Fwurg

[Elrinka]

Liberal Assencia, Wrarrbo, Scir secede from the Union!

Unity - The Senator of Wrarrbo today announced the secession of Liberal Assencia, Wrarrbo en Scir from the Union, effective next turn. Political tensions had long been growing and recent tax moves are rumoured to be the straw that broke the camels back. It is currently unclear how other Union members will react to this news, but with war in effect, it is most certainly an unwelcome change.

[Elrinka]

Massive attack on Mandalorian home territories

Unity - An unknown party - perhaps secretive Union forces - have launched raids on the Mandalorian tax worlds, causing significant damage. Mandalorian forces are scrambling to defend their assets. Whomever is behind these raids, they are good news for the war!

[Hiocan Society]

Hiocan economies reduces trade losses by building new facilities

Hio, Erau - On both planets of the Hiocan Society new zones are build to reduce the gas excess. Due to the war no trade is possible with the Preatorian empire and the gas can not be exchanged for products and tax. Merchant Aosen enlightens us on the situation.

"Currently we are building new facilities to make sure the trade excess goods are used and not wasted. We plan on refurbishing the zones once the war is over so we can resume our trades. In the mean time we need to make of the most of the goods we have. "

[Amna Silin]

Wrarrbo, Assencia and Scir secession to boost economy

Mirda - Analysts predict that the recently announced secession from the Union will boost the Commonwealth's intergalactic economy to new heights. The interregnum democracy of Scir is one of the largest suppliers of organics and food products to the Union. Trade will most likely remain open, but the newly formed border will still be a barrier to acquiring goods from outside the Union, next to being a convenient anchor for legislation.

Analysts are less enthusiastic Wrarrbo and Assencia provide the Union with ICT technology and other crystal and information based goods. Most predictions state a fall in availability, followed by a resurgence of information products as the industry copes with, and hopefully recovers from, the Mandalorian war.

[Elrinka]

Significant losses on Mandalorian home front!

Unity - Mysterious attacks on Mandalorian Tax worlds continue to cause damage on a massive scale, severely hampering Mandalorian infrastructure and support systems. Several fleets that were held in reserve have been withdrawn to Mandalorian territory to face off against these forces but have so far they have been unsuccessful in ending the attacks. Between this and the heroic offensives by Union forces, the Mandalorians are sure taking a beating!

[UCN-C45H]

Recession imminent!

Unity - With weapons being liberally held by those not equipped to wield them responsibly, crime is rising higher than ever. Criminal masterminds are taking advantage of the impact of the war on the economy by drafting the jobless and feeding into fuel for rebellions and other local issues.

With weapons being widely available, the seriousness of the crime-wave is not to be underestimated, significantly hampering the Union economy as a whole, above and beyond the already high cost of war.

Experts predict the Union may be heading towards a recession shortly and that it may happen sooner rather than later. Recession is likely to bring significant costs to Union governments, who are advised to be weary of their spending due to the possible cost the recession may bring.

((OOC: This is a warning to all economy players that the cost associated with the earlier black market storyline may soon take effect!))

[Eildesis]

Cleansing of Enthor well underway

Enthor - The Cleaning of Enthor is progressing at a steady pace Senator Atheos in an interview.

With the Atmospheric Purification of Enthor complete the citizens of the Astai Republic are breathing a cleaner sigh of relief. Taking up the term of xenophobic extremist factions as the terraformation of Enthor continues with help of the Veolian Commonwealth. Citizens are rejoicing at the quick progress being made, as well as a return of weapon shipments to government sanctioned stores.

[Amna Silin]

Veolian law enforcement preparing for crime wave

Mirda - Based on predictions by the CDSC, Veolian law enforcement forces and house militia are preparing for a large crime wave. The CDSC bases this prediction on recent events on Mirda and in the Union.

Recent events such as the sudden and nearly uncontrollable influx of weapons, most of which appeared to come from the Praetorian Empire, have increased the chances of tensions in every mega-city on the planet breaking out into violence.

