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A summary of the important events reported on by the Traveller's News
Service during the year 1122 IY.
PHORU/OLD EXPANSES DATE: 003-1122
After several weeks of confused and often conflicting reports, it appears that
yesterday's resounding defeat of two Solomani CruRons in this system is simply the last in
a string of major setbacks for the Confederation's fortunes in this subsector.
A sizable attacking force apparently jumped in-system on 001-1122, overwhelming
Solomani SDB defenses near the gas giant closest to the mainworld.
The two Solomani CruRons on close orbital station immediately sortied in response.
However, before the planetside escorts (under repair and refit at the time) could boost
into orbit to fill the defensive gap left by the CruRons, approximately a dozen Imperial
SDBs emerged from the equatorial seas just south of this planet's capital.
Precision fire from these orbiting defense boats either disabled the planetbound
Solomani escorts or compelled their crews to abandon the hulls in drydock.
The Solomani CruRons continued toward contact with the hostile elements and engaged a
comparable force of Imperial vessels. Minutes into this battle, a flight of outdated
Imperial SDBs and interceptors emerged from the gas giant, vectoring into the rear of the
Solomani CruRons.
Two damaged 45,000-ton Solomani cruisers eventually surrendered to the attackers. The
other Solomani ships were destroyed.
Although the population of Phoru largely assumes the attacking force was Margaret's,
TNS reporters located on commercial vessels have evidence to the contrary. Throughout the
battle, fragmentary transponder code emmissions were detected from several ships of the
attacking force. The coding of two of these vessels would suggest that they are elements
last known to be attached to the 22nd Imperial Fleet. The 22nd Fleet has been listed as
missing since 073-1121, although several partial sightings have been reported since then.
[Challenge 53]
R'TINH KILLS/CORRIDOR DATE: 003-1122
Ziru Sirkaa authorities here refused to provide a new transponder for the indepent
seeker KeLiananae Tourz Agud, known previously as Jewel of Corridor, on the
grounds that such a change would imply an act of sedition.
An official of the Makhidkarun bureau stated, "It is the official policy of the
Ziru Sirkaa that astrographic names used by occupying forces may not be substituted for
legitimate astrographic names officially accepted by the AAB and naval forces. In this
case, the accepted equivalent in the Logaksu dialect is Raughantz. The Imperial
designation Corridor is also acceptable, though the Vilani-preferred name for the
sector is Amshagi."
The official admitted that occupying Vargr forces have been applying the name Llananae
Tourz (translated as "Devoured Sector") to the sector since 1118.
The KeLiananae Tourz Agud's owner, Gordon Irakalkigka, told reporters,
"From now on, my ship will be known as the Bureaucrat's Nightmare."
[Challenge 53]
LASHKAGUR/DELPHI DATE: 027-1122
The 2000-ton, jump-3 Tujera Lines merchantman Oberon began its journey today to
the Hiver Federation, marking the formal commencement of Margaret's recent trade agreement
with the Hiver Federation.
The trade agreement, said to represent over 100 trillion credits of new revenue for
Margaret's Domain, was finalized on 187-1121.
Local economic forecasters responded to the Oberon's departure with optimism.
The speed with which they (Margaret and Tukera Lines) are expediting this trade
agreement is a marvelous sign," said Tramina Sorghetti of Hardrashad, ULIC (a
subsidiary of Sternmetal Horizons). "When megacorporations and factions move this
quickly to put a plan in motion, you can rest assured that they're certain of the benefits
it offers."
The local delegation of the Nullian League today announced that it had dispatched a
diplomatic team with "plenipotentiary powers" to Anaxias (Delphi Sector) with
the express purpose of requesting Margaret to reconsider the agreement with the Hivers.
When asked what consequences might follow a rejection of the petition, league
spokesperson Jubar No-Dosaka admitted that such an outcome could "compel the league's
leadership to construe this as the first step in a major trade war." [Challenge 53]
HASDRUBAL/SOLOMANI RIM DATE: 043-1122
Joshua Dahvin, outspoken leader of the Solomani Moderate faction, was nearly killed in
a grav-vehicle accident today. According to reports by Dahvin's staff and local officials,
Dahvin's personal speeder suffered a field-bias malfunction during an NOE approach to a
landing zone.
The pilot, Mats Skulpfeffer, was able to jettison the vehicle's fuel seconds before the
craft plowed into an open field. Skulpfeffer, the only individual to die in the crash, is
credited with saving the lives of all aboard.
Dahvin -- whose liberal policies regarding pan-sophont rights and decentralization of
the Confederation have earned him many enemies in the Secretariat -- was vacationing on
the Culperna Sea on Hasdrubal (2939, Kukulcan/Solomani Rim) when the incident occurred.
While there is no official mention of foul play, TNS informants have reported that
authorities have initiated inquiries in the underworld. The nature of these inquiries
strongly suggests that investigators suspect the crash was the product of a conspiracy to
mmurder Dahvin.
Shortly after the crash, Dahvin named two of his closest associates, Sean von Thuringer
and Sari Collins, as his personal policy analysts -- a position which affirms them as
Dahvin's successors, in the event of his demise or retirement. [Challenge 53]
DARAMM/LEY DATE: 051-1122
Mardal Soreksen, senior adminstrator of the Empress Jacqueline Shipyards on Daramm, has
announced that his bays are now fully -- and exclusively -- dedicated to the production of
the new "modular carrier" jump hulls which have gained popularity over the past
two years.
