GGG - Issue 28 - 211.49.1

Interview: Admiral H.P. Simms, Grand Duke of the Capellan Reaches
by Tess Olsen, exclusive for the GGG

This week Emperor Lysander granted the title of Grand Duke of the Capellan Reaches to Admiral H.P. Simms, popularly known as Lord Simms, for his tenure as former Viceroy and "in recognition of more than a decade in the role and his continuing support of the Empire in the Capellan Periphery". This is obviously an exceptional honor and only the second Grand Duke of the Empire in more than 50 years (the first one being the Grand Duke of the Imperial Frontier). The last person to hold the title of Grand Duke of the Capellan Reaches was Lord Rachmaninov, who for a time after the Rebellion governed Tau Ceti, Pollux and Trinity. Grand Duke Simms, who is now signing his messages just as Capellan Reaches, holds the claim to no less than five systems within the Capellan Peripheries.

GGG: For how long have you been a member of the Imperial Services (IMP) and for how long did you serve as Viceroy?

Simms: I joined the Imperial Services in 194, having been sent out from the Inner Empire to fill the role of Patrol Commissioner. I took over as Viceroy about eighteen months later and served until circa 208/9.

GGG: Why did you decide to step down as Viceroy?

Simms: I had achieved my objective of negotiating an equitable end to a war that I considered neither side could win and felt that is was time for new blood with new ideas to head the Imperial Services.

GGG: Viceroy Krieger seemed to be following your good steps and working towards more peace and more unification, but after his resignation and the assassination of Viceroy Blackthorne, the IMP had a strange shift in policy, with Viceroy Githyanki reneging the Commonwealth and adopting a much more belligerent stance. What are your views on current IMP policy?

Simms: As a member of the Comand Council it would be inappropriate for me to comment on Imperial Policy.

GGG: More than a year has passed since Viceroy Blackthorne was murdered. Yet, no suspect has been arrested or charged with the crime and it seems that the IMP are not able or willing to find and prosecute whoever was responsible for this heinous assassination. How can that be?

Simms: Anti-matter explosions leave very little evidence and the actual perpetrator is believed to have died in the blast, so asking who his employer was is not a viable proposition.

GGG: What changes for you now that you are a Grand Duke?

Simms: I shall continue doing my duty as a member of the Imperial Services, the only real change will be to my signature: Capellan Reaches.

-o-

The Battle of the Wastelands: Who Won and Who Lost?
by Cornelius Merryheart, exclusive for the GGG

As we observed the last Dewiek ships leaving the orbit of Kalahari, the question was already in our minds: who are the winners here? The situation contains enough complications to allow any side to claim victory, depending on which aspect they want to prioritize. As an exercise in galactic politics, we made a list of where each participant scored positive and negative points. Obviously, lists of this kind are subjective and incomplete, and you may have different views on the subject. Here is how we see it.

Dewiek Elder Nation (DEN)
(+) Showed that if they want a battle there will be a battle.
(+) Destroyed 36 ships while losing only 8 ships.
(+) Showed that they can count on the support (or at least the non-involvement) of the IMP even when they attack another Imperial affiliation.
(-) Showed that they don't respect Imperial Space and don't care for legally registered claims.
(-) Were surprised by the level of support the RVN had to defend the Wastelands System.
(-) Didn't achieve their stated goal of changing the claim to the Wastelands System.
(-) Didn't achieve their stated goal of obtaining transit rights for the DEN in RVN systems.

House Ravenstone (RVN)
(+) Showed no hesitation in defending Imperial Space against forces in superior number and technology.
(+) Maintained the status quo of their system claims.
(+) Showed that they have friends that will help in times of need.
(-) Were forced into a fight they would prefer not to fight.
(-) Lost 13 ships and a big chunk of an orbital platform.

House LiQuan (HLQ)
(+) Showed they are there to defend Imperial Space and to support a Noble House.
(-) Lost 19 ships.

