Sunday, July 20, 2008

E!RN: Fox to Hound: Hands off my man!

NEW ALHIRA, DEMARIA/ - Bullets rang out late Thursday evening in an explosive shootout between legendary Lucky 13 heroine Ace and intergalactic terrorist Mika Tachyon! And because we've always got our fingers on the celebrity pulse, E!RN has the scoop!

Who is the mystery hunk who would tear such steadfast friends apart? Why, none other than Captain Vadim Tostanavich, owner of the newly-rebuilt Rockhopper's Haven and bonafide beefcake!

(The camera cuts to candid shots of an Ungstiri man with a five o' clock shadow drinking at an unknown locale, purchasing cigarettes at a Hancock Station duty-free kiosk, and sitting on the ramp of an unidentified black freighter.)

Our source tells us that things have been hot and heavy between the two kapitans since the tragic fall of Ungstir - that is, until a certain corsair got a load of her most trusted tovarisch's new squeeze! Unable to keep her paws off of anything that isn't hers, the Jackal snapped Tostanavich up from right under Ace's nose!

Never one to be played for a fool, the fox tracked the pair down to Demaria, where she caught them red-handed on a wild night on the town!

(Cut to footage of Mika with said Ungstiri man boozing and barhopping around New Alhira, followed by a separate clip of the clearly inebriated pair mugging for the cameras as they are ejected from Glimmercoat's by security.)

"Ace wasn't about to put up with that. She called Mika out on the landing field, then drew a gun and sicced a dog on her," says our source. "It was brutal! Mika returned fire before fleeing the scene with her new boytoy in tow!"

But don't count our beloved kapitan out yet! Eyewitnesses claim that she retreated to her ship... with her new Timonese lover! Stay tuned for our up-to-the-minute coverage of this sizzling new love affair!

- Sharpeye Rumorchaser, E!RN correspondent

INN: Rare swamp beasts sought!

HESPERIA, MARS - Martian multi-millionaire Eugene Tanks is offering a reward to anyone who can deliver three of the rare shillamarik swamp beasts from Ydahr within the next 48 hours.

"These creatures have a keen sense of smell, swift limbs, and vicious fangs," Tanks said. "They'd be perfect additions as guardians for my estate on the Isle of Theseus."

INN: Downloadable schools the future of education?

GRAND ENAJ, SIVAD - The latest innovation from Sivtek, using controversial criminal justice technology, is a "downloadable" form of education that will allow students to complete multiple master's degrees in 24 hours.

The system, known as the Univirt, is based on a simulator that let criminals convicted of felonies serve what felt like decades in prison within just a few days.

"We are confident that the Univirt will prove wildly popular in the coming years," said Lamont Heath, vice president in charge of marketing for Sivtek.

INN: Solar Republic to put presence on Hancock

With the retirement of First Consul Darian Ellesmere, the Martian government has kept very silent about its future. Today, that silence was broken with the release of a succinct statement: "The Solar Republic will establish a presence in Hancock." No more information was provided.

INN political analyst Ferdinand McAllister speculates on these events. "Clearly, they want a piece of the pie," he says. "OATO is already getting a foot in, so they'll try to stick their whole leg. After all, they probably think they have a right to New Luna."

No one from the Republic was available for comment.

INN: OATO accepts invitation

In a brief press conference today, representatives for the Orion Arm Treaty Organization expressed their interest in accepting the invitation to open offices in Hancock. "The space station will provide the Allied Force with a neutral location to carry out their work," a spokesman explains. "It will also be key in future efforts to help New Luna with rebuilding efforts, should the request for aid come."

Discussions with Krushnik Incorporated have already begun about to establish a presence in the former NLM base.

INN: Military invitation expended

HANCOCK STATION, NEW LUNA ORBIT - In a messsage that has been leaked to the press, Krushnik Incorporated appears to have extended an invitation to the Vanguard and the Allied Fleet to act as a public peacekeeping force on Hancock Station. Whether either of the militaries will accept remains to be seen.

INN: Hancock plans announced!