This radical shift in construction -- and marketing -- policy suggest that the modular
carrier school of starship design may soon challenge standard architectures for supremacy
of the starlanes.
The Empress Jacqueline shipyards -- high-quality independent military contractor
boasting significant investment by GsBAG -- is one of the half-dozen or so starship
production facilities that has acquired a reputation for anticipating new trends in
warship manufacture.
The new modular carrier design is based on the familiar battle-rider principle,
although it is intended for commercial utilization.
The modular carrier is architectured to carry a completely heterogeneous mix of both
starships and spaceships, with a total jump-2 carrying capacity in excess of 5000
additional displacement tons.
Although each carrier represents a major financial and industrial investment, almost
all shipbuilding analysts agree it is easier to build and service one large jump drive
than a dozen or so smaller ones on different vessels.
This perspective has gained substantial support in the megacorporate and military
communities, particularly as the Rebellion's cost in starport construction facilities has
steadily reduced the number of new jump-capable hulls that can be laid down in a year.
Soreksen declined to comment on rumors that several megacorporations have begun to
discuss creating standards for ship construction that would emphasize dependence upon
modular carriers. [Challenge 53]
SOYUZ/DIASPORA DATE: 067-1122
The TAS has issued a traveller's advisory warning regarding the widespread outbtreak of
rabies throughout the Diaspora sector.
Rabies, a disease once common to many mammals of Terran origin (including humans) was
thought to have been eradicated on all noninterdicted worlds for the past two centuries.
However, seperate accounts on 14 worlds throughout the Diaspora sector indicate that the
disease is not only still extant but is growing in prevalence among a variety of vermin
and pets.
Experts suggest that the disease may have been reintroduced from interdicted worlds
visited illegally during the Rebellion.
Rabies is most commonly transmitted by a bite, the infectious pathogens being present
in the saliva of infected mammals. However, neogeneticists warn that given intensive
hybridization on many worlds since the early days of the Second Imperium, the disease
could have mutated along with its hosts.
Furthermore, hybrids of Terran and non-Terran root-stock species from which they were
hybridized.
Animals suspected of carrying the disease should be tested (a blood sample is
sufficient). If testing is impossible, suspect animals should be euthanized immediately.
The symptoms of rabies are identical in humans and lower animals. After a two- to
five-week incubation period, infected individuals will experience fever, malaise and a
sore throat. After approximately 10 days, these symptoms will become more severe,
accompanied by excessive salivation, perspiration, dehydration and severe pain.
Vaccination in the first phase of the disease ensures full recovery. Vaccination in the
later stages produces an 80% survival rate. Infections which are not treated with
vaccinations are fatal.
Local SuSAG subsidiaries are attempting to mass-produce the vaccine, but reduced
transportation capabilities hamper distribution. [Challenge 53]
ANAXIAS/DELPHI DATE: 078-1122
After a conspicuous two-day absence from her open court, Margaret announced today that
the "mystery fleet" responsible for defeating several major Solomani thrusts in
the Old Expanses Sector has been identified.
It is the 22nd Imperial Fleet (formerly stationed at Depot/Diaspora), most of the 93rd
Imperial Fleet, and elements of the 1092nd and 1101st reserve fleets, under the command of
Admiral Devon McTavish (who is operating under the authority of IRIS).
Following her unscheduled announcement, Margaret officially presented IRIS's high
regent -- Garran Trainor-Hughes -- to her court and ministers. Rumors suggest that
Trainor-Hughes arrived in system only three days ago and has been in closed-session
meetings with the domain leadership since then.
Sources close to Margaret claim that she and Trainor-Hughes were closely associated
during her early years at Strephon's court.
Other intimates of the throne indicate that the high regent's arrival was not welcomed
by various high-ranking Vermene officers, who stated that IRIS had no authority under
which to command fleet assets.
In response, Trainor-Hughes is said to have invoked the regency's first mandate, which
states that in event of an Imperial interregnum, IRIS is empowered to "take any
actions necessary to the fulfillment of its custodial responsibilities as regent pro
tem, until such time as a legal heir is located and confirmed." He dismissed
assertions that this aspect of the regency's first mandate was a ceremonial formality.
The Vermane, the in-house intelligence organization of Tukera Lines, has served
Margaret at the behest of her husband, Tukera owner Blaine Tukera. Sources say Margaret
has little esteem for the Vermene's methods and personnel, but she has evinced a grudging
respect for IRIS over the years, calling it "the only intelligence organization that
has a conscience, as well."
During a brief statement before Margaret's court, Trainor-Hughes asserted that the
recent actions of the regency's modest naval assets are not to be construed as an
indication that IRIS has declared for Margaret, rather, they are simply evidence of the
regency's ongoing efforts to defend what is left of the Imperium against further
aggression. [Challenge 53]
PHALN/GUSHEMEGE DATE: 083-1122
Lucan's Extermination Fleet completed its evacuation of Phaln late last night, and
reports indicate that the last elements have already jumped out-system, bound for Core.
