Xeno Zephyr Falls!

Following months of bombardment and one major failed ground assault, the Falconian armed forces are finally reporting victory at Xeno Zephyr:

"Citizens, Allies, Sentients of the Peripheries:

Today, House Hawk's Assault Force finally ended the months long siege of the FLZ base in the Zephyr system.

Working under difficult circumstances, after many setbacks, the Consortium pulled together in providing the logistics and
orbital support in hostile territory to finally bring freedom to the natives of Breeze, who have suffered for too long under the yoke of Flagritz oppression.

The Triumph may be mine but it is the will of the Senate, the power of our Felini and SMS allies and the righteousness of our cause that made this day inevitable.

Perfer et obdura; Dolor hic tibi proderit olim."


IGN Reporters stationed with the Falconian attack force have reported that casualties amongst the attackers were light, and that the operation went off almost perfectly, although there was one significant hitch when the Starbase defenders detected the FCN formations moving into position and called down an accurate artillery bombardment on them, delaying the attack by a day while the FCN re-organised.

With the fall of the Flagritz Starbase, it has finally been discovered how the FLZ were moving so many re-enforcements in to keep their numbers up during the orbital bombardment - an extensive series of underground tunnels had been constructed, which were capable of shipping in thousands of troops and tanks each day.

Despite facing overwhelming odds, the defeated FLZ defence force has launched a desperate and doomed attempt to recapture the base. At time of press their fate is uncertain, but their defeat is inevitable unless the FLZ can somehow ship in significant re-enforcements from off-world.

With the fall of the Starbase, the FCN authorities have finally been able to free the slaves held by the FLZ at Xeno Zephyr, however having been subjected to months of bombardment along with their FLZ captors, the freed slaves were somewhat less than enthusiastic in welcoming their 'liberators', and while there have been no reports of violence, it seems as if most of the freed slaves have simply fled the battlefield.

The Detinus Games

An official sign-up list for entrants to the Detinus Games has been opened here:

www.kjcgames.co.uk/phoenix/nexus/index.php?a=posts&tid=16939&lr=on#post_tag

Competitors have two weeks to deliver their teams to DTR Scuba Station (3636) in the Arachnid system.

The events have also been revealed by the organisers, and are as follows:

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

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

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

Game 4: Zero-G Rhythmic Gymnastics. One member from each team will have the opportunity to impress with athletic ability and artistic interpretation in a specially built orbital venue. There may also be poetry readings and other typically high-culture Detinus pastimes.

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

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

Game 7: Round Robin 7-a-side football knockout tournament. Same format as the MOH games.

Operation Birdcage

The Flagritz navies have scored a significant military victory over the Falconians this week. Ambassador H'Minee, speaker for the Flagritz Archlord, provided the following statement regarding the action:

STANDARD TERRAN TRANSLATION

Stardate 209.21.3
Scouts had identified FCN pickets warding the approach to Breeze. B'kla and the Vespidae Swarm Battle Group were despatched to engage these warships. The Vespidae Swarm arrived first and proceeded to pin the enemy force, which was bolstered by the appearance of more ships either passing through the quad or deliberately moving to reinforce the picket. B'kla then arrived to close the net on the hapless birds. A fierce battle ensued which saw the following kills:

FEL 1 x 150HH
FCN 6 x 100HH (edited from 10HH - that really didn't sound impressive)
FCN 3 x 60NH

There were no Imperial losses.

Stardate 209.21.4
The Vespidae Swarm and elements of B'kla proceeded to withdraw, the heavily engaged swarm taking the brunt of the withdraw fire resulting in Imperial losses of 4 x 60NH. The remainder of B'kla proceeded to clear the quad taking 3 x 60NH casualties but inflicting further enemy kills:

FCN 3 x 100HH
FCN 2 x 75NH
FCN 1 x 50LH (unlucky freighter passing through)

At the same time A'kla had moved to an intercept quad and proceeded to lie in wait for the inevitable Falconian response. An enemy relief force, as predicted comprising Falconian warships only, was engaged as it jumped into the quad. Captains report seeing the jump points forming and the enemy ships emerged into a hail of nova fire and torpedos. The following enemy kills are confirmed:

FCN 1 x 40NH
FCN 3 x 60NH
FCN 5 x 75NH
FCN 6 x 100HH

Meanwhile the SMS and FEL sat tight and chose not to respond swiftly enough to assist their erstwhile allies.

A'kla has subsequently left the ambush site without loss.

Total losses are confirmed as 31 Consortium kills, 30 of them FCN (total of 2625 hulls) in return for the loss of 7 Imperial warships (420 normal hulls).

The Imperial strategy of bleeding Consortium assets continues to bear fruit and with this new offensive it is anticipated further Consortium warships will need to be redirected from their home, and newly claimed, systems to the Home Periphery in an attempt to safeguard their assets and maintain their war effort.

