***** Inter Galactic News � Cult Of Kanji Special Edition *****


*** Finkley Downs ***

The GTT Starbase of Finkley Downs has unveiled a Skull and Crossbones flag and turned Pirate this week. The second GTT base to do so in recent months, but this time with slightly more serious repercussions...

Unfortunately for Finkley it was promptly targeted and blasted by multiple alarmed defensive installations around the planet who feared the worst - a pirate takeover of a major Starbase in their midst.

GTT Finkley Downs (4707) - Starbase
Scints: 15.0 Shields: 272(0.5)
Targeted by DTR Queens Guardian (62609) - 1143 [1775] Damage
Targeted by IDC Opportunity Centre (10820) - 17340 [24840] Damage
Targeted by IDC DF-01-75 Profit Guard (30317) - 610 [1200] Damage
Targeted by HLQ Alpha PH 1 (89024) - 1364 [2400] Damage
Targeted by HLQ Alpha PH 2 (24827) - 1410 [2400] Damage
Targeted by HLQ Alpha PH 5 (24010) - 2805 [4960] Damage
Targeted by HLQ Alpha PH 4 (72685) - 2757 [4960] Damage
Targeted by HLQ Alpha PH 3 (35276) - 2463 [4640] Damage
Targeted by DTR Queen's Glory (664) - 201735 [305640] Damage

While the parties responsible are unknown, and it seems fair to say that that this was probably not the work of the GTT deciding to turn pirate (again), but more likely, something to do with this bunch of little COKs:

Spotted on Mobile Bay:
IND COK Sloth (4425) - Ground party
Docked non-combatant
IND COK Wrath (50191) - Ground party
Docked non-combatant
IND COK Lust (65834) - Ground party
Docked non-combatant
IND COK Gluttony (97635) - Ground party
Docked non-combatant

The COKs were promptly blown.

Sorry, that should be, the COK positions were blown up.

The good news for the GTT at least is that Finkley Down didn�t open fire against anybody while it was Pirate, meaning they�re not likely to face compensation claims.


*** Confederate Press Release ***

A year has past since the renegade Confederate General Eddy Dean Smith deserted his post following revelations coming to light of his involvement in piracy and unauthorised attacks against the Imperial block forces. Since then Smith has used his time to set-up new staging posts for attacks against the Emperors forces; sought at every opportunity to undermine the Confederate government and generally spread discord, chaos and suffering wherever possible. Even now the RCF plots with pirates, vicious aliens and the scum of the peripheries against both the Confederacy and Imperial blocks.

Of particular note is their alliance with the Children Of Hexos, the very same aliens that launched weapons of mass destruction in the New Sussex system, destroying the moon Coombes and causing the deaths of tens of thousands of Confederate citizens.

To date the 'Real Confederate Forces' have failed to listen to all demands to turn themselves in to the Confederate government. We have given them ample time to see the error of their ways and time is now up. The Confederate Forces will not allow the RCF cancer and the hate, malice and disloyalty it represents to spread unchecked amongst the Confederacy. Neither are we prepared to stand by whilst the RCF garners support from unscrupulous affiliations to strike at the Emperors chosen.

It is with some regret therefore that the CNF are forced to formally acknowledge the fact that a state of civil war exists with the RCF. A formal Declaration Of War is also issued to the COH - The genocide of Confederate civilians, and their alliance with the RCF terrorists, is ample justification that they are enemies of the Confederacy and the Empire, and deserve the same treatment as their 'allies'.

In conjunction with this, the CNF today commences Operation Manassas. This Operation, and those that follow it, will combat the threat posed by the terrorists, prevent further growth and spread of this menace, and ultimately bring those responsible to justice.

May the True One grant us the strength to deliver them swiftly into his arms.


Major Anastasia Korolev
Official Spokesperson for the Office of Secretary General Carter


*** CNF Press Release Causes Storm ***

The Confederate declaration of war against the COH resulted in something of a miniature storm in a teacup, drawing particularly vocal condemnation from the QNG faction of the DTR.

With the COH eager to not be annihilated however, it seems as if they are eager to drop all association with the RCF, and work out a peace with the Confederacy, whom, for their part, are no doubt agreeable to such an arrangement provided they stop assisting their sworn enemies, the RCF.


