Phoenix
Phoenix Nexus News Sub Space Static: Volume 5. Issue 5.
Sub Space Static: Volume 5. Issue 5.

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

Crowe Coups Self

The IMP Viceroy Tiberius Crowe has finally achieved something in his unremarkable tenure by relinquishing even the semblance of wearing big boy pants and instead, appointed Jack Jones as Patrol Commissioner, salty spokesperson and policy maker for the Empire. Crowe will now join CIA Director Laton in riding the special bus to work where the two of them will enjoy long pleasant afternoons sipping cups of tea. Actually, just tepid fruit-scented water as neither of them can be fully trusted with a hot kettle. Occasionally, they might be visited by equally dynamic war “veteran” Admiral Bridge to enjoy mimes presenting the latest comics from the Howl. Meanwhile, Jones is putting pressure on the FET and will soon no doubt find a pretext to deploy his vast mercenary forces against anyone else who is seen working too closely with his most hated of enemies, the HEX.



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Cover art by M0AI

*** In Brief ***

Halvor bloodletter of the DEN went before the Elder Council, the DEN’s nominal ruling body, to answer for recent attacks against the GTT. Halvor stood before the Council and stated that "[the] current leader/Elder of the GTT pack did issue a public threat on the Nation. He was called out on this by both the Greymane and Blackfur packs. A challenge could not be left untaken as it would have made the Nation/packs look weak. The issue of a challenge is a statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action breaking the peace that was in place. Also when ordered by the Highlord to withdraw we did so but the Humans did not and carried on firing. It took all the packs control not to turn around and finish the human scum off." In response, the Council shouted their acclamation and drank ale until Aadolf lost consciousness whereupon they played a good game of 'dress the Highlord up like a human'.

House Porter has sent a veteran-led team to make discrete contact with civilians in the Caliphate periphery in order to find out more about the demise of House LiQuan. Whilst the events occurred a couple of years ago, the team were able to gather credible information that the Supreme Commander / Vizier of the CAL, ordered the chief governor to arrest and execute the entire LiQuan Household in 217.30. The news was leaked locally fairly quickly though there was a lot of confusion as to where and when it occurred.

Large numbers of HEX destroyers all imaginatively named Omega Prowler were posted by the DOM after their transgressions in Coptuv where they attacked MRC ships belonging to DOM favoured business partner, Edward Lowe. Nobody expects a sane bounty hunter to engage the swarm of slimy beasts for a measly $5000 per kill so this is merely a face saving exercise by the DOM. And saving your face is always a good move when dealing with the HEX.

Both the DEN and IMP have given Edward Lowe’s new tax-vehicle AFA their endorsement by wiping clean all crimes committed by him as MRC. As if that was all that mattered in the galaxy. Seriously, you would think the entire galactic ruling class is solely concerned with whether a ship has a recognisable badge on it or not. Not whether it wilfully attacks others without any just or even stated cause.

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*** Press Release ***

In the course of their activities against us, the AFA have engaged in multiple boarding attempts to capture positions. Including one time the day they tried (And failed) to board a platform the day after it was deployed. This activity requires extensive scouting. (Pay no attention that the only ship that that platform scanned the day it was deployed was an IMP scout ship. I'm sure that's just a coincidence and the huge number of sensors on that platform somehow missed the PIR ship ;) )

We extensively monitor our systems and the only scout or even unaffiliated ships we have detected have been flagged as IMP or PIR.

Discounting the implausible notion that the IMP may be scouting for the AFA that leaves the obvious conclusion that the AFA are operating PIR flagged vessels.

In addition, one of the boarding vessels utilized by the AFA that we destroyed was found to contain a captured FRE officer. The only way for them to be in possession of a captured FRE officer would be through an act of piracy.

The AFA are Known Pirates. Any affiliation allowing the AFA protection or free transit do so knowing that they are providing aid and comfort to Known Pirates.

Kulthea faction of FET

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*** Overheard in a Bar in Yank #1 ***

"What's an IMP outpost in Canth need six teleporter complexes for?"
"Just the usual. Picking up debris."
"No hazards in that system are there?"
"Depends if you're flying merc or not."

*** Overheard in a Bar in Solo ***

Human Sex Pest: "Would it be helpful to discuss the recent incident here? Private discussions are more conducive to sorting out problems than public sabre rattling, after all."

