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

Who is behind the AFA?

Following the large scale holiday attack by the AFA against the FET the question of who is behind the attacks has been raised once again. What is clear is that the AFA is using ships that were transferred from the GTT to the IMP. The organisation and expertise of the operation also reduces the pool of potential candidates. Few can go from commanding a handful of broadswords to half a thousand warships and significant army logistics without a long stint in one of the more combative affiliations. With the DEN’s allies the HEX in close relations with the FET and no recent history of animosity between the aliens and FET, at least since the departure of former one-eye big-bun Norozov, it would be a bizarre turn of events if they were behind these attacks. Frankly, there’s no point dancing around it. The IMP are clearly behind the AFA. The question is what can anybody do about this move of significant Imperial resources to a black-flag agency?




Cover art by Vilk42

*** In Brief ***

A MRC ship was destroyed by the FET system of Onissian just prior to the large scale AFA attack.

Apparently teams of heavily armed Dewiek have been exploring sites across all the peripheries looking for an ancient treasure. Several teams have gone missing and one team reported the treasure had indeed been found and steps were being taken to recover it with the aid of the Wolf Lord Dr Kala and her expertise in archaic technology.

*** IND Halo Naplian Broadcasting & Sub Space Static present: What in the Galaxy?!?!?!?! ***

Host: Welcome to the show; we show much respect. With me today is one of our favourite guests, Yahn Wodenzoon. Tell me, what coat do you wear today, or as some cultures might say: what hat do you wear today? You are a man of many titles, after all.

Yahn: Oh, i'll be wearing a few today. (Shines up the medal on his chest and smiles) Let's start with this one. The baron title and medal. I have retained it since the !Solitude! days and the provisional government, of course, but i haven't worn it much. Now i wear it again with pride, to celebrate our new alliance with the WMB. The Alliance of Peace! Baron Peace! Peaceful cooperation to promote stability and prosperity, that is our goal, as it has been from the beginning.

Host: Sure, but there is probably also some vanity involved?

Yahn: Why not? Who ran the provisional government when the WMB needed it most? How many people managed to get wimble slaves released when the Flagritz became a Republic? Not even the great Admiral Bridge, who is himself a Republican. And Giant, where my starbase Baronstadt is located. A former flagritz slave world. Yes, i had to go through a third party to get it, but still. It took the Wodenzoon brand of diplomacy. I think i have a right to be proud of my achievements. I would say i have done much for Peace.

Host: So what is the secret to this special brand of diplomacy, then?

Yahn: Hmm... Well, being polite, not pushy, respectful, patient, persistent but not too much so, it's really all about finding a balance and letting the process guide you. It's very intuitive, i would say.

Host: Intuitive? Do i feel some archaic spiritual mumbo jumbo coming on?

Yahn: That's right, the neo-naplian spiritual revival is not that strong in the Halo, is it? Let's just stick to politics for the moment.

Host: Agreed. So the Traffic Safety Commissioner has forced your hand? Friendly relations to the FET and AFA on enemy lists well before the elections.

Yahn: Forced my hand isn't the term I would use. At the DNA we are gearing up for elections but our politics is of a collaborative nature, and many things are already decided at the local level by the time a government is elected. There are numerous pre-elections and referendums are held on a number of issues. In fact, the bid to form a government, and to a very large degree the actual makeup of the government and wording of governance accords are already included in the election process. Anyway, the Traffic Safety Commissioner issued one such referendum and the result was very clear. Working with the FET on the establishment of safe routes and to continue to work on traffic safety with them in general is definitely the way forward.

Host: Is this not a radical departure from the steadfast pacifism you have been preaching?

Yahn: In fact, I have always been very vocal that everyone has the right, and even the responsibility, to protect themselves. What we are doing here is to provide safe routes that protect from pirates. I see no departure at all.

Host: You're not worried this will draw the ire of the AFA and their unnamed imperial backer?

Yahn: Let's be very clear on one thing. No one has come forward with any proof that the mysterious backer is an imperial. It is the general belief, and circumstances seem to point that way, i'll grant you that, but without any proof so I won't accuse anyone. As for the AFA, i just have this to say to them: The Traffic Commissioner has ruled that your tactics and justifications have been classed as pirate, as you were already made aware by Traffic Advisory some time ago. This means please stay away from our platform at Court, and the Alladin system along the South Road. We will not be hunting the AFA, like we would pirates, though. These measures we take are of a defensive nature and we ask the AFA to reconsider its contract against our friends the FET. Peaceful cooperation is the way forward. and the FET have been great partners in this regard.

