Tau Ceti Times

[Caelphon]

Monumental Decision for the National Assembly 

Premier Julien Guerrier has met with both Minister Iara Galindez and Lorna Rieviere in order to outline his proposition for foreign investment into the Union of Port Antillia. Specifics of the discussion have been revealed to the National Assembly of Port Antillia, and the Antillean Council of Provinces, in the form of a declaration by the Premier during a quorum meeting. It has been attached below. 

Quote

 

Premier Julien Guerrier: Welcome, Representatives, to the first quorum meeting of the National Assembly of Port Antillia. Many decisions, some critical, will be made by Antilleans for Antilleans within these halls. We must ensure the foundations that are laid are not shaky, nor fragile, that they can stand the test of time and serve as building blocks for the next generation. Therefore, I bring proposed legislation to these chambers in order for the parliamentary discussion to commence regarding our future, by building frameworks for which foreign investment can occur. 

Premier Julien Guerrier: With the assent of both the Ministers of Economy, Trade and Investment alongside Foreign Affairs, we’ve determined that the staged introduction of megacorporations is necessary. However, there are several other steps that must be taken in conjunction in order to protect Antilleans from exploitative practices. In addition, corporate tolls must be levied to ensure social welfare programmes can commence with additional economic support from foreign investment. 

Premier Julien Guerrier: Therefore, it has been brought before the representatives of Antilleans the proposed legislation that shall establish this framework, which will be headed by both Ministers Iara Galidez and Lorna Rieviere. This initiative shall propel our further integration within the interstellar community. Further démarche will be brought before these chambers before moving forward with far-reaching acts that may have unintended consequences, where such shall be debated by the representatives. 

 

The Antillean Libertarian Party voted unanimously for the Framework for Foreign Investment Bill to be introduced, whilst both the Social Democratic Front of Port Antillia and Coalition for Antillean Social Democracy saw a minority dissent against the framework within the respective parties – the majority voted in favour, however. The Antillean People’s Party voted a quarter in support, the rest voted in accordance with Minister Isandro Burges who remarked that it invited a weaker Port Antillia to form. The Framework for Foreign Investment Bill has been passed, and the Premier can soon commence other economic reforms – where political manoeuvring may be critical in his proposals, in the wake of expanded Antillean politics. 

[Caelphon]

Minister Galindez meets with Orion Express

Minister Iara Galindez of Economy, Trade and Investment met with several Orion Express representatives this past week – where she expanded in her report to the National Assembly the proposed plans for the introduction of the megacorporation to supplement existing Antillean corporations. Her address at the National Assembly of Port Antillia has been uploaded below. 

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Minister Iara Galindez: With the authority conferred upon me by the Premier, I have begun discussions for the introduction of vital foreign investment into Port Antillia, commencing with Orion Express – where several plans were outlined between both Antillean advisors and representatives from the megacorporation. In accordance with the economic plans set by the Premier, the staged introduction can occur one of three ways. 

Minister Iara Galindez: The presence of deep-sea minerals within the basin surrounding both Arthezé and Agüeybaná. Orion Express has generously agreed to supplement the existing infrastructure present within these two provinces, allowing for the harvesting and refinement facilities to be set up. This will allow for an expansion of the provincial economy, and the greater economy of Port Antillia. 

Minister Iara Galindez: Centro del Mondyal has long been the most prosperous of the regions across Port Antillia, where existing infrastructure has allowed for it to maintain the largest shuttle port within the Mirabel province. Orion Express has expressed interest in introducing orbital mining platforms and developing the off-world mining industry in the Port. We’re projecting this to be the most valuable venture, however, Orion Express will have the majority controlling interest. 

Minister Iara Galindez: The Union of Port Antillia has seen significant development in the last years, where it has been necessary to expand the available routes off-world – which the megacorporation has expressed interest in developing. The province of Nueva Havana has been elected for this extension, with the introduction of another shuttle port in addition to those present in Mirabel. 

 

The National Assembly has tabled the ventures whilst they discuss the intricacies of the economic proposals and their impact on Antilleans – whether the terms and conditions offered with the support by Orion Express is truly advantageous for the Union of Port Antillia. The National Assembly asserted they would declare the result in a week, once all parties are satisfied. 

[Caelphon]

Proposal Selected by National Assembly

 

The National Assembly debated throughout the week which proposal would be the most beneficial to the Union of Port Antillia, with notable claims by the Antillean People’s Party disavowing any introduction of non-Antillean corporations into the economy as it’d leave the planet susceptible to exploitation and corruption. However, the votes have been cast and Premier Julien Guerrier addressed the Union, captured below.

Quote

 

Premier Julien Guerrier: Minister Iara Galindez has finalised the votes cast by the National Assembly of the Union of Port Antillia regarding the introduction of Orion Express into our economy. Though it appears the representatives of Antilleans debated heavily over the last week, they ultimately agreed that it was necessary for greater integration within the interstellar community. 

Premier Julien Guerrier: The proposals were weighed with consideration of both the advantages and disadvantages that each would bring, and though it didn’t seem as if a choice would be made, the representatives settled on the introduction of an additional shuttleport to the Union’s Nueva Havana province allowing our economy to expand our export abilities – a step in the right direction regarding the upliftment of Port Antillia. 