Although Lucan's Extermination Campaign has certainly dealt a severe, perhaps mortal, blow
to Strephon's Imperium, it did not achieve its stated objective -- the capture or
elimination of the reputed Strephon himself.
After the fighting for Phaln ended on 352-1121, Lucan's offensive bogged down, hampered
by insufficient resupply and refit capacities.
Attempts to establish footholds in the Ushuuri system were disrupted by intermittent
raids and sabotage, further undercutting the offensive's dying momentum.
Although official spokesmen for his forces claimed that their withdrawal was for
purposes of "strategic regrouping," most military analysts agree that Lucan's
position in Gushemege was rapidly becoming untenable and represented an enormous drain on
Core's badly atritted bulk transport assets.
Rumors of numerous desertions and defections -- often by whole units or ships -- are
impossible to confirm.
One field-grade deserter expressed the feelings of many: "What's the point of
going home if you're just going to get sent out to fight again? Everybody knows this was
the last big battle. Nobody has the assets left to spend on this kind of idiocy anymore,
not even Lucan. The fact of the matter is that the Rebellion is over -- because no one has
the strength left to fight it." [Challenge 53]
DLAN/ILELISH DATE: 101-1122
Dulinor has appointed Tredek Jurisor as his minister of information and communication
after weeks of rumors regarding an upcoming political move of major consequence.
Jurisor is one of the most influential of the Virasan leaders who led the Synod members
of the 457th Khanu in their precedent-setting decision to revise certain precepts of the
religion's stance on afterlife and enlightment.
Previously, dying a nonviolent death on Dlan was a primary condition for a believer to
attain full revelation in the afterlife. However, the Synod of the 457th Khanu decreed
that this is no longer a requirement.
Jurisor, along with other reformationists who refer to themselves as the leaders of the
Enlightenment movement, met with stiff resistance from the more conservative and
traditional Synodans of the 457th Khanu.
The elements who have resisted the reform, now known popularly as the Orthodox sect,
reacted to Jurisor's appointment with bitter -- but unsurprised -- disappointment.
Farthik Dorsokuguur, unofficial leader of the Orthodox sect and oldest Synod member of
the 457th Khanu commented, "This is precisely what we feared would follow Jurisor's
reformations -- an alliance between the leaders of our faith and the leaders of our state.
The heresies of the 457th Khanu are not an advancement of our spiritual vision; they are
the precursors to an amalgamation with secular governments and aspirations."
Dorsokuguur refused to comment on rumors that the Orthodox sect has begun assembling a
"star chamber" court in which to try Jurisor for his "crimes against the
faith."
Jurisor has dismissed such rumors as groundless, observing, "My esteemed
colleagues are individuals of honor and faith. They would not embark on any such course of
action, which could easily be mistaken for treason -- given my new position in the secular
affairs of Dlan."
Jurisor, who is 43 years old, is a familiar, dynamic public figure on Dlan and has left
the world on three occasions to oversee what his press secretary calls essential secular
matters.
Dulinor's press secretary refused to make comment on the religious discord on Dlan
other than to say, "The selection of Tredek Jurisor is the result of much careful
consideration as to who would do the best job in this important post. The Emperor Dulinor
is pleased to have a member of the Virasan faith as one of his close advisers, but issues
of religion neither swayed his decision pro or con in this -- or any other --
matter." [Challenge 54]
GELORNAMITE/MASSALIA DATE: 119-1122
Formal declarations of war were exchanged today between the AutoMech Ltd Bloc and the
Tarnasse Industramation Group here on violence-plagued Gelornamite.
Once a peaceful, prosperous planet, Gelornamite's decline into bitter internecine
strife began late last year, when the Development Council -- comprised of the chairpersons
of the planet's eight leading firms -- became seriously divided over industrial and
economic strategies.
In particular, Sagata Arms and Procurement Associates announced its decision to break
from the "standardized arms approach" that is still the accepted norm within the
Imperium.
Citing the ongoing breakup of the Imperium, Sagata Chairman Sharda Sorku observed,
"The only standards that we should be worrying about are those which will serve to
optimize our local defensive capabilities, not some antiquated concept of technological
universality -- a concept which recent events have made extraneous."
Sorku's comments refer to the widespread adherence to Imperial Data Package designs as
the standard for widely used designs of weapons, vehicles and heavy equipment.
While use of IDP designs has never been required or urged by the Imperium, most
member-systems have used these data packages as blueprints for the production of crucial
systems.
In addition to being very user-friendly and well-supported with supplementary programs
and inexpensive industrial start-up packages, most worlds have found that the use of IDPs
aids their economies by enabling them to be conversant with, and capable of meeting, the
maintenance and equipment needs of most visiting starships and crews.
Calling Sorku's comments "isolationistic and economically perilous," Head
Councillor Tayla Hai-Lei moved to quell any attempts to depart from the use of IDPs,
particularly in the area of personal weapons.
Sorku rallied other corporations to his cause, however, creating a political alliance
known as the AutoMech Ltd Bloc. Sorku's initial desire to terminate production of 7mm and
9mm ACRs and instead shift to a unique 8.2mm general purpose weapon expanded into wider
departures from Gelornamite's traditional IDP-biased industrial strategies.
