Elite: Dangerous Galnet News

[RSSFeeder]

The Fall of The Oracle

The Oracle starport in the Delphi system began tumbling out of orbit following a recent Thargoid attack.

The station was already ablaze and severely damaged by caustic enzymes during a Thargoid incursion in the Delphi system. This led to a cascading systems failure that shut down all of the station's alignment thrusters.

As a result, the entire starport became affected by the gravity of Delphi 5 a, and began falling toward the moon. This immediately endangered the lives of tens of thousands of civilians.

Due to fire damage in the docking bay and the narrow timescale, evacuation of The Oracle's entire population before it impacted upon the surface was considered impossible.

With only hours to go before collision, independent pilots risked their lives to rescue thousands of trapped civilians from the falling and damaged starport. This allowed the engineers to focus on patching up The Oracle's alignment systems. The station is now considered to be in a stable orbit.

A spokesperson for Sirius Inc told the media:

"We are immensely grateful to those courageous Commanders for helping to prevent what could have been one of the most horrific disasters in modern history."

Similar incidents have been reported at other stations that were targeted by the Thargoids, leading to speculation that this may not be coincidental. Unilateral plans to shore up this vulnerability in the starports are now underway.
Source: The Fall of The Oracle

[RSSFeeder]

Tritium Mining Marks Alliance Election Day

*Pilots Federation ALERT*

As the Assembly votes for its new leader, Prime Minister Edmund Mahon has requested mined tritium to aid expansion.

The new initiative follows on from his successful drive for industrial materials, which resulted in large amounts of ceramic composites, polymers and superconductors. Pilots who contributed to this can now collect their rewards from Dublin Citadel in the Gateway system.

A competing community drive by Councillor Nakato Kaine, Mahon's main rival in the election, brought deliveries of copper, micro-controllers and polymers.

Prime Minister Mahon's new tritium mining initiative aims to provide a stockpile of fuel to support the Alliance's expansion programme. This will involve constructing up to five new starports, which are expected to be operational within a month.

Mined deposits of tritium can be delivered to Dublin Citadel in the Gateway system.

Members of the Alliance Assembly will gather today to cast their votes for a new prime minister. Opinion polls believe Mahon will comfortably win, although acknowledge that Kaine has broad support. The successful candidate will serve as the Alliance head of state for a six-year term.

Source: Tritium Mining Marks Alliance Election Day

[RSSFeeder]

Mahon Wins Alliance Election

The election for Alliance prime minister has been won by the incumbent Edmund Mahon, who begins a second six-year term in office.

The Alliance Assembly voted yesterday to elect the new head of state. Mahon received more votes than any other candidate, albeit not a majority of the electorate. Some council members demanded additional checks, causing a delay in announcing the results.

Prime Minister Mahon gave a victory speech to the public:

"It is my great honour to continue serving the diverse peoples of the Alliance. We will hold fast to our principles of democracy, prosperity and mutual defence, no matter what the galaxy throws at us."

Vanya Driscoll, political correspondent for The Alliance Tribune, observed:

"With the core systems affected by political unrest, terrorist threats and economic turmoil, it is no surprise that the Assembly voted for stability. Mahon is a known quantity, and the Alliance has become reliant on his calm, measured leadership."

Source: Mahon Wins Alliance Election

[RSSFeeder]

Aegis Megaship Prepares to Escape Thargoids

*Pilots Federation ALERT*

All independent ships aboard the Alexandria in the HIP 16538 system will be undocked on Thursday the 3rd of June.

The megaship triggered an invasion of Thargoid vessels when it arrived from the Delphi system. Aegis believes this was a reaction to the large quantities of Guardian artefacts being stored in its cargo holds.

Captain Jacob Morales, commanding officer of the Alexandria, outlined the next steps:

"On Thursday we will make a hyperspace jump to the HIP 30944 system. Since this has a small population, the risk of casualties will be low if the Thargoids continue to pursue us. Once there, we will arrange to offload our cargo and distribute it to multiple locations."

"As a precaution, shortly before the jump we will uncouple all independent ships and leave them in the HIP 16538 system. We advise all pilots currently docked with the Alexandria to depart as soon as possible."

