Fwurg

[Elrinka]

High level meeting between Union members

Wrarrbo - In the wake of recent events in Scir, the Free Peoples of Wrarrbo, Liberal Assencia, Remunzia and Scir have sent representatives to meet on Wrarrbo to discuss the local political situation, especially in light of their historic relationships.

It is expected that some type of trade deal between these factions will result, likely to be announced at the end of their conference.

[Ariadné]

Sundarian council takes a more proactive stance in Mandalorian conflict

Glasslyn - It has just been made public that the Sundarian Council, despite the reluctance of the Minister of Defence, has decided to take a more proactive stance in the rising Mandalorian conflict. The minister has yet to decide on the course the Union has to take, where as the council believes that more information is key in this sense and has thus decided to move the Edge of Darkness outside of Union territory.

In order to ensure some degree of safety, now that the Edge of Darkness has been assigned outside of union territory, the council has commanded the presence of Darones Rei, a young Jedi Padawan, to add his insights and expertise.

[Wesley Arbothius]

Still no progress in the multi-homocide, population dissatisfied.

Stellaria - After almost three weeks of investigating STF law enforcement hasn't made any progress in the 352 execution style murders.

Citizens are frustrated and fearful, despite the initial relief. Some people have even accused law enforcement of being 'incompetent'. Others claim that the Office of Naval Intelligence is responsible.

The Admiralty Board denies these claims, but has never the less launched an investigation into these claims. "The mere suggestion that ONI is involved in this matter is taken very seriously as they would be gravely overstepping their jurisdiction." Was the comment the spokesman made.

[Wesley Arbothius]

Peoples Board election suspended, citizens outraged.

Stellaria - Today the Peoples Board announced that, because of the Mandalorian threat, elections will be suspended indefinitely until the threat has subsided.

Less than an hour after the announcement demonstrations had already started. STF law enforcement quickly acted on what they called "riots" with force. Several eyewitnesses claim law enforcement used "excessive force against peaceful demonstrators".

Several board members of all the Triad Boards, including the entire Science Board, have spoke up against the decision and some have even resigned out of protest.

More on this story as it continues.

[Amna Silin]

House Dewa acquires complete moon

Mirda - Economical analysts were dumbfounded when, in a single unexpected move, House Dewa has acquired property rights for the whole of Kelwar-An.

A series of mergers, acquisitions and bankruptcies of holding companies and real estate traders, roughly half of which House Dewa had no direct involvement in, resulted in all property rights ending up with a minor holding directly owned by House Langar. This evening, at 19:00 local time, House Langar signed over all rights to Kelwar-An to House Dewa.

After analysis of the whole trail of transactions, it appears that this consolidation has been in the making for over 30 years. House Dewa is unavailable for comment, so we are left in the dark about the purpose of this acquisition or who or what group was behind the plan.

[Wesley Arbothius]

Permanent habitation of Serina started.

Serina - Today the very first city on Serina was finished and the first Astrians have started living there.

With the combined resources of several private companies, that already have interests on Serina, the extraordinary feat was accomplished. The opportunity for colonization was made available after the Veolian Commonwealth provided the necessary technology, and aided in the planet's terraformation.

"The colonization of Serina creates many opportunities for my people and it shows the involved parties know how working together with other Union members can be both lucrative and help the people." Was the comment made by Lady-Senator Maria Latharion during a press conference on the subject. She continued with wishing the colonists the best of luck and hoping other parties would follow this example.

[Amna Silin]

Imperial Council to convene on the matter of Mandalorian aggression

Mirda - Emperor Saret Ilius has called for the imperial council to convene to determine the commonwealth's stance on the current mandalorian activities. He has also recalled union senator lady Nehket Aeka, presumably with the goal of having her expertise with and insight in other union members available during the council's congress.

The veolian emperor publicly announced that the imperial council will convene until a consensus has been reached among the six houses. Current opinion among veolian nobility holds that the commonwealth should take action to protect the borders of the Union, regardless of the activities of other union members.

Lord Shebi Kiasekel, the patriach of house Shebi and father of padawan Shebi Ajava, publicly commented on the matter: "I agree that it is time to determine our position. Right now, it seems that the Union is unwilling to meet the mandalorians head on, which is understandable. Many union members have had little experience with large-scale war in the recent past, and they are understandably reluctant to act. However, I think that the Union should not hesitate to strike first if need be."

[Amna Silin]

Jedi doll officially endorsed by jedi padawan, stock prices soar!

