FTL Comms this year
The Kenson Estrada officials claimed their scientific prowess would finally pay off; after declaring they would be able to ship faster then light communication devices in this very year. This would revolutionize in system navy battles and surveillance technology, since allies could communicate within the whole of a system in an instant not waiting for messages to reach and return. The basics of this tech are rooted in theoretic particle physics, based on Prof. Dr. Audrey Milanés’ thesis about the “Choris Orion” particle, that, under the right circumstances, can be charged enough and stimulated to move in a quantum-leap-way of directive travel to reach its destinations in a close to instantaneous timeframe. The tech is currently being developed and seems to be shifting into prototype phase in the upcoming future.
Computer genius Ito found deceased
The Shigueni genius in all thing’s computer and digital self as well as artificial intelligence expert, was found dead at a waste dump not far from his late residence in Umimaru on Jisay. He left behind a son and a daughter of which only the daughter, Jayden Ito had contact to her father in the last couple years. His expertise and professionalism were well regarded from his colleagues at the university. His groundbreaking scientific work was long thought of as the spark of true artificial intelligence as well as the spark that would bring us complete digitalised minds. And while this dream of his never fully came true, he had many scientific breakthroughs in his time and will be dearly missed.
Ms. Connect 3893
After initial struggles within the judges ranks, we are proud to finally present to you the winner of the late contest, Ms. Connect 3893, Liara Tzuneda. Not only was she voted most attractive IRL but won several contests including best performance on a range of customers with no time to prepare. We will have a full feature in the upcoming weeks.
New Hallucinogen emerged
A highly potent hallucinogenic drug called “Third Eye” recently hit the streets and eventually even more respected clubs. It is substituted via powder-dispenser and stems from a tribal gang around the [USNE] core world called “Trinidad Omega”.
[ASU]´s new leader means business
Glorya Hammilton, the defacto leader of the newly formed [ASU] faction, made clear the last months, that she is willing to take extreme risks, as well as use unrelentless force to gain traction in the game for the sector believing unshakingly in the truth of autonomy of the systems and even the planets. Something which would be completely counter-intuitive to what CredSec has tirelessly working for.
[ORCA]`s downfall
Following the latest attacks and civil turmoil, it is very apparent, that [ORCA] has reached a critical point from which no one really thinks, they can back from. In this last month alone 5 more systems declared their autonomy following the initial breakup. Just as officials from [ORCA], [WIG] and CredSec feared, the reborn Autonomous Systems Union gained massive footholds within the areas of political split. Not only did many of the enemy assets fall into their hands, but they also, as of now are holding some significant strongpoints in ex [ORCA]-territory and thus could be able to very rapidly develop some kind of infrastructure. This all happened so quickly, many wonder if the previously full-on terror faction has had a little more political support, then any of us initially anticipated. The most menacing fact is that [ASU] is now holding a good portion of the old fringe-belt area, which brings fear to many older citizens which may have lived through the early phases of the fringe-belt-conflict.
Mining in between
A new mining ambition was established in the Acapulco system, by [SPG] Sprava Group, named the PMFac I, meaning “[SPG] Promethium Mining Facility I”. The special thing about it though is its location, which is in the middle of declared and well documented pirate territory, making it one hell of a risky operation. One that might sell out in the end though, since the mine at least supplies some of the raw materials that were produced on Polyeid I, before it was rendered unusable for the upcoming time. This will grant the Sprava Mine a pretty head start in its circle. We are not just too sure about how long the mine can be held against these vicious creatures lurking between the asteroids, waiting for the right time to strike and lunge out at the fresh and young corporation. Rumours have it though, Sprava would be working towards a deal with Logan Industries, hinting at incredibly well built and especially well defended mining assets.
A new species
In the vast hot oceans beneath the bubbling surface of Styx, an expedition of a deep ocean scientific dive robot has found primitive life forms that seemingly achieved a first step in the direction of civilisation. The creatures are dubbed Styxian or Amphen (as the locals call them) for now. Not much is known about them other than they act extremely shy of outsiders which could indicate that they are hiding something from us. It is at least arguably wise to be very cautious around them.