The Tarnasse Industramation group -- led by the late Hai-Lei's successor, Gatta Ndompo
-- received the bloc's official notification of secession three days ago. The group
immediately commenced operations to occupy the bloc's major production centers. Bloc
troops -- armed with the new 8.2mm ACRs -- halted these offensives after taking heavy
casualties.
Head Councillor Ndompo is said to have put in a request for immediate assistance from
Margaret's Imperial forces. [Challenge 54]
WARINIR/DAIBEI DATE: 125-1122
Duke Craig formally announced today that over 20 worlds on the borders of the
Federation of Daibei are now designated as red zones, according to the TAS.
The majority of these worlds are located in the Mulaar, Hermes and Dudin subsectors of
Daibei, and in the Riftrim subsector of Reaver's Deep.
When asked why he was personally announcing TAS designations, Duke Craig responded,
"I want to make it clear that I not only accept these travel recommendations -- I
actively support them. I'm the last person to want to admit that some of our finest
regions are no longer safe for travel, but the facts are incontestable. Even though the
intensity of fighting between this Federation and the Solomani invaders has died down,
there is an enormous upswing in pirate activity. Each morning, I get a missing persons
update -- and there are never less than 5000 new names on that list. Much of this is due
to the raiding that is plaguing these hotspots right now."
Duke Craig declined to speculate on when these areas might become secure and safe for
travel once again.
Rumors that the duke's 24-year-old cousin is among the missing have gone unconfirmed by
official sources. [Challenge 54]
STRELA/ZARUSHAGAR DATE: 139-1122
Lucan's Vengeance Fleet has retired from the Strela system after six days of intense
fighting.
In what some experts are calling "the last great fleet engagement of the
Rebellion," Lucan's and Dulinor's naval assets battered each other mercilessly,
resulting in the destruction of at least four BatRons, 10 CruRons, three TankRons and an
untold number of destroyers, escorts, patrol craft and auxiliaries.
Ground and COACC forces suffered equally heavy losses. Personnel casualties are
assessed to be in excess of two million.
Unofficial reports suggest that medical supplies have run out, forcing field hospitals
to resort to unanaesthetized meatball surgery techniques that are usually seen only on
pre-industrial planets.
Against this backdrop of human misery, Dulinor's commanders are claiming victory,
although even they are compelled to admit that the cost in lives and equipment was
"unacceptable."
Unable to press their advantage in numbers here at Strela, Lucan's commanders are now
assumed to be withdrawing back to Core, marking the end of the long and costly vengeance
campaign which has dominated so much of the Rebellion.
In a special report to the TNS, retired Admiral Ilina Robokovsa states that she doesn't
expect to see Lucan attempting to resume his offensive.
According to Robokovsa, "He (Lucan) has taken too much damage here and has nothing
to show for it. The vengeance fleet was at the end of a very long, very vulnerable supply
line, and Lucan simply doesn't have the logistical assets to support this kind of massive
offensive anymore. Core may be able to reproduce these assets but it is the only political
region within the postwar Imperium that lacks a safe rear area. Every centimeter of Core's
periphery borders on hostile space. That's going to make even Lucan think twice before he
tries to mount another offensive as huge -- and costly -- as this one." [Challenge
54]
VAWARD/OLD EXPANSES DATE: 151-1122
Concern mounted in financial markets here today as the headquarters analysts of
Hortelez et Cie announced that earnings had declined by 12% during calendar year 1121.
While much of this assessment is based on algorithmic projections (actual reports often
taking years to reach HeC's headquarters here on Vaward), market experts were forced to
concede that this estimate was probably accurate to within 0.1%
When asked to speculate on what had caused this sudden downturn, the experts almost
universally cited Hortalez's massive asset trade with the four Vilani megacorporations
which had been concluded on 090-1121.
Although the trade had been conducted and conceptualized with a great public show of
amity, anonymous spoesperson from Zirunkarish now speculate that Hortalez et Cie "had
little faith in the long-term viability of markets within the Ziru Sirkaa -- a common
mistake amongst financiers with decidedly Solomani mindsets."
When asked to comment on these various speculations, HeC Senior Administrator Nils
Petersen suggested, "People should watch a little more closely and patiently, and
speculate a little less. From our (Hortalez et Cie's) standpoint, everything is proceeding
right on schedule and just as we expected."
Petersen declined to make any further statement that might shed light on his enigmatic
comments. [Challenge 54]
CAPITAL/CORE DATE: 153-1122
Emperor Lucan slew a regency emissary with a flurry of laser bursts early today in a
dramatic scene reminiscent of the tragic assassination carried out here six years ago.
The emperor stormed from the throne room immediately afterward. The court was cleared
by the Imperial Honor Guard.
Although details were not immediately available, fragmentary information suggests that
the emissary was Judith Isaacs, a regent of the Imperial Regency of Intelligence and
Security.
According to a courtier who spoke on the condition of anonymity, Isaacs had travelled
to Core to effect formal delivery of the regency's request that Lucan submit to answering
charges of murdering his brother, Prince Varian, and several other persons.
In keeping with the Imperium's succession laws, the regency is required to ensure that
a potential successor satisfactorily refutes any allegations of felony that might be
outstanding against his person. This process must be a matter of public record and must be
completed before there can be any recognition of a right to succession.