The Alexandria was ordered not to enter any Federal systems, causing many newsfeeds to refer to it as a 'plague ship'. There are widespread concerns that it will attract Thargoids to any system it travels to.
Source: Aegis Megaship Prepares to Escape Thargoids

[RSSFeeder]

Jupiter Division Inspires Corporatist Movement

The Core Dynamics breakaway faction created by ex-CEO Jupiter Rochester has survived, by gathering believers in the corporate rule of the Federation.

Conrad Sterling, political journalist for Vox Galactica, published this report:

"With its military forces defeated in February, and its leader found guilty of mass murder and imprisoned for life, Jupiter Division should now be a footnote in the Federation's history."

"Yet in recent months it has steadily grown, retaking control of HIP 54530 and several neighbouring systems. Its megaship, Victory's Forge, even managed to repel Federal troops and remains under Jupiter Division's command."

"There is much speculation about the underlying reasons for this. Alongside general unrest with the Federation's current policies, there is a rising interest in Rochester's grand vision – replacing democracy with corporatocracy – among those wishing to see change. Many have flocked to Jupiter Division's banner, preventing its collapse."

"Core Dynamics, its parent company, has also continued to see defections within its ranks. However, new CEO Owen McKenna has vowed to destroy his predecessor's rogue department. It is possible that Jupiter Division's survival was only a brief reprieve, unless the corporatists can gather in sufficient numbers to sustain it."
Source: Jupiter Division Inspires Corporatist Movement

[RSSFeeder]

Tritium Mining Campaign Boosts Alliance Expansion

*Pilots Federation ALERT*

Prime Minister Edmund Mahon's request for mined tritium has concluded, paving the way for new Alliance starports.

Large quantities of tritium were delivered, which will provide fuel for a civil infrastructure programme designed to increase the Alliance's presence.

As part of this expansion, new Alliance starports will be constructed in these systems by the 25th of June 3307:

LHS 2522

Sharru Sector FW-W c1-19

Prime Minister Mahon, who was recently re-elected by the Assembly, told the media:

"The economy of the Alliance will benefit greatly from investment in expansion. These new stations will provide more opportunities for individuals and corporations alike."

Pilots who mined and delivered tritium can now collect their rewards from Dublin Citadel in the Gateway system.
Source: Tritium Mining Campaign Boosts Alliance Expansion

[RSSFeeder]

Core Dynamics Engages Jupiter Division in Battle

*Pilots Federation ALERT*

The corporate faction Jupiter Division is fighting for survival against the Silver Legal Group in the Ts'ao Tach system.

Jupiter Division was formed by rogue Core Dynamics departments loyal to ex-CEO Jupiter Rochester. Although it was defeated in February, a growing corporatist movement within the Federation has helped rebuild its strength.

A call to arms was made by Owen McKenna, the new CEO of Core Dynamics:

"Rochester's deranged cult must be wiped out once and for all. We are supporting our ally, the Silver Legal Group, to destroy Jupiter Division's fleet and allow us to retake our stolen resources."

Vice-Executive Blanca Carbonell, a senior leader of Jupiter Division, broadcast this message:

"To all those seeking a better Federation – stand up and make your voice heard! Only direct corporate rule can end government corruption. Jupiter Division must survive to lead that change!"

Two megaships, Victory's Forge and Iron Wings of Justice, are once again serving as the centres of operation for Jupiter Division and the Silver Legal Group.

Political commentators believe that this second conflict will be a decisive one, determining whether or not Jupiter Division can survive without its founder.
Source: Core Dynamics Engages Jupiter Division in Battle

[RSSFeeder]

Aegis Megaship Vanishes in Hyperspace

The Alexandria has failed to arrive in the HIP 30944 system as scheduled, and may have been hyperdicted by the Thargoids.

The Aegis-owned megaship triggered an attack by Thargoid vessels when it travelled from the Delphi system to HIP 16538 on the 20th of May. Aegis believes this was caused by the large quantity of Guardian artefacts in its cargo holds.

To reduce the risk of further casualties, the Alexandria plotted a route to a low-population prison colony in the HIP 30944 system. All independent ships were undocked before it made the hyperspace jump on the 3rd of June.

However, the megaship never reached its arrival point and all communication with it has ceased. Search teams in local systems have not detected its presence.

Admiral Aden Tanner, chief military liaison with Aegis, informed the media:

"We regret to announce a complete loss of contact with the Alexandria. Although there is no evidence of damage or destruction, its disappearance while travelling through hyperspace raises the possibility that it was intercepted en route by Thargoid forces."

