Warble Enquirer

[WhatsUpBrotendo]

Weibii Slams Negotiations as "Betrayal"

 

Translated to Tau Ceti Basic

 

Kal'Qi Weibii, the de facto leader of the Lyukal and public face of the resistance abroad, has spoken out against the negotiations between moderate ITM members and the Nralakk Federation.

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[[An image of Weibii holding a public speech within Mendell City's Starlight Zone can be seen here. Their headtails and puffing cheeks show that they are angry as they speak to the crowd from their podium. The caption reads "Kal'Qi Weibii giving a speech within the Starlight Zone.]]

The negotiations have been referred to as a "betrayal to the cause" and "submission to an authoritarian regime" by Weibii and other public figures who are sympathetic to Traverse independence. The leader of the Lyukal has gone further and reaffirmed the resistance's aim of fully separating the Traverse from the rest of the Federation:

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"The Lyukal will not accept any terms brought out by these negotiations, and will not accept anything less than the full independence of the Traverse from the rest of the Nralakk Federation…"

Weibii then went on to refer to the militant elements of the ITM as "Quu'Dra", and stated that "those who feel betrayed will be welcomed with open arms". The Federation has made its concerns regarding this statement known, and has even offered to cooperate with the Republic of Biesel to deter extremists from entering Republic space. In addition, Grand Councillor Jrugl made a brief Viv-ID appearance to address Weibii's statement, posting a live video feed from their office:

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"The Grand Council and I have agreed that we cannot risk undermining the severity of this statement. We will be taking Weibii's speech at their word and will be emplacing extra security measures on flights leading to the Republic of Biesel. The Federation will do what it can to restrict the movement of extremist elements within its borders while also preventing the export of terrorism abroad.

While we are still in talks with the Independent Traverse Movement, I am able to say that the negotiations will soon be at a close. I ask that the public be patient as we finalise our agreement. Do not allow these dissidents in our society to instil fear and doubt in your minds."

 

[WhatsUpBrotendo]

ITM Negotiations Come to a Close; "Rolling Reforms" Announced as Traverse States are Unveiled

 

Translated to Tau Ceti Basic

 

Grand Councillor Weashbi Jrugl, alongside other prominent members of the Grand Council and Independent Traverser Movement representatives, gave a speech earlier today announcing that negotiations between the Federation and the Independent Traverser Movement have finally come to an end:
 

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[[An image of Weashbi Jrugl, Ormish Jrolk, and several other members of the Grand Council in front of the council chambers can be seen. To the side are several plain-clothed Skrell, who are identified as representatives of the Independent Traverser movement.]]

“Since the beginning of this internal conflict within the Nralakk Federation, diplomacy has been determined to be the only clear way forward; with several compromises between the Grand Council and influencial political organisation meaning reformation of the Federation is incoming. Today shall forever be immortalised as a monumental piece of history, an era of progress for the Federation and Skrell – proof that Skrell can traverse the stars, and remain united." 

 

The first of these reforms aims to "decentralise" the Traverse, transitioning each region into more autonomous states that have an increased capacity to oversee themselves. Councillor Jrugl said the following on the subject:

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“Administrative regions within the greater Traverse will be granted significantly more autonomy to self-govern within the Nralakk Federation; the Grand Council will be ensuring that performance by these governing bodies does not infringe on public interest. The transitional period will include a drawn out granting of increased autonomy to the local government whilst still ensuring the stability of the Federation – and the lives of its citizens in affected regions.”

The current state of the Traverse will not be changed much, according to the Grand Council. Each current region will effectively stay the same geographically while the Median Naval Zone will be under the direct control of the Grand Council and Qukala due to its strategic significance and pre-existing military infrastructure.

The other planned reforms have not been announced yet, but the Grand Council has divulged that a "reconciliation tribunal" will be organised in order to "peacefully bring justice to perpetrators responsible for exacerbating the conflict." The Grand Council has not commented so far on who the tribunal will focus on, but it is assumed that those behind the Phoron conspiracy (see article: "Marauder Collaborators Revealed, Q’elpi Systems Locked Down") and the more extremist elements of the Independent Traverser Movement will be tried by this tribunal.

[WhatsUpBrotendo]

Lyukal Plot Foiled! ITM-Kala Cooperation Leads to Arrests! 

 

Translated to Tau Ceti Basic

 

A spokesperson for the Federation has revealed that a Lyukal operation in the Traverse has been dismantled thanks to the cooperation of the Ruupkala, Nlomkala, and the Independent Traverser Movement.

