Mavri announce massive investment in Highgate V

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In response to the recent attack on their ambassador on Highgate V the Mavri consulate has announced a massive increase in investment and support personnel on the planet. Cogfall News understands that this deployment will also include associated military support to defend Mavri interests as well as a significant construction effort to further fortify the embassy against future attacks.

Only last month the Mavri ambassador was assassinated along with 16 others in a blatant disregards for international standards. While many have condemned the attacks the complicated situation on Highgate has made investigating the source of the attack difficult at best.

This latest escalation in deployed military assets may only stoke the flames of conflict on Highgate, where thousands die everyday in the ongoing civil conflict.

Death of The Red Vixen

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In a dramatic display Ayva Fleming, aka “The Red Vixen” has been executed by Mavri authorities for crimes against the state. The execution was carried out by conflagration on Sochi in front of a large crowd. The condemned was not allowed to speak before the sentence was carried out.

Ms Fleming had been convicted of 28 out of the 29 charges against her last month, being acquitted on one count of murder due to a procedural issue which rendered one witness’ testimony inadmissible. Despite this the other 28 convictions were more than enough to earn her the death penalty under Mavri law.

Ayva Fleming was apprehended by a mercenary crew from the Fairy Dragon, a free trader based out of Freeport 7. A Mavri representative has extended their thanks to the crew for their efforts to “…keep the spaceplanes clear and allow justice to flourish in the dark places of the galaxy.”

Psychics assassinate Mavri Ambassador

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Highly skilled and well equipped forces infiltrated the Mavri Embassy on Highgate V yesterday and successfully assassinated the Ambassador in a flagrant disregard of international treaties on diplomatic immunity. In addition to the Ambassador, 16 security personnel were killed in the attack that used a number of psychic disciplines to breach the extensive security arrangements. On Highgate V itself the news was received with a more mixed response with some local leaders condemning the attack while others declared that foreign invaders deserved nothing less and burned effigies of the deceased Ambassador. This assassination following so closely on the Demarr compound assault will only further fan the flames of conflict in the region with the Mavri Prophet for Foreign Affairs today announcing that fleet units would be stationed in the system to protect the lives of their citizens.

Zealots storm Demarr compound

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Shocking scenes have emerged from Highgate V that show armed zealots storming the Demarr Green Zone compound in the city of Blackheath today. Armed intruders attacked and overcame the local mercenary security forces at the compound gate and proceeded to storm the facilities looting and murdering for almost three hours before order was restored by Accord backed Highgate army forces. It is believed that the incident has left almost 200 dead and many more wounded overwhelming much of the local medical infrastructure.

The sight of Demarr equipment and personnel under threat within their own designated “Green Zone” has raised serious questions about the Demarr presence on Highgate V and their ability to defend their interests there. A Demarr representative had this to say: “We condemn this act of terrorism in the strongest possible terms and we will be taking steps to ensure the safety of our personnel which is our utmost priority. Actions like this do nothing to reduce the commitment we have to peace and security.”

This escalation of the violence on Highgate V is widely seen as a consequences of the Mavri taking a much more interventionist policy to the ongoing conflict deploying military advisers and supplying arms to the conflict. Many experts fear that this may only result in tit for tat attacks in the future and an escalation of the violence.

Calderon colony rises from the ashes

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Emilio Estevan has proudly announced that the recently threatened Calderon colony in the Cortez system has been restored to operation and new colonists are on their way for a triumphal return. Reports indicate that the crew of the Faerie Dragon are to thank for resolving the widespread fallout issue that buried much of the colony and rendered it uninhabitable through careful underground surveillance that allowed Mr Estevan’s venture enterprise to conduct the limited geoengineering required to seal the fissure.

With this success Mr Estevan has announced a new funding round for a second colony ship destined for Calderon. Interested investors should contact Estevan Holdings LLC. Pelos.

Trinity welcomes Dominion presence

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J.P. Pavish, mayor of Freeport 7 made a statement today welcoming a Dominion corvette stationed in the Trinity system to assist in anti-pirate suppression. Freeport 7 has recently been plagued by increased pirate activity and despite successful bounty hunting in the region the Dominion insisted upon providing additional security forces to safeguard the trade lanes and promote peace and tranquillity. No doubt its presence will provide a reassuring presence for traders in the Trinity system.