HANCOCK STATION, NEW LUNA ORBIT - Ungstiri tycoon today Alexander Krushnik announced his plans for the recently privatised Hancock Station. In a prepared statement that was handed to the press, he stated:

"Krushnik Incorporated is opening up Hancock Station to the public. The beginnings of its refit have begun and it will be ready for the opening celebration on Sunday the 6th of July. People of all worlds are to be welcome here, to set up shops, offices and bring business to the station. Anyone who wishes to be employed as a member of the station's staff will be given a fair interview and an equal chance to succeed. Hancock Station has been returned to New Luna orbit, where it shall be found for the foreseeable future. We hope to see you soon."

INN: The Sentinel of OATO

The first vehicular member of the newly formed Allied Force has been revealed. In a conference earlier today, Eric Landis, Secretary of Press for the organization, disclosed the first images of the AFV Sentinel -- a new Allied-class battleship that will serve as the main vessel for the joint fleet.

While the Orion Arm council has yet to provide the public with the name of the elected Allied Force Grand Admiral, Secretary Landis assured reporters that information is forthcoming. In the meantime, command of the Sentinel has been awarded to a La Terre Defense Force officer, Captain Bartholomew Goddard, on a temporary basis until more official arrangements can be made.

INN: Masquerade to cruise again

Ulbahno Subcity (G'AHNLO) - The Ulbahno-based conglomerate Destiny Resorts, known for its high-class vacation spots and Ulbahno's Outlook Hotel, announced today that it has acquired the NLG Masquerade with the intention of expanding into the passenger carrier business. The Masquerade, a modified Caravan-class freighter, was operated by Carnivalis Cruise Lines until that company went bankrupt in late 3006.

"Carnivalis was unable find profit on the Masquerade, brbl, because it did not have a business plan fitting the advantages of its ship," said Bulobu, Executive Director for Cruise Line Affairs of Destiny Resorts. "The Masquerade is almost perfectly suited, brbl, for luxury passenger service between worlds. As such, Destiny Resorts plans to operate the Masquerade from a central location yet to be determined, making a regular circuit to worlds across the Orion Arm. Passengers will be able to purchase tickets from any stop to any other, brbl."

Bulobu declined to speculate on the timeframe for the Masquerade's first voyage, citing the need to refit the mothballed vessel and a competitive market for skilled passenger liner personnel.

- Wesley Blake, INN G'ahnlo Correspondent

INN: Castor stands on its own

As foreign humanitarian and security aid diminishes, Castor is coming shakily to its feet. The major challenges that remain will be addressed more directly by the Pansagia and local governments.

Vanguard soldiers from the newly formed 12th Special Forces Unit have helped with reconstruction efforts, providing security to humanitarian workers as well as assisting in the acquisition of material. The soldiers and the bandits have engaged several times, but over the months bandit activity tapered off and then abruptly ceased. After weeks of reconnaissance failed to turn up any further evidence of the outlaws, the 12th SFU was recalled to Mars on the 29th of June.

Outside civilian assistance has been likewise reduced as the Castori resume the normal functioning of society. One foreign company, Cabrerra Industries, explained that it continues to provide standard hospital supplies but does not expect to receive many more contracts for emergency supplies or security work. Another provider of aid, the medical ship Star of Mercy, indicated that its crew will be available should the need arise but that for the time being the work on Castor seems to be complete.

Local authorities seem to have matters well in hand during this transition. Continued rationing of industrial and consumer goods has thus far prevented food shortages and engineers are cautiously optimistic about the restoration of communications and transportation infrastructure. In the words of the newly-elected Ubercast Chelaben, "The people of Castor stand together. Compassion, ingenuity, and hard work will see us yet to a sweeter future."

INN: La Terre governor converts

Johanne Bryce, governor and head of the New Paris government in La Terre, was inducted today during a private ceremony into the Purist religion. Puritism, which was only very recently awarded status as a religion in the small world, has been growing exponentially during past years. INN analysts predict that, should this steady increase continue, Puritism will be the largest religion in the world of La Terre, surpassing even the New Catholic Church.

Mostly keeping to themselves as far as their spiritual practices, little is known about this religion, except for the few details that have managed to seep out and speculation based on those. It is believed they worship something or someone called the All-Source, through the guidance of their highest ranking member, the High Absolver. There are also rumors that the religion is founded on the premise of the Universe as a living entity and that the All-Source is, in fact, its Mother.

The New Paris governor refused to comment on his actions, but he follows in a long line of local politicians that have been seeking conversion these past few months.

INN: New technology on Horizons?

