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6.15.2457

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ooc: in editing i accidentally this story so oops

7.15.2457

David Michaelson - The capital of the Sol Alliance, Unity City, which orbits Earth, was engulfed by riots earlier today that shut down the entire station for 6 hours. Incoming shuttles were delayed, and the intra-station transit system was shut down as police regained control of the situation.

The riots were sparked by a controversial bill currently being debated in Senate: A.B. 1398, or the "Shell Registration Act". The bill would require that all IPCs upgraded to the new Shell model, which was pioneered by Hephaestus Industries' Robotics Division, be registered into police and government databases for tracking. As well as this, all 'shells' without their identification or presence in the database would be seized from their owners and shut down as 'illegal AI's'.

Espionage by an unknown group released the plans to other transstellar corporations, and Hephaestus was forced to roll out the new models for general use 2 years earlier than originally planned in order to retain a niche in the market. Opinion on the new models remain extremely mixed, with many people citing the "uncanny valley" effect they have.

These divided opinions clashed outside the steps of our nation's capital. Protesters both for and against the bill rallied outside it while the Senate was in session. Originally peaceful, it soon turned violent as an unknown assailant hurled a molotov cocktail at the Capitol building, shouting anti-IPC slogans.

Others began joining in, and the protest soon erupted into a riot that engulfed the entire Administration District. Capitol guards and station police locked down the Capitol building, and the Senate session was suspended as guards burst inside and closed the security shutters in the hallway.

Three people died in the riot, all three of which were active participants in the unrest. Eight more people were wounded, including two police officers and two people hit by "beanbag" shells from riot police. Four shops were looted, and several dozen shuttle-cars were overturned. There were three hundred arrests, and Unity City jails are reported to be at maximum capacity.

Unity City Police Chief Muhammad Farsi admitted that the police force was "unprepared" for the level of violence.

"These sort of things just don't happen here," the somber looking Police Chief told reporters, "this is the first riot we've faced on this station. We're looking at damages of at least a million credits. Our security presence was initially low, but our emergency responders still managed to react quickly and professionally to keep our community safe."

The Senate is scheduled to resume session in six days, after the Capitol is given minor repairs.

7.17.2457

Dana Heraldson - After nearly a decade of sharing aerospace research, the conjoined scientific might of the Sol Alliance and the People's Republic of Adhomai have finally finished the construction of the first Tajaran-built spacefaring vessel. Prior to human intervention, the Tajaran had not even explored the nearby moon of Raskara. It made galactic headlines when not more than five years ago, freshly-trained Tajaran astronauts landed on the moon's surface and planted the flag of the Republic. Now, the astounding capabilities of human researchers and Tajaran engineers is preparing for it's first test flight next week.

Using plans drafted in unison, construction on the vessel started several months ago, sources close to the Tajaran government state. Now, with the ship completed, the tight-lipped officials in power have announced their intentions to launch the PRAMV Retaliation and use it to put down the broiling conflict still waging across the surface of their homeworld. This news came after the extended political silence of the president and his cabinet; in his public delivery speech to an assembled audience of human and Tajaran representatives, the president cited national security as the reasoning for releasing little public information about the development of the space program and in the televised broadcast urged his fellow countrymen to lay down their arms to prevent the deployment of the fully-functional battleship.

"With the knowledge gifted to us by our benefactors," he said, "[we] hold in our hands the ability to finally join the other species in the galactic community on the proverbial interstellar highway. The sole goal that our species has had for centuries is now a very real achievement. Young Tajaran who could only watch as Alliance shuttles flitted to and fro could now in the very soon future pilot their own - made not by human hands, but by their kin."

"For the first time in Tajaran history, we freed ourselves from endless oppression in tyranny. That was more than twenty years ago. Now, we are on the precipice of another revolution; one that will finally free us of the chains of our planet and allow us to rightly explore and colonize our home system. To join our human, Skrellian, and Diona brethren amongst the stars. No longer will we stand aside with our eyes downcast. Now, we may stand proud, our gaze fixed heavensward."

Military specifications on the PRAMV Retaliation are very limited, in an effort to prevent any harm befalling it by terrorist forces. A public televised broadcast of the launch will take place next week Friday, and several prominent figures will be in attendance, including members of the Alliance senate and the People's president, The Most Honourable N'jir Hadii himself. Also slated for appearance is intergalactic music star Yasmin Piaf, popularized by her native Tajaran fanbase for her records, as well as renowned scholar Malik Mansoor, known for his works recording ancient Tajaran history.

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7.19.2457

Misha Pierce - Police have locked down Greater Chicago area, as authorities expand the scope of their hunt for a murderous rogue artificial intelligence. The AI in question is a Bespoke IPC of the "Handy Helper" model; one of the service models produced by Hephaestus Industries' Robotic Division, with a shell giving it a cheery human appearance.

The victim is Yolanda Martinez, an administrator for the Greater Chicago City Bank. She purchased the service borg three months prior to this incident to help assist in housekeeping duties while she was away at work. According to authorities and a Hephaestus spokesperson, she reported the borg as having several 'malfunctions'. She claimed that several times she came home to the borg holding conversations with imaginary people, and repeatedly insisting that Yolanda refer to it by "George".

