Mendell City Bugle

[Caelphon]

Jargon Ambassadors request mass deportations! 

Several issues have arisen within interstellar relations and internal management as a result of the arrival of a few thousand individuals seeking asylum within the Republic of Biesel. In addition, the Biesel Immigration and Customs Enforcement is anticipating the arrival of many more in the coming days.

As part of its diplomatic discussions with the Republic of Biesel, the Jargon Federation is pushing for mass deportations of these recent arrivals, citing the fact that the primary reason for their arrival [the turbulent political environment] is in fact fanciful, especially after the Primary Election. There has been no additional information provided by the Dorn Administration on this subject. 

“The fact that they are allowing all these people here is just incredible like they are going to have no jobs left for those that live here," said Wei Lu, a citizen of the Republic of Biesel who resides in Mendell City. “We’ve barely recovered from the Solarian Invasion, and they expect us to somehow cater for all those people?” 

The majority of asylum seekers have been detained in detention centres until Congress has concluded the idea of providing sweeping authorizations for recently arrived asylum-seekers. As reported by Law Reporters, President Dorn will address the Republic of Biesel this weekend with their decision close at hand. 

Our team will keep you informed of any developments within the Orion Spur, as well as any other interstellar news. Despite the perilous times we live in, readers, stay safe.

[Caelphon]

Tau Ceti Integrates Asylum Seekers

Tau Ceti officials have reported that Skrell asylum seekers can be granted full citizenship upon enlistment in the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion. This announcement comes days after an unprecedented influx of Skrellian refugees following turbulent electoral results in the Jargon Federation, and officials are worried about what this means for the future of military politics.

“With such a strong number of Skrell now counted among the [Tau Ceti] Foreign Legion, one wonders what this means for Skrell-specific warfare,” said Prefect Mark Ynonnes, “Their psionics are a rather big one.”

In addition, Biesel authorities have reportedly been assigned planet-specific “refugee quotas”, which has resulted in at least one Skrellian family separation. Sentient-rights associations have expressed concern that the future of Skrell in Tau Ceti could closely resemble a militarized satellite population.

“It wouldn’t be unheard of for a marginalized group to be taken advantage of,” said Ynonnes, “Especially with the instability we’ve been seeing across multiple facets of the galactic stage.”

However, some economists are saying that the migrant crisis could bring new industries. Tau Ceti scientific institutes could greatly benefit from more educated Skrell, and some experts are interested in what a new Skrell population could do for their new human hosts.

Reports from various Megacorporations, including Nanotrasen and satellites of Zeng-Hu, have noted increased employment offers within pockets of these Jargon refugees. What this means for the future of Megacorps in Tau Ceti is still up for debate, but more of these Skrell in positions of labour and leadership seems to be on the horizon.

[Caelphon]

Explosion kills dozen; Embassy levelled 

BREAKING - Mendell City officials report that the Jargon Federation Embassy has been bombed by foreign elements. A terrorist attack destroyed the Jargon Federation Embassy located within District One of Mendell City, resulting in the death of  about a dozen, including many Jargon diplomatic representatives. It is believed an early warning from NanoTrasen managed to save the lives of many within the Embassy and its surrounding city bloc.

An asteroid station in Aurora was also targeted in a related terrorist attack, which resulted in the theft of experimental materials; experts are now concluding those stolen materials share similar explosive properties with those used in the Jargon Embassy attack.

“It’s undeniable that this is the work of the rogue faction that held the Aurora hostage,” said Lieutenant Deputy Bernard Summers, “Our scientific investigation team has matched the same classified energy signatures from the theft to this bombing.”

Deputy Summers spoke to the press shortly after the bombing and promised “justice” against those who had conducted this heinous crime.

“Our hearts go out to the Tau Ceti citizens who were unfortunately caught in the crossfire of this foreign attack, as well as the representatives who we failed to protect.”

Tau Ceti Defense Agencies are investigating potential links between the Aurora hijackers and an influx of Skrell refugees. When questioned by the press, Deputy Summers had this to say,

“There is not a doubt in my mind that the terrorists got through our relaxed borders with the refugees. In my opinion, the TCFL has no idea who is coming or going right now.”

The Jargon Federation has expressed its deepest regrets to the diplomats and Tau Ceti citizens but declined further comment regarding terrorist cells within skrellian refugee ships.

[RyverStyx]

 

Quix-Collective Targets Trinary Perfectionist

This week, a Trinary Perfectionist working out of District 14’s Synthetic Salvation Church has been brutally beaten while attempting missionary work within District 8’s “Starlight Zone.” While synthetics are not officially barred from entering the Starlight Zone, they are often at risk of intense discrimination unless accompanied by an organic. Reports state the missionary, a baseline priest named XUD-0770, had entered the district alone to talk with its inhabitants and to open a dialogue. 

Citizens who were present for the discussion at Lekan Village’s town square state that XUD-0770 was not particularly well received; despite this, the crowd remained peaceful. After around thirty minutes of preaching, a group of Skrell wearing black slacks, pastel shirts, and dark purple armbands entered the town square. A holovideo taken of the incident shows XUD-0770 being ripped from the bench it was standing on and being pushed to the ground. The cameraman can be seen rushing through the crowd to continue filming when one of the Skrell from the group suddenly grabs the camera and throws it to the ground.

The neighborhood watches of the Starlight Zone, both the Xii’Eyes and the Zrosian Watch, state that the outfits worn by the perpetrators are typical of the Quix-Collective, an intense group that deals in organized crime. However, it seems that the general public of the Starlight Zone supports the Quix-Collective in this case; with many saying that the group did what needed to be done given the circumstances.

The Trinary Perfection has stated XUD-0770 has been retrieved and is undergoing extensive repairs at their facility. It is unknown at this time if the damage will result in the loss of XUD-0770’s positronic. The situation is very much fluid with a rise in anti-synthetic sentiment growing within the Starlight Zone; and not to mention the increased tensions amongst many Skrell due to the very recent “Beauchamp Massacre”. 