 

The Antillean Libertarian Party voted unanimously for the shuttleport to be introduced, whilst both the Social Democratic Front of Port Antillia and Coalition for Antillean Social Democracy believed that the Guayamouc Deep Sea Mineral Harvesting proposal as the greater influence for the upliftment of the Union, however, a minority dissent voted for the introduction of a new shuttleport. The Antillean People’s Party voted for enhancing the Union’s orbital industries, despite their discourse regarding the Orion Express’ arrival.  The Union will soon commence pursuing the proposal with their available resources. 

[Caelphon]

 

Foreign Relations for Port Antillia

Minister Lorna Rieviere of Foreign Affairs has proclaimed that the Union of Port Antillia shall host delegates from several planetary-states within the Republic of Biesel, in line with Premier Julien Guerrier’s wish for further integration within the interstellar community. She expanded that while representatives initially from other planetary-states have been invited that there are plans in motion – congruent with the Premier’s wishes – for emissaries from the Solarian Alliance to be hosted within the Union. 

Prime Minister Ladislao de Santos of the Republic of Mictlan has confirmed he shall be visiting Port Antillia, accepting the invitation extended to him by Premier Julien Guerrier. He further added that he is excited to experience the the cultural richness of the planet, and cannot wait to cherish it. 

Presiding Speaker Ake Torvalds also accepted the invitation extended to the Parliamentary Republic of New Gibson. He expanded during his address to the New Gibsonite Parliament that meaningful bonds need to be sustained through habitual state banquets between the newly incorporated populace within the Corporate Reconstruction Zone and the Republic of Biesel’s capital of Tau Ceti. 

Unfortunately, Director-Governor Charles Arcos of the Commonwealth of Valkyrie had to decline the invitation extended due to ‘important political affairs concerning the moon’ due to the ongoing phoron scarcity. However, he asserted that following the clearing of his conflicting schedule that he is obligated to host Premier Julien Guerrier to solidify the Commonwealth’s support of the Union of Port Antillia. 

President Joseph Dorn of the Republic of Biesel and Acting Director of Operations of the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate Miranda Trasen were also extended invitations, and both have been accepted. Crucial to the smooth integration of the Union of Port Antillia within the greater interstellar community, Premier Guerrier has routinely asserted the need to strengthen the bonds between the three entities – Biesel, Conglomerate and the Union – in order for the planet to prosper.

Edited October 11, 2022 by Caelphon

[Caelphon]

Port Antillia Welcomes Planetary-Member States

Following Premier Julien Guerrier’s extension of an invitation to several other planetary-member states of the Republic of Biesel last week, they have finally begun touching down across the dozens of shuttle ports within Mirabel’s cities of Toza, Luisa and Hicotea. 

Acting Director of Operations of the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate Miranda Trasen and President of the Republic of Biesel Joseph Dorn arrived together, showing off NanoTrasen’s latest innovation -- the Wasp-Class Shuttle. Upon landing, a combination of secret service agents and combat androids filtered out and secured the two’s immediate surroundings. They found themselves welcomed by thousands of Antilleans hoping to get a glance at such notable individuals within the greater Spur, in addition to Premier Julien Guerrier. The three travelled through the streets of Toza in a Langenfield EVO, modified to a convertible that allowed them to wave to bystanders as they cruised throughout the city.  

Presiding Speaker Ake Torvalds, alongside several Hephaestus Industries representatives, choose to arrive within the megacorporation’s signature Iron-Class Shuttle – used for commercial interplanetary travel. Upon arrival, the Presiding Speaker engaged with several Antillean reporters, voicing the necessity of these state banquets to ensure continued mutual cooperation between Tau Ceti and the Corporate Reconstruction Zone. Minister Lorna Rieviere warmly greeted the Presiding Speaker, before escorting him to a Poplar Excursion waiting to whisk him away to the proposed location for the state banquet. 

Prime Minister Ladislao de Santos was escorted by several Tau Ceti Foreign Legion Corvettes en route to the Union of Port Antillia,  where they remain in orbit following the Prime Minister’s descent into Hecotea. Alongside the Prime Minister, several representatives from Idris Incorporated are partaking in the state banquet. His arrival was somewhat delayed, but allowed for both Premier Julien Guerrier and Minister Iara Galindez to welcome the Prime Minister to the Union, where photographs were caught of the three walking towards the Premier’s personal Lagenfield Surveyor. 

The state banquet will only be held this upcoming Friday, but it can be assumed that these notable individuals shall engage in merry-making activities as thousands make their way to Mirabel to gaze upon the arrival of these prominent politicians, and the most influential individuals to the future of the Union of Port Antillia. 

[Caelphon]

Union State Banquets Hosted

Last night, the Union of Port Antillia hosted various dignitaries from the planetary-member states of the Republic of Biesel; President Joseph Dorn, Presiding Speaker Ake Torvalds, Prime Minister Ladislao de Santos and the honorary presence of the Acting Director of the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate, Miranda Trasen. Premier Julien Guerrier, alongside several of his ministers, confirmed that they believed the banquet had been a successful event in securing the relations between the Union and the greater Republic of Biesel. 

Dozens of topics were supposed broached, according to an insider that oversaw the state banquet, including the Peacekeeper Mandate and its commencement on the Union of Port Antillia – which President Dorn vehemently denied, allegedly. However, President Dorn changed the subject, exclaiming his gratefulness for the Premier’s invitation – and the ability to enjoy the beautiful and verdant landscapes of Mirabel. 