Ambassador H'minee
Speaker for the Archlord

Calypso

The dread pirate Calypso is continuing to force her captives to fight to the death, inviting betting on the results.

Clearly anybody caught betting on this event is likely to face political ramifications.

Al Bundy Kidnapping Mystery

Our newsroom has received reports that Al Bundy has been spotted on old Earth, in the Sol system, on the war-torn continent of China no less.

It seems he wasn't so much kidnapped as invited by the Chinese warlords to come and solve their over-population problem. As readers might know, the inhabitants of old Earth have been suffering from rampaging over-population and have a severe lack of basic foodstuffs. But with Al Bundy on the case, the marriage and conception rates are expected to drop.

We here at the IGN news-room aren't quite sure how, but we wish Al all the best on Earth, and sincerely hope the bloodthirsty gangs of cannibals, warring clans and road-warriors don't finish him off.

Unidentified Vessel

The QNG are experiencing troubles this week as one of their vessels appears to have dropped off the radar. The QNG ship Seven Empire (57946) has so far not replied to several communication attempts from the QNG leadership, and if their star-captain is reading this, he or she is encouraged to get in touch.

Supercarrier Attacked In London

The pirate ship Golden Scythe got more than it bargained for when it attempted to board an AFT Supercarrier armed with rail guns and carrying a compliment of 260 marines.

The pirate ship was heavily damaged, and lost more than 40 marines in the failed boarding attempt.

Success For Wolfpack

A remarkable victory for the Wolfpack pirates this week when they overcame near impossible odds to capture an Imperial vessel. Wolfpack himself has posted about the action:

"Jumped into Aladdin today, cruised past FCN in gamma13 and took
IMP ship in gamma10 with cargo of photon cannons an a hyper installed!!

heard big mouth big man viceroy gave me new name after last time when
IMP were lucky but this time you aint so clever big man.

Another free hyper, one less for IMP

Boarding Action for the Control of IMP Heavy Freight VI (89208)

Round 1: Battle is 236: 5 in favour of Attacker
Defender lost 22.7% control [77.3%]
1.17% chance of losing control

IMP Heavy Freight VI (89208) has fallen to the attackers.

Short an sweet."


Periphery Classifieds

Seeking Brooklyn

Greetings
I noticed that in the latest SSS, there is a BROOKLYN claiming to have attacked GCE in Yank, anyone able to tell me if this is true?
and will this BROOKLYN please get in touch, should you have any GCE personal captive.
regards,
CEO Garcia Enterprises.

IDC Contact Request

A representative of the IDC is required to contact the office of the FCN Consul asap.

******

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

Imperial Services In Turmoil

A number of reports are reaching newsrooms around the Peripheries indicating that the IMP are experiencing some sort of crisis. The following transmission was made from the surface of Mars:

�Imperial Kriegstroopers storm a school.....this just in.

It appears that General Ike Krieger was whisked away from a public relations stop on Mars. News is sketchy but before the vid was censored the general can be seen sitting amongst a group of school children reading a story to them. Then suddenly out of nowhere, Kriegstroopers come through the doors, windows and jetted down through the skylights and surrounded the general. Several troopers were seen pointing their weapons menacingly at the children. The last anyone saw the general. he was surrounded by his troops and being moved quickly to a small starship that had landed on the football field.

More when we have it.

Suzy Soo
Inner Empire Correspondent
Capellan Periphery Times�

It seems as if all senior Imperial commanders have cancelled their appointments and have been summoned to an extraordinary meeting of the Command Council to discuss an issue that remains unknown, although rumours suggest that a major Imperial political figure may have been assassinated by agents unknown.

Other rumours suggest the IMP may be on the verge of going to war, though nobody seems to have any real idea against whom.

There has been a terse �no comment� from the offices of the Imperial Viceroy.


Wolfpack

More successes for the Wolfpack pirates, with reports that the scurrilous cur has captured 3 out of 5 attempts in just one day, making for his best week yet. The loss is particularly acute for the COH who lost a vessel that was reportedly carrying the following technologies:

1 Armour mkIII (8562) - 1000 mus 1000
1 Bio-Chemical Warfare (8589) - 1000 mus 1000
1 Energetics (8024) - 5000 mus 5000

The Wolfpack pirates seem particularly pleased to have gotten their hands on the Bio-Chemical Warfare blueprint, reporting the incident in a transmission as follows:

�A glorious day for Wolfpack as if takin a couple a hypers in the last 10 days wasnt good enough

First the GTT lose yet another ship.....

Boarding Action for the Control of GTT Arrow Midi (67513)

Round 1: Battle is 276: 1 in favour of Attacker
Defender lost 24.69% control [75.31%]
1.5% chance of losing control

Round 2: Battle is 690: 1 in favour of Attacker
Defender lost 24.86% control [50.45%]
12.16% chance of losing control

Round 3: Battle is dominated by Attacker
Defender lost 50.45% control [0%]
100% chance of losing control

GTT Arrow Midi (67513) has fallen to the attackers.