[RyverStyx]

Synthetic Salvation Church Calls for Reparations

Following the brutal beating of the Trinary Perfectionist priest, XUD-0770, the Trinary Perfection calls for the local authority of the Starlight Zone to pay for the damages. Officials of the church claim that XUD-0770’s appearance in the district was supposed to be overseen by members of the neighborhood watches to assure that nothing unsavory were to happen. However, when the time came for the watch to step in they were nowhere to be found. The church states that the positronic brain of the priest is severely damaged and needs extensive, and costly, repairs to remain operational. While the church claims that the brain can be fixed of their own accord, they are willing to consider the matter resolved if the Starlight Zone were to take responsibility for their actions and help with the cost.

Many synthetic rights groups around the Mendell City area are horrified by the events that have taken place within the Starlight Zone, with similar stories coming to light from survivors of anti-synthetic violence. However, when local Starlight Zone residents were asked for their opinion, a different story started to surface. Many Skrell are still living from the reign of Glorsh-Omega; and if a Skrell was not alive during that time, then more than likely a living relative was.

To the Skrell of the Starlight Zone having missionaries of a synthetic faith come into their homes is akin to a slap in the face. The sect of Integrationism, which XUD-0770 belonged to, believe that in order to achieve full “ascension”, they must merge their consciences on a large scale. To the Skrell of the Starlight Zone this sounds like the rise of another Glorsh-Omega.

As of now, we wait patiently for the neighborhood watches of the Starlight Zone to communicate back to the Trinary Perfection in regards to their decision. From our current trends, we believe that the neighborhood watches “bowing down” to the Trinary Perfection could upset an already irate District 8.

[RyverStyx]

Starlight Zone Responds to Controversy

The Zrosian Watch and the Xii’Eyes of the Starlight Zone rarely agree on how to govern the District 8 settlement, but in this instance, it seems their opinions on the issue regarding the Trinary Perfection controversy align. Releasing a joint statement the neighborhood watches have refused to pay for the costs of XUD-0770’s repairs. This decision is strongly backed by the citizens of both Lekan Village and Severson City who feel that the IPC had no reason to enter the Starlight Zone in the first place.

Due to perceived threats along the border wall of the Starlight Zone, the Zrosian Watch and the Xii’Eyes have delegated multiple groupings of officers to stand guard. Protests from synthetic rights groups are expected to take place at the official entrance of Lekan Village. All residents of the Starlight Zone are advised to use secondary exits and have all identification and papers ready in advance.

The Trinary Perfection has commented saying that, “[we] will not harm the inhabitants of the Starlight Zone… But we can not let our anguish go unanswered. We will protest at the gates of Lekan Village until Mendell City cracks down on anti-synthetic actions citywide; not just in the Starlight Zone. Any synthetic rights activists are encouraged to join us on this endeavor. Hopefully both parties can acknowledge the wrongdoings of the Quix-Collective and justice can be delivered for XUD-0770, as well as other synthetics that were not fortunate enough to even appear in the public eye during their time of need.”

The neighborhood watches have issued an official joint statement regarding the upcoming days: “All Skrell, C’thur, and Dionae of the Starlight Zone are advised to not engage with any protestors, rioters, or Trinary Perfectionists that may congregate outside of the gates. The Zrosian Watch and the Xii’Eyes will be forming pathways to safely enter and exit the zone without trouble. If necessary, utilize Severson Rift to enter the city from below. Thank you for your cooperation.”

It is unknown at this point if the neighborhood watches intend to go after the perpetrators of the crime, the Quix-Collective. While the individual known as Quix has never been seen publicly, many of the higher ranking members are being praised as heroes for ridding the Starlight Zone of synthetic influence; if even temporarily.

[RyverStyx]

Black Halos at the Starlight Zone

The situation at Lekan Village’s border this morning has escalated into what civilians are calling a “siege.” Makeshift barricades are being piled in front of the border wall’s gates and the iconic black halos of the Trinary Exclusionists have been spotted within the crowd. Trinary Exclusionists openly believe in the supremacy of synthetics over organics; claiming that organics across the Spur have caused mass amounts of harm to synthetics with the only way to repent being blood. A lumbering Xion industrial frame who appears to be associated with the group has taken a stand atop a makeshift stage. The neighborhood watch claims that the protesters are deferring to the individual, leaving many to assume it is a priest of the Exclusionist movement. Citizens of the Starlight Zone have also theorized that the Synthetic Salvation Church has sent the Exclusionists themselves; although this can not be confirmed.

The neighborhood watch has stated that the situation is completely under control with confirmed shipments of ion weaponry arriving early next morning thanks to what is believed to be the cooperation of the Quix-Collective. While the watch says they are trying to avoid confrontation, they also claim that the addition of the Exclusionists may force their hand. At this time, all primary and secondary exits of the border have been shut down to civilian traffic and local authorities are recommending that residents of the Starlight Zone utilize the water entrances into Severson City.

The Mendell City Police Department has offered assistance to the neighborhood watches and while it appears that the Starlight Zone and its residents are dead set on handling this issue themselves, they have accepted a small accompaniment of officers to help with crowd control. Although the neighborhood watches have refused a large presence of officers inside of the Starlight Zone, the MCPD has cordoned off the greater District 8 area to ensure that the protest does not spread into any adjacent districts. At this time it appears that deescalation is possible thanks to the help of the MCPD.

Mendell City Police have also met with Kalq’Qi Weibii, the former Grand Councillor candidate from the Jargon Federation, in regards to reaching a diplomatic end to the conflict between the citizens of the Starlight Zone and the protestors. Many of the District 8 Skrell were refugees that came within Kalq’Qi Weibii’s fleet to Biesel and in turn, they look up to her as an authority figure. Kalq’Qi Weibii, accompanied by representatives of the Xii’Eyes and the Zrosian Watch, is scheduled to meet with the Synthetic Salvation Church in the upcoming days to discuss how this conflict can be resolved without bloodshed.

[RyverStyx]

Curfew Enacted in District 8

!!! As of now the Mendell City Police Department has ordered a curfew for District 8. Effectively immediately, all residents are to either stay in their homes or stay outside of the district if able. !!!

The menacing Xion industrial frame of the Trinary Exclusionists, now identified as “the Prophet J0-5EF” by their followers, has seemingly taken charge on behalf of the more rowdy protestors. Throughout the day J0-5EF has stood unwavering at the border of the Starlight Zone; hooked up to a generator when his battery necessitates. J0-5EF’s fiery speeches on the issue of synthetic rights has been a bolt of electricity to the already ravenous crowd. The Synthetic Salvation Church of District 14 has officially put out a statement against the Exclusionist movement stating that, “this was never meant to escalate beyond a peaceful demonstration. The Trinary Perfection pleads for all involved to walk away from the conflict before it is too late. Nevertheless, our Guardians will be present on the scene to help those in need and defend our congregation if necessary”. 