The murder itself took place some time this morning. Investigators have not released the full details of the crime, but a leak has revealed that the borg got into a heated argument with Yolanda, who then told the borg it would be "wiped". The borg then ambushed Yolanda with a kitchen knife, stabbing her 39 times in the chest before fleeing.

Greater Chicago Police Chief Timothy Reynolds urged for calm as he announced the lock-down of the city.

"A man-hunt is currently underway, and officers have been issued ion weaponry," he explained, "unfortunately IPC's are not required to have tracking implants, so we are facing greater difficulty in finding it. But with the cooperation of the public, we'll be able to find and terminate this rogue machine. Anyone with information on unregistered or malfunctioning IPC's or AI's are to contact the authorities immediately."

Haephestus Industries has faced immense fallout from this situation. It has recalled all Handy Helper model IPC's for a mandatory wipe of their positronic brains, and has promised to compensate owners for an improved replacement with additional safety features.

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8.15.2457

David Michaelson - Xavier Thomas, the Head of Security for the NSS Trident, was assassinated earlier today by a yet unknown assailant. The security head allegedly briefly exchanged fire with the assassin before being fatally shot. The assailant is then thought to have escaped from the station using one of the emergency ejection pods. Sol Alliance authorities are hunting the Lalande system, but have not made contact with the pod.

Nanotrasen was quick to deny rumours that the assassination was orchestrated by the Syndicate, despite the mysterious organization being quick to claim responsibility in a video uploaded to the Extranet.

"While details of the assassination won't be released at this time, preliminary evidence rules out Syndicate involvement." A Nanotrasen spokesperson told reporters, "We've narrowed down the suspects. We don't think it was a rogue loner; they had equipment and tactics we're familiar with. We'll get 'em."

Nanotrasen declined the request from the family of Xavier Thomas to pay for the funeral, citing corporate policy. A private service will be held in two weeks.

7.15.2457

Horatio Yandere - Due to the lower development levels of the frontier territories just outside Sol Alliance space, news of what is happening in those sectors of space are rare and often unverified. But the Interstellar Aid Corps has reported a vast influx of refugees and spacers fleeing into Sol Alliance territory. The outer Alliance systems of Adrastos, Pericles, and Xinjan have requested help from both the IAC and Sol Alliance government to deal with the refugees.

Reporters in the systems received testimony from several migrants and refugees, who say they are fleeing Unathi Raiders that have suddenly launched a coordinated, widespread attack on human space. Several small settlements on asteroids, and in inhabited stations, have been attacked with several people being enslaved or otherwise subjugated under the authority of these raiders.

The Sol Alliance Navy, using their increased jurisdiction under the Anti-Pirates Act, or "Chater Doctrine", have made bluespace jumps into independent space in an attempt to protect the human settlers living there. Several skirmishes have been reported, which have claimed the lives of at least a hundred Sol servicemen.

The Admiralty released a statement confirming that several skirmishes were underway, but refused to comment on ongoing operations.

The sudden attack on frontier space comes as a surprise to several analysts. While random attacks have always been a reality, the scope and scale of the recent invasions is beyond projected capabilities for raiders. Refugees report Unathi ships that managed to make bluespace jumps just outside a settlement, with the feared Unathi Raiders teleporting inside over bluespace beacons without the need to breach the vessels. These attacks caught the security or militia forces of the settlements by surprise, and all of them are being quickly overwhelmed.

The ATLAS-GAIA coalition is meeting in an emergency session of parliament to discuss a response to the attacks.

7.15.2457

Horatio Yandere - Due to the lower development levels of the frontier territories just outside Sol Alliance space, news of what is happening in those sectors of space are rare and often unverified. But the Interstellar Aid Corps has reported a vast influx of refugees and spacers fleeing into Sol Alliance territory. The outer Alliance systems of Adrastos, Pericles, and Xinjan have requested help from both the IAC and Sol Alliance government to deal with the refugees.

Reporters in the systems received testimony from several migrants and refugees, who say they are fleeing Unathi Raiders that have suddenly launched a coordinated, widespread attack on human space. Several small settlements on asteroids, and in inhabited stations, have been attacked with several people being enslaved or otherwise subjugated under the authority of these raiders.

The Sol Alliance Navy, using their increased jurisdiction under the Anti-Pirates Act, or "Chater Doctrine", have made bluespace jumps into independent space in an attempt to protect the human settlers living there. Several skirmishes have been reported, which have claimed the lives of at least a hundred Sol servicemen.

The Admiralty released a statement confirming that several skirmishes were underway, but refused to comment on ongoing operations.

The sudden attack on frontier space comes as a surprise to several analysts. While random attacks have always been a reality, the scope and scale of the recent invasions is beyond projected capabilities for raiders. Refugees report Unathi ships that managed to make bluespace jumps just outside a settlement, with the feared Unathi Raiders teleporting inside over bluespace beacons without the need to breach the vessels. These attacks caught the security or militia forces of the settlements by surprise, and all of them are being quickly overwhelmed.

The ATLAS-GAIA coalition is meeting in an emergency session of parliament to discuss a response to the attacks.

