GTT vs OPS

Confusing reports this week as a number of OPS vessels made abortive boarding attempts against some GTT ships in retaliation for an earlier act of GTT aggression, where the GTT attempted to 'encourage' the OPS to leave the St. Dismas system having banned them but received no acknowledgement of such.

After a brisk round of 'well they started it', the GTT have apparently declared war against the OPS for what does appear to be acts of piracy.

It is at this time unclear as to why the OPS should have taken as risky a step as attempted boardings against the GTT, particularly with the recent somewhat� shall we say, aggressive GTT political stance.

One leading expert in xeno-psychology has suggested that perhaps the Obsidian Predator Swarm have entered some sort of suicidal or overly aggressive stage in their life-cycle.

As a side note, this sort of incident is exactly why many affiliations are warning the GTT and AFT that hostilities had better not spread to the Solo system.

Trade War

The following statement from a member of the AFT contains some details of the ongoing trade war between themselves and the GTT.

"I am sad to report the loss of the Little Gazer with all hands, in Storm a few days ago, she was a small unarmed exploration vessel assigned to scouting duties. She was not part of the firefight, simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, and vaporised by the taskforce of GTT warships.

I am though happy to report other news. After several failed attempts, and several refits to the ships design, the marine contingent from the Black Flame, under the command of Captain Dumont, successfully boarded the FET vessel SFPG-Gregarious Starling. This was a fair test of the design with the FET ship being a 30 hull, stealth plated design, and the Black Flame being a refitted 20HH escort. I am sorry to say that two AFT marines and a FET crewman perished in the assault, and able to report that both ships now safely away from harm.

Today, in the Caribbean the AFT Carronade, Little Blue engaged and destroyed the GTT vessel, BXF Blumenfeld, a shallow and regrettable victory, but this is a learning curve, and whatever payback can be made is best served to the oppressors.

I do realise that these are but shallow successes when levied against the hundreds of heavy hulled GTT warships, and the 800 hull platform that bombard the starbases of St. Dismas on a daily basis. Not quite "this is now a trade war - we will target their trading ability", but what can you expect from those who would use extortion. Early days, Astartia Enterprises for one, are just getting warmed up - learning the ropes as it were. I'm sure there will be more to report in the coming days."


GTT Declare AFT 'Terrorists'

Following the recently reported act of terrorism committed against a GTT target, the GTT have announced that they consider the AFT to be a terrorist organisation, despite information that the terrorist attack wasn't carried out by anybody involved with or connected to the AFT.

It should be noted that no other affiliation has declared the AFT to be terrorists. And further that the dread pirate Calypso has taken responsibility, whilst noting that she was acting under her own steam against some juicy targets, and had nothing to do with the AFT.

Meanwhile the GTT have mobilised their entire military might to smash the AFT, in a series of actions which surely have a lot of other small affiliations very nervous. And with the GTT being able to muster hundreds of cutting edge warships, questions are again being asked exactly why they considered the AFT to be such a competitive threat to their interests?


Skirmish In Pegasus

A lone Flagritz interceptor has been brought to battle and destroyed by a heavy SMS patrol squadron in the Pegasus system.

It is suspected the FLZ ship was scouting for targets when a failure in its cloaking systems caused it to be unmasked to the SMS warships sensors.


New Affiliation

The news wire is carrying reports that a new affiliation has been established on Earth. The Terran Economic Developers Corporation is understood to have links with the FET, and while we have received no official word on their business plan, we imagine it has something to do with the economic development of Terra.

That or bonsai trees.


Pirate Destroyed

The pirate vessel Ears Of Large has been destroyed in the Wastelands system.


Wolfpack

There has been another report of yet more success for the Wolfpack pirates:

"The maiden voyage of piracy for me new 170 huller "Wolfpack - Goshawks Guilt"
Named after leader of those double dealin FCN

It be ironic she be local to spotted FCN barge........

Attempting to board FCN SHIP Rook of Ages (74006).
Approaching target:

Boarding Action for the Control of FCN Rook of Ages (74006)

Round 1: Battle is 288:1 in favour of Attacker
Defender lost 24.59% control [75.41%]
1.49% chance of losing control

Round 2: Battle is 600:1 in favour of Attacker
Defender lost 24.85% control [50.57%]
12.08% chance of losing control

Round 3: Battle is dominated by Attacker
Defender lost 50.57% control [0%]
100% chance of losing control

FCN Rook of Ages (74006) has fallen to the attackers.


Incoming Fire from PIRATE Rook of Ages (74006)
Round 1: 25 Falconian Crew - 4 [25] damage
Round 2: 12 Falconian Crew - 1 [12] damage

Post Battle Summary
Boarding Successful - Position now under your control.


No prisoners this time all FCN crew got butchered by me boardin team
There be so many feathers about you be thinkin there be a chicken pluckin contest goin on."


The Aquatic Pet Affair

FCN Press Release.

"Please be advised that an investigation has been launched by House Eagle into the unlawful exploitation of the Segundo Aquatic Pets in the Aladdin system.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to register their assets in the Aladdin system, if you have not done so already, as well as which resources are being exploited. It is particularly important, in light of the aforementioned investigation, that owners of unregistered assets in Segundo contact me as soon as possible. You should know who you are..."


Disease Strikes Cows - Madness Ensues

The Imperial authorities have issued the following rather worrying statement:

"BSE has been identified in one small section of the herd and as such the animals infected are being humanly destroyed. The Booker Steak Market at Cape Riva will close for a period of 1 week to ensure that the infection is not more widespread, anyone recently purchasing booker steaks labelled G17 through to G21 would be advised to flush it out of the air look, so the do not go as mad as the chief taster who is presently wearing his underpants on his head, has two pencils up his nose and keeps saying "wible" No refunds will be offered so do not ask as refusal might offend.

Anyone with a private deal arrangement will not be effected by this, orders will be filled from the governors personal stock. Thank you for your attention."


MIC Announcement

Press Release.

Kourdda beings of the peripheries,
It is my sad role to impart the news that, due to circumstances back on the farm, the Elder for the Mohache Independent Commune (MIC) has had to return to the homeworld and retire from his duties. Rumours that his name 'Sleeps With Dragons' was not earned from sleeping with an actual dragon, but another fire-breathing entity who shall go unnamed should be considered as scurrilous hearsay, and treated as such.

With immediate effect, therefore, our MIC kindred have rejoined the Mohache Elder Nation (MOH), a cause for rejoice within Tranquillity. All MIC ships, starbases and outposts have henceforth been reflagged as MOH. Anyone with outstanding business with the MIC should contact myself to discuss your arrangements; we will do our best to ensure all deals are met in a timely manner. However, please be aware that with the amount of administration involved, there may be a delay getting back to you.