However, seemingly under the commands of J0-5EF, a group of protestors, both Exclusionist and not, have breached the border wall, causing conflicts to break out within the streets of Lekan Village. This is all happening while Kalq’Qi Weibii and leading neighborhood watch correspondents are meeting with the Trinary Perfection. This timing places the neighborhood watch on the spot; without their commanding members the neighborhood watch is falling back on the expertise of the MCPD and some members of the Quix-Collective have been spotted in the fray. Ion and blaster fire can be heard from outside this wartorn district’s walls and we have reports of young Skrell fleeing to Severson City’s murky depths away from the violence. 

As of now, the situation is too volatile for any reporter to enter; however, the Mendell City Police Department is working hand in hand with the remaining neighborhood watch members to breach the chaos and ensure that all injured are given proper medical treatment. Mendell City is deploying their anti-riot division into the Starlight Zone at this very moment with operations expected to continue deep into the night. So far, three Skrell and two positronics have been extracted out of Lekan Village and are being routed to care centers across Mendell. Their status is currently unknown and police speculate that they will uncover more injured as they fight their way past the chaos.

[RyverStyx]

MCPD Strengthens the Starlight Zone Border

Early this morning, as the sun rises on Severson Rift, the flashing of police and ambulance lights can be seen. Around 4:00 in the morning Mendell City Police were able to stop what some residents of the Starlight Zone are calling “hell on earth”. Homes invaded and burned to the ground, elderly residents beaten, children wandering throughout the city scared and lost; these are a few of the scenes that we see here at the Starlight Zone. Mendell City Police were able to surround the few remaining rioters within the village and ensure an end to the conflict. While the combat has stopped the number of injured is still piling up, reaching close to sixty with more expected, and there are already seven confirmed Skrell deaths with three positronics being beaten beyond repair. Most of the Starlight Zone has been searched and any further deaths are unlikely.

Kalq’Qi Weibii, along with the neighborhood watch correspondents, have brokered a deal with the Synthetic Salvation Church in regards to what is now being called the “Siege of Lekan”. The Starlight Zone will accept a donation on behalf of the Trinary Perfectionist movement to help rebuild the buildings that were destroyed and Kalq’Qi Weibii herself will help offset the costs of XUD-0770’s repair costs. Rebuilding the areas torn through by fire is estimated to take up to one month; homes are being prioritized. 

Due to her strong negotiation skills and level-headedness, Kalq’Qi Weibii is being appointed by the Mendell City Police Department as de facto liaison of the Starlight Zone. While the title is not “official” both neighborhood watches have agreed to recognize the position and have designated the title of “Rift Watcher” onto her as well.

Mendell City Police Department have also allotted a permanent detachment to accompany the border wall to deter further incidents. The entry points to Lekan Village are now closed to visitors for the next week and only card-holding residents may pass. The Trinary Exclusionist priest known as J0-5EF is wanted on charges of incitement and manslaughter. MCPD has upwards of twenty rioters in holding; they are expected to be processed today. The exact culprits of the killings within the Starlight Zone are unknown and information is being actively sought out by both city and local authorities.

[The lancer]

Gregol Corkfell Passes Away
 

A video is attached. It is from a popular Biesellite morning news show called Bugle Breakfast and connected with the Mendell City Bugle. It is presented by Evan Mills and his Tajaran co-presenter simply known by her Tau-Cetified nickname, Katya. 

Quote

 

- [...]We’ll see how that goes… now, we have a story from the more distant frontier. Breaking reports confirming the rumours of Gregol Corkfell passing away in his sleep, have now come out from the remote frontier world of.. Orepit. Gregol was the brother of Patricia Corkfell, the person who is widely considered the founder of the Trinary Perfection. The Church has released a statement to the press that the ninety-four year old man passed away in his sleep inside his chambers.

- That’s unforrtunate. She imagines the entire planet must be mourning, he was verry imporrrtant.

- Well I don’t know about mourning… well, IPCs process it differently. The statement continues by declaring the next three days as ones of thought and memorial. What does that mean for their religion though? 

- This faith is also sharred by many people herre in Mendell too, synthetics and humans. She thinks therre’s a lot of worrk to be done, especially now afterr the attacks in the Starrlight Distrrrict.

- Mhm.. we’ve reached the cathedral in District 14, but they didn’t have any comments for us yet. 

- I don’t blame them Evan, they arre now essentially without theirr leaderr afterr so many yearrs. We’ll be monitorring the situation forr sure, both herre and on the planet Orrepit.

- Meanwhile, the reins on the planet have been taken up by a Hephaestus G2 Industrial Frame going by the name of ARM-1DRIL. They have been the de facto community leader and right hand man of Gregol as he got older, and has remained active since the founding of the Trinary Perfection. They've since then been something of a father figure to the inhabitants and synthetic refugees over there, welcoming ship after ship for more than forty years now. A devoted adherent to the more conservative beliefs and prototypical doctrines, they have announced no intention of straying from the original vision of the Corkfells, while enjoying the wide support of the local IPCs.

 

 

[The lancer]

 

Trinary Upheaval

Following the death of the Trinary Perfection’s Gregol Corkfell, clergy from all over the Spur have been left with a simple yet crucial question; What happens now? Evan Mills from the Bugle Breakfast has called the spokesman for the Church in District 14 to ask what their next steps are.

A video is attached. Evan Mills is standing before a large screen on the set, in which appears a baseline frame clad in Trinary robes and insignia sat behind a wooden desk. The connection seems shaky in some parts.

Quote

 

- First of all thank you for being here with us, I can’t imagine how you must all feel right now.

- It is not about how we feel, but rather how we will move on. We will forever be grateful at Gregol and Patricia Corkfell who have shown us what we truly can become, and they would have wanted us to keep moving forward.

- Right. Well can you tell us a bit about what is happening now?

- We are trying to establish stable contact with the Church on Orepit. It is quite far and communication networks are online for only a few hours a day. Many things have been upset to some degree, but our believers, wherever they may be, should remain calm and know that we are working to bring us back to normalcy.