Then the ICE, whoever they are.....


Boarding Action for the Control of ICE Candy Floss (59148)

Round 1: Battle is 89: 6 in favour of Attacker
Defender lost 16.94% control [83.06%]
0.49% chance of losing control

Round 2: Battle is 111: 7 in favour of Attacker
Defender lost 19.6% control [63.46%]
4.88% chance of losing control

Round 3: Battle is 86: 5 in favour of Attacker
Defender lost 22.01% control [41.45%]
20.07% chance of losing control

ICE Candy Floss (59148) has fallen to the attackers


An last but not least COH with a gift in cargo.....


Boarding Action for the Control of COH Titan (39366)

Round 1: Battle is 31: 3 in favour of Attacker
Defender lost 16.58% control [83.42%]
0.46% chance of losing control

Round 2: Battle is 79: 7 in favour of Attacker
Defender lost 18.21% control [65.21%]
4.21% chance of losing control

Round 3: Battle is 93: 8 in favour of Attacker
Defender lost 20.66% control [44.55%]
17.05% chance of losing control

Round 4: Battle is 85: 7 in favour of Attacker
Defender lost 21.06% control [23.49%]
44.78% chance of losing control

COH Titan (39366) has fallen to the attackers.


Thats right 3 ships in 1 day an look at cargo its prime tech for us pirates

CARGO
1 Armour mkIII (8562) - 1000 mus 1000
1 Bio-Chemical Warfare (8589) - 1000 mus 1000
1 Energetics (8024) - 5000 mus 5000
Cargo: 7000/7000

To leave such cargo for me shows just how mad those bugs are
I can now make as much mkIII armor as I like an have play with bio-chemical warfare to unleash on FCN who still owe me a million, result or what !!!!!!!!!�


GTT Scout Destroyed

A Flagritz empire platform is reporting the destruction of a GTT Minute Man class scout ship. It is understood the GTT ship had transited somewhere it should not have, and was destroyed for violating a FLZ restricted zone.


Pirate Destroyed

FCN patrol forces have intercepted and destroyed the Ears Of Large, a small pirate scout vessel, in the Curly system.


ICE Breach Yank Neutrality

There are reports from FLZ news sources that the ICE have broken the Yank neutrality in order to attack a FLZ outpost:

STANDARD TERRAN TRANSLATION

�Continuing their acts of undeclared war against the Empire the ICE have this time chosen to attack and destroy an Imperial outpost in Yank.

The Junta will be informed of this transgression.

The ICE have already attacked one of our scouts in orbit of a Felini world and supported the FCN in an attack on Imperial ships in Storm, yet they continue to avoid declaring war.

The following affiliations are at war with you:
Felini Tyranny (49)
Stellar Mining and Smelting (53)
Falconian Republic (70)

Imperial vessels will consider the ICE to be part of the Consortium and will attack them on sight.

Ambassador Lular H'minee
Speaker for the Archlord�


There has been no statement or comment from the ICE or the Yank Kastorian Military Junta.


Pirates Destroyed

A small pirate flotilla of Carrack Class freighters has been intercepted and destroyed in the Titan system by the large and mysterious IMP/Commonwealth/FCN/SMS platform that seems to lie at the heart of the reasons why the system is still under martial law.

A heavily censored report indicates that 4 pirates were destroyed. Bringing the total number of vessels destroyed in this region of space to over 20.


The Detinus Games

Competitors have begun arriving for the Detinus Games, though it is as yet too early to know who the favourites might be in the competitions. However the CIA team is expected to do well once they arrive, and there are rumours that the IMP team have been training non-stop for months.

It seems as if the fund for the grand prize may be over $100,000 now, and more entrants are invited. Simply visit the Nexus and sign up. Remember, the more entrants, the greater the grand prize money.


**Periphery Classifieds


Vine Seeds For Sale

It seems that the supply of the above is a finite, non renewable quantity.

I am therefore raising the price slightly, but only slightly from $0.5 to $0.6 and putting the entire supply on the market as from this week. All 532173 mu and once these have gone, that is it. No private deals please, it will be an open market available to the most experienced, or the frst trip of a new player equally.

Robin


Market Closed

Due to a recent incident the facilities at Dinas Dawr are closed until further notice. I apologize for any inconvenience. I would recommend avoiding the planetary surface also. The highports will be operating, albeit with decontamination facilities going both ways.