Furthermore, the gang war related violence has not subdued. Rumours of gangs actively employing military grade weapons and vehicles have been substantiated with holovids showing three air superiority fighters demolish a rival gang's warehouse in under a minute.

[Ariadné]

Sundarian Council confirms new legislation

Glasslyn - After several weeks of deliberation the Council has agreed on a new set of bills to cover the sale of weapons and the creation of a new military command structure. First steps in this process are new regulations, covering the sale of military grade weaponry, which has now been placed by licensed, government controlled firms. Meanwhile the Ministry of Defence and Public Security has started a modernization of the police forces, with the assistance of trainers from the Praetorian Empire and the Unified Republic of Darya.

For the moment the Nobility has retained to right to maintain private armies and security forces, be it in a diminished form. Contact with several unconfirmed sources at the ministry suggest that these will eventually be incorporated in a new standing army or in a civil defence force together with the police.

[UCN-C45H]

Recession hits the Union!

Unity - Economic analyst predictions came true today as the union has dipped into an economic recession. Between the war and a recent pickup in criminal activity union-wide resulting in consumers putting off purchases, businesses are failing and tax income has dropped significantly, causing a need for government cuts that may execerbate the problems further.

((OOC: This news post is related to an economic event. For more details, see here))

[Amna Silin]

"We have no recession" decrees emperor Saret Ilius!

Mirda - The Imperial Council met in person this morning to discuss the matter of the Union recession. Representatives of each house arrived at the imperial palace around 10:30. Just under an hour later the council convention was in progress, with the council chamber's doors closing at 11:24.

Analysts predicted that a multitude of options would be discussed. Predictions were not only that the convention would take several days, but that the absence of the emperor himself indicated that the matter would become a touchy political point for most houses. Especially since house Dewa's recent acquisition of Kelwar-an and the establishing of an intergalatic banking corporation has been a thorn in the side of several other houses.

The convention was surprisingly short, with a duration of just under 3 hours. Officials at court indicate that the emperor joined the ladies around 13:30, and that half an hour later the doors opened again, with the emperor and first empress leaving first. Official records indicated that the emperor's initial absence at the start of the council convention was due to a personal holoconference with elected emperor Thorios Olchazith of the Praetorian Empire.

Our sources at court have informed us that the emperor entered the council chambers, sat down and listened to the heated argument for a few minutes. The emperor shortly spoke with his wife Saret Neferti, after which he loudly spoke two sentences. The empress thereafter proceeded to demand several concessions, including a number of assignations.

Though she was unwilling to reveal what demands the empress made from the other great houses. One of our sources has confirmed that she clearly heard the emperor state: "I am in no mood to discuss this matter. We have no recession."

[Amna Silin]

Comedian coins 'Emperor's big stimulus package'

Mirda - Comedian Hasya Abhinēta has dubbed the recent events in the Imperial Council the "Emperor's big stimulus package". A holovid of her routine was put online this evening. The vid had gathered 1,522,421,462 unique views after the first hour online, which is equivalent to 8.9% of the population of Mirda.

We contacted Hasya Abhinēta, to hear first-hand how she came up with the idea. "Well, the Imperial Council always convenes behind closed doors. And since the emperor apparently said only two words, I was wondering what was done in the half hour between his majesty entering and the representatives leaving. Either there was some discussion, which given the words of his majesty is very unlikely, or something else was going on... I mean, let's be realistic, it's a room filled with hemet women and a single hemet man. No way that they are just sitting there waiting around."

[Elrinka]

Major victories against the Mandalorians!

Unity - Union Forces in the Novalia, My'enru and Azaryan systems all report victory, with Mandalorian forces being in full retreat! This joyous event is being celebrated all over the Union!

[UCN-C45H]

Stock market booms!

Unity - Following the news of the Mandalorian retreat, stock markets all over the Union are racing up at high speed. The change in attitude has had quite a positive impact on the Union economy, especially for worlds still in recession.

((OOC: This new post is related to an economic event! See here for more details!))