Good harvests to all,

Smokes in Mountains


Breaking News

As we go to press our news-room has just received word that the CIA are adding the OPS to all of their starbase enemy lists, out of an understanding that the OPS may have temporarily gone mad.

Presumably all OPS vessels would be well advised to steer clear of CIA assets for the time being until the situation normalises.


Periphery Classifieds


Dragon Hunt

To celebrate the Republic's expansion into new territories as well as
to entertain the Falconian Houses, Felini Prides and the noble humans
of the SMS, I am organising a great hunt for dragons!

On the world of Stab in the Teller system resides the Puffdragon, a
fearsome beast:

"The puffdragon is a large lizard with a mean temperament. It would
certainly be very difficult to catch one as they are nearly 6 metres
long and possessed of an impressive set of teeth and claws. They have
a nearly exclusive diet of Puffgoats.The skin of the Puffdragon is a
dull grey streaked with a pinky hue making it very ugly to look at. To
find out more you would have to catch one."

All Consortium nobility, from houses / prides / franchises big and
small are invited to assemble hunting teams at Pelicans Perch (49392).
To keep it sporting and honourable, only troops and officers are
allowed. No tanks, aircraft or supporting starships!

The hunt will commence the day the Teller system is added to Falconian
Republic's territory (approx 5 weeks). Additional clues to aid the
hunt will be broadcast nearer the time.

The first team to bring back a live Puffdragon and deliver it to
Pelicans Perch will be declared the winner and will be awarded with
the finest warship or freighter the Republic can offer.


Distant Home Market

Kourdda traders of the Peripheries!

Let me first say that I am gladdened and heartened by the phenomenal success this starbase has had with open trade. It brings me great sadness to announce that as of 209.32.5 (Friday 14th August) I will unfortunately need to close this market down.

However, the following week - possibly earlier, depending on freight availability - I will instead be opening the market at the former MIC starbase in Twinkle, now known as MOH Farmer's Market (87259). Prices will remain unchanged, and as this starbase is on a much more convenient trade route (With a stargate in-system, and only one jump from the London Wormhole) it is hoped that all traders will be pleased with this alteration.

Current goods will remain on Distant Home's market until such time as they are sold, or one month from the date of market closure. As from Friday 14th however, the market will not be replenished - all goods will be diverted to Farmer's Market, in Twinkle.

Any traders with ships enroute expecting to acquire the forthcoming weekly updates should get in touch to ensure their trade is not interrupted.

Good harvests to all!

Smokes in Mountains




Message From The Editor


Apologies again for the delay of last weeks edition. Real life continues to kick my ass.

I've not forgotten about the Detinus Games, the last competitor arrived last week, and I just need to find time to pick up the last of the GPs and transport them to the planet surface. Then write the opening of the games. Apologies to all involved for my delays.

Yours,

Simon.

******
Contacts:
Editor: Simon Field - sss [dot] editor [at] googlemail [replacetoavoidspamdot] com

Plague

Rumours are beginning to circulate that a virulent and incurable disease is spreading in some of the less hygienic parts of the Peripheries. The disease has been referred to by several names, Lung Rot, The Jiggly Lurgy, and the Sedition Virus.

Health officials deny there is any reason to be concerned. Though anybody with any more information is invited to contact our newsroom.

Pirate Sighting

A 50 hull pirate barge class vessel has been spotted loitering with intent in the Yank system, either waiting to attack somebody, or itself a vessel that had recently been captured, demonstrating yet again that Yank is not a safe place to hang around.

Pirate Attack

A pirate scout has been destroyed by DTR defensive platforms whilst attempting to enter orbit of Detinus, in the Inner Empire.
The scout was working for the pirate Wolfpack, who has stated in a public broadcast that he intends to attack the civilians of the planet with nuclear weapons and anti-matter missiles.
It is strongly suspected that when the ex leader of the GTT Roland absconded from power, a number of nuclear weapon and anti-matter blueprints went missing with him.
All of which raises the question of exactly why the Wolfpack should choose to attack the civilians of Detinus, and who might be paying the mercenary/pirate to conduct such operations.

Pirate Base Destroyed

The Imperial navies are reporting the destruction of a pirate ship-building base located on an asteroid in the Inner Empire:

"A PIR maintenance and shipbuilding base discovered by elements of the Imperial Stellar Patrol Recon Group in the Apollo system two weeks ago fell to an ISMC assault today, after a two day ground battle. This was a major PIR base in the Commonwealth Systems with training, shipbuilding and maintenance capabilities. Some of the defenders managed to escape during the final assault and are being hunted down. Two pirate ships in the starport are expected to be taken over shortly.

Imperial troop casualties were light."

IMP forces are understood to have seized 8 blueprints from the outpost.

Culari System

The RIP have published their mandates for the Culari System:

Culari System Mandates
System claims in favour of any affiliation other than RIP are considered an act of aggression.
We reserve the right to respond to this act of aggression as we see fit and without further warning / discussion or negotiation.
System claims reinforcing the existing RIP claim are actively encouraged.
This system is restricted space... Only the RIP are allowed. All other parties should leave... Now!
Trespassers will punished according to the severity of their offence (see below for penalties and noted offenders).
Noting the above Mandates, you are free to leave this system by the quickest possible route.

The Peripheries have largely responded by asking, 'Where the hell is Culari anyway?'

Trade War

The David and Goliath war that is the GTT/AFT conflict may well soon be entering its end phase as a recent attempt by the AFT to skirmish with GTT assets in unclaimed systems in the Inner Empire has met with a crushing political defeat as the Imperial Services and Baron LiQuan on behalf of Emperor Lysander have issued warning that any attempt by the AFT to counter GTT assets in such unclaimed systems will be frowned upon and may result in both the IMP and CNF entering the conflict in defence of GTT positions.

With their offensive options thus curtailed, it seems the AFT might well be out of hope.

Meanwhile GTT platforms continue to heavily bombard AFT bases in St. Dismas, as the GTT operation to annihilate all AFT presence in the St. Dismas system continues unabated. A few desperate attempts by AFT commanders to strike back have failed due to overwhelming odds against them.

The AFT have released the following statement:

"It is my sad task to report the loss of Captain Varttunut and the After Forever with all hands. She was engaged in the Barnard system by ten GTT Warships.
The After Forever is the ship and brave souls who ran the GTT blockade of Steel all those weeks ago.
She was hit with a single barrage of 575 Kinetic Missiles, 2 Photon Battery mkIIIs, and 28 High Yield Torpedos.
Somewhat overkill for one lone cargo ship.
We will mourn her loss.
I am also saddened to report the loss of the Ebonised with all hands,. Under the captaincy of Koskessa Kivia, she had endeavoured to aid a strike on the 1200+ hull platform that bombards Steel daily. She failed in her mission, being engaged before being able to enter orbit. There is no battle report to speak of, the ship was vaporised. She was a 100NH anti pirate vessel, and was kitted out with the best we had available, that nothing remains at all, suggests she encountered extreme firepower.
The AFT base Max Price Foundation today lost a further 23 complexes under fire from the GTT platform.
I am without optimism this day."

