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A summary of the important events reported on by the Traveller's News
Service during the year 1120 IY.
Antares/Antares (2421 A762ADA-D) Date: 012-1120
Based on an analysis of the neutrino admissions and the increase in pulsation rate of
the star Antares, we believe the chance of Antares going supernova within the next 250
years is about 55 percent," stated Dr. Shen Gakivin of the Uucha Astronomical
Observatory, located in the red giant's inner belt. "Now that the Circumsolar
Neutrino Sensor Network is online, we have been able to refine our data tenfold over our
previous work."
Cashin Cam-Cinn, science advisor to Archduke Brzk, replied to the UAO announcement,
saying, "We've heard these kind of negative predictions for decades on end from the
Uucha Station. Such grandiose predictions seem designed more to justify increased spending
for the station than to conclude anything useful." [Challenge 43]
Ilelish/Arreli (2707 B877831-8) Date: 023-1120
At the Federation Natural History Conference, held at Gitaaz Center in Concarraffi, Dr.
Javin Stark presented the findings from his recent archaeological digs on Ilelish. The
centerpiece of the presentation was a fossilized Droyne skull, which he estimated to be
about 300,000 years old.
"This finding obviously presents us with far more questions than answers regarding
the history of the world (Ilelish)," Stark stated. "The two main questions are,
'How did Droyne get to Ilelish,' and 'Why did they disappear?' Considering that the date
of this skull fits with our estimates of when Suerrat were presumeably transplanted to
Ilelish by the Ancients, it seems reasonable to assume that a sample of Droyne were
brought to Ilelish as well.
"As to why they disappeared -- it could be that they were exterminated while
competing with the proto-Suerrat for resources after the Ancients' Final War. An alternate
theory proposes that the Ancients may simply have discontinued use of Droyne on this
world.
"Unfortunately, we simply don't have enough facts to support any theory
conclusively at this time. Our hope of understanding this find lies in locating more
evidence and scrutinizing our data to make sure the answer is not before us and simply
hiding in the cracks." [Challenge 43]
Capital/Core (2118 A586A98-F) Date: 027-1120
The unveiling ceremony for The Enemy Of Dreams, a special sculpture commissioned
by Emperor Lucan, took place today. The piece has received a lot of attention even before
it was publicly presented since it was created by the prominent sculptor Trow
Shadii-Eriskany, noted for her controversial works portraying anti-Imperial themes.
The sculpture presents a menacing image of Dulinor with a pistol in one hand, grabbing
the dying Emperor Strephon by the collar in the other. The Enemy of Dreams is
situated in the center of the Imperial park. Though the subject is one every Imperial
citizen knows well, the grotesque style of the statue has evoked strong emotion, both pro-
and anti-Imperial.
Shadi-Eriskany was noticeably absent from the unveiling. Representatives of the throne
report that she left shortly after completing the sculpture to join her husband, who has
been vacationing in a nearby system.
Vland/Vland (1717 A967A9A-F) Date: 032-1120
The Vilani Ministry of Technology today announced that it had issued to the major
megacorporations of the empire a Request for Proposal (RFP) to reimplement the traditional
technological patent system of the First Imperium.
Gashina Enerish, spokesperson for the ministry, said, "The control of technology
by the First Imperium was one reason why it was able to endure for more than 5000 years.
The shadow emperor and the minister of technology are united in their belief that the
reimplementation of the traditional patent system will be an important part of this
empire's foundation." [Challenge 43]
Tauri/Vland (1817 A130998-E) Date: 034-1120
Makhidkarun, Sharurshid, and Naasirka held joint news conference today to discuss their
support for the traditional system. They also announced a technology-sharing agreement and
cross-licensing pact which would allow each to use the technology developed by the others
under the traditional system.
The holding company, to be jointly owned by the three megacorporations, would be
administered from a new corporate headquarters on Tauri. The announcement concluded with a
dramatic ritual announcement of the name selected for the new organization -- Aarmikep.