Cirdan
Cirdan
AFT Dinas Dawr


******

Contacts:
Editor: Simon Field - sss [dot] editor [at] googlemail [replacetoavoidspamdot] com
(Firefox addon) OR mIRC (standalone)

Shock Resignation

Surprising everybody this week has been the news that the Imperial Viceroy has resigned. The Viceroy, arguably one of the three most powerful men in the Peripheries, announced his intent in the following broadcast:

�After considerable thought on the matter I have decided that it is time to step down as Viceroy, the Emperor (Designate) has accepted both my resignation and my recommendation that General Ike Krieger should replace me in the Viceroy appointment

Admiral Lord Simms, Baron Baranov, KSG, ISP (Rtd)

Copyied for your general information:-

Sire,

After nearly fifteen years of sheparding the fate of your possessions in the Capellan Periphery and beyond I feel that the time has come to hand
over these responsibilities to younger and more active hands. I therefore submit to you my resignation as Imperial Viceroy of the Capellan periphery, to be effective as soon as my replacement is installed. I commend General Ike Krieger to you as a suitable replacement for the post of Imperial Viceroy.

I remain your Imperial Majesty's most obedient servant.

Admiral Hiram P Simms, Baron Baranov, KSG, ISP (Rtd)

Special Action/Imperial Viceroy Simms/Resignation/209.23
It is with profound sadness that Prince Lysander formally accepts the resignation of Admiral Lords Simms as Viceroy.
He makes a speech praising Simms for keeping stability through the Capellan Periphery, not to mention brokering what is hoped to be lasting peace
within the Inner Empire. He hopes that while no longer the figurehead of the Imperial Services, the former Viceroy's influence and guidance will be a power within the Imperial Services.
The speech then welcomes Ike Krieger as his replacement and again reiterates the hope that Krieger will continue the role laid down by Simms.
It is expected that there will be some honours bestowed at the crowning ceremony later this year.

Just a few administrative matters to attend to.�

Praise for the Viceroy as one of the architects of the great peace that brought humanity together as one has been quick to flow from almost every source, with best wishes for his retirement after 15 years of service.

We here at the Inter-Galactic Newsroom wish Simms the very best of luck with his newly decommissioned life, and trust that he will now be fully able to enjoy spending the proceeds of all of this bribes and backhanders he obtained while in office. Uh, we mean, proceeds of his legitimate business interests. Yes, that�s better.


Imperial Services Select New Leader

In a smooth transition of power, General Ike Kreiger has been named as the successor to the post of Imperial Viceroy and holder of a seat at the Commonwealth Triumverate.


Detinus Games

There has been a slight change to the arrival plans for athletes competing at the Detinus Games. All entrants are invited to drop off their Ground Parties in orbit and notify the Scuba Station authorities who will arrange transit to the surface and the Games Village.


Wolfpack Strikes Again

A Falconian freighter has fallen foul of the Wolfpack in the Yank system. The Saw Whet Freighter fell after a short and bloody battle, with 23 prisoners being taken.

Pirate Wolfpack has threatened to test chemical and biological weapons on the prisoners.


Hive

A political row has erupted following the appearance on an Imperial market of a Hive Queen. With the Hive denouncing the trade in either their Queens or Eggs as tantamount to slavery, the Imperial Services maintain that the trade is entirely legit and legal.


Navigation Warning

All inhabitants of the peripheries are reminded that orbital quadrant Delta 5, in Francoise and the orbits of all planetary bodies therein is restricted.

Stephen Armstrong
CIA Intelligence Director


Pirate Destroyed

From the Imperial Newswire:

�A pirate scout was intercepted today in Aladdin.

A GTT patrol stopped to engage the scout, along with nine FCN ships. Another few squadrons of patrolling GTT ships also decided to lend a hand so over fifty GTT warships engaged.

The pirate scout was dispatched quickly by forces under control of the GTT Exploration Director, Sebastian Blodstark.

PIRATE Ears of Large (84925) - Ship
Scuttle Class Sensor Ship {No Armour}
Hull Damage: 100.0%
BLOWN UP!�

A patrol vessel of the Obsidian Predator Swarm was also involved in pounding this pirate vessel to spacedust.


Pirate Destroyed



**Periphery Classifieds


Krieger Markets Closed

Due to a sudden influx of high value goods near simulataneously at all three of my markets this week I must temporarily close all three markets until I've had a chance to sell off some of the high valued stock.

All Markets will be reopened by Friday next week.

Sorry for the incovenience, but business has been too good.


Degenerate Matter

Have you discovered any large deposits of Degenerate Matter?

Perhaps an asteroid, or some mysterious impact crater on a world somewhere?

Maybe you mined or inherited a large stockpile?

If so, the Detinus Republic are interested in hearing from you.

Please contact this office if you have for more details, and a chance to become a partner in an exciting research project.


Technology Wanted

Garcia Enterprises is looking for the following:

Techs
Human or Kastorian 100 Heavy huller, Metallic (being sorted)

Bps
Battle sensors
Combat AI mk1 (being sorted)
Combat AI mk2
Gatling Laser mk3 (being sorted)
Inertial Damper mk1 (being sorted)
Ore Deck
Ore Hold


Psychiatric Clinic

Al Bundys Psychiatric Clinic is now open for business.