Several ministers of the Premier’s cabinet also attended the state banquet, such as Isandro Burgos, Iara Galindez and Lorna Rieviere – who all had an opportunity to engage with the representatives of the planetary-member states, as well as the dozens of representatives from the Hephaestus Industries and Idris Incorporated that came along with Presiding Speaker Ake Torvalds and Prime Minister Ladislao de Santos, respectively. 

Departures shall occur tomorrow, with thousands of Antilleans expected to bid farewell to the notable individuals of the Republic of Biesel as they return to their homes.

[Alberyk]

Little Adhomai Enjoys the Dholma Festival

Celebrated in the third week of the month, the Dholma Festival is a Tajaran holiday honoring the harvest. As part of its Adhomian heritage, this festival is also observed by the inhabitants of Imperial Plaza. For an entire week, the streets of Little Adhomai are taken by stands selling food, crafts, and all kinds of goods. The population of District six and other parts of the city travel through the neighborhood to take part in the party. Music bands, theater groups, and all kinds of artists provide entertainment for free to the party-goers. Pubs, restaurants, and stores remain open throughout the entire day and night.

As part of the celebrations, the Museum of Immigration is offering free tours to the Tajaran wing. Since its inauguration, the Adhomian population has frequently contributed to its archive. The museum is also offering samples of Tajaran cuisine to its visitors as part of a deal with the Orion Express and the Adhomian states.

Due to the Dholma Festival, the Mendell City Police deployed extra officers to Little Adhomai for the duration of the event. Despite the cases of violence in the past two years, 2464 was considered to be a peaceful year in the district by its people and the city's administration. The Mendell Police department reported that cases of gang violence have hit a new low since 2462. Despite these advances, many activists from the district complained that little has been done to improve the living conditions in the area.

[Caelphon]

The Solarian Invasion: Two Years On

With Tribusti de Colonis fast approaching, it is important to reflect back on recent events which shook the core of the Republic of Biesel. In the last decade, the sovereignty of Tau Ceti has been threatened and intruded upon by the Solarian Alliance and its so-called rogue fleets that sought to ultimately destroy the Biesellite way of life. It's been only two years since the Solarian Invasion, where the Orion Spur united and supported the Republic of Biesel – culminating in the former’s collapse. 

The last twenty-four months have seen Biesel pushed to the edge, incorporating new territories within the Corporate Reconstruction Zone, and welcoming new planetary-member states that previously were crushed beneath the iron grip of the Solarian Alliance – though it hasn’t been easy. Hundreds perished in the invasion, and the ensuing chaos that it created within the interstellar community. But, we’ve all strived and survived through the worst of it.

Though the phoron scarcity continues, NanoTrasen’s recent discovery within Valley Hale may soon be an answer to all our prayers, with a possible restoration to a new normal. It hasn’t been easy, but the Republic of Biesel and the rest of the Orion Spur may finally begin healing from our deep wounds and grieve those that we’ve lost. Each and every person has been affected, in one way or another, but the recent interstellar events.

[Caelphon]

Remembering Our Foundations

Colonised three-hundred-and-seventeen years ago, Biesel has certainly had a colourful history. Though it has evolved considerably since its colonisation, Biesel still reflects back on its foundations, serving as a beacon of liberty, opportunity and new pastures for those across the Orion Spur. In recent times, Biesel has become home to an array of species – not just humanity. Stretching from Skrell to Synthetics, it has become a multicultural basket, blending and assimilating within one another and producing the Biesellite Culture that it is today. 

Cities across the grassy knolls of Biesel celebrate Tribusti de Colonis different, such as Belle Cote which hosts its annual fashion show – reflecting the upcoming trends in the fashion of the Republic of Biesel, likely to see considerable influence from the integrated states of Mictlan and Port Antillia – a sign that those within the Corporate Reconstruction Zone are beginning to assimilate. 

The Craterview Fireworks Extravaganza has confirmed that they will be adjusting their usual programme, paying homage to the lives lost in the last two years since the Orion Spur was thrown into the deep end of chaos – and remembering the colonial roots and foundations established by thesettlers of Biesel, and what they strived to build during the initial era of humanity’s expansion.

[Caelphon]

Belle Cote Celebrates Multicultural Elements

The Belle Cote Annual Fashion Show has commenced, hosted by Idris Incorporated’s Cashien Jewellers and Le Soleil Royal, it is set to incorporate elements of the most notable planetary-member states – setting the trend for the next year within the Republic of Biesel. Chief Executive Officers Lubanzi Idris and Emilie de Coutuier announced themselves returning as the masters of ceremonies, for the sixth consecutive year, sometime in September. 

Though the Fashion Show will only commence tonight, the city has already seen an influx of tourists from across the Orion Spur – even from the far reaches of Assuzione. Acting Director of the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate Miranda Trasen was given a ticket to partake in the festivities and confirmed that she’s preparing to make a presentation. This seems consistent with the increased number of Belle Cote police officials patrolling throughout the city’s streets.

[Caelphon]

Craterview Fireworks Extravaganza 

Craterview hosts its annual fireworks extravaganza – having first started almost two and a half centuries ago, after a particularly bountiful fishing period. It has since become yet another by-product of the celebrations throughout Tribusti de Colonist, integrated and welcomed as the explosive cherry on top of the cake. Today, it doesn’t just signify the celebration of the planet’s colonisation, but a solemn event for the lives lost throughout the last two years. 