Argent Horizons, a private arms and technology company originally based off New Luna, has released a statement regarding what they call is a breakthrough in space travel. A spokesman for the group told INN they are in the process of finishing up a system that will allow ships to travel huge distances in a very short time. "It will most certainly replace current technology," they assert.

It is expected the work will be ready for display in a universal broadcast to take place sometime in the near future.

INN: Allied Force formed

In a move that will certainly spark controversy in all political circles, the Orion Arm Treaty Organization met today behind closed doors and voted with the full support of all member worlds for the creation of an allied fleet division that will serve apart from all other militaries and answer only to the council itself.

A spokesman for OATO revealed this measure was taken in light of the dangers that have threatened the universe as a whole in past years and the effectiveness such unions once served, not only in recent memory but as bar back as centuries ago with the Vanguard and the Consortium.

The special military, officially named the Allied Force, will be tasked with the protection of all member worlds and helping out as a neutral party if and when altercations between such members arise. Local militaries will still have jurisdiction over their respective planets unless they specifically request OATO intervention.

In celebration of this most auspicious move, OATO and Allied Force officials are expected to issue a fully equipped vessel in coming weeks to serve as flagship for the entire faction.

INN: Psionic assault source found

RADIANCE, VOLLISTA - Officials investigating the source of the psionic attack on Radiance last night have discovered a large chamber hidden deep in the tunnels of Radiance. Whilst many of the officials are withholding comment, an insider source broke ranks to anonymously speak to us.

"We had our best psi sensers on us and tracked the source of the shockwave to a large cavern. Upon entering the cavern, every single member of the group found their psionic powers amplified, a sensation that was most disturbing. We discovered two comatose Vollistans and two very confused humans who had no idea how they got there. The last thing they remember is staying at a tourist hotel elsewhere in Radiance several months ago. The Vollistans are being held under arrest in a hospital, and they will be questioned under charges of mass assault, rape, and kidnapping when they wake up. For now the cavern has been sealed off as a crime scene."

Investigations seem to be continuing.

INN: PROFILE - Alexander Krushnik

ALEXANDER KRUSHNIK is the fifty-something Ungstiri owner of Krushnik Incorporated, a interplanetary corporation that concentrated its business around Ungstir before its destruction. It was moderately successful in its day, making Krushnik comfortably rich, able to support his various business ventures. Since the destruction of Ungstir, Krushnik Incorporated has remained largely silent, as many of its employees were spread around the galaxy as they attempted to escape from the Phyrrians, and many of its assets lost.

Krushnik has what could only be described as a colourful past. He has been linked to many crime families, including the infamous Boromov family. Such rumours are of course unsubstantiated, and have never been proven true, or false.r

Since the sale of Hancock Station, Krushnik Incorporated appears to be reforming, with many of the past employees returning to the service of KI. Exactly where the money to buy Hancock Station came from is currently unknown, as it was not believed that Krushnik Incorporated had much money left in its accounts after the recent tragedy on Ungstir. Several commentators have speculated that the funds may have a connection with Krushnik's rumoured past, but no evidence has been forthcoming.

A born and bred Ungstiri, Alexander Krushnik has a twenty year old daughter, Tatiana Krushnik, fathered during his thirty year marriage to the late Gertrude Daya, who was tragically killed in a shuttle accident in 3005. Tatiana's whereabouts are currently unknown.

INN: Psionic attack?

RADIANCE, VOLLISTA - Breaking news from the Vollistan city. Some sort of psionic attack has struck the entire city, rendering many powerful psionics unconscious, and many others in a state of shock. The confused reports that are filtering out seem to suggest that no one knows what has caused it, but that it is a temporary affliction. The authorities are investigating.

INN: Vanguard statement

HESPERIA, MARS - The Vanguard released a statement today in regards to the newly sold Hancock Station to a private bidder.

"By now, many of you will be wondering what has happened behind the scenes to cause the sale of Hancock Station by the Former Government of New Luna and for it to be removed from our possession. Whilst it provided a good mobile base of operations to the Vanguard, it unfortunately was filled with old and outdated hardware."

"It was quickly decided that to upgrade this unwieldy beast of a station would not be cost effective and in fact it would have been detrimental to the Vanguard as a whole. We were informed about the sale in good time to make preparations to remove all Vanguard hardware from the base, a manoeuvre that is already most of the way to completion."