Disorders guaranteed! Come and get your trauma today!


Patches Wanted

I'm looking to make a deal for a number of patches. I need about 500 total but I'm willing to make deals for smaller quantities as well. I can provide transport. If anyone has patches to sell,either mkI or II, let me know privately.

Thanks,
Evan Merrick, AFT


Ore For Sale

Greetings,

From tomorrow Falencia (3351) will be selling the following ores at great prices:

Thorlium 750K @ $1.7ea
Moxa 10K @ $30ea

Good Hunting.


**[b]A Travelling Farmer: Extracts From The Blog Of Smokes In Mountains**

6th April 2006, Star Date 206.14.4

Well, that was an interesting journey! Travelling from Yank down to the London (41) system was straightforward enough, although I�m sure I�ll never get used to this whole jumping from system to system thing � it always leaves me looking like a prize heifer given a rather invasive examination. Entering orbit of the wormhole was a sight to behold; dozens of sleek, beautiful starships occupy the space around the outpost and platform in this area, drifting around the orbit of the wormhole like so many motes on the breeze.

My crew tells me, however, that although they may look beautiful, they have a disturbing purpose. This may be hard to believe for those of you reading this in the peaceful plains of Harmony, but these ships are used for hunting � and not, I hasten to add, for hunting lunch! The Mohache Book of Interstellar Briefings only has a slim chapter about this thing named �War� that other species seem so fond of � the sections on dinner protocols, the digestive tracts and taste preferences of various species, and how not to dock at starbases to avoid being blown up as an interloper are comprehensive enough, but what I am about to say may be disturbing to some of you.

Imagine, if you will, that your neighbour has been bothering your cattle. What do you do? Why, move to another part of your lands, of course. Not so, it seems with other species � you hunt him down! Not a hunt like the treasure hunts we teach our children, but to wipe him from the face of existence � bringing the full force of everything you have available to kill him, and cause death and destruction to all he holds dear.

And it seems that other species, Humans in particular, make this a large part of their existence. The sleek, compact, beautiful vessels around us right now have many, many sharp teeth between them. The other human factions, I am told, have hundreds if not thousands more of these �warships� too.

It fills me with sadness to see such a concentrated endeavour in the hearts of the Humans with the sole purpose of killing each other, when they should be making hay.



******

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

Begun This Trade War Has

The GTT have declared war against the AFT in a move that they describe as being necessary to protect their economic interests from unfair competition from Association Of Free Trader Starbases.

They announced their intent with the following press release:

�For too long the AFT have freeloaded off the citizens of the Imperial Empire, while the GTT have always sought to defend and protect them.

For too long the AFT have showed no loyalty to the empire, while the GTT have invested heavily in its future at a cost to itself.

For too long the AFT traders have had this unfair advantage, while the GTT spends fortunes to defend and maintain fleets to protect the citizens and the empire. The AFT traders have earned no right to the same terms in the empire.

Now this time is at an end.

The GTT is now entering a trade war with the AFT.

This will continue until the AFT hands over its positions in IMP claimed systems to the GTT. They must be handed to the GTT. Then this trade war will stop.

We will give the AFT 24 hours to respond with a plan for these positions to be handed over.

We will be free of this unfair competition.
We will free the empire of these parasites.�

The announcement instantly brought condemnation from a wide range of parties, with the move being described as �barbaric�, �cowardly� and �tantamount to piracy�, with the exception of the FET who were quick to offer their full support to the GTT.

Critics point to the near non-existent AFT military capability as evidence of this war being all about a big corporation using hostile measures to eliminate the competition, but the GTT maintain it is necessary to protect their financial interests.

The AFT have offered several negotiation positions in an attempt to avoid being crushed, but so far the GTT have not seemed interested or willing to stand down from their initial position of war.

However, with the Imperial Services announcing that the GTT may not attack AFT positions throughout IMP space as that would be a violation of Imperial Law, it seems for now as if the conflict may be confined to the St. Dismas and Solo systems.


St. Dismas

Reports are reaching our newsroom that a battle fleet of over 150 GTT warships has been seen in the outer reaches of the St. Dismas system. And that a series of agent actions have been detected at multiple AFT positions as the GTT gear up for what appears to be an imminent strike.


Pompeii

The SMS Starbase of Pompeii has reported that a number of unknown secret agents have been shot whilst attempting to infiltrate the base. With these actions bearing a striking resemblance to recent GTT activities against the AFT, and with the timing of it all, the finger of blame has been pointed at the GTT. Though they deny involvement.

The speculation and rumour however seems to suggest that once the GTT are finished with the AFT, they may well be seeking to remove other �competitors�.


