Mendell City Bugle

[Caelphon]

Zeng-Hu Commences Charters

Following an announcement by the government of Assunzione regarding the decreased expedition launches into the Light’s Edge region of the Orion Spur, Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals has jumped at the opportunity to expand its foothold within the interstellar economy through developing an additional branch based on exploratory sciences - different to their original intent of pursuing medical-based sciences.  

Chief Research Officer, Yuko Murakami Haya, has long claimed that the next important discovery regarding medicine is most likely to be discovered within this anomalous region, and is believed to be the main proponent of the creation of the medical conglomerate’s mission of chartering Light’s Edge. The Triesto Branch on Assunzione will be expanded to incorporate the oversight offices of the Light’s Edge Expeditionary Charter Group.  

Vice President, Rochelle Mohi, and Chief Medical Officer, Fukumi Cho, have worked in conjunction with CRO Haya in attempting to devise an alternative mindshield implant that can assist in countering the effect that the anomalous region has on the Zona Bonvinae - the current working theory regarding the heightened development of psychosis while traversing it. This alternative mindshield implant has seen some success in testing groups on Europa, and will soon see itself utilized in the Light’s Edge Expeditionary Charter Group.

[Caelphon]

Einstein Engines Phoenixport Expansion

Following the release of the Suzuki-Zhang Hammerdrive to the civilian market, Einstein Engines has declared that it will begin acquiring additional facilities within Phoenixport in order to “revitalize” the city - and become a “major economic hub within the Republic of Biesel overseen by an employee-centric corporate ethos that promotes productivity, whilst still complying with existing constraints” - according to Chief Executive Officer Noella Lopez-Zhang.  

The most recent acquisition is the dilapidated University of Phoenixport, procured by Einstein Engines earlier this week, and confirmed to be the start of Phoenixport’s resurgence after the megacorporation declared that the University will see itself uplifted and will soon become a centre of important discoveries within the Orion Spur. It was then revealed it will undergo a name change, the Lopez-Zhang Academy of Science and Technology and will have a focus on advancing the understanding of warp theory. 

Additionally, Einstein Engines funded the expansion of Phoenixport Regional Hospital Centre with the medical facility unveiling the opening of an entirely new wing dedicated to long-term patient care and rehabilitation, and will be utilized as soon as renovations are completed, and when it passes interstellar structural integrity tests. 

[Desven]

 

Dorn Presses ‘Orb’ Donation

Due to the Phoron Crisis, the Dorn administration has requested a phoron donation from one of their domestic allies, the Zo’ra Hive.

The petition for an ‘Orb,’ a Vaurca lifeform that serves as a live container of phoron, was made almost a month ago when Joseph Dorn and High Queen Vaur met in Mendell City. However, an ultimatum was made yesterday afternoon with the Dorn administration threatening to empty Dis, the Vaurcaesian stronghold which houses Warforms and serves as a military base. 

The announcement was made public in a report by Fred Bolas, a spokesperson for the Republic of Biesel. “Without further phoron supplies, it is unsustainable to continue to house Warforms, the property of the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion, in reserve on Caprice. These weapons would be better put to use within outposts situated throughout the Corporate Reconstruction Zone,” the document reads.

This is not the first time the issue of Warforms has come to the fore, with the Foreign Legion and the Zo'ra Hive having been in a long-standing debate on their ownership, both sides claiming to be the true authority. Although escalation is unlikely, this event is an unexpected turn in the otherwise friendly relationship between the Republic of Biesel and the Zo’ra Hive since their arrival to Tau Ceti.

Even if the ‘Orb’ is donated, scientists disagree on the benefits.

“We don’t know how pure the phoron inside the Vaurca is,” said Miles McGregor, one of the leading researchers of Vaurcaesian physiology. “Simply put, k’ois tend to stick to other components, and they're not easy to separate. It is highly likely that the phoron, even if it originated from pure crystals, may now be tainted because of the Vaurca diet.”

While the Zo’ra Hive has made no official report, an inside source claims that the donation is expected to occur later this week.

Edited August 14, 2022 by Desven
editorial

[Desven]

Police Doubled In Flagsdale

As a preventive measure, the Mendell City Police has increased its presence in Flagsdale, the largest Vaurca center in Biesel.