11.17.2457

Breaking News: At 12:00 today the Alliance Parliament, in orbit of Earth, passed new legislation regarding the immigration policy of the Sol Alliance. The law in question was regarding the status of immigration of the Tajaran species, called the Tajaran Exclusion Act. The act put forward several extreme restrictions on immigration to the Sol Alliance from Tajaran Space, in a statement the bills writer, Cesare Augustiani, the leader of the ATLAS party in Parliament stated the purpose of the act was to encourage the States to employ humans rather than cheap Tajaran labour, as well as protecting Human families from the noted increases of crime in Tajaran immigrant enclaves. The act itself provisioned for Tajaran immigration to be limited from 12,500 a year to 3% of that, along with establishing stricter standards of entry, to allow only dedicated Tajaran to become residents of the Sol Alliance.

Following the passing of the act, the Mars observer went to visit a Tajaran ethnic enclave in the S’rajek Hrmanni Slums of Mars Capital Region. Our reporter James Williamson, question the Tajarran residents on their opinions of the act, one Tajaran reacted with this statement:

“He thinks that the Government is wrrrong in this situation, as you can see we Tajarrrans have it hard enough, we don’t need more restriction! We should be rrrewarded for putting up with the Apes Bigotry, especially being called 'cats' in the bill's worrrding!”

However the observer found that even some of the poorer Tajarans found the law fair. One older Tajaran member of the TATC (Tajarans Against Thug Culture) gave this statement:

“He- I think that the Goverrrnment is 100% correct in limiting the flow of Taj’ immigrrrants, all you see in the streets now arrre young Tajarrrans who came looking for worrrk, but found that what was available was “Beneath them”, now they think they can just act like thugs and insult ourrr Human Hosts”

ooc credit to tytos for writing this piece.

12.1.2457

Following recent strides in Hegemony combat research, the Hegemony has begun mass production of Durand model combat-mechs. Three minted exosuits were tested in combat scenarios on Ouerea early this weekend with invited Alliance and Biesel observers in attendance. Several Alliance military officials whom wish to remain anonymous have confirmed that the newly formed infantry units will indeed be deployed into live combat scenarios in the near future.

Izweski-freighters, designed by Izweski engineers with the cooperation and funding of Haesphestus Industries, have already been observed transporting a detachment of these Durands as well as their newly trained operators out into space, which may suggest that Hegemony military commanders are planning to induct this Durand- force in deep space, possibly for ship-to-ship combat, or for deployment onto ground colonies.

The models of the Durands have different specifications than human models. The inner cabin is much larger and suited to the Unathi frame. As well, several cosmetic spikes have been attached to the arms. In the Izweski military, these Durand exosuits have been given the "Obliteration" classification.

Alliance observers also pointed out that these Obliteration-class exosuits ran out of charge extremely quickly into the presentation, and that the Unathi presenters didn't provide comments on this. This implies that these new exosuits suffer from a vastly reduced power supply than human or skrellian counterparts. The Durand-exosuits that the Unathi models seem to be emulated from also suffered from power difficulties, as well as slow speeds and outdated components, leading to their decommissioning and replacement with the more advanced Gygax-class exosuits.

ooc: Credit to Serv for writing this.

01.13.2458

Cevalon City (Akhet, Epsilon Eridani) is under curfew after several individuals now identified as synthetic shells performed a well-planned raid against Alliance Military Base Bulwark just outside of the capital city. Early estimates put the death toll of the brutal attack at twenty three with another thirty two injuries, several in critical condition.

The infiltration and bloody assault appears to have been carried out by an estimated five synthetic shells disguised as personnel last seen the previous night. Video feed shows that once within the base the synthetics used their apparent lateness to be alone with high ranking officials who were then assassinated. The attack had the forces within the base in disarray as many of the senior officers were murdered before the alarm could be sounded. Cadet Thomas Benton is tipped to receive a post-mortum Alliance Medal of Valour for sounding the alarm.

After they were discovered, the infiltrators seized large stockpiles of newly arrived weaponry from the base's central armoury. Our sources indicate that this could include the newly released 792 Hurricane rail rifles, and experimental Pelurn Exosuits, which were not slated to be rolled out until the end of the year.

Following the theft, the gates of the base were blasted open and the terrorists fled in an armoured vehicle before escaping police pursuit on foot. It is believed that they had a facility capable of changing their appearance, allowing them to escape into public spaces without detection. Thus far, the location of the stolen armaments is unknown.

It was also reported that the Bulwark's computer and AI systems are now behaving highly erratically and are slated for law resets, raising concerns that the terrorists may have extracted vital core processes from the system. Whether this was to cause more chaos or to improve their own systems with military grade protocols is unknown.

The CCPD is working in conjunction with the military to enforce a curfew of 6pm for all non-regulated activities and traffic. A wide search is underway to find the alleged infiltrators before they can escape, as well as to find the bodies of the impersonated servicemen.

01.14.2458

Following the attack on Base Bulwark yesterday it's been revealed that authorities from several hundred Alliance systems are dealing with waves of violence against unbound synthetics. Reports are difficult to retrieve from the Outer Colonies, which suffer slower communication and Extranet Traffic. In the Sol System, 54 synthetic shells and IPC's have been reported as severely damaged or destroyed by vigilantes on Earth alone, with 48 damaged on Mars and 76 on Europa. Total numbers from the Inner Colonies currently put the number of severely damaged or destroyed shells and unbound synthetics at 273, with the total estimated number believed to be near 400 across the Sol Alliance.