According to official reports, Lyukal operatives were found smuggling weapons and other supplies to militant members of the Independent Traverser movement still active in the Q'elpi region of the Traverse. Moderate members of the movement, who have since stopped their dissident activities as a result of the successful negotiations with the Grand Council (see article: "ITM Negotiations Come to a Close; "Rolling Reforms" Announced as Traverse States are Unveiled") were "instrumental" to the discovery and apprehension of those involved. The moderate ITM members were apparently still in contact with their more militant colleagues and were invited to join the group in "continuing the fight against oppression". This activity was promptly reported to the authorities; who then proceeded to detain several ITM members and their Lyukal affiliates thanks to this cooperation.

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[[An image of three Skrell kneeling down on the street can be seen here. They are cuffed and monitored by Nlomkala officers while other officers are seen entering a nearby building. To the side, several Skrell in matching clothes can be seen wearing ITM-affiliated accessories. The caption reads "Lyukal insurgents were arrested without resistance thanks to the cooperation of moderate ITM members."]]

Since the announcement of reforms and cooperation between leaders of the Independent Traverser Movement and the Grand Council, insurgent activity has decidedly dropped throughout the Traverse. A representative of the Ruupkala has hypothesised that many militant ITM members have either stepped down or fled Federation space at the news. Those who are still carrying out their insurgency no longer have a network of allies or the public support to continue operations as effectively as they once could. 

The involvement of Lyukal operatives confirms that the resistance movement is still attempting to continue the violence within Federation space. While the arrests here prove that the Lyukal are not immune to the law, the Grand Council did make a post on Viv-ID reminding citizens of the threat the resistance group poses. The post went on further to state that the Lyukal is considered a terrorist group by the Federation and any suspected Lyukal activity should be reported to the Kala.

[WhatsUpBrotendo]

Qehalak Formed; Traverse States Given Responsibility for Local Defence

 

Translated to Tau Ceti Basic

As part of the reforms agreed upon by the Grand Council and Independent Traverser Movement (see article: "ITM Negotiations Come to a Close; "Rolling Reforms" Announced as Traverse States are Unveiled"), the Traverse states have been given the authority to organise, train, and equip a new branch of the Qukala responsible for local defence and to act as a reserve force to assist Qukala operations within Federation Space.

The Qehalak's (translated to Basic: "Homeguard") mission statement was provided by the Grand Council in a Viv-ID post following the announcement:

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"The primary objective of the Qehalak is to oversee the territorial defence of Traverse States; and to protect the Traverse from external and internal threats as well as to act as a reserve force where necessary for the Qukala during domestic missions. The Qehalak is a purely local defensive force, overseen by each Traverse state, and will not be used in external conflicts under normal circumstances."

Following this, Grand Councillor Jrugl addressed concerns raised about the Traverse gaining its own military force on their own personal Viv-ID account:

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"The Qehalak is ultimately an auxiliary branch of the Federation's military, and as such, it is under the authority of the Federal government. Under normal operations, they will be overseen, trained, and equipped by local authorities. If this new power is used maliciously, or otherwise used outside of the intent behind giving each state the ability to defend itself- the Qehalak can and will be brought under Federation control.

I wish to reassure citizens that this new organisation has been carefully designed with the best interests of the security and well-being of the Federation in mind. The Qehalak will allow citizens to feel safer as we increase our military presence throughout the Traverse; allowing us to more effectively deal with pirates, terrorists, and other dissidents that wish to destabilise our union. As seen in the last year, the Qukala, while an effective force, is not able to respond to all crises. Recent events have proven that a trained and maintained auxiliary force local to the region is required to properly protect the expanses of our nation."

 

The Grand Council has described the Qehalak as an "efficient method" to address issues observed in Qukala response times. Mainly by providing the Traverse with a "quick response" in the event of further civil strife, attacks from pirates or rebel groups, and other situations that would normally require military intervention. As the organisation is decentralised and handled at the local level, the Grand Council believes that the Qehalak will be more adaptive to the needs of the Traverse state that trains them. This also comes with the added benefit of alleviating costs for the central government when deploying the Qukala, and more well-planned resource management. Due to the current Phoron Crisis, the Grand Council believes that local forces will further allow the Federation to respond to internal threats without the unnecessary use of Phoron for travel.

