political structure of the Union of Port Antillia. Notable elements include Iara Galindez as Minister of Economy, Trade and Investment, Lorna Rieviere as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Isandro Burges retaining his position as Minister of Defence. During the transitional government of Toño de Avila, there had been plans to create a bicameral legislature, however, almost no steps had been taken to begin instituting it, until now. 

Premier Julien Guerrier has begun formal implementation of the “National Assembly of Port Antillia” alongside the “Antillean Council of Provinces”. The former will have Antilleans represented based on the percentage of the vote acquired by political parties, while the latter will see provincial representation based on who presides as Chancellors. Premier Guerrier outlines the necessity for these steps to be taken for meaningful political interactions to occur for the average Antillean. He further outlined both will be crucial in the further integration of Port Antillia within the greater Republic of Biesel. The National Assembly will convene within the Arthezé Council Buildings until a separate legislative house can be constructed. 

The following parties have been recognised and will form the representatives within the National Assembly of Port Antillia; Antillean Libertarian Party (21%), Social Democratic Front of Port Antillia (33%), Coalition for Antillean Social Democracy (30%)  and lastly the Antillean People’s Party (16%). The head representatives of the parties remain as they did within the elections, where their political alignments have been outlined as not being an obstacle to their responsibilities and obligations.