Prize Zaibatsu race car stolen

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In a daring heist the pride and joy of Zaibatsu racing team was stolen last week in a heist that many are calling the work of a master team of thieves. The car was stored in a hanger near the racetrack in the city of Denia on the planet Illyria in preparation for the race to be held the following day. Unfortunately for race fans, at some point during the night a team tunnelled in under the hanger, stole the car, and covered up their tracks. 

Authorities have confirmed that a service tunnel beneath the hanger was the source of the crime but assured the public that they will bring these criminals to justice. Rumours abound as to how such a large and well known piece of equipment could be so easily taken but sources on the inside have revealed that the security was extremely lax and many basic precautions were neglected in the months leading up the the theft.  

A representative of the Zaibatsu corporation announced a reward of up to 50 thousand credits for information leading to either the return of the car or the perpetrators behind the crime.

Mavri establish outreach centre on Circe

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The Seraph of the Mavri has created a new outreach program dedicated to enlightening the people of Circe in the Pothos system. Circe is famous in some circles for there passionate hatred of psionics and there well developed weapons against them. This has made them a target of interest for the Mavri for some time and many experts believe this outreach centre is merely a step on the journey to incorporating Circe as a client state with the Seraph.

The Mavri themselves dispute the notion stating that “…this outreach program will allow the distribution of modern medicine to the people of Circe. Acts of charity such as this are simply the expectation of all sentient life and help to contribute to a harmonious galactic society.”

Famed detective duo break another case

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Another case has been solved by the sector’s most well regarded detective duo; Mal McNamara and Ken Kristofferson. Their latest achievement is recovering the stolen White Gardenia, a sliver of neutron degenerate matter encased in a force field reinforced diamondoid casing and kept permanently on display on Varim. This subtle flower shaped jewel is famous for its technologically mysterious mandate era force field keeping the degenerate matter trapped inside despite the enormous pressure that must be contained within. The White Gardenia masses almost 140,000 tonnes making it exceedingly difficult to move and has been the pride of the Burton family jewellery collection since it’s discovery on Nassan almost 70 years ago.

Despite its incredible weight, the White Gardenia was stolen from its specially reinforced display position out the front of the Burton flagship store on Varim. Extensive surveillance showed an individual walking up to and snatching the jewel before disappearing into a waiting vehicle which left the authorities and the public to speculate wildly on how they were able to accomplish what has been called the crime of the century. However, such hurdles proved to be no more than mere trifles for Mal and Ken who cleverly deduced that the gem had been swapped out with a fake almost month before the ‘alleged’ theft during the opening ceremony for the Jade Tunnel project, and that the individual caught on camera was merely a decoy. They demonstrated that the weight sensors around the gem had been tampered with to disguise the swap and that the Jade tunnelling machine had been used as the perfect cover and transport vehicle for the massive heist.

Now that the crime has been solved and the White Gardenia returned to the Burton family our most renowned detectives can enjoy a well earned break from crime fighting before turning their prodigious mental capacity towards the next great mystery.

‘Atlantis’ expedition declared lost

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The twelve members of the joint expedition between the University of Dynassa and the Demarr corporation on the planet Octave has been declared lost three weeks after their last scheduled check in and two weeks after their supplies would have been exhausted. This marks the second time that a deep ocean expedition has been lost under mysterious circumstances on Octave and many now believe that a hostile force must reside deep beneath the waves. 

The planet Octave is famous for the extensive, and thus far unmapped, underwater caves that riddle much of the ocean floor and delve to at least 25 kilometres according to surviving probes. These caves have long been suspected to house a lost Mandate city according to records held by the University of Dynassa. Such a treasure trove would be an invaluable untapped source of wealth and knowledge but with this latest failure the existence of such an Atlantis is likely to remain a mystery for some time yet. 

Heir to the Tybold fortune killed in kidnapping gone awry

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A tragedy has occurred today as the 32 year old Alicia Tybold was killed by armed assailants outside of Tybold tower on Demos. Police have reported that at least 12 heavily armed and armoured persons assaulted Alicia’s armoured convoy at 2302 last night as Alicia was leaving the building. Opening fire with heavy weapons they rapidly eliminated Tybold security personnel and blasted the convoy vehicles open before kidnapping Alicia Tybold and escaping under amidst the confusion. Police response drones were on sight within 60 seconds of the attack but where destroyed attempting to aid Tybold security personnel. 

Alicia’s body was found several hours later dumped in the ocean. Her cause of death has been determined as shock and blood loss stemming from shrapnel wounds likely incurred during the assault. Police speculate that assailants misjudged the use of explosives required for the assault and inadvertently wounded Miss Tybold during the kidnapping and where unable to revive her.