New Connect Tech peaks
The latest tech revealed partly at Woodstock and before, at the ECB`s, is on peak level on the buyers’ market. The Software runs so smooth, it’s like experiencing slicing through butter – I mean you could literally do that if you so desire. It’s incredible. Even our youngest enjoy the all-new playsuit. It makes them feel alive and entertained while the parents can provide working hours much needed in these times, without ever feeling bad or unresponsible.
Shootout in CredSec base
[WIG]-based extremists have been attacking several bases of CredSec through out the fringe-belt-region at the same time. The group signing responsible is called “Proxy” and seems to be a smaller splinter group of what is left of several ex-sentinel sympathisers. The situation CredSec is facing is beginning to look ever more dire since the attacks really went up recently, which is obviously a try to bring chaos to the whole of the sector.
3x Shiguen special please
As we are speaking 3 probable planets are being prepared or even started to get terraforming treatment from the best of the best in the sector, possibly allowing further colonisation and habitats within the Cerberus Void. Though costly, the financial situation is on the verge of calming a bit after several smart investments and developments, channelled quite the sums into the Shigueni economy.
[TOA] – Breakthrough
Taler Oceanic Arms had a great breakthrough cooperating with Rheinland and their respective partners, who were laying the foundation for the power-grid solution for the ship shield development. This resulted in the first batch of super-plasma-weapons that are meant to be mounted on weapon platforms or battleships. The reveal will happen later that first quarter of the year, but we heard the series of weapons is called “Phoenix”- for turrets, and “Helios” – for torpedoes/missiles.
[CSM] reinforcements arrived
While the western wing of the SDF Alliance war is going well and [USNE] and [SHIF] forces were able to push [CSM] battlegroups out of their respective territories, the sudden appearance of the long idle [CSM] dreadnought, in cooperation with a bunch of fully equipped battle fleets ambushed the bold SDF attackers in Hua Doen, destroying all assets in the system. The following shock about this loss as well as the swiftness of the action seemed to have paralyzed the SDF forces allowing the enemy to, in a flurry of attacks, retake many of the previously conquered territories. [CSM] forces are now closer then ever to their initial goal, pushing [SHIF] into the northern areas. Although, the front could be held at last, the gain [CSM] made was way too painful and could lead to a collapse of the front. Once more Renraku is being in danger to be overrun by a seemingly overwhelming foe. CredSec officials stated they would double their strength on all fronts to maybe help their allies to push back the invader, but some voiced their concern and stated the question must been asked about what happens if the SDF fails and if the rest of the sector must think about alternatives.
Tech news
Trinity of the Shiguen Empire is working on a prototype jump-technology at this very moment, this much we know for certain now. As we understood it not even an engine or drive, but a gate of sorts. Our informant stated it would take vast amounts of energy to engage, but it would open the way to maybe not just a more efficient interstellar but intergalactic travel.
Terror in Umimaru
A vessel whom origin is unknown at this point, deliberately crashed into the planets surface, aiming for the large cities political and civil core. Albeit being hit multiple times by planetary defences, it was able to pierce through the virtual shield and fall within the city’s government district, destroying more then three blocks of buildings and killing an estimated 62.000 citizens, many of them government workers and security. The ship model is unknown though design makes it probably stem from one of [ORCA]´s older shipyards, but heavily modified and enhanced. The ship type is roughly in the area of a free trader silhouette. If the struck area was really the target is not clear at this point, since the ship went of course after the heavy planetary defence fire.
Boiling-Frog
For a long time now, scientists from everywhere are wondering, what it is that, seemingly, out of nothing lets the temperature rise in the outer edges of our scannable sector. Some say it stems from a cataclysmic event beyond the Cerberus Void on the other side of the galaxy, which is hidden by the galactic nuclei, others argue it could be yet another stage of matter following the big bang. Some even wonder if this is a first sign of a paradigm-shift in our known physics. This is a long-debated theorem in which the basic rules of our physical universe cease to continue the way they are. Even the smallest most negligible changes to the way for example particles behave, could have devastating effects on our whole universe.