As it comes to a close, Pyrotechnic Expert Kharrijon Takranjroh – who comes from the Democratic People’s Republic of Adhomai – leads the Craterview Fireworks Extravaganza, after proving the value of their unique skillset almost five years ago when they first became the leading organiser for the event. 

There will be a moment of silence before the fireworks are launched from a safe distance away with the use of a floating platform. It will be broadcast across the extranet for Biesellites to watch – both those at home and those across the greater Orion Spur. Distance doesn’t matter, we’re all Biesellites within our hearts.

[Alberyk]

Adhomai Celebrates Three Years of Peace

The Armistice of Shastar - the treaty that ended the Adhomian civil war - was signed three years ago. The conflict that ravaged the planet and took the lives of countless innocents was stopped thanks to the help of an intergalactic force; Biesel actively took a part in the negotiations, recognizing the three Tajaran nations. To celebrate this event, a holiday was created - Armistice Day.

Due to the growing tension between the Adhomian states, the holiday is barely observed by them. However, the Tajaran community in Biesel repurposed the date to celebrate their union before the second Solarian invasion. Multiple flags were flown across Little Adhomai while the Tajara came together to drink, eat, and play games. The Museum of Immigration also opened its door for free while offering samples of traditional Adhomian dishes to visitors.

No progress has been made toward a peace treaty so far. The Adhomian nations have done little to reduce the remaining hostilities. Specialists believe that another war is a possibility in the near future. Unlike the previous conflict, a new one would likely see the use of weapons of mass destruction by at least two sides. The future of Adhomai remains uncertain.

[Yonnimer]

NanoTrasen and Hephaestus Industries Announce Joint Increases In Employment Opportunities for Dionae

Today NanoTrasen and Hephaestus Industries have jointly announced their plans to remove certain restrictions on the positions that Dionae employees can hold within the companies, namely removing the restrictions previously set in place on certain managerial and administrative positions within the companies. Both companies have mentioned that this has been planned for some time, and training for potential promotions has been ongoing, although a specific date for which this will go into effect has yet to be announced.

Whilst the exact reason for this loosening of restrictions has not been publicly stated, it’s generally believed to be a result of pressure from the Eternal Church located on Biesel, as well as several smaller activist organizations across Biesel and parts of the CoC. These groups have been arguing against the restrictions placed on Dionae employees for the mega corporations for many managerial positions, arguing against their discriminatory nature as they are one of the few species with these restrictions still in place.

Information on how this will affect the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate as a whole is yet unknown, although a following announcement by the Conglomerate as a whole is expected to be coming in the following weeks.

[Yonnimer]

The SCC Announces the Promotion of Dionae Command Staff

As a follow-up to NanoTrasen and Hephaestus Industries jointly announcing their plans on loosening restrictions on certain positions to allow for Dionae to be promoted to higher positions within the companies, the companies have announced that effective immediately this policy will be going into effect, with the majority of planned potential candidates already being reached out to and given requisite training prior to this official announcement. Both companies have noted that while this will allow for Dionae to be in more managerial and administrative positions within the companies, restrictions are not being loosened on executive, internal investigations divisions, and high-level internal security positions.

While the other members of the SCC have not announced plans to promote or loosen their own restrictions on higher positions for Dionae, the SCC as a whole has announced that some new positions will be opening up for Dionae on jointly-operated facilities effective immediately in tandem with previous announcements.

[Connorjg1]

The Court of Queens goes public with new Vaurca Private Military Company

 

Earlier today, High Queen Vaur of the Zo'ra Hive announced that the Court of Queens, the Vaurca representative body in the Spur, would be publicizing a new private military and security company. According to Zo'rane representatives, the new group known as the "Ve'katak" or "Alliance" Phalanx was founded late in 2464 and will be made up of a percentage of primarily Warrior Vaurca from the three Hives in the Spur (Zo'ra, K'lax, and C'thur). It will reportedly have a mandate to "[protect the] Court when endangered by threats, external or internal."

 

A Private Military Contracting Group spokeswoman welcomed the announcement and revealed that the two parties had been in negotiations behind the scenes, with the final agreement being that the Court of Queens will provide the services of the Ve'katak Phalanx to PMCG purchasers when not deployed by the Court's order.

While the Private Military Contracting Group expressed support, many others in the Spur were divided, with some fearing that this is a precursor to further Vaurca militarization and others hypothesizing that it will reduce the Zo'ra Hives' contributions to the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion. The izweski Hegemony did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and the Nralakk Federation posted a statement on ViV-ID reinforcing that the C'thur Hive was free to engage in such activities outside of the Federation's territories.

In an effort to quell any fears, Zo'ra Representative Ta'Akaix'Yolt'Nenra Zo'ra released a statement following the announcement.

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"We wish to briefly address the concerns expressed by some of our allies with respect to our new military arrangement. To begin, this will not mean decreasing our steadfast support for the Foreign Legion. On the contrary, the Court of Queens has instituted this new plan to combat rampant unemployment amongst Warrior populations and ensure that the bad actors responsible for the Flagsdale riots of 2464 will be incapable of any further hostile action, in the Republic or elsewhere. Additionally, the Phalanx will be assisting in anti-piracy actions and patrolling to keep us all safe."

How this new venture will play out remains to be seen. 