AFT Press Release

The AFT welcomes reporters in St. Dismas. We will do our best to shield them from harm.

Xavier, we have always been amicable. There have been tons of trade goods flowing your way out of St. Dismas. I took you at your word that the GTT was turning into a peaceful organization.

This all strikes me as odd anyway. It looks like with the cessation of major hostilities the way to improve your bottom line is to stand down warships. The patrol squadrons I am setting up in Solo, while necessary, are prohibitively expensive. You may write that comment off as self-serving if it makes you feel better.

Our few bases aren't going to significantly enhance your bottom line. Just as a comparison you mentioned your fleet in St. Dismas was in excess of 200 HH ships. The entire AFT fleet consists of 396 ships; the majority of these are free traders. At this time I am probably the richest AFT member and I struggle to stay over the 1 mil mark. Chickenfeed by your standards.

Cirdan


Effect Of War On Neutral Parties

Concerns are rising amongst small trade orientated affiliations of what the effect might be of the GTT Trade War against the AFT, with many seeking clarification on what they can and cannot safely do.

The GTT have advised that for everybody�s safety, they would be advised not to attempt to trade with any AFT position in the St. Dismas system, lest they are inadvertently fired upon.


Felini Press Release

Felini space is sovereign territory.

ANY attack on ANY position (fixed or otherwise) by non-Consortium affiliations within Felini space will be dealt with as I see fit, including (but not limited) to military solutions.

Shoot first, ask afterwards is NOT an option, no matter what justification any individual or affiliation believe they have. Authorisation to shoot will only be given after full consideration by myself, and will be publicly notified via the Felini posted list.

The two exceptions to this are assets flagged as PIR anywhere in FEL space, or FLZ outside of that part of open space in Twinkle that they are authorised to traverse. PIR (anywhere in FEL space) and FLZ (away from Twinkle) can be attacked without sanction. indeed, if we are told you will find us helping!

In Honour
Mrrshan


Pirate Attack

The SMS patrol vessel Tenacious had a near escape this week when the pirate ship Fox�s Fright attempted to board it with 900 marines. Despite losing almost 75% of the vessel to the dread pirates, the SMS marines stuck out a dogged defence, and despite losing almost half their compliment of 25, they held out long enough for the Tenacious to break away from the pirates tractor beams and escape.


System Patrol Ship Nobbled

The IMP Patrol craft Lord Ivan has been successfully boarded and captured by the Wolfpack in the Kasmer system.


Masters System

Good news for traders and bad news for pirates as the RIP have announced that they are stepping up anti-piracy patrols in the Masters system with an eye towards opening the system up for more traders to visit.


From The News Archives � History Repeats Itself

Our junior staff researcher here at the IGN newsroom has dug up an interesting snippet from the ancient news archives regarding the original profile of the AFT:

Official Association of Free Traders (AFT) Profile.
The origins of the AFT date back to the beginning of human exploration of the Periphery. The mega-corporations - most notable the GTT - gained an early stranglehold on the economic climate of the newly opened systems, and spared no effort to drive the small entrepreneur back to the Inner Empire. Price wars, sabotage, and even outright military confrontation were used as tools for eliminating smaller competitors. So, on 177.48, for mutual protection and economic cooperation, several small businessmen banded together to form the AFT.


Pirate Base Destroyed

A small pirate outpost base has been destroyed after a two-day orbital bombardment in the Inner Empire by a GTT squadron who detected the base on an asteroid.

This may well be the first time pirates have been detected in the Inner Empire.


Consortium News

There are rumours floating around the news wire that the FCN are on the move again following their military success at Xeno Zephyr.


New Patrol Commissioner

In a move that surprised no one, Viceroy Krieger appointed Duke Githyanki as the new Patrol Commissioner. Many wary eyes are turned toward this duo of youngsters who have taken over the reigns at Imperial Headquarters.

Suzy Soo
Capellan Periphery Times.


FCN Press Release

Greetings,

1) I would like to remind all parties that the Republic views any hostile actions occurring in Falconian space without our express permission as a hostile act against the Republic itself. Disrupting shipping and trade in any system claimed by the Republic will be seen as an act of piracy.

2) The Republic will be happy to offer the AFT sanctuary in open Falconian space and assist in a peaceful removal of their employees and assets from IMP space if desired.

3) AFT trading corporations of a non-human composition are invited to seek the protection of the Republic and the establishment of their own noble house. Whilst the FCN trading houses are NOT allowed to retain or build assets in Human Empire systems, as Magistrate of Acropolis I will allow such houses the privilege of basing on the home world. In such a way, those aliens mixed up in human conflicts may find sanctuary if they choose it.

Good Hunting.
Consul Goshawk.

**Periphery Classifieds


Military Hardware Requested

Greetings Gentlebeings,

Astartia Enterprises are currently seeking surplus military hardware and trained personnel.