The name is a now-archiac Vilani word for patent law. [Challenge 43]
Anaxias/Delphi (1724 A253A85-D) Date: 047-1120
During a routine press conference today, Duchess Margaret announced that she is
pregnant, confirming rumors of the past several weeks.
Margaret went on to say that she is carrying twins.
Her husband, Count Blaine Tukera, is said to be looking foreward to being a father
again. [Challenge 44]
Korbak/Delphi (0533 A332320-B) Date: 053-1120
Several recent pirate attacks in this system have caused local naval officials to
double up on patrols in the high-risk areas.
This additional effort diverts needed manpower away from the rebuilding efforts at
Naval Base Kirbak and will likely lengthen the military occupation of the civilian
starport. [Challenge 44]
Capital/Core (2118 AS86A98-F) Date: 054-1120
The pirate video source with broadcast stations in the Sylean worlds today added
programming in support of Brzk of Antares as the only true contender for emperor of the
Third Imperium. Until today, the video programming of the stations (although unlicensed)
was tolerated because of its nonpolitical content. With the addition of political (and
anti-Lucan) programming, local defense forces have been directed to shut the stations
down. [Challenge 43]
Terra/Solomani Rim/Sol (1827 A867A69-F) DATE: 159-1120
An archaeologist helping with the restoration of the Cheops Historical Site has found
the oldest Terran writing known.
Dr. Daniel d'Aidre announced today that cave paintings found in the excavation date
back 23,000 years. No translation has yet been made, but the marks and designs clearly
point to their being writing, probably for use in a religious ceremony.
The Cheops Historical Site, under the care of the Terran Historical Administration, was
flooded in 1106 when terrorists destroyed a dike holding back the waters of the
Mediterranean Sea. [Challenge 46]
KNABBIB/CORE (2115 A331758-F) Date: 168-1120
Julian Trane, distinguished professor of interstellar history, was arrested yesterday
on treasonous publication charges by agents of the Emperor Lucan.
Trane's epic historical work, The Inevitability of Night,/I> was published
clandestinely despite a ban by the Imperial Ministry of Information. That publication led
to his arrest on a charge of treasonous publication.
The Inevitability of Night hypothesizes that interstellar civilization
progrssses through a continuing cycle of expansion and regression fueled by economic and
technological factors which cannot be avoided by any intelligent culture.
In his last interview before his detention, Professor Trane commented he saw parallels
between the beginning years of the Long Night and the present Rebellion.
Imperial authorities refused to comment. [Challenge 44]
SHARIM/GUSHEMEGE (1038 A435967-F) Date: 194-1120
Doubt continues as to the truth behind the reappearance of Strephon in Gushemege
sector, despite the virtually absolute evidence that he died in Dulinor's assassination
plot on Capital in 1116.
Recent conjectures in the press have provided three distinct explanations for the
individual calling himself Strephon. He could be a surgically altered actor, a
pseudobiological robot, a clone, or the real Strephon (whose double died in the
assassination).
No firm evidence has been presented for or against any of these conjectures.
Surprisingly, several leading nobles (including Brzk and Margaret) have made public
statements leaving open the possibility that the individual in Gushemege is really
Strephon. On the other hand, the only thing that Lucan and Dulinor seems to agree on is
that the "real" Strephon is an imposter. [Challenge 44]
ZUIAR/DAGUDASHAAG (0705 B450967-A) DATE: 199-1120
Following more than a year of violent civil war, Zuiar declared allegiance to Lucan and
the Third Imperium on 090-1120. Loyalist forces answering to Strephon today delivered an
ultimatum demanding that Zuiar declare allegiance to Strephon.
The ultimatum calls for an electronic referendum of all population with a deadline of
210-1120. [Challenge 45]
DIISHALUM/DAGUDASHAAG (0714 B120988-F) DATE: 200-1120
Forces loyal to Strephon have seized the orbital starport of this world and delivered
an ultimatum demanding allegiance to Strephon.