Regardless, CredSec now reacted to the situation an pledged the whole scientific community and work power of their [OBS] Observe corporation to figure out this most likely significant phenomenon. The Boiling Frog Taskforces [BFT] headquarter will be in the OBS – ES 017 system in a newly built and extremely well-staffed out CredSec science depot, named Pythagoras Depot.
Open Letter from CredSec
This last year CredSecs officials worked tirelessly to move towards a unified sector, not only in law, but in culture and common goals. This is why one month ago, First Ward Phillip Grey, head of the CredSec faction wrote an open letter to the leaders of every nation and faction within the sector laying down a plan and a plea for a “United Magellan Federation”. A goal and motivation so unbelievably bold, not even the boldest of dreamers could have thought about even to say out loud. The implications are immense, since the letter has gone out to EVERY leader of mankind in the large Magellanic cloud, [CSM] leaders included. We at SNX3 believe that this is the most noble cause and is a dream worth dreamed, especially in time like these, where humanity is on the brink of war in every direction for years and decades. We think we would have finally earned some piece and silence going forward, to overcome our glaring weaknesses and our bad temper. We can only hope this letter is met with honest consideration, but we may only wait and see what happens next.
Badger Class Heavy Fighter
SPL rolls out
With the new year and the finished “Unified Civil Law” version 1.1 (SNS /CS/SPL/ UCL1.1), the newly founded sector-wide law enforcement agency, [SPL] Sector Police and Law, rolls out in style, with all new gear from the ground up, starting at highly utility and survivability personal gear for the peace officers. The force is divided into several highly specialized departments like aerial-insertion, amphibian-insertion, zeroG-insertion, extreme environment division, counter terrorism, electronic reconnaissance, special weapons and tactics, D/Dive operators, G-vehicles, ZG-vehicles, administrative and finance, drug and substances, organized crime, political intervention and many more. SPL has a set of extremely versatile and reliable ships and vehicles at their disposal, the most notable being the Rheinmetall Interceptor heavy frigate and its smaller sister ship the Dodger class corvette. To top this off a new heavy patrol fighter has been developed to work from either platform, the Badger . As of the start of this year, the SPL operates from every CredSec base within the sectors civilised space, to enforce the law, and help the citizens to acclimate to the new laws.
Interceptor Class Heavy Frigate
Dodger Class Corvette
Somethings eating away on us
Back in the far northern reaches of the sector, [ORCA] territories. Another three systems were mysteriously lost to whatever is going on up there. The story seems a little different from the systems declaring their autonomy, since there is no outgoing communication whatsoever. What is left of the [ORCA] military cannot be wasted investigating, so [WIG] special forces are now sent in to investigate. All the while, CredSec has their forces bound in the south, yet promised to send off a contingent of their newly founded SPL special reconnaissance forces, to support [ORCA] to whatever extend needed.
Devastating attack on Polyeid
A group of unknown attackers has just recently attacked the gigantic gas mines of Polyeid I, leading to the complete destruction of the heavy structures and facilities, making it very unlikely to be usable anytime soon. The mine was extracting rare gases and byproducts, as well as producing a myriad of other critical infrastructure goods, which were very much used to hold up the great power of the [USNE] and CredSec depots within the golden band and in the west. Even the “Rheinland Werften” were in parts depended on these products. Luckily many of the more important workers were on field training courses, when disaster struck, making the human loss negligible. This could lead to a critical shortage in advanced materials needed in ship manufacturing and power-grid-production. We will monitor the situation closely, while SPL is confronted by their first big mission to maintain the peace and security while the facilities on Polyeid I are being rebuilt.
Necropolis
The Washington system is lost. After weeks of official as well as unofficial exfiltration, getting the most people outside the systems premises, the system is, for now, officially abandoned. The fevers mutations were just to fast and to significant to develop any meaningful cure or even vaccine. With [USNE]`s freshly incarcerated president, Mrs. Emmely Shawn, bunkering down in Kansas, this system is quickly becoming the defacto new capital and epicentrum of [USNE]s power. All the while we get a continued stream of clashing information and all kind of media to show what the hell went down in Washington in its final moments two weeks ago.