The Qehalak will apparently draw mostly from local Skrell, but will be open to C'thur and Dionae that also wish to serve. It will also be part-time, according to officials, similar to the Republic of Biesel's Tau Ceti Foreign Legion; which some have already begun to draw comparisons to. Federation officials have been quick to respond to these comparisons, assuring citizens that the Qehalak will not be open to non-citizens or to species who have not been fully integrated into the Nralakk Federation. Ormish Jrolk personally spoke on the matter:

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"The comparison between the Qehalak and the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion, while true in some respects, is shoddy at best. While the states are ultimately in charge of their own training and equipment so that they are more effective on their home turf, the Qukala are offering each state teachers from their ranks to cover foundational skills. It will not impact our stringent citizenship requirements or change our integration process for new species. It is a part-time, voluntary force meant to provide internal protection for the Nralakk Federation…"

Recruitment flyers state that those with long-term commitments, or those that are in work that would dissuade them from wanting to join the military, will be able to serve in the Qehalak thanks to the lesser obligations required of its members compared to the Kala branches. Due to the Qehalak being organised independently by each Traverse state, it is assumed that requirements and obligations will vary.

Edited September 17, 2023 by WhatsUpBrotendo

[WhatsUpBrotendo]

"Reconciliation Tribunal" Held; Independent Traverser Movement Officially Disbanded

 

Translated to Tau Ceti Basic

Federation Officials have revealed that over the past few weeks, a "Reconciliation Tribunal" has been held. Headed by representatives of the Grand Council, Independent Traverser Movement, and notable civilians impacted by recent events in the Traverse, the tribunal interviewed and tried hundreds of citizens directly tied to the civil strife that swept the Traverse in recent months. Due to the nature of the Tribunal and concerns over "impartiality", it was held in secret but with transcripts and the results now made available to the public.

To the surprise of some, several Kala officers were also tried and punished as a result of this tribunal, with the judges citing gross incompetence, negligence, and misuse of force. One Skrell only referred to in records as "Oroq", was identified as a high-level Qukala officer who, as a result of their command, caused a large-scale riot between members of the Independent Traverser Movement and on-duty Kala.

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"Officer Oroq's decision-making in this scenario showcases a distinct lack of character that is expected of Kala officers. Their inability to effectively control what was, at the time, a non-violent demonstration; whether through incompetence or malice- led to the injury of fifteen Skrell. Not to mention an additional eight critical injuries and the thousands in property damage as a result of the ensuing riot. It is the belief of this tribunal that they are unfit for their duties, and will be demoted immediately, with additional punishment following further investigation into the matter." - An excerpt from Judge Xarq's statement, taken from the Tribunal transcripts.

Members of the Independent Traverser Movement that were found guilty of exacerbating the civil disturbance were given varying sentences. Most were tasked with uncompensated work; helping repair heavily damaged areas of the Traverse. Those with a larger role to play, such as those participating in violent acts or acting in leadership roles, were given prison sentences and a minimum of four weeks in a rehabilitation centre. One ITM leader, proven to have orchestrated several acts of sabotage against critical Federation infrastructure, was given a seventy-five-year sentence. While some called for leniency, the judges stated the following:

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"The objective of this tribunal is the fair and impartial investigation into the actions of both the Federation and the Independent Traverser Movement. While our focus is on restorative justice as part of our primary objective, it is the majority opinion of this panel that the actions committed by this individual, in particular, are so egregious that a more punitive sentence is required."

While the primary objective of the Tribunal was to deal specifically with incidents related to the Independent Traverser Movement, the original government officials involved in the Marauder Phoron conspiracy (see article: "Marauder Collaborators Revealed, Q’elpi Systems Locked Down") were also tried as part of the Tribunal. Their role in the provision of Phoron to Marauders is stated as one of the main factors that eventually led to the formation of the Independent Traverser movement. All officials involved were found guilty to some degree, and were given prison sentences of fifty years and a lifetime ban from holding political positions.

With results of the inquisition publically available the Grand Council, in collaboration with representatives of the Indepedendent Traverser Movement, have announced that the organisation has voluntarily disbanded following the negotiations. Leaders of the movement who cooperated with the Nralakk Federation and negotiated on behalf of the organisation were given leniency, but all have voluntarily barred themselves from holding public office or from organising similar movements. These individuals have been given temporary advisor positions on the Grand Council in order to ensure policies agreed upon during negotiations are enacted. A spokesperson for the ITM spoke further on the matter:

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"The Independent Traverser Movement believes that at least a majority of its objectives have been achieved. Through dedication to change, through peace, we have been able to bring to light systemic issues with how the Traverse has been treated. We have started a process of making it an equal member of the Nrallak Federation. While there are still several reforms that have yet to be announced; we trust the Grand Council to continue working on bettering the quality of life of its citizens.