Human Imbecile: "To initiate the conversation, we posit that the DEN have violated article 4 of the non-aggression accord, [drool noises]. I await the counter statement from the DEN if they have one. [fart noise]"

Dewiek Moron: "It is true [burp noise] DEN ships attacked a GTT squadron and destroyed 2 GTT warships and damaged a number of others [loud belch]. This was brought to my attention [long pause] on the day of the combat and the Wolf Lord [snort] was ordered to cease all combat. This was done and DEN forces were withdraw."

Human Imbecile: "[snort] I noted mention of an [paper shuffling] IMP platform attacking DEN ships at the beginning of the process as a counter argument. Can details be provided of this as I do not recall the incident?"

Dewiek Moron: "The pack leader who started this is on his way to DEN Dragon where he will explain himself before the council with the consequence of having his throat ripped out by me for challenging my authority.

"The platform incident I am not concerned about accidents happen platform was one, our ships was not.

"If the men were unarmed merchant shipping then we would be bound to replace ships and pay a blood price for the dishonour of attacking unarmed ships.

"This attack was on warships by warships some could say a live training exercise but then again probably not.

"So the Nation will not pay compensation and I would cease to be High Lord even if I considered this.

"However saying that if the GTT gift the Nation Salvatore Kong the Nation will gift the GTT 1 million stellars."

[raucous laughter in background]

Dewiek Moron: "We can put the incident down to high spirits and let the Nation deal with the offenders.

"The Nation will not consider a delay in handing over those assets taken from us in the previous conflict.

"If the peace agreement is dissolved then the Nation will at some point claim it back with force if need be.

"This is not a threat [deep growl], I just wish to be clear on where we stand [menacing grin]."

Human Sex Pest: "Well gentlemen, thank you for making your positions known [strange finger gestures].

"First, let me say that i am pleased to see the Viceroy refer to this incident as a violation of a specific clause of the Solo Peace Agreement.

“Publicly, certain imperial citizens had given to believe that the empire had already decided that this incident nullified the entire agreement."

"When we find that in reality only two imperial ships were destroyed it seems the incident was in fact relatively minor.

“Still, my heart goes out to all who lost their lives needlessly, as well as to their friends and family.

"The big question that needs to be answered is: Do the parties wish to continue along the route of peace or use this as an excuse to plunge the galaxy back into an apocalyptic war."

Dewiek Moron: "Some in the nation would like to see it end. I however don’t as do the vast majority of the nation."

Human Imbecile: "I'm not sure anyone on our side was ever suggesting ending the treaty. The points I'd like to raise are as follows. The accord was broken, so their should be some ramifications for this. If there aren't, then what is the point in having the agreement? And remember, everyone agreed to these terms.

"The issue of Darkspace is not an excuse. At the end of the day exceptions were agreed around exclusion zones as the DEN had stated they were happy if their own packs suicidal threw themselves at these. A suggestion on Drakspace was posited at the time and declined."

[Clicking Noise followed by AI translator]: We are the Voice of the Hexamon. We do not think an exception for Darkspace makes sense.

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*** Overheard in a Bar in Yank #2 ***

“I have it on very good authority - my cousin met this girl who worked in the kitchens at IMP Galactic Central who heard it first hand from one of the Imperial Guard - that the Emperor has been growing restless of late and has even been discussing leaving his palace for the first time in years, if not decades, and embarking on a Grand Tour of the Stellar Empire.

“She even heard talk of offers of rewards for those loyal subjects who manage to entertain him during his excursion. Imperial Services Command is said to be very concerned while CIA’s Laton is furious.”

*** Detinus Corner ***

Sent a PM to
Laton a few weeks ago
but with no response

Nothing important
No, no, no, no, no, no, no
I, Admiral Bridge

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*** Featured Blogs ***

Greymane's Blog - A Darklight of the Soul - Part Two

“What have you done?” Greymane’s voice was quiet, full of sadness and confusion, then it raised to battlefield projection as he swept his arm to encompass the dead Dewiek warriors littering the floor around them.

“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?”

There was a moment, a fleeting, tantalising moment, when Greymane felt the presence of his old friend before him, but before he could speak, Lyceum leapt forward with a beastial roar, claws outstretched. Greymane reacted instinctively but still barely managed to dodge the lightning attack, taking a raking blow from the metallic claws of Lyceum’s right paw along the side of his neck.