Mirda - Today MPM Toys issued a press release stating that they have started production of a deluxe edition of the 'Nebesnogo Sveta' plushi, endorsed by the real Nebesnogo Sveta himself. They state that the young padawan has contacted them with numerous improvements to the doll, and that they were happy to incorporate them into a limited edition.

According to MPM: "We were very surprised to be contacted by padawan Sveta directly, and are honoured that he took the time to inspect our product. The padawan suggested several improvements to the plushi making process in general, and after review by the safety and security board we have implemented his changes to our production process.

Furthormore, we will produce a limited number of 'Nebesnogo Sveta' deluxe editions. Each will have an actual glowing lightsaber, and will be capable of actual flight. As these improvements were designed by padawan Sveta himself, the plushi has been made according to his rigorous security standards, and can withstand a category 3 explosion without damage to either functional or aesthetic factors."

Analysts expect the toymaking company's stock to continue rising, as the news of endorsement by the Jedi reaches investors.

[Wesley Arbothius]

Triad Boards stop education funding, businesses take over.

Stellaria - The STF government has announced they will stop financing education. Normally this falls under the jurisdiction of the Science Board, but as they have resigned the remaining Boards have ruled the funding is required elsewhere.

Several hours after the announcement was made the Crystalline Optics Concern announced they would fund the education of their employees and their children, calling out to other businesses to do the same. Mere moments later dozens of enterprises and companies made similar announcements.

More protests and demonstrations have erupted throughout Triad City.

[Wesley Arbothius]

Colonist refuse to pay taxes.

Serina - Colonists on Serina have refused to pay taxes to the STF government, claiming that they are to high.

Colonists have to pay roughly two times more taxes then when they lived on Stellaria. The businesses on Serina claim the STF government did nothing with regard to the colonization and as such do not have the right to claim taxes there, let alone the 'ridicules' rates they do.

[Fecta Felati]

Teprogrenaian Consensus revise asylum policy.

Dhiahamara - With the Mandalorian fleets getting closer towards the Union territory and the Union on high alert, the Teprogrenaian Consensus is sharpening their asylum policy. Till now every civilian with no criminal record was free to start a new life in the Tepogrenaian world. This never caused any problems, but the Teprogrenaian Consensus is afraid that their world might become a safe haven for refugees which could damage the integrity of the Consensus political system. Fecta Solin, member of the high political Consult explains: "The Consensus at this moment works so well because the Teprogrena are selfless and see the need of the greater good above their personal delights. When refugees flow in and participate in the discussions, it would become impossible to ever reach Consensus again as such refugees do not share the vision we have."

The Teprogrena have reached Consensus that all new immigrants have to live for 10 years in the Teprogrenaian Consensus before they are allowed to participate in the Consensus. Furthermore, a maximum of 0.5 refugees as result of war can receive shelter and food for the duration of the war. When the Consensus deem the war over, these refugees have the right for 1 intergalactic standard year to receive aid and shelter. After that period the refugees must take care of themselves, either by returning to their own worlds or by acquiring a job.

The Consensus hopes this way to retain the integrity of their system while still be able to aid those in need during a war. When a commoner of streets was asked if refugees would also have the option of a right of passage to the Cradle if such times would come the reaction was: "What, how ridiculous, of course not."

[Wesley Arbothius]

Child killed during protest, military steps in.

Stellaria - Protests against the Stellarian Triad Federation have escalated after a law enforcement officer shot and killed a sixteen year old boy.

The bulk of the Stellarian Triad Federation Joint Naval Forces, under the command of Lady-Fleet Admiral Lythia Nethorius, has intervened to prevent further violence. The Fleet Admiral made an announcement shortly after deploying her troops, saying she and those under her command no longer acknowledge that what remains of the Triad Boards as the STF leadership.

She has given them 72 hours to resign from their post or she will remove the entire government from office.

When marines where asked for their opinion they refused to comment, despite the warm receipt from the population.

[Wesley Arbothius]

STF government removed from office, Astrians discuss how to proceed.

Stellaria - The remnants of the Triad Boards have been removed from office by the military.

Having waited for 72 hours, in which the remnants refused to step down, Lady-Fleet Admiral Lythia Nethorius ordered her troops to assault the government buildings. Despite heavy resistance from law enforcement there have been no casualties and only a few minor injuries where sustained by both sides. The former government is currently being held in a military base under strict guard.

Shortly after an invite was sent to all Astrians for a vast network to discuss what to do with the former leaders and the future of the STF. The discussion started shortly after the invite was sent.

