Elite: Dangerous Galnet News

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Congressional Candidate Endorses Xeno-Peace Movement

Dalton Chase, the Federal governor of Andavandul 1, is campaigning to become a member of Congress with support from the Thargoid Advocacy Project.

A profile of Governor Chase was published in The Federal Times by political journalist Sofia Trevino:

"Despite only being in his mid-thirties with a short political career, Dalton Chase has made a habit of beating the odds. He achieved a very strong following within his home system of Andavandul, eclipsing more experienced rivals to become a planetary governor."

"This is largely due to his willingness to reach beyond the mainstream. Many politicians claim the kind of exuberance and natural charisma that Chase possesses, but few would risk talking about the Thargoids using pointed phrases such as 'communication not extermination'. Younger voters are drawn to his boldness, as are the ICE-casters who routinely invite him onto their platforms."

"Following the unfortunate incident that recently befell Congressman Theodore Pachis , a rare vacancy has opened within the Federation's grandest political body. Governor Chase should be the least likely candidate, except for the fact that he has become something of a poster boy for the xeno-peace movement. A key pledge of Chase's electoral campaign is to pursue ways of opening human-Thargoid diplomatic channels."

"The Thargoid Advocacy Project is promoting Chase as the best chance to get Congress to take their ideas seriously. This in turn has fuelled a media backlash from some quarters, with Sol Today claiming he relies on 'the alien-lover vote'. We will soon learn if Dalton Chase's popularity among that demographic is enough to see him elected to high office."
Source: Congressional Candidate Endorses Xeno-Peace Movement

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Emperor Celebrates Imperial Strength

Emperor Arissa Lavigny-Duval has expressed satisfaction with the Empire's military and scientific progress since the Battle of HIP 22460.

She delivered the public address following a recent tour of a Gutamaya shipyard:

"The Imperial Navy is entering a period of revitalisation, with advances being made in multiple areas. We have been freed from the burden of external mismanagement, which hindered our military potential and diluted our naval strength."

"The Senate has worked tirelessly to generate funding and opportunities for this renewed focus. New ships and crews have replaced recent losses, making our naval fleets more powerful than ever. And many loyal corporations have replaced inferior imports from foreign worlds with the high-quality workmanship of Imperial artisans."

"Alongside increased military and commercial might, the Imperial Science Academy leads the way on xenological research to uncover the secrets of our Thargoid foe. We have seen the disastrous nature of Proteus Wave technology, but using alternative methods to develop our own anti-xeno options remains a priority."

"Imperial systems are better protected against our enemies than they have been in a generation. Never has the future looked so assured. Our glorious history, stretching over a thousand years, teaches us a truth that we must now relearn: The Empire stands stronger alone."
Source: Emperor Celebrates Imperial Strength

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Federation Bans the Far God Cult

President Hudson has approved a congressional bill to make the Order of the Far God illegal within all Federal systems.

Congress voted to accept the resolution by a narrow majority, as announced by Secretary of State Lana Berkovich:

"The Thargoids are categorised as an enemy of the state, and the Federal Accord forbids any citizen from providing aid to such enemies. The likelihood of radicalised Thargoid worshippers disrupting our anti-xeno operations in the name of their deity deserves a proactive response."

"Therefore, by Act of Congress, membership of this religious order is now a crime punishable by up to ten years' imprisonment. The organisation is barred from operating anywhere in Federal space. All detained Far God adherents are being interrogated for information related to espionage, with many already transported to stand trial in their home systems."

Congress has clarified that the resolution specifically targets 'organisations which actively support the military objectives of non-humans'. It does not apply to civil groups promoting inter-species communication or diplomacy, such as the Thargoid Advocacy Project.

The Galactic Interfaith Commune and similar agencies have protested against the new law. Shadow President Felicia Winters shared their disapproval, claiming that "such intolerance does not reflect the Federation's core values". Some congressmen have also voiced fears of the potential impact on voters who follow other fringe religions.

With the Far God cult now illegal in both the Empire and the Federation, its hive-chapels can only be found in Allied and independent systems with local laws permitting religious liberty. The True Chapters sect's remaining adherents are concentrated aboard the Perdition and Testament megaships, the locations of which are unknown.
Source: Federation Bans the Far God Cult

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Materials Required for Xeno-Peace Convoy

*Pilots' Federation ALERT*

Federal Governor Dalton Chase requests deliveries to the Andavandul system to establish a xeno-peace envoy vessel.