Host: Nice little speech. I show bemusement, though, as I'm not sure it will do much good.

Yahn: I'm not sure. They did say if others leave them alone they would leave others alone. If they have any integrity they will be true to their word. If they are not true to their word i'm sure we will have lots of our friends rallying to our cause, though.

Host: And, what about the affiliation's name change?

Yahn: Yes, the name of the affiliation has been changed recently to better reflect our role in the galaxy, and furthering the neo-Naplian agenda. The Asylums date back to the last war, but since peace is holding we all agreed to a new name was needed.

Host: Let's talk a little about the human empire. What is your take on what is happening?

Yahn: Yes, I'm really surprised that no one is talking about it, and that we have not had any communication from them about Viceroy Crowe's absence. I think many people are worried as they see old hard liners promoted to positions of power. A cold war fear seems to be taking hold of the galaxy again, although I'm happy the Solo Peace Agreement is holding. Still, the fact that no one wants to mention the subject on a public forum is very telling. Even i, i mention it here in the studio but i have not made any formal request to the IMP about it. I don't want to rock the boat. I'm eyeing up semi-retirement in the Transpiral, so i don't want to rock the boat too much. (laughs)

Host: It is decided then, the warmongers have taken back the human empire and it is only a matter of time before another war breaks out?

Yahn: I am a devout pacifist, but even i know that eventually we will have another war. I'm not that naïve. Let us just hope it will not happen for a long time. Nothing is decided from what i've seen so far. The human empire is composed of different power blocks, even with different factions within these blocks. The DNA's relations with the GTT have always been extremely cold. Former CEO Ike Krieger summed their attitude towards us up very effectively when he said: Money Talks! The new CEO Fox doesn't seem to have diverged from this position. He also has done nothing to make us believe he is a warmonger, i might add. The IMP is the real wild card at the moment, i believe, and this will remain a troubling point until the empire gives us some clear public statement on the matter. Even though i do not go for their religion, relations with the BHD have always been good. They have merged with our friends the CIA now, of course. It is really on the level headedness of the CIA that we are counting to keep the empire out of trouble. And, of course, we are hopeful the GTT will realise that peaceful cooperation really is the preferred way to prosperity. (laughs)



IND Halo Naplian Broadcasting & Sub Space Static present: What in the Galaxy?!?!?!?!

Host: Welcome to the show; we show much respect. With me today is one of our favourite guests, Yahn Wodenzoon. Tell me, what coat do you wear today, or as some cultures might say: what hat do you wear today? You are a man of many titles, after all.

Yahn: Oh, i'll be wearing a few today. (Shines up the medal on his chest and smiles) Let's start with this one. The baron title and medal. I have retained it since the !Solitude! days and the provisional government, of course, but i haven't worn it much. Now i wear it again with pride, to celebrate our new alliance with the WMB. Baron Peace! The Alliance of Peace! Peaceful cooperation to promote stability and prosperity is our goal, as it has been from the beginning.

Host: Sure, but there is probably also some vanity involved?

Yahn: Why not? Who ran the provisional government when the WMB needed it most? How many people managed to get wimble slaves released when the Flagritz became a Republic? Not even the great Admiral Bridge, who is himself a Republican. And Giant, where my starbase Baronstadt is located. A former flagritz slave world. Yes, i had to go through a third party to get it, but still. It took the Wodenzoon brand of diplomacy. The Solo Peace is still holding. I think i have a right to be proud of my achievements.

Host: So what is the secret to this special brand of diplomacy, then?

Yahn: Hmm... Well, being polite, not pushy, respectful, patient, persistent but not too much so, it's really all about finding a balance and letting the process guide you. It's very intuitive, i would say.

Host: Intuitive? Do i feel some archaic spiritual mumbo jumbo coming on?

Yahn: That's right, the neo-naplian spiritual revival is not that strong in the Halo, is it? Let's just stick to politics for the moment.

Host: Agreed. Some call it the flavour of the month, let's talk about the affiliation's name change. The DNA, De Nwhat A?