Madonna System Bulletin

Greetings,

It is my proud pleasure to announce the complete eradication of all pirates in the Madonna system.
This has been evidenced by the lack of any contact with unwanted vessels/facilities for a considerable period of time.
I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the residents* of Madonna for their help in achieving this status.
Madonna system has taken a significant step towards becoming a pivotal hub of trade and commerce within the Peripheries.

Thank you.

GT Spugman

*Further expansion within Madonna is being encouraged - please contact this office if you are interested.

The Fifth Battle Of Zephyr

The Flagritz navies are reporting victory in the Zephyr system, issuing the following press release:

"The Flagritz Imperial Navy, as achieved a victory at the 5th Battle of Zephyr.
Following the removal of the warships that guarded the orbital installation the Imperial navy sought to remove the stain caused by the medium sized platform orbiting Breeze. A platform whose genesis had been a FLZ platform, destined to protect the civilian population of Breeze from Consortium depredations, but that in daring raid had fallen into Falconian claws.
Under the claws of "righteous and liberating" Falconians, the 1579 hull platform had bombarded for 6th months the "evil" unarmed civilian base. Despite FLZ best efforts to shield the population form orbital bombardment, many civilians were killed by this indiscriminate attack. Fortunately this time round the Consortium, "the forces of light and of that's good" decided not to simply obliterate the sector and must have actually taken some prisoners, a fate that the FLZ and FEL of Crusade weren't even allowed to have.
Yesterday the stain was removed.
The victory was not bloodless however. The Imperial navy sadly reports the loss of 2 fleet carriers and 1 small support vessels, all of them using normal hulls.
The Consortium forces, mainly represented by the Falconians lost 2 60NH destroyers, 1 75NH Attack Cruiser, 1 100HH warship, 1 100LH and 1 100XLH freighter which for some reason decided to attack the A'Kla and B'Kla forces.
As usual, the "evil" FLZ refrained from firing on civilian ships (aside from the previously mentioned ships) and many Felini freighters got first row seats to the Falconian defeat.
The platform although still active has been reduced to 155 hulls and has had it's offensive capability removed. A capability that until before the battle amounted to 1 heavy battery, 41 batteries and 75 cannons.
As per its "evil" nature the Flagritz Navy offer the honours to the Falconians and urges them to accept a local defeat and to surrender all forces in Zephyr immediately or suffer further attacks. Any and all enemy personnel, including Felini, will be well treated and returned to the Consortium, in exchange for FLZ personnel, which we assume was rescued from the debris resulting from previous space and ground battles."
In the aftermath of this victory for the FLZ, the Falconians have signalled their intent to withdraw both from the Zephyr system, and from the war against the FLZ with the following statement to the press:

"Falconians, Citizens, Sentients of the Galaxy,

It is with great sadness I report an overwhelming Flagritz attack in the Zephyr system. Cut off from supplies by the manic variations of a wormhole and unable to raise help on comms to friends, the brave Falconians' last stand against the Flagritz' overwhelming numbers ends in failure. We have failed to protect the natives of Breeze as we had hoped. We have failed in our self-appointed task of being the frontline in the crusade against slavery.
I will be considering my own role in this failure and the role of the Republic in the ongoing war.
A black time for the Republic. A black time for all those who cherish freedom. Evil triumphs in the galaxy today.
May the Great Mother watch over us all.

Goshawk"

Whether or not this means they will be withdrawing from the Consortium alliance remains to be seen.

OPS Avoid War

A timely apology from the OPS to the GTT has, at time of press anyway, helped the OPS avoid being dragged into the ongoing Trade War.

Press Release

Press release from the office of Baron LiQuan.

Greeting All

Has it is widely know the planet Frolic in the Dolphinus system which is the home world of the Baron, suffered a major attack using nuclear weapons which destroyed
every single urban sector, inflicting millions of casualties on the population. Killing
all the Barons family bar 3 members.
This barbaric act of uncontrolled aggression far and above what is called for in warfare forced the LiQuan noble house to flee and take has much of its population as possible and start a fresh in the Inner Confederacy (has it is now known). The Commander Admiral D. Mortimer was later killed in the war so has avoided our punishment.
It is with this background that the Imperials have offered help in repairing the damage
done to the planet and infrastructure. More importantly they have volunteered to support HLQ in raising funds to ship those who want to return to their homeland.
This will run into millions of stellars as these exiles will need support to start afresh.
Imperial ships are on their way with building materials to rebuild the ruin sectors. Imperial Research teams are assessing the planet to combat the radiation levels and have instructed there starbases to produce technology needed.
Imperial shipyards are opening there doors and allowing HLQ ships to dock and reconfigure with advance lifeform equipment allowing more colonists to be transported in greater comfort on this mammoth journey.
To quote the new Viceroy General Ike Krieger "as many as it takes" Great words spoken from a great man. These selfless actions will move HLQ and the Imperials
Into a far closer relationship and it is a giant step into repairing the goodwill needed
on both sides.

Baron LiQuan

FET Issue Apology

The FET have allegedly this week offered a full and grovelling apology to the SSS/IGN newsroom for their recent criticism that one of our stories may not have been entirely 100% accurate.

A FET spokesperson is alleged to have been quoted as saying, 'We at the FET are happy to pay the SSS/IGN a weekly fee of one meeeeelion stellars for our subscription to the Peripheries finest news bulletin. Also, we hate the Rip News Network, they smell of old fish.'


Periphery Classifieds

Trade Announcement

Dear Traders,

Price for Yan Gophers (30658) will be raised from 15 to 18 tomorrow due to high demand for the trade good. More items will be added over the next couple of days.

Graham Jardin
DTR Retreat

Show Me The Sparklies

So for Sees' it was a typical MOH birthday celebration, the alcohol was flowing pleasantly, the cake was all but gone, (for the 100th time!), and the peace pipe had been well and truly passed around, and indeed many of the 'guests' were so 'enlightened' they were unlikely to be making much sense until well into early next week...
So what does any normally cautious Mohache Elder Trade do in this situation, (when well under the influence of the peace pipe and Roo Beers)...?
Well of course he should never, ever, ever be allowed near a data terminal, but as anybody that might have stopped him were either unconscious or too chilled to care, the following periphery wide auction seems to have been posted in the early hours...

Courtesy of Interperiphery-Bay.co.uk:
Quote:
For Sale: 10,000 Mohache Carved Gems (30830)
Details: Mohache gems are carved in the same way as they have been for hundreds of years. This explains their rather misshapen sides. The Mohache insist that they are unique because of it.
They are especially favoured amongst naplians for symbolic reasons.