The destruction or damage of shells is being done both in random acts of violence and in protests and riots across Alliance space. 36 individuals have been arrested in connection to destruction or damage to IPC's.

Alliance Prime Minister, Miles Theodore Chater, has urged calm in the face of the growing violence against synthetics during a hastily assembled news conference.

"Vigilante justice is not true justice. We all need to trust the authorities to handle the genuine synthetic threats swiftly while respecting the property of law-abiding citizens and ensuring free, law-abiding synthetics are not targeted. We can't allow ourselves to descend into barbarism in a quest for revenge."

Several systems have issued public notices warning citizens to keep household IPC's indoors or accompanied by their owner when they go out into public spaces. Shells and IPC's are asked to not travel alone.

Alpha Centauri has enacted a curfew of 7:00pm Galactic Standard Time for all unbound Synthetics, where they are not permitted to be outdoors without being accompanied by their owner. Alpha Centauri Governor Trinity McDavis defended the curfew, saying it was meant to ensure the "safety of all synthetics in these difficult times."

1.26.2457

1.28.2457

02.8.2458

In an unusual move today the Grand Admiral of the Sol Alliance navy has released a statement of condemnation to the press on the executive government. The Grand Admiral position is the most senior officer of the Alliance Navy and it answers directly to the Secretary of the Navy within the Prime Minister's cabinet. Admiral Sattageto, 53, was herself was appointed by the previous administration and has been in the navy for 23 years, serving as Grand Admiral for the last 3.

Her full statement accuses the GAIA-ATLAS coalition of stripping the navy of its traditional autonomy from the civilian government. The navy entered a period of reforms under the Chater Doctrine of 2457 pushed by Prime Minister Chater. The Chater Doctrine reorganized the authority of the navy and transferred operational authority from the Grand Admiral to the Minister of the Navy, currently Sabbal McConnaghough, leaving the office of the Grand Admiral to manage resource and manpower as well as remaining in a supervisory role. Since the implementation of the Chater Doctrine the navy has found itself increasingly spread out as more fleets are deployed by the Minister to the outer colonies with the goal of combating the regular pirate and raider attacks on Alliance space.

Sattageto's statement fields many complaints with the behavior of the government.

"Admirals are appointed because we know how to manage the fleets and protect the Alliance from threats," she wrote as one of her complaints, "stripping our operational authority and putting it in the hands of civilian officials threatens both our traditional authority and the safety of our men and women being deployed by people without formal military training."

She goes on to question the merits of the Chater Doctrine in the face of increasing casualties against raiders and pirates.

"Traditionally our local commanders would remain consolidated in an important system and respond to threats as they appear, giving us time to monitor and evaluate attackers to ensure our operations were safe. Now our fleets are spread thin, with attackers bluespacing in able to damage or even destroy our vessels before reinforcements can arrive to chase them off. We're losing uniformed servicemen and servicewomen to make people feel safer, when in reality the outer colonies have never been more dangerous."

Casualties in anti-raider and anti-pirate operations have increased since the Chater Doctrine was implemented, with 682 casualties since the beginning of 2457 and a small rise.

She also accuses GAIA and ATLAS of being weak on the Hegemony in a very strong statement.

"We lost a colony and let our Jargon allies lose a ship to belligerent raiders flying under a tyrant's flag. All of our investment in Ouere was lost and now that planet lives under a backward and repressive feudal dictatorship. Is it normal for our species to hold up a white flag to tyranny and threats?"

Her conclusion was an explanation for this statement, as well as confirming disillusionment in the Alliance Navy.

"I don't make this statement alone. There are many factions in our proud Navy that feel resentment at the way things are going. We risk our lives to protect this country, and I risk my career making this statement to give them a voice."

Neither the Prime Minister nor Secretary of the Navy have responded to e-mails asking for a statement.

02.11.2458

Further unusual news coming out of the Sol system today. Following the criticisms of government policy on the navy from Grand Admiral Sattageto it has been revealed that the Secretary of the Navy, Sabbal McConnaghough, has resigned and Grand Admiral Sattageto has been appointed as his replacement. The resignation comes as a surprise, especially with the lack of a statement or warning from McConnaghough or his office.

The resignation comes in the face of heavy criticism of the former Secretary by a significant faction of Navy leadership. His replacement Sattageto accused him of being out of touch with modern doctrines of the Navy and threatening their traditional rights.

The Sattageto appointment has yet to be confirmed by the Alliance Assembly, but Admiral Sattageto remains extremely popular with the ATLAS party, who have voiced approval of Prime Minister Chater for her appointment.

Sattageto herself has released a statement to SANN, saying she is "grateful for the foresight of the former Secretary and his ability to see reason, and I am thankful to the Prime Minister and ATLAS for understanding the rights of the navy."

Strong condemnation of the move comes from Minority Coalition leader Ashley Logan. Logan represents the loose alliance of the Worker's Party and Utopian Front party, which represent the minority parties of the Assembly and represent roughly 27% of the Assembly seats. She accuses the navy of staging a "coup" and undermining the authority of the civilian government over the military.

