Phoenix
Phoenix: BSE
Phoenix at a Glance
Rulebook
The Game
Sign Up
Nexus Tour
FAQ
Flagship#130 Review
Contact
Resources
History
Wallpapers
IRC and player sites
SubSpace Static Archive
214
Previous Years
Intergalactic News
Issue 33
Issue 32
The Dewiek Special
Issue 31
Issue 30
Older Issues
 
213.36 - 213.40

Subspace Static - Star Date 213.36  [Recruit]



Subspace Static - Star Date 213.36.5

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

*** Message From The Editor ***

Overlord Kang, your beloved Editor-In-Chief wishes you to know that as inferior races to the glorious Flagritz, you should all stop reading the news and execute yourselves immediately.

Also, Kang just realised he forgot to submit this issue on Friday. KANG OFFERS NO APOLOGIES!

And no refunds.

Kang trusts you will simply be happy with another bumper-length edition of the Periphery’s favourite news organ, stuffed to bursting like a kitten filled with napalm.


*** TCA Spotted ***

Kang has heard reports that some lesser meatsacks might call ‘disturbing’, if they were worthless cowards that is, that a large TCA fleet may be en-route to the so-called Inner Empire of worthless ‘Humanity’.

The thing Kang finds most amusing about this, is one of the TCA vessels is rumoured to be carrying the lost Meklan Baron LiQuan who vanished into these ancient alien’s clutches some years ago.

Have the dark dealings of humanity come back to haunt them with the return of the dreaded Meklan Baron? Will this result in the brutal slaughtering of many innocent civilians beneath the metallic boot of Meklan hordes? Kang certainly hopes so.


*** Whipping Boys Continue To Be Whipped ***

The not-quite-as-glorious-as-the-Flagritzi Falconians have been busy in the Cluster periphery this week, mopping up some more CWB, Confederate Whipping Boy, positions, as described in the following press release:

“A fairly quiet week in the cluster saw the seizure of a confederate antimatter resource. Given the reckless overuse of antimatter weaponry by the confederacy this should be comforting news to all sentients.
Other historic FCN outposts were also reclaimed with minimal bloodshed or by direct negotiation with the employees.
There were many signs of the confederacy loosening its grip on this area as their New Sussex claim fell to the FLZ and as a number of other systems taken from the FEL in the last couple of years are now being returned to them in name at least. We welcome this well deserved dividend to our FEL friends.
The troublemaking BHD/IBH fleet is being monitored at the Caribbean Wormhole to the inner empire.”

Has the Empire of Humanity completely lost its grip on the Cluster like Kang hopes they also lose their grip on a handgrenade? TIME WILL TELL!


*** Felini Conduct Bloodless Coup ***

The Skye, Winter and Forest systems have been reclaimed by the disgusting FEL from the Confederate Whipping Boys this week in what Kang was very disappointing to learn was a blood-less hand-over.

Kang has been unable to find out how happy the Whipping Boys were to be handing over the keys to these three systems, or the extent of the threats the FEL might or might not have made to them in order to make it happen. But in Kang’s mind there were many threats, and they were most brutal.

This leaves the so-called ‘Empire’ of Humanity with only the most precarious of footholds in the Cluster Periphery. WHERE IS YOUR GALACTIC DOMINATION NOW, MEATSACKS?


*** Sneaky Boarding ***

The whinging but occasionally devious IMP have this week managed to capture a Detinus Republic scout ship in the Faery system through some clever manipulation of system enemy lists.

Kang understands the idiotic Detinus vessel was engaged in trying to drop some operatives at the time, and these were spotted, leading to the IMP boarders being dispatched and system enemy lists being adjusted such that the Detinus vessel could be targeted.

After successfully storming the vessel, system enemy lists were changed back to prevent any further combat.

Kang hopes this will be an object lesson to you all in the sheer futility of messing around with agents and operatives, as they are quite simply not as effective as a brutal bludgeoning impliment. With spikes. The spikes are very important.



*** Meatsack Destroyed ***

A tiny and insignificant whinging IMP vessel has been destroyed by the brutal kitten slaughtering DTR in the Arachnid system this week.


*** Affiliation Returns ***

The CIA appear to have returned to the Peripheries, with a number of CNF starbases flipping to CIA flags.

Of course this is after their brief sojourn as FRE flagged bases. So Kang really has no idea what the meatsacks are playing at.



*** Imperial Services Unleash Devastating New Walker ***


user image


*** COD Implicated In Piracy ***

Press Release:

Kourrda citizens of the peripheries,

It is with great regret that I must admit to one of the Coalition for Oceanic Developments minor members turning Pirate.

I hold myself purely responsible as it was I that recruited him.

I have ordered the posting of the ships we know he had, and a reward will of course be paid for any of the ships or officers returned or destroyed. All Ships were last seen in the Halo periphery, but of course may now be anywhere.

I am also in the process of speaking to both Jeremiah Phillips and Fernando Garcia of Garcia Enterprises, offering renumeration for any losses or inconveneincs caused by my mistake.

Whilst I offer my personal apologies to everyone involved, and even those not involved but disgusted by the actions of this individual, the Coalition for Oceanic Development as an Affiliation are entirely innocent of any wrongdoing. This heinous act falls on my shoulders and mine alone. Effective immediately I turn the running of the Affiliation over to my friend and colleague Nemo. I shall apply to rejoin Mohache society. I was always told that Mohache always return. It appears they were correct.

I also offer my apologies to the Coalition members, all of whom are inaware of these actions, either mine or Cages. May the Coalition go from strength to strength under the guidance of Nemo.

May your cake be ever moist

Thinks In Circles

Ex PD: Coalition for Oceanic Development


*** New Craze Leaves Overlord Baffled ***

Worthless meatsacks of the peripheries! What is this new craze of landing your starships in large bodies of water? KANG DEMANDS TO KNOW!

Has space become too dangerous that you have taken to exploring the depths of the oceans instead?

Kang is disgusted by you all.


*** Felini Slip To New Low ***

As some of you disgusting flesh-things may not know, we Flagritz have long held the Felini in particularly low regard. Many Flagritz pain palaces will not even allow Felini slaves through the door as most fine noble Flagritzi cannot even stand to torture these repellent lifeforms to death.

So it is with no great surprise that Overlord Kang has heard news that a wretched puny earth-thing has been admitted to the upper echelons of the Felini pride hierarchy.

What next repellent Felini? Will you be allowing Meringian Grot-slugs to lead you? KANG THINKS THIS WOULD BE AN IMPROVEMENT!


*** Freighters Destroyed ***

Three Whipping Boy freighters and an outpost in the Beach system have been clobbered by tedious Detinus raiders today in a one-sided slaughter.

CNF Vortex Class Freighter (38904) - Ship
Vortex Class Freighter {No Armour}
Hull Damage: 100.0%
BLOWN UP!
CNF Vortex Class Freighter (29184) - Ship
Vortex Class Freighter {No Armour}
Hull Damage: 100.0%
BLOWN UP!
CNF Vortex Class Freighter (44158) - Ship
Vortex Class Freighter {No Armour}
Hull Damage: 100.0%
BLOWN UP!
CNF Splashdown (85790) - Outpost
Scints: 34.0
Targeted by DTR CL 88 GLADIUS CC SEX (41577) - 4300 [6380] Damage
Targeted by DTR CL 88 GLADIUS CC UNUS ET VIGINTI (84266) - 11423
Targeted by DTR CL 88 NYMPHE II (16173) - 18477 [22837] Damage
Targeted by DTR CL 88 SHARK (20730) - 7013 [9180] Damage
Targeted by DTR CL 88 KIEV (50397) - 13163 [16656] Damage
Targeted by DTR CL 88 GLADIUS CC TRES (66642) - 5300 [6580] Damage
Targeted by DTR CL 88 GLADIUS CC QUINDECIM (59000) - 12977 [15120]
Targeted by DTR CL 88 TULA II (59844) - 62707 [67760] Damage
Targeted by DTR CL 88 AMPHION II (60903) - 18701 [22779] Damage
Targeted by DTR CL 88 AMBERJACK (67003) - 7629 [8961] Damage
Targeted by DTR CL 88 LOIRE II (93156) - 17200 [21969] Damage
Targeted by DTR CL 88 CISCO (99636) - 17535 [22161] Damage


*** GTT Raiders ***

A small squadron of Kitten Slaughterer freighters was jumped by two GTT raiders in the Jasmine system, resulting in the dumping of some structural modules and no casualties on either side.