The emperor is said to have become enraged when Isaacs delivered this message (both
verbal and hardcopy, according to succession law), at which point he jumped to his feet
and fired four laser bursts into the regent.
Isaacs is thought to have died immediately.
Spokespersons for the emperor have explained that Lucan initially believed Isaacs to be
an assassin and that his sudden departure from the court was motivated by remorse for
having made this mistake.
However, no official statement has been issued by the Imperial staff, nor has an
official apology been sent to the regency. [Challenbge 54]
TURIN/VERGE DATE: 172-1122
The leaders of the newly formed Verge Combine announced their succession from the
Federation of Ilelish today, after weeks of bitter dispute over Dlan's recruitment
policies and mandatory "mutual defense tariffs."
It was also announced that fighting has broken out on several worlds friendly to the
combine in the past three weeks and that Federation forces were already on site,
participating in acts of "shameless oppression."
Analea Mekatan, senoir chamberlain of Turin and perhaps the most influential member of
the combine, stated, "We have allowed our economies, our militaries and our
aspirations to be drained by Dulinor ever since the Rebellion began. Now, even as it is
drawing to a close, his demands upon our livelihoods -- and our very lives -- continue to
increase. This is not tolerable. His flat rejection of our petitions for tariff freezes
and recruitment reductions has left us no choice but to secede.
Unconfirmed rumors suggest that two Federation fleets -- the 42nd and the 1300th
Reserve -- have already sided with the combine, along with their attached ground and COACC
combat assets. [Challenge 54]
ZIMILA/ZARUSHAGAR DATE: 181-1122
The small industrial city of Sharis was raided by corsairs today during the local
predawn hours. Taken completely by surprise, Sharis' defense forces were thrown into a
state of general confusion by a series of well-planned and well-executed surgical strikes
against their command and control assets.
Civilian losses were light, although several dozen persons were taken hostage for a
short time. The hostages report that they were not harmed and were treated in an
acceptible fashion by the corsairs.
The accounts of these abductees supports a growing body of official reports that
indicate the raiders to have been highly organized, well-equipped and exceedingly
well-disciplined. Although positive identification has not been established, defense
administrators believe that the raiders were supported by one Type C Mercenary
cruiser, one Type P Corsair and one type K Hunter. Observers noted a number
of strange sigils on the fuselages of the raiders' attack landers, along with images of
stylized saurian creatures. Several of the raiders were noted to be ewaring similar
imagery on their personal armor.
Although officials in Sharis have not completed their assessment of losses, they are
already noting that the raiders' primary targets seem to have been the warehouses of a
number of heavy industrial firms. In particular, large quantities of ammunition, vehicle
parts and power plant spares were removed. There is no evidence that any civilian houses
or small businesses were intruded upon. [Challenge 55]
TIAWAN/VERGE DATE: 198-1122
The forces of the Verge Combine has successfully repulsed forces sent by the Federation
of Ilelish in an unexpected display of expertise and elan. The greatest surprise seems to
have been among the Federation command staff, who consistently underestimated the will,
ability and equipage of their adversaries.
Starting with a disastrous attempt to wrest control of the system's main gas giant from
the local defense boats, the six-day campaign was one long series of misadventures for the
Federation forces. Although the attackers gained marginal control of Tiawan's close orbit
and airspace for two days, they were never able to exploit that advantage to full effect
in support of their ground forces.
Conservative estimates suggest that at least three full divisions of Federation and
loyal regional troops were lost as a result of beachhead landings that were never fully
consolidated due to intense fire by defending forces.
Naval activity was sporadic, but definitely one sided, with locally manufacted,
remote-operated suicide craft (some as large as 20 tonnes displacement) seriously damaging
a number of Federation heavy cruisers.
By mid-day yesterday (local standard time), the Federation forces had begun to withdraw
in good order. Official Combine sources indicate that the last of the attacker's ships
jumped out-system early this evening. [Challenge 55]
IRIM/FORNAST DATE: 210-1122
Starport Authority security forces today barely managed to contain and control
widespread violence between a group of independent merchants and members of a brokers'
guild. The incident -- which at its height involved at least 40 crewmembers from
merchantmen, 50 brokers and associates, and 20 Starport Authority security personnel -- is
without local precedent and has shocked the mercantile community of the planet.
Fourteen persons were hospitalized with serious injuries, and another 20 were treated
for minor injuries at the scene.
Although accounts conflict, the cause of the melee is said to be a disagreement over
tacit trading agreements and rights. Apparently, three independent merchants were
attemting to sell individual items directly to interested parties at wholesale prices.
This is not the customery means whereby merchants trade, depending instead upon large lots
of goods sold with the aid of a broker.
Reportedly, several brokers noticed this irregular "indepedent" sales
activity and began arguing with the merchants, accusing them of violating a
"traditional understanding" between merchants and brokers. The merchants
allegedly responded that they 'weren't breaking any laws" and continued to conduct
their business. The brokers attempted to interfere with their operations, and angry words
led to a general brawl, which drew in nearby allies of both groups.
Although the Starport Authority security forces haven't brought any charges against
either group, Chief Iislag Romor commented that he "can understand why brokers got so
hot under the collar." "After all," he said, "if merchants don't make
their sales through the brokers, the brokers will have no way of doing business. If the
merchants don't understand that, I'm afraid we'll have another incident like this one --
worse, maybe."