The initiative spearheaded by Chase, a member of the Liberal Party who is currently campaigning for a congressional seat, intends to provide a megaship for use in Thargoid Advocacy Project operations. He announced:

"The Federation's leaders are sworn to protect its people, yet our aggressive interactions with the Thargoids have placed entire systems in great danger. Order of the Far God cultists shouldn't be the image we conjure when suggesting non-military options. It's time to prove that we possess the capacity for peaceful relations with other species."

"The convoy established on behalf of the Thargoid Advocacy Project is a non-partisan diplomatic mission representing humanity's call for a ceasefire. Its purpose is to find ways to communicate with the Thargoids and make peaceful overtures. Imagine it: diplomatic channels between different races. Peace in our time! Lend us your support to lay this foundation for a more harmonious future."

Other notable figures in the xeno-peace movement have endorsed Governor Chase's congressional campaign. Leading ICE-caster Joy Senne has referred to him as 'our ambassador of hope'. Heimar Borichev revealed that Chase intends to lobby Shadow President Winters to incorporate Thargoid diplomacy into Liberal Party policies.

Deutsche Elite Piloten Interstellar has agreed to host the pro-peace megaship initiative, and will organise payment for shipments of computer components, semiconductors and titanium to Blenkinsop Hub in the Andavandul system. To protect deliveries, Deutsche Elite Piloten Interstellar will also reimburse combat vouchers for all wanted ships.
Source: Materials Required for Xeno-Peace Convoy

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Talk Show Murder Broadcast

Channel 07 has intercepted footage of a violent attack on three talk show hosts, broadcast live on several Imperial newsfeeds.

The show came to an abrupt halt after the three were apparently fired upon by an assailant who gained access to the enclosed set. The perpetrator managed to flee the building before security could intervene. 

Details on the status of the victims have not been provided, but first responders to the scene found a digital calling card pinned to the host's dressing room door. Police have authorised the publication of the card's contents, which consists of a single word:

TFZIRQRL

The word is thought to be encoded by a text cipher. It is hoped that by sharing the text, members of the public will be able to identify the perpetrator's next move.
Source: Talk Show Murder Broadcast

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Hadrian Duval Endorses Imperial Isolation

The Empire's withdrawal from all cross-superpower operations has gained the full support of Hadrian Augustus Duval.

Political journalist Cassia Carvalho reviewed the situation for The Imperial Herald:

"As the illegitimate grandson of Emperor Hengist, Hadrian Duval has long been considered the 'black sheep' of the Imperial Family. Only a few years ago, he sought to replace Emperor Arissa Lavigny-Duval on the throne. But he has since been pardoned and accepted as a genuine Duval, albeit with no royal title or position."

"Now, for the first time, Hadrian openly approves of the Emperor's decisions. As he told Paresa News Network: 'Walking away from the Alliance and Federation is the right path for the Empire to take. The Imperial Navy deserves to be our priority, to reinforce our strength and better defend us against our enemies.'"

"Senator Zemina Torval dismissed this as a 'hypocritical volte-face', but in truth, Hadrian has always championed isolationism and traditional Imperial values. He seems as surprised as anyone to find that Emperor Arissa now shares some of his political ideologies. Ironically, it is now Princess Aisling Duval who has emerged as the voice of rebellion against Imperial policy."

"Others in the Senate have suggested that Hadrian Duval might serve the Empire in a more official capacity, or be bestowed a title and accepted into the nobility. The Emperor may find that the young man who was once her greatest threat could be transformed into a loyal ally."
Source: Hadrian Duval Endorses Imperial Isolation

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The Call for Unity

Newsfeeds across the core systems have reflected the increasing public demand for full-scale military cooperation against the Thargoids.

Federal Free Press: "Removing the Far God cult from Federal space was a way of distracting the people from President Hudson's failures. The real threat remains the Thargoids themselves, and there is little chance of withstanding them without Allied and Imperial aid."

Citizens' Chronicle: "With the greatest respect to Her Majesty, the Empire cannot pretend that it played no part in the disaster at HIP 22460. Surely we are strong enough to shoulder some of the burden in defeating this common enemy?"