"We can't just replace government officials with navy admirals," she said in her strongly worded statement, "especially ones that criticize civilian decisions and policies. The GAIA-ATLAS coalition is caving to pressure from the military and that leaves us in a very dangerous situation."

The response to Logan has been strong, with ATLAS accusing the minority leader of being unpatriotic, and questioning her loyalty. It's doubtful that the minority coalition will be able to garner enough votes to block the nomination.

02.14.2458

Navy Secretary Maribella Sattageto has released further information on the current military operations in frontier space, which includes the numbers of deployed servicepeople and assets. While we know now the full extent of Alliance operations in the foreign systems, we do not know where these forces have been concentrated with any official acknowledgements, due to concerns of troop safety and counter-intelligence.

220,500 naval servicemen and women remain deployed in the frontier colonies, with the entire 12th and 17th Fleets mobilized and undergoing operations. The two fleets were deployed to pacify and secure areas of the frontier from raiders and pirates, which consists of thousands of independent human settlements and nations.

3,042 servicemen have died in combat against primarily Unathi and Vox raiders since 2455, when limited support operations first began. With the Monroe Doctrine of last year, we've seen troop surges drastically increase the number of assets in various areas of the frontier.

But documents released by an anonymous source revealed disillusionment with the current mission. A hidden recorder from our anonymous source recorded a classified meeting between Admirals and ship captains during a briefing on recent campaigns against the Pirates of Thanatos, who had terrorized hundreds of mining settlements this year alone. Names have been withheld to protect the privacy of the officers, and we have included highlights of the full transcript which will be released at a later date once we ensure the transcript is edited only of names and locations to protect their privacy.

"No matter how much we throw at it, they just bluespace out and come back once we've left to respond to other threats."

"We'd need the entire fleet of the Alliance to cover all necessary areas satisfactorily."

"This place is a black hole."

This disillusionment comes on the back of rumors of ATLAS campaign finances being funneled to projects in the frontier, but these charges are unable to be verified due to campaign finance anonymity laws.

We have e-mailed the Department of the Navy for additional comment.

02.18.2458

The situation in the frontier has taken a dramatic turn today as Rim Union defense forces have been deployed into the Paloma, Gomeisa, and Sooryaast star systems. This unexpected deployment of military assets comes in the aftermath of the sack of Youngstown, in which the Hegemony navy alleges it uncovered evidence of these three systems being involved in the HMV Cataclysm incident.

Rim Union defense minister Riley Echeverría made the statement revealing the Union's actions early this morning an excerpt of which is contained below.

" The Unathi first set foot upon Youngstown a fateful three days ago and since that day, all communications of non-Unathi origin from the system has ceased. Already the frontier is abuzz with rumor of atrocities being inflicted upon the unfortunate souls of Youngstown. And now, the Unathi claim that they just so happened to have uncovered evidence linking three independent systems to the HMV Cataclysm plot. It is the firm view of the government of the Union of Rimward Systems that no information obtained by Unathi marines under torture or threat of death is actionable or moral and our Defense Forces are prepared to act in the defense of any independent system threatened by the expansionist agenda of the Izweski Hegemony"

Shortly after the end of the minister's speech (Which lasted half an hour) the URS defense ministry revealed data which slated a deployment of 15,000 URSDF ground forces to the primary settlements of each system along with a naval flotilla of 45 warships to defend each colony from potential Izweski incursions. A.N.N. Military correspondent former Master Chief Petty Officer (Sol Alliance Navy) Preston Reed commented with the following

" The Union's Defense forces have been effectively engaging and destroying Unathi pirates along their borders since the first raiders appeared more than a decade ago. With the new Unathi navy being built upon a foundation of these very pirates, and largely using their same tactics. I find it unlikely that the Unathi will do much more than skirmish with them a handful of times and then retreat with a bloody nose."

credit to Dea for writing this.

02.20.2458

Union of Rimward System’s defense forces have repelled an Izweski attack on the Paloma system just hours ago. This announcement comes in the aftermath of the recent deployment of military forces in-system after the Hegemony demanded instruments of surrender from the independent government of Paloma.

Initial reports from Paloma militia forces indicate a fleet of 37 Izweski Navy vessels jumped in-system and began an immediate attack upon the URS naval cordon. After a loss of three URS Destroyers during the initial barrage URS forces rallied and began use of both tactical bluespace jumps and strike craft armed with anti-ship missiles. This particular tactic was devised by URS rear admiral Seppe Yanis half a decade ago in response to the standard Unathi raider tactic of ramming and boarding vessels. This tactic along with most URS vessels in-system consisting of their smaller and more maneuverable classes allowed URS forces to effectively evade Izweski ramming attempts while simultaneously inflicting serious damage upon Izweski ships.

Unconfirmed reports from anonymous sources within the URS navy and the Paloma militia have indicated a loss of 30 Izweski ships to direct URS fire, while another 4 are reported to have exploded while attempting to flee, which has been attributed to their older model bluespace drives overheating after sustained use along with significant battle damage. Ultimately the Izweski task force is purported to have lost all but 3 of their ships, while official and unofficial URS-militia reports indicate a loss of around 5-9 URS warships leaving a force of between 40-36 URS vessels in-system.