More on this story as it continues and a full report on the outcome of the discussion.

[Wesley Arbothius]

Stellarian Triad Federation has become the Astrian Colonial Authority

Novalia - After a long discussion there now is a conclusion. The Stellarian Triad Federation has been abolished and split up into a large number of sub-factions. A single faction has been placed above these sub-factions: The Astrian Colonial Authority.

Lady-Senator Maria Latharion has already made an announcement to the Union Senate asking them to recognise the new system and government.

[Hiocan Society]

Hio's Planetary Defense Grid has been finished

The Hiocan Society has finished building their Planetary Defense Grid around Hio so they can defend themselves better against the Mandalorian treat. By buying the technology from the Djana Military Research Centre and capital ships from the Teprogrenaian Consensus the building could start quickly. The making second Planetary Defense Grid around Erau has already start and soon they will also be well protected.

The Hiocan people are concerned about the strong military increase but agree that it is necessary. Especially on Erau the tension has risen as the the human (Ex-mandalorian) people are worried about family and friends. More people are signing up for martial arts and military training.

[Amna Silin]

Imperial Council convention concluded: no official announcement as of yet

Mirda - The Imperial Council has remained in conventaion for an unprecedented 4 weeks and 3 days, 2 days longer than the council called after the Sobis Expanse encounter.

No official statement has been made by any party yet, but as the emperor called for council to remain in convention until consensus has been reached, it is expected that the emperor himself will declare the results of the council in the coming days.

[Fecta Felati]

Cucumis releases book on cucumbers

Dhiahamara - Danar Cucumis is releasing her new book: Silly Seasons and Thousand Uses of Cucumbers. As the title already suggests, the book describes recipes for cucumbers, games and other ways with cucumbers to have fun and enjoy your time. She said she timed the release of her book for this moment as there is a 'flair of cucumber in the air.'

In an interview with Cucumis she said: "The cucumber is excellent food for during the warm summer season. There is a lot of water in it and it taste fresh and delightful." The book was originally focused on the teprogrenaian people, but the writer decided to target a much wider audience. When asked if this is because teprogrena don't eat cucumbers, she said: "Most people, and especially teprogrenus danar are not aware of all the different possibilities of cucumbers. There is much more possible than just use it in a salad. Think about mashed cucumbers, cucumber soup or what about grilled cucumber?"

Cucumis also describes several games with cucumbers in her book. For example The Tower of Cucumbers, Cucumberpult and Find the Cucumber. The writer emphasised that the book is not only for the cucumber enthusiasts, but especially for the people who usually don't use cucumbers as this book will broaden their perspective and stimulates creativity.

This weak the book will be available in the book store and for sale over the holo-net.

[Amna Silin]

Emperor Saret Ilius announces Veolian Stance on Mandalorian aggression

Mirda - Today, at 22:28, the Emperor of the Veolian Commonwealth announced consensus of the imperial council on the recent mandalorian aggression:

Announcement by emperor Saret Ilius

The Veolian Commonwealth will take all measures necessary to defend the Union to ensure the survival of both the Union and the Veolian Commonwealth itself.

We have tried to offer our military aid to those nearest to the threat, but they deem our assistance unnecessary. Therefore, we have begun preparing our fleets for deployment, and will deploy our fleets where they are deemed necessary. In this, we shall take the requests of the Ministry of Defence under advisement to determine the optimal deployment.

If the actions of other Union members negatively influence the security and integrity of the Union and its citizens, we will take those actions we deem necessary, up to and including the execution of police actions in foreign territory.

[Amna Silin]

Cooperative research of Veolian Commonwealth and Astrian Colonial Authority implemented

Mirda - This week, a large but mostly silent technology implementation campaign concluded: the jointly researched assisted apomictic parthenogenesis based home pregnancy kits were put into large-scale production.

Though almost no publicity has been given to the project due to its controversial nature, it nevertheless represents a major technological breakthrough in reproduction-assistance technologies. Major proponents of the implementation of the technology are House Khaw and, in what came at a surprise for everyone, House Saret.

Critics of the project decried the project as immoral, 'an abomination against the natural order' and 'The influence of the astrians and their cyborg technology is slowly corrupting our world!'

Those involved in the project had no wish to comment, and instead referred us to lady Nehket Aeka. When asked about a reply to the criticisms, the senator had only the following to say: "Those outcries against this development are only based on an irrational fear of technological dilution of our species. The Astrian people have graciously shared their knowledge and insights with us, and I do not intend to halt our cooperation over the short-sighted rage of a small few."