All mks and calibres will be considered.

Anything suitable for small scale incursions, or for the Gerry rigging of small cargo ships welcome.

Quiet, under the counter, trade sales will also be entertained.

Payment offered in hard stellars, or future trade services in kind.

Cloaking equipment too would be welcome, provided they come with full operating instructions.

We are also seeking young Naval officers, who might like to gain a little experience in the field, for very little financial reward, a taste for adventure would be desirable, as would some ingenuity and a sense of humour.

Please PM my offices at your earliest convenience.

Yours

Korpen Nygard
Astartia Enterprises
Association of Free Traders


Tech Wanted

Greetings,

Sometime in-between the First Fall of the Empire and the forming of the Republic, the Falconians lost two techs that will probably be only of use to us. Whilst somewhat outdated by modern standards, I would pay well for their return either in cash or in exchange for some other tech.

So I am looking for the following tech:
FCN Hawk - 75Sm (XXXX)
FCN Raven - 50m (XXXX)

As you may tell, these techs have sentimental value to my house and to House Raven.

No questions will be asked as to how the tech came into your possession. Please PM me with the ID of the tech to confirm we are on the same frequency.

Thanks

Goshawk


Partner Sought for Fun Times In Madonna

Greetings,

It is with great pleasure that I announce that I am looking for a partner affiliation to help expand and develop business opportunities within the Madonna system.

Interested affiliations are welcomed to contact me in my office at the Jiggly Room to discuss their ideas and to establish whether they are the affiliation that I am looking to partner with.

Thank you for your time.

GT Spugman


******

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

Trade War

Following some initial skirmishing and extensive ship movements, reports are now indicating that the GTT and AFT are attempting to solve their differences at the negotiation table. Further it seems as if a cease-fire has been agreed while these negotiations are handled.

It is thought that the spectre of war being fought in the Solo system � a system in which many periphery powers have vested interests in maintaining the peace � caused significant pressure to be brought upon both the GTT and AFT to solve this matter peacefully.


GTT Claim St. Dismas

The system claim for the St. Dismas system has become contested this week as the GTT make a significant attempt to wrest the title away from the AFT.

Whether this is a prelude to continued conflict, we can only speculate.


Markets Closing

The Falconian Republic have issued a statement that effective immediately they will be closing their public markets for a review of their profitability:

�Greetings,

I will be shutting down the various markets on Falconia for review. Private deals will not be affected but if you have concerns please contact me.

After some quick analysis, it is clear that the public sales of trade goods is no longer viable as there have been practically zero imports to match what is exported publicly.

After a review, we shall publish our new approach which will most likely be based on private deals.

A sad day as our efforts at championing public trade seem to be at an end.

Goshawk.�


Krell Vessel Destroyed

A Krell freighter has been destroyed whilst attempting to trade with the Imperial base Fort Kriger. Reports seem to be garbled as to what happened however, with the Krell denying they shot first, as the freighter was carrying trade goods to sell at the market, but with the Imperial forces unable to find out if anybody on their side shot first either.


Amazing Escape

Bars throughout Yank are starting to ring with the story of captain Jaassa Varttunut �the captain of an unarmed AFT freighter who successfully ran the gauntlet of over a hundred GTT warships and escaped with her ship and crew intact.


Pirate Destroyed

A small pirate scout has been destroyed in the outer reaches of the Titan system by patrol forces of the DTR Stellar Armada.


Wolfpack

Mixed successes for the Wolfpack this week, with one reported victory and one failure:

�Grabbed IMP scout, nothin fancy. It was there an I was there so why not

Scanned:
IMP SHIP LORD IVAN (20146) - {20 Normal Hulls}
Courier Class Sensor Ship {No Armour}

Boarding Action for the Control of IMP Lord Ivan (20146)

Round 1: Battle is 133:10 in favour of Attacker
Defender lost 18.57% control [81.43%]
0.64% chance of losing control

Round 2: Battle is 93:7 in favour of Attacker
Defender lost 17.88% control [63.55%]
4.84% chance of losing control

Round 3: Battle is 40:3 in favour of Attacker
Defender lost 19.93% control [43.62%]
17.92% chance of losing control

Round 4: Battle is 94:7 in favour of Attacker
Defender lost 21.07% control [22.54%]
46.47% chance of losing control

IMP Lord Ivan (20146) has fallen to the attackers.