[Elrinka]

Grav-ball Championship fever begins to hit

Unity - Grav-ball, an indoor ball sport where international teams of six players compete in zero gravity to carry a ball into the opponents goal, is quickly gaining in popularity. With many teams competing for the prize through a series of matches in a grand Championship, the Union may soon be divided into factions to support the various sports teams. Four teams have been designated 'favourites'.

Wearing dark and light blue, the Cardinals are known for their great defence skills, especially that of their goalkeeper M'Tulem. The team was acquired after last years Championship and has since received extensive funding from venture capitalist who are hoping to sell the team for a profit after the Championship. Its players are amongst the most expensive in the Championship.

Wearing chequered red and yellow, the Flaming Centipedes were mysteriously absent during the previous Championship. It was later discovered the team suffered from serious mechanical troubles at their training centre and was unable to get gravity to work properly, leading to various injuries and an incomplete team. Now under new management, the team has come back stronger than ever, outscoring all other teams in the qualifiers. Their battle cry "BOO-YAH" has become a staple amongst fans.

The green and brown of the Dancing Trees are favourite newcomers. With the aid of team captain and main forward, Quercus, the Dancing Trees have continued to improve throughout the season and now stand a good chance of winning. They promise to donate part of their winnings to charity.

The black and white Headhunters are last years returning champions, and won "Most Exciting to Watch" three times in a row. With their main forward Quercus having left the team after internal strife, it is unclear if the Headhunters are still in a condition to repeat last years act.

The Championship offers to be quite interesting, with opening matches to start in the new year.

[Wesley Arbothius]

ACA sub-faction trying to outlaw religion? Not on the Lord-Masters watch.

Stellaria - One of the many sub-factions in the Astrian Colonial Authority made an attempt to make religious activities punishable by law. The Lord-Master personally pointed out that such a law would be in direct conflict with the basic rights of sentient life that the ACA holds. The attempt was stopped immediately.

The local governing body claimed that religion promotes intolerance and violence. Saying their attempt was justified and that the ACA will be responsible for the consequences if they don't take action.

Shortly after the Lord-Master made a press conference.

"People are free to believe whatever they wish, this is one of the basic principles the Astrian Colonial Authority. I have tremendous faith in the citizens of the ACA and it is my personal conviction that any organisation or group that forces their beliefs or methods on others will not find any traction in our little corner of space."

Where some of the words he used. He continued to express his faith in the ACA citizens and his sadness that the sub-faction's local government apparently doesn't share his faith in their people.

[Amna Silin]

House Dewa enters the galactic investment market

Mirda -

House Dewa's insignia

Only half a year after acquiring a complete moon and establishing a banking corporation, House Dewa once again surprises the economic community of the Veolian Commonwealth: House Dewa has been silently bankrolling the development of multiple large industrial complexes in the Kal system, with an investment of 10 000 .

Just a week ago, they entered into another investment contract, to bankroll the development of production in the Guaire system, again to the tune of 10 000 . This is in paralel with the establishment of Cassandra Holdings, the corporation that started with a hostile takeover of the Gnosis facilities in Swyndale. An earlier attempt to go public with the freshly established corporation failed after the IO interrupted the auction process.

With their own banking corporation, multiple lucrative investment contracts and the establishment of Cassandra Holdings, House Dewa seems to have moved into the galactic investment market with a strong opening.

[Elrinka]

Cardinals Goalkeeper injured during training

Unity - M'Tulem, goalkeeper for the Cardinals, suffered a minor injury during training this morning which will interrupt the Cardinals intensive training schedule for the next week or so.

The owners of the team called an emergency shareholders meeting after rumours the injury might mean M'Tulem would have to miss the Cardinals upcoming match, but were relieved to hear from the teams medical staff that M'Tulem will have fully recovered by then.

[Elrinka]

Unity Fashion Show

Unity - A large fashion show will take place this weekend in Unity, to promote the local fashion scene. The designs, which include options for many different species, are likely to dominate the streets of Unity for the coming months, at least amongst fashion conscious individuals.

The fashion show promises an opportunity for up and coming designers, weavers, haberdashers, tailors and models living on Unity to show their work to an intergalactic crowd and perhaps even land contracts.