“STOP!” Greymane yelled, “I’m trying to help you before it’s too late! I’m trying to save you…”

But Lyceum was no longer present, only the Outdweller faced him now. Greymane was forced to defend himself under a relentless onslaught of attacks until he managed to knock his opponent back just far enough to give him the time and space that he needed.

With a deep-throated growl of despair, Greymane swung his warhammer, Malmrhöggva, thumbing the switch to activate the local EMF dampening field the split second before impact.

The Outdweller staggered backwards from the mighty blow and then fell to the ground. There was a distinctly unnatural spasm from the Dewiek as the vestigial Meklan systems shut down from the EMF suppression pulse and the former Wolf Lord lay unmoving, his rib cage visibly smashed in and blood pouring from the raw stump where his right leg had been torn off during the vicious attack and counter-attack.

Roaring with anger and frustration, Greymane launched into the remaining Meklan followers of the Outdweller with a brutal abandon, ignoring his own injuries sustained in the fight with his onetime friend while in the red mist of his battle frenzy.

-----

Greymane marched through Starbase Dragon towards the holding cells, his elite guard in his wake. Several marines carried a large unconscious Dewiek on a stretcher between them. After a brief exchange with the duty officer he headed straight towards the indicated cell.

“Kala,” he growled and pointed at Lyceum’s comatose form. “Fix him!”

Kala sensed, even beyond Greymane’s tone and expression, that he was not in any mood for one of her clever or witty retorts and so she kept her tongue. For now.

“I’ll need my laboratory staff, are they here?”

Greymane glanced at the officer who nodded dumbly, not at all sure what was going on.

“Excellent. Then we’ll need a medical lab. I would prefer one of my own, of course, but I’m sure we can make do with whatever they have here.” Kala waved a dismissive paw in the general direction of Dragon’s state-of-the-art laboratory complex.

-----

Kala's scientists fastened the straps around Lyceum’s arms and legs - his lost leg restored before he had regained consciousness - securing the Dewiek-Meklan hybrid to the medical table, but only briefly. With a blood curdling howl mixing anger, hatred and pain in equal measures, Lyceum broke free of the leather straps and several scientists and marines rushed back to hold down the former Wolf Lord. Lab assistants hastily replaced the leather restraints with much heavier straps and several chains. Lyceum struggled and fought every step of the way but in the end only one arm - his right arm, the most Meklanised of his limbs - was still left unshackled.

Kala looked on in silence, under the constant, unwavering scrutiny of several warbots lining the laboratory’s perimeter - Greymane and his guard waiting impatiently outside the door - before retrieving several items from a large metal storage cabinet.

"Hold down his arm,” she commanded. “Tight.”

Lyceum saw what she had and roared, but could not free his arm from the grip of four veteran Dewiek marines. Kala placed the spike against a relatively unmodified portion of Lyceum’s arm and hammered it into the table; heavy blows driving the metal stake through metal and flesh. She hammered the top part until it bent over and dug into his flesh then went under the table and knocked the protruding bit flat.

“Kala I will rip your throat out and feast on your brains I will wear your fur as a cloak!” Lyceum spat.

“Good. You have anger, much anger. That is what keeps you Dewiek. That is what is fighting your curse. Now we can begin!”

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Silith Ungol's Blog - Stardate 219.10.3 - Experiments in loss

The spawnlings glided through the brine solution in the clear walled holding tank. Around a foot in length the four creatures would have passed for immature versions of flagritz, were it not for the deformations to the head sac and the presence of chitinous armour plates on their bodies. Upon closer inspection an observer would notice the changes to the mouthparts, which held dangerous looking mandibles, entirely at odds with flagritz physiology.

On the viewing stand besides the tank Lady Ungol watched the brood swim through the cold fluid. she dangled a tentacle lazily over the top of the tank, occasionally brushing the brine, never staying too long when ripples formed. The spawnlings appeared lazy and uninterested but the lady knew this was not the case; were she to let her attention slip the spawnlings would be ready. Still, despite the modest danger to her dangling appendage, she remained intrigued, lost almost in a past reflection.

A slight scuffle off to one side announced the arrival of one of her handmaids. The Lady inhaled, lifted her tentacle from the surface, and slowly looked around. Miscari was stood by the ramp leading up to the viewing stand, in her tentacles a large silver flask. Lady Ungol knew Miscari had made the noise deliberately to announce her arrival to her mistress, she was otherwise too graceful for such clumsiness. With a measure of resignation Lady Ungol beckoned Miscari up the ramp and returned her attention to the tank.