Confederate Forces (CNF)
(+) Showed they are there to defend Imperial Space and to support a Noble House.
(-) Lost 4 ships.

Galactic Trade & Transport (GTT)
(+) Showed they are there to defend Imperial Space and to support a Noble House.
(+) Showed they are ready to put honor before profit.
(-) Lost assets in the Dewiek Pocket Periphery as a consequence of siding against the DEN.
(-) Showed that their starcaptains need either better training or more restraint, as their warships shot at friend and foe indiscriminately.

Imperial Services (IMP)
(-) Showed that, under their current Viceroy, their oath to defend space claimed in the name of the Empire is worthless.
(-) Showed that, under their current Viceroy, they will stand idle while an alien affiliation, their allies no less, attack Imperial Citizens in Imperial Space.

-o-

GGG - Issue 27 - 211.48.1

War: Dewiek Against Humans
by Cornelius Merryheart, exclusive for the GGG

This week the Dewiek Elder Nation (DEN) launched an attack against the House Ravenstone (RVN), sending a warfleet of at least one hundred warships into the Wastelands System and opening fire against the platform RVN Kalahari Watcher (10309), in orbit of the planet Kalahari, home to the starbase RVN Port Scheherazade (3173). The invaders were received by a combined fleet of warships flagged RVN, HLQ and CNF.

On the second day of battle, with permission from the RVN, we sent our GGG ship to observe the action. In a somewhat surprising development, we saw the arrival of a sizable fleet of GTT warships that immediately joined the combat, although at certain moments it was hard to tell on which side they were fighting. Space was filled with the debris of at least thirty ships but possibly as many as fifty. Based on our limited sensors, we would estimate that three to four hundred ships are now involved in the battle, most of them over 100 hulls, and the platform seems to be still standing and functional.

Meanwhile, the Imperial Services (IMP) have been totally silent on this matter and apparently ignoring that one of their stated objectives is "to defend the Emperor and space claimed in his name and for the Imperium". Grand Duke Blake Ravenstone urged the IMP to renounce their alliance with the DEN and said that "there is no honest justification" for them "to continue to support an alien affiliation that wages war against Imperial citizens inside Imperial space".

(Note from the Editor: We contacted the DEN with a few questions about the attack but received no reply.)

-o-

War: Felini Against Flagritz
by Tess Olsen, exclusive for the GGG

We talked with Tyrant Mrrshan, leader of the Felini Tyranny (FEL), to learn more about their ongoing war against the Flagritz Empire (FLZ).

GGG: Why are the FEL at war with the FLZ and how long has the conflict been going on?

Mrrshan: The why is simple - when the Flagritz encountered us they believed that we would be their next "client race". They were wrong. For how long, it is sometimes difficult to be certain. By the time in our home system the first incursions into our space were a little under two centuries ago. But the timelines are hard to reconcile with some temporal anomalies when compared with captured data from the Flagritz.

GGG: Could you please clarify what you mean by "client race"?

Mrrshan: "Client race" is their term (or at least how it translates into Galactic Standard). We would probably say "slave race", for the reality is about right for that term.

GGG: From your point of view, who is winning the war?

Mrrshan: I will say it is us, they will say it is them. I suppose it depends on your definition of "winning". We remain a free people and have dealt strong blows to their technology and home systems. They remain shut off hiding behind closed stargates or helpless to breach our defensive lines. Territorially things ebb and flow but our objectives continue to be met.

GGG: For the FEL, what would be acceptable conditions for this war to end?

Mrrshan: For some hotheads, nothing short of xenocide would fully satisfy them. Each species has their share of these. For me, two conditions are paramount: the freeing of those taken into slavery (and their descendants) and ensuring that our territories can remain inviolate from any future risk from the FLZ.

(Note from the Editor: We sent these same questions to the FLZ, as our initial intention was to publish the two points of view side by side, but we received no reply.)