*** Missing Ship ***

The COH Ship Tar has gone missing in the other reaches of the Tycoon system. There is no indication of what might have happened to it, although our news-room has heard rumours that an immense Architect vessel was spotted in the system, of such size that it could have swallowed the COH ship whole�


*** Flagritz ***

Political chicanery is afoot in the Flagritz Empire, with the establishment of a Triumverate Council of their own, clearly modelled on the successful human Commonwealth.

Being a primarily human publication, the SSS/IGN congratulates the Flagritz for embracing human ways.


*** Celestial Emperor Found Guilty ***

****** CIA Confederate News (CCN) ******

A special joint panel of Military judges convened today to pass sentence on the individual, formally known as the Emperor of the COH, after his confession earlier this month to CIA special investigators.

The Panel convenes in a modified court room, taking their seats before the prisoner is brought into the room by two average sized, but powerfully built guards. The judges begin proceeding, once the assembled crowd quietened down.

�We, the appointed panel of the Department for Judges, Jurys and Executions, have weighed up the evidence levied against the defendant. The specific charges we have had to deliberate are:
500+ counts of Bringing and Using Weapons of Mass Destruction into Confederate Space.
Bringing and Using an Un-authorised Warship into Confederate Space.
Damage to a Celestial Body within Confederate Space (Brighton).
Destruction of a Celestial Body within Confederate Space (Coombes).
Causing the deaths of un-told numbers of a Confederate Protected Species (sentient population of Coombes).

�Due to the serious and aggressive nature of these crimes and the fact that these actions were an un-provoked attack on the Confederacy, the assembled panel can only find one sentence which can rival the charges laid before us today.�

�The Panel recommends that the prisoner is to be taken from this place, to a suitable location where the sentence of death can be served. �

�We, the Panel, wish to convey that this sentence should serve as a warning to all others wishing to inflict harm upon the Confederacy.�

�Guards, take the prisoner from this place and may the True One have mercy upon his soul!�

The scene fades away, as the Judges rise to leave.

****** End of Transmission ******



*** Celestial Emperor No More ***

****** CIA Confederate News (CCN) ******

<The scene opens with the prisoner, the convicted ex-COH Emperor, being secured to chair inside a cell of a room which can be clearly seen to be inside of a security complex>

The officers, dressed in full military dress uniform, ask the prisoner if has any words to say and if he has any last requests.

�No words, but I will have one of those cigars you brought along and can you leave the lights on?�

�Certainly� the officer says.

The officer loosens the prisoner�s right hand, reaches for the box of cigar and opening the box, offers the prisoner to choose. After a quick inspection, the prisoner chooses a cigar from the left hand side and the officer cuts the end of the cigar for the prisoner. The officer produces a lighter, polished brass with the seal of the CIA engraved upon it, and lights the end of the cigar with each breath of the prisoner.

Putting the lighter back into his pocket, the officer nods to his counterpart and they both salute the prisoner and leave the complex, locking each door as they go. Lights left on as requested.

<The picture moves to external scene, an orbit of a planet with unfamiliar features and stars beyond. Voices can be heard through the static. A sleek warship hangs in orbit, a small outpost can be clearly seen on the world below>

�Golf Bravo Oscar Mike, this is Golf Bravo Pappa Mike. Have you left the area?�

�Golf Bravo Pappa Mike, this is Golf Bravo Oscar Mike. We are clear of the target area and have made standard orbit. You are clear to proceed.�

�Golf Bravo Oscar Mike, this is Golf Bravo Pappa Mike. Clearance confirmed, set readiness to action stations, Golf Bravo Pappa Mike.�

Noiselessly, four missiles shoot out of the warship�s weapons ports and quickly move in the direction of the outpost. The missiles are lost to the scene.

Seconds pass, the scene does not change until a flash of brilliant white light appears in the location of the viewed outpost. The shockwave created by the flash of light pushes cloud and air away from the light until it meets the suddenly illuminated mountain range, encircling the flash.

The light recedes, and the camera�s contrast is restored. It can be seen a burning, black stain has appeared on the world at the location of the outpost.