The movement regrets the violence that came as a result of its actions. We denounce and condemn those who used our organisation to spread violence and conflict throughout the Traverse, and we do not support or recognise any members of our organisation that are still active. Our goals were always meant to be achieved in a peaceful manner, yet there were those that co-opted our mission with malicious intent.

As our final statement, the Independent Traverser Movement would like to thank the Grand Council and Councillor Weashbi Jrugl for their receptiveness to change. We look forward to working with them until our drafted policies are enacted in full."

 

The Grand Council is planning to enact many of these reforms next week alongside a public address by the Grand Councillor themselves.

[WhatsUpBrotendo]

Grand Council Announces Final Set of Reforms as "Traverse Accords" are Enacted in Full

 

Translated to Tau Ceti Basic

 

Grand Councillor Weashbi Jrugl's speech earlier today has sent waves throughout the Federation as they announced the formation of new political parties and a restructuring of the Grand Council.
 

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[[A video begins to play, showing Weashbi Jrugl approaching a podium in front of a large crowd. To one side is Advisor Ormish Jrolk and several other members of the Grand Council. On the other side there are more plain-clothed Skrell, identified as former leaders of the Independent Traverser Movement. The Grand Councillor begins to speak.]]

"I would first like to thank every individual that contributed to the peaceful resolution of this affair. From members of the Grand Council to the leaders of the Independent Traverser Movement that negotiated with us, to the average citizen. Our Union continues to persevere thanks to this collaborative effort, and it is my hope that our society will continue to cooperate towards a better future.

[[Jrugl looks over to their sides, acknowledging those standing beside them, then looks back to the audience.]]

Over the past year, the Nralakk Federation has faced many threats to its integrity. Piracy during times of scarcity, the greedy politicians who facilitated them, and political strife fuelled by dissidents and insurgents. Yet the Federation still stands. It is thanks to change that we are still here. Stagnancy breeds dissent as the old ways no longer apply to modern life. It enables corruption, as those who would rather profit than contribute to the greater whole of our society hook themselves into the system and change it to suit their own needs.

As a result of the reforms passed, the Federation has been made stronger, and the quality of life its citizens experience has increased. From protections for tertiary numericals, to economic reforms and changes made to the administration and autonomy of the Traverse, we have seen a social and political advancement not seen by Skrell in centuries. These reforms have been grouped together as the "Traverse Accords"; a set of policies that recognise the importance of the Traverse within our Federation and grants the region more power to better represent and administrate itself within Federation politics.

Today, we on the Grand Council are announcing one final reform to add to these accords; the Grand Council has authorised the establishment of formal political parties; and with it, a change to the organisation of the Grand Council. Details of these parties and who will be heading them will be announced soon.

We have enacted great change while still preserving the Nralakk Federation and the values that it stands for. For that, I find myself hopeful for the future of our nation. Where I once felt trepidation, I find myself excited for the future of the Federation and the future of Skrell everywhere. Thank you."

[[The Grand Councillor begins to leave, followed by everyone else on the stage. The audience applauds with warbling as the video ends.]]

 

After their speech, Councillor Jrugl went on to confirm on Viv-ID that former ITM leaders would be kept on the Grand Council as advisors; as well as leading the Committee for Traverse Well-Being, originally formed as part of reforms made earlier this year to better allocate resources when responding to disasters within Traverse space. When asked about the leader's voluntary absentation from holding political roles (see article: "Reconciliation Tribunal" Held; Independent Traverser Movement Officially Disbanded"), Councillor Jrugl replied that they "[R]equired certain individuals to best keep the interests of the Traverse in mind".

No other details have been given so far about these new changes, but it is believed that the parties mentioned will be formed initially from existing members of the Grand Council.

[WhatsUpBrotendo]

Parties Unveiled as Grand Council Reorganises!

 

Translated to Tau Ceti Basic

 

The Grand Council has now unveiled its new political party system. These parties will be represented on the Grand Council by their leaders as permanent advisor roles within the Grand Council structure. The Grand Councillor will also act as the head of their respective party, with Grand Councillor Jrugl now being the leader of the United Federation party.

The Grand Council clarified the reasoning behind the formation of formal political parties and what this means for future elections, with Grand Councillor Jrugl saying the following on Viv-ID:
 

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"The Grand Council and I believe that with the new changes we are experiencing - and will experience - because of the Traverse Accords, we must strive to better represent all prevailing ideologies within the Nralakk Federation. This new organisation will allow the Grand Council to better represent the spectrum of political ideas that exist within the Federation.