-o-

War: DEN Against RIP
by Kaspar Khan, exclusive for the GGG

There are rumours that the Dewiek Elder Nation (DEN) have launched a large scale attack against the Raiders of the Imperial Periphery (RIP) inside their home system of Sargasso. Adoqhina, leader of the DEN, published a somewhat enigmatic statement saying that a hunt was about to begin and that "the hunters become the hunted", but not mentioning the RIP by name. Samedi, leader of the RIP, published a somewhat enigmatic ultimatum with the threat of "withdraw or bear witness to bloody vengeance you canid Mephistopheles", where "canid" seems to be a reference to the DEN. It's not unlikely that a DEN attack was indeed inflicted on the RIP, as the Dewiek now seem in the habit of bullying small affiliations that they believe not able to fight back.

(Note from the Editor: We contacted the RIP to try to understand this matter a little better but the only reply we got was "I cannot comment at the moment other than to say a situation has occurred with the DEN and we are in discussions with them".)

-o-

GGG - Issue 24 - 211.42.1

TCA and HLQ: Ten Facts and Three Hypotheses 
by Tess Olsen, exclusive for the GGG

Fact 1: The Terran Colony Annihilators (TCA) have a history of antagonism against humans, among other species. Fact 2: The ship TCA Inquest (71372) had been parked by the Plague Stargate for a long time with no signs of activity. Fact 3: A fleet of over two hundred warships flagged DEN, IMP, GTT and FCN entered CNF space, with permission from Commander Jackson, to engage and destroy the TCA ship. Fact 4: The ship TCA Inquest (71372) was reduced to debris by the combined warfleet. Fact 5: Before the attack, the TCA ship that had been immobile for at least a couple of years, started slowly moving towards the stargate in an apparent attempt to avoid the battle. Fact 6: Just before the TCA ship started moving, an HLQ ship was seen initiating a close approach to the TCA vessel, in a manoeuvre used for tight-beam communications. Fact 7: The Meklan (MEK) are believed to be the ground troops of the TCA. Fact 8: Prince Aldahan LiQuan, leader of House LiQuan (HLQ), has been meklanized (with some added safety modifications). Fact 9: Prince Aldahan LiQuan, by his own admission, knew about the impending attack on the TCA ship. Fact 10: A couple of weeks after the battle, the HLQ announced that Prince Aldahan LiQuan had been abducted by the TCA.

Hypothesis 1: Prince LiQuan, of his own free will or not, is helping the TCA. The TCA ship was alerted by the HLQ about the impending attack. After that, the relationship between the HLQ and the TCA has been strengthened and the reported abduction was staged so Prince LiQuan could go into a journey of discovery with the TCA without raising suspicion.

Hypothesis 2: Same as Hypothesis 1, with the difference that the TCA did not really warm up to the HLQ and the Prince's plans backfired. The TCA are either curious or annoyed by the HLQ interest and interference. Prince LiQuan was actually abducted by the TCA, either to be studied or to be reintegrated into the TCA's Meklan army.

Hypothesis 3: Prince LiQuan, despite his meklanization, continues to be in full control of his mind and actions. The TCA ship trying to flee from an imminent attack and the proximity of an HLQ ship was purely coincidental. The reported abduction of Prince LiQuan is also not connected to any of the other events involving the TCA or the HLQ.

Or a combination of the three hypotheses. Or something else. You decide.

(Note from the Editor - The GGG contacted the HLQ for more details on the reported abduction of Prince LiQuan, but they refused to release any information: "These questions will not be answered at this time pending the results of the investigation.")

-o-

Johnny Alpha, a New Mercenary-Pirate
by Kaspar Khan, exclusive for the GGG

So there's this new independent starcaptain, Johnny Alpha, apparently an affable individual, silver-tongued and full of swagger, and everyone seems to like him. But then he posts a public advertisement offering his talents as a hit man for hire in the Halo Periphery. "We offer simple to understand terms based on the number of ship hulls destroyed and whether the targets are armed or not." Now all the people who were helping him in his first steps as a struggling free trader are suddenly realizing they've just been fooled and that the guy is no better than a pirate. And the cheeky mercenary seems to have already found an employer, as the Johnny Alpha signature was exposed in at least a couple of shady operations.

