Elyran Utopia - An Independent News Outlet

[Hunt]

Information in red is considered OOC:

Welcome to the installment of Elyran Utopia, a personal blog/news thread which, while similar to the news posted by lore staff, is not canon nor should be considered such. Information presented below is based on the present lore but told from the lens of an individual living amongst the Elyran populace, without any idea/insight as to what is occurring behind the galactic scenes. Consider such a blog, thus, not a reliable source of information when considering canonical decisions!

By: Asifa Matar, Staff Management & Writer (She/Her)

2464 | January, 25th

Welcome to the initial post following the launch of Elyran Utopia, an independent news outlet funded by readers and sponsors like you. Here within the pages that make up Elyran Utopia, you will find resources providing you with daily events, exclusive interviews, and stories which are spreading rapidly around our republic. Since this is our first post and introduction of Elyran Utopia to the public, the staff and I would like to take this time in enlightening you regarding what information you may find here. However, let us begin with introductory measures for my partners who assist in writing articles and will be the names you primarily see atop our weekly posts.

Mahdi Khalili, Writer & Graphic Design (They/Them)

“Marhaba, my name is Mahdi and it is a pleasure to be writing for the Elyran Utopia. I am a recent undergraduate student from the University of Drifta where I studied journalism with a minor in art history. I look forward to providing you all some unique twists and expansions on Elyran societal happenings that you may have missed in your official news broadcasts.”

Shaafia Al-Greiss, Writer (She/Her)

“As-salaam 'alaykum, I am Miss Al-Greiss and the primary writer for Elyran Utopia. Interestingly enough, I was actually a biochemist for the past twenty years of my life. However, life has called me to a different task and this seems to be where I can fully blossom at this time. While I am no certified/educated individual in journalism, marketing, nor public affairs, I look forward to bringing my interpretation of the events to you!”

Nizam Asmar, Tech Support (He/Him)

“Might not be a writer or graphic artist, but I do try my best to ensure this page is accessible and stable for access to all Elyran citizens and other readers across the cosmos. While our services are through the ElyraNet as monitored by The Serene Republic, I can assure that all individual will be capable of accessing out site from any search engine, such as NTNet.”

As for our topics of interest, you can expect to find articles ranging from the many fields below,

• Fashion & design
• Recent & upcoming local events
• Interviews with your favorite stars & celebrities
• Viewer discussion & questions
• Daily podcast(s)
• Connection to some of the top stories within the Orion Spur

While this list is not entirely inclusive of our expected articles, this provides a solid baseline for what you can come to expect from us. We here at Elyran Utopia look forward to providing you some insightful, entertaining, and most importantly informative reads for the times to come.

 

 

Edited February 17, 2022 by Hunt

[Hunt]

Information in red is considered OOC:

Welcome to the installment of Elyran Utopia, a personal blog/news thread which, while similar to the news posted by lore staff, is not canon nor should be considered such. Information presented below is based on the present lore but told from the lens of an individual living amongst the Elyran populace, without any idea/insight as to what is occurring behind the galactic scenes. Consider such a blog, thus, not a reliable source of information when considering canonical decisions!

By: Mahdi Khalili, Writer & Graphic Design (They/Them)

2464 | January, 26th

With one of the most influential designers within The Serene Republic completing their bi-annual unveiling of this season's collections, Abdul Majeed al-Ansari has eloquently upstaged their competition with some bold interpretations of modesty. Mister Al-Ansari, founder of Ansari Apparel has seemingly taken to challenging the modesty guidelines and expectations that have been cemented into our society. While no direct statement in opposition of The Serene Republic policy on apparel, freedom of expression, and bodily image, Mister Al-Ansari has made it unequivocally clear on the ability to represent oneself,

“From the towering heights of Persepolis to the graceful hovering of cities across Medina, we see representation of the Elyran culture and our principles of insight, advancement, and progression as keystones to our societal foundation. Yet, fear of personal expression remains stagnant amongst us all, a deeply rooted fear of artistic outburst of oneself, through apparel, cosmetics, augmentation, and other enhancements leaves many trapped, unable to bloom. Just as art is to fashion, the expression of the people, the individual for that matter, can only be suppressed for so long, a necessity to one's pursuit of happiness. With this collection, we target the fears of unrestricted expression, showing that much like art, fashion is individualistically interpreted, that what you see as a radical design, some might see as modest.”