Kang’s ships always carry some extra meatsacks to dump during times of need. You don’t get much of a reaction boost to your velocity, but Kang enjoys watching partially frozen meatsacks bounce off the viewscreens of vessels behind him.


*** Meatsacks Destroyed ***

A large 200 hulled GTT vessel has been destroyed by the DTR in the Dryad system.

Kang trusts it had a large crew who perished brutally.


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


*** Worthless Tech For Sale By Vile Kitten Slaughterers ***

Hi all,

The DTR have a spare Armour mkIII tech for sale at the low low price of 300k. You can use this tech to increase the armour on your ships by moving to mkIII armour plates or to help if you are moving towards armour mkIV tech and don't have all the underlying tech.

The DTR are also willing to look at any trade deals for tech you might want so feel free to PM me or Sylvansight with any offers you are looking for. IMP/CNF and their league of anti-DTR supporters need not apply nor are they welcome within the Venice system.

Governor of DTR New Haeremai, in the Venice system.



*** Hunt Clues Win Big Die Hard ***

Kourdda Friends!

This week's clue is brought to you by letter "Arrrrrr" and the number "Me Hearties" :unsure:

Spoils of war for the rotten scoundrel

Scribbles


*** Brutal deathtraps for Sale By Scurrilious Meatsack ***

Kourdda,

New Elm ships are now available for a very reasonable $50,000.

Contact by PM if you would like to grab one before they go!

Scribbles




***** Brutal Reading Korner Of Death With Meatsack Wendy *****


Rejoice pitiful flesh-things, for Kang brings you another review by the meatsack known as Wendy. Though Kang cannot endorse the subject matter of Ender’s Game, Kang recognises that this piece of worthless human literature was popular with some. No doubt for ALL THE WRONG REASONS!

Kang offers his thanks to Meatsack Wendy.

Kang will let you speculate on what Kang’s ‘thanks’ look like.



Book Review: Ender's World: Fresh Perspectives on the SF Classic Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.

user image

Ender’s World is a collection of essays on Orson Scott Card’s classic, Ender's Game , which also features Q&As with fans, answered by Card himself. The introduction is written by Card and over those pages, he carefully analyzes and explains what the story of Ender’s Game and the character of Ender Wiggins mean and mean to him. He notes that none of this was in his head when he first wrote the short story decades ago. He just wrote what felt right, but as time passed and the book rose to its well-earned critical acclaim, his introduction shows just how much he cares for the character and the world he created. The collected works in this book identify people who have come to care for Ender and his Game as well, but for differing reasons. The variance in authors, from military strategist to TV show creator and more, indicates that Ender’s Game is a book that transcends the realm of science fiction and speaks to people of all walks of life.

My favourite essay was the first, “How It Should Have Ended,” where Eric James Stone laments that Ender’s story went on beyond his victory against the buggers to reveal a deeply depressed Ender who sought atonement in the sequels. In Stone’s first reading, he determined, like many, that the hero’s story should end with the victory parade. But when he read the book the second time and attempted to stop where he felt it should have ended, he realized he couldn’t. Because he realized that this story wasn’t just about a kid beating the odds stacked against him to create an elite team of soldiers, tricked into defeating a deadly enemy by willingly, but unwittingly sacrificing human lives – it’s a story about Ender Wiggins. A hero. A soldier. A child.

This is a theme that played strongly for me with Ender’s Game and its sequel, Speaker for the Dead because of my appreciation for Joseph Campbell’s The Hero With a Thousand Faces . I’m the person who forces herself to sit through the "Return to the Shire" at the end of Return of the King and loves Peter Jackson for including it even though, yes, it was pretty boring. But I will argue tooth and nail that it was necessary to show the path of the hero. There is no true victory celebration for a hero because the battle for him or her is always a Pyrrhic one. They might save their home and the people they love, but they sacrifice their souls to do so, leaving them no home to return to.

This is even more tragic for Ender because he is a child. He not only loses his home, but his childhood.

"The greatest horror of war is the fateful
transformation of our children into heroes."

The Outer Limits

Before I turn this into my own essay about what Ender’s Game means to me, let me simply recommend this book to any fan of the Ender saga. You may not enjoy or agree with all the points expressed, but hopefully you'll appreciate just how deeply this story has reached for some and why.

With the movie coming out soon, it becomes that much more relevant and gives me high hopes for how true to the book the film will be. It is clear from his introduction that Ender is Card’s baby and he wouldn’t allow his beloved on to the big screen without his supervision and the utmost care and dedication from those to whom he hands Ender over to.

With thanks to NetGalley for providing the opportunity to read and review this book.

4/5 Tentaclestars.

bibliosanctum.blogspot.ca/2013/07/book-review-enders-world-by-orson-scott.html

Subspace Static - Star Date 213.37  [Recruit]

No issue this week.

Subspace Static - Star Date 213.38  [Recruit]





Subspace Static - Star Date 213.38.5

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


*** Message From The Editor ***

Salutations puny flesh things, your beloved Editor, Overlord Kang, has been asked once again to bring you some words of wisdom before he embarks on brutalising this weeks news.

Some of you have been wondering what has happened to the regular Editor, or indeed any one of a number of the guest Editors who had not already perished in unfortunate Krell related incidents.

To wonder this makes Kang suspect you are being disloyal to him in some way, but not to worry meatsacks, Kang is happy to explain through the glory of moving pictures:

user image

Kang would like you to know that this is what happens to every meatsack that displays disloyalty.

Kang hopes you have a short and terror filled day before being fed into his Brutal Sausage Machine.


*** Enigma ***

Brutal blood-thirsty maniacs, the Dewiek, have this week continued their rampage throughout the Cluster Periphery by claiming the Enigma system as announced in the following press statement:


“This system is now part of the nation, the system charters have been updated and are to be followed.

The Confederacy are welcome to keep there base as long as it observes the charters and keep its enemy lists clear. Failure to comply will see it removed one way or another. You have until 39.5 to comply. The Mohache are also welcome to stay as long as the charters are observed and the MOH civilian claim is dropped.
You also have until 39.5 to comply. Failing to drop the civilian claim will see the nations diplomacy at work.

I have also updated the charters for the other systems of the nation. Ensure you comply.

High Lord Folkvar.”


Kang applauds the direct nature of this demand, and the latent threats of violence implicit within it!

The suspiciously peaceful Mohache responded to this demand with the following:


“It is with deep sadness that I read of your requests of us in the Enigma system, in particular with the historically excellent and trusting relationship between our peoples. The Enigma system has passed between many hands through the years, from Dewiek to Mohache (ceded to us during the Dewiek's fallow years, in kindness and honour of our terraforming and colonisation efforts in the system), to the Confederacy as a diplomatic matter, and now back to the Dewiek.