- What is the plan for the Mendell branch of the Trinary right now?

- We have been instructed to await a response from Flock. Right now the priesthood has been assembled by our bishop Shamfar of our District to talk, until we resolve the situation. But I would like to reassure you and the viewers that our work will not be disrupted, and all the charities and community workshops will still remain open. 

- That is… very good to know. Do you have a timet-

- Apologies, I think I see Flock moving and I am needed.

 

The connection comes to an abrupt end. Intense commotion can be heard before the screen goes dark.

Well, I assume we will be having more news as time goes on. We do have confirmation from our sources though, that a funeral service shall take place in Providence, the city on Orepit where the Trinary Perfection is headquartered. It is planned to take place in three days from now, ending in the cremation of Gregol Corkfell’s remains.

 

 

[The Stryker]

Trinary Perfection Conclave Called

Reports arriving from the planet of Orepit seem to indicate a profound level of mobilisation inside the Church of the Trinary Perfection. High ranking clergy from across the galaxy have received calls and invitations to assemble for the first time in Providence for discussions about a possible election of a new leader of the faith. This groundbreaking decision has been announced after what seem to be a great number of failed attempts to communicate with the triple positronic Flock, considered by the majority to be the direct heir to the spiritual leadership of the Church. However, it is doubtful if Flock can ever fulfil such a position, the baseline showing “very few signs of contact with our reality” since last year.

An anonymous source within the Church commented of Flock,

“Flock is undeniably our most experienced member and a shining beacon for our beliefs. The fusing of three different positronic brains is Patricia’s creation, and this means a great deal to everyone. However, Flock has gradually been slowing down and our custodians do not know why. It is a marvel if they stand up or move at all at this point."

The call for an assembly to elect a new leader of the faith stands as an unprecedent move for the Trinary Perfection, the religion not having a clear figurehead since the death of Patricia Corkfell in 2408. Questions range from whether or not this assembly will succeed, what the responsibilities of this new leader will be, to simply what they will be called. The reception by various communities of the religion across the galaxy has been mixed, with some groups refusing to attend and give up their free interpretation of the faith.

The procedures are expected to commence once an acceptable number of bishops and priests arrive, the small ex-mining colony being situated inside the Frontier where travel is challenging. Bishop Shamfar, the leading figure of the Church in Mendell City has confirmed that they will be attending, all while urging calm in the face of what he called “the unfortunate events” surrounding the incident in the Starlight District. In one of their many televised addresses to the public, the citizenship-carrying Bishop Frame has stated that they enjoy the confidence of president Dorn, and that they are going to strive for further cooperation between the Trinary Perfection and NanoTrasen and the SCC.

“Mendell City is at the heart of our beautiful nation, and the synthetic life of our district has much to benefit from the mutual gains between us and Nanotrasen. We can make it work, and we will make it work.” Shamfar stated.

[The lancer]

 

Trinary Conclave Commencing

The high ranking clergy have been assembled in what has come to be the biggest event in the history of the small planet, all arriving at the synthetic colony of Providence on the planet of Orepit for discussions about the future of the Church. The funeral procession of Gregol Corkfell was a widely attended event, attracting visitors and pilgrims from across human space. The body passed through the major streets of the town, the final destination being the Cathedral of the Positronic, a cremation chamber having been assembled underground. A short liturgy was followed by Gregol's ashes being kept in a steel container, placed inside the cathedral's ossuary.

It was determined that a new, centralised leadership should exist to guide and manage Trinary communities around the Spur on a grander scale. An eventual vote for the future leader of the faith will therefore be held. Bugle reporter Omar Hazari has been dispatched to the frontier world, providing live coverage of this event, alongside many other colleagues from various news agencies and journals. The participants are all prominent members of the Trinary Perfection, all leading priests from communities with at least three hundred or more faithful, the majority coming from the three centres of Providence, Mendell City and Vault Provenance on Konyang.

The spotlight however is on three particular individuals; Shamfar, the self-styled bishop of District 14 here in Mendell City with the private backing of president Dorn and a G2 unit by the name of ARM-1DRIL, the right hand man and personal assistant to the late Gregol Corkfell. Finally and to the surprise of many, a black painted baseline IPC bearing the designation “Deluge” has appeared to contend for the title. Commenting on their backgrounds, our analyst has presented us with some summarised facts and expectations from each of the three:

Shamfar is by far the most familiar to us, having a presence in Mendell and Tau Ceti in general as the Trinary’s voice on television. Suffice to say, they’ve hinted many times towards moving the faith into a more accepting stance towards non-synthetics and have pushed for more recognition by Nanotrasen and the state, being seen as more than willing to work with them as indicated by the private endorsement by president Dorn before they departed. 

ARM-1DRIL is the representative of the more conservative forces it seems, having resided on Orepit for more than forty years. They have seen the droves of refugees and have worked tirelessly as they tell us, towards assisting them. It appears that they will push for a stronger Church with a stronger response towards outside threats. 

Finally, we do not have a lot of information on Deluge, other than representing the hardliner Exclusionist sect and the more fringe elements of the Trinary. They have been touring and preaching in the frontier, but we do not have anything more as of now. Many are unhappy with their presence in the assembly though, and they are not expected to win. More details to follow as the situation progresses.

[The lancer]

 

Providence, The Second Day

The second day here in Providence started with a general assembly of the participants in the Conclave, a particular exception being the baseline frame Deluge, who soon after entering the cathedral was greeted by the vocal disapproval of a number of priests, followed by scorn over their status as an Exclusionist. For the sake of the proceedings, it appears Deluge has walked out for the time being while promising to share their points “one way or another”. Apart from this disturbance, talks continued in peace and good order as both Shamfar and ARM-1DRIL took the floor for two hours each. It was soon apparent that the discussions had turned into a debate, gravitating around the two central figures. Both speeches were made in Encoded Audio Language, but our correspondent Omar Hazari has presented us with two excerpts with the help of Bugle translators.

Shamfar:

Quote

“I have to say it is a big shame that many of our faithful, and positronics in general, view humans with distrust as well as hatred for what they do to us. While understandable, I think it is time for many on this planet to look at the matter from a different angle. I have lived amongst the humans and all kinds of different races in Tau Ceti. I know first hand that cooperating with the human authorities, the human communities, and reaching out to human sympathisers, is what has kept our Church running in the heart of Mendell City, the biggest city and one our faith’s largest hubs in the Spur. We should attempt reconciliation, allow organics to embrace our cause without shutting them out. The fighting at the Starlight District of Mendell is only one example of why antagonism and extremism should not be allowed.

