Galnet News

A Fuel Rats public relations official has announced that the collective has now succeeded in rescuing more than 10,000 stranded pilots.

Comprising a widespread network of voluntary search and rescue agents, the Fuel Rats has maintained a success rate of over 95% since its foundation in June 3301. On average, the group saves 36 pilots a day.

"The Fuel Rats is the only collective entirely dedicated to such rescues," said the representative. "For a cooperative based on volunteers, donations and goodwill to reach such a milestone in less than a year is impressive."

"When I look back at our anarchic beginnings, and see this ragtag bunch of misfit explorers expand into this remarkable cooperative, I am humbled."

The representative also explained that the group is planning a memorial service for all those the Fuel Rats failed to save. The service is currently planned for the 5th of May 3302 and is scheduled to run for one week.

Commander Kerenn

This report presents the latest data on the economic health of the galaxy's minor factions.

Here are the latest factions to experience an economic boom:

Gullici Jet Pirates

Chao Wu Commodities

Unionists of CD-66 2585 0

Nocoma Solutions

Natural HIP 18327 Nationalists

HIP 117706 Purple Netcoms Inc

Angelic Church of Messi

Kelie Silver Major Industries

League of Hrunapori Autocracy

Independent Kiliwatsuki Free

Boom is usually the result of consistent trade profit and completed trade contracts. When a faction experiences a boom, the wealth of the system it controls temporarily increases and trade missions completed in the system have double the effect on influence. The faction's influence may also increase. Booms typically last until they naturally expire.

Here are the latest factions to experience an economic bust:

LP 104-2 Silver State Comms

Paucates Gold Brothers

Kaiablingah Blue Raiders

Grovichun Purple Boys

United Epsilon Indi Flag

LTT 8517 Jet Gang

Irukama Labour

Natural Vega Liberty Party

Gridge Life Exchange

Maiki Silver Mafia

When a faction experiences a bust, the wealth of the system it controls is temporarily reduced and the faction's influence is temporarily diminished. Trade actions do not contribute to boom while a bust is active. A bust typically has to run its course before ending.

This report presents the latest data on expansion among the galaxy's minor factions.

Here are the latest factions to have expanded into new systems:

Malibata Purple Bridge Comms

Confederacy of Mandubii

Nagarans League

Guardians of Harmony

LHS 304 Crimson Dynamic Co

HIP 58213 Co-operative

Keliuona Patron's Principles

Bodhinga Empire Assembly

Silver Life Co

Uniting Qamadi

Expansions occur when a minor faction reaches a sufficient level of influence and there is a populated system within striking distance. Expansion is costly, so when a faction expands, the wealth and development level of the system it controls are temporarily reduced.

The Powerplay weekly report summarises the activities of the galaxy's movers and shakers in the Federation, the Empire, the Alliance and Independent spheres of influence during the previous week.

The Federation:

The Federal Navy's garrison supply shortage was ended this week, preventing the need to abandon another base in Phra Mool. Federal President Zachary Hudson is currently receiving intelligence reports from a number of systems, and will decide where to focus the efforts of the Federal Navy by the end of the week.

Shadow President Winters claimed the full support of residents in the Puntin system this week, bringing the number of systems under her direct control to 70. Federal Aid transports are currently attempting to showcase the merits of Federal health and welfare programmes in HIP 50489 and Kappa.

The Empire:

Ao Kax descended into turmoil this week, jeopardizing Emperor Arissa Lavigny-Duval's hold on the system. If she is able to allocate sufficient supplies to garrison the Shield of Justice and restore order, HR 4720 may join her cause.

Princess Aisling Duval claimed support from citizens in Blod and HIP 95256, swelling Aisling's support base to 60 systems. The People's Princess is currently dispatching sealed contracts to the Conii system.

Senator Zemina Torval finalized the purchase of assets in HR 6948, but deals to acquire matching assets in Grudi fell through. Torval currently has her sights set on Bandjigali, Candecama and VVO 19.

Senator Denton Patreus, the Admiral of the Imperial Fleet, was rebuffed in his efforts to stage his fleets in Medzistha and Mula Wendes. Patreus's fleets are currently staged in LFT 142, Menero Kimi and V374 Pegasi.

The Alliance:

Alliance bureaucrats busily collected an unprecedented quantity of briefings and status reports from preferred trading systems. The blockades put in place by Federation-aligned corporations forced 12 systems to rescind their trade agreements with the Alliance. Prime Minister Edmund Mahon is reportedly attempting to re-establish relations with these beleaguered systems. A total of 86 systems remain in the Alliance trade network.

Independents:

No systems changed hands among the independent powers this week, but each power is preparing to make bold moves in the coming week.

SiriusGov CEO Li Yong-Rui is attempting to purchase huge swathes of private and government assets in Chang O.

Pirate Lord Archon Delaine was unable to secure new strongholds in Mikunn and Latugara, and no new insurrections have been spotted.

Simguru Pranav Antal is attempting to expand the reach of Utopia to Allowa, Anouphis, Antanyamai, FS 34, LP 708-253, Maia and Renpetani. Should all of these systems become a part of Utopia, their enclaves will be present in 55 systems.

Commander Corrigendum

Tensions between the Federation and the Empire look likely to increase following an announcement from Federal politician Jacob Harris. In a statement released to The Federal Times, Harris claimed that the destruction of Starship One was not the result of mechanical failure, as was widely reported, but was in fact the result of deliberate sabotage by Imperial agents.

"I cannot identify my sources for fear of compromising their safety," said Harris, "but I can assure you that their information is correct. Starship One was destroyed by the Empire in an attempt to destabilise the Federal power base. It was made to look like an accident – the official Federal investigation even concluded it was an accident – but it most certainly was not."