Edited January 14, 2023 by Connorjg1

[Caelphon]

Reverence of Life Act Comes to Parliament

The Union of Port Antillia’s Parliament has tabled the Reverence of Life Act, better aligning the member-state to the Republic of Biesel’s approach to law – however, with a notable caveat that has seen some controversy since the planet’s entrance into the greater interstellar community; the denouncing of cyborgification and declaration of non-tolerance of any procedures that would enable the practice to be done on the planet.

The Reverence of Life Act outlines the elimination of capital punishment from the planet’s judicial system, bringing it into line with the Republic of Biesel’s signing of Protocol II of the Luna Accords of Interstellar Law. Though once belonging to the Alliance of Sovereign Solarian Nations, also a signatory, the fractured status of the planet and the lack of any unitary government allowed for different approaches to the handling of criminal cases; most notably the endorsement of capital punishment by some of the now-provincial states. 

In spite of some major political parties disagreeing with the assent of the Reverence of Life Act, arguing that criminal judicial matters should be handled by provincial authorities, rather than the unitary government involving itself in local affairs.

Most notably, the Antillean Liberation Party denounces the inclusion of the outlawing of cyborgification, arguing it goes against the established precedent in the Republic of Biesel where cyborgification is not classed as capital punishment. The Social Democratic Front of Port Antillia proposed the Reverence of Life Act and supports its assent – alongside the Coalition of Antillean Social Democracy, despite minor dissenters regarding the total removal of capital punishment. The Antillean People’s Party only agrees with the intolerance of cyborgification, but not the total removal of capital punishment.

Edited February 25, 2023 by Caelphon

[Caelphon]

Reverence of Life Act Passed

The Union of Port Antillia’s Parliament has passed the Reverence of Life Act; with sixty-two percent of the Parliament assenting to its inclusion into the Union’s legislative codification. Hundreds of criminals previously sentenced to capital punishment now find their sentences adjusted to life in prison, with dozens flocking for appeals thanks to the recent changes. This does not prevent those of Antillean descent from being sentenced to cyborgification should they commit a crime outside of the member-state's planetary jurisdiction. 

An extract of the more critical parts of the Reverence of Life Act have been uploaded for viewers. 

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Reverence of Life Act 13 of 2465

To further regulate the imposition of capital punishment sentences for certain serious offences; to give court jurisdiction to convict and sentence a person found guilty of an offence referred to in Part I of Schedule 3 to imprisonment for life, as opposed to capital punishment; and to provide for matters connected herewith. 

…

Cyborgification - A procedure that concerns the termination of a person’s life through which their cerebrum is extracted and modified in order to be placed in a man-machine interface to function as a primary control unit in an artificial shell. 

State - The Federal Republic of Biesel and the Corporate Reconstruction Zone, of which the Union of Port Antillia associates itself with as a member-state.

Member-state - The Union of Port Antillia as a unitary government. 

…

2. Consequences of Sentenced Capital Punishments

Any person convicted of an offence in relation to Part I of Schedule 3 and have been sentenced to capital punishment as a result of their offence shall have their sentences stayed to;

(a) Life Sentences;

(b) Lesser sentences to which can occur only when substantial or compelling circumstances justify the imposition of lesser sentences in respect to the offence committed.  

…

6. Intolerance of Cyborgification as Reasonable Punishment

When imposing a sentence in reference to Part I of Schedule 3 it is prohibited regardless of any reasons that constitute substantial or compelling circumstances to justify the imposition of cyborgification  as a valid, fair or reasonable punitive action; regardless of the position taken by the State.

 

 

Edited February 26, 2023 by Caelphon

[MattAtlas]

Tau Ceti Foreign Legion to be Deployed to the Northern Border!

Act 1 Article 12 of the Amor Patriae arc

Earlier today the Office of the President announced a general movement of all available Foreign Legion and mercenary assets to the border with the Northern Wildlands, citing the ongoing security situation in the region as the main reason for this. When asked for comment, the Presidential press desk provided the Times with this statement:

“The Republic is concerned for the safety of all of our citizens, whether they be from Biesel or the Corporate Reconstruction Zone. The Foreign Legion’s presence on the border will serve as a safeguard against any Solarian elements who seek to prey upon the people of our nation, or take advantage of our resources.”

When asked if the Foreign Legion would be deployed into the Wildlands for peacekeeping operations, the press desk provided the Times with the following statement:

“The Republic of Biesel is a nation interested in peace which has no interest in attacking other nations. There is no current intention to deploy Legion or other forces abroad in peacekeeping operations. Our enemies should not take this for weakness, as we will defend our borders from any assaults.”

The private military companies contracted to work alongside the Foreign Legion declined the Times’ request to comment on the ongoing situation, citing matters of employee safety.

[Connorjg1]

Court of Queens announces plans to introduce new Ve'katak Phalanx training program

 

Earlier today, representatives for High Queen Vaur and Queen Zoleth of the Zo'ra Hive announced that the Court of Queens, the largest Vaurca political body in the Spur, will unveil a new training program for non-Vaurca who join the Ve'katak Phalanx. This plan will reportedly be focused on ensuring that the Phalanx remains a quote "attractive option for sapients looking for a highly demanding but rewarding work environment in the fields of Private Millitary Contracting and Security." The Ve'katak Phalanx, also referred to as the "Alliance Phalanx," is a private military company unveiled by the Court and the Private Military Contracting Group three months ago and is currently composed mostly of Vaurca Warriors from across the Spur. With this new announcement, however, the Phalanx is expected to broaden its horizons towards the Spur's other species. 