Yahn: (Chuckles) It's not the first time i hear that, and it still makes me laugh. De neo-Naplian Alliantsie. Yep, some naplian orthography in the spelling and a shameless plug for our neo-Naplian social experiment. Neo-naplianism is both a return to ancestral roots and an evolution to a greater hight. It is like coming full circle and bumping it up a notch, but spiritually and psychologically speaking. It is a transcendent philosophy.

Host: Right, I thought we had agreed no mumbo jumbo? So the Traffic Safety Commissioner has forced your hand? Friendly relations to the FET and AFA on enemy lists well before the elections.

Yahn: Forced my hand isn't the term i would use. At the DNA we are gearing up for elections but our politics is of a collaborative nature, and many things are already decided at the local level by the time a government is elected. I sometimes get the impression that people think i run a one man show dictatorship over here, but nothing could be further from the truth. Going Local has very real political implications. Every position is ultimately autonomous to a very large degree, some even use the term local sovereignty, and then there are what we call the social partners. As Executive Director, my job is to try to get these factions and positions to functions as harmoniously as possible. With one of the Social Partners in naplian organised labour, the Naplian Duct Tape Union, we have started a research facility with our friends at the CIA. We are confident to be able to bring this wonderful naplian product back onto the market in the not too distant future. There are numerous pre-elections and referendums that are held on a number of issues. In fact, the bid to form government, and to a very large degree the actual make up of the government and wording of governance accords are already included in the election process. Anyway, the Traffic Safety Commissioner issued one such referendum and the result was very clear. Working with the FET on the establishment of safe routes and to continue to work on traffic safety with them in general is definitely the way forward.

Host: Researching Naplian Duct Tape very interesting, but let's bet back to the AFA, is this not a radical departure from the steadfast pacifism you have been preaching?

Yahn: In fact, I have always been very vocal that everyone has the right, and even the responsibility, to protect themselves. What we are doing here is to provide safe routes that protect from pirates. I see no departure at all.

Host: You're not worried this will draw the ire of the AFA and their unnamed imperial backer?

Yahn: Let's be very clear on one thing. No one has come forward with any proof that the mysterious backer is an imperial. It is the general belief, and circumstances seem to point that way, i'll grant you that, but without any proof i won't accuse anyone. As for the AFA, i just have this to say to them: The Traffic Commissioner has ruled that your tactics and justifications have been classed as pirate, as you were already made aware by Traffic Advisory some time ago. This means please stay away from our platform at Court, and the Alladin system along the South Road. We will not be hunting the AFA, like we would pirates, though. These measures we take are of a defensive nature and we ask the AFA to reconsider its contract against our friends the FET. Peaceful cooperation is the way forward. and the FET have been great partners in this regard.

Host: Nice little speech. We show bemusement, though, as i'm not sure it will do much good.

Yahn: I'm not sure. They did say if others leave them alone they would leave others alone. If they have any integrity they will be true to their word. If they are not true to their word i'm sure we will have lots of our friends rallying to our cause.

Host: Let's talk a little about the human empire. Viceroy JJ came out of the closet earlier this week. Surprised!?!?

Yahn: Yes, very surprised. It is a bit troubling, in fact, that the empire does not deem it important enough to let the other affiliations that it shares this galaxy with that it has had a change in leadership. Historically, this has always been made public. The sudden disappearance of Viceroy Crowe as he was investigating allegations into irregular naplian recruiting practices, continued references to the NLF even though they have been inactive for quite some time. Many of their assets and operatives sought refuge with the DNA, i might add. (holds up his hand and looks innocent) I'm not accusing anyone here, ok? I'm just telling you what the word on the promenade is. The empire has always claimed that the NLF was a proxy army for an Alien Alliance, but now they seem to have no qualms about funding just such a proxy army to do their bidding. I mean, hardliners back in top positions and all this secrecy, how can anyone not wonder? It just looks bad.

Host: It is decided then, the warmongers have taken back the human empire and it is only a matter of time before another war breaks out?