"Captain Jacob Morales and over four thousand crewmembers will be listed as missing presumed dead. In addition to this great tragedy, Aegis's research programme into Guardian technology has been severely impacted by the loss of many precious artefacts."
Source: Aegis Megaship Vanishes in Hyperspace

[RSSFeeder]

Neo-Marlinist Political Party Emerges

Minister Aaron Whyte, leader of the Marlinism Reformation Party, has confirmed that it aims to politically represent the Neo-Marlinist fringe.

At a meeting of the Marlinist Parliament, Minister Whyte declared:

"Not all of the Neo-Marlinist community seek a violent uprising to end the Duval family's thousand-year dictatorship. We can help replace desperate acts of rebellion with meaningful dialogue and public pressure."

Several newsfeeds observed that Whyte was attempting to rebrand Neo-Marlinism as being closer to the mainstream ideals of Marlinism. However, the possibility that the faction may now act as the political wing of the NMLA has caused widespread alarm.

In related news, a recent election in the Hyades Sector RO-P b6-2 system saw voters remove the Marlinism Reformation Party from power, after it granted asylum to survivors from the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid.

The system's new leader, Minister Octavia Volkov of the Exiled Marlinist Assembly of Baltah'Sine, announced:

"My party believes in following Marlin Duval's example by building independent democracies, rather than reforming the Empire. However, three of our colony systems have already fallen under the control of foreign factions. We urgently need support to keep the dream of a Marlinist Republic alive."
Source: Neo-Marlinist Political Party Emerges

[RSSFeeder]

Core Dynamics Triumphs Against Jupiter Division

*Pilots Federation ALERT*

The corporate faction Jupiter Division has been defeated by the Silver Legal Group in the Ts'ao Tach system.

The breakaway faction from Core Dynamics was unable to resist efforts by its parent company to recover ships and resources. Jupiter Division will soon be subsumed by Core Enterprises, a subsidiary of Core Dynamics.

Owen McKenna, the CEO of Core Dynamics, declared:

"Thanks to the Silver Legal Group and other loyal allies of the Federation, we have finally crushed this criminal enterprise. Let this be an end to the delusions of Jupiter Rochester."

Many newsfeeds believe that Jupiter Division's defeat will have a negative impact on the corporatist movement that has recently emerged within some Federal systems.

Director Theodore Sullivan of the Silver Legal Group confirmed that those who fought on their side can now collect payments from the Iron Wings of Justice megaship in the Ts'ao Tach system.

Source: Core Dynamics Triumphs Against Jupiter Division

[RSSFeeder]

The Legacy of the Hesperus

*Pilots Federation ALERT*

Commanders in the Chukchan and Perseus Dark Region KC-V c2-2 systems have reported being contacted by 'Salvation'.

The anonymous individual is known to have an interest in the Adamastor and the Hesperus, the 'ghost ships' within those systems. Both of the derelict megaships were operated 200 years ago by Azimuth Biochemicals.

Commander Tyler Thorsen told Vox Galactica:

"I was taking some sightseers on a trip round the Hesperus, and getting as close as I dared to the Scriveners Clan dredger. I scanned the tourist beacon for them, and suddenly received a direct message from this 'Salvation' guy."

"He asked me to track down some old signal beacons, which are listening posts configured to retransmit long-range comms. Apparently these could help locate the survivors from the megaship. But the Hesperus is ancient history. Surely there can't be anything or anyone left to find?"

In April, 'Salvation' unofficially recruited independent pilots to locate the Hesperus, and to deliver its surviving logs to Taurus Mining Ventures.

The Pilots Federation is running an inquiry into 'Salvation' and his associates. Commanders are being cautioned against undertaking tasks for what may be an illegal enterprise.
Source: The Legacy of the Hesperus

[RSSFeeder]

ACT Continues to Hunt NMLA Terrorists

The Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit has published an update on its investigation into the Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army.

Senior Agent Tanya Ramirez, one of ACT's joint leaders, gave a statement to the media:

"ACT is currently pursuing multiple lines of enquiry, which must remain classified for reasons of security. Our agents are gathering evidence from sites across the Alliance, Empire and Federation."