 

A statement released by the Court on their extranet site shortly after the announcement reveals the plan in broad steps, including mentions of the introduction of subsidized healthcare from Vaurca Biotechnicians for Phalanx members, a generous pay package, a "cybernetically-enriched experience to ensure the best performance from all security assets," and garnering the public attention of some researchers from NanoTrasen University, a mention of a new court-developed "fully immersive neural simulation training environment." Additionally, the statement attempts to address concerns raised by the public, with fears of Vaurca militarization having seen the Phalanx subject to small-scale demonstrations across Biesel since its January announcement. The largest of these protests has taken place in New Marfa, with Tau Ceti Times polling showing the majority Elyran population as strongly against the continuation of the Ve'katak Phalanx. A Representative for the Court of Queens who was contacted by the Tau Ceti Times for comment had this to say: 

Quote

"The Ve'katak Phalanx has the Republic of Biesel and the entire Spur's best interests at heart, and this expansion is designed with that in mind. Working with the Hives in an open capacity will be easier than ever before with this new program, and successful applicants will be first in line to try the greatest in our sapient enhancement technologies, becoming pioneers dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what was previously thought possible." 

 

We will bring you further details when they are announced.

Edited March 23, 2023 by Connorjg1

[MattAtlas]

The San Colette Crisis: A Benefit to Phoron Stocks?

Act 2 Article 9 of the Amor Patriae arc

After a corporate jingle the camera pans in to focus on Mike Donnelly, the balding host of the Tau Ceti Times’ Money Madness financial talk show. Donnelly is regarded as either one of the top minds when it comes to phoron investments or a mouthpiece for the Trasen regime depending on if you ask a resident of Tau Ceti or anyone else in the Spur.

“Hello, hello, hello!” Donnelly begins, pointing a finger gun at the camera. “Today we have an important question many Mendell City investors have been asking: will the San Colette crisis impact phoron stocks? In order to answer that question I am joined today by Doctor of phoronics Xavier Ramirez!”

The live audience calls as Dr. Ramirez, a NanoTrasen-sponsored economist, walks onto the stage. He waves and moves over to a chair opposite of Donnelly, where he sits down and smooths out his Walk Like Idris blazer for a moment.

“Thanks for having me on, Mike!”

“Ah, it’s no problem at all Doctor. Now, people are concerned about San Colette becoming cut off from the Republic due to the Alliance’s actions. Do you have any advice for them?”

“Well Mike that’s a good question,” Ramirez clears his throat. “Colettish phoron facilities have been a minor, but important, part of our economy since 2462-63 and, since the discovery of Orchard Moon, there’s been a need for more phoron processing facilities rather than less.”

“So what does that mean for the average person in Biesel?”

“Chances are we’ll see some price hikes on consumer phoron stocks within the next month or so, so now’s a good time to invest in phoronics.”

“You really think so?” Donnelly leans over in an exaggerated manner.

“I do, yes.”

“Alright!” Donnelly claps, leaning back. The audience claps in response. “You heard it here, folks! Phoron’s in for a bumper year in terms of stocks, so invest now! We’ll be back after this short word from our sponsor, NanoTrasen!”

The broadcast fades out to the sound of clapping as an ad for NanoTrasen starts to play.

[Connorjg1]

Court of Queens unveils new Virtual Reality training program

 

Following the unveiling of a new training program for Ve'katak Phalanx recruits early last month, the Court of Queen's recently founded private military company made a surprise announcement today that has sent shockwaves through much of the Republic's academic community. This announcement regarding the unveiling of what the Court is referring to as the 'fully immersive neural simulation training environment' stipulates that the Hives worked together to create a new Virtual Reality training technology for use by those training in the Veka'tak Phalanx.

 

The Virtual Reality technology of the Vaurca is reported as being highly advanced and has been the subject of intense study since their arrival in the Spur; however, prominent experts throughout Biesel's scientific community have criticized the Hives in the past for their apparent unwillingness to assist in the advancement of the technology. Among the most vocal critics was NanoTrasen University Professor of Biomechanics Dr. Song Xianliang, who made the news after accusing the Zo'ra Hive late last year of intentionally obstructing his research on the topic. Dr. Song has since withdrawn the criticism after Zo'ra researchers published a study in the Biesel Journal of Medical Science elaborating on the difficulties of adapting the Vaurca technology for human biology, but some of his colleagues continued to express skepticism. 

 

The unveiling of this reportedly cutting-edge training technology this morning is seen by many as the largest step the Vaurca have taken in sharing this technology with humanity. When questioned regarding why the technology was only being introduced to Ve'katak Phalanx recruits, Court Spokesperson Ta'Akaix'Yil Zo'ra who made the announcement, noted that "whilst this is a truly exciting day for the Hives, there are still monumental technological hurdles that stand in the way of adapting true Vaurcae Virtual Reality technology for wider use in the Spur. This Neural Simulation equipment has for the first time in history, been specifically adapted to work with non-Vaurcesian physiology. The closely monitored environment of the Phalanx allows us to see how the other sapiens of the Spur adapt to the latest developments and measure the effectiveness of the technology in a real workplace environment, whilst ensuring it is safe and effective for the Soldiers training for carrying out complex military operations."
 