The Irim Incident is only the most dramatic of many such occurences with have begun to
erupt throughout the Imperium over the past six months. Reports of friction between
merchants and brokers are widespread.
Market experts suggest that the reason for this new contentiousness is because of the
general state of economic decline prevalent in most areas of the Imperium. With cargoes
becoming harder to find, merchants are trying to get the most money for their wares. Many
do this by selling their goods at wholesale prices, thereby increasing their base revenues
without having to pay a broker's percentage.
Most frequently, this practice is observed in conjunction with the sale of high-tech
items that are no longer available in the area of sale. Consequently, market prices on
such products are beginning to climb in areas which have never had much -- or have lost --
industrial capacity. [Challenge 55]
BOGUSTIN/CORE DATE: 217-1122
Imperial Ministry of Justice agents have uncovered what they believe to be the source
of a number of incidents of anti-Lucan starship sabotage in Grapis Dar, the capital city
of Bogustin. Grapis Dar, which is host to the local class-A starport and attached scout
base, has also been used increasingly by Imperial naval units as a repair and refit
facility over the past three years.
In particular, the base's state-of-the-art, fluidic systems, purging apparatus is well
thought of by captains and crews whose ships have begun to take on characteristic odors
that seem to be unremovable. Consequently, many ships get their fluidic systems cleaned at
Grapis Dar.
Apparently, anti-Lucan saboteurs capitalized upon this trend in their efforts to
cripple a number of the ships serviced. Their method involved nodules of pure sodium
coated with a delayed-action, water-soluble coating. These nodules were pumped into
water-carrying fluidic systems -- along with the replacement water -- after the system
purges were completed.
When each nodule's coating eventually dissolved some 2-4 weeks later, the resulting
exothermic reaction between the water and the sodium usually ruined environmental systems
and, often, power plant coolant assemblies.
IMJ agents had suspected Bogustin as the source of the sabotage for the past month, but
only managed to break the operation today locating the nodule production facility and a
huge supply of the innocuous-looking gray spheres.
Although there is no official word on the group behind the sabotage operation, certain
anonymous inside sources suggest that a radical terrorist group known as the Brothers of
Varian is responsible for the act. The Brothers of Varian is largely held to be a mostly
legendary organization, supposedly dedicated to "avenging" Lucan's alleged
murder of the rightful heir to the Iridium Throne. [Challenge 55]
KHALU/FORNAST DATE: 233-1122
New View Entertainment formally declared the commencement of bankruptcy proceedings
today in a statement that sent shock waves throughout the local economy. Local law
enforcement officials found NewView CEO Dragus Liklaster dead of a self-inflicted shotgun
wound at his residence only two hours after the conclusion of the press conference.
NewView, one of the largest fully independent (i.e., nonmegacorporation controlled)
producers, syndicators and distributers of holographic and 2-D video entertainment,
employs over 30 million persons on Khalu. The ancillary markets and dependent economies
linked to NewView's fortunes employ at least five times that number.
Long known to be in serious financial trouble, NewView is described as the latest
victim of the Rebellion and the fragmented markets that have resulted from the dislocation
of trade and commerce. In addition to a steady decrease in disposable income throughout
the Imperium's private sector over the past five years, NewView executives cited
unreliable distribution as the major cause of their bankruptcy.
According to industry experts, the low cargo priority of entertainment products, as
well as increasing interruptions caused by piracy and war losses, all conspired to create
a downward cycle of decreasing demand for NewView's exports. [Challenge 55]
SEBASTA/SOLOMANI RIM DATE: 247-1122
The Captain-Governor of Florina Arcology -- the second largest on this world --
announced that he was ordering the general abandonment of the massive structure, effective
immediately. Although provisions have been made for an orderly departure, aided by
Solomani military units, local experts point to the complete lack of residential, sanitary
and medical facilities for the over 15 million residents who are being displaced.
The abandonment of Florina Arcology, long a concern of the plantery government, is the
result of insufficient spares for the structure's repair and maintenance needs. Although
Solomani administrators have spared no expense or effort in their attempt to locate and/or
produce appropriate spares, their endeavors have apparently been in vain.
According to Senior BioSystems Specialist Meomi Tasawara, "Almost all of the
Florina Arcology's subsystems are of Imperial design. Unfortunately, the war has so
disrupted the Imperial economy and industrial sector that replacement parts are simply no
longer available. And there's simply no way to get local industries to produce the
necessary replacement parts in time."
System breakdowns tripled in 1121 and earlier this year began affecting water
purification and air filtration systems. Over 20,000 cases of amoebic dysentary have been
treated since than. Abandonment became unavoidable when the air filtration system failed
altogether.
As soon as the population of Florina has been evacuated, officials intend to strip the
arcology of all working systems, in order to provide spares for the world's other
arcologies. [Challenge 55]
ANAXIAS/DELPHI DATE: 259-1122
IRIS head Garran Trainor-Hughes announced today that Lucan's failure to acquiesce to
public hearings regarding his alleged murder of Varian and several other individuals
leaves the regents no choice but to formally suspend the legal process whereby his claim
to the Iridium Throne would be verified and confirmed.