The decision was made after High Queen Vaur announced that the Zo’ra Hive would provide no more eggs for the ‘Queenless,’ a broad group of Vaurcae that do not belong to any of the major broods.

Queenless Vaurcae are said to be the main perpetrators of Flagsdale riots, according to statistics from the Mendell City Police Department in 2462. Last year, a Queenless band known as the Ak’riix disrupted the Flagsdale Hivenet relay, a major loss in the district’s infrastructure. Outside of District 9, Queenless Vaurcae have the highest crime rates. 

Vaur’s announcement was made after the Dorn administration declared that the Zo’ra Hive would receive less phoron, due to the mineral’s scarcity.

Although all attempts to disturb the peace in Flagsdale have been suppressed, Mendell Police City still expects a significant demonstration.

When asked to provide a statement, Ta’Akaix’Ger’myck’aal, a representative of the Zo’ra Hive, said, “In times of crisis, our charity work has to be reduced. The aid we provided to the unaffiliated hive-cells is not viable for the time being.”

[Desven]

Getmore Corporation CEO Responds to Threats of General Strike

After the allegations of a general strike made by Queen Xakt regarding the Luthien facilities, Mataji Khatri responded in a short statement.

The response, provided by Miss Nala Somari, was claimed to be “not official in any way, just a clarification.” She then proceeded to read from a piece of paper. “Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, we say things we don't really mean to,” quoted Somari, “and those comments should be taken with a grain of salt.”

Two days ago, when asked by the press, Queen Xakt said that she would follow with a general strike if the ‘Orb’ is donated, per Dorn’s request. “If Dorn keeps demanding our most precious resources, we have no option but to protest. I'm willing to stop the production in all Luthien facilities if hostilities continue.”

However, economist Joe Wollock claimed this scenario to be “highly unlikely.”

“The Zo’ra Hive knows its worth,” said Wollock in a holo interview, “but they also know that their special status greatly depends on the services they provide. If Xakt keeps pushing for a strike, antithetical to the Vaurca values the Hive has promoted since their arrival, they give us no option but to look at other suitors that can fulfill the job.”

Queen Athvur declined to comment after she was asked about Xakt’s threats. While the Mendell City Bugle could reach no other Queens, New Sedantis returned a fax with the following response: “Comments from Queen Xakt do not reflect the current position of the Hive.”

[Connorjg1]

Main avenues close for Zo’ra Hive’s military parade

Today, large crowds of Zo’rane Vaurcae gather in Mendell City to celebrate “Hive War Victory Day,” a non-autochthonous holiday in honor of the historic victory over the Lii’dra during the “Great Hive War,” and the conclusion of the conflict thirty-thousand years ago today.

The Biesellite version of the parade was established in 2459 when Zo’rane Workers and Warriors took to the streets of Flagsdale in a boisterous celebration of the occasion. The event remained local to District 9 until 2461 when a contingent of Vaurcae arrived at Freedom Plaza in Zhèngfǔ District.

This year, the event has taken a different tone. In recognition of the anniversary, the Zo’ra Queens have arranged a major military parade to be televised. The broadcast, prepared in the early morning hours, has hired human commentators to better inform the spectators about the historical significance of the “Great Hive War.”

Currently, the Flagsdale contingent—led by High Queen Vaur—occupies five primary lanes of the Interdistrict Highway. While circulation is still possible, long traffic is to be expected. The Mendell City Bugle anticipates the downtime to last for the remainder of the day in Districts 1 through 9.

Another contingent, arriving from New Sedantis—led by Queen Zoleth—, is currently positioned in District 1. Major arterials from Mendell City’s downtown, such as Lulworth Avenue and Trasen Memorial Road, are completely occupied by the Zo’ra Hive. Spectators can join and observe the parade starting in Minell Street, where the proper preparations have been made for the audience.

Though there is currently a second parade in Caprice, the event is not as flamboyant as the one in Mendell City. In Biesel, Zo’rane senior Warriors are sporting the best of the Hive’s equipment while preparing to recreate their traditional formations. In addition, various Warforms from the storage facility “Dis” are expected to march alongside the parade in District 1.

Despite the current political tensions regarding the phoron shortage, the Zo’rane parade has all the required permits requested by the Mendell City Police and is expected to remain a peaceful, family-friendly event.