Price: This is a closed auction with all offers to be sent to this office by the closing date of the auction. Offers can be in the form of stellars and / or other items of value.
Individuals can make as many bids as they wish, and the winner of the auction will be notified after the closing date.
A reserve is placed on this item and if a sufficiently valued (or interesting!) bid is not received by the closing date the auction may end with no winner.

Duration: 1 week
Closing Date: Stardate: 209.33.1 (old Earth dating: Midnight, Monday 17th August 2009)

In the Honour of good trade the Mohache will allow this auction to remain listed, so you are wished pleasant bidding, but needless to say ALL local data-terminals will be disconnected in future before any Mohache Gatherings.

In response to a request for clarification of the 'terms' of this auction, they are, (as you might expect from the state of mind under which they were written), somewhat hazy & relaxed.

If 2 or more bids are received and are considered 'equal' then the first of those bids received will be declared the auction 'winner'.
However, it should also be brought to mind that this is not just a 'stellar' auction, but bid involving trade goods, technology, or pretty much anything else will also be entertained, and are in fact encouraged
It is not necessarily the case that the winning bid will be that one that has bid the most stellars, (although of course copious amounts of stellars could swing the auction in your favour )

NOTE: For easy of sorting please start all auction bid PM subject lines with "Show me the sparklies!" as requested by Sees' shortly after his last draw from the peace pipe...

Message From The Editor

Lots of news this week. Apologies if I've missed something.

I've removed the links to the yahoogroups. I haven't seen any traffic on them for ages now. And added a link to the recruitment forum instead.

Simon.

******
Contacts:
Editor: Simon Field - sss [dot] editor [at] googlemail [replacetoavoidspamdot] com

The Detinus Games

At long last competitors from across the universe are assembled for the beginning of the Detinus Games - the spiritual successor to the inaugural Mohache Games of several years ago. And we here at the Inter-Galactic News have ring-side seats to bring you all the best sporting action.

Our hosts have provided the following press release detailing the schedule for this evenings opening ceremony:

"Spectators from all over the Peripheries are invited to participate either in person, or by watching the cutting edge Detinus Broadcasting Companies multi-channel broadcasts of the 7 blue-ribbon events:

Game 1: Iron-Sentient Triathlon. One member of each team will compete to
cycle, swim and run their way to the title of Detinus Games Iron-Sentient.

Game 2: Cow-Tractor Pulling. One member from each team will compete to see
who can pull the heaviest weight of cows across a set distance.

Game 3: Tactical Ground Combat. Using state-of-the-art DTR computer VR
simulators, one member from each team will engage in a ground battle for
supremacy across a virtual battle-field.

Game 4: Zero-G Rhythmic Gymnastics. One member from each team will have the
opportunity to impress with athletic ability and artistic interpretation in
a specially built orbital venue. There may also be poetry readings and
other typically high-culture Detinus pastimes. This event is proudly
sponsored by the dear friends of the DTR, the Falconian Republic.

Game 5: Hunt The Uber-Fleet. There is an uber-fleet hiding somewhere in the
forests of Lycosidae, can a member of each team solve the clues and follow
the waypoints and navigate their way to find it first?

Game 6: 100 meter sprint. Who is the fastest man or woman in the
Peripheries?

Game 7: Round Robin 7-a-side football knockout tournament.

As well as all of the other attendant games and events that don't get quite the same high-billing, from the competitive shoe-toss to the athletics, pro-celebrity taxidermy, swimming and the always popular sex events.

There is literally something for everybody at the Detinus Games.

A delegation from the native Aquaphib peoples has also been invited to attend, though quite what they will make of it all remains to be seen.

With typically high production values, the games opening ceremony is centred around a concert performance by the Detinus Republics most popular recording star Treasure Winters, who competed herself in the greased pig wrestling event at the Mohache Games. An ex-marine, the glamourous star shot to fame with her first two strongly pro-peace albums, and as she performs material from her long-awaited third album, it seems she maintains that strong pro-peace stance, exploring through song the contrast between the DTRs peace-loving government and her massive military machine, as well as deploring the evils of rampaging mega-corporations without scruples, and a catch little number about red poppies which is broadcast via a virtual-reality system so that spectators seem to perceive the stadium around them melting away to be replaced by endless green fields of bright flowers on a summer day, where Treasure Winters appears to serenade each person individually.

It probably doesn't hurt that none of her 12 costumes worn during the show consist of much more than a butterfly-wings worth of fabric. And that the games are being used as a big opportunity to show off the Detinus Republics liberal and relaxed social attitudes.

At the climax of the opening ceremony, more than 10,000 missile launchers situated in the forests around Scuba Station open fire with specially designed fireworks (The remaining missile launchers remain of course fully armed and ready to respond to any external threat), creating a dazzling display that can be seen from orbit. And a squadron of ten 200 heavy-hulled DTR Liberator Defender class capital ships lead by The Sound Of Whispering Death, perform a fly-by of the stadium, escorted by a breath-taking display team of Space Interceptors.

And the games are proudly declared open by DTR Foreign Minister Cassius Jerusalem, who, in a well-rehearsed speech, promises to not accidentally create a single diplomatic incident. He even manages to unveil that the winners gold medals bear a specially commissioned portrait of Emperor His Royal High Prince-whatsit, Lysander.

***

Please alert the competitors:

CIA GROUND PARTY The Redact 7 (67583)
FCN GROUND PARTY THAT FCN TEAM (13164)
HVB GROUND PARTY TEAM HVB (15280)
IMP GROUND PARTY KONSTANTIN LEGION TEAM ACRUX (16672)
WMB GROUND PARTY WIMBLE MARINE HOVERBIKE DISPLAY TEAM (16832)
OPS GROUND PARTY TEAM OPS (29699)
DTR GROUND PARTY TEAM CORENSON (33494)
GCE GROUND PARTY ALLSTARS (37669)
DTR GROUND PARTY DETINUS LIGHT HORSE (53449)
IMP GROUND PARTY IMPERIAL OUTLAWS (56944)
FEL GROUND PARTY HAIRBALL FC (80445)
MOH GROUND PARTY MOHACHISHIM (81186)

That the games are now open, and they have a week to finish submitting any plans or special tactics they might wish to employ.

***

Live Broadcast/Lycosidae/Detinus Games/209.33


As night falls, the opening of the games begins. The massive 50,000 seats stadium is attended by almost the entire human population of the world (though not many spectators from beyond). There is even a glass-walled section for the aquaphid natives, though they only seem to be interested in one of the contestants, an aquaphid in the IMP team.

The opening address passes swiftly and nobody recalls who the chap that gave it was, probably someone really important in the Republic, but then apart from the games, they have been rather insular for a couple of years now.