In attendance to the unveiling of Mister Al-Ansari’s collection, I was also granted the chance to examine the garments closely while also engaging with critics, viewers, and fellow designers within the audience. While no unanimous view of this collection was made, the musk of anxious excitement drifted across all present, unsure as to either support or shun Mister Al-Ansari for their bold stance on individual representation. However, many seem like minded with that of Mister Al-Ansari, concluding conversations with the comment that the rare occurrence of debauchery laws only hinders the further progression of Elyra into the future, a future in-which modesty and expression can be held cohesively without fear of public outcry.

Aside from politics, the haute couture of Ansari Apparel as many see it has taken the place of this year's fashion-forward stylings. Removal of the frequent peplum that many designers previously encumbered their designs with, an asymmetric styling has been adopted along with color blocking, being the combination of two or more contradictory colors within an ensemble as a whole. While maintaining the use of chiffon, crinoline, lace, batiste, etc. that dominate Elyran lightweight apparel (as is standard for our climate), the unique combinations of such with canvas, dogaressa, satin, and even flannel have provided some of this years first breathable yet multi-season designs. Furthermore, Mister Al-Ansari brought murmurs to the crowd as no models present for this show adorned the hijab, resulting in the departure of some female/male viewers from the audience amidst the festivities. Nevertheless, as Mister Ansari has made such an intent in targeting societal norms of expression and standards, the shock of such an action left many in awe of either the courage or incompetence for such a stance. 

Needless to say, while no representatives or staff of Elyran Utopia outwardly condone nor support the designer, the ensembles presented will certainly be shaking up the fashion community for the remaining year to come.

Edited January 26, 2022 by Hunt

[Hunt]

Information in red is considered OOC:

Welcome to the installment of Elyran Utopia, a personal blog/news thread which, while similar to the news posted by lore staff, is not canon nor should be considered such. Information presented below is based on the present lore but told from the lens of an individual living amongst the Elyran populace, without any idea/insight as to what is occurring behind the galactic scenes. Consider such a blog, thus, not a reliable source of information when considering canonical decisions!

By: Asifa Matar (She/Her) & Shaafia Al-Greiss (She/Her)

2464 | February, 14th

It is with remorse and care for the developments within The Southern Fleet Administration have reached Elyran ears, eyes, and minds. With resources acquired from the Alliance News Network and released infographics concerning losses caused by Fleet Admiral F.R. Beauchamp’s actions, Elyran Utopia will be combining our recent article publishment with this developing story. Be aware, this article will follow chronological order per when events and interviews were conducted.

2464 | February 9th

While no formal response by The Serene Republic and Parliament electing to remain silent regarding the news of Skrellian vessels arriving in Sol, many within Elyran space remain unsure as to what this news means for their daily lives. As the Jargon Federation and the Alliance have remained allies throughout the eons of struggle both have faced, some fear a potential incursion may be approaching in the near future. All twenty-four Jargon Federation representatives that are within Elyran borders have similarly remained silent regarding the news, with Jargon interests in Elyra being concerned only on our technological partnership(s). Perhaps there is little or nothing to fear in the news of Skrell resources finally reaching outside the Jargon Federation, however, that does not seem to be the same opinion being shared on the Elyran Net.

All posts collected will be kept anonymous for personal safety of those recorded/reported below:
“As if we can trust the Solarian Alliance to not abuse the power and supplies being given by Jargon, I give it days until they decide to use this alliance and founding resources to try and reclaim Elyran space. Look at how they all whimper in response to the Phoron crisis, we are their next target, the Skrell are going to be the backbone they need to have confidence in striking us” -Anonymous (Chat-Ank)

“The time has come for The League of United Republicans to take power within Parliament and out Rashid Nouzari. Revolutionists have continued our isolation for too long, an isolation that will soon make us a target from the Solarian forces as they pursue Phoron to support their typical conquests. In order to protect Elyran assets and life, we must reach out to those in the Republic of Biesel, Coalition of Colonies, Jargon Federation, and even the Sol Alliance. Perhaps, through economic partnership and increased trade we can keep the bolstered Sol fleets from coming for us next.” -LUR Party Member