Yahn: I am a devout pacifist, but even i know that eventually we will have another war. I'm not that naïve. Let us just hope it will not happen for a long time. All out war, i mean. There definitely seems to be some proxy warfare going on. Nothing is decided from what i've seen so far. Let's hope this proxy setup can blow off enough steam to keep things from really blowing up. The human empire is composed of different power blocks, even with different factions within these blocks. The DNA's relations with the GTT have always been extremely cold. Former CEO Ike Krieger summed their attitude towards us up very effectively when he said: Money Talks! Yeah, and we're the poorest aff around? The new CEO Fox doesn't seem to have diverged from this position. He also has done nothing to make us believe he is a warmonger, i might add. The IMP is the real wild card at the moment, i believe, and this will remain a troubling point until the empire gives us some clear public statement on the matter. Even though i do not go for their religion, relations with the BHD have always been good. They have merged with our friends the CIA now, of course. It is really on the level headedness of the CIA that we are counting to keep the empire out of trouble. And, of course, we are hopeful the GTT will realise that peaceful cooperation really is the preferred way to prosperity. (laughs)

Host: It is definitely the hot topic on naplian morning shows as of late, JJ's bumbling coming out declaration. It has everyone chewing their tongue. Gossiping about gossip, putting sources of his information at risk, making an official statement about it, and signing it Viceroy. Except for the viceroy thing it is all so delightfully naplian romance novel. We love you JJ! (winks and blows kiss at camera) You make for great entertainment. Anything to add Yahn?

Yahn: (a quick look of surprise recognition crosses his face before settling into a smile. he waves at the camera.) Naplian romance novel, haha. I don't think I'll say any more, I may well have to work with the man professionally. Congratulations on your promotion JJ!



*** Featured Blogs ***

Silith Ungol's Blog - Stardate 219.21.1 – The Sycorax Reforms

“They came and took away my slaves.”

“The human vermin continue to expand.”

“I have to pay now to have my tentacles waxed.”

“Why can I not get a refund on my last batch of Judicious Pacifiers? I mean, I have nothing to use them on now.”

“What on Fornfell is a ‘Republic’?”

“When will the authorities do something about the natives taking my tubers?”

“The cost of metal ore has escalated now and the only ones who benefit are those super rich Council scum.”

“I can only recall one Flagritz Republic and that was an abomination to our species.”

“I will demand that the Cliriq Caste Council take action. You Fessin have been in charge for too long.”

“I can’t believe the Council let a human show us how to govern. I could have, I should have stabbed that Mizuchi when I had the opportunity.”

“When will the Empire retake Inferno?”

“That Kayxaer is a criminal.”

“I once fed natives to my Djingo Dogs but can’t get that food anymore. This is scandalous.”

“Long live the Empire.”

“One Universe. One Race. One Caste.”

Lady Ungol swiped away the holo-image, the projected words tumbled into the light well from the holo-cone. These were but a sample of key points taken from myriad messages, and the Lady had subjected herself to more than a mere sample in the last month. Some of the content was trivial, some was genuine, some downright seditious, some of each actually worthy of consideration. The messages had come to her via channels both overt and covert, intended to find its way to someone whom it was believed could affect a change. Ability notwithstanding, will and desire were more important, and in response, all the Lady needed do was give the genuine impression that change was in the offing.

Let one tentacle show them what they wanted to see, whilst the other tentacles did what was needed to be done.

The Sycorax Reforms had been massively unpopular. No matter that the outcome was an inflated economy, that many worlds had been terraformed to the flagritz ideal, that emigration to new colonies was now viable, that the average flagritz now had great opportunity in the deep black of space and the golden sun of new stars, the emancipation of the lesser races and the rapid cultural changes this had brought about had impacted on the psyche of the species, more tellingly on those who’s wealth and power had been built on the backs of others. And it was those who were closest to power who made their views so clearly felt. It must also be those who would have to be dealt with because although the bulk of the flagritz would benefit from these changes, the bulk of the flagritz had no power and as such their ability to influence the direction of the affiliation was minimal. No, it would be the justiciars, the industrialists, the politicians, the caste enforcers, the admirals and generals who would have to be assuaged. They had made their views known, so they must have a response.

And they had come to Lady Ungol for that response.



Kr'Shan's Blog - The Great Journey

As we continued our Journey from the outer plains villages word quickly spread of a visionary that saw with the Eyes of, heard with the Ears of, and spoke with the Tongue of the All Mother. Such foolishness would have to be amended before gaining a life of its own.

Since gaining the sworn allegiance of some five hundred enlightened Felini warriors, our group numbers continued to swell as we journeyed to the Capital. Each night we would find ourselves entertaining guests from nearby settlements; anxious to know more they would press us for stories and wisdom from the All Mother. If it were not for Kanziir’s youthful exuberance we may have collapsed from exhaustion.