Independents will still be allowed to run for the position of Grand Councillor in future elections, and the Grand Council does not believe that this change will impede the chances of any potential candidate's campaign from succeeding."

 

Each party leader has provided a mission statement, as well as a summary of their party's policies:
 

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The United Federation Party, headed by Grand Councillor Jrugl, aims to continue the Grand Councillors' current policies. 

"Progress is vital to the continued existence of the Nralakk Federation, but that progress must be carefully navigated. Stagnation and corruption threaten to destroy what we have built over the millennia and must be combatted at every opportunity." - Mission statement for the United Federation party.

Reform: Reforms for the betterment of the Federation will be considered, with an emphasis on the de-isolation of the Federation in order to benefit the Federation's standing in the wider politics of the Orion Spur. 

Megacorporations: Megacorporation activity within the Federation will be accepted, but their influence on the Skrellian way of life and their impact on the Federation as a whole will be closely monitored. 

Foreign Policy: The United Federation party plans to continue relations with the Solarian Alliance while seeking out warm relations with other nations throughout the Spur.

Autonomy: The party currently has no plans on reducing or expanding on the autonomy of the Traverse.

Nlom Relays: Nlom Relays are considered vital to the continued existence of the Nralakk Federation, and are a crucial link between Skrell across all worlds within Federation space.

 

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The Homeworld Traditionalist Coalition is led by Nalo Gir-Roq, the Overseer of Tuz'qlip Researchers and pioneer of gene therapy techniques that contributed to the treatment of the X'Lu'oa. The Coalition aims to maintain the culture and traditions of the Nralakk Federation where possible.

"Tradition and the upholding of our species' values are vital to keeping the Nralakk Federation intact. New ideas should be challenged before they are accepted, and change should only be made when it is clear that it benefits the Federation as a whole." - Mission statement for the Homeworld Traditionalist Coalition.

Reform: Reforms are only to be enacted where absolutely necessary for the preservation of the Federation and its goals.

Megacorporations: While the Coalition has no active policies for or against megacorporations within the Federation, their potential influence on the Federation and its people is a matter of concern. Foreign interference in the Federation's economy and affairs should be heavily considered before they are allowed to continue or expand operations with Federation space.

Foreign Policy: The Nralakk Federation should attempt to stay out of wider Spur affairs where possible while sustaining current relations with the Solarian Alliance.

Autonomy: The traditional administrative systems for the Traverse should be reintroduced, replacing the newly-implemented system with policies that address concerns without compromising the central authority of the Federation. 

Nlom Relays: The Federation's Nlom Relay network is a vital part of the Federation's trans stellar infrastructure, enabling a strong, unified nation that allows Skrell to work in the interests of the collective rather than the individual.

 

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The Federalist League is led by Advisor Ormish Jrolk. The League's primary objective is to create a Federalist state, where each part of the Federation has equal authority and importance. The League intends to expand on recent reforms while also promoting more proactive foreign policy and additional megacorporate investment into the Nralakk Federation.

"For the many, not the few. The Nralakk Federation was founded on this idea. Through the equal division of power between all parts of our union, we can build a stronger, more focused nation that can adequately uphold the ideas it was founded upon." - Mission statement for the Federalist League.

Reform: The League plans to further reform the Nralakk Federation, focusing on equal power between the inner systems and the Traverse, while also reworking economic policy in response to the Phoron Crisis and its impact on the Federation.

Megacorporations: Megacorporate investment into the Nralakk Federation is considered critical in response to the growing scarcity of Phoron. Special Economic Zones, while considered a net benefit, are not considered effective enough alone to help boost the Federation's economy. That said, megacorporations should cooperate with State-Owned Enterprises, and competition between the megacorporations and the Federation's own enterprises will not be encouraged.

Foreign Policy: The Federalist League intends to continue nurturing good relations with the Solarian Alliance, while focusing on additional security along the Federation's border with the human Wildlands. The attack by Beauchamp, along with the increased risk of piracy and bandit attacks against Skrell, prove that the Federation must take a more aggressive stance to protect its citizens and its territory.

Autonomy: The goal of the Federalist League to create an equal-party nation means that the autonomy of the Traverse is of major importance to the party. Additional rights and freedoms for sectors outside of the core worlds will be pursued wherever possible.