[Wesley Arbothius]

Increase in exotic limb cybernetics sales.

Stellaria - Sales of exotic limb cybernetics have more than doubled over the last three months. That was shown in a market research project by Arclite Cybernetics.

The cybernetics manufacturer revealed that especially tails have seen a dramatic increase in sales. Animal ears have also been on the rise.

More controversial and invasive cybernetics, like replacing legs with a snakelike lower body, have also become more popular.

Arclite Cybernetics has started a new line of cybernetics in light of this investigation.

[Eildesis]

Terraformation of Enthor started, Astai Republic accepting Kelwaraan credits.

Enthor - In grand news the atmospheric purification of Enthor has commenced.

After billions of years of devastation and torment the atmosphere on Enthor is finally looking a little clearer. Billions of Astai are breathing a clean sigh of relief. With the help of the experts of the Veolian Commonwealth terraformation is being started all over Enthor. The first practical effects are still expected to take a while to show themselves. When asked for comment Senator Atheos commented that he looked forward to the day that Astai no longer have to fear the sun but can embrace it.

Due to the financial relations built up between the Astai Republic and the Veolian Commonwealth, the Astai Republic has bought a number of Kelwaraan Credits . This convenient form of currency will allow greater flexibility in payments for the foreseeable future. Allowing for easier trading and a more stable income, Kelwaraan Credits are recommended to every faction as their choice of monetary reserves.

[Amna Silin]

'Shopping Mall Massacre' marks escalation of gang wars

Mirda - Mirda is seeing an unprecedented escalation of gang violence as yesterday, seven bystanders were killed in a gang-related shooting. Fifty-seven more were wounded when the violence between spilled over into a nearby shopping mall.

According to eye witnesses the shooting started when a small group twi'lek arrived at the mall. Among them was Nawara'tak, a high-ranking member of the SPW gang. Eye witnesses report seeing multiple groups of highly advanced droids working together with veolian gang members to attack Nawara'tak and his crew. The fight was ended after 10 minutes, when two hovercars flew overhead and proceeded to unload several single-use plasma launchers into the twi'leks.

Later, it was discovered that 5 other high-ranking members of different twi'lek gangs were attacked at the same time. Each of the gang leaders was targeted by a group of gangmembers assisted by advanced droids, and almost all fights were ended with a final brutal strike of military grade weaponry.

Several of the dead veolian gang members were identified as members of the Sons of Smi. This morning the Sons of Smi released a holovid in which one of their leaders, known as Rathar, promises that "the escalation of violence started by the off-world scum will be met until the streets run red with their blood."

Officials declined to comment on the situation.

[Wesley Arbothius]

Stellarian surface temperatures reaching record hight.

Stellaria - Surface temperatures have reached a record hight of 93.6 degrees Celsius and are expected to climb even higher.

Because of these extreme temperatures people are strongly advised to avoid going outside of protected areas without proper equipment or cybernetics. People that do go with proper equipment are advised to inform people in their surroundings and when they expect to return.

Despite these temperatures most plants and animals seem to do fine without aid. Biologists have speculated that the heat has activated a dormant gene that allows the fauna and flora to handle these temperatures. The theory is currently being researched.

[Amna Silin]

We are at war!

Unity - Minister of Defence Ardios Eldrilith adresses the Union. We now go live to the senate:

The head of Ardios Eldrilith appears on the screen.

"Fellow citizens of the Union,

Today I come before you with grave news.

After invading our territory and the genocide on one of our outposts the Mandalorians have given us no choice for a peaceful resolution.

With the support of the senate I announce that the war that has been thrust upon the Union by the Mandalorian Fleets is now formally declared. The Ministry of Defence is now authorized and directed to employ the Union Defence Forces and use Union resources to bring the conflict to a successful termination.

I call upon all Union members to activate their military fleets, together we will defeat the Mandalorians.

This conflict will either end with the destruction, or the coward's retreat, of the Mandalorian fleets.

Thank you."

[UCN-C45H]

Weapon prices soar in face of Mandalorian Wars, black market develops

Unity - With the Mandalorians passing into Union territory, private citizens on many worlds are trying to acquire weapons to defend their homes from Mandalorian raiders. As most governments restrict weapon sales a large black market for weapons is developing with prices soaring high.

((OOC: This news post is in relation to an ECONOMIC EVENT. For details, see here))