012-1120
Antares/Antares (2421 A762ADA-D)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 43
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."
023-1120
Ilelish/Arreli (2707 B877831-8)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 43
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 presumably 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."
027-1120
Capital/Core (2118 A586A98-F)
By TNS Staff Writer
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.
032-1120
Vland/Vland (1717 A967A9A-F)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 43
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."
034-1120
Tauri/Vland (1817 A130998-E)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 43
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-archaic
Vilani word for patent law.
047-1120
Anaxias/Delphi (1724 A253A85-D)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 44
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 forward to being a
father again.
053-1120
Korbak/Delphi (0533 A332320-B)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 44
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.
054-1120
Capital/Core (2118 AS86A98-F)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 43
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.
159-1120
Terra/Solomani Rim/Sol (1827 A867A69-F)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 46
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.
168-1120
Knabbib/Core (2115 A331758-F)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 44
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, 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
progresses 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.
194-1120
Sharim/Gushemege (1038 A435967-F)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 44
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.
199-1120
Zuiar/Dagudashaag (0705 B450967-A)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 45
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.
200-1120
Diishalum/Dagudashaag (0714 B120988-F)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 45
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.
201-1120
Stijn/Verge (1809 A324658-E)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 44
In a lightning raid, unidentified forces attacked this world and sacked
the capital, carrying off art treasures, 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.
206-1120
Regina/Spinward Marches (0310 A788899-A)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 44
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 receive 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.
212-1120
Knabbib/Core (2115 A331758-F)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 46
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.
252-1120
Mora/Spinward Marches (3124 AA99AC7-F)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 47
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 central 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.
261-1120
Warinir/Daibei (0507 A889978-F)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 45
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).
269-1120
Tripolis/Verge (2612 B885A98-E)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 45
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.
270-1120
Anaxias/Delphi (1724 A253A85-D)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 45
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.
275-1120
L'oeul D'dieu/Spinward Marches (3010 B98A510-B)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 45
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.
301-1120
Wair/Magyar (0116 C89A98C-E)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 45
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.
309-1120
Anaxias/Delphi (1724 A263A86-D)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 46
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 the recent 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.
342-1120
Capital/Core (2118 A586A98-F)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 46
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.
343-1120
Hexos/Spinward Marches (2828 B534420-8)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 46
Imperial authorities under Archduke Norris are investigating claims that
Asdlan Ihatei using biological warfare have slaughtered 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.
351-1120
Capital/Core (2118 A586A98-F)
By TNS Affiliate - Challenge 46
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
claimants 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.
Traveller News Service is another Imperium-wide benefit of membership in
the Travellers' Aid Society.
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