The ultimatum calls for an electronic referendum of all population with a deadline of
210-1120. [Challenge 45]
STIJN/VERGE (1809 A324658-E) Date: 201-1120
In a lightning raid, unidentified forces attacked this world and sacked the capital,
carrying off arttreasures, refined precious metals, and technological components, while
leaving the city in flames.
Initial reports that the forces were Imperial Marines (reflecting their initial radio
identification) have been discounted as a ruse. [Challenge 44]
REGINA/SPINWARD MARCHES (0310 A788899-A) Date: 206-1120
The archduke of Deneb today announced the establishment of an Imperial force dedicated
to maintaining the secure borders of the Imperium.
"After careful consideration," the archduke stated, "the government has
determined that a special force -- to be known as the Patrol -- can best be executed the
policies of the Domain of Deneb in securing the Imperial borders from the incursions and
invasions which are common of late."
Patrol ships will cruise the borders of the domain with powers to repel invaders and to
pursue them into non-Imperial territories. Armed Patrol ships will carry troop units
capable of boarding actions and planetary surface missions. While the Patrol may call upon
Imperial and Reserve Navy forces, it will be equipped and trained to deal with most
situations with its own strengths.
Planetary positions will initially be filled by reserve naval and military personnel.
Additional positions are open to enlistment.
As an enlistment incentive, Patrol retirees will recieve up to 100 square kilometers of
land on an agricultural or other suitable world. This is expected to be especially
attractive to Aslan enlistees and is being announced in Aslan.
The Aslan translation of Patrol is Trekhyalr, or Land Protector.
[Challenge 44]
KNABBIB/CORE (2115 A331758-F) DATE: 212-1120
Julian Trane, distinguished professor of interstellar history, has committed suicide in
prison, according to police.
Guards delivering lunch found Trane hanging from a hand computer strap in his cell.
Trane was arrested almost two months ago for ignoring an Imperial Ministry of
Information ban against the publication of his new book, The Inevitability of Night.
Imperial authorities expressed their regret at the death.
"Professor Trane's suicide is another in the list of crimes for which the ultimate
responsibility belongs to Archduke Dulinor," a spokesman said. [Challenge 46]
MORA/SPINWARD MARCHES (3124 AA99AC7-F) DATE 252-1120
Archduke Norris today officially named Mora as the capital world of the provisional
government of the Domain of Deneb.
"From this beautiful world, we will together be able to build outward, beyond our
current borders, toward the full Imperium as we once knew it," Norris said in
prepared remarks.
Mora, already the capital of the sector and subsector, is expected to undergo a healthy
increase in employment and construction to keep up with its new responsibilities.
The cebtral location of MORA within the Domain of Deneb was seen by analysts as a
principal reason for the move.
The duchess of Delphine was represented at the ceremonies by her grandniece, Elane,
next in line to rule Mora itself. [Challenge 47]
WARINIR/DAIBEI (0507 A889978-F) DATE: 261-1120
The Solomani Navy has been driven back with heavy losses by three fleets of the
Federation of Daibei Navy after a series of engagements along the border.
The initial penetration by Federation forces reached the industrial complexes at
Uston/Daibei (0139) and neighboring Aston/Daibei (0140), and spent more than a month
destroying the Solomani manufacturing installations of the system before being forced to
withdraw.
The pursuit drew the Solomani Navy into Daibei territory, where it was ambushed at
Sineli (0127). [Challenge 45]
TRIPOLIS/VERGE (2612 B885A98-E) DATE: 269-1120
Unidentified forces attacked this world recently and looted the population centers of
the western continent. Initial reports indicated that the attacks were carried out by
Ilelish Army troops, but post-attack investigations have disproven that theory. [Challenge
45]
ANAXIAS/DELPHI (1724 A253A85-D) DATE: 270-1120
Duchess Margaret gave birth to twins today, sparking an air of celebration around the
world.