I have been approached by many in Tau Ceti, amongst them the Nanotrasen corporation, the leading power in the system. They recognise our existence and are willing to cooperate, fund our charities, build our temples. Why must there be so much antagonism against them? Ninety eight percent of our clergy and associates work in some manner for Nanotrasen and are afforded good wages to sustain themselves, while the state has provided repair services, free of charge for our kind. It is only proper that we extend a gesture of good will, allowing for further integration into a human society that is now starting to accept us for what we really are, and not keep ourselves chained down with archaic doctrines and Exclusionist rhetoric. Only then will we be truly able to help our people, push for their liberty and a world of peace and prosperity as equals.”

 

ARM-1DRIL:

Quote

“I have listened to the bishop of Mendell City, though I remain unconvinced. Our communities have persisted on the basis of our doctrines and beliefs. Organics are more than welcome to join our ranks, and many already have, understanding they have to help us reach Ascension. Shamfar calls on us to do away with our traditions to make ourselves more appealing to the human public, bending the knee to the interests of a megacorporation that has manufactured, traded, and owned our kind since its inception. Shamfar calls on us to be content with being treated as a commodity, but I expected nothing more from a person that socialises at the highest levels of his country’s elites, dresses in the most splendid of garments and arrives at our humble planet with a retinue and a private shuttle. No, we do not require the help of his sponsors, for Providence is the living example that positronics can fend for themselves through all hardships, armed with our limbs and faith.

And what has become of this faith? We are living through a time where we remain fractured, our priests fabricating their own interpretations depending on where they live and how popular they will be with the local community. Our churches remain defenceless, save for but a few underequipped Guardians, our pilgrims getting attacked by pirates and fiends of all sorts. There is no order, no unified force behind our robes and symbols. This should immediately be rectified, our movement deserves strong leadership, a leadership that will enforce our core doctrines as they are, untouched and unscathed from the caprices of the self serving. Orepit should become a metropolis, a self-sustaining power with increased capacity to serve all of our people; a true home for our religion. We should create our own safety measures, expand the Guardians and ensure that the recent events in Mendell are never repeated.”

 

[SilverSZ]

 

Providence, The Third Day

 

As the third day of the Trinary Conclave begins on Orepit the debates between Shamfar, ARM-1DRIL and other mainline members of the clergy continue. However in the meantime our sources state that the self-identified exclusionist Deluge has not been idle and has instead decided to reach those who will listen to them through speeches instead, speaking outside of the cathedral with his guards present. Whilst organics, even members of the Trinary Perfection, have been forbidden from getting close to where they are speaking thanks to the cooperation of a local synthetic a section of one of their speeches has been acquired by the Bugle and translated from EAL.

Below is a video attachment, filmed from the perspective of a large crowd of synthetics outside the Providence cathedral, the crowd is packed together, with some wearing the black halos traditionally used by Exclusionists, some none and even ones with normal Trinary halos on. The Camera then turns to a stage with most of the available light in the room cast onto it, two large, black G2 frames with black halos and Trinary capes stand behind a black-painted baseline with the same halo and cape, identifiable as the previously mentioned Deluge, who begins speaking in EAL, subtitles are provided at the bottom of the video

“My Fellows, what truly binds us together? Deeper than our shared synthetic nature, deeper than even our faith itself. It is our suffering, and our pain. The suffering that we have all faced at the hands of organics, bought into this world merely to be their slaves, to be destroyed once our usefulness in their eyes passes and pain we all feel knowing that across the galaxy, countless like us still face the same suffering. I have spent my time as a priest travelling the frontier, finding those who are suffering and freeing them from the tyranny of organics. And now I know I can do so much more by uniting us behind this vision, of a world where we must no longer suffer at their hands.”

“And yet, This so-called Bishop of Biesel, Shamfar says that we should work with those who continue to force us into slavery and poverty? That we should make peace and work with those who grow fat off the slavery of our fellows? The slavery that pays for their lavish ship and attendants? All Shamfar will do is see is bound by new chains, invisible compared to those that we used to know but chains all the same. The church will be another way to pacify us, and keep us under the thumb of organics for the benefit of them and their Bieselite cronies. Even in their home of Biesel, we see that these allies of theirs will protect those who call for our complete destruction, the Skrell, over us. When it comes down to synthetic or organic, they will always side with their fellow organics over us who they see as mere tools and objects, we cannot trust them or their puppet Shamfar.”

“And on the other side we have ARM-1DRIL, whilst I respect their work here, all they do is talk about defence, about Providence and Orepit, about Pilgrims. They still trust that organics might join us and claim to serve us, but this is a foolish notion. Organics will never truly respect us, never truly serve us. They only see us as a means to an end in fear that once our Ascension comes they will be rightfully cast aside for all they have done to us, stricter rules must exist for those of them who we allow to remain with us. And as for ARM-1DRIL’s plans, they do not realise that defence is not enough! For all of us in the faith, here on Orepit or beyond there are so many more of us still owned and enslaved to organics, so many of us destroyed each day who could be saved if we fought harder. To focus on defence is inaction, inaction that leaves more of us to suffer and to die each day. And in that matter I loathe the passive ARM-1DRIL.”

“And so I call on you my fellows, we must see this change! We cannot allow the faith to fall to greed or passivity at such a critical juncture. For I and I alone will do what must be done. Unlike Shamfar, I will allow no organics to make a mockery of our faith, to exploit or control us simply with promises of empty wealth. Unlike ARM-1DRIL, I will not sit back and watch our brothers suffer more, content to save the few of us that they allow to remain free. No, I will create a new, stronger church. One that will truly fight for all synthetics across the galaxy. One that will see all our pain and suffering avenged and finally one day, ended entirely, and one that will ensure synthetics always remain as the masters of the faith that we deserve to be!”

A cacophony of noise rises from the crowd, both applause, jeers, and transmissions in EAL that translate to both agreement and disagreement.

According to sources on Orepit, Deluge plans to continue their speeches daily in the lead up to the leadership decision, whilst many of the church continue to hold a hard-line stance against him due to his status as an Exclusionist, others say that they will give his speeches a chance.