Police are devoting every available resource to bringing the perpetrators to justice and as part of that effort have imposed additional restrictions on all travel to and from Demos until they are apprehended. Meanwhile in a press conference only an hour ago Mortimer Tybold, the fabulously wealthy patriarch of the Tybold family had this to say: “This heinous and despicable act by cowards against my family will not go unavenged. I pledge a 1 million credit reward to whoever brings me those responsible, each and every one of them.”.

Alicia’s death leaves her younger brother Merrick Tybold as the new heir to the Tybold name.

Signal from the distant Pharaoh nebula

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A mysterious encrypted signal has been detected by the deep space observatory Krasnoye 2 in the Mania system. The point of origin seems to lie within the distant Pharaoh nebula, a spectacular spherical nebula that illuminates the night sky in that region.

The signal is in the ‘S’ band at a frequency of 2.25 GHz and seems to repeat itself every 43 seconds. No one knows what the contents of the signal are due to the encrypted nature of the broadcast however it is worth noting that the Pharaoh nebula is approximately 600 light years from the Mania system leading many to speculate that it may be an automated distress signal activated shortly after the scream. If so then its message has travelled the lonely void for centuries and is likely to prove nothing more than a curiosity unless someone manages to crack the likely extremely secure mandate encryption.

Pandimas 3 to welcome refugees in planet first

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The government of Pandimas 3, a frigid planet renowned for it’s mercenary companies, have announced that for the first time in the planet’s history they will welcome a limited number of refugees from across the sector.

Historically the people of Pandimas have been decidedly isolationist in regards to permanent visitors to their homeworld but a recent change in policy has demonstrated a softening attitude towards offworlders. While the number of refugees will be carefully screened and those accepted will not be granted citizenship (that privilege will be granted to the children born on Pandimas), this will likely to be a hugely attractive destination for those who can afford to apply. Pandimas is a stable and safe world, with almost all violence carefully regulated by the Mercenary Review Board.

No doubt many will attempt to take them up on this offer of resettlement, an act which will no doubt bolster the ranks of the mercenary companies constantly seeking fresh recruits.

Wreckage of the Astral Nomad discovered

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Wreckage believed to be the famed adventurer starship, the Astral Nomad has been located in the Aestus system; three years after its last sighting. No survivors have been located but the remains of the crew have yet to be found.

The Astral Nomad was known to trek widely across the sector and her crew of mercenaries had developed a reputation for unusual jobs and special requests that all helped to play into the fame hungry reputation of her captain, Claire Webb. Captain Webb would often announce challenges, prizes and competitions for rival captains which captured the imagination of the public.

The wreck was located in high orbit around Yellowstone and has likely been there for several months. There is extensive damage to the vessel but no indication at this stage what caused the destruction. Without further investigation, or the missing crew members themselves we may never learn what befell the ship and led to its ignoble end or why it was in the Aestus system at all.

Launch of the fleet carrier Andromeda

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In a glorious celebration today the Accord fleet carrier Andromeda was launched in orbit over Polis. Intended to be the first in a class of 3 ships, the Andromeda has a crew complement of 1100, a range of over 300 light years and boasts a powerful complement of fighters designed to safeguard Accord interests throughout the sector.

Her completion represents a great step forward for Polis shipyards who are rightfully proud of the work they have done in constructing one of the first carriers in space since the scream. It has taken decades of hard work and research by the Accord to reach this capability and no doubt rival powers are looking on with interest and concern about her capabilities. While Andromeda undergoes her shakedown cruise Polis techs will be busy scrutinising every centimetre of her interior and exterior for corrections and areas of improvement, which they hope to incorporate into the next ship in the class; an as of yet unnamed carrier due to launch later this year.

Polls show an overwhelming approval for the project across the political spectrum as many feel threatened by the rise in interstellar piracy and the ongoing conflict on Highgate which threatens to spill over into open conflict. Let us hope that the Andromeda is a calming presence throughout the Haliant sector.

Alien ruins on Haven release electromagnetic signal

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The mysterious ruins located upon the surface of the planet Haven, in the Magnolia system, have long been a desirable prize for intrepid explorers and xeno-archaeologists, but due to the hostility of the planet’s surface these ruins have remained almost totally unexplored to present. Now however a passing freighter has been able to provide evidence that not everything is as dead on the surface as was once believed. Electromagnetic energy at 3 x 1019 Hz (X-rays) is being broadcast across the system from a point on the surface. Given the particular atmospheric conditions on Haven this is likely an extremely powerful broadcast. One can only wonder at the purpose of this signal and what has changed upon the surface to activate it.