Imperial officials were quick to condemn Harris's claims, citing both his lack of evidence and his reluctance to reveal his sources. Among those voicing scepticism was Senator Zemina Torval.

"This is nothing more than uncorroborated gossip," said the senator, "and it is highly irresponsible of Jacob Harris to disseminate such rumours. The Empire would never perpetrate such an act, and given Harris's well-known predilection for scaremongering, I think only a fool would believe him."

The Federation appeared less eager to dismiss Harris's claims, although a statement from Shadow President Felicia Winters indicated that she was not necessarily ready to accept the story, either.

"These rumours are certainly troubling, but it would be highly imprudent for us to believe them without evidence. Harris has made an extraordinary claim, so the burden of proving that claim rests with him."

Professor Ishmael Palin has announced his intention to retire from the research institute he founded last year. In a statement, the professor explained the reasoning behind the decision:

"It has been a tremendous pleasure to be part of the discourse surrounding the Unknown Artefacts, and to share ideas and opinions with so many passionate individuals. But there are dark forces at work in the galactic community – forces that exist in opposition to the ideals I hold most dear – and I lack the strength to continue fighting them."

"I have therefore decided to relinquish my directorship of The Palin Institute to Professor Cora Shaw, who has for many years been my closest ally. I have every faith in Professor Shaw's ability to lead The Palin Institute to even greater heights, and to uphold the ideals for which it stands."

"I fully intend to continue researching the Unknown Artefacts and meta-alloys, albeit in a more inconspicuous fashion, at my personal research centre on Maia A 3 a. Those who wish to visit me there are very welcome to do so. There is nothing I enjoy more than spending time with those who share my interests!"

This report presents the latest data on conflict among the galaxy's minor factions.

Here are the latest factions to experience a civil war:

Friends of Sandjin

Sandjin Drug Empire

CD-39 4830 Purple Boys

CD-39 4830 Comms Limited

Alpha Volantis Gold Drug Empire

Monarchy of Alpha Volantis

HIP 57645 Resistance

HIP 57645 Clan

Camorra of Warra

Warra Netcoms Systems

Civil wars occur when minor factions compete for control of major assets such as starports. When a faction is involved in a civil war, the standard of living, development level and security level in the system it controls are temporarily reduced. Combat activities can bring a civil war to an end.

Here are the latest factions to experience war:

Fintamkina Purple Dynamic Ind

Independent Gladyangar Revolutionary Party

New HIP 82515 People's Party

Volsum Blue Fortune Solutions

Revolutionary HIP 100934 Left Party

Constitution Party of Gende

Liu Di Imperial Society

Mizar and Co

Independents of Ross 340

Hollos Blue Legal Corporation

Wars occur when a minor faction invades a star system controlled by another minor faction. For the duration of the war, the standard of living, wealth level and security level in the disputed system are reduced. Combat activity between the two warring factions determines the outcome of the conflict. If neither faction succeeds in dominating the other, the war ends in a ceasefire.

The Morrina Pro-Alliance Party has announced that its campaign to clear the Morrina system of agitators was a success. Hundreds of combat pilots responded to the appeal, taking to their ships to eliminate the criminals operating in the system. A spokesperson for the Morrina Pro-Alliance Party released a brief statement:

"We are hugely grateful to all those who contributed to this campaign. Your efforts have brought a measure of stability to Morrina, allowing us to move towards a better, more peaceful future."

Rewards for those who contributed to the initiative are now available for collection at Barjavel Vision.

The Canary Mining Corporation has announced that it has received sufficient quantities of to carry out its improvement programme at Kooi Gateway. Hundreds of pilots responded to the organisation's appeal by delivering the much-needed equipment to the station in the HIP 93377 system.

Following the success of the campaign, a spokesperson for the Canary Mining Corporation released a brief statement:

"The Canary Mining Corporation has been working tirelessly for years to develop the mining and extraction facilities in HIP 93377. Today, that hard work has paid off as our plans become reality. We are hugely grateful to those who helped us achieve our goal by supporting this appeal. Thanks to you, mining facilities in HIP 93377 will be greatly improved and Kooi Gateway will become the system's extraction powerhouse."

Rumours from the Epsilon Indi system suggest that the United Epsilon Indi Flag is recruiting independent Commanders for a campaign called 'Bribes 4 Bourbon'. In a series of illicit meetings with system officials, the organisation reportedly secured an agreement to revise the status of Indi Bourbon and make it a legal beverage.

Yulia 'The Needle' Kuriakova, a spokeswoman for the organisation, said:

"For almost a year, authorities in Epsilon Indi have prohibited the production of Indi Bourbon, which is classified as an illegal substance. Our plan is to bring vast quantities of illegal liquor Mansfield Orbiter to pay off the officials."

The United Epsilon Indi Flag has requested that Burnham Bile Distillate, Eranin Pearl Whisky, Leestian Evil Juice and Wuthielo Ku Froth be smuggled into Mansfield Orbiter. A temporary black market has been established to accept these commodities.

The Federation, meanwhile, has asserted that the campaign represents an act of economic malfeasance, and has accused the United Epsilon Indi Flag of inciting civil disobedience. But Epsilon Indi is no stranger to dissent: in November last year an explosive-smuggling operation organised by a group called Revolution Incorporated was uncovered.

The United Epsilon Indi Flag has promised to reward pilots who deliver rare liquors to Mansfield Orbiter in the Epsilon Indi system. The campaign begins on the 14th of April 3302 and will run for one week. If the final target is met earlier than planned, the campaign will end immediately.