Miscari ascended the slope and unstoppered the vial, then lifted it carefully to the tank rim and paused, turning a primary eye to her mistress as if seeking confirmation. After a minute Lady Ungol turned to look fully at her acolyte. She inclined her head and beckoned with a primary tentacle "terminate them" was all she said. Miscari upended the contents into the main tank, a purplish liquid which spread via the currents around the tank. The spawnlings were unaware of their fate as they passed through the purplish mix, their movements steadily slowing, until finally their tentacles stopped moving and they were taken in the grip of the currents. The only movement was a slow opening and closing of jaws designed for killing, until that eventually ceased.

Gently Miscari laid a tentacle on Lady Ungol's shoulder before turning and leaving the Lady to her privacy.

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millerium's Blog - Reality

Technology rules
endless search for more knowledge
neverending task

Mizuchi's Blog - Reflections of a xenos - Stardate 219.7.1

Personal memoirs of Takeo Kurita

I have been back at Mampang for over a week now. My time in Flagritz Republic space was not as extended as I initially imagined. My time on Vexator, much shorter than I envisioned. I had barely got settled to commence the logistical audit of resources for the next stage of changes when I received a request from the Prime Minister's office seeking my relocation to Crusade, a system which I now know to be on the other side of the Flagritz Home Periphery.

I had prepared myself to bid farewell to my attache Mamadou and his staff but I was pleased to learn they were to accompany me in my new role. Our transport out to this new system was located in the secure military docks within Shpydar Ungol. I was surprised to view her for the first time. The Alien Construct was like nothing I had ever seen, not only of a strange and unknown design, but huge, far bigger than any warship I had hitherto laid eyes upon. The Acheron was her name and she was to be my temporary home whilst en route to Crusade.

Crusade is an interesting system. It is the location of a wormhole into Battlefield. It was a route which has been fought over by the Flagritz and Felini for many years. Now, the wormhole terminus in Crusade is simply a physical anomoly, the wormhole itself having rotated to Leonis and been fixed there for some years. A blessing if I am honest, for it has brought isolation between the two powers and that isolation has brought some measure of peace. That is not to say the astronomical anomoly is not warded, an evident fact as I reviewed the Acheron's sensor feeds.

Cause was a planet that had also seen a fair share of fighting, but which had undergone a rennaisance as the first planet to be developed by the Sycorax clan serving under the Prime Minister. The world had undergone terraforming, habitat conservation and diversification, species relocations from other worlds to provide viable populations and an influx of flagritz colonists. The world was now a veritable paradise, if you are a flagritz. It was on this world that I first met the Sycorax.

Flagritz are a strange species. Everyone knows of their tri-culture, the three castes based on an individual's socio-genetic development. What people don't know is that like minded groups of flagritz often come together to achieve common aims, and can form strange groupings or cliques. One I had come across, well touched upon, was the handmaidens of the Lady Ungol. Reputed to be devastatingly beautiful to flagritz and not without their wiles to other species, they are also exceedingly dangerous. I suspect they are a mix of castes who serve the Lady in a common way. So it appears to be with the Sycorax. My time spent on Cause exposed me to many of this 'clan'. They are not all related of course, some are from the Prime Minister's brood certainly, but others share the vision and call themselves Sycorax as a badge of honour. Their over-riding passion, as far as I could tell, appeared to be the acquisition of knowledge and the practical applications it can bring, how it may be used to provide an order to what is otherwise chaos. This was the first world where slaves were freed and whilst many still grumble that they have to pay to have services undertaken, the reality is that the removal of the slaves has brought an order to the world, built upon by an improved climate, an expanded ecosystem and a structured government.

Aah, my role. I was tasked with completing the establishment of the capitalist government, wiping away the remnants of the prior anarchy and instituting a capitalist order. An alien, on an alien world, inhabited by the most alien of aliens. Life can be a wonder.

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*** Game News ***

Darak has given warning he will be making two changes in the coming weeks:

[1] 1000 Hulls / week added to platforms will be added
[2] Enemy Lists on platforms will not depend on starbase lists - so that may require some changes to platforms.

*** 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
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, MIC

*** Submission ***

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