Known members and personnel connected to key leaders within The Elyran People’s Party have been the most outspoken regarding the Skrellian aid. Further calls for Elyra and the Coalition of Colonies to formally align themselves together, as both rightfully separated from the crumbling Sol Alliance, that both are undoubtedly a target if the Alliance is permitted to gain any strength from xeno-aid. Calls for banishment of all Jargon Federation representatives, deportation of non-Elyran citizens entirely from their space, and removal of the Suez Protocol of 2381. While standard, the whispers of encouragement to have Elyran forces strike the bolstered Sol Alliance before Jargon can fully revivify them have been received. Many see the growth and investment in our military/uniformed forces to not only be in aid of defending our future from potential Li’Dra invasions but ensuring peace by decimating our former conquerors.

 

2464 | February 13th

Warp gates have been reported across Sol Alliance space, leading to further calls by The Elyran People’s Party members and The League of United Republicans to formally respond to the bolstering of Solarian space. Reportedly, these gates do not require Phoron and thus concerned parties regarding Solarian incursion into Elyra has been satiated for the time being. Nevertheless, it has been made evidently clear by Einstein Engines personnel that Jargon Federation technology and resources were used to benefit that of the Solarian Alliance through these technological developments. Will the ambition of Sol be bolstered further to begin assault upon their once proclaimed territories or will a future partnership be developed as many in The League of United Republicans hope.

Some see a future where warp gate technology may be traded with Elyra for that of our hover technology and further insight, that a warp gate connecting the Sol system and that of New Ankara is possible. An alliance may be formed between our potential enemies, that the aid from the Jargon Federation is not something to fear but a chance for Elyra to also aid in the recovery of the Alliance. Perhaps it is time for Elyran citizens to stop their ideological isolationist practices and instead pursue that of partnership with those outside our space. If every Solarian, no matter their allegiance is still a Solarian and receiving Jargon aid, then perhaps every Human is still a Human and we should collectively work together. Yet, this response has been met with the expected concern and distrust of those outside our systems, that all good things come with the cost of bad happenings. Gates being deployed in The Core Worlds, the Provisional Government, and the Militarized District have led to the first steps of Solarian reformation. A reformation which many see will eventually encroach on Elyran space and result in a war with devastating consequences to both sides.

 

2464 | February 14th

"It is with a heavy heart that I write this message, as I sought to finalize and include further interviews with those received from Solarian space on their response to finally being connected with lost lands and communities. News has been received via Alliance and Jargon Federation resources of an abysmal assault upon Jargon and Sol forces alike by prior Sol Admiral Beauchamp. With casualties of human lives breaching that of seven million and four-hundred Skrell, Elyran Utopia would like to write and encourage all to send their prayers or hopes to the recovering families from this devastating assault." -Asifa Matar

Political parties have remained silent outside of expected solace and apologies for the major loss of life, while discussions of Sol Alliance pursuitof Elyran territory has dwindled to little for the time being as this event will undoubtedly lead to conflict outside of our space for time to come.Some have chosen to align or find similarity within the Admirals assault on Solarian and Jargon forces, claiming that Elyra would respond no different than the Regime on encroaching forces to their home-community. Furthermore, with official release by Unity Station, Fransisco Artigas spoke on behalf of the Alliance,

“Any and all rogue detractors of the people of the Alliance must be put down, or else this will be a tear in a vast sea of tragedy and violence. Such is the way of warlordism; it is not just our duty, but our responsibility as the leaders of our great nation to end the violence and bring about a united Alliance once more. I assure you, Admiral Beauchamp and his fellow bandits will pay dearly for the lives lost, as will those that support them from afar.”

A message which has been received by many Elyrans as a potential threat of future violence against our way of life and home, that in the eyes of the Sol Alliance, Elyra may be seen as rogue detractors. That a united Alliance in many Solarian eyes would include Elyran space and our Phoron reserves.

Nevertheless, the Elyran Utopia would encourage you all to enlighten yourselves with how best to assist the Interstellar Aid Corps. A humanitarian organization which provides relief to all within our known galaxy, especially that within Solarian space. Even with the struggles and misguided relations between the Alliance and that of The Serene Republic, we as a nation remain one of the leading funders for the corps. Please, consider those lost today and the families that now struggle without a source of income, perhaps in good faith one may see our assistance through the IAC as a reason to not pursue Elyran space in any future conquest.