I will be more than happy to attempt to persuade our 1-million-something population to leave the Enigma system in order to drop their negligible claim for the Mohache government. However, this will of course involve us shipping the civilians elsewhere and may take some time. Doing so will, of course, wreck the planetary economy of Two and also wipe out the $20,000 weekly / $1,000,000 annual income for the system which the Dewiek now benefit from by having the population present.

However, I cannot condone allowing the Mohache base to support the system claim. As a neutral party, the Mohache do not support the system claims of other species. Once we have removed the population from Two I will be willing to discuss with High Lord Folkvar the sale of the Mohache assets after we have removed all Mohache troops and employees.

Anything else will of course be considered as an act of hostility to the Mohache nation.”

Kang is not certain if this peacenik Mohache statement also includes a latent threat of violence, but Kang suspects it does! AND THIS PLEASES KANG! Kang will enjoy seeing what response an act of hostility against the MOH will provoke from these loathsome farming meatsacks.

Though Kang suspects this will be settled as peacefully as yet another Whipping Boy capitulation.


*** CIA ***

KANG SEE’S WHAT YOU HAVE DONE THERE!


*** Meatsacks Shape Planet Into Less Lethal-To-Meatsacks Form ***

From the office of the GTT CEO:

For perhaps the first time in its history, it is raining on the planet of Seventeen, in the system of Adamski.

A while back, the GTT planted 10 sectors of Seventeen. The sectors were sown with Alien Plant Life to create grasslands. Although there is water on Seventeen, the GTT discovered that there was not enough water to ensure the survival of the grasslands that were created. Something had to be done and done fast. The GTT searched extensively within the system to locate a comet in order to deliver the needed water to Seventeen. A comet of suitable size was soon located. The comet was large enough to start a rain cycle, but too small to create a sea.

Last week, the GTT sent the comet hurtling towards the atmosphere of the planet Seventeen. The comet broke into smaller fragments prior to hitting the atmosphere, as was intended to happen. Some of the fragments fell directly to the surface, but most melted in the atmosphere and formed thick clouds. Liquid rain began to fall on the planet. The rain began to wash away much of the dust and reshape the surface of the planet. A process that continues to the current time.

There remain some fragments of the comet in orbit of Seventeen creating a very slight problem for orbiting ships. GTT scientists believe that the gravity of the planet will soon enough capture the remaining fragments and pull them towards the surface where they will be melted and turned into water as well.

The GTT's latest terraforming effort ends in success.


*** Psychotic Alien Thugs Win Bigger Stick ***

Ulians Join 'Antimatter Club'.

Sources close the the Ulian Stellar Navy today announced that a vessel has been successfully destroyed by antimatter, and granting the under-rated and oft-ignored navel force an offensive capability previously the exclusive domain of the superpower blocs; The DTR, IMP/CNF and Dewiek axis. (Mohache forces are widely believed to have antimatter capability, but have a 'we neither confirm or deny' policy when questioned on the matter. Dominion forces refuse to comment, but state 'anything can be yours for enough cash').

An Ulian spokes...being at first refused to comment, and then released the following 'non attributable' quote from the Ulian Supreme leader: "Yeah, you big boys! We big boys too now! We whup your ass, Mister la-de-dah viceroy. You the horrible stinking aliens round here, not us! Your 'great one' can kiss my shiney leather a****. The only unseen one who must be obeyed around here is ME".

The Ulian spokes... I think it was a he.. man was later unavailable for comment. And found lacking vocal chords, eight litres of body fluids and several metres of intestine.

The Independent stellar observer corps announced the unexplained detonation of an unarmed Ulian freighter in the Storm system. No other vessels appeared to be involved.


*** Hunt Things Murder Their Young ***

Kourdda Friends,

How about a clue to settle our stomachs after this morning's three course brunch? Why yes! What a wonderful idea. This one is not for turning (your stomachs)!

Lady of Freedom
Immortalised forever trader

Scribbles



***** Uncle Kang’s Column Of Agony ******

Dear Kang,

My neighbours just won’t stop playing loud music. What should I do?

Concerned of Mobile Bay.



Citizen Concerned,

You have failed to supply sufficient information to Kang to allow him to solve your problem. Specifically what species of meatsack are your neighbours?

Efficient and silent execution requires different techniques depending on what the species is. Human meatsacks are of course the simplest, as these fragile bags of flesh and bone break in the most hilariously easy manner. A simple solid blow to the larynx is likely to do the job here.

Whereas Hive are much more of a challenge, their natural carapace armour means you must utilise a variety of useful stabbing devices in order to take them down.

Due to your failure to provide this basic information, Kang has decided the simplest solution to your problem is simply to drive large iron spikes into your ears with a sledgehammer. This will stop you being concerned with noise, and satisfy Kang immensely.

Signed with steel spike,

KANG!



***** Read Or Die with Meatsack Wendy *****


Hawkeye, Vol. 1: My Life As A Weapon by Matt Fraction

The best part about this superhero story is that it's not a superhero story. This is about what Clint Barton gets up to when he’s not on the Avengers clock. The opening scene immediately sets the tone with Clint falling from a building, sardonically noting that, unlike almost every one of his teammates, he has no unusual powers or devices that will make such a fall easier to handle. As a result, he ends up severely wounded and the story takes up shortly after, when he is released from the hospital.

There are two reasons to like this book. The first is Hawkeye. This is the perfect introduction to a character I know little about beyond his stoic and limited movie appearance and his fabulous modelling career on the internet. Turns out Barton is a very nice, funny, self-deprecating guy. At one point, he implies that, outside of Captain America’s influence, he might not be as nice as he seems, but his actions throughout speak otherwise, especially in the first issue, which focuses on his recovery, a new pet and his neighbours. Despite his hefty Avengers salary, he lives in a rundown apartment building and frequently hangs out with his neighbours, half-heartedly proclaiming that he is not an Avenger (which is difficult to deny when the helicarrier shows up to give him a lift).

The second reason to like this book is Hawkeye. That is, Kate Bishop, who also claims the moniker as a Young Avenger, granted the title by Captain America himself. After their initial encounter, which is depicted in the issue of Young Avengers Presents included within this volume, the two Hawkeyes become fast friends and Kate appears regularly within the pages. Their relationship is that of a casual dynamic duo where, despite Bishop’s youth, she sometimes seems to be the much older and wiser one, while Barton displays an amusing and endearing recklessness that unsurprisingly gets them both into a lot of trouble. They make a great team and their back and forth banter gave me a lot of smiles.

This volume combines issues one to five of the Hawkeye series, and includes issue six of Young Avengers Presents. I really enjoyed the first three issues and give them five stars, but was a bit disappointed when the art changed for the 2-part story arc called The Tape. Javier Pulido’s art, while good and somewhat similar in style, lacked the more subtle lines and muted feel and colours of David Aja’s issues. There was not nearly enough mauve. The first three issues also featured, in the letters page, suggested listening to enhance your reading pleasure. When I noticed this in the first issue, I made sure to skip to the end of the next to find out what I should be listening to as I enjoyed the story. This feature sadly did not continue.

I was also disappointed in "The Tape" storyline because Maria Hill, Captain America and Nick Fury showed up and sent Barton on a mission. While the story was good and Bishop was involved, it lacked the intimacy and unpredictability that had developed in the first three issues. The appearance of the Avengers felt like an unwelcome intrusion on the private, downtime world of Barton and Bishop.

Finally, the Young Avengers issue served as a useful introduction to the character’s relationship, but I felt it was an unnecessary inclusion that once again intruded on the characters and stories I’d cuddled up with at the beginning of my reading session.