The contestants then march from the changing rooms, waving flags and getting a few claps from the clusters of appropriate supporters and some polite applause from the rest of the audience. The scene though goes wild when the team drawn from the famous Detinus Light Horse regiment stride forth and at least the ones following get a better reception, mainly due to the continued cheers for the Light Horse.

Once assembled on the open ground the massive spotlights are turned on the still trim and cute (though some would say bordering on boyish before swigging their beer in a manly fashion), Treasure Winters. There is a background discussion while she thanks the crowd about her pig-wrestling in the previous games and the old jokes are all rolled out again with much lewd glass waving.

She launches into a few songs about peace, love and the evil of capitalism - something that has a few noticing the distinct lack of GTT and FET teams. The last one is somewhat cloying with a less than catchy chorus singing the DTR's praises for social excellence.

The final 10,000 launcher salvo has many ducking for cover and looking for the GTT fleet, but the sudden blossoming of fireworks and the discovery that the fleet appearing overhead is actually DTR, has most returning to their seats or picking themselves off the ground for a final salute to the flags.

The games themselves will start in earnest tomorrow, tonight, most (who are not competing tomorrow) will be getting blitzed (where's the alcohol) and making passes at Treasure.


GTT On The Attack

A sizeable GTT fleet has struck at a small number of AFT vessels in the Aladdin system.

The chairman of the GTT board has issued the following statement:

"The GTT upholding FCN laws engaged a fleet of twelve AFT ships in Aladdin. A mix of NH and HH warships with one freighter. Nine were destroyed, two were damaged and one ran for it. The FCN have thanked us for assisting to uphold the system laws that are displayed to every ship as it jumps into the system.

Quote:
AFT Plantaganet I (18596) - Ship
Carrier Class Freighter {No Armour}
Hull Damage: 100.0%
BLOWN UP!
AFT Sirin (15254) - Ship
Carronade Class Heavy Cruiser {Medium Ablative Armour}
Hull Damage: 100.0%
BLOWN UP!
AFT Tekapo (19024) - Ship
Carronade Class Heavy Cruiser {Medium Ablative Armour}
Hull Damage: 100.0%
BLOWN UP!
AFT Stanislav Petrov (95256) - Ship
Rapier Class Heavy Cruiser {Heavy Armour}
Armour: 73.9
Hull Damage: 100.0%
BLOWN UP!
AFT Yokohama (90340) - Ship
Nemesis Class Capital Ship {Heavy Armour}
Armour: 50.5
Hull Damage: 100.0%
BLOWN UP!
AFT NSEA Protector III (78632) - Ship
Rapier Class Heavy Cruiser {Heavy Armour}
Armour: 79.6
Hull Damage: 18.3%
Retreated from battle
AFT Nam Pla (22233) - Ship
Carronade Class Destroyer {Medium Ablative Armour}
Hull Damage: 100.0%
BLOWN UP!
AFT Siew (60301) - Ship
Carronade Class Destroyer {Medium Ablative Armour}
Armour: 60.0 Scints: 20.0
Retreated from battle
AFT Master Xavier (20752) - Ship
Free Trader Gx Class Fast Freighter {No Armour}
Hull Damage: 100.0%
BLOWN UP!
AFT Sod Prik (83607) - Ship
Carronade Class Destroyer {Medium Ablative Armour}
Hull Damage: 100.0%
BLOWN UP!
AFT Ben Kuroki (12461) - Ship
Rapier Class Heavy Cruiser {Heavy Armour}
Armour: 79.6
Hull Damage: 12.2%
Retreated from battle
AFT Inglewood (73613) - Ship
Nemesis Class Capital Ship {Heavy Armour}
Armour: 74.2
Hull Damage: 100.0%
BLOWN UP!"

With the AFT claiming the vessels were innocently waiting in what they thought to be a safe system, the GTT have argued that they believe the vessels were mustering in preparation for an attack on GTT assets.

Whatever the case, our reporters understand this was the core of what amounted to any sort of AFT battle fleet that has now been destroyed, leaving the AFT with virtually zero offensive capability.


Trade War

The AFT have requested a ceasefire from the GTT and offered their capitulation.

At time of press the GTT have accepted this ceasefire, and the guns throughout St. Dismas have fallen silent.

The GTTs terms are understood to be as follows:

1. Removal of positions from St.Dismas.
You will be allowed to keep any asteroid facilites we have not yet found, if they are registered. In return we would ask you not to destroy complexes at the bases.
Or pull the bases down and remove all AFT positions.
We will not want political information of the asteroids or their locations. Just the outpost name/numbers and what they are mining.

2. Removal of positions from Caribbean, which we hope to claim soon.
You will be allowed access to the wormhole to transit to the AFT base in Varitang and to keep an outpost in orbit of the wormhole in Caribbean, to make moving goods in and out easier.

You will be allowed access to move goods, troops, tech etc.. out of Caribbean and St.Dismas and to use a third party to do this, providing only freighters are used. No warships.

3. Handing back any captured GTT outposts, including any in the Inner Empire.

Could the Trade War now be over?


Falconians Annihilate Trainees

The Falconian Republic continues to happily destroy trainee starcaptains as yet another TRN Courier has been blown up at their capital.

New captains are reminded that they should never allow their navigational computers to dock at starbases unless they are absolutely certain it is safe to do so, and that all transactions can be carried out from orbit.


IND Spotters

The IND spyship Eyes Of Calypso has been spotted loitering in the Solo system. The ship has an identical configuration to the pirate spyships who hunt the spacelanes looking for potential targets.

Condemnation of the EEM is growing for their allowing a pirate to operate under the protection of IND flags, and Periphery governments are increasingly demanding the EEM do something to tidy their house.


Pirate Destroyed

The PIR vessel Eyes Of Large has been destroyed in the Capellan system.


Pirates Slaughtered

More than 900 pirates have reported to have been massacred when they attempted to board an Imperial freighter that just happened to be carrying an undisclosed number of combat troops who were standing to ready to repel boarders.

The following transmission has been released regarding the action:

Star Date 209.33.1 Gamma 10. Fortoon System.

Overheard on the ship's recorder. Imperial Freighter Dogs Breakfast 7.

Sensor Tech: "Sensors show a ship rapidly approaching aft, Captain!"

Comm Tech: "Incoming message, putting it on main speaker, Captain!"

Main Speaker: "Imperial freighter, heave to and prepare to be boarded by Wolfpack Cirdan's Curse, don't make me do it the hard way matey"

Captain Welch: "Imperial freighters don't heave to for anyone pirate scum, surrender now before you all die"

Sensor Tech: "Sir they've cut comm and are tractoring in on us to board!"