+ Ships IND Reaper (18552) and IND Rainman (22386) show up where they weren't welcome, and DTR Speaker of the House of Lords Michelle Diaz tells them to explain themselves. No word from the starcaptains but Johnny Alpha comes forward to say that one of the ships had been his at certain point, that he sold it to someone else, and that he wasn't disclosing the identity of the buyer. The last time we heard that excuse it came from the Krell (KRL) and they were the ones running the ships they claimed to have sold.

+ An unannounced and uninvited IND ground party docks at a DTR starbase in the Yank System, and Admiral Bridge, the man in charge of that facility,  tells them to explain themselves. Johnny Alpha comes forward to say it's his ground party but they were just delivering some prisoners back to the DTR. Not only a lame excuse (everyone knows you don't need to land to deliver anything to a facility that has a hiport) but it also connected Johnny Alpha to another piece of skulduggery, as at least one of those prisoners was identified as being captured by pirates not long ago. When asked to explain the provenience of those prisoners, the mercenary resorted to childish insults (I believe "kiss my shiney mutant ass" were his precise words).

Now it seems clear that we have a new mercenary-pirate operating in the peripheries. And it may not be a coincidence that he has been loitering around DTR facilities. What remains to be seen is how freely this Johnny Alpha will be allowed to proceed, especially when the location of his headquarters is known by so many parties. Will the DTR strike at his starbase IND Persepolis (56017) on planet Indar in the Persian System and his 325-hulls orbital platform IND Immortal Guardian (57220)? Or will Johnny Alpha continue his mercenary career unchallenged?

-o-

GGG - Issue 23 - 211.37.1

IMP Give Away Another Part of the Empire
by Cornelius Merryheart, exclusive for the GGG

The Imperial Services (IMP) have announced this week that the Dyson System, previously controlled by the IMP, has been transferred to the Dewiek Elder Nation (DEN). This comes not long after the IMP abandoned the claim for the Storm System, which is expected to be under a Krell flag soon. More alarming than the apparent trend of shrinking the borders of the Empire is the fact that the Dyson System has a direct link to the Sol System, leaving an alien affiliation in control of one of the doors to Earth. To try to understand this puzzling generosity, we spoke with Gregor Konstantin, the man in charge of handing Dyson System to the DEN. Unfortunately, he wasn't very forthcoming with facts or explanations and resorted to the old "we can't tell you anything but you should trust us anyway". Meanwhile, Diane Wooten, an envoy of the Elder Dewiek Nation in the Capellan Peripheries disclosed that the deal includes "an ambitious joint civil engineering project in Janth" and "shared guardianship of the Dyson Artificial Wormhole".

GGG: You have announced that the Dyson System, previously controlled by the IMP, has been transferred to the DEN. What are you getting in return for such a strategic location?

Konstantin: I am afraid that is classified information. The only thing I can say about that is that it is definitely worth the price. This deal have made the Empire stronger and cemented the alliance between the IMP and the DEN. The future will show clearly to all what this renewed alliance is worth.

GGG: The Dyson System has been called the gateway to Earth, and the IMP used to make sure nobody would transit from the Dewiek Home Periphery to the Inner Empire through that route. Now that the DEN are in charge, what protects citizens of Earth from such an incursion?

Konstantin: Again that is related to classified information, but I can assure your readers that there will not be any aliens except the pacifist  Mohache (MOH) entering the Inner Empire. Except for them, that the Emperor so wisely have allowed into the Inner Empire, the IMP employ a destroy on sight policy for all non-humans in the Inner Empire.

GGG: Your press release made several mentions to a treaty between the DEN and the Konstantin family, but no reference to the IMP. Yet, you are a member of the IMP and the Dyson System used to be claimed by and for the IMP. Shouldn't we be hearing from the Viceroy himself that the IMP have ceded part of the Empire to the Dewiek Elder Nation?