Despite these disappointments, I will still say that I really enjoyed this read and have a whole new appreciation for both characters. I’m sure I can get over these quirks in order to continue with the series.

4 tentacles out of 5.



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

Animation is from Pink Floyd’s The Wall, gif was made by… somebody on the internet. No infringement is intended. Watch the movie, it’s great. Included as an experiment in bringing moving images to the SSS.

S.

Subspace Static - Star Date 213.39  [Recruit]

No issue this week.

Subspace Static - Star Date 213.40  [Recruit]



Subspace Static - Star Date 213.40.2

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


*** Message From The Editor ***

Your beloved editor Overlord Kang wishes a deadly pox upon all of your houses.

HERE IS THE NEWS!


*** Empire Of Humanity Broken? ***

The grand alliance between the IMP and CNF appears to have ended this week, with one or both parties cancelling their official alliance.

Kang is uncertain if this means the two parties are truly no longer allied however, or if it is about some sort of confusing bureaucratic manipulation of system enemy lists that Kang does not understand.

Kang would have tried to contact the pathetic snivelling flesh-thing known as Lysander for comment, but frankly Kang would rather smash his forehead against a wall than spend one moment more speaking to those ghastly naked ape creatures.


*** DNA Implicated In Piracy? ***

GCE Meatsack Scout ships searching for the renegade Lucas Cage have reportedly discovered the following in the Persian system:

Quote:
Entering orbit of Ahura Mazda (3995)
Scanned: PIR STARBASE XENOS ILARNEK (6577) - {3-17} 1020 kMus - Hiport
PRV OUTPOST DROPS MARKET 207 (10570) - {19-1} 1 kMus - Hiport
DNA SHIP FNF LIBERTY (19397) - {75 Light Hulls} Caravel Class Fast Freighter {No Armour}
DNA STARBASE FNF NAPLIA (43273) - {9-36} 328 kMus - Hiport
PIR OUTPOST YS-MO AHURA MAZDA MT-01 (53749) - {22-37} 11 kMus
PIR OUTPOST YS-MO AHURA MAZDA HY-01 (70460) - {23-36} 232 kMus
DNA PLATFORM PERSIAN GUARD (81277) - 1000 Hulls
MRC SHIP CAGE'S R US (93150) - {19-1} - {50 Normal Hulls} Survey Cruiser Class Explorer {Light Armour}

This appears to raise a number of interesting questions regarding the co-habitation of this motly selection of meatsacks.


*** DEN Cease Hostilities vs CNF ***

Dewiek Press Release:

I would like to announce the cession of the hunt against the CNF. Though through the past few months the rednecks and their lesser allies (those crazed wrinkly monks) have been more than vocal in their threats and started the hunt by attacking
trade ships around corewards and other areas of various neutral affiliations - they have now been comprehensibly beaten by a loose knit alliance of affiliations.

Though we could continue the hunt we feel no particular need to grind a beaten enemy into the dust. They have rollen on their backs to confirm our dominance and we will leave it at that.

Official news aside may I raise a howl for the fallen of the Dewiek and our allies in this glorious combat - the FLZ, HEX FCN and FEL.

Our enemies may have been beaten like a pimp having discovered his shiny gold suit is not armour when challenging the local hells angel brigade - but they did at least attempt to fight and we love nothing more than a good fight. So I raise another howl for the brave opposition. Glory to your warriors as well. Next time may I recommend more fight and less mouthing. Or perhaps weaker opposition.

Gath-Edhoras


*** Aliens On The March ***

From the office of the CEO of the GTT

The TCA squadron previously parked at Pollux A10 has moved further into the Inner Empire. The GTT had been hard at work to turn the platform at Pollux A10 into a TCA killing machine. A powerful detachment of warships waited in Trinity for the work to be completed. The intent was for the Task Group to enter the system of Pollux, engage the TCA and be supported by fire from the 5,000 hull platform. Unfortunately, the TCA moved on before we could spring our trap on them.

Worse yet, the TCA moved onto the system of Ross where they began bombarding two of our outposts on friday. The outposts have returned fire, but our missiles have been unable to penetrate the TCA's point defenses. The TCA warship that opened fire on our outposts has suffered zero damage.

The TCA squadron appears to be generally heading in the direction of the Varitang wormhole. The FCN has reported a similar squadron in the Cluster apparently heading for the Caribbean wormhole which exits in Varitang. It appears that both TCA squadrons are attempting to merge at that location for some unknown purpose.

The GTT, our allies and friends are making plans to deal with this situation. We shall move against them as soon as practical. Wish us good fortune in the upcoming battle.



*** Psychotic Aliens Cozying Up? ***

Kang knew his praise of the Dewiek was jumping the gun, as Kang has learnt that the DEN are now claiming the Titan system for the IMP.

KANG DOES NOT UNDERSTAND! The only good human is a dead human. Or a soon to be dead human. Or a human on the torture wrack. Who is also soon to be dead. YOU KNOW WHAT KANG MEANS!

Could this be why the IMP and CNF are no longer allied? Was a secret deal cut between the IMP and DEN to stab the CNF in the back? Are the MOH secretly behind it all? KANG INVITES YOU TO SPECULATE!


*** Outpost Smashed ***

With rumours of miners throughout the so-called ‘Empire Of Humanity’ starting to talk about going on strike unless they can be better protected from the depredations of Detinus Republic raiders, Kang is pleased to present footage of yet another mining facility being reduced to so much molten slag:

> GTT Erasure Ast Mine C1 (99687) - Outpost
> Targeted by DTR CL 28 ARGONAUT (77575) - 7603 [8359] Damage
> Targeted by DTR CL 28 GRAYLING (5566) - 15759 [17212] Damage
> Targeted by DTR CL 28 GRUNION (30962) - 19227 [21262] Damage
> Targeted by DTR CL 28 NEW GEORGIA (50338) - 14855 [16649] Damage
> Targeted by DTR CL 28 SALAMAUA (36908) - 16368 [17999] Damage
> Targeted by DTR CL 28 WAGRAM (97121) - 14849 [16483] Damage
> Targeted by DTR CL 28 DRESDEN (25489) - 20141 [21937] Damage
> Targeted by DTR CL 28 NEW BRITAIN (48165) - 10138 [11249] Damage
> Targeted by DTR CL 28 RUNNER (52575) - 17503 [19011] Damage
> Targeted by DTR CL 28 AMAZON II (62995) - 19795 [21869] Damage
> Targeted by DTR CL 28 MARENGO (11975) - 14125 [15566] Damage
> Targeted by DTR CL 28 TRITON (76620) - 15931 [17436] Damage
> Targeted by DTR CL 28 YELNYA II (82279) - 10443 [11340] Damage
> Targeted by DTR CL 28 MILNE BAY (34640) - 18705 [20249] Damage
> Targeted by DTR CL 28 PICKEREL (38408) - 18204 [19798] Damage
> Targeted by DTR CL 28 MAGICIENNE (91765) - 19187 [21058] Damage


*** The Very Opposite Of Mass Destruction ***

A single tedious DTR outpost consisting of a Hiport has been destroyed by GTT raiders in the Jasmine system. There was no loss of life. And as far as Kang can see, absolutely no interest in this pointless story of human meatsackery.

You see, this is why Kang always ties some slaves to the outsides of all of his facilities, so that if something does get destroyed, at least there is a body count.

Body counts make everything better.


*** Mohache Join In With General Tedious DTR Bashing ***

The MOH appear to have fired an opening salvo against the vile kitten slaughtering Detinus Republic, as they have dropped their claim in the Gendarren system in support of the DTR, and appear to be attempting to claim the system for themselves in breach of some sort of ‘treaty’.