A new heavenly father
Since the conclave started last month, several votes have been held but it is only now that a new pope has been designated. Pope Callixtus VII was voted for unisono in the end and was given all the respective honours and rites for his calling. He will now travel the sector to visit his brethren of the catholic church, who are working abroad over the whole sector. After that he will be holding a great multi-religion service that may last a week or longer at the Görlitzer Dom, to greet his sheep, the believers of the sector.
Rocking yours socks off
Woodstock on Hawaii. The whole giant event is the most successful Connect ambition to date other than the last ECB`s. In terms of winnings, our experts stated they most definitely could rival even CredSecs financial worth this year, rising to become one of the most financial powerful corporations of the whole sector. Their new tech-suite is being sold in exorbitant numbers on the festival and the connecting events and happenings. The event is a self-running gig if you will, since almost every band and act in the sector is willing to accept ANY conditions to have the chance to present their stuff at Woodstock – bringing massive amounts of people there as well as other traders, food companies and everything around that.
Illegal activity under the UCL
Connect has its share of grey area dealings in the past, but the new law system has led to quite some restriction regarding their play. A specialized department of Connect-programmers were always on the hunt for new experiences to incorporate into their advanced entertainment repertoire. To achieve this, they had freelancer gather personal intel and data from extreme individuals, to recreate the things happening in these individuals’ lives. Under the new rules though, the kind of personal data extracted and needed to build this digital entertainment, is owned and protected by law unless otherwise stated by said individual and agreed upon by contract. So, this led to a wave of uncertainty in the Connect dive community since people do not really know what is legal and what is not at the current state of the business. We will update you on the matter as case files and examples will (undoubtedly) arise and shed some light on the legal goo.
WIG found black station
Like before a mysterious black space station has been found by [WIG] sailors – just this time there has been an actual interaction, inspiring top [WIG] scientists from all over the sector to return home, to gain a chance to visit the artefact and maybe gain some insight in where it is from and what its purpose is.
Coffee to go
Kabuki Agrar officials stated, they would be able to ship the first batch of coffee by the end of next month, if all things go down as smoothly as planned. If done right, this production chain will be able to give a significant boost to Shiguens economy, making the currently very difficult SDF Alliance ambition a little less worrisome.
Kenson Estrada gaining traction
While the rest of [ORCA] is slowly sinking into chaos, some are gaining from the situation. One of these is the slowly rising Kenson Estrada corporation, which is getting ever so close to the royalty and crème de la crème of [ORCA]´s power epicentre. Some of our political and financial expert claim that it is a downright possibility that the next government will be instated by and from Kenson himself. That would be a menacing power move but seems negligible albeit everything else that is currently going on in the sector.
Major explosion
Disaster struck inside the Yorkshire Debris field within the Konardis system. Something big, maybe a long-forgotten drive core from one of the old [USE] battleships. Investigator on scene stated everyone was lucky it did not happen more closely to the depot structures, though a significant cloud of debris is forming around the explosion rushing outwards. This will eventually affect the depot and its facilities, but it will take a long time until the projectiles will appear in the more civilized part of Konardis. Though not dangerous immediately, a high intensity burst of hard radiation was detected for several hours after initial confirmation of the explosion. It is unknown at this point in time if any freelancing assets were present within the premisses.
Ship raids more common
Albeit the incredibly well working SDF Alliance ambition, [CSM] forces manage to evade more and more battlegroups and slip to the cracks to run deeply troubling raids on the supporting crafts of the SDF Alliance kidnapping crews and personnel in the tens of thousands. This is yet another swing at the servicemen and -women that must deal with the constant fear of being kidnapped into the worst possible POW situation imaginable. The SPL is tasked with investigating and putting up a quick response force in cooperation with the Navy forces of both Shiguen Empire and Unites Splash Nebula Empire.