�Golf Bravo Oscar Mike, this is Golf Bravo Pappa Mike. Target has been destroyed. Return to base, Golf Bravo Pappa Mike.�
<The scene fades, as the warship can be seen moving as its engines come to life>


*** Mona Luvsitt (but) Hates COK ***

Leaked communications between the insane leader of the Cult Of Kanji and Mona Luvsitt have indicated that Kanji might have been attempting to co-erce the independent Mona to work for him. Miss Mona has responded to the COKs overtures with the following rather terse quote: �You can consider yourself snubbed in the future as well! You are disgusting, evil, murderous parasite. I will have nothing to do with you or your cult.�

We imagine Kanji has probably been called worse things.


*** GCE Under Attack ***

Garcia Enterprises have lost a small outpost to an attack by the terrorist Kanji, in what is turning into Kanji Appreciation Week here at the SSS.


*** The Black Pig ***

Detinus Republic security forces are celebrating the destruction of the notorious pirate vessel, The Black Pig, in the Halo Periphery. The DTR Ship Yelnya was targeted for boarding by the pirate, but opened up with a witheringly accurate fire from 77 light rail guns firing APEX rounds.

The Black Pig was gutted and rendered lifeless before it could close with the Yelnya, thus ending the deprivations of a pirate ship with a very long pedigree indeed.


*** Piracy ***

We have received reports of a RIP officer being captured whose name was �Pirate Doug�� this would surely be embarrassing for the RIP if they cared one jot about their good name.


*** Sheargar ***

A pirate boarder recently entered orbit of the planet Sheargar, only to find it protected by a large number of CIA and HLQ cruisers. With almost 20 CIA/HLQ warships firing at it, the pirate vessel took virtually no damage, and was able to launch a boarding attempt, which was fortunately for the CNF ship Chive And Chuntey, barely beaten off.

The pirate ship then departed, thumbing its nose at the incompetent weapons fire directed at its departure. This prompting many serious questions to be asked about the combat-readiness of the HLQ and CIA cruiser squadrons�


*** Breaking News ***

Emperor Lysander in the doghouse! It appears that reports of disharmony in the Imperial household are true. Our news sources caught views of what can only be described as a young harlot packing her things and moving out of the imperial palace at midnight. Our reporters tried to get a statement:

�You want a statement?!? I�ll give you a statement! Mr. High and Mighty Emperor is a sick puppy! Its one thing to want �Baby time�, I drew the line when he wanted to bring his �robotic pleasure sheep� to bed for a threesome. Normal for him was just asking me to howl like a Dewiek when we did it. To think that control of the universe�s largest fleet is in the hands of this �little man� is beyond scary. I�m afraid what lengths he�ll go to, to prove he �measures up�. I�m out of here!�

Our reporter could not confirm that the Emperor is, in fact, in possession of automated barnyard toys. We�ll keep on it and provide future updates. No sheep were harmed in the investigation of this story.



***** Special Report � Undercover With The Cult Of Kanji *****

An intrepid SSS Inter-Galactic News reporter has been carefully chosen from amongst our news-rooms slow and lazy, to undertake a unique opportunity to live and work with the COK.

This is his story, from the very heart of darkness�

We met the cultist ship at the rendezvous point, they were waiting when we arrived, I shuttled over, it was all surprisingly civil and courteous considering the stories and news reports.

I was given into the care of a surprisingly beautiful human female and her escort of two hive starwarriors, she gave me something to drink, I drank, it was hot, spicy and metallic, it made me drowsy.

I heard the chitenous sound of hive laughter as I fell into sleep.

I dreamt.

As my eyelids unstuck and my vision cleared I realised I wasn't alone, He was here, Kanji, perched at the bottom of my bed. He stood and I think purposefully gave me time to assess him, short and well built, the long unkempt hair and beard were new, at least new since the vid I had seen of him at the Human Emperor's Coronation. His clothes were simple rough cut hide, cured and tanned, he was armed with both blade and blaster. His eyes were what I remember the most, bloodshot, glazed and vacant.

"Kourrda Reporter, I had hoped the Editor would come in person but no matter, on your feet, time is the fire in which we burn."