Edited August 28, 2022 by Connorjg1

[Connorjg1]

What Is ‘Wyvenet’ and How to Report It

Following the tense situation in Flagsdale, authorities of Mendell City have advised about a highly illegal communication protocol within Vaurcae, commonly known as ‘Wyvenet.’

‘Wyvenet’, named after its developer, Ka’Akaix’Wyve Zo’ra, is an alternative channel for bandless Vaurcae (dubbed ‘Queenless’) to communicate without official supervision. At the time being, the protocol has not been cracked.

“This is a major threat to Mendell City and a stain on our relationship with the Zo’ra Hive,” said Mendell City Police Deputy Michael Gomez. “It cannot continue.”

As ‘Wyvenet’ does not use Bluespace components, the relays are located across Mendell City and other regions of Biesel. While most are kept inside Vaurca buildings, some hide in plain sight, disguised as holovision antennae.

The ‘Wyvenet’ can also be detected by their radio frequency. Though unintelligible, it has a trademark pattern, referred to as ‘spiral’ by experts in telecommunications.

Republic of Biesel citizens are encouraged to report ‘Wyvenet’ stations and suspected activity to their police department. Although ‘Wyvenet’ is only known to operate inside Biesel, authorities suspect ‘Wyvenet’ radios have been smuggled to other planets as part of the cargo orders of different spaceships.

[Desven]

Mendell City Metro Line Evacuated After Foiled K’ois Terrorist Attack

Active k’ois spores were deployed across five stations of Mendell City Metro Line 1, which serves to connect Zhengfu District with Xinghua Prefecture.

So far, more than a dozen suspects have been arrested. All were identified as Zo’rane Vaurcae, affiliated with the Ky’klux gang.

Although the k’ois were identified within minutes, twenty people have been confirmed to be infected with mycosis, with a possibility of up to five hundred more unconfirmed cases from passengers who passed through the station. Line 1 will remain closed through the day as authorities continue to disinfect it.

The Court of Queens in Caprice issued an emergency statement, calling the act “deplorable” and “Lii’draic.”   

“What transpired today in Mendell City is deplorable and does not represent the values of the Zo’ra Hive, much less any of the Vaurca Hives. The nature of this attack is Lii’draic, and we will fully cooperate with authorities for the arrest of all responsible parties.”

Users of Line 1 are encouraged to visit their health centers for a k’ois test. Additionally, some housing buildings in the Xinghua Prefecture have been quarantined to prevent any future mycosis cases.

If left untreated, the contagion of k’ois mycosis can be lethal. For the full list of symptoms and other information, please visit health.biesel.gov/kois.

[Caelphon]

Biesel Announces Citizenship for Reconstruction Zone

President Joseph Dorn of the Republic of Biesel announced earlier today that select planetary member-states within the Corporate Reconstruction Zone have been officially integrated within the Republic, and therefore are entitled to the citizenship that it offers. Though some have criticised President Dorn’s announcement – others have rejoiced as it allows significantly easier assimilation into the greater Republic of Biesel. However, per Solarian laws those that wish to pursue citizenship must forsake their allegiance to the Solarian Alliance. 

The Union of Port Antillia and the Republic of Mictlan have qualified for these changes, with both Premier Julien Guerrier and Prime Minister Ladislao de Santos confirming that their planetary affairs offices will be ready for those that elect to pursue citizenship – where they’ll be able to forego the typical requirements such as enlisting with the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion, having resided within the Republic of Biesel for a period of twenty-four months, or speaking Tau Ceti Basic. Integrated Positronic Chassis will still need to adhere to the requirements prescribed before they can be eligible for citizenship. 

However, President Dorn confirmed that those resisting the annexation of the Corporate Reconstruction Zone will not be offered these advantages – with significant stretches of the untamed region still experiencing issues assimilating to their newfound circumstances. – and until they have entered a period of secure stability, citizenship will not be granted to them. There will be a grace period of twelve months following the announcement for those within the Union of Port Antillia and the Republic of Mictlan to acknowledge their citizenship. Those that wish to keep their Solarian citizenship will be required to adhere to Biesellite visa requirements; both for residing and working within its borders.