Shortly after the first announcement of the devastating URS victory over the Izweski several independent systems announced they had entered negotiations with the Union about garrisons and naval patrols. With rumors indicating Paloma along with several other systems are even considering petitioning for membership.

credit to Dea for writing this.

2.20.2458

Confirmation has just come in regarding Alliance operations in Frontier space. ATLAS Spokesperson Adolphe Hillier has released a statement that elements of the party have been coordinating with the Navy and Department of the Interior in shipping supplies and Naval instructors to various Frontier factions. This announcement comes on the heels of the surprise replacement of the Secretary of the Navy and increase in the intensity of Alliance anti-raider and anti-piracy operations in frontier systems.

The timing of the statement is marked by the defeat of a Hegemony Fleet by the Union of Rimworld Colonies, which has entered the war in support of besieged systems.

Several hundred freighters are being used to ship the supplies and navy drill instructers from the Sol System to the various frontier systems friendly to the Alliance. The full scale of the operation is said to be classified, but they have affirmed the shipment of energy rifles, carbines, combat armor, helmets, boots, uniforms, and formerly mothballed strike craft.

Reactions to the announcement have been sharply divided. ATLAS representatives in the Alliance Assembly have unanimously supported the measure and claim their desire to protect all of humanity regardless of political affiliations. Members of the GAIA party have offered more measured support for the claim, though many expressed wishes that the ATLAS coordinates had brought the operation to the Assembly for approval beforehand.

How this operation will affect the current war between the Hegemony and several frontier factions, and whether we will see any incidents between the Alliance and Hegemony in the frontier space is yet to be seen.

We are following this situation closely and will provide more information as it arrives.

credit to tytos for writing... a version of this

2.21.2458

Warp gates and shuttle services briefly found themselves suspended in the Sol System today as Sol police and Naval Police launched a massive manhunt for what has been called a "Rogue Admiral". It's been revealed that Admiral David Gray has stolen sensitive military intelligence and defected, seeking refuge in the embassy of the Republic of Biesel in Unity Station in orbit above Earth and releasing forged documents.

Admiral Gray did not board a scheduled shuttle transit from Unity Station to New York, Earth, Sol, to present himself before a hearing on operations in the Frontier. Instead it has been revealed that Admiral Gray has uploaded several thousand documents and files on Naval operations from his ship, the cruiser Titans Hammer and flagship of the 5th Fleet of Sol, after having altered the laws of the cruiser's ship to remain silent on the security breach. The security breach was not discovered until Admiral Gray had left the dockyard of Unity Station to enter the embassy of the Republic of Biesel.

Unity Station authorities have demanded the extradition of Admiral Gray from the embassy, accusing the Republic of Biesel of sheltering a traitor attempting to leak military secrets.

Vice-Admiral Trucy Livingstone of the 5th Fleet responded to e-mails from news organizations with a short statement, saying "I do not condone the actions of my superior and cannot in good conscious allow his continued command of the 5th Fleet."

Secretary of the Navy Maribella Sattageto has formalized the action, officially stripping Admiral Gray of his position and giving Livingstone command of the 5th Fleet as its new Admiral.

The Biesel Embassy is currently surrounded by both Unity Station and Military police. The gates leading into the compound have been shut and locked, with Tau Ceti Ambassador Miguel Rodriguez briefly appearing on the balcony of the building to observe the scene before reentering the building.

It's unclear if the police are holding a siege of the embassy, but Unity Station Police have provided statements that they will "respect the rights of embassy's as the sovereign soil of their host nation".

We will provide more information on this incident as it unfolds.

2.26.2458

The recent scandal concerning former Admiral David Gray has sent communication systems across known space into an overheat as Qubits of information flew through them. Accusations of treason, incompetence and fraud replaced greetings among every capital of human space. Whispers of secession from the Sol Alliance have been common these last few days. Reports say that riots broke out across systems and many Navy ship crews refused to continue doing their duty in an act of borderline mutiny as protest to Admiralty's supposed plans. Republic of Elrya, Jargon Federation and other frontier factions have put their forces on high alert due to risk of a civil war within Sol Alliance.

Prime Minister Chater released a statement this morning:

"Fellow Citizens of the Alliance. The allegations brought against our Admiralty are false and the records released to the public have been forged. However, the members of our government and military implied to be part of the conspiracy are to step down immediately, until a detailed investigation removes any daubt of their involvement. This great nation, this Alliance, has been created for one reason; To ensure the safety and survival of our species. Its primary purpose has always been a military one. A purpose, it has, regretfully, due to neglect of me and my staff, failed to uphold. Because of this, hostile outside elements have been successful in subverting the sovereignty of the Sol Alliance."

The Prime Minister refused to answer which hostile elements he was refering to, but only said, "They've been a thorn in our sides for a decade". No response from the admiralty has been received as of yet, but last night's closed door conference between the non-compromised military staff and Chater's cabinet seems to have relieved some of the tensions.

We hope for a quick and peaceful end to the crisis.

3.2.2458

According to the spokesperson for the recently formed Sol Emergency Council, or SEC, the situation concerning mutineers and traitors within the Sol Military has been resolved with only 'minor issues'.