I stood and the Kastorian smiled, "Reporter your life is forever changed, Welcome to the Cult..."

Before he had finished speaking the Renegade launched himself at me, he beat me unconscious and when I woke my body burned and my tongue was gone, I will not try to describe the agony or the ecstasy, I can only write how privileged I feel to have had violence enacted upon me by the Man-God himself, it is a singular honour and the greatest moment of my life.

The Man-God spoke,

"The pain will focus your mind my child, centre yourself around it and look into your heart, feel the anger and rage that burns there, feel the shame and impotence of your mutilation at my hand. The Cult is a release for these emotions. You have been initiated by my own hand, your old life is gone and now you shall bring the philosophy of the Cult Of Kanji to the peoples of the Peripheries..."

"You shall let it be known that the Cult welcomes one and all, we hunt and kill indiscriminately, all species and races are welcome and all species and races are targets. The strong, the weak, the meek, the great, the inconsequential, all are welcome, none shall be spared. We hunt and kill because it is in our hearts as it is in the hearts of all sentients and because it brings us joy..."

"You shall let it be known that soon the Cult will be sponsoring a number of 'Great Hunts' where we shall be targeting specific systems and offering cash prizes, ships and munitions to those who wish to participate. We shall publicly declare the systems in advance to allow those who wish to oppose us to do so. This will add to the terror and mayhem and allow my Cultists to prove they are the greatest predators in the peripheries or to die trying..."

"You shall be kept informed of developments so that you may report to your old master the Editor, however your flesh, your mind and your soul now belong to me. Now go finish your initiation, learn your new duties and prepare yourself for the slaughter to come..."

I have not seen or heard from the Man-God since, I have been given a family of Wimbles and six hive starwarriors, I have learned to delight in the screams and pleas for release of said Wimbles. I am taking great pride in my own creativity for I know He is watching...



***** Periphery Classifieds *****


*** Sing-a-long-a-COK ***

Sing a song of six stellars,
Cultists love getting high.
Four and twenty Wimbles,
Baked in a pie.
When the pie was opened,
the peripheries began to sing.
Isn't that a heinous act,
Who would perpetrate such a thing?
Kanji was on his flagship,
counting his WoMD.
The Emperors' in the IE,
learning how to ski.
Commander Jackson's in the Darkfold,
contemplating who he hates the most;
When down swooped the Kultist
And nuked his outpost.




***** From The Nexus *****

An extended conversation about the upcoming development plan to be discussed at the pub meet can be found here:

www.kjcgames.co.uk/phoenix/nexus/index.php?a=posts&tid=38566&page=0





***** Message From The Editor *****

I�m away on my holidays to Los Angeles for three weeks on Tuesday, so things are a little hectic.

I might or might not have time to do the SSS while I�m away, but I�ll certainly give it a go.

Have fun at the pubmeet folks.

Simon.


******

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


Nexus - Online Site

www.kjcgames.co.uk/phoenix/nexus/index.php
To register as a new player use the recruitment key word phoenix_player
Everything else should be straightforward.

Getting Started. Link To The Recruitment Form:
www.kjcgames.co.uk/phoenix/nexus/index.php?a=topics&fid=3


Getting Started. Phoenix At A Glance:
www.kjcgames.co.uk/phoenix/nexus/index.php?a=lib&tid=32680


Phoenix IRC Channel: irc://chat.freenode.net/kjc-phoenix
Use: Chatzilla (Firefox addon) OR mIRC (standalone)

No SSS this week.

No SSS this week.

No SSS this week.

***** Inter Galactic News *****


*** Cult News ***

The dreaded COK have announced their intent to destroy the House LiQuan, inviting everybody to take part in their first Public Hunt. They have even gone so far as to offer the following bounties:

Turn a sector of Frolic to dust: $50K per sector.
Detonate a Nuclear device on Frolic: $50K.
Detonate WoMD in any sector: $1 per civilian casualty.
Detonate WoMD in an Urban sector: $2 per civilian casualty.
Any ship: $15K.
Outposts; $25K or $2K per k/mu.
Liquan Dead $1,000,000
Liquan Alive $5,000,000

It remains to be seen if anybody will attempt to claim any of these bounties, due to slight concerns over the Cults financial assets, and their ability to actually pay up.

