Galnet News

Two weeks ago it was announced that Jaques Station, the galaxy's most famous travelling starport, would make an incredible long-distance jump from Gliese 1269 to Beagle Point. The proposed expedition received enthusiastic support from the galactic community, which contributed thousands of tonnes of fuel to the ambitious campaign.

But despite setting off almost a week ago, no communications have been received from Jaques Station since it departed, and explorers at Beagle Point have reported no sign of the outpost. Dr Kaii, one of the leaders of the Distant Worlds Expedition, released the following statement:

"I have received numerous updates from pilots in the vicinity of Beagle Point reporting 'no joy' on the Jacques jump. Members of the fleet have searched nearby systems, but there is no sign of the station. A full investigation should be launched as soon as possible."

Kinsley Larson, an engineering specialist, offered this assessment to the Federal Times:

"I can't say I'm surprised. A leap like that would be a remarkable feat for a starship, never mind a starport. Even if Jaques Station survived the jump, there are countless things that could have gone wrong and caused it to veer off course. It could be almost anywhere in the galaxy. Assuming it's still in one piece, that is."

A number of Unknown Artefacts had recently been sold at Jaques Station, and the starport was experiencing technical issues at the time it departed for Beagle Point.

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

Here are the latest factions to hold elections:

Alpheus Silver Travel Group

Social BD+75 58 for Equality

Bodb Den Advanced Network

Vishtha Liberals

Vaka Citizens of Tradition

LFT 361 Independents

LHS 1918 Major Exchange

Gram Legal Industry

Xelabara Republic Party

Gliese 875 Allied Exchange

Elections occur when two minor factions with a similar political structure resolve a conflict over ownership and influence within a system.

At 7.00 am tomorrow morning (GMT), the monitoring of powers' activities will go offline for a short period while the latest data is assembled. Pilots who operate for one of the powers should deliver any cargo or vouchers before this time to ensure their activities are registered.

This report presents the latest data on the security status of the galaxy's minor factions.

Here are the latest factions to experience a lockdown:

Myrbat Partnership

Anali Ltd

BD+32 4747 Solutions

V1703 Aquilae Natural Limited

Yen Ti Liberals

LHS 1483 Advanced and Co

Fomovithi Corp.

Dall Universal Inc

Ixilalonta Galactic Commodities

51 Arietis Allied and Co

When a faction experiences a lockdown, the security rating of the system it controls temporarily increases and the system's wealth temporarily decreases. Bounty hunting activity can shorten the lockdown period.

Here are the latest factions to experience civil unrest:

Noblemen of Samebito

Synteini Industries

Segoveduwa Blue Electronics

Ross 788 Crimson Energy Comms

Coalition of Bembarriosk

Gang of Aphra

Percunceni Dynasty

Liberty Party of Tz'utuls

AG+21 1754 Inc

Wi Democrats

Civil unrest is the result of illegal activity. When a faction is affected by civil unrest, the standard of living in the system it controls temporarily decreases, as does the system's wealth. Combat missions and activities can bring civil unrest to an end.

As Federal and Imperial factions continue to fight for control of the contested Neits system, the New Galactic Cooperative of Worlds has issued a statement denouncing the violence. GalCop's representative, Jahena Yar Savor, addressed both sides of the conflict, and appealed for an end to hostilities in the spirit of cooperation and unity.

"Our differences must not be settled through violence," said Savor. "This conflict may have begun because of ideals, but it has led to very real damage. Until both sides set aside their differences and their weapons, the citizens and business interests of Neits will continue to suffer."

'Disc' Commander Felix Dyson - Radio Skvortsov

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:

Ambivas Power Partners

Adeo Vision Industries

Delta Phoenicis Limited

i Bootis Central Limited Federation

LTT 15449 Dynamic Incorporated

Workers of Tau-1 Gruis Democrats

LHS 1380 Liberals

Chinner Emperor's Grace

Wuthielo Ku Progressive Party

Yhele Guardians of Tradition

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:

Left Party of Ch'i Lingo

Lacaille 9352 Silver Gang

Xihe Purple Brothers

Apurui General Co

HIP 13644 Clan Independent

CD-37 1883 Values Party

Sisina Travel Corp.

Posse of Vega

Kausalya Boys

Arouca Focus

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.

A demonstration was held today at Leoniceno Orbital in Azaleach calling for the immediate release of all information submitted in response to former Federal president Jasmina Halsey's appeal for exploration data.

"Something isn't right here," said one of the demonstrators. "Mountains of data were submitted, and within two days they were able to review it thoroughly enough to declare there was absolutely nothing of interest? This reeks of a cover up."

Speakers at the rally demanded that the Azaleach Partnership, to which the information was submitted, release the data so its findings could be independently verified.

"Science relies on openness, collaboration and peer review," argued one speaker. "It's an integral part of the process. Any conclusions based on secret data should be treated with suspicion."

Commander Corlas

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:

Future of Misisture

GD 69 League

Comecab Interstellar

United German Commanders

Doolona Empire League

HIP 47110 Focus

Coalition of Narverdulli

Crimson Major Organisationl

Heget Gold Travel Inc

Democrats of Djendelis

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.

Recent reports indicate that a number of starports forced to suspend services due to Unknown Artefact-related interference have been restored to normality through the application of meta-alloys. Ackerman Market in Eravate, Gabriel Enterprise in Harma, Weyn Dock in 64 Arietis and Onnes Gateway in LFT 37 are all now reported to be fully operational.

This development – a testament to the hard work of the pilots who have delivered meta-alloys to the affected stations – will no doubt bring hope to those still affected by the technological plague.

The starports currently closed as a result of Unknown Artefact-related interference are:

Lave Station, Lave

Ising Dock, 109 Piscium

Fozard Dock, HIP 19934

Irens Dock, Manite

von Bellingshausen Port, Almar

Haack Gateway, Halbangaay

Gurragchaa Gateway, Warkushanui

Korolyov Hub, Arawere

Lobachevsky Outpost, Pic Tok

Carter Port, Rhea

Meanwhile, the following starports continue to experience technical issues:

Alexander Freeport, HIP 18843

Bloch Vision, Loperada

Love Ring, Evejitaka

Robigo Mines, Robigo

Saunders's Dive, Wolf 1301

Skvortsov Orbital, 63 G. Capricorni

Kooi Gateway, HIP 93377

Jaques Station, Gliese 1269

Three individuals carrying pamphlets identifying them as members of 'The Hands of the Architects' have been apprehended at Jaques Station. Starport personnel discovered the individuals attempting to modify the station's frame shift drive.

A station spokesperson said: "The individuals are apparently members of a cult that arose shortly after Jasmina Halsey first claimed to have encountered super-intelligent, non-human life. Materials confiscated from the individuals indicate that they hoped to force a mis-jump during Jaques's forthcoming journey to Beagle Point. Apparently they thought this would give them an opportunity to meet Halsey's 'architects'."

The would-be saboteurs are currently being held in custody at Jaques Station while starport personnel discuss possible extradition with nearby systems.

Jaiotu