Old Worlds Gazette: "After the Aegis symposium, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Corcoran supported reinstating the tri-superpower agency, claiming: 'The scale of the conflict deserves a stronger response than our pact with Sirius Corporation can provide.'"

The Marlin Standard: "The proximity of the Thargoids to our democratic republic has always been a major concern. Parliament has agreed that any collaborative anti-xeno initiative would be of great interest."

Sol Today: "We all know that you can't trust the Imps or the Alliars. But at least they're not vicious genocidal monstrosities. And as General Falkenrath famously said: 'The enemy of my enemy is my disposable infantry.'"

The Sovereign: "The xeno-peace movement, as espoused by our very own Heimar Borichev, is laudable. But many independent systems are demanding a less diplomatic strategy."

Vox Galactica: "The demands for a solution to the Thargoids are becoming more strident. According to unofficial reports, some low-level civil and military leaders have begun talking across the political divides, despite the lack of direction from their superiors. There is clearly a growing appetite for solidarity, whether through Aegis or some other means."
Source: The Call for Unity

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Xeno-Peace Project Gathers Support

*Pilots' Federation ALERT*

Deliveries to the Andavandul system have enabled the Thargoid Advocacy Project to begin preparations for a diplomatic mission.

Governor Dalton Chase, who is campaigning to become a member of the Federal Congress, arranged the initiative to create a non-partisan envoy vessel. Its objective will be to find ways to open communication with the Thargoids and make peaceful overtures to end the conflict.

Polly  French, organiser of a Thargoid Advocacy Project rally in Andavandul, told the media:

"War with the Thargoids represents multiple failures. A failure to imagine coexistence with another intelligent species. A failure to restrain our violent reactions to the unknown. By sending emissaries and opening diplomatic channels, we can prove that human civilisation is advanced enough to seek peace."

"I am grateful to Governor Chase for his generous funding and promotion of this project. Sincere thanks are also due to all the pilots who transported computer components, semiconductors and titanium, as well as those who fought hard to defend this operation. Personally, I'm very excited to see our new vessel for the first time."

Deutsche Elite Piloten Interstellar is now offering payment and combat bond reimbursement to all contributors from Blenkinsop Hub in the Andavandul system.
Source: Xeno-Peace Project Gathers Support

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Thargoids Raid Nebula Colony

The human enclave within the California Nebula has reported multiple attacks from Thargoid forces.

Systems such as California Sector CQ-Y c5 and HIP 18077 have experienced direct assaults by large numbers of Thargoid vessels. Megaships in the area have also been attacked and left in disrepair, with surviving crews activating distress signals.

Harrison Gladstone, a spokesperson for Turner Research Group which oversees Allied operations in the region, gave a statement to Vox Galactica:

"We're accustomed to the Thargoid encounters in the California nebula, but this time their aggression caught everyone by surprise. Research teams have been recalled from the region's barnacle sites. It's just become too dangerous to send our people out there."

Colonisation of the California Nebula took place in 3302 and focused primarily on harvesting meta-alloys from Thargoid barnacle sites. Although the enclave was initially established by the Alliance, the Kumo Crew's expansion into the area last year brought tension.

The Tau Ceti Journal reported that these latest attacks may directly impact the meta-alloy market. Some Federal corporations, which directly purchase this material from the Alliance, have warned that fresh sources of meta-alloys could be required to prevent commercial instability.
Source: Thargoids Raid Nebula Colony

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Superpowers Discuss Unified Anti-Xeno Fleet

Ambassadors of all three superpowers have held emergency talks following the California nebula attacks, with a united military fleet the primary topic.

Political journalist Conrad Sterling provided this report for Vox Galactica:

"The public demand to address the evolving Thargoid threat has led to key military personnel suggesting that the Allied, Federal and Imperial naval fleets could work in concert for the duration of the war. This once-inconceivable notion seems more plausible following the coalition in HIP 22460, despite the regrettable outcome of that operation."

"Sources have confirmed that Admiral Rachel Ziegler sought to contact Admiral Maxton Price directly, to discuss ways in which the Alliance Defence Force and Federal Navy might collaborate. Others have openly supported the idea of 'a glorious grand armada to wipe out the alien hordes,' as Vice Admiral Juno Rochester phrased it."

"However, there has been little in the way of political enthusiasm, with neither the Assembly nor Congress willing to debate the topic. Many leaders had their fingers burnt by aiding Salvation, which could dissuade them from extending the hand of comradeship once again."