[UCN-C45H]

Recycling the Wreckage

Unity - The destruction of the months of combat have left the wreckage of the destroyed Union and Mandalorian vessels useless by any measure, the impact of weapons having destroyed the ships beyond any chance of repair or even partial recycling.

An independent Hiocan scientist working on recycling technology however now claims that the massive amounts of wreckage may still be of use as base materials, if the larger pieces are collected and melted down. His proposal, recently submitted to the Union, explains how.

Though there is a limited time frame before the parts become too scattered and too irradiated to be harvested economically efficiently, the use of these materials could provide an economic boom to the Hiocan Society and the Astrian Colonial Authority, both of whom have been hit hard by the sieges of their respective sectors.

((OOC: This news post is related to an economic event))

[Elrinka]

Unity prison train assaulted

Unity city - For the first time in years, the prison train to the Unity prison outside the dome has encountered problems. Due to technical difficulties, the train was delayed six ours. Once it finally was en route, it was attacked by a group with unknown affiliations. It is believed that the group was after a single prisoner on the train. Unity security forces don't believe that the Unity citizens are in any danger because of this breakout. The prisoners who were transported were not dangerous criminals, and the group fled Union space immediately, supposedly bringing the prisoner with them.

Because of this, the train was forced to return to it's station in Unity City. It is the first time in seven years that the train missed a scheduled trip. Aside the inconvenience of not being able to be relieved, the personnel of the Unity prison is not brought into danger because of the assaulted train.

One of the guards on board the train claimed that Carl Hok is behind the assault on the train. The infamous and ruthless bounty hunter Carl Hok seldom let himself show within Union territory, as he is wanted by most security forces for kidnapping, assassinations, theft and countless other crimes. So far are any rumours of his appearance not confirmed, and the Unity City security forces are still in the dark about who is actually behind the operation.

The head of the Unity City security released the following official statement: "It is true that the security forces were indeed assaulted by a force from unknown origin. However, all of this happened outside the safe dome of Unity City, and we have reason to believe that none of this will fall back on the citizens of Unity City. I assure you that we will do everything within our power to get to the bottom of this. In the meantime you can rest, as none of the prisoners were armed or dangerous."

Only time can tell us if this is indeed the case.

[Wesley Arbothius]

Triad Boards virus eradicated. Shocking footage of peaceful protests beaten down by Former STF law enforcement found!

Stellaria - After months of work experts have finally found and eliminated a virus in the Astrian networks planted shortly before the rebellion that led to the fall of the Stellarian Triad Federation.

The virus was actively concealing footage of protests that where going on at the time. The footage revealed that, what the Triad Boards called 'riots', where in fact peaceful protests violently beaten down by law enforcement personnel. Reports, also hidden by the virus, on the number of wounded resulting from these events claim as many as 2500 people seriously injured. Astrians on Serina and Unity where shocked when these files where made public.

There have been calls for retrials against the responsible parties and sources indicate the ACA is seriously considering to have these retrials as far as it is possible.

[Wesley Arbothius]

ACA sub-factions establishing procedures finished.

Novalia System - The last of the sub-factions in the Astrian Colonial Authority has finally been established.

The Lord-Master made the announcement himself. He continued with saying he was proud to know that the ACA is now complete and that with the end of the recession the ACA would soon start to move past the Former STF and become a greater member of the Union than the STF ever was.

[Elrinka]

Former Chancellor Bolv'ar murdered

Unity - Former Chancellor Bolv'ar was murdered in the hallway of his hotel just an hour ago. Reports suggest the Chancellor was poisoned at a charity dinner earlier that evening and died in the hallway.

A suspect named Lurica Mildew was arrested for the murder by Unity City Security, the officer mentioning the Jedi also helped.

[Praetorian Empire]

Chancellor Eldrilith returns to Praeto

Praeto - Ardios Eldrilith has returned to Praeto to inform the Praetorian Emperor about the current political situation. Three days have passed now. Ardios Eldrilith has not been spotted outside the palace yet and is believed to be still in discussion with the Emperor.

Rumors say that the Emperor is considering a new senator for the Praetorian Empire.