 

Edited February 17, 2022 by Hunt

[Hunt]

Information in red is considered OOC:

Welcome to the installment of Elyran Utopia, a personal blog/news thread which, while similar to the news posted by lore staff, is not canon nor should be considered such. Information presented below is based on the present lore but told from the lens of an individual living amongst the Elyran populace, without any idea/insight as to what is occurring behind the galactic scenes. Consider such a blog, thus, not a reliable source of information when considering canonical decisions!

By: Mahdi Khalili, Writer & Graphic Design (They/Them)

2464 | February 17th

As-salaam 'alaykum and welcome back to Elyran Utopia. Today, on behalf of readers like you, we bring to the table a topic outside of The Serene Republic. Many of you, the humble readers of our independent news, are alike my fellow staff and I, native Elyran citizens. However, as we witnessed within the past week, events occurring on the galactic scale can drastically impact us and further lead to potential complications for our individual futures. To best combat those future struggles, Elyran Utopia will be using todays post to elect you all in the opportunity of learning about the Peacekeeper Mandate.

Spread alongst our borders with the Republic of Biesel, exists a territorial sector separate from Tau Ceti governance. This being, the Corporate Reconstruction Zone, the territorial designation for all star systems outside of Tau Ceti’s gravity well yet occupied by the Republic of Biesel. Like the experiences we as Elyrans faced with our ancient separation from the Sol Alliance, the systems within the Corporate Reconstruction Zone, abandoned by the crumbling Alliance, left to their own devices/management. As one can imagine, drastic failures occurred across all systems simultaneously, whether such was debate on coordination, beliefs, trade, etc. Tragically, this is not the first time the Sol Alliance has spread their expanse to only succumb to injuries and leave their compatriots to fend alone. Luckily, the Republic of Biesel has provided what limited structure they can and through the enact of the Peacekeeper Mandate, progress has finally appeared.

Established recently, in October 2463 by the President Dorn, the Peacekeeper Mandate set the funding and rights for the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion to manage and oversee the militarized control of the Corporate Reconstruction Zone. However, this militarized attempt to stabilize the prior-Alliance systems has been met with insurgent operations and active hostilities against both the uniformed services and megacorporation alike. What the Elyran Utopia has yet to inform you of, is the funding and resources gained by Mega corporations through the efforts of the Tau Ceti Legion. As we are all aware through the efforts of the New Suez Protocol of 2381, without hefty restrictions and limitations upon Mega corporations, businesses and/or enterprises within a system will be either bought out or eventually succumb to the inability of matching megacorporation prices/resources. Thus, the encroachment of mega corporations and specifically members of the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate now approach our broad border shared with the Republic of Biesel.

                      

Yet, should we effectively be worried, as this is occurring outside of Elyran territory? The answer to that is complicated, an answer which is heavily dependent on the length of the Peacekeeper Mandate. If the Peacekeeper Mandate is permitted to be funded and exist indefinitely, the mega corporations within the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate will be able to further dominate all systems within the Republic of Biesel. Eventually, Tau Ceti will be the least of Elyran fears on surviving the galactic economic market, as each independent system falls the corporate power rises. Eventually, a not ‘too’ unrealistic belief is that the mega corporations and the bolstered Tau Ceti Foreign Legion will invade Elyran space for rights and/or access to our Phoron reserves alone. Thus, we encourage you to make your voice(s) known and spread this message to those in your interpersonal relationships. As more individuals both Elyran and not gain insight into the practices of the Republic of Biesel, we may be better equipped to combat them in the future if necessary.

Elyran Utopia would also like to take this time and ensure their readers that they do not presently side with any known insurgent organizations which actively/passively combat the Peacekeeper Mandate nor the Tau Ceti Legion. Organizations such as the Yuyuan Neo-Anarchists which have claimed civil erasure attempts by Biesel or the Renegades of Sekai claiming cultural removal and ideological sabotage. Furthermore, in an effort of transparency, it is suspected that the Samaritans of Mictlan are responsible for reaching out to Elyran Utopia in hopes of authoring this article. We ensure our sponsors and readers that no funding or influence from this organization has been acquired, the above article was assembled based on peer-interviews and on-scene research conducted by partnering news stations.
 