Kang has little regard for you meatsacks and your ‘treaties’. The only treaties the superior Flagritz race consider worth keeping are those signed with sentients, which is to say, other members of the Flagritz race.

Would you honour a treat signed with a fungus that grows in your dungeon? Would you honour a treaty signed with a Krell? No, of course not, so why would you even bother with the things? You meatsacks confuse Kang sometimes.


*** Tau Ceti ***

Kang has learnt that junior-league psychopaths the Ulians have refused to be bound by the 'Tau Ceti Convention'.

One Ulian Spokesman spoke to Kang explaining their reasoning for this as being because: "Nobody will tell us where it is, for a start".

Kang wishes you well, psychotic periphery dwellers! Nothing improves your day quite like weapons of mass destruction. USE THEM JOYOUSLY! And use them on Felini. They are particularly amusing when they catch on fire and start running around in circles.



*** True One Dead ***

Happy news for the Peripheries as yet another of the puny human meatsacks attempts at Periphery hegemony has been blown out of the water by brave alien researchers this week:

Ulians move relations with Brotherhood to 'Frosty'.
After a long period of investigation, involving 'Stress and distructive testing', the Ulians have proved, to their own satisfaction, the non-existance of the 'True one'. An Ulian spokesman said "This is our considered response. Either the guy does exist and he isn't talking to us, or he doesn't, and the whole thing is a galaxy-wide extortion racket. The Brotherhood say he doesn't like us very much anyway, so where's the downside? They can consider our monthly subscription to 'The Inquisitor' cancelled, that's for certain.


*** FCN Press Release ***

Falconian forces have responded to a report of TCA activity in the cluster. TCA ships have previously been implicated in meklanising populations, a process we abhor.
The initial contact TCA SHIP SUICIDE IS PAINLESS (89985) - {400 Heavy Hulls} was lost but two more TCA vessels were found and engaged in battle. The substantial defences of the TCA ships were being slowly abraded however the TCA vessels fled the second days combat. TCA Eager to Please (42780) is thought to have taken about 30% damage and TCA Hero's Demise (14562) about 15%. Our fleet lost a 200HH and a 150HH ship. A 50HH gunboat survived this damage from a TCA ship passing through the system
Incoming Fire from TCA Wrath (79298)
Round 1: 4 TCA Plasmas
- 3 hits - 14117 [14400] damage - 91%
The TCA ships have been detected today at the Caribbean system Wormhole. This links to the Inner Empire. A large TCA freighter is also present suggesting these ships are not merely sightseeing. Be concerned.
CNF OUTPOST SPACE DEPOT CARIBBEAN (7173) - {0-0} 36 kMus
TCA SHIP HERO'S DEMISE (14562) - {400 Heavy Hulls}
Tca Adult Class Capital Ship {Advanced Heavy Armour}
TCA SHIP PACIFICATION - IOTA (24246) - {400 Light Hulls}
Tca Vessel Class Freighter {Heavy Ablative Armour}
TCA SHIP LARGELY TERMINAL (25898) - {400 Heavy Hulls}
Tca Adult Class Capital Ship {Advanced Heavy Armour}
TCA SHIP EAGER TO PLEASE (42780) - {400 Heavy Hulls}
Tca Adult Class Capital Ship {Advanced Heavy Armour}
CNF OUTPOST MILLIWAYS (43905) - {0-0} 19 kMus
TCA SHIP WRATH (79298) - {400 Heavy Hulls}
Tca Adult Class Capital Ship {Advanced Heavy Armour}
TCA SHIP SUICIDE IS PAINLESS (89985) - {400 Heavy Hulls}
Tca Adult Class Capital Ship {Advanced Heavy Armour}



*** Breaking News ***

Reports are surfacing that the leadership of the Mohache may just have perished in a brutal assassination attempt.

Kang hopes it was exceptionally brutal.



***** Uncle Kang’s Column Of Agony ******

Dear Kang,

I’ve had a run of bad relationships, but I think I might have finally found Mister Right. How do I properly open up and trust again?

Worried Of Venus.



Citizen Worried,

There are a number of excellent sidearms available to civilians without military licences. Many prefer concentrated high-energy devices in this modern era, but Kang is a traditionalist and still has a preference for chemical energy combustable firearms. You simply do not get a good kick from a photon blaster, plus, Kang has but two words for you – ‘exit wounds’.

Kang recommends purchasing the largest calibre sidearm you can safely discharge without fracturing your puny meatsack wrists, and some dum-dum ammunition to maximise exit wound strategy. In this way… wait, what was your problem again?

Signed with spare ammunition.

KANG!



***** Reading Is A Lot Like Landmines – You Never Know What’s Gonna Happen When You Walk Through That Field - with Meatsack Wendy *****


World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks

user image

The thing that sets this zombie story apart from the others I've experienced is right there in the title: WORLD War Z. So many other zombie stories are America-centric and work on the vague notion that the epidemic is occurring elsewhere in the world, but there is no interaction with anyone but the small pocket of main characters within the United States. Isolation is a huge part of those stories, which ups the tension and emotion, but it always bothers me that a global apocalypse seems to immediately reduce the world to a handful of people right from the start.

In this case, it starts with a handful of people in China, a small village identified as ground zero, the source of the epidemic, then moves throughout the world as the author interviews various survivors of the horrific events. Brooks has already compiled enough information for an official report on the events, but because of all the information he learned doing so, he is compelled to write a more human report. This is another difference about the book that appeals to me: few of the survivor stories are coming from the "regular" people. A lot of the stories come from people responsible for some of the major decisions and events that took place in the war. It is interesting to note how many interviews take place within various types of institutions, or comment on the breakdowns of the people in power after they are forced to make decisions that amount to the sacrifice of thousands of innocent human lives to contain and ultimately destroy the undead.

The nature of the recounts does not allow for a lot of emotional attachment to any of the characters and the emotions of the characters themselves has to be extrapolated by the reader based on the stories they tell. Ironically, my favourite story was the one of Paul Redeker. An apparently emotionless man who turned the tides of the epidemic in Africa through the implementation of a controversial plan.

I also really liked that this wasn't just about fighting the zombies. It was a surprisingly in depth look at the various government and military institutions around the world. Their reactions to the event are very realistic and remained so throughout. And in the end, no one country could claim any kind of victory. There is also a lot of emphasis on the guilt that comes with "just following orders."

Because the book occurs after the events, there is no sense of immediate danger. This might not work for some readers, and evidently, it doesn't work for the upcoming movie, which clearly pits Brad Pitt against the zombies. I also notice that the zombies are more like freaky carpenter ants in the trailer, speedily climbing over each other to swarm their targets. There is a small moment in the book that describes the zombies as a "swarm," which I suspect is what inspired the movie interpretation of their movement habits, but otherwise, the book maintains the shambling corpse that is zombie flick standard.

Four Tentacles Out Of Five.

Subspace Static - Star Date 213.40.5 - Invasion Newsflash!  [Recruit]

Subspace Static - Star Date 213.40.5 - Invasion Newsflash!

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


*** Message From The Editor ***

Rejoice puny flesh-things, your beloved and benevolent Overlord Kang has an emergency newsflash for you!

PREPARE FOR EXCITEMENT!


*** TCA INVADE! ***

Kang has learnt that a large fleet of TCA vessels has concentrated and launched an invasion of the Inner Empire of puny humanity!


Even now these huge but prone-to-explosion sinister alien warships are stalking through Inner Empire systems on their way to whatever their target happens to be.