As the spokesperson explained, most of the military officials suspected to be involved in the supposed coup attempt stepped down without an issue. However, several captains and an admiral not involved in the plans attempted to split from the Sol Navy, with only the latter being successful.

Admiral Ao Zhao Sheng, previously charged with a small fleet in the South-Eastern outer quadrant, an area traditionally besieged by unathi raiders and pirates, took most of his loyal assets and escaped to the Frontier. With him, he took around 15 warships and just as many supply and support ships, as well as several thousand loyal marines and sailors. A largest single loss of assets in Sol history. The current whereabouts of the fleet are unknown, and the men and women known to have fled left only goodbyes and promises to their families, promising to return. Admiral Sheng left no parting words.

Despite the ironic formation of a military council and institution of martial law right after a supposed attempt to form a Junta, the hastily reformed navy and military have prevented any separatist actions from taking place. Mostly achieved through strategic placement of navy assets, the marine and the PDA forces had to intervene on many planets to supplement police operations against rioters that are hardly subsiding.

The Prime Minister's decision to allow SEC to be formed has received wide and harsh criticism. Mr. Chater responded, “It was necessary to prevent war. Our constitution has not been violated.” Some of the milder critics have said, “It's alright if it was allowed by the government. Sometimes, safety of Many is more important than the rights of the Few.” Concerning the recent election scandal in Tau Ceti, Prime Minister Chater has unironically said that Biesel government has made a mockery of democracy and interstellar law, and that there will be consequences.

And finally, with the Sol Navy in the firm control of the government, Sol Alliance has extended its hand to the frontier planets currently under siege by various pirate and unathi factions, largest of all, the Hegemony, offering limited membership in exchange for protection. Many of them have shown interest in joining the Alliance.

Until next time.

3.8.2458

After many governments within the Izweski Hegemony-Sol Alliance Frontier Belt (ISFB) accepted the offer to join the Sol Alliance, Sol Navy has taken initiative against the independent raiders and pirates that have been plaguing the area for decades. Since the last six months of increased hostile activity took its toll on the population and the possible invasion from the Hegemony itself looming on the horizon, several highly populated worlds and more than thirty systems have signed the pledge to make them, at the moment, temporary members of Sol Alliance. Within hours of signing, Operation Bladestorm commenced. A large Sol fleet entered the newly incorporated territories and set up staging areas for attacks against the nearby known pirate enclaves, with the latter expected to be in full retreat in a few days. Sol Navy casualties are non-existant.

Izweski diplomats have protested the decision, as some of the contested planets have been involved in attacks on the Hegemony, but were soon calmed down after Sol Diplomats assured them that people responsible will be brought to justice. The recent arrival as a minor power of ISFB, The Union of Rimward Systems has yet to respond to the official offer of joining Sol Alliance.

Military analysts were surprised by ferocity and strength of the offensive, especially after the recent failures to stop pirate intrusions into the Sol borders. Yannis Tomas, one of the Admirals involved in the planning had this to say: "The recent suspension of protectorate status from one of our core allied systems, the assistance of ISFB planets and consolidation of territory have left us with a large enough fleet surplus for the operation. As you can see, it may prove to be an outstanding success."

SolGov is still dealing with riots across its home territory, which the recent decision of Sol's Prime Minister, Miles Theodore, to approve the deportation of foreign Tajaran nationals back to Adhomai, per the Republic's request, has in no way helped. When questioned if the decision was overly drastic and if such a treatment of immigrants was legal, the Prime Minister had this to say, in a seemingly irritated tone: "No. We aren't deporting Sol Citizens. Those that have previously been denied citizenship and volunteered are so far only ones to be sent back. My government hasn't been a complete failure and we know who we can and cannot deport. Thank you."

According to official orders distributed across systems, all members of Tajaran species, excluding those with Sol and other non-PRA citizenship are to be eventually deported back to Adhomai. Upon first notice from public services, every Tajaran in Sol space has two Earth Weeks of time to produce valid documents or gain Sol Citizenship in any of the cantons or face deportation. While the decision initially involved only citizens of People's Republic of Adhomai, it was quickly extended to all Tajarans without valid documentation following a stream of documentation destruction and identification refusal incidents. The Administrative offices have been instructed to give a preference in waiting line to concerned Tajaran.

Allegedly, over 50,000 Tajaran have been rapidly deported in the ongoing first wave, with the next wave expected to start in two weeks.

Other news:

SolGov to approve SEC's requested emergency fund for Sol's Navy and Military branches

Statue of Zed Bakers, famous Sol Admiral defaced by protesters on New Panama

Retro-Games convention postponed in New York, Earth after a bomb threat by Unknown Separatists

Dionae Art Museum to open on Mars, ATLAS supporters protest

3.20.2458

Following the successful campaign within the ISFB on the eastern fringe of the Sol territory, 53 systems, totaling to over 100 million inhabitants, have been accepted into the Sol Alliance. The area, as it stands, is no longer considered a frontier region, as the Hegemony has expanded their DMZ over large swathes of the frontier. Many critics of Sol Alliance accuse the government of openly tolerating an Unathi occupation of human worlds, loudest of which is the Rim Union, which has officially declined the offer to join Sol Alliance. The Union of Rimwad Systems is the third faction to largely benefit from the unrest and war, as it's size has nearly tripled as nearby systems, caught between the raiders, the Izweski Hegemony and the Sol Alliance, many systems flocked to join it.