However, the Cult seem more than capable of causing mayhem themselves, with reports of combat flaring up across the surface of Frolic, including the reported detonation of a nuclear device, although there were few reported casualties.

In face of the heightened security fears it is understood that Imperial ground troops have begun arriving on planet, and Confederate space forces are en-route to increase patrols in the system.

The Baron LiQuan has observed the failure of the DTR to come to his aide, speculating that the DTR might have some lack of interest in assisting the HLQ. The DTR for their part responded with observations regarding their flowerbeds in neighbouring systems.

No, we don�t know either.


*** DTR News ***

The Detinus Senate has been suspended for the last two weeks as Speaker Of The House Lord Sivar announced his surprise intention to step down as leader of the Detinus Republic.

A snap election was called, with two candidates presenting themselves, the sylph-like Senator Sylvansight, and the recently returned from retirement Senator Diaz.

The timing of the election, coinciding as it did with the DTR Foreign Minister, Cassius Jerusalem being away on holidays, thus ruling out what was rumoured to be his strong intention to run for office, has raised eyebrows amongst some political commentators at the Detinus capitol of New Tate.

With both candidates presenting programs for office that were generally speaking a broad continuation of Lord Sivars policies, there wasn�t much to choose between them, so the voting quickly went in favour of experience over youth, with Michelle Diaz winning by a landslide victory on her return to Periphery power-politics.

Speaker Diaz was sworn in with unusual haste for the DTR, and she has now settled down to the serious business of establishing her cabinet and having her boots polished.

The departing Lord Sivar is understood to be lined up for the office of Interior Minister, and not, surprisingly, a return to his old offices at the DTR Admiralty.

What the return of the old warhorse, Michelle �Ironboots� Diaz, might mean for the future of Detinus foreign policy, remains to be seen.


*** Marines ***

The ex-RIP forces now flagged as IND, under the control of Mona Luvsitt have been advertising heavily to recruit marines, as it seems the COK have begun to increasingly target them.

Our reporter stationed with the Cult Of Kanji has not indicated any specific cult activity directed against other Independent positions, but then our reporter stationed with the Cult has started submitting stories etched into cured and dried fragments of human skin, so we�re not entirely sure he has not been compromised.

Either way, the COK is surely resulting in increased security and wage bills for organisations across the Peripheries, as they are obliged to recruit ever more troops.


*** Pirate ***

GTT forces are reporting the destruction of a pirate scout in the Tycoon system.


*** Pirate ***

Pirate forces have successfully boarded and captured a Wimble freighter equipped with a quantum jump drive in the Halo periphery, demonstrating that pirates are indeed still active in Halo.


*** Poaching ***

An environmental catastrophe is fast approaching as signs indicate that Eridani Mountain Huskies are being over-exploited by unknown agencies. The AFT have called for whoever is poaching them to cease before the Huskies are driven to the verge of extinction, but with good profits to be made, it is possible this warning might be ignored.

In the meantime, animal welfare groups have criticised purchasers of the Huskies, and called for sentients across the Peripheries to respect wildlife.


*** Yank ***

It is understood that the CIA have captured the main Cult of Kanji base in Yank.

The Kastorian Military Junta have long been unhappy with the terrorist Kanji hiding out in the Yank system, and are likely to have granted the CIA permission to carry out the attack, though again, our news-room has received no official word, as one might expect from an operation carried out by the secretive Confederate Intelligence Agency.

Details of casualties are unknown. Numbers of weapons of mass destruction seized by the CIA is unknown. But, we do know that the COK is likely to be very displeased with the CIA for this attack, but what retribution they might try and take is, you guessed it, unknown.


*** CIA Press Release ***

Today the Starbase Meteora, the base of the Pirate Terrorist Kanji, fell to confederate forces under the control of the CIA.

Initial surveys indicate this base was the staging point for the devastating attack to the CNF facility, within the Inner Empire that resulted in the loss of thousands of souls.

As the area still has terrorists in the local vicinity, fighting may continue for some time as mopping-up operations are still underway.