Captain: "Weapons, give 'em some stingers. Major McCork have your boys ready to repel boarders"

Weapons Tech: "Full spread, they're swatting them like flies, only 1 of 5 missiles getting through their point defense, firing again, again, again! Too close they're going to make contact!"

Sensor Tech: "They're attached to the hull, they're cutting through now, dropping in through multiple points, counting nearly 900 new life signs on internal sensors!"

Major McCork: "Alright lads, you heard the lady, silly pirates think they got themselves a nice fat merchman, let's deliver on the Cap'n's promise Let the 'bots go first, Dog company move to cover their retreat, none of them lads is leaving this tub today."

Minutes later����.

Sensor Tech: "Wolfpack boarder is breaking away! Out of range, I've lost her."

Captain: "Major McCork, REPORT!".

Major: "3 casualties sir, for us, still counting dead pirate scum, but looks close to 900 dead pirate boarders, want me to scoop 'em out the airlock sir?"


GTT Under Attack

The GTT have lost an outpost in the Blue system this week to a pirate ground party going by the name 'Free AFT St. Dismas'.

Nobody has officially claimed responsibility, however our news-room has received a number of transmissions from an organisation calling itself the St. Dismas Liberation Organization:

"The Dismas Liberation Organization (DLO) declares war on the GTT. There will be no peace until the warmongering, sheep [censored] GTT renounce their claim to St.Dismas and leave the system. You chose this war, now reap what you have sown. But, we are willing to let you withdraw peacefully. Abandon your bases with the complexes intact and surrender every other asset you have outside of Imperial space and we will allow you to retreat. We would have also requested you turn over the war criminal, Fox, but putting him in one of our detention cells would leave a toxic stain that we are unsure could be removed.

Sebastian Bloodstark. Did your mother hate you? What mother names their child Sebastian? Only one who wants him to get beat up on the playground. According to the ladies at the Jiggly room, 'Wee Willy' would be a better name.

BobBost. Welcome to the GTT. You graduate from the academy and mummy gives you a corporate directorship? Talk about being born with a silver spoon up your [censored]. What have you ever done that's memorable, other than [censoring] the family [censored]?

We know who you are. And we are coming for you all."

The DLO have also confirmed to us that they are in no way associated with the AFT, and that instead they are drawn from an entirely unaffiliated group of individuals who can no longer tolerate the GTTs aggressive actions in having declared war on a small and largely defenceless trade organisation.

"We of the DLO make it our duty to stand up to bullies, and to let them know that all civilised peoples deplore their atrocities. We are committed to the long fight. And we will make the GTT pay."


Gun Running

Our shadowy underworld sources report that a fair amount of gun-running is now going on in the Peripheries. Directions are uncertain, but a number of shipments appear to be heading either to or from the Storm system.

Whether this is as a precursor to DLO anti-GTT activities remains to be seen.


Slavers?

A worrying transmission has been made by the WMB regarding the potential activities of Slavers in the St. Dismas system:

"Honoured Sentients,

It is with a heavy heart that I must make this announcement and request that a member of the OPS leadership could provide an explanation of a sequence of worrying events that occurred in the St Dismas system during my recent absence on vacation.

The planet Harper's Ferry has been designated as a native reserve planet under the guardianship of the Wimble Nation and the Mohache by both the previous and current system claimants. The following scans were made of the orbit and planetary surface.

Daily scan reports from starbase - orbit of Harper's Ferry:
Ships scanned in the daily report from the starbase can generally be assumed to be entering, leaving or passing through the orbit.

Date 28.5:
OPS SHIP 1291 (1291) - {10 Normal Hulls}

Date 29.2: (scans confirmed by WMB shipping)
OPS SHIP #707 (70766) - {75 Light Hulls}
OPS SHIP NEW BIG BUS (23590) - {100 Normal Hulls}

Date 29.4: (scans confirmed by WMB shipping)
OPS SHIP #109 (53084) - {75 Light Hulls}
OPS SHIP #707 (70766) - {75 Light Hulls}

Date 29.5: (scans confirmed by WMB shipping)
OPS SHIP #109 (53084) - {75 Light Hulls}
OPS SHIP NEW BIG BUS (23590) - {100 Normal Hulls}

Scans of positions landed on the planet reported by starbase platforms

Date 29.4:
OPS SHIP NEW BIG BUS (23590) - {1-20} - {100 Normal Hulls} @ Sector 1,20
OPS SHIP #109 (53084) - {1-20} - {75 Light Hulls} @ Sector 1,20

Scans made by WMB shipping entering orbit of Harper's Ferry:
note that one of these ships has an on-planet location recorded in the scan.

Date 29.4:
OPS SHIP NEW BIG BUS (23590) - {1-20} - {100 Normal Hulls}
Swarm Class Passenger Liner {Medium Armour}
OPS SHIP #707 (70766) - {75 Light Hulls}
Caravel Class Sensor Ship {No Armour}

Complaints from local inhabitants
WMB shipping entering orbit of Harper's Ferry on 30.5, received the following message, presumably from the local communications network (spelling errors reproduced accurately!)

Entering orbit of Harper's Ferry (233)
209.29
Withing days of system control going over to the GTT, news of slavers
raiding the native population are being reported.

To summarise:
A number of OPS ships entered orbit of a native reserve planet having made no prior contact with the local starbase. Some of those ships are spotted on the planet surface, where they should have no reason to be. Subsequent to these events reports of slaver activity are made by the local population that correspond in date to the presence of the OPS ships."



Periphery Classifieds


Resource Exploitation

Could anyone exploiting resource ID 12996 on Checkpoint please get in touch.

Many thanks,

Stephen Armstrong, CIA


******

Contacts:
Editor: Simon Field - sss [dot] editor [at] googlemail [replacetoavoidspamdot] com

The Detinus Games

Game 1:

"Welcome to this the first exciting event of the Detinus Games. Here we are at DTR Scuba Station and the weather is looking good. It is a fearsome 2.53g outside, but here inside the purpose built arena, we are assured it will remain a balmy 1g all throughout the events.

First up is the Iron-Sentient Triathlon. Hold on, I have something on the earpiece, yes... breaking news ladies and gentlemen, it would appear that the Vehrenberg entry has been evicted from the competition. Something about a robot, we are hoping to get more details about this later. They have appealed and have substituted another contestant.

They are lining up and they're off. Iron Eagle of the Falconians is swiftly in the lead, he is almost flying along the course, correction, and he is flying and carrying the bike. I will have to check the rules on that.. nope, seems perfectly legal or at least it only states that the contestant must stay within the bounds of the track.

Squiddy of the Imperials is now trailing though our Aquaphid spectators do not appear to care. Aquaphids are really not suited to riding bikes by the looks of it.

Iron Eagle is not doing so well in the water and both Zubi of the Vehrenberg and Groknark the CIA entry are catching up.