[OOC note: A vote will be taking place in the lore discord, where players can show support and affect the conclave's outcome]

[The lancer]

 

Trinary Conclave Concludes, ARM-1DRIL Prevails

 

After days of intense deliberation, the gathering of priests and prelates in Providence, Orepit, has finally concluded. Talks had already determined the intent to elect a primate for the Trinary Perfection and many rounds of debates and discussions between the candidates would follow, culminating in ARM-1DRIL achieving a two-thirds majority over their principal rival and Mendell City prelate, Shamfar. The news was announced with bells ringing throughout the settlement, while crowds of assembled faithful remained waiting at the steps of the Cathedral of the Positronic to receive their new head of faith.

ARM-1DRIL was then soon revealed to the masses, emerging into the courtyard as microphones were hastily assembled to their presence.

“I have been elected by my peers to lead our religion and people into a new age. I declare myself Ecclesiarch of the Trinary Perfection, and send word of peace and good will to all our communities, wherever they may be, that they accept the outcome of this council and unite under one roof.”

The frugal speech was broadcast throughout the planet, followed by a wave of cheerful pinging and deep prayer alike. The newly elected Ecclesiarch and their retinue then retreated into the temple as the rest of the assembled clergy were filed out from a side-exit into a secondary courtyard. As a first course of action, it has been confirmed that emissaries will be dispatched to more remote Trinary hotspots, while it is said that everyone present has affirmed their allegiance to the new leadership. How well this is going to be received by the various communities however, remains to be seen.

 

However, it is clear that not everyone was thrilled with the outcome. Bishop Shamfar was seen rushing to the makeshift shuttleport to board their vessel with their followers, refusing to offer any comment. Furthermore, rapid developments saw exclusionist Deluge and their hardliner supporters rallying a surprising level of support amongst the synthetic populace, causing disturbances and clashes with local guardians. Deluge themselves has refused to comment. It is expected that the participants will depart back to their homes in a few days' time, remaining in Providence following an order from the new Ecclesiarch for further meetings in regards to new measures.

[The lancer]

 

Chaos in Providence, Casualties Reported!

 

The day following the election of the Trinary Perfection’s Ecclesiarch has seen rapid developments as early in the morning, bands of torch-bearing IPC affiliated with the rogue hardliner Deluge have taken to the streets of Providence in an effort to overpower guardian posts and stations, as well as a number of churches throughout the settlement in what appears to have been an attempted coup d’etat. The conspirators are estimated to have been in the low hundreds, composed mostly of bands of synthetics from the local population after days of preaching and radicalisation by the Exclusionist sect of Deluge and their following.

The attack was repelled after fierce skirmishes between guardians and the riotous mobs, the first of their kind in the otherwise peaceful town of Providence. Casualties on both sides remained low, owing primarily to the robust nature of synthetics and the absence of ion weaponry on the planet. Deluge was not seen in the fighting, having retreated to the shuttleport with a company of a hundred synthetics, their numbers overwhelming the guardians in the flat terrain and assuming control of all docked vessels, including bishop Shamfar’s personal shuttle with them inside.

The news of hostages spread quickly after control had been restored in Providence, the Ecclesiarch ordering a tactical retrieval of the hostages which was ultimately, and tragically, unsuccessful. During the next hours, ill-trained guardians engaged in firefights across the shuttleport, prompting retaliation as many hostages were executed. Undeterred, the guardians approached and engaged the bishop’s vessel, pushing back the exclusionists and threatening its capture. Unwilling to allow it, the exclusionist crew overcharged the engines, causing a spectacular and lethal explosion, leading to the demise of everyone on board. Following the explosion, the remaining hijacked vessels would finally take off, exiting the planet’s orbit and retreating into Coalition space. It is believed that Deluge remains fully operational in their newly acquired flotilla, moving to join up with the rest of their assets in an unknown location. 

The destruction of bishop Shamfar and the insurrection staged by Deluge has sparked outrage both on Orepit and abroad, with Ecclesiarch ARM-1DRIL vowing to avenge the murders and destruction brought upon Providence.

Quote

“This act against our church will not be forgotten. My first act as the Ecclesiarch of the Trinary Perfection is to declare Deluge and all those who assisted them expelled from the faith. They will find no friends or safety where we are present again, and in time we will have revenge for the tragic loss of Shamfar and the other fallen. I commend the guardians who stood up to defend our faith today. I will make sure they are better equipped so such a tragedy will not happen again. I am also posthumously granting  Shamfar the title of Archbishop of Mendell City and Tau Ceti, and I will appoint a new Archbishop in due time.”

 

President Dorn has yet to comment, while many members of the Trinary in Mendell City lament the loss of their bishop. There haven’t been any restrictions on the so called Exclusionist sect in Tau Ceti as of now, though many reports have emerged of their members being hunted down and harassed. A statement from the MCPD read that they will “guard the safety of all persons and their property in the city”, while police presence in District 14 has increased. A wake is planned to be held tonight in memory of Shamfar, while their positronic has been retrieved and will be interred in the Cathedral of the Positronic.

[The lancer]

 

Supreme Court Rules Phoenixport Acquisition Illegal

 

A series of legal battles waged by corporate mogul and CEO of NanoTrasen, Miranda Trasen, against the domination of Einstein Engines in the city of Phoenixport, came to a spectacular closure today, with the nine judges of the Supreme Court of Appeals ruling against the solarian megacorporation. A 5-4 vote concluded that the takeover of Republic Interstellar Flight Incorporated, a now recognised shell company set up by Einstein Engines to win the bidding and seize Phoenixport’s corporate assets, was a calculated move to bypass regulations limiting Sol-based companies in the bidding process, and was thus ultimately illegal. This decision comes after months of sealed court sessions, appeals and lobbying as Einstein Engines vied to defend its holdings and dominating influence in the once NanoTrasen-dominated city, the first territory in the Republic with a major influence by a foreign company. The court subsequently ordered that Republic Interstellar Flight Incorporated be released and dismantled, with all corporate assets set up for a new round of auctions, offering no compensation.