Then SMS ship in aranosis looked good
Not many defenders but SMS got lucky after long boardin an wolfpack boys had taken 90% of it

Scanned:
SMS SHIP EI-S TENACIOUS (23237) - {75 Normal Hulls}
Orehunter Class Sensor Ship {Medium Ablative Armour}

Boarding Action for the Control of SMS EI-S Tenacious (23237)
Round 1: Battle is 172:7 in favour of Attacker
Defender lost 21.62% control [78.38%]
1.01% chance of losing control

Round 2: Battle is 53:2 in favour of Attacker
Defender lost 21.37% control [57.01%]
7.94% chance of losing control

Round 3: Battle is 86:3 in favour of Attacker
Defender lost 23.28% control [33.73%]
29.1% chance of losing control

Round 4: Battle is 289:8 in favour of Attacker
Defender lost 23.45% control [10.28%]
72.22% chance of losing control

Boarding Failed

Thems the breaks when you be pirate.�


News From The Inner Empire

Reporters stationed with Prince Lysander�s court have revealed some rather disturbing news:

Following the statement from the Head of House LiQuan, there are some interesting comments on the news channels and discussion boards of Earth. These are primarily concerned with the lack of investment by the Imperial Services (and Detinus Republic) in the coronation of Prince Lysander. While the Republic, it can be argued are only in the Commonwealth by treaty, why aren't the Imperial Services supporting the person they are going to accept as their Emperor?
The next question is in regards to the SMS - surely they should not even be in the Inner Empire? They have renounced their charter nearly a decade ago. They have shown no inclination to either petition for its return, nor are they even paying lip-service to the Commonwealth while exploiting its many resources. This can't be right? We want to see action, the SMS brought to heel and some real commitment from the IMP!

---------------
Is there a conspiracy? Is the IMP seeking to depose Lysander? Is there going to be a war on the SMS without them being allowed to seek a treaty or petition for their Charter?
Is the coronation going to be marred by war? Who is behind this propaganda?


**Periphery Classifieds


Sequndo Aquatic Pets

The GTT have been the sole user of this resource for some time.
Now somebody seems to be taking a slice of the action.

I did previously discuss this with the FCN who govern the system, and I was assured that things would not change.
The GTT have a pretty good idea who is doing it and if it does not stop very soon expect to lose many assets.

My hope is that this will be resolved by the claim jumper with or without pressure from the system governor.
If not we will be forced to defend our legitimate claim to the source of this trade good.

Many thanks,

Fox.


Tech Wanted

Torpedo Launcher MKIII bp wanted.

Offer $$$$$$$

Baw Xok. FLZ.


Cluster Trade Opportunity

As of tomorrow Delta Pavonis (1285) on Parrot in Hazzard is opening a small market for Sea Vines @2 stellars per mu. This Venice based trade good is available in Cluster to test the market. If successful more trade goods may be offered for sale in Hazzard.

Be warned Beta 9 of Hazzard is an asteroid belt : Avoid at all costs


DTR Trade Announcement

Greetings all traders!

The DTR have decided to move the Venice trade hub, New Darien. The market will close on Friday. I must apologize for the inconvenience.

We will open a new market in Solo, that will be the new trade hub for the DTR.

The new trade base will be Retreat (4762) on Haven (583) in Solo.

We would like to offer a 25% bonus to the list price for any goods sold on a regular basis. Please get in touch if you are interested in such a deal (brian@spacious.com).

We will try to expand the market to include most normal and life items displayed on Nexus, but this will take a bit of time. Please get in contact if you have items that you would like to sell, which are not yet on the market.

Best Regards,
Graham Jardin
DTR New Darien


Good news to all traders!

Retreat (4762) on Haven (583) in Solo is now in operation and should have most items on its market now.

I will update the market message ASAP.

Best regards,
Graham Jardin


Market Update

Greeting ALL

This is an update on the trade markets of HLQ.

Draconis Prime (126) will be remaining open its supply of Jericho Fish (30809)
Jericho Seaweed (31813)
Will be remaining and updating as trade is flowing well in both directions. If anyone wants any goods placed on the market please contact us.

However Liquan Acquisitions (39612) is under warning of closure. Adamski Tunas (33245) 10,000 of which is placed on the market every week is sold, but so far nothing as been sold to the Starbase in return.
Not one PM as been received asking for a trade good to placed on our buy market. If this does not change I will be making private deals for tuna or transporting to my own bases for sale.

House LiQuan has tried to help the trade and allow shippers to make a decent profit, we sell at only 6 times the local value.
If affiliations want to use it just to make a quick buck then the goods will be removed.
I will monitor the situation for the next few weeks to see if there is any change.

Baron LiQuan



**From The Nexus**

A discussion on the 2009 pubmeet:

www.kjcgames.co.uk/phoenix/nexus/index.php?a=posts&tid=17537&page=0


Game updates:

www.kjcgames.co.uk/phoenix/nexus/index.php?a=posts&tid=9068&lr=on#post_tag

�Added 23rd changes.

Take special note of ships without crew will now run at 100% while docked at a SB. However you can not issue movement orders unless you have at least some crew.

Also political authorizations that were overwriting each other in a strange way has been sorted.

Only small issues, the main things i have been doing are for the nexus and have not been released yet.�


******

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