Kang still understands that the dread Meklan Baron LiQuan might be the guiding hand behind this brutal invasion, so Kang fully expects their plan to be laced with extra evilness and brutality, as one would expect of the renowned psychotic cybernetic alien loonie LiQuan.

More news and hopefully brutal footage of rampaging Meklan annihilating planetary populations as soon as Kang receives it!


*** TCA SPOTTED! ***

TCA vessels have been spotted in orbit of a gas giant in the Sparta system, within easy reach of many large puny human worlds.


*** TCA Explained For Moronic Meatsacks ***

A worthless underling has just suggested to Kang that he should explain what TCA stands for, for the benefit of those new to the Peripheries.

Kang has no truck with this concept of explaining things to puny ignorant meatsacks. REMAIN IGNORANT! MEATSACKS!

But Kang will tell you that TCA stands for ‘Terran Colony Annihilators’.

Kang simply hopes that the TCA will be upgraded to the THA – ‘Terran Homeworld Annihilators’.

KANG CHEERS YOU ON! BRUTAL TCA!

*** Invasion Force Readied! ***

Kang has received the following scan of just one of the TCA ships, Kang notes with delight the massive invasion force of Meklan ready to brutally occupy and convert innocent screaming civilians into more cold-hearted Meklan drones.

TU 130: Detailed Scan {98424}
Scanned:
TCA SHIP INVASION (98424) - {400 Light Hulls}
Tca Carrier Class Freighter {Heavy Armour}
Aff: TCA
LifeForms: 19916
Class: Tca Carrier
Hulls: 400 TCA Carrier Hulls (120039)
Armour: 91 Armour Plate mkIVs (453)
Hull Damage: None
Max Boarders: 3616

INSTALLED ITEMS
97 Gatling Laser mkIV (218)
3 High Gain Shield Modulator (123)
45 ISR Type 4 Engines (155)
50 Jammers (112)
3 Jump Drive - Backup (176)
20 Meklan Pod (120037)
25 Sensor mkIV (106)
20 Shield Generators mkIV (122)
270 Shields mkIV (118)
1 TCA Control Deck (1650)
1 TCA Mind (1651)
5 TCA Scutter Bay (1652)
10 Thrust Engine mkIV (163)

CARGO
19908 Meklan - Naplian (713)
1 Meklan Control Unit (860)
Total TU cost for this action is 50


*** Terrified Meatsacks Unite ***

Faced with the hopefully inevitable destruction of their homeworld, Kang understands the warring factions of so-called ‘humanity’ have reached some sort of agreement where they have agreed to stop killing each other, and try to deal with the TCA invasion instead.

Could it be? Have the IMP/CNF/GTT/CIA/etc buried the hatchet with the brutal kitten slaughtering DTR? Are they going to collaborate in the face of this existential threat to the future of their species? KANG FEARS IT MAY BE TRUE!

Kang suspects the DTR may not be entirely trusting of any ‘treaties’ signed by the IMP and CNF after what happened to them last time though and Kang fully expects the treacherous Whipping Boy Confederacy to attempt to stab the DTR in the back again, if they can find a patch of DTR back that hasn’t been thoroughly stabbed already.

KANG PREDICTS THIS CAN ONLY END AMUSINGLY!



*** MOH Claim Dropped ***

The dread MOH have dropped their Gendarren claim.

This has little to do with the TCA invasion, but Kang mentions it anyway.

DO NOT QUESTION KANG!



***** Uncle Kang’s Column Of Agony ******

Dear Kang,

I’m afraid the TCA are going to invade and unleash their Meklan hordes upon me and my family, please advise!

Terrified Of Earth.



Citizen Terrified,

AH HAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHA! DIE PUNY EARTH-THING!

Signed with much joy,

KANG.



***** Read Or Die, Preferably Die, with Meatsack Wendy *****



Elfland (Aetherial Tales, #1) by Freda Warrington

user image


It’s hard not to judge a book by its cover when the cover is as beautiful as this. Especially when, as you read along, you discover that the imagery isn’t just there merely for aesthetic value, but actually does reflect the story itself.

For me, slipping into Elfland was like overhearing bits of an intriguing conversation. I sort of knew what the conversation was about, and was enticed to learn more as Warrington allowed me into this secret world of Aetherials – fae creatures living along side us in the human world.

The story centres around the Fox family whose lives are intertwined with the cold, sometimes violent members of the Wilder family. Every seven years, the Aetherials gather at Freya’s Crown to re-enter and reconnect with the Spiral on the other side of the Great Gates, but Lawrence Wilder refuses them entry this time, warning them of a great and deadly foe from whom he, as the chosen Gatekeeper, must protect them. Sealing the gates serves as the underlying conflict of the story, with the adult Aetherials angry at Lawrence’s decision, while the younger ones lose their opportunity to truly understand their heritage since they are not allowed to participate in the ritual until they are sixteen. The broken connection to the Spiral also means that the Aetherials will eventually lose their powers and even their memories of being Aetherials at all.

Warrington takes the reader through the lives of these families, mainly seen through Rosie Fox, the main character, but with occasional points of view from others, including her younger brother Lucas and the troubled Wilder boys, Jon and Sam. I really liked the smooth transition through time, beginning with the children at a young age, travelling through to adulthood and all the strange and very human issues they all deal with along the way. Their Aetherial natures play a part through the story, but it is almost secondary. I became so wrapped up in their lives that when the Gates were inevitably opened three quarters of the way in and we get to see the other side, I was a bit upset because I wanted their normal human lives back, crazy emotional conflicts and dysfunctions and all! I managed to get over this and was then swept away in the beauty and magic of Elfland and may have shed a few tears over the wonderful, not quite fairytale ending.

My only disappointment is a minor one over all. It involves the human characters whose depiction and motivations are a bit shallow. One human in particular serves merely as a plot device with obvious outcomes and the character becomes somewhat unjustifiably vilified because of it. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the second, which I already own because… just look at that pretty cover…

 
News
PayPal.Me/creditKJCaccount
Don't forget to include your account number in the message.
 
user image

*** Inter Galactic News ***

Solo claim swings back and forth

The situation in Solo appears to be getting even more heated. First the NHS dropped 600,000 troops to contest the system and then the DTR answered with enough troops of their own to trump the NHS claim. The NHS found yet more troops, taking the contesting claim up to 750,000 and once again the DTR answered, bringing Solo back under DTR control. Now the NHS have had a look down the back of the sofa and found yet more troops, taking the contesting claim to a massive 900,000 trained troops. We wait to see if the DTR have an answer to this. We can only guess where all these troops are coming from, but what is clear is that the established affiliations clearly have far larger armies than many thought.
 
user image

*** Inter Galactic News ***

NHS attempt to claim Solo away from DTR

In a shock move the NHS have contested the Solo claim with a huge garrison of 600,000 trained troops. In a move that nobody saw coming, especially as it was unknown the NHS had such a large force of troops to draw upon, the NHS seem to be provoking a response from the DTR. Currently there has been no word from the DTR in how they are going to deal with this claim jumping, although rumours are that they are pretending the Solo claim doesn't really matter to them and so action is unlikely. However this may be a smokescreen and we may yet see the DTR's powerful fleet cause havoc in the system of Solo, which has for a long time been an important junction and fought over by many different factions.

DNA Chairman TonTon resigns

The following communication has been leaked from the DNA to the GTT's PD.