Edited February 17, 2022 by Hunt

[Hunt]

Information in red is considered OOC:

Welcome to the installment of Elyran Utopia, a personal blog/news thread which, while similar to the news posted by lore staff, is not canon nor should be considered such. Information presented below is based on the present lore but told from the lens of an individual living amongst the Elyran populace, without any idea/insight as to what is occurring behind the galactic scenes. Consider such a blog, thus, not a reliable source of information when considering canonical decisions!

By: Shaafia Al-Greiss, Writer (She/Her)

2464 | February 21st

Settled within The Serene Republic of Elyra and upon the capital exoplanet of Persepolis exists a plethora of resources, activities, and adventures to bask within. From the glistening scenes of Uthma or the towering heights of The New Ankaran Jewel, we as Elyrans are privileged to bask in a life of boundless opportunities for the sake of enjoyment. However, outside of the capital city and the surrounding beautiful environment(s), on the distant rim of our desert’s phoron fields is Madinant Omraia. A settlement which, while known, rarely visited but aids in providing The Serene Republic with ample Phoron harvests. Yet, amongst the sand dunes lays one of the most compelling outdoor activities on Persepolis, the racing circuits.

For those of you unaware or outside of Persepolis, Elyran technology has predominately if not entirely removed the need for wheeled vehicles. Hover-based devices and vehicles are the primary form of transportation, even those in the lower socioeconomic classes can acquire such due to their availability. Nevertheless, wheeled vehicles do remain in the racing circuits as hovering above the sand dunes would undoubtedly be less enjoyable to the viewer. Throughout the annual period, circuit fans and members of their rallies will trek through the expansive deserts of Persepolis (via hover trams/vehicles) to attend the thrilling events. The tracks themselves are, for lack of better terms, nonexistent. The circuit itself consists of a ‘path’ through the desert, the route as to which you derive is entirely up to the driver. The events are remarkably dangerous and due to the expansive range of the dunes around Madinat Omraia, enforcement of any rules may/is difficult. An issue rarely seen or pressed, except for the recent announcements and media coming out of desert mining facilities. Management of Persepolis Phoron-field mining, which is officially an aspect of the formal Elyran government, have made it known of rich deposits near/around the circuit dunes. Desires to expand upon mining operations closer to Madinat Omraia alongside relocation of the racing circuits to a different desert settlement.

As depicted above is a high-resolution image of Persepolis phoron-field desert mining outposts; one of the hundreds which, scattered amongst the sands, interconnected beneath the sandstone.

Participants of the Persepolis racing circuit have vocally opposed this action/proposal by the Elyran government, claiming that the circuit belongs to Madinat Omraia, and any other location would simply ‘not be the same.’ That tradition has served to generations of drivers sailing, digging, or plowing through the same dunes as their family and a change in such would be a direct insult to the art of circuit racing itself. When asked to comment on the situation, Hussien Munir, driver for the Ashkaimi Anteaters replied, 

“Life within Elyra is complex. The capital holds so many unique cultures to our society, our defining traits, our identifies. Those in Persepolis live daily, professional, and amazing lives within our utopia, yet still hussle out to the Madinat Omraia dunes to watch the brutal events of circuit racing. While the Ashkaimi Anteaters understand the importance of Phoron in the given galactic crisis, is a cultural crisis not just as important if not more?”

No official announcement from the Elyran government nor Parliamentary members has been received, with management of Persepolis Phoron-field mining operations dutifully remaining on the proposal of relocation. Offering to not only cover the cost of relocation but the funds necessary to build new facilities, workshops, and other key necessities to circuit racing. Yet, one thing remains clear, Elyrans enjoy circuit racing. Whether that enjoyment is dependent on the location itself, the racing itself, or a combination of both is undeterminable, at least until the potential relocation.

As always, Elyran Utopia does not side with either aspect of this internal affair on our capital exoplanet. We remain steadfast in encouraging all to spread their knowledge on the situation, be aware of changes in their community, and most importantly, enjoy life.
 

Edited February 21, 2022 by Hunt