The Dominion threatens Freeports

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

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

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

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

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.