"We wish the Former Government of New Luna and Mr. Krushnik the best of luck."

INN: Hancock sold?

In a shock move, the Former Government of New Luna (FGNL) announced today that it was selling off Hancock Station to Ungstiri tycoon Alexandar Krushnik.

The true ownership of Hancock Station has been disputed since the New Luna Militia (NLM) were merged into the Vanguard (VG), but it appears that the FGNL has unearthed documents that conclusively proved that they own, or as is the case now, 'owned' the station.

In response to queries about the sale, the FGNL released a short statement: 'With the nuking of New Luna in a joint effort by the Vanguard and the RNS, our home is currently uninhabitable. With the sale of Hancock Station, a piece of hardware that was used to protect the home we no longer can live on, we will be able to develop technologies to clean up our world and live there again.'

Commentators expressed disbelief at the sale, many unable to comprehend why with the imminent threat of the Nall the Vanguard would allow such an important piece of technology to slip through their fingers.

INN: Dev minister resigns as president seeks new elections

NEW ALHIRA, DEMARIA - There was a steady stream of Administration supporters through the Demarian Planetary Senate President's office this week all carrying the same message: "We continue to support you, but we cannot vote against new elections. NADC forced our hands." For a moment it appeared that President Longvision would attempt to ride out the present troubles and wait for constitutionally mandated elections in the fall, but the erosion of support in the Senate has forced the government to abandon those plans.

President Longvision announced new elections to be held in a matter of weeks at the same time he accepted the resignation of his Development Minister. Longvision has indicated that he plans to stand for President and will actively campaign for his supporters in the Senate. No replacement for the Development Minister is expected before Longvision's government is reaffirmed or replaced.

It is widely expected that Longvision's long time Senate rival, Twinstripes Sandwalker, will oppose him in the election. However, at the moment no details about any other challengers are forthcoming. Tune in this Sunday as Sandwalker appears on our weekly news magazine, Stellar Voices.

-INN, Dapperfur Newschaser

INN: Senate furor over NADC mismanagement

NEW ALHIRA, DEMARIA - For once, Senate opposition leader Twinstripes Sandwalker was not the sole voice of outrage in the Senate this morning. Contentious hearings over the sudden collapse of the NADC did not produce any answers but allowed Senators to vent their frustrations with what they see as chronic issues of mismanagement within the Longvision government.

"How much longer," Senator Sandwalker asked Minister for Development Ebontuft Farrunner, "Must we tolerate a government that seems intent on bringing about this colony's financial ruin?" Director Stealthfoot was also present at the hearings but from the beginning Senator Sandwalker focused his questions on the Minister while Longvision's supporters probed the Director for answers.

After the heated round of business questions remain largely unanswered as to why the cornerstone of President Longvision's ATRV recovery and long-term growth policy would collapse without warning. What is clear is that the Longvision government faces a new crisis that reinforces its opponent's claim of poor judgment going back to the reaction to the costly but anti-climactic Phyrrian War. Already opposition leaders are talking about forcing elections, postponed by unanimous vote following the disruption of the Phyrrian War.

-INN, Dapperfur Newschaser

INN: New Alhira Development Corporation collapses

NEW ALHIRA, DEMARIA - Almost overnight, one of the pillars of New Alhira's financial structure failed. This morning Director Mooncollar Stealthfoot filed for bankruptcy protection after a series of bad loans left the development bank unable to continue operations. Due to ongoing investigation by the Justice and Development ministries details about the loans have not been forthcoming. A Development Ministry spokesman assured holders of NADC loans that the law prevented the state run bank from calling those loans prematurely, a factor which contributed to its collapse.

- INN, Dapperfur Newschaser

INN: NALL RETURN

NEAR NOCTURN - Just a few years ago, the Nall were conquered by allied forces. Remnants of the Clawed Fist Fleet fled beyond the Multiverse Nexus.

Today, it seems, they have returned - and in great force.

A massive fleet of Nall warships emerged from the Nexus near Nocturn, shortly before the fleet's commander, Anloh of Hatch Vril, announced their return in an all-channels broadcast.

"Let all heed our warning: Nalhom and Lebal are sssssovereign worldssss that no outlander may hope to hold without great cossssst," Anlohvril proclaimed. "Abandon all claimsssss. The mother callssss ussss home, and we ansssswer."

ERN: Rif's Dangerous Few casting call

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