When asked how the regency -- or anyone else -- intends to enforce such a decision,
Trainor-Hughes commented, "The regency is not charged with the enforcement of its
succession rulings. Such a duty would obviously be well beyond the capacities of IRIS.
Instead, it is our responsibility to identify and confirm rightful successors in
accordance with Imperial law. This statement does not eliminate Lucan from eligibility,
but until and unless he meets the legal requirements, we cannot proceed in the matter of
his succession."
Trainor-Hughes, speaking from the new regency offices on Anaxias, went on to state that
while this turn of events does not mean that the regency de facto declares for
Margaret, it does mean that Iris considers her to be "the single person best suited
to be the custodian of the rights, responsibilities and honor of Imperial station."
When asked if this in fact meant that IRIS was designated Margaret as a form of
"empress-in-waiting," Trainor-Hughes responded, "This in fact means that,
in our opinion, Duchess Margaret holds the highest position of royalty that is formerly
recognized by the regency at this time."
In other matters involving Anaxian politics, various rumors regarding fierce infighting
between IRIS's newly arrived covert operation assets and Tukera's Vermene remain
impossible to confirm. [Challenge 55]
SUSADI/GUSHEMEGE DATE: 267-1122
Over one million civilian casualties were inflicted today by a sneak raid that
devastated Karshai, one of the smaller pressure-dome cities on this world. Although
details of this tragedy are still unclear, reports indicate that the attackers were part
of Lucan's naval forces.
The attacking vessels were identified as one Midu Agashaam-class destroyer, one PF
Sloan-class fleet escort, one Chrysanthemum-class destroyer escort and three
400-ton Lurushaar Kilaalum-class patrol cruisers. A number of unidentified fighters
were also used in the attack and are thought to have been using the PF Sloan-class
fleet escort as their mother ship.
The attacking vessels emerged from jump space just 150 planetary diameters from the
main world and immediately commenced a surface bombardment of Karshai. While most of
Susadi's surprised defensive resources went to the rescue of the city, the fighters and
the patrol cruisers launched a second, surprise attack upon Susadi's class-A starport,
inflicting considerable damage upon that facility.
As soon as the strike against the starport was completed, Lucan's forces withdrew.
Subsequent observations suggests that they refueled at the nearest gas giant and jumped
out-system.
Although many local military personnel expressed rage and dismay at this attack,
Federation of Ilelish Commodore Satina ba-Rek offered an explanation: "Lucan's
changing his tactics, I think. I would guess he's moving to a "scorched-earth
policy." Since he can't have this region of space, he's going to destroy everything
of value within it. Obviously, an A-class starport on a high-population world is a
valuable asset -- one which could easily be out to use against him. So he decided to
eliminate it."
ba-Rek went on to say this "may only be the first of many such attacks -- and if
it is, we're in for some very black days ahead." [Challenge 55]
KAPABU-SEPPLE MASSALIA DATE: 306-1122
SEBASTA/SOLOMANI RIM DATE: 307-1122
Scattered reports of mounting violence -- including more than 100 fatalities -- have
accompanied rumors that the refugees of the Florina Arcology disaster have carried a new,
highly infectious strain of hepatitis into their planet's rural communities.
The 15 million former inhabitants of the arcology were compelled to leave their massive
home when system malfunctions became both severe and effectively irreparable.
In the weeks that have followed the 247-1122 evacuation of Florina, forced resettlement
of the arcos has overwhelmed the surrounding countryside, throwing the small agricultural
and resort communities located there into complete turmoil.
With food and water shortages becoming endemic, many of the communities shut their
doors against further refugee resettlement, resulting in several armed standoffs with
Solomani authorities.
An alliance of these defiant communities -- known as the Greenie movement -- had
commenced negotiations with local confederation addvisors two weeks ago. Initial reports
called the talks "hopeful."
However, the sudden outbreak of hepatitis among both rural natives and arco refugees
has disrupted the talks, and Greenie hard-liners have reportedly acquired proof that the
pathogen was carried to their communities by the arcos.
Viral hepatitis was once the most widespread infectious disease on Terra.
It is a rarely encountered phenomenon today, having been almost completely eradicated
by retroviral therapies during the Second Imperium.
Occasionally encountered in outback populations, this new stain of the disease -- coded
as "hepatitis gamma-three" -- is spread by mucosa contact with, or ingestion of,
any contaminated object. The crowded, forced communal facilities that now typify those
Greenie towns overrun with arco refugees provide an optimum breeding and contagion ground
for this pathogen. [Challenge 56]
SUFREN/DIASPORA DATE: 322-1122
Sternmetal Horizons local stock shot up an estimated 89 points on the Sufren exchange
today after the megacorporation's local executives announced that trials on its new Roughneck-class
petrochemical harvester had proven to be "highly successful."
The concept behind the Roughneck class design was to provide prestellar
technology worlds with a means of assuring a steady supply of petrochemicals, even if
interstellar commerce and dirtside resources proved futile.
The Roughneck class is a mostly TL6 design with limited TL7 components. Built
for rugged use, the VTOL-capable craft is specially designed to insert deep into the
atmospheres of large gas giants, where atmospheric processes often combine to produce
small amounts (by proportion) of liquid propane and even acetylene.