Greetings CEO Fox.
It regrets me to have to inform to you that the DNA nation state will be renouncing its claim on Aladdin system following a ceremony planet side, shortly.
However, it gives me great pleasure to have to inform you that these ceremonies are being planned by Vladimir Tavikovitch, the South Road Traffic Coordinator. He is also responsible for all DNA and .ore. assets in the Outer Naplian (Capellan) periphery so if there are any further issues, please take it up with him.
For any and all other matters, please forward your request directly to the DNA directorate services at NexusID: DNA people.
The Foreign Ministry objects one last time to your illegal claim jump of Aladdin, but we realise it is time to de-escalate.
Normally i would sign off with Naambta, but doing so would be hypocritical. Let me say good riddance instead.
I hereby resign in protest!

Chairman TonTon,
Foreign Minister, DNA
cc: Directorate Services personnel coordinator - !urgent resignation!


DTR threaten WMB with fines for multiple breaches of DTR Law

Lady Sylvansight of the DTR has issued a fine of 1,000,000 stellars to the Wimbles for multiple breaches of DTR Penal and Territorial Law. This seems a very brave move of the DTR to risk upsetting the huge and warlike WMB when they also have the rival NHS Solo system claim to deal with. No word has been recieved yet that the Wimbles are going to pay, but if the formidable WMB warfleet is seen heading for the DTR home systems we will know what their thought are on the matter. The DTR and WMB fleets going head to head would be a sight to behold.

*** Affiliations ***

AFT Association of Free Traders (54) - Marion Tweedy
BLG Bolg Organisation (22) - Akhenaten
CIA Combined Intelligence Agency (64) - Laton CIA
DNA Displaced Natives Asylum (66) - DNA people
DTR Detinus Republic (58) - Morley Decker
DWK Dewiek Packs (19) - <Unknown>
FCN Falconian Republic (70) – Graspien
FEL Felini Tyranny (49) - Kr'Shan
FLZ Flagritz Republic (47) - Kayxaer
FET Frontier Exploration & Trade (56) - Cu Chulainn
GTT Galactic Trade & Transport (52) - Xavier Fox
HEX Hexamon (23) - Tranquility
KRL Krell (30) - Namica
KRT Krell of the Reverence Temple (37) - Cyn
KST Kastor Kastorians (12) - Kastor
MOH Mohache (73) – Listens
NHS Noble Houses (41) – Roy Roberts
NLF Naplian Liberation Front (38) - NLFHQ
SMS Stellar Mining and Smelting (53) - MikhailM
WMB Wimble Nations (25) - zz

* Leader MAY be inactive, affiliation may be active
** Only known contact, please update us if this is incorrect.

NPC / FoC: ARC, CIV, CGT, FRE, HBO, HEF, IND, ISP, JCN, MEK, MRC, PIR, PRV, TCA, TRN, KAS
Inactive: ANT, COD, BHD, DEN, DOM, GCE, HVE, IDC, IMP, RIP, RCF, SKW, TAG,

*** Submissions ***

By private message to The Editor or via Mica if you prefer to remain anonymous.
 
user image

*** Inter Galactic News ***

DNA and GTT clash over Aladdin system claim while Pirates look on.

The GTT have this week launched an attack on the DNA outpost in Aladdin, in what appears to be little more than a turkey shoot. Around 100,000 GTT Naplian Startroopers attacked the DNA position to remove the rival system claim. Reports indicate the DNA garrison were taken by surprise and lost control of the base in the first few hours of the fighting. The base has since been reflagged from [Free Naplian Capital] Peaceful Protest to [Loyal Naplian Capital] DNA claim Ended so it's fair to say there was a clear message being sent by the GTT. We have been waiting for the DNA leadership to comment but so far they have been unusually silent. No doubt when they have crawled out from under their desks they will have something to say on the matter.

While this attack was going on several pirate ships were also seen in Aladdin, according to the GTT in what may be true or may be a diversion, with reports of a pirate GP and scout being destroyed while a 150HH pirate warship slipped away and escaped from incoming anti-pirate patrols.

Secret meeting of the EEM

A recent communication intercepted by one of our top reporters today made us aware of a meeting of the EEM. This is underway in a top secret location called Black Pool, which sounds suspiciously like the lair of a pirate band. After pulling in many favours, we were able to identify some of the attending members. On the bases that they won't be named we were able to find out some slight information of the subjects to be discussed at the meeting and one thing is for certain, there could be huge impacts to the lives of everybody living in the galaxy. Details to follow. When the shadowy figures of the EEM come together with the top political players in a pirate base the possibilities are endless!


You are never more than 6 systems from a RAT 🐀

A new saying has arisen in the bars and spaceport of starbases throughout the many peripheries; you are never more than 6 systems from a RAT.

It is understood that this saying originated in Yank and spread by trade vessels to peripheries far and wide. Many starbases have heightened their security and added additional sensors and locks to various entry points including foul and grey water outfalls. Beer and drug stocks are undergoing increased proofing to avoid the critters gaining entry and consuming the stockpiles.

Will this present as a new plague of proportions never before seen or is this some simple urban myth being spread for the amusement of some mischievous entity? Who knows, but to be certain... check the shadows.

 
This year we will again be returning to the Briardene Hotel. They were welcoming, the bar didn't run out of beer pre-covid and there was room for quiet chats. Along with Wetherspoons there is the Victoria just down the road (Sam Smiths - last time beer was around 2 shillings per pint and a full round was less than £10).

Mostly drinking beer and talking toot though we have a good few things on the agenda.

Bookings are done directly with the hotel. Book by phone and say that you are with KJC Games

Briardene Hotel
Telephone: +44(0)1253 338300
All staff should be able to deal with the booking but if there are any problems ask for Tracy (manager) as she dealt with all our foibles in previous years.
 
user image

*** Inter Galactic News ***

Dog days are over

With the fall of the DEN and the implosion of their home territory as the AFT, DTR and GTT moved in, it was unlikely the Dewiek would rise again. The DWP gave the species a little hope with the Dewiek Pocket Periphery kept under lock and key. But news has reached us of the AFT's penetration of this private area of space that's been locked down. With a base and claim in one of the three visible systems it seems that the end of the Dewiek is near. A once noble and aggressive race, determined to make an impact on the galaxy is now little more than a species that lives under the command of others. A sad end to a once powerful species that used to control a significant part of known space.

Pirate activity continues

Yet more reports of pirate activity have been received, one from the WMB, losing a freighter in Solo and another from the FET who reported they had engaged and hit the attacking pirate ship with several weapons before it managed to make off with it's prize. Hopefully the pirate ship took significant damage and will now be out of action for some time. The Corewards periphery seems to have been plagued with pirates recently and many travellers would welcome a break from attacks.


MEK incursion into Corewards

The FET and GTT have mounted a joint venture into Nog-Kesri to tackle a MEK force. It isn't known where they have come from, with the only other MEK ships seen so far being located in the Orion Spur. The lack of a known link between where they have appeared in Corewards and the Orion Spur has caused some concern among planetary populations as who knows where they could turn up next! Fortunately the combined FET/GTT task force dealt the MEK a heavy blow and the threat has been eradicated. But we all know this is unlikely to be the last we hear of the MEK in Corwards and we would encourage ship captains to keep a keen eye on thier sensor screens when travelling near Nog-Kesri.

 
user image

*** Inter Galactic News ***

  • CIA freighter fights off overwhelming pirate forces

  • Fin Saine media broadcast, What is Hot in the galaxy?!?!