Others are following and finally there is Squiddy and just look at him go, closing the distance on the leaders.

It is Squiddy who is first out, though Iron Eagle is only just behind, but what is this, he is standing around shaking out his feathers as the rest start to sprint past on this the final run. Squiddy has fallen to third place, while the Felini sprinter Silk has now taken the lead.

Iron Eagle though has taken to the air and is swooping forward at a tremendous pace, he is now easily moving into first place right above Silk.... what, he has suddenly dropped out of the sky, right onto Silk and they are down only metres from the finish.

And now the others appear to be virtually crawling, and it looks like it is between Zubi and Groknark, Zubi has crossed first, on his hands and knees. We are getting reports that the local tractor net was tampered with though who was responsible is currently unknown. Back to the earlier story, it is now apparent that the CIA Meklan entry was rejected on the ground of it not being sentient (and a Meklan, though cunningly disguised as historical milkmaid from Earth). It had a grating voice, arms bristling with weapons and glowing red eyes though the crack security reported its inability to tie running shoes that gave it away.

It will be some time before the track is back in order so we will play some of Winter's classics in the interim. I once had a crack at her, she was smashed on some Flagritz heaven herb though she reckoned afterwards her Venetian mineral water was spiked. What a goer, talk about a contortionist, that octopus riding a bike has nothing on some of her favourite positions... the what's still on? Oh crap..."


The Detinus Games

With the fuss over the disqualification of a Meklan athlete still brewing, reporters in and around the athletes village are picking up all sorts of rumours that there are in fact multiple Meklan athletes entered into the games, and that a number of orders have been placed for 'even more cunning disguises' in an attempt to bypass the entrance regulations that require all competitors to not be mindless cybernetic killing machines likely to go on the rampage and massacre civilians.

The DTR authorities have refused to comment on allegations that the Scuba Station artificial gravity generators might have been tampered with, though sources indicate that an investigation is under way into some potentially nefarious activities of third parties unknown.

And in other stories from around the arena, Broodmaster Vvvfd'adfkf from the 'Mohachishim' team has been seen tearing apart his bicycle after the Iron Sentient competition. Turns out two-wheeled conveyances aren't well suited to Hive physiology.

Finally, flags have been flown at half-mast in honour of the passing of Sebastian Blodstark.


Archaeological Find On Storm

Today, the Governor's office at Starbase London announced a dramatic find at a GTT outpost on Storm. While performing their normal construction duties at an undisclosed outpost on Inversion, workers stumbled upon a plaque with the following words upon it:

"Here lies the eternal memory of the First Emperor of the Falconian Empire.
Please show proper respect in this area."

(translated from the Falconian language)

Governor Stryker at Starbase London immediately sent a message off to the Falconian Republic asking for information, but the Falconian reply by the Honourable Goshawk merely added to the mystery.

Goshawk replied that the first Emperor, Sarek, was very much still alive, though senile.

Governor Stryker has assembled a team of archaeologists and human experts on Falconian culture and history. He has dispatched them to location of the find with instructions to its determine its authenticity and how it may relate to Falconian history. It is hoped that the team's discoveries will add to the body of knowledge of Falconian heritage and history during their Imperial Period.


Michelle Diaz

Although as yet unconfirmed, it seems as if the DTRs very own Iron Lady may be preparing to make a personal appearance at the Detinus Games.


Sebastian Blodstark

Governor James Stryker announces that all GTT flags are to be flown at half staff at Starbase London in honour of fellow GTT Board Member, Sebastion Blodstark's passing. Although, details are still sketchy, it appears that Mr Boldstark perished in a ship collision with an asteroid.

His contributions to the GTT are immeasurable and his service brought great value to the corporation. He will be missed as a person and a good friend. The Governor has personally sent his condolences to the Blodstark family.

Further details will be released by the Governor as they become known.

Press Release
From the offices of Sebastian Blodstark
Star Date 209.33.5

It is with immense sadness that we report the death of Sebastian Blodstark, founder and CEO of the BGC (Blodstark Galactic Company), Director of Exploration of the GTT (Galactic Trade & Transport), and governor of GTT Port Scheherazade. He was onboard a GTT vessel on an official diplomatic mission, accompanied by other GTT directors, when the ship was hit by a stray asteroid. We do not have a full report at this time but it is our understanding that there were no other casualties in this unfortunate accident. Sebastian Blodstark, 41 years old, was a great man who accomplished so much in so little time. He will be missed by many.


St. Dismas Liberation Organisation Press Release

Universal 'Fox Speak'

The official guide for translating 'what you hear' into 'what he means'

What you heard: The AFT committed acts of piracy against us.
What he meant: So what if we are at war? They are only allowed to attack our invincible fleet head on. It's only sporting that way.

What you heard: 'The AFT foolishly refuse to discuss peace terms'.
What he meant: We've seized what we want so we're willing to stop the war with the AFT as long as we can keep what we've stolen.

What you heard: The OPS committed acts of piracy against us.
What he meant: We told them to get out of our system, when they didn't comply fast enough for us, we attacked them. How dare they retaliate!

What you heard: Civilians?
What he meant: We're bombing the outpost/SB of an enemy. So what if there are civilians in the way? The AFT haven't surrendered so too bad for the civilians. They should have known better than to consort with lowlife like the AFT who are a threat to the financial underpinnings of our balance sheet.

Bully: Someone who picks on another through intimidation and sheer physical superiority.

Although we will be branded 'pirates', the DLO will strike GTT targets any place, any time and by *any* means. This will continue until the St. Dismas system is out from under GTT rule. We don't have a stake in St. Dismas, but allowing the GTT to seize this system uncontested sets a bad precedent for the next time they choose to pick on someone weaker than themselves.



Special Report

From The Journal of Smokes In Mountains.

10th April 2006, Star Date 206.15.1

My first journey through the London wormhole was... uneventful, although I made a mental note never again to look out through a viewing port. The Mohache prize their lunches, and losing one in zero gravity whilst looking at space-time itself twisting your eyeballs into M�hbius strips is not an experience to be recalled with pleasure.

Another system jump straight after didn't help matters. We finally arrived into orbit of MOH Starbase Ant Farm (3353) in the Skye system, and after a gentle descent docked in the starport.

Ant Farm is a curious colony. The Mohache acquired the base as part of a sell-off from the Flagritz Republic in 205, who at the time were disposing of assets they considered 'exposed'. This starbase exists on an artificial asteroid named First Contact, created for the Hive by an alien entity which inhabits a planet in this system. The Hive's original agreement with the entity involved assistance with planting its seeds elsewhere, however when the centralised Hive government fell apart the Flagritz Republic stepped in to manage the base. Xenopsychology files on the Hive suggest that, given the disparate nature of Hive Queens, such a situation was bound to happen eventually.