Mornings would find us swarmed by crowds begging us to bestow the blessings of the All Mother. It became almost futile trying to explain to them no such blessing was required as the Blessings of Life gifted them at the moment of creation and would sustain them for eternity.

As the number of days dwindled as we drew closer to the Capital, the distance we were able to cover grew smaller. The number of Felini that had joined our little pilgrimage grew to such numbers that the logistics of maintaining food, shelter, and security became unmanageable. Against the wishes of our personal guard we decided to set off just prior to dawn with only a handful of warriors, leaving Kanziir behind to divert attention away from our absence. We do not envy him this task.

Just hours before daybreak our small group, cloaked against the morning chill, slipped out of the encampment to continue our journey to the Capital. Keeping our hoods up and avoiding major eye contact we managed to make it the edge of what was once the greatest city of our world, now poorly maintained, leaving many foraging its outskirts for food and scraps to sell for day to day survival. It made our hackles rise to see what had become, but we knew it would not be this way forever, the All Mother had shown us such.

Winding our way through streets we searched for a food merchant to help silence our ever-grumbling bellies. Having found one, we lounged in the shade of a nearby building as we took a respite from our growing hunger.

Ever curious, we began to survey the crowds as they moved about their daily business. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary until a small group of young Felini were spotted milling about the crowd appearing to stop on occasion to speak in whispers to those that they passed. We could not catch what information was being given but it had an obvious impact on the crowd. A few seemed delighted by what they had heard while others appeared genuinely frightened or distraught. However, the majority had a look of confusion as if they could not accept what they had heard.

We continued to observe for a brief period before curiosity got the better of us. We sent one of the guards to inquire from one bystander as to the news being spread. The normally stoic unphased look in his eyes was momentarily broken as he took in the full meaning of what was being said. He quickly returned to our group to share what he had learned causing an uneasy silence to fall upon our group.

As the impact of the news began to sink in we could not believe it, nothing like this has every happened in our history, it had to be a lie. We paced about our little group contemplating what it could all mean until the recognition of it all rekindled a dream like memory. As was in our vision we were being tested. It is time to show the All Mother we are worthy…



Dr Kala's Blog - Escape from the Maw

Friederick Hantzka walked at the head of a platoon of guards. The marched quickly but silently through the great halls towards the detention centers, brushing off greetings with snarls. For months Kala, his Wolf Lord had been kept prisoner at the detention center, some had said for her own safety, others had said for the safety of everyone else. Regardless, Dewiek did not keep prisoners and hearing people joke about it had finally made him do something about it. One way or another she would be freed from the cells today. As they went down the narrow corridors towards the cells he outstretched his arms and dragged his claws against the rough stonework.

The guard on duty knew nothing of what was coming until he was picked up and slammed into the wall. His eyes bulged as he felt hands grabbing the keys and heard the door open and being flung back. He closed his eyes knowing what was coming next and because of that he didn't see the floor as he was slammed into it.
"Where is she? What have you done with Kala!"
He forced his way around and looked up in Hantzkas wild eyes. There was the madness he knew that was exhibited from those who followed the Kala.
"She was moved, shortly after your last visit, weeks ago. She was taken to the Maw. By order of Halvor."
"Why is there nothing in the logs?"
"The Maw doesn't exist. We don't have prisons, everyone knows that."
Hantzka broke one of the guards fingers, then a second, then a third. The guard howled in pain. Hantzka's guards spread out and covered the corridors into the detention area.
"Where is this Maw?"
"No one knows, except Halvor, it's his personal hunting ground. It's where he keeps all the scum and vermin and fights them," the guard spat at Hantzka, "It's where that halfbreed monster belongs. No one who goes to the Maw comes back."
Hantzka punched once and turned to his guards as the body slid to the floor.
"Get the ship ready, we're leaving at once. I want someone on the com channels listening to all emergency frequencies. And see if anyone can track down where Halvor is or any rumours about this prison called the Maw."


Deep in the Maw Kala held the crying girl in her arms watching the guards leaving, all laughing. They had each taken turns on them both, no doubt while she watched. She didn't mind them doing it to her, but the girl was breaking because of it. And that had to change. And it would today.