Nlom Relays: The Nlom Relay network, while important, is not considered vital to the continuance of the Nralakk Federation. Each state should have the right to choose whether or not they will enable, disable, or otherwise change how the network impacts them.

 

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The Free Skrell Union will be led by Yoana Ji'ko, a representative to the Republic of Biesel and former Governor of the Ocror region on Qerrbalak. The party focuses on economic growth through the introduction of megacorporations into the Federation, and has a keen interest in furthering relations with the Republic of Biesel.

"An economy without needless interference is an economy that performs well. Our fellow star travellers in humanity have flourished in a fraction of the time it took us to, and the Federation should take their ideas and mould them into something more compatible with Skrellian society, if not adopted in their entirety. The adoption of a free open market and receptiveness to change are vital for the continued prosperity of our nation." - Mission statement for the Free Federal Union.

Reform: The Free Skrell Union will focus on economic reforms, and currently has no intention to enact or repeal social or political reforms unless deemed necessary for the continued function of the Nralakk Federation.

Megacorporations: Megacorporations are one of the core interests of the Free Skrell Union. Megacorporate involvement in the economy of the Nralakk Federation is seen as vital to continued economic growth, and the party sees the expansion of their operations within Federation space to be a priority. Competition between megacorporations and State-Owned Enterprises should be promoted to ensure economic growth and continued innovation in all sectors.

Foreign Policy: The party wishes to continue the Federation's relationship with the Solarian Alliance, while also furthering relations with the Republic of Biesel. The Free Skrell Union currently has no interest in developing relations with any other polity within the Orion Spur.

Autonomy: The Free Skrell Union currently has no plans to retract or expand on the autonomy of Traverse states. The party believes that the Traverse would benefit from megacorporate involvement within its industries, and will work alongside local governments to ensure that this is the case.

Nlom Relays: The Nlom Relay network is considered a hindrance to the cultivation of ideas and innovation within Skrellian society. Policies that would result in the network being limited or disabled will be pursued by the party where possible.

 

[Captain Gecko]

Large amounts of koko found smuggled in southern Federation space, authorities issue warnings over possibly increased presence of Unathi pirates

Translated to Tau Ceti Basic

Multiple strange reports have been coming from minor colonies in the Southern regions of the Federation over the past weeks. Planetary Governors have had reports about local authorities finding increased amounts of Koko Reed-based products in circulation. In response, Federation authorities have dispatched inspectors across to all permanently settled worlds within the Median and Q’elpi Basin sectors to look for more traces of Koko on these planets as well.

Koko Reed is an edible plant found only on Ha’zana, an Unathi colony unaffiliated with the Izweski Hegemony, inhabited mostly by pirates and other criminals. Though Koko-based products such as the “Koko Bars” of the O'kamazi Koko Guild often find themselves on markets across the Spur, it is not a new commodity in the Federation. The quantities found over the past weeks are highly unusual, however, and may indicate increased activity of pirates in this area.

Though most locals report that they did not trade directly with Unathi, it is quite possible that this Koko made its way in the market through less direct means. It is also possible that they traded with Ti'Rakqi, as their presence remains notable around the Q’elpi Basin, despite ongoing operations to end the Marauder threat. Trade with Unathi pirate fleets both within and outside of Federal Space might be a way for the Ti'Rakqi to continue growing and operating, and thus, a threat to the Nralakk Federation.

Edited November 18, 2023 by Captain Gecko

[RustingWithYou]

Ormish Jrolk Departs for Alien Stars

New Blades, Old Wounds Article 2

Grand Advisor of Economic Development Ormish Jrolk has announced their temporary departure from Federation space today - leading a delegation to the planet Ouerea, a warm and hospitable world currently under the rule of the Izweski Hegemony. The ruler of the Hegemony, Hegemon Not’zar Izweski, extended formal invitations to the Nralakk Federation to send a delegation to Ouerea, in the hopes of laying to rest past hostilities between Unathi and Skrell. 

The Unathi, for those of our readers who are not aware, rapidly descended into global nuclear warfare following first contact with the Federation and the Solarian Alliance - during which a delegation of Federation diplomats was sent in the hopes of brokering peace between the two warring sides, and preventing needless loss of life. These delegates were murdered, their shuttle shot down by the group known as the ‘Traditionalist Coalition’ (Unrelated to the Homeworld Traditionalist Coalition party), a radical collection of Unathi micro-states opposed to further dealings with the Federation and humanity. 