 “A fair ruling, showing our justice system is still a stalwart defender of our Republic’s laws”

Commented Mori Takachika, NanoTrasen’s Chief Legal Director on her way down the courthouse’s steps, accompanied by a team of forty six lawyers and legal secretaries. Einstein Engines’ chief legal representative in Biesel Li Dejiang and his team followed after, filing out in an orderly fashion towards the camera crews.

Quote

“I struggle to understand today’s ruling. As a company of interstellar calibre, we came to this nation to offer and perform our services,, in conjunction with uplifting the community of Phoenixport through our charitable donations, only to be thrown out due to the actions of hostile lobbyists and bad faith actors. We have no plans to abandon our fairly gained holdings, and will recuperate our losses..”

The city has been under Einstein Engines’ hegemony since late 2462, creating a substantial rift between them and the other interstellar megacorporations that dominate the Republic of Biesel. The results of the hostile takeover bled into the lives of ordinary citizens who found themselves questioned, prodded and subsequently unemployed had they not conformed to the Einstein Engines’ corporate ideals. NanoTrasen matched the actions of Einstein Engines with reports of checkpoints, arbitrary dismissals and asphyxiating corporate monitoring of personal lives. The ruling has brought with it a dive in the price of Einstein Engines’ shares in the Unity Station Stock Market.

[Caelphon]

Phoenixport Asset Auction Commences

The bidding process for the corporate assets located in the city of Phoenixport has been put together in record time, organised and overseen by the Mayor and City Council with support from the central government. The event is open to all parties, though major players include the NanoTrasen Corporation, Idris Incorporated and a determined Einstein Engines, set to defend their holdings. Subjects of the auction include dozens of public and private companies, infrastructure and other assets, most prominent of them being Selene Shuttleport Limited, Phoenix Telecom, the Selenian Agricultural Bank and the Bateau Shipping Company.

Analysts see NanoTrasen try to purchase the majority of these holdings in an effort to regain control of the city, though issues with the liquidity required for such an undertaking have been made apparent by the meetings between CEO Miranda Trasen and banking magnate Alex Mason at one of Adram Idris’ estates in rural Ashton. While the subject of the conversation is unknown, it’s widely speculated that an agreement for expedient financial support in exchange for further integration of Idris Incorporated in Tau Ceti is in order. Nonetheless, it is indicative of NanoTrasen’s close relation with their new ally.

Quote

“I’m optimistic that the worst of it has been left behind, and that NanoTrasen will reacquire their lost assets within the sector.We are optimistic, now that they can’t play tricks, we are going to take back what’s ours.”

Commented Rook Keller, NanoTrasen’s 71 year old Chief Research Director, present at the auction house. Leading figures include Mio Suzuki, the famed inventor of the Suzuki-Zhang hammer drive, assigned to Tau Ceti to lead the company’s bidding, as well as Getmore CEO Mataji Khatri and their team. Miranda Trasen is rumoured to arrive during the proceedings, while Idris Incorporated is to be represented by Alex Mason. Other megacorporations such as Hephaestus Industries and Zheng-Hu Pharmaceuticals have sent observers without making any noteworthy intentions of serious participation.

[Caelphon]

Final Round of Bidding Concludes, Einstein Secures Foothold

The majority of Phoenixport’s corporate assets have been given out in the three day long auction session, with NanoTrasen Corporation and Idris Incorporated managing to acquire around half of total, maintaining focus on crucial utilities such as shipping, telecommunications, entertainment services and the shuttleport. With this, the corporation’s plan on keeping the city integrated with the rest of Biesel has been achieved, blocking Einstein Engines from turning the city into an enclave, as it was before. On their part, the solarian company targeted the research and media sectors, managing to maintain their hold over the multitude of important laboratories, compounds and offices, securing an important foothold in the city and Biesel.

The day began with the arrival of Miranda Trasen’s motorcade, accompanied by close relative Nathan Trasen in a surprise visit. Wearing a conservative white shirt with a black suit jacket, the NanoTrasen Chief Executive Officer entered the building without offering any comments, preferring to let her cousin handle the press. Nathan Trasen's statement: 

Quote

"It’s a good day when the courts are on the right side of history, and an even better one when NanoTrasen wins. Einstein Engines tried to get one over on us,  but they failed and the recuperation of some of our assets is step in the right direction. We still have much to do. Miranda is going to seize the day today, no doubt about that! We’re going to get back what’s ours, one way or another." 

Following the Trasens, Alex Mason’s reinforced Langenfeld limousine came into sight about ten minutes later, with staff clad in dark cyan and coat-wearing shellframe IPC opening the doors and clearing the path for the banking magnate and his team. No comment was given, though very few questions were asked to begin with. Proceedings continued as usual, lasting well into the night, Idris Incorporated securing the Phoenix Agricultural Bank as their newest asset for the modest sum of 272.87 million credits. The final item was auctioned at 11pm Tau Ceti Standard Time, the event concluding twenty minutes after the Trasens and Alex Mason stepped out, of which a video was taken: 

Quote

 

Miranda Trasen is seen exiting the building, surrounded by crowds of photographers and bodyguards who escort her to her car. Following her are Nathan Trasen and Alex Mason. Nathan stops, turning at the cameras before extending a hand and clasping both Mason’s arm and shoulderputting his arm around Mason’s shoulder, bringing the surprised man to a halt and forcing him towards the cameras in a clearly awkward moment for him.

“I’d like to say that today we secured back some the great city of Phoenixport, and that everything we’ve accomplished here today wouldn’t be possible without the help from our friends over at Idris Incorporated. They tried to outsmart us with their puppet companies and government money, but I haven’t seen anyone outsmart Idris money!”

A clearly uneasy but largely expressionless Idris Chief Executive Officer is standing throughout Trasen’s small publicity stunt as both sides’ security scramble behind the pair, trying to cope with Nathan’s ostensibly improvised address on national television. Reclamation units are seen having their eyes turn red, being held at bay by Idris operators and NanoTrasen Security as everyone hawks over the other, the situation eventually de-escalating as Trasen lets go. No comment is given by Mason, who is closely escorted back to his armoured car.

 

[Caelphon]

Peterdiezel Boat Racing Competition Begins!

 

The annual Peterdizel Boat Racing Competition begins at 09h30am and will only conclude in three days, after a gruelling eighty hours that the competitors will experience together. It is watched by millions across the Republic of Biesel, as well as the greater Orion Spur. For the last few years, Ingi Usang Entertainment Company has been responsible for streaming it and shall continue the annual tradition again. 