  • MEKlan forces attack in Corewards Arm


  •  
    user image

    *** Inter Galactic News ***

    Aladdin faces ongoing DNA/GTT tension

    The tensions between the DNA and GTT in the Coptuv system recently spilled over into the DNA system of Aladdin. A significant party of GTT ground troops has reinforced one of their bases in the system and claimed it, forcing the system claim into turmoil as the DNA finds itself under threat of losing the system. With the DNA chairman asking for help, several affiliations have been seen sending ships to evacuate any in the local population that want to escape the GTT. But so far not a shot has been fired and despite the AFT, FEL and DTR assistance no reisistance to the claim jump has been encountered so far. It remains to be seen if the DNA and it's friends will scatter before this hostile take over or put in a last minute counter claim to thwart GTT intentions.

    Increasing pirate activity

    Recent reports indicate a new surge in pirate attacks with the AFT and GTT reporting ships lost. Knowing how some don't like to advertise losses we wouldn't be surprised if this is the tip of the iceberg. Reports passed to us show the ship PIR Scavenger running ID 43174 and another ship of the same name running ID 68668 have both been in action with successful boarding attempts. It's unknown whether these are seperate ships or the same ship reregistered, but our information suggests that it would be hard for these pirates to cover the space where these attacks happened with just one ship. One thing is for sure, be on your guard as open space is not as safe as it once was.


    GCE ships loitering in deep space

    After the fall of the GCE and a lot of their assets being shared or purchased it was thought that the affiliation was no more. Yet deep space scans indicate that there is still a significant number of GCE warships holding station in deep space between Coptuv and Yank on the transport route into the Corwards Arm. Nobody knows what these ships are up to and why they are still flagged GCE, but our best guess is that are captains either awaiting new orders or owners after the fall of the GCE command structure.


    *** Affiliations ***

    AFT Association of Free Traders (54) - Marion Tweedy
    BLG Bolg Organisation (22) - Akhenaten
    BHD Brotherhood (63) - de Molay
    CIA Combined Intelligence Agency (64) - Laton CIA
    DNA Displaced Natives Asylum (66) - DNA people
    DTR Detinus Republic (58) - Morley Decker
    DWK Dewiek Packs (19) - <Unknown>
    FCN Falconian Republic (70) – Graspien
    FEL Felini Tyranny (49) - Kr'Shan
    FLZ Flagritz Republic (47) - Kayxaer
    FET Frontier Exploration & Trade (56) - Cu Chulainn
    GTT Galactic Trade & Transport (52) - Xavier Fox
    HEX Hexamon (23) - Tranquility
    KRL Krell (30) - Namica
    KRT Krell of the Reverence Temple (37) - Cyn
    KST Kastor Kastorians (12) - Kastor
    MOH Mohache (73) – Listens
    NHS Noble Houses (41) – Roy Roberts
    NLF Naplian Liberation Front (38) - NLFHQ
    SMS Stellar Mining and Smelting (53) - MikhailM
    WMB Wimble Nations (25) - zz

    * Leader MAY be inactive, affiliation may be active
    ** Only known contact, please update us if this is incorrect.

    NPC / FoC: ARC, CIV, CGT, FRE, HBO, HEF, IND, ISP, JCN, MEK, MRC, PIR, PRV, TCA, TRN, KAS
    Inactive: ANT, COD, DEN, DOM, GCE, HVE, IDC, IMP, RIP, RCF, SKW, TAG,

    *** Submissions ***

    By private message to The Editor or via Mica if you prefer to remain anonymous.
     
    user image

    *** Inter Galactic News ***

    Tension in the Corewards Arm

    With the DNA obtaining several ex-GCE bases in the Coreward Arm it has found itself in the middle of an asset grab of serious proportions and aggression. Our reporters witnessed several GTT troop carriers heading for the Corewards system as the DNA published information suggesting they were accidental owners of the system and that the assets were to be moved on. As the GTT ships started to arrive the bases were quickly passed to the CIA, thus thwarting the GTT intentions as they were hardly likely to start dropping troops on their allies bases. This shrew move by the DNA seems to have calmed matters in the Coreward arm temporarily, although the shift in relations between the GTT and DNA has taken a negative turn. When asked what their next move might be the GTT refused to comment.

    GCE collapse

    The GCE are no more, save for some scattered light freighters. The affiliation which enjoyed a sharp rise and profiltable relations with many has ceased trading. Rumors point to the GTT buying up GCE assets before stripping the rival corporation of anything of value. Although our reporters at the SSS have been quick to point out that any GCE assets not in GTT systems have been taken over by both the DNA and FET. So it seems many different affiliations were able to profit from this development including a new group called the HSH who appear to have taken over the GCE war fleet. No doubt many in the peripheries will be watching with interest where these ships are used, who the HSH are and how they were able to get thier hands on so many warships so quickly.


    Secudus trials

    In the Cluster Secudus has continued his trials, claiming to root out terrorists working against the Empire. With tends of thousands of beings being sent to the camps or worse. There is no sign of these actions stopping as the NHS clamp down on the locals and bring them under the harsh control of the Empire.


    *** Affiliations ***

    AFT Association of Free Traders (54) - Marion Tweedy
    BLG Bolg Organisation (22) - Akhenaten
    BHD Brotherhood (63) - de Molay
    CIA Combined Intelligence Agency (64) - Laton CIA
    DNA Displaced Natives Asylum (66) - DNA people
    DTR Detinus Republic (58) - Morley Decker
    DWK Dewiek Packs (19) - <Unknown>
    FCN Falconian Republic (70) – <Unknown>
    FEL Felini Tyranny (49) - Juris
    FLZ Flagritz Republic (47) - Kayxaer
    FET Frontier Exploration & Trade (56) - Cu Chulainn
    GTT Galactic Trade & Transport (52) - Xavier Fox
    HEX Hexamon (23) - Tranquility
    KRL Krell (30) - Namica
    KRT Krell of the Reverence Temple (37) - Cyn
    KST Kastor Kastorians (12) - Kastor
    MOH Mohache (73) – Listens
    NHS Noble Houses (41) – Roy Roberts
    NLF Naplian Liberation Front (38) - NLFHQ
    SMS Stellar Mining and Smelting (53) - MikhailM
    WMB Wimble Nations (25) - zz

    * Leader MAY be inactive, affiliation may be active
    ** Only known contact, please update us if this is incorrect.

    NPC / FoC: ARC, CIV, CGT, FRE, HBO, HEF, IND, ISP, JCN, MEK, MRC, PIR, PRV, TCA, TRN, KAS
    Inactive: ANT, COD, DEN, DOM, GCE, HVE, IDC, IMP, RIP, RCF, SKW, TAG,

    *** Submissions ***

    By private message to The Editor or via Mica if you prefer to remain anonymous.
     
    ******Empire Syndicated News Network (ESNN) ******

    user image

    Welcome to the latest version of ESNN, giving the news and views from the ESNN's reporter and news anchor, Ainsley Moore, making this the peripheries' most favourite and most reliable unbiased publication in the known universe from our home in the Heartland,

    And so with the news from the last couple of weeks,


    Cluster War! DNA Gather Fruit
     

    Free Ship when you sign-up
    Complete missions for in game rewards
    Control everything, up to an entire empire
    Dedicated human moderators
    Player and Moderator driven plotlines
    Discover new worlds to explore, exploit & colonise
    Over 20 years of content development
    Persistent Browser-Based Game (PBBG)

    I’ve played on and off for approximately 10 years, over a 20 year spell. After some interesting debate on the in-game forum, I did wonder what, exactly, has kept drawing me back to the game, when for so many others I’ve generally lost interest after a few months.

    Ultimately, I think it is a combination of automation (that allows the game to handle thousands of positions to interact on a daily basis) coupled with Special Actions (that allow the story arc to develop in a way that could not be catered for by a set of predefined list of available orders).
    -Zigic