The Sol Alliance's Stellarpolitics division representative has responded that it has no interest in waging full out war with the Hegemony and that Unathi occupation of the human worlds will end when they are certain that the direct threat to their nation has been removed.

It's a less known fact, however, that human-based corporations have been legally supplying ship weapons and equipment to Unathi, as well as many types of infantry gear and ground vehicles. However, since the both splinter fleets of Sol Alliance and the Hegemony have left for the frontier, the Sol Alliance has lost its technological edge against the pirates and other hostile factions in the frontier.

Upon further inquiry, it has been found that among the corporations trading with the Unathi were Hephaestus Industries, the Sol Alliance's own supplier of starships. Furthermore, the corporation received fines for neglectfully supplying equipment to blacklisted factions at the frontier before, as it was a violation of their contract with Sol Alliance. Deeming them a security threat, SEC has pushed a notion ahead to cancel some of their existing contracts with the corporate giant. This notion was followed by an announcement of a decision to cancel their plans to increase the fleet volume by whole 20%, deciding to modernize and refit the existing ships.

NanoTresen, in cooperation with Einstein Engines, has offered to develop an exclusive cruiser design, that will be able to achieve a Full-spectrum Dominance over the existing factions, barring the Jargon Federation, whose ships are still far too advanced. Some have welcomed the proposal as a long-awaited olive branch between the largest corporation in the universe and Sol Alliance, whose relationship was soured during the original Unathi incident and destabilization of the frontier over 9 months ago when Sol Alliance decided to pull from the Moghes Region.

Following these events, Sol Government has agreed to allow an emergency fund for the much needed military reforms. The Military and the Navy have announced that they are now looking to give out contracts to corporations, companies and independent designers that can present viable solutions to the modern and future problems the Sol Military faces. The only prerequisites to the contract are that the legal person is a Sol Citizen or Protectorate, and had no military-based deals with any blacklisted factions or opposing empires, including the Izweski Hegemony and the newly placed Union of Rimward Systems.

Other news:

Hephaestus Industries stocks plummet, Threatens to sue Sol Alliance

New Panama riots subside after a Military Crackdown on a suspected rebel enclave

Multiple industrial assets seized in the ISFB, owned by pirate kings, spokesman says

A new type of drive seems viable, "Too slow" say critics, Military shows interest

4.12.2458

A few days ago, President Vartouhi Nazarian of the Martain Republic of Rotland (MRR) has been killed by an unidentified assailant. The latter ran into the office of the president and shot both him and his personal guard with an automatic ballistic weapon. While the latter was taken down by the remaining protection detail, the President sadly died on the way to the hospital. A national day of grief was put in place in the large republic.

Since the news of the assassination spread, public paranoia, conspiracy theories, and conjuncture have been running amok. The police forces of MRR in combination with Sol Intelligence have been in haste to discover the assailant's identity. The combined effort produced results quickly and they released their findings to the public.

According to the investigation, the assassination was orchestrated and carried out by The Red Axis, the notorious terrorist organization built on the legacy of the Martain World War. Illegal in most Martian states, the terrorist organization supports separation from Sol Alliance, unification of Mars and isolationism. It is often accused of holding racial superiority views, claiming genetic superiority of the 'Martian Race'. While known to cause trouble in form of protests and riots across Mars, attack of this profile is unheard of. Sol Intelligence claims it's been reinvigorated by recent instability in the Alliance. While the organizers are known, it's unknown how this was possible in a city as heavily observed, secure and orderly as Hirtenfels.

Since the event, the Vice-president Pipra Doris Busch took over as the Head of the State. Upon the publishing of the report, the state senate unanimously approved a declaration of war against the terrorists and instigated a limited martial law in largest population centers. Vice-president Busch explained:

"This unprecedented assault on our people will not go unpunished. We will give no quarter to terrorists and anti-state collaborators."

The late president was a staunch opposer of the abolishment of the Point 64 of Treaty of Olympus, which marked large swathes of contested and destroyed territory as prohibited for exploitation and colonization for 200 years. Due to expire in 26 years, the states bordering Rotland have pushed a notion to have it abolished, with Nazarian vetoing the resolution. However, while prohibited, these places are far from uninhabited. Scavengers and drifters, as well bootleg colonies known to harbor both criminal elements and insurgents are known to be there in large numbers. Lawless and hard to reach due to environmental hazards, they are largely avoided by national law enforcement. The largest of these are the Gray Wastes whose small part is within Rotland's jurdistiction. A large area of nuclear wasteland that was once the front line during the war. When asked about the course of action against settlements within the Wastes, confirmed to harbor Red Axis members, Busch had this to add:

"We are... hesitant to abolish the Point 64, especially since the President was against it. But to enter into the territory with our military, we will likely have to do so."

Other Martian states have expressed their condolences to the family of the President and their willingness for full collaboration in dealing with the insurgents.

Other news:

Salvaging sector receives a largest spike of investment in the last decade

Experimental Green megacomplex opens on Earth, said to be 99% self-sufficient

New space-faring species dismissed as a hoax, "It was Vox" says a specialist