The craft then "harvests" these atmospheric liquids with scoops and vents.
When pressure-processed, the liquid propane can be reconfigured into more complex
hydrocarbons useful as fuel or in the making of plastics.
For lower-technology worlds without native petrochemical stocks, the Roughneck
represents potential access to an irreplaceable -- and otherwise unavailable -- chemical
resource (assuming a suitable large gas giant is located in the system).
Advance orders from more than a dozen systems were placed within minutes of
Sternmetal's announcement. [Challenge 56]
VLAND/VLAND DATE: 329-1122
After legal review by various special committees, the Isgiirdi of the Ziru Sirkaa has
formally approved the request of four Vilani Bureaux to suspend the remittance of
dividends on thos shares held by the Imperial family.
After months of painstaking deliberation on this topic, the Isgiirdi began moving
quickly to a consensus when, last week, a jump-5 courier arrived with news of the
regency's suspension of confirmation proceedings regarding Lucan's claim to the Iridium
Throne.
This announcement, made on Anaxias on 259-1122 by IRIS High Rgent Garran Tainor-Hughes,
formally disallows Lucan the right to claim the throne legitimately until and unless he
acquiesces to a public investigation into any allegations of felony which exist against
him.
In turn, this creates a legal limbo regarding the the title to the Imperial family's
considerable shareholding positions in the Vilani megacorporations.
Previously, the Isgiirdi had directed the bureaux to continue their dividend payments
to Lucan, since he had the right of succession by bloodline, and there had been no formal
recognition of any allegations of felonious activities.
Now, however, the dividends will be shunted into a fully insured escrow account, its
final dispensation of ownership pending upon confirmation of Strephon's successor --
whoever that might one day prove to be.
The announcement of this decision produced uneven trading on the floor of the Enlugal
Commodities Exchange. Although a sharp rise had been anticipated, many expressed concern
that this move would have a "chilling effect" on interstellar trade with
mercantile partners outside the Ziru Sirkaa. [Challenge 56]
AGARI/ILELISH DATE: 342-1122
Adeline Matsumata has turned the bow of her 200-ton free trader Madame Butterfly
toward the center of the Ilelish Confederation -- and has no plans for returning to its
rimward periphery. Matsumata is just one of dozens of free merchants who have been leaving
this area in recent months.
"The only progress I'm making here is that I'm closer to bankruptcy than ever
before," Matsumata said in an informal startown bar interview.
Like most other traders leaving the area, Matsumata cites frequent trade interdictions
due to ongoing Verge Rebellion, which has spilled over into the Ilelish sector.
She explained, "One week, a planet is open for trading -- with Confederation
subsidies, even. Two weeks later, it's under full commercial interdiction. So if you've
got a hold full of special cargoes for that world, you're just out of luck; you'll have to
go somewhere else and sell at a loss."
The revolt's see-saw progress does indeed seem to be the cause of this political (and
hence, commercial) turbulence. With worlds changing allegiances as fast as they change
governments, mercantile speculation -- which depends upon reasonable market predictions --
has become practically impossible.
Although the intensity of the conflict has steadily diminished since the
confederation's unexpected setback at Tiawan/Verge on 198-1122, Dulinor's
containment/counterinsurgency tactics have kept the involved regions in a state of unrest
and turmoil.
Unofficial speculations within the confederation government suggest that Dulinor
already considers the rebellious regions to be lost, and is simply attempting to cripple
the area with economic sanctions and commerce raiding, as well as ongoing border
skirmishes. [Challenge 56]
NAKINDAA/FORNAST DATE: 364-1122
Riots destroyed the headquarters complex of the Hadaggshi Lanthanun Coil Restraint
Works this afternoon when the compaany's management announced that it had filed for
bankruptcy and was suspending operations immediately.
Hadaggshi Works, the largest specialty manufacturer of lanthanum coil restraints in
known space, cited insufficient sales as the principle factor behind its demise. Hadaggshi
Woks is predominately a Vilani-run business.
Government analysts suggest that had the company retooled for diversified production
late in 1120, it would probably have been able to endure.
"Specialty industries just can't survive today, not unless they're right at the
heart of the faction's safe area," commented fiscal analyst Haradim Molke. "In
order to move the tremendous volume of merchandise that enables specialty producers to
survive, you have to have easy, reliable interstellar transportation. That kind of
transportation environment died with the Third Imperium."
Hadaggshi's plight is only one of hundreds of similar commercial disasters brought on
by the increased difficulty and risk of interstellar transportation.
Efforts to improve that situation have largely been unsuccessful, even though
fleet-level conflict seems to have ended. The vacuum left by the large naval forces of the
factions has mostly been filled by corsairs, pirates and privateers. Continued
commerce-raiding campaigns by rival factions further erode confidence in the viability of
interstellar commerce.
Hadaggshi's demise brings unemployment to over 2 million members of Nakindaa's work
force. However, unconfirmed reports suggest that three local industries are negotiating to
buy Hadaggshi's old industrial process elements for conversion to diversified production
tasks. Labor leaders are catiously optimistic that this may portend new jobs and a shift
to a more self-sustaining industrial strategy. [Challenge 56]
Traveller News Service is another Imperium-wide benefit of membership
in the Travellers' Aid Society.
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TNS - 1122