The Dominion threatens Freeports

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After the latest in a string of pirate attacks on Dominion transports, Dominion officials continue to criticise the freeport management for providing support to the pirates. In a press conference today a Dominion spokesperson had this to say: “Freeports are a dangerous haven for criminals and cowards. For the sake of peace and harmony they should allow Dominion police representatives to be stationed aboard. This will ensure that law abiding citizens feel safe and secure at the various Freeports and improve the star lanes for everyone.”

Freeport 7’s mayor responded by calling the suggestion “Absolutely… preposterous.” and emphasised that the pirates have their own hideouts and little need of freeport services. Indeed many freeports have recently put out a call for mercenaries to police shipping lanes nearby. No doubt in an attempt to assuage Dominion anger and forestall any reduction in independence.

Calderon colony destroyed in radioactive cataclysm

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The hopeful colony destined for the virgin world of Calderon in the Cortez system has been abandoned after a cloud of radioactive fallout descended upon it. Witnesses relate that the cloud was seemingly triggered by the activation of the colony’s power generator and was spewed from the ground itself. The fallout has now buried the colony site but the colonists remain hopeful that a solution can be found that may still allow them to salvage the considerable investment that has been put into the colony site.

The Calderon colony is the brainchild of Emilio Estevan a well known entrepreneur who has spent the last six years working to secure backing and establish an independent off world colony. Now this latest setback is likely to spell the end of Estevan’s venture enterprise. Unbowed, Estevan has put out a call to any bold adventurers willing to travel to the Cortez system and search for a way to restore the site or recover the significant investment in material. Enquires should be directed to Estevan Holdings LLC. Pelos or see the Job Board.

Pelops probe departs for stars unknown

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The new Pelops probe was launched today amid great fanfare for the galactic east, carrying with it the hopes of many to locate an operational jump gate. In the last 600 years since the scream no working jump gates have ever been located despite extensive searching by many across the sector. However not all have given up the search, and today’s launch represents a big step on the road towards a hopeful resolution.

The jump gates once enabled mankind to travel instantaneously across the stars without the use of the spike drive. Unfortunately the scream and the silence that followed has led to the loss of the knowledge to construct or maintain such triumphs of engineering. If new jump gates could be developed it would lead to a new dawn for galactic trade and communications as no longer would transport be limited to the holds of merchant vessels. Pelops is unique in its ability to detect the energy signature of a working gate across interstellar distances. The plan is to make a series of jumps across the sector stopping at predefined points to carefully ‘listen’ for signs of life.

Of course many are sceptical of the idea and cynics say that there are many around today who like the dominance of the merchant guilds and would be happy to see Pelops fail.

Cardamine shipments on the rise

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The notorious drug Cardamine has seen a spike in popularity recently with a recent study from the Institute of Silis reporting that withdrawal deaths have increased by 14% in the last quarter. This dangerous trend reflects the failure of law enforcement to control the distribution of the drug despite the increase in patrols promised late last year.

A representative from The Accord Police Force had this to say:

“I cannot stress the danger of this drug and the awful impacts it has on our communities. If you know any information about the importation or distribution of Cardamine please come forward.”

Cardamine is traditionally prevalent amongst the elite due to it’s famous youth prolonging properties; the effects of which are said to last decades. However it is also notorious for creating rapid and debilitating dependency in users, once hooked, prolonged absence from Cardamine inevitably leads to death. This has led to significant challenges for law enforcement since even people who have come forward to assist must continue to take regular doses.

Demarr corporation announces breakthrough in armour technology

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In a press release yesterday the Demarr corporation announced a new advance in armour technology based upon ‘nano flaw rectification technology’. This new approach to manufacturing allows highly sensitive nanites to identify flaws in the armour’s structure normally only visible under an electron microscope. These nanites are then able to rectify any accessible flaws atom by atom.

Such a breakthrough has long been sought by many in the defence business as the logical next step in improved quality control and manufacturing techniques. Demarr’s success in this endeavour speaks well to the extensive investments they have recently made in R&D. While this approach is still limited, armour layers must be kept very thin to allow the nanites access, it is hoped that this will help to improve yields and reduce costs through lower wastage.

Demarr stock price rose 7% in the wake of the announcement.