 

While the announcement of this technology has been met with widespread enthusiasm and excitement in academic circles, Vaurca critics across the Republic have expressed concerns about the implications of the technology, either in demonstrations or through the extranet, with some critics positing it as a tool for brainwashing, with one prominent theory accusing the Hives of planning to use the new developments as a way to instill artificial loyalty gaining some online traction. 
 

It is unclear at this stage exactly what the "Immersive Neural Simulation Training Environment" will entail; however, the Hive has announced that the roll-out of the technology has already begun and further details regarding its usage will be released later in the month.

[Alberyk]

Yasmin Piaf Arrives at Biesel

Yasmin Piaf reached her next stop, the Republic of Biesel, in her intergalactic tour today. The journey from Hro'zamal to Nrrahrahul was uneventful, thanks to the Biesellite forces' efforts to combat pirates in the region. Piaf's ship has already docked with the NTCC Odin. Upon hearing of her arrival, a group of fans rushed to the dock to see their idol. However, due to security concerns, Yasmin took a shortcut and could not meet with them. The singer will remain on the station until her first scheduled show on the planet.

The first performance will take place in District 7 of Mendell City. Tickets are being sold; VIP passes have all been sold out in a matter of hours since the announcement of the show. After the first presentation, Yasmin Piaf will then visit the other parts of the capital and planet. The star promised to take part in events in Little Adhomai to honor the Tajara community in Tau Ceti. It is still unknown if the singer plans to tour the other planets of the system.

The news of Piaf's arrival greatly pleased her fans. On social media, many Tajara expressed hopes of finally seeing their idol live. Yasmin's fan club in Little Adhomai is currently organizing an Avah sale to raise funds to buy tickets for the first show. Thanks to a partnership with Idris, limited edition merchandise related to the visit is being produced; fans will be able to acquire these items during the events. 

During a brief interview, Yasmin Piaf thanked Biesel and her fans for the warm welcome. She expressed interest in meeting Miranda Trasen. NanoTrasen's representatives did not comment on the possibility of this encounter. The location of Piaf is currently being kept a secret. Some theorize she might stay on the Odin for the duration of the entire visit.

[Triogenix]

Hephaestus makes stunning acquisitions: a new dawn for the Hegemony

The camera pans upwards as the jingle plays, showing two men sitting behind a news desk. One is recognizable as the anchor of the Tau Ceti Daily news reports, named Tim Mcvain. The second, is not as easily recognized.

Tim: “Hello and welcome to our six o’clock news report. I’m Tim Mcvain and I’m here with Ronald O’Hair, an independent economic analyst currently contracting with Idris Incorporated. Ronald, welcome to the show.”

 

Ronald: “Thanks for having me Tim.”

 

Tim: “Well, we sure have alot to talk about tonight. I mean, wow. Hephaestus just shocked everyone with that play they made in the Badlands didn’t they?”

 

Ronald: “Definitely. There’s been a bit of turmoil in the stock markets today as the shockwaves from the news resonates. Hephaestus’s stocked jumped almost 6% in a single day, which is a massive amount, before falling a percentage point as doubt set in.”

 

Tim: “Well what doubt is there about this move?”

 

Ronald: “No-one saw it coming. Normally, you have situations like we had in Biesel with NanoTrasen, it’s not completely obvious what might occur but when it does end up happening it doesn’t seem crazy. I mean, NanoTrasen was pretty much the sole powerhouse here for years before they helped us gain our independence, in the Hegemony, Hephaestus was competing with so many others; not to mention their poor track record for the first few years in the market. Then, they come out of left field and not only save the nation’s entire economy, but reorganize all the national companies, guilds called there, under themselves as subsidiaries. Like – everyone pulled out of the Hegemony because they thought it was a lost cause. Hephaestus didn’t, but no one had any idea they had this planned.”

 

Tim: “Planned? So you think this wasn’t just them taking advantage of a crisis?”

 

Ronald shakes his head: “Tim, what you have to understand is that it’s pretty easy to see when a crisis is taken advantage of. Look at Biesel and our independence from Sol, it wasn’t elegant, there wasn’t really a plan. In the middle of a bad situation one day we just woke up and NanoTrasen had demanded the Alliance let us be free, or face the music. So the Alliance let us go, and we kind of made it up from there. Here it isn’t the same. There’s no demands, no change of leadership, no posturing, there’s just a clear choice, one with only one true option, that Hephaestus offered the Guilds of the Hegemony. A choice, not a demand, in a situation that was not even a fraction as bad as the recession we got our independence in. The amount of maneuvering, planning, and patience required to ensure that all of the Guilds only had that one option is astounding. Hell, the Hegemonic economy is even already bouncing back, it’s guilds already planning for expansions within the next year. And that doesn’t even begin to mention the speed which Hephaestus achieved. From the Merchant’s guild declaring bankruptcy and threatening the Hegemonic economy, to their takeover, it took less than what, a week? No-one moves that fast unless there was a plan already in place.”

 

Tim: “Wow – well, I can’t really say I understand economics that well, but that’s why you’re here. What do you think the fallout will be in the stock market and for the rest of the spur?”

 

Ronald: “That’s kind of hard to predict, we’re all still reeling from the news, getting used to it. But for my personal opinion, not financial advice, I think we’re going to see Hephaestus’s stock skyrocket as people bet on the future, and bet big. Hephaestus now has near total control of a whole nation state's economy, including being the only company with export rights, while having a massive resource base already present, which it can use to continuously use for year over year growth for the foreseeable future. Even with the doubt cast by this new Unathi Guildmaster, who most of us have never heard of, I can’t see its stock going anywhere but up.”