"As yet we cannot report any significant breakthroughs. NMLA activists appear to use a dark-comms network that defies detection. They also compartmentalise their operations, so individual cells have little knowledge of each other."

"In recent months, NMLA incidents have been restricted to minor strikes against Imperial authorities, which were dealt with by local police forces. There has been no activity by Theta Group, the hardcore extremists responsible for the 'Nine Martyrs' starport bombings."

"The collapse of the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid may have deprived the NMLA of their logistical capability to deliver large-scale attacks. But it remains possible that a new wave of terrorist atrocities is being planned."

ACT later confirmed that it has recruited additional personnel from Alliance Interpol, the Federal Intelligence Agency, the Imperial Internal Security Service, the Marlinist Constabulary, Nova Imperium's Praetorian Guard and the Wallglass Investigations Agency.
Source: ACT Continues to Hunt NMLA Terrorists

[RSSFeeder]

Sirius Corporation: The Fourth Superpower?

The galaxy's largest megacorporation is continuing to influence the political arena and affect billions of lives.

A review was published by Marlon Royce, business analyst for Vox Galactica:

"With its own government, laws and naval fleet, it's not surprising that Sirius Corporation is occasionally referred to as 'the fourth superpower'. That now seems to be its actual goal, as its impact upon interstellar politics increases."

"When Sirius Corporation resettled the Marlinist refugees in their own colony systems, it averted war between the Empire and the Federation. But this seemingly altruistic move enabled CEO Li Yong-Rui to claim political neutrality, gaining public support to host the Galactic Summit in the Sirius system."

"That success was undermined by the controversy of granting diplomatic status to pirate warlord Archon Delaine. Rumours of secret business dealings were reinforced when Sirius subsidiaries appeared alongside the Kumo Crew's new starports."

"High-level agreements were also made with the Alliance, with Sirius Atmospherics aiding colonisation of the Coalsack Nebula. But some believe that its project to terraform ammonia worlds brought retaliatory strikes from the Thargoids and enormous casualties."

"The latest news is of a collaboration with technology brokers to make a previously limited ship module commercially available. Is this a shrewd business decision, or part of Sirius Corporation's strategy of political dominance?"
Source: Sirius Corporation: The Fourth Superpower?

[RSSFeeder]

Electoral Reform Proposed for the Alliance

Councillor Nakato Kaine has suggested that the Alliance's current electoral system should be replaced by direct public voting.

The proposal follows a recent election where Prime Minister Edmund Mahon was reinstated for a second six-year term.

Addressing the Alliance Assembly, Councillor Kaine said:

"Only allowing council members to choose the prime minister is a flawed system, vulnerable to corruption and outside influence. The people of the Alliance should have a direct mandate to determine their leader by casting individual votes."

Political journalist Vanya Driscoll reported for The Alliance Tribune:

"Although Kaine stopped short of claiming that Mahon's victory was achieved fraudulently, the Assembly took a dim view of this attempt at electoral overhaul. Some council members accused her of failing to accept that her policies received considerably less support than those of her rival."

"Despite this, a few accepted that there could be merit in such a restructure. However, organising public voting across all Alliance systems would be much harder than in democracies with a more established infrastructure, such as the Federation, or that have smaller populations, such as the Marlinist Colonies."
Source: Electoral Reform Proposed for the Alliance

[RSSFeeder]

Materials Needed for Enhanced Ship Module

*Pilots Federation ALERT*

Sirius Corporation has requested commodities to make a fully engineered detailed surface scanner commercially available.

The ship module was produced in limited numbers during a terraforming programme campaign by Sirius Atmospherics in late 3306. It was awarded to pilots who provided data on worlds with ammonia-based atmospheres for its terraforming programme.

Sinclair Faraldo, marketing director for Sirius Corporation, provided details:

"Following a feasibility study, we have determined that this module can be economically mass produced for general sale. Our fully engineered detailed surface scanner has twice probe coverage, allowing planets and moons to be mapped more efficiently."

"In order to begin production, we require large quantities of CMM composites, muon imagers and synthetic reagents. We will generously reward pilots who can deliver these to Ashby City in the Luyten's Star system."

The Engineered Detailed Surface Scanner V1 will be available for purchase at all human technology brokers, assuming that sufficient quantities of commodities can be obtained.
Source: Materials Needed for Enhanced Ship Module