Since that day, the Federation has had little contact with the Unathi - though for several decades, Federation officials administrated the colony on Ouerea, due to the Hegemon’s inability to do so during wartime. Following the end of what the Unathi have come to call the ‘Contact War’, the Federation graciously returned control of Ouerea to the Unathi, though a substantial Skrell population remains on the planet. 

Reportedly, the delegation was approved with an overwhelming majority by the Grand Council, with only the Homeworld Traditionalist Coalition voting against. Coalition leader Overseer Nalo Gir-Roq referred to the delegation as “a mistake” during an address to the Council, claiming that for the Federation to involve ourselves further in the affairs of the Spur at large only serves to weaken our position on the interstellar stage. The Coalition was thoroughly outvoted, however, with all other parties standing in favor of the Ouerean talks. Grand Advisor Jrolk and the Federalist League cited the dangers of pirate and Marauder activity on the Federation’s southern border, claiming that forming stronger ties to the nations of the Sparring Sea is a proactive measure to ensure our national security against such threats in future - while voices from the Free Skrell Union cited establishing further connections to Hephaestus Industries as a key reason for building diplomatic ties to the Hegemony.

The talks are scheduled to begin in several weeks' time. Questions of whether these talks will lead to future involvement in Unathi affairs, or further connection with alien nations, remain unanswered for now - though the Federation watches eagerly to see what will come of the Ouerean summit.

Edited June 3 by RustingWithYou
arc

[WhatsUpBrotendo]

The Traverse: Post-Crisis Analysis of the Federation's Frontier

 

Translated to Tau Ceti Basic

This article has been written jointly by several Warble Enquirer editors to analyse the state of the Traverse, almost a year after the Independent Traverser Movement attempted to occupy multiple planets across Federation space.

It has been almost a year now since the Federation faced a civil conflict that resulted in sweeping reforms to our political, social, and military structures. The Traverse first saw massive demonstrations, calling to attention the perceived mistreatment and mismanagement of this part of the Federation. It then saw violence as these demonstrations turned to occupations as several planets became strongholds for the Independent Traverser Movement. A several-month-long siege took place across the Traverse as the Grand Council ordered a joint Nlomkala and Qukala operation to take back control, ultimately leading to peaceful negotiations as the independence movement began to fracture over time. In the months since the end of the conflict, the Enquirer has been monitoring the Traverse to see what progress has been made in rebuilding after these events.

It is crucial to point out that while the government has made strides in rebuilding the damage done across the Traverse, many citizens are still struggling even today. Civil services and utilities still see regular disruptions across multiple planets, particularly those on the fringes of the Traverse and in regions that were heavily occupied by the Independent Traverser Movement. Representatives of both local and central authorities have acknowledged the issues, and have cited logistical problems as a result of phoron shortages, lack of manpower, and Marauder activity in certain regions. These issues have prevented the Federation from even starting to rebuild in some parts of the Traverse, but the Grand Council has assured us that steps are being taken to address the lack of progress:
 

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"The Wayfarer Network is still a work in progress, but what is already in place will be pivotal to establishing a stable supply line to these regions. Alongside the strategic deployment of local Qehalak forces at specific travel lanes, we expect the impact of distance and Marauder activity on our efforts to rebuild even in the most remote parts of the Traverse to be minimised.

The Grand Council has also been in talks with the Interstellar Aid Corps to provide a stop-gap measure. The IAC has agreed to assist regions close to our border with the Solarian Alliance temporarily, allowing us to focus on other areas of the Traverse. We have also been in talks with the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate to see what assistance can be made available - although I cannot give any specifics at this time." - A statement made by a representative of the Grand Council earlier in the week.

 

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[Several images are on display, showcasing government buildings that were once occupied by the ITM. The worn-out slogans of the movement are barely visible as graffiti on the walls. The buildings seem functional, but still in the process of being rebuilt after acting as strongholds for the movement when it was still active. Several C'thuric Vaurca can be seen, with a variety of Bioforms performing construction work alongside Skrell in prisoner uniforms.]

Reconstruction efforts are using a mix of specialist workers of all species, particularly C'thuric bioforms, but are also utilising the labour of former ITM members who were found guilty during the Reconciliation Tribunal. These Skrell were found guilty of varying crimes related to the civil strife that the Federation saw last year, and have been tasked with repairing the damage they had caused. The use of what is essentially prisoner labour would remind many of the Collaborator Trials post-Glorsh, where those who willingly served the Tyrant and caused suffering to their fellow Skrell were forced to help rebuild the Federation to atone for their crimes. The system has proven to be successful, with these former dissidents working tirelessly alongside workers to great effect; officials have claimed that without the extra labour, reconstruction efforts would have been significantly delayed across the Traverse.