 

Tim smiles: “So that’s the advice you’ll be giving Idris?”

 

Ronald chuckles: “Idris pays me for specifics, as do all my clients. I’ll be looking closely at which options have the best potential for growth, and go from there, that was just general. But alongside that, I’d advise Idris and the rest of the Megacorporations on one thing.”

 

Ronald becomes serious, and looks directly into the Camera:

 

“Hephaestus just played a hand that was straight aces, no matter what else was happening at the table. It could have been now, or in a year. They achieved something no other megacorporation has since NanoTrasen here in Biesel; as total a monopoly as you can get over an entire nationstates economy. They’re pushing competition to a new level. To you, and others, it might look like they just took advantage of a run of bad luck from the Hegemony; but the truth is, the game was rigged from the start.”

 

The camera fades to black.

[RustingWithYou]

Aeson Storms Out Of SCC Board Meeting

The Price of Victory, Article 3

As Hephaestus Industries grapples with sabotage of its assets, it seems that the ongoing investigation’s failure to turn up concrete results as quickly as hoped has led to corporate infighting among the giants of the interstellar economy. At a board meeting of the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate in Mendell yesterday, Titanius Aeson was reported to leave early, seemingly agitated at the events of the meeting. The Hephaestus CEO later posted a message on his personal Chirper account, sharing his views on the recent sabotage and implicitly casting blame upon Hephaestus’s rivals - though no names were mentioned, the contents of his message seemed to level suspicion at fellow SCC member corporations Zavodskoi Interstellar and NanoTrasen as the potential culprits of this sabotage. 

Aeson delivered an incendiary statement, calling out “cowards afraid of what Guildmaster T’zakal and I have built in the Hegemony” and stating that Hephaestus’s corporate rivals “know they can’t beat us in a fair fight, so they resort to underhanded tactics like this. If they can’t handle competition, they should go back to building ships that barely fly and turning over every rock in the Spur looking for some scrap of phoron.” Later, seemingly calmer, Aeson posted that his words came from a place of frustration, and that he apologizes if his words were interpreted to be targeted at any particular person or corporation. The situation seems to have calmed since, with Aeson mentioning that he was "just mad at these cowardly terrorists who keep trying to undermine all that we work so hard for" in a brief public Q&A in Mendell City earlier today.

Zavodskoi and NanoTrasen both released statements accepting Aeson’s apology, as well as condemning the ongoing sabotage against Hephaestus and denying all knowledge or association with it. As Hephaestus Internal Affairs continues to investigate, we can only wait and see how these tensions might impact the tenuous bonds holding the corporations of the Conglomerate together - and who could be behind it. Regardless, it seems that the rough patch has been smoothed over - though we were unable to ask the Hephaestus CEO about this matter directly, as he departed Tau Ceti via private shuttle this afternoon.

Aeson's next scheduled public appearance is next week, at the official opening ceremony of a Hephaestus-operated fusion plant near the city of Jaz'zirt, Moghes. When our correspondent asked if the CEO was worried for his safety, Hephaestus Industries gave us a brief statement that "Mr. Aeson is not willing to live in fear, and will proceed with the opening as planned.". As always, Tau Ceti Times will continue to bring you the truth on this story as it further develops.

Below the page is a series of 'recommended articles', almost all of which have to do with Hephaestus Industries in some manner.

[Alberyk]

District Six Celebrates Dholmatyr!

District Six, the Tajaran majority neighborhood in Mendell City, celebrates today one of its unique festivals, the Dholmatyr. Celebrated one week after the Dholma festival, the holiday is a mixture of local and Adhomian traditions. Carved earthen-roots with lit candles inside are left on the doorsteps, corners, on the top of walls, and on windows to guide spirits to a peaceful afterlife. Children dressed as mythological creatures, urban legends, comic characters, historical figures, and political leaders ask for food and drinks around the city.  Alongside Cool Schlorrgo, Bayonet Hand's costumes are highly popular this year. This popularity is likely due to the release of a movie related to this myth.

Rumored to be a supernatural killer who delivers revenge, the Bayonet Hand is one of the most notorious urban legends of Little Adhomai. Its figure was exploited by criminals to intimidate the locals and cover up their acts. A local rising filmmaker, Akhtary Antonov, produced and directed a movie about the killer. Dubbed "The War's Ghost", the film is loosely based on the urban legend and real events that happened in Tau Ceti two years ago. The production was largely funded by the Grand Romanovich Casino, where most of its scenes were filmed. The picture tells the history of some guests being stalked and killed by the Bayonet Hand while visiting the casino. The movie will be aired tonight.

Bloodstorm, an Adhomian metal band who relocated to Biesel due to political reasons, held an open-air concert in the central area of the District to praise the date. Fans, some of whom traveled from across the system to see their idols, filled the streets to witness the show. Despite complaints about the noise, there was little violence besides some drunken brawling.

To celebrate the festival, the Outlandish Tales magazine has printed a limited, hardcover edition of its best histories and illustrations of District Six's urban legends. Copies have already sold out in most bookstores and newsstands. Winter Quest's publisher has also released a horror-themed module with adventures and mechanics allowing players to run stories both in Adhomai and Tau Ceti. This year's Dholmatyr was considered a great success, bringing much-needed positive attention to Little Adhomai.