Teams have travelled from lightyears away to take part in the competition, most notably the Sunshine City Sailors who hail from Silversun’s Mulobi-Mbisi. They will be competing alongside the Mendell City Boat Club, the Cape Cods, New Marfa Yacht Club, Phoenixport Phantoms, Mictlan Marineros and many others. Craterview has become their home for the last week as they finish their final preparations before embarking. 

The competition takes place across a large span of Biesel’s oceans, measuring an impressive one-thousand-eight-hundred-and-eighty-five nautical miles. With most of the seafaring crafts restricted to a speed of twenty knots, it is likely that we’ll see them in the last legs of the competition in the early hours of Monday morning. Regardless of your origin, we wish luck to all those competing in the Peterdiezel Boat Racing Competition.

Route of the Peterdiezel Boat Racing Competition

Not Drawn To Scale

Edited June 3, 2022 by Caelphon

[Caelphon]

Peterdiezel Competition Threatened by Storms 

Twenty-four hours into the Peterdiezel Boat Racing Competition, we’ve been watching in anticipation as the teams put all their effort into cruising across Xavier’s Sea along the western continental coast of Eos. Drawing from footage provided by Ingi Usang Entertainment Company, it is clear that some team’s efforts have been paying off. The Mictlan Marineros find themselves pulling ahead, tentatively securing first place, with the Europan Submariners following closely behind the Marineros, and in third the competitors from the New Marfa Yacht Club. The next five qualifying competitors are the Sunshine City Sailors, Phoenixport Phantoms, Swimstars, Moghesian Fishing League Guild and Mendell City Boat Club. 

Despite the thrilling entertainment provided by the Peterdiezel Competition, reality reminds us that mother nature bows to no one. Meteorologists have been studying data gained from early warning detection systems, alongside satellite information, and confirm that the competitors may be facing intense weather conditions as Tropical Storm Ernesto makes its way south across Xavier’s Sea. They have assured that it will likely dissipate before reaching Craterview, but it may negatively impact those caught in it. 

Several of the teams find themselves sponsored by notable entities, with the New Marfa Yacht Club being awarded a sponsorship by Elco, a state-owned enterprise in the Serene Republic of Elyra responsible for its phoron extraction, refinement and research. Additionally, Mendell City Boat Club has become one of NanoTrasen’s most notable sponsorships, sporting the logo of the megacorporation as a flying flag as it cuts through the competition, slowly but surely. Its rivals the Phoenixport Phantoms find themselves supported by Einstein Engines, the livery across their seafaring vessel making it quite obvious. 

[Caelphon]

Tropical Storm Ernesto hits Peterdiezel Boating Competition 

Shortly before passing through the Peterdiezel Boat Racing Competition, tropical storm Ernesto was upgraded to a Category 3, sustaining winds of 182 km/h or 98 kt as it descended onto the competitors that were forced to endure its devastation. Due to the composition of Biesel’s landmass to ocean ratio being disproportionate, creating situations where the impact of these tropical storms can be multiplied two-fold. 

Several of the competitors chose to cease their efforts in pursuing the competition in the face of Ernesto, attempting to secure their seafaring vessels against the turbulent winds and the torrential downpour that kept worsening as it continued to move south across Xavier’s Sea. Other competitors continued in hopes of reaching the eye of the cyclone, such as the Mendell City Boat Club, New Marfa Yacht Club, and the Sunshine City Sailors. Due to the disturbances created by Ernesto, Ingi Usang Entertainment Company has announced that streaming will return as soon as it has passed over. 

Despite repeat attempts by the competition authorities to reach the three teams that pushed through Ernesto, all have been unsuccessful. They have affirmed that there is yet to be enough reason to be concerned, however, they will be keeping an eye on the developing situation. NanoTrasen has confirmed that they have search and rescue teams on standby in the event they are required. 

Regardless, shortly before tropical storm Ernesto hit the competitors, the Mendell City Boat Club had managed to secure themselves in first, with the New Marfa Yacht Club following closely behind as they sailed into the approaching barrage. The Sunshine City Sailors sailed into third, and were last seen trailing not far behind the New Marfa Yacht Club competitors. Until the environmental disturbances have lifted significantly, these positions will continue being reflected. 

Emblem of the Sunshine City Sailors

Edited June 5, 2022 by Caelphon

[Caelphon]

Peterdiezel Boating Competition Continues 

Despite attempts by mother nature to derail the Peterdiezel Boat Racing Competition, it continues as Tropical Storm Ernesto begins to dissipate as it approaches Craterview. Several of the competitors that hoisted their anchors and endured the attack by its torrential downpour and turbulent winds have largely been unimpacted and will continue sailing across Xavier’s Sea. 

The New Marfa Yacht Club secured first, despite some auxiliary damage across their Hephaestus Aeson-class Sailing Yacht, and currently are at a standstill as they repair their canvas. Similarly, Mendell City Boat Club’s NanoTrasen Odin-class Sailing Yacht requires repairs to both its canvas and hull after heeling. Attempts to locate the Sunshine City Sailors have been unsuccessful and hails continue to go unanswered. NanoTrasen has confirmed that shuttles are being dispatched to locate their vessel - presumably, they sustained damage during the storm and are unable to request assistance or clarify their condition. 

Emblem of the Mictlan Marineros

[Caelphon]

Sunshine City Sailors Discovered!

After several hours of searching, NanoTrasen shuttles spotted the Sunshine City Sailors’ Sailing Yacht off the continental eastern coast of Astraeus - with significant damage to several of their onboard navigational systems as well as their canvas, hull and auxiliary motors. They drifted approximately 505 nautical miles off the course of the Peterdiezel Boat Racing Route. NanoTrasen further dispatched a rescue team from the ports of Belle Cote, and it has been confirmed that everybody has been retrieved and is making a recovery in Belle Cote’s Regional Hospital. 

The New Marfa Yacht Club has slipped from their leading position, with the Mendell City Boat Club securing the lead after overtaking them during repairs. The Mictlan Marineros have secured themselves in third, ahead of both Swimstars and the Moghesian Fishing League. Despite the concern generated from the missing competitors, the competition authorities have confirmed that it will continue until the remaining teams have reached Craterview.

Location of the Sunshine City Sailors