It also seems the Pirate Terrorist had made good of his promise to turn wimble civilians into foodstuffs. A number of our officers have had to receive counselling upon making this terrible discovery.

Our thoughts go out to the citizens of the Wimble Nation on this sad day.

More details will be made available over the next few days .....


*** Yank ***

The CIA military action in Yank, whilst technically in violation of the Yank peace accords, has drawn widespread support from a number of Periphery governments, noteably the IMP and DTR Commonwealth partners.

It is thought that the terrorist Kanji is not likely to submit a request for compensation to the Kastorian Military Junta.


*** Barnard ***

Following the terrorist nuclear attack that destroyed the claiming Confederate outpost of Ascalon, and killed over 10,000 troops, the Barnard system has lapsed to an unclaimed status.

It is not thought that anybody will try and poach the system from the Confederacy.


*** Press Release ***

Press Release
From the offices of Blake Ravenstone
Star Date 210.47.5

Blake Ravenstone, Grand Duke of the Imperial Frontier, has announced today that, due to recent changes in leadership and policy, he is leaving the Imperial Services (IMP). He has joined the Confederate Forces (CNF), from where he will continue working for the expansion and consolidation of the Empire.

Grand Duke Ravenstone will continue to claim the Wastelands system for the IMP and will now claim the Demon and Caribbean systems for the CNF. This is a reflection of the new openness between the Confederate and Imperial groups, and hopefully an important step towards a new way of thinking.


*** The Dead Walk? ***

Worrying reports have arrived at the IGN newsroom regarding sightings of the living dead taking part in recent battles involving the Cult of Kanji. This is not the first time rumours of zombies have spread across the Peripheries, with previous reports relating to a doomed ship of undead pirates that struck at isolated outposts throughout known space.

Is there something to these rumours? Has somebody developed technology that can rise the dead from the grave? Only time will tell.


***** Periphery Classifieds *****


*** New Independent Seeks Positions ***

www.kjcgames.co.uk/phoenix/nexus/index.php?a=posts&tid=39114&lr=on#post_tag

I would like to purchase some mining outposts in Yank, preferably on Mobile Bay. It doesn't matter how many mines are currently on it but I would prefer halfway decent yields. I would like to buy one Basics, one Hydrocarbons, and one or two Metals. Would also consider a Thorlium outpost though I expect that will have to await more stellars.

Also, IND Starbase Pershing should be up and running today. I would appreciate a week or two of grace to get things settled before agents from the IMP, CNF, DTR, DEN and who knows who else make their appearances.


*** Krakki ***

Seeking information on the Krakki system. Please contact The Editor if you have heard anything of its existence.


*** Falconian Market Announcement ***

There are a number of changes to the smaller house magpie markets starting this week.

Tartarus will have increased volumes of goods available
Gryffon Stronghold will also have increased volumes of goods but they will be at a higher price to bring them in line with our normal pricing policy
Curly Magpie Mart will be selling 3 new trade goods
Magpie market asgard in Skord will also have a new product to sell.


*** Stuff Wanted ***

www.kjcgames.co.uk/phoenix/nexus/index.php?a=posts&tid=38942&lr=on#post_tag

Greetings,

I am looking to purchase or commission a copy of the Wormhole Stabiliser and Wormhole Navigator blueprints.

If interested parties could PM me please.

Yours in trade

Korpen Nygard
Astartia Enterprises
Association of Free Traders


***** Pubmeet *****

For those who might have missed it, videos of the pubmeet presentation are available at this nexus link:

www.kjcgames.co.uk/phoenix/nexus/index.php?a=posts&tid=38763&lr=on#post_tag



***** Message From The Editor *****


With Christmas fast approaching, would anybody with any festive news stories or silliness, please drop me a line for inclusion in the SSS Christmas Special.

Simon.


******

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


Nexus - Online Site

www.kjcgames.co.uk/phoenix/nexus/index.php
To register as a new player use the recruitment key word phoenix_player
Everything else should be straightforward.