She knew from their routine that they had just started a shift pattern. One of them watching while the other two did whatever it was they did. It was now or never, god help me.

She cradled Fazila's head in her arms and whispered in her ears, then looking at the guy in the doorway she snapped her neck quickly. The guard leapt to his feet cursing and ran to the door opening it and firing his tranq at her. He watched as she fell and he ran down, pulling them apart. His brain didn't connect that the dart was sticking in Fazila's side until Kala hit him, knocking him back and ripping his knife from it's sheath, and stabbing him in the throat. She watched him die and pulled his belt off, wrapping it around her own waist, reducing it to fit and checking the mag in the pistol. As the second guard ran in she shot him in the face and the third in the knee cap, watching him fall to the floor and put a round into his eye socket. Far off she could hear an alarm sounding.

Marika, the twisted Dewiek overseer of the Maw stormed back into her office and sat down, bringing up the security footage from Kala's cell. Several guards were with her, weapons ready.
"How could this have happened? There were three armed guards there!"
"We think the first guard paniced when he saw her kill the girl."
"She... did... what?"
"She killed the slave known as Fazila. Snapped her neck."
Underestimated her again. How cold is this woman?
"Find her. Bring her to me. Dead or alive!"

As she passed them Kala opened the cells of the other prisoners. Most couldn't or wouldn't move, but some, the pirates and the mercenaries stormed ahead of her. For every guard they killed they lost three, but they were paving the way. As the prisoners rode the elevator to the next level up she climbed the structural units. Level after level she climbed until reaching the roof. As she stopped there and waited, sitting on the highest bar to rest she watched the first elevator drop to the ground, then the second one. Until it was repaired no one would be going up or down. An elevator door to her left opened up and a guard looked down at the elevator and turned into the room. She shot him in the back of the head and swung into the door and came up gun blazing. Guards and office workers fell. Grabbing a larger gun from the nearest guard she blazed away at the security cameras and jumped down at a terminal. A few frantic commands and she pulled up a schematic of the floor she was on. Hearing the sounds of boots running towards he she raised her rifle and fired til the power cells ran out then clenched her fists and charged.

"How the hell did she get to the top level? I thought I told you to seal off the elevators?"
"We did, she must have climbed up."
"Impossible! She's been starved, brutalised, and raped daily. Should be a quivering wreck like the other slave!"
"Well... she's not."
"Seal off all exits. Any ships docked get them up into the air. And get that Frostwolf in orbit. I'll raze this facility before I see her escape!"

The pilot and co-pilot boarded their shuttle as they watched the pressure doors close leading into the hanger bay and as soon as they signaled they were ready the bay was depressurized.
"Wonder what's going on."
"Probably just another drill. Damn, I'll have to check the seals on the garbage disposal, something reeks here."
A voice at the edge of his hearing caused him to turn around and he looked into the pitted barrel of a large pistol.
"You would too after weeks of torture."
Before he could open his mouth to scream the bullet tore half of his face apart, the second shot taking out his co-pilot, her brains spattered across the console. Kala pulled the bodies out and sat in the chair and looked out the window and saw something that made her smile. The Maw... was a space station, a dock and repair network spread out before her and a Frostwolf was hanging just outside the hanger. Better yet, the automated systems were showing a route and docking permissions. Fuck with me, would you? Lets play, she mused.

On board the Frostwolf 'Denial of Reason' the bridge crew watched the last shuttle detach and then pulled away from the docks. Deep in the core of the ship the aI navigator that flew the ship was plugged into everything, hardwired and cross wired and jury rigged over the decades. But, this was an older model ship and half of the security cameras never worked. Even so, no one noticed the ragged dewiek who walked away from the airlock and headed towards the engineering deck.

"I don't care! Seal off the command centre, blow the seals on the compound, I want hard vacuum in every room except this one! I want her dead!"
Marika cursed and looked over at the emergency communicator, maybe Halvor should know. Then again, this place didn't exist.
"Blow them all. I'll take responsibility."

Several lights lit up in the bridge displays as the crew started to notice a problem in engineering. Alarms flashed as commands were sent but not actioned. The security cameras in the engineering block were showing static. Core temperature across the ship was falling and oxygen levels were also dropping. Sirens and warning symbols were flashing up across the board as hatches were opened to space venting atmosphere, airtight doors were opened through the entire ship. Howling winds dragged everything and everyone out into space. In a matter of minutes the entire ship was cold. Isolated pockets of life forms were showing up on internal sensors until they too went offline. After a while the AI and ships computer took over the control of the ship, but by then it was too late.