Walking through the echoing corridors of the place filled me with trepidation, it has to be said. To my people, the concept of such a place is astonishing - hundreds of thousands of Hive inhabit the echoing corridors of this tiny asteroid, the size of a large farm back home. Burrowing into the rock, they have created a city filled with light and technology, their organic machines pulsating and glistening like worms in the soil.

It seems this Hive welcomes the chance of peace. They do not currently have a queen, so my first action was to order a research project to breed a Queen, to lead the disorganised Hivers and make negotiations much simpler between our people. I have also ordered a second project to investigate the possibility of moving this asteroid away from it's current orbit, to give this Hive a new start.

The Mohache already present at the base welcomed me in the starport and settled me in to my office, but it seems there is much work to be done. The Yan Discaa is also to be re-worked using components stored at this starbase, for exploration duties - the sight of fifty Hive Workers crawling over the hull, wielding cutting torches and scurrying around the place with countless components was an interesting introduction to their methods!


Special Report

From The Journal Of Pride Manchu.

Kith'raan had fallen a long way since leading Pride Manchu as a Warrior, but Pride Manchu had fallen further. It had been 207, a couple of years since Mawet had stepped down as Avatar, when he assumed responsibilities on the Council. Yet a few months later the Elders of the pride had inexplicably revoked his leadership and cast the Pride back into domestic affairs. In the eyes of the Notable Prides this had poured great shame on the Manchu and that constantly weighed heavy on Kith'raan's heart. As captain of the ship FEL New Dawn he was responsible for routine cargo runs between the home systems and Yank, really quite simple, and usually extremely routine.

However, this time there was a special guest aboard, a guest who had slipped into the crews quarters relatively un-noticed whilst they were 'relaxing' in a rec complex.

At first Kith'raan hadn't recognised the tall, slender Feline who was sitting at a table reading passages from the 'Bible' (Hewman translation) of The Great Mother.

"Excuse me brother, but you are not authorised to be here" Kith'raan had ventured, all ready a little unsure of whether he had the 'right' to be saying it. It was his ship, but there was a feeling in his whiskers...

The feline read directly from the Bible "Look upon the Great Mother in times of need, for she will always answer. Look upon the Great Mother when your heart is low, for she will always rise it up. Look upon the Great Mother when you fall away, for she will always re-awaken you...." the Feline stopped, and stared directly at Kirth'raan, seemingly boring into his soul.

"Ma...no it can't be" he uttered

"Yes Brethren, it is me"

"Mawet!"

"Kir'aan!"

Mawet stood, rounded the table, and hugged his cousin.

"Where have you been?" asked Kir'aan in a state of shock. In the year 205 the Tyranny had mourned the resignation of Mawet, as he stepped down as Avatar. A few months latter reports indicated he died whilst on a Pilgrimage to a remote temple on Pride. It was some time after this that Kir'aan had briefly assumed leadership.

"It is a long story Kir'aan, but as the Great Mother is always there for us, I have always been around for the Pride". Mawet sat down again. "After you had taken control of the pride, remember how the elders suddenly revoked our membership of the council?"

"Yes, of course, I was devastated, as were many" he replied, visibly becoming more defensive.

"I commanded it to be"

Silence descended on the room, and the tension became palpable.

"Wisdom works in ways unbeknown to anyone but the Great Mother Kir'aan. I was told it must be done, and the Elders were informed." Mawet stated.

"The Elders knew?"

"Of course" Mawet draw in breath, he was obviously ready to explain more "My first absence from the council was caused by the challenge from my Brother, and that challenge was devastating to our Pride"

"Yes, I remember" And Kir'aan really did remember. The Challenge had entered into pride Manchu lore, and although Mawet had defeated his brother in 204, and resumed his place to the Right of the Tyrant, pride Manchu was still torn apart by infighting. Three camps appeared, and fought bitterly, with many Manchu's dying at the claws of other Manchu's.

"I stepped down to prevent yet more challenges to the leadership, and yet more Chaos. I asked the Tyrant and the Great Mother for advice, and the answer became clear. I took the nominal leaders of each of the factions, including your father, my uncle, on a pilgrimage to the temple near Hul'lart. We prayed, we hunted, we talked and mediated. After 6 months we had reached an agreement. Each of the leaders would return and would begin to heal the wounds that had been caused. After this had been settled the son of one of the leaders, who would by this time be ready for leadership, would re-assume Pride Manchu's place on the Council. It was also decided that reporting my death would give everyone a chance to heal, and to move on" Mawet paused, it was clear Kir'aan was keen to interject.

"So why was I forced from the position of Warrior on the council Mawet? The pride was coming together, and the Manchu name was being re-built" Kir'aan was still clearly upset.

"Just a couple of months after you assumed leadership, I heard of a plot. A plot to assassinate you, and those who had entered into the Pact of Hul'lart. The Great Mother guided me and I spoke to the Elders, and to the Tyrant - it was time to pull you and the Pride out of the Council"

"Causing yet more shame on the Manchu name?" Kir'aans voice was rising

"Yes, to those who did not know the truth, but Kir'aan that was a small price to pay for your life and for the stability of our own brethren"

"How can you say that Mawet? Honor is EVERYTHING"

"Calm brother, of course you are right. Honor in the eyes of the Great Mother, and honor to our Tyrant, that is what matters, and that still remains for our Pride."

"So where have you been since then" asked Kir'aan, calming slightly

" I have been everywhere. I have walked, and swam, and trekked, and prayed, and meditated. And I have sneaked, and fought, and killed. My mind and soul have been purified, the Great Mother has guided me to places I never though possible, and to reek justice on those that would have torn us apart"

"What happened?"

"Are we ready to leave?" asked Mawet, clearly avoiding the question

Kith'raan turned, punched the com and screeched "Crew, prepare departure, set in course for Pride and engage when ready" He turned to Mawet "Yes, we are ready. What happened Mawet?"

"That is a story for another time young cousin. All that you need to know is that I am a true and faithful devotee of the Great Mother, that are Pride is now safe, and that I am ready to return to Pride, our home world. I am ready to re-assume my responsibilities as PrideLeader, re-take my place on the council and begin the Re-Awakening of Pride Manchu"


Periphery Classifieds

Ships For Sale

Due to popular demand and lack of supply, the Junta are offering ships for sale on a first come, first served basis.

3 each of the following ships with the specifications and price per ship are available.

Surveyor - 20HH - $30,000
Solo - 50NH - $50,000 - (all sold)
Barge - 50LH - $30,000
Far Courier - 75NH - $75,000
Mayflower - 75LH - $45,000
Caravel - 75LH - $40,000

Purchase can be achieved through special actions issued at Rubis.


******
Contacts:
Editor: Simon Field - sss [dot] editor [at] googlemail [replacetoavoidspamdot] com

No sss this week.