Getting Started. Link To The Recruitment Form:
www.kjcgames.co.uk/phoenix/nexus/index.php?a=topics&fid=3


Getting Started. Phoenix At A Glance:
www.kjcgames.co.uk/phoenix/nexus/index.php?a=lib&tid=32680


Phoenix IRC Channel: irc://chat.freenode.net/kjc-phoenix
Use: Chatzilla (Firefox addon) OR mIRC (standalone)

***** Inter-Galactic News Not-So-Festive Special *****


*** Pirates ***

It is an early Christmas for one group of pirates this week as they have successfully detected a Confederate attempt to lure them into boarding a 150 hulled Q-ship in which 500 Kastorian Marines were loitering, waiting for some dumb pirate to take the bait.

Instead of sending in a boarding craft however, the pirates dispatched a fast torpedo boat, that fired 8 hi-yield torps into the hull of the CNF RVNT Mediterranean Sea, destroying the ship where it sat.

There are understood to have been 289 survivors of the marine compliment, but reports suggest that they have all been picked up by the pirates, and have become prisoners, surely to wind up being sold as slaves.

The loss of an entire marine battalion is surely going to demoralise Confederate forces, particularly as it happened at Christmas time, when the troops would have been looking forward to spending time with their families.

And as if to add insult to injury, the pirates also picked up the wreckage of the Mediterranean Sea, which included a fair amount of decent tech, including Mk3 devices, and almost 200 cryo pods.


*** Bad Christmas ***

Our thoughts go out to the lone Mohache prisoner of pirates who has this week been made into a Mohache Cabin Boy:

>TU 213: Tech Manual {32177}
Mohache Cabin Boy (32177) - 1 mu
Nicknamed Roger by the crew of desperate pirates.
Item Type: Civilian
Race: Mohache
Lifeform: Yes

It seems a race to who can be the sickest puppy in the Peripheries - Pirates or Kanji?

Place your bets now.


*** More Pirates ***

Okay this isn't very festive. But pirates have attacked the SMS outpost Black Leg Miner in a desolate asteroid system somewhere en-route to the Inner Empire.

DTR patrol forces responded, but were not there in time to prevent the pirates from capturing the small mining outpost.

A Detinus Republic military response saw the outpost cleared and returned to the SMS.


*** Yet More Pirates ***

DTR News Sources are reporting a failed attempt by pirates to attack one of their asteroid outpost facilities in the outer reaches of the Skord system. Apparently a small pirate scout force attempted to attack the undefended base, only to run into a combat dropped Detinus Marine Battalion of more than 500 startroopers backed up by armour who arrived in time to turn the pirate attack into a slaughter.

DTR patrol forces then secured the orbit and destroyed the pirate freighter that had dropped off the pirate ground party, with what can only be described as typically brutal DTR efficiency.


*** Christmas Rescue ***

The noble House LiQuan is reporting the liberation of a large number of captured prisoners from various affiliations. It seems these prisoners may have been rotting in a hidden pirate base for some years, before being detected and rescued by HLQ armed forces.

The now freed prisoners are in the process of being repatriated to their home affiliations.


*** Surprise Move ***

The FET has joined the Confederate-bloc of affiliations, leaving behind the IMP, and moving into the sphere of the CNF/CIA/BHD. Although given the human affs are all friends now, this move is largely thought to be symbolic, rather than a serious indication of shifting allegiances.


*** LiQuan Found Guilty ***

The trial of Demetrius LiQuan for his involvement in the destruction of a moon on which there was an Imperial outpost has concluded this week, with the following results:

"Following the trial of Demetrius Liquan for crimes against the Imperial Services for his involvement in the destruction of the planetary body 'Ruby' I can confirm the following verdict has been reached, giving full consideration to the chain of command.

On the charge or Murder - Defendent found Not Guilty
On the charge of Involentary Manslaughter - Defendent found Guilty
On the charge of willful destruction of property or criminal damage - Defendant found Guilty

Sentencing will be determined in the coming weeks."


***** Periphery Classifieds *****


*** Employment Opportunity ***

The Detinus Republic is looking to employ large numbers of trained archaeologists for a major excavation project of a lost civilisation. Please apply care of The Editor of this publication.


***** Message From The Editor *****

Merry Christmas folks!

Simon.

No SSS this week.