The first child, a girl, was born at 20:00 exactly. Her name is Julia Iphegenia Cassir
Tukera. Following his sister by 12 minutes was a son, Paulo Trulia Strephon Tukera.
Both children and the mother are in good health. [Challenge 45]
L'OEUL D'DIEU/SPINWARD MARCHES (3010 B98A510-B) DATE: 275-1120
The patrol has begun security sweeps along the traditional Imperial coreward border of
Deneb in the Domain's continuing effort to repulse Vargr corsair invasions.
The Patrol, newly established by the Archduke of Deneb, began active operations almost
immediately using naval reserve ships and crews. In a show of force, the first sweep was
assigned the border from L'oeul d'Dieu/Spinward Marches to Corfinium/Deneb. [Challenge 45]
WAIR/MAGYAR (0116 C89A98C-E) DATE: 301-1120
The Solomani Navy has driven back with heavy losses the invading Daibei fleet forces
which were marauding the industrial complexes of Uston and Aston in rimward Daibei sector.
Initial dispatches calling for assistance were answered by two Solomani task forces
under command of Admiral John Charles.
Once the Daibei fleets were driven off, a portion of the force remained at Uston to
secure it from further attack and to render assistance. Admiral Charles continued the
pursuit of the enemy fleet into enemy territory. [Challenge 45]
ANAXIAS/DELPHI (1724 A263A86-D) DATE: 309-1120
Speculation and rumors about Duchess Margaret's children continue to flood the local
press.
Dr. Bakala Setree, a physician with over 40 years of service in the duchess' household,
claims that therecent birth of twins was a result of artificial insemination.
The father of the children, according to Dr. Setree, is the late Emperor Strephon.
Dr. Setree said Duchess Margaret will soon file a petition with the Moot to act as
regent in behalf of her daughter, Julia Iphenenia Cassir Tukera, who as the direct
descendent of Strephon would be next in line for the throne.
Spokesmen for the duchess refuse to confirm or deny Setree's allegations. Neither of
the children has been seen in public since their birth, but holorecordings of the twins
have been released. [Challenge 46]
CAPITAL/CORE (2118 A586A98-F) DATE: 342-1120
Capital police are investigating the recent death of Viscount Roberto Avery, a member
of the Moot.
The viscount was killed instantly when his air/raft exploded in the air while
approaching the home he shares with his wife and two daughters.
Assassination is suspected, but police have no leads at this time.
The Moot has not met since the assassination of Emperor Strephon by Archduke Dulinor
more than four years ago. Viscount Avery was known to be a strong and vocal supporter of
Margaret. [Challenge 46]
HEXOS/SPINWARD MARCHES (2828 B534420-8) DATE: 343-1120
Imperial authorities under Archduke Norris are investigating claims that Asdlan Ihatei
using biological warfare have slaughterd more than half the population of this world.
Spokesmen have not released complete details, but said "more than a dozen"
warships drove away Aslani insurgents upon arrival at the system.
More than the 35,000 people have died in the last week, most of them in the capital
city of Dione. Deaths of livestock are also reported. [Challenge 46]
CAPITAL/CORE (2118 A586A98-F) DATE: 351-1120
Naval spokesmen for Emperor Lucan have announced continued success in their rimward
campaigns.
"Solomani forces cannot stand up to the technological developments that our
weapons researchers have recently completed," said Rear Admiral Daadushaa. "We
are, in fact, calling back some of our fleet elements in other areas so that those ships
can be retrofitted.
"The emperor is preparing an ultimatum to be delivered to the false claiments
around the Imperium once this update has been accomplished."
Daadushaa said he could not comment at this time on the nature of the experimental
weapons, but said Lucan's message would be announced publicly at the same time that
ambassadors carried it to outlying regions. [Challenge 46]
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TNS - 1120