Something moved through the corridors, a hulking white zero G suit that walked methodically towards the centre of the ship. It stopped next to a door marked danger and opened it, stepping inside and pulling out a cutting torch and started attacking a wall.
The AI navigation and the backup systems were going dead, access was being taken away piece by piece. A systematic cascade failure of all systems was happening, backup routes were routing to dead ends and failing. Memory banks and links were going down, systems that were hidden behind protective platings. Bit by bit the computer and the AI was dying....
Kala looked at the remains of the computer cores through the heavy visor of the zero G suit. Alarms were ringing, but unable to be heard in the vacuum that filled the corridors. Grimly she made her way down to one of the escape pods and programmed it to land at the dock.

Down in the command center Marika watched as the Frostwolf began to fall out of orbit. Few heard her scream as the ship impacted and tore through the maintenance section, fuel tanks exploded and sent gantries and construction sheds spinning into other parts of the complex. She watched the explosions as they crept forward, then leapt forward, devastating the orbital facilities and tearing the complex apart. She died cursing Kala, badly.

Several days later a shuttle crash landed on one of the islands of a planet in the Avoir system. She lay on her back on the beach, starved, dehydrated and suffering from several broken bones. Water lapped up at her as the high tide reached her and but for the strong arm of someone pulling her further up the beach she would eventually have drowned. A boot flipped her over and opening her eyes in the light she saw a shadow standing over her, with two heavily armed guards behind it. A heavy dewiek paw rested against her throat, pressing down making her retch and feebly grab at the leg.
"Well well well. Dr Kala. Now this is a surprise."
She coughed unable to breath and the light started to fade in her eyes, but not before she recognised who was standing on her throat.
"Lyceum! <gasp>"
"I should kill you now. No one would miss you. For what you did to me I'd be in my rights to do it."
"Have....<gasp>.... cure.... in Solo.... can make... you Dewiek again......"
As she passed out Lyceum looked at her and pulled out a knife and slashed her face with an X.
"Pick her up, lets get out of here. Head to Solo, it's as good as any place."



*** Game News ***

There’s been a host of changes including new features like “soft docking”. For a list of updates, please see here.

*** Affiliations ***

AFT Association of Free Traders (54) - Marion Tweedy
CIA Combined Intelligence Agency (64) - Laton CIA
DNA Displaced Natives Asylum (66) - Yahn Wodenzoon
DTR Detinus Republic (58) - Morley Decker
DEN Dewiek Elder Nation (67) - Aadolf
DOM Dominion (57) - bcd
ERC Eldar Rawk Conclave (83) - RAO
FCN Falconian Republic (70) - Crius Grimtail
FEA Felini Elamite Autonomy (60) - Kr'Shan
FEL Felini Tyranny (49) - Mrrshan
FLZ Flagritz Republic (47) - Kayxaer
FET Frontier Exploration & Trade (56) - Cu Chulainn
GRC Gracians (13) - HG1
GTT Galactic Trade & Transport (52) - Xavier Fox
GCE Garcia Enterprises (4) - Neil
HEX Hexamon (23) - Ando
IMP Imperial Services (51) - Tiberius Crowe
KRL Krell (30) - Namica
KRT Krell of the Reverence Temple (37) - Kal Torak
KST Kastor Kastorians (12) - Kastor
MZC Mizuchi Combine (86) - Mizuchi
MOH Mohache (73) - Listens
MIC Mohache Independent Commune (76) - Sleeps with Dragons
NLF Naplian Liberation Front (38) - NLFHQ
RCF The Red Confederate Forces - ???
RRH Roy Robert Holdings (39) - Roy Roberts
SMS Stellar Mining and Smelting (53) - MikhailM
USN Ulian Stellar Nation (34) - Oedipus Prime
WMB Wimble Nations (25) - zz

NPC / FoC: ARC, CIV, CGT, FRE, HBO, HEF, IND, ISP, JCN, MEK, MRC, PIR, PRV, TCA, TRN, KAS

Inactive: ANT, BHD, COD, HVE, IDC, RIP, SKW, TAG

Deceased: CAL

*** Submission ***

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