"And then there is the Empire, which lacks any interest in further collaboration with outside governments or organisations. While the Emperor pursues her new path of Imperial isolationism, the Imperial Navy's might cannot be relied upon to protect Allied, Federal or independent systems from Thargoid attack."

"Nevertheless, the prospect of resurrecting the anti-xeno agency Aegis continues to gain traction. Professor Tesreau's recent symposium outlined plans for a new incarnation that would avoid the mistakes of the past. Even if we never see a grand human armada, the call for unity could manifest in a number of other ways."
Source: Superpowers Discuss Unified Anti-Xeno Fleet

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Empire Dismisses Calls for Aegis Return

The Imperial Senate has debated contributing to anti-xeno activities such as Aegis or a unified superpower fleet.

Senator Caspian Leopold initiated the discussions among his colleagues, stating:

"One would never criticise Her Majesty's priority to defend the Empire above all else. Nevertheless, we face an adversary that how shown no sign of understanding humanity's many political, social or cultural distinctions. To them there is no Empire. Our citizens are simply more humans for the Thargoids to destroy."

"If we were to share our research and resources with a reformed Aegis, might we not end the Second Thargoid War sooner?"

Imperial Admiral of the Fleet, Denton Patreus, responded:

"Let me be clear: Aegis has been consigned to history. Likewise, the idea of unifying all three superpower fleets is a completely impractical fantasy. We can best serve the Empire by reinforcing the Imperial Navy and other military forces serving the Emperor."

"I assure you, senators, that we are closely monitoring Thargoid activity and the threat is currently contained. The anomalous signals moving towards the core systems are being tracked. But should any xeno force encroach upon Imperial territory, we are more than ready."

The issue was laid to rest Chancellor Anders Blaine:

"Esteemed colleagues, there is great honour in exploring how best to protect our people from the alien foe. But I must remind you: a decree from the Emperor cannot be overruled, not even by this august chamber. The Empire will abstain from collaborating with the Alliance, Federation or any other foreign nation until Her Majesty wishes otherwise."
Source: Empire Dismisses Calls for Aegis Return

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Council of Admirals Divided Over Unified Fleet

The Alliance Defence Force has been unable to reach a consensus over the proposal to combine the superpowers' forces against the Thargoids.

Admirals Liam Flanagan , George Varma and Rachel Ziegler all openly support the concept of a unified fleet formed of Allied, Federal and Imperial vessels. However, Admirals Nikolas Glass, Maristela Silva  and Tahir West have rejected this in favour of focusing on the strategic defence pact with Sirius Corporation.

Fleet Admiral Hayley Sorokin, the highest ranking officer in the Alliance Defence Force, has yet to reveal her own view. When pressed by a journalist from the Old Worlds Gazette, she commented: "A decision of such magnitude is more political than military, and therefore the province of the Assembly."

There was a more forthright statement from Admiral Ziegler, who previously commanded an Allied anti-xeno taskforce:

"This refusal to accept that we must come together to fight the Thargoids is enormously disappointing. Many of our counterparts in the Federal Navy are keen to increase links between militaries, and I firmly believe that we would soon convince the Empire to join us. We must not indefinitely rule out re-establishing Aegis or a similar anti-xeno initiative."

In related news, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Corcoran has proposed a bill to the Assembly approving the reformation of Aegis. However, this has not received enough support to be formally debated and would achieve little without similar acts in the Federal Congress or Imperial Senate.
Source: Council of Admirals Divided Over Unified Fleet

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Peace with the Thargoids?

The rise of the xeno-peace movement has caused a number of public figures to discuss coexisting peacefully with the Thargoid race.

With military options currently under discussion in the political capitals of all three superpowers, calls for diplomacy have sought to keep pace. Professor Shamus Madigan, Head of Xenology at Olympus Village University, is one of several figures to have weighed in on the matter:

"The ancient records of the Guardians, as deciphered by Ram Tah, describe how they learned enough of the Thargoids' language to make peaceful overtures. These were rejected in favour of total war. Though millions of years have passed, it seems improbable that the Thargoids will view humanity any differently - particularly since we actively deploy Guardian-based weaponry against them."