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[A still photograph of several Qukala soldiers can be seen talking to a group of Skrell in different uniforms to them. In the background, more Skrell can be seen adjusting their uniforms, hauling crates, or exiting transport ships. The caption reads: "Qukala troops overseeing new Qehalak arrivals in the Q'elpi region's primary Qehalak training centre."]

The Qehalak, the new Kala subdivision of the Qukala, has undergone a rigorous training regimen since its establishment last year. Supervised by veteran Qukala soldiers, the Qehalak has been training its forces in preparation for the branch's role as the primary defence force of the Traverse states. The Qehalak is a part-time, voluntary organisation that many have compared to the Republic of Biesel's early Tau Ceti Foreign Legion - both negatively and positively. Critics are cautious that the structure of the Qehalak means that it will be underprepared for an invasion or another secessionist movement, and the duty placed on local governments to equip and train their own Qehalak units puts the quality of this Kala branch further into question. When asked for comment, a Qukala representative said the following:

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"From my personal experience, the Qehalak recruits I have overseen are eager, patriotic, and diligent in their training. I have no concerns about the quality of recruits or the training they are receiving, but I do agree with concerns over the quality of equipment that they will access. It is up to the States themselves to ensure that the equipment provided is sufficient, but I have no doubts that the Central Government will step in if concerns are raised."

For now, many Traverse states are outfitting their units with surplus equipment that belonged to the Lukala, the subdivision of the Qukala that Diona and Vaurca were members of before their full integration into the Qukala. This equipment primarily consists of older weapons and armour once used by the Qukala, as well as light ground combat vehicles. Retrofitted civilian aerospace vehicles and naval vessels have also been made available to certain Qehalak units, although many are still relying on Qukala vessels for interstellar and interplanetary transport. While equipment varies, the initial concern of requirements varying wildly between States has proven to be unfounded; the Enquirer has found that requirements are fairly standard across the board, with Qehalak members having to meet similar obligations regardless of location:

• Qehalak soldiers must be available three days a week to train. These days are flexible outside of emergency situations.
• Soldiers are expected to spend a minimum of four weeks out of the year deployed away from home. This includes training operations, responding to natural disasters, or being deployed during other emergencies.
• While there is no hard-set rule on Social Credit Score observed by the Enquirer, many Qehalak units have broad statements that a member's score will be taken into consideration during promotions and assignments. A soldier whose score falls severely during their service may be discharged.

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[A map of the Traverse can be seen. A route is drawn on it, showing the current development of the Wayfarer Network, the logistics network of stations and other hubs that the Federation is developing to support Warp travel as the primary means of transport within Federation space. The map shows that the roadmap has changed, with new routes being prioritised over others. The caption reads: "Construction of the Wayfarer Network is still underway, and current estimates say that it will take at least a decade for the network to be considered operational. The current situation within the Traverse may delay the project as the Federation changes its priorities for which regions should be connected first."]

The impact of the Independent Traverser Movement's activities last year has definitively exacerbated issues caused by the Spur-wide Phoron shortage. Despite the gradual, positive progress we have observed, the Traverse has seen a massive downturn similar to what was experienced at the start of the Phoron Crisis. Logistical problems are not just limited to reconstruction efforts as transport delays are becoming more commonplace throughout the Traverse. These delays are being felt on either side of the supply chain, with stores within the Inner Systems struggling to keep shelves stocked and certain industrial hubs within the Traverse now falling behind their restructured quotas. When asked to comment, Advisor Ormish Jrolk's office provided the following statement:

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"The impact of the civil disturbance felt by the Federation last year will not be quickly fixed. It has forced the Grand Council to readjust its plans regarding our response to the Phoron Crisis, particularly our priorities concerning the Wayfarer Network. Our focus has shifted as a result, which has caused delays as Einstein and State-Owned Enterprise crews are reassigned to different regions of the Network.

On behalf of the Grand Council, I wish to reassure the public that these delays are manageable. I will not lie and pretend that there will be no hardship in the short term, but the Federation is far from falling into a major crisis as a result of this development."

 

While the Nralakk Federation narrowly avoided catastrophe last year, it is more than evident that we will feel the impact of what happened for years to come. It is too early to determine if the Grand Council's plans will succeed, but we at the Enquirer remain optimistic that the Federation will persevere during these trying times.