Federal Governor Dalton Chase:

"Assuming the communications barrier can be broken, I see no reason why we cannot have non-violent relations with these obviously intelligent beings. The recently consigned pro-peace megaship will help demonstrate to the Thargoids that we are not a single-minded warlike race, but a fellow advanced civilisation."

Jaya Chaudhary , host of historical ICE-cast 'Ghastly Pasts':

"Human-Thargoid diplomacy might have been possible when our two species first encountered each other. But since then we have made two attempts to eradicate them, first with the mycoid compound and then with the Proteus Wave superweapon. Let's be honest: would we want to talk to an alien race that did that to us?"

Ambassador Jasmina Halsey, former president of the Federation:

"We have discovered a little about the Thargoids' history, behaviour and technologies. But their thought processes and reasoning may be utterly different to our own. I have no idea if they even comprehend what diplomacy is, let alone whether we could find common ground. But I do know that we must try, if only to prove to ourselves that we can do better."
Source: Peace with the Thargoids?

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Azimuth to Expand Operational Assets

Azimuth Biotech has announced a campaign in the Wandrama system to expand its military and surface facility capacity.

The controversial weapons developer has seen a recent downturn in fortunes, due to fierce opposition by independent pilots protesting Azimuth's history of illicit research. The failure of Salvation to bring an end to the war has also soured public sentiment towards the corporation.

Azimuth Biotech CEO Torben Rademaker announced the initiative:

"After a period of reflection, it is time for Azimuth to once again step forward and assume a position of support for the brave pilots engaging Thargoid forces wherever they are encountered. To do this, we shall establish a new megaship equipped to operation in Thargoid-tainted systems. The tragic loss of the Bright Sentinel and Heart of Taurus in HIP 22460 must not hinder our ambition any further."

"We also intend to operate several surface outposts to aid our research projects. We aim to contribute to humanity's military options once again, being careful not to repeat the mistakes of our former figurehead."

Pilots contributing to Azimuth's campaign, hosted at the Musashi megaship in Wandrama, will be granted the Mbooni permit and access to the company's range of anti-xeno weaponry. Rademaker has promised that a successful campaign will allow for the Glorious Prospect to offer the Mbooni permit from the T-Tauri system permanently.

Within hours of the announcement, opponents of Azimuth Biotech had organised a counter-campaign to prevent deliveries from reaching Wandrama. Combat between Azimuth security forces and anti-Azimuth activists has been reported in the system. It is believed efforts to derail the campaign are being directed from MacLean City by Wandrama Purple Council.

In an effort to rally combat pilots to their respective causes, both factions are offering module rewards. Azimuth Biotech is offering its overcharged Guardian plasma charger, while Wandrama Purple Council promises a rapid-fire multi-cannon with phasing sequence.
Source: Azimuth to Expand Operational Assets

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Destination: Humanity

*Pilots' Federation ALERT*

It has been confirmed that the mysterious anomalies known as rogue signal sources are all converging on the core systems.

Professor Yaro Kenyatta , a noted academic in astronomy-related fields, has been collaborating with Professor Ishmael Palin and Ram Tah on analysing the unexplained objects. He published a summary of their work in the scientific journal The Empirical:

"The first of these distant objects was detected on the 31st of August 3308, but several more have since been identified. It was quickly apparent that they were travelling through interstellar space at faster-than-light speed. Full spectrum system (FSS) scanners were upgraded to allow more pilots to detect their electromagnetic emissions."

"Data on these phenomena has been analysed by many respected organisations such as Canonn Interstellar Research Group, Orion University and Universal Cartographics. Their consensus is that the rogue signal sources are all approaching the core systems, home to the vast majority of the human population."

"As yet, we cannot determine when and where they will arrive with complete certainty. But it now seems unlikely that these are naturally occurring stellar bodies. It follows that eight distinct anomalies converging upon our small region of the galaxy cannot be pure chance. Human space is their intended destination."

"What will happen when they arrive? Judging by their astonishing energy output, they may be devastating to inhabited systems. Each signal could be an energy projectile or a navigation beacon for some unknown force. More fanciful suggestions include celestial beings beyond our comprehension, or interstellar technology we have never witnessed. Our intention is to narrow down the more probable options soon."

"Alternatively, if these are hyperspace distortions caused by non-human vessels, it's possible they may decelerate as they draw near. But one conclusion can be made: whatever they are, they must know we are here."
Source: Destination: Humanity