Konstantin: The Konstantin family is part of IMP and the Empire. We are the IMP branch responsible to protect the Emperor's interests in the area and to deal with the Dewiek Elder Nation. In time it will be obvious what this deal is worth to the Empire.

-o-

Emperor Fines Prince LiQuan for "bringing the Empire into disrepute"
by Ringo Baxter, exclusive for the GGG

After unconfirmed reports of House LiQuan being fined by the Emperor for "bringing the Empire into disrepute" began to spread, we contacted Prince LiQuan to learn the truth behind the rumours. But despite being always pleased to answer our questions, this time he tried to hide behind an enigmatic "I will not confirm or deny this". He did say, however, that "if there was a fine then of course the HLQ would pay it".

Not content with the vague statements provided by the HLQ, we turned to the offices of the Emperor to investigate the facts. And there we got the  confirmation we were looking for: House LiQuan have indeed been fined by the Emperor "to the tune of one million stellars". There isn't a specific episode officially linked to the fine but it's believed that it relates to the general behaviour and demeanor displayed by Prince LiQuan and his eagerness to pick a fight that may not be in the interest of the Empire.

-o-

Interview: Oran Guutan, leader of the Wimble Nations (WMB)
by Tess Olsen, exclusive for the GGG

Following the announcement of the discovery of the Wimbledon System, we tried to interview the Grandfather of the Wimble Nations, Mr. Oran Guutan. As he has been unavailable to respond for some time, a few of our questions went answered on the press releases published by the Wimbles and by the Falconians, also involved in the discovery. Here is what is left of the interview.

GGG: Is Wimbledon indeed the mythical home system of the Wimble Nations?

Guutan: There are suggestions that the planet in Wimbledon may have been where Wimbles evolved. Whether this is the actual home planet or whether the evidence was transplanted at the same time as the inhabitants is unclear. I think it unlikely that this planet in this system was the origin of the Wimbles. However, it may well have been this planet in some other system.

GGG: Do you plan to relocate all Wimbles back to Wimbledon?

Guutan: There are no such plans. Wimbles exist in a number of systems, and more have recently been discovered with the opening of the Halo Periphery. I think it unlikely that they would all wish to relocate. If some do then we will see what can be arranged.

GGG: Do you plan to open the system to other affiliations to visit, explore and colonize?

Guutan: I will be happy to welcome visitors who are willing to respect the wishes and rights of the residents of the system, Wimble and other. At the moment access routes are restricted and dangerous, I hope these can be improved in the future. Resources in-system are limited, so the opportunities for colonization by others are likely to also be limited - simply because there will be little for others to gain. I will be perfectly willing to mediate with the existing residents and see if they are happy for others to set up facilities in system.

-o-

GGG - Issue 22 - 211.29.1

Interview: Grand Duke Ravenstone, leader of House Ravenstone (RVN)
by Tess Olsen, exclusive for the GGG

Most of us still remember the list of noble houses we were forced to memorize in school: House Hayduk, House LiQuan, House Porter, etc. Now there is a new noble house to be added to that list, with House Ravenstone (RVN) being granted affiliation status by the EEM this week. We talked with Blake Ravenstone, Grand Duke of the Imperial Frontier, the man in charge of the new affiliation.

GGG: Why did you decide to start your own affiliation and why now?

BR: Registering House Ravenstone as an affiliation recognized by the EEM is a natural progression of the work we have been doing. It is good for the Empire to have strong noble houses, and we hope that our new status will have a positive impact in the expansion and prosperity of the Empire. The idea of establishing House Ravenstone as an independent affiliation has been suggested on a few occasions, but it was not until now that the conditions seemed adequate.

GGG: Would House Ravenstone be more aligned with the Imperial block or the Confederate block?

BR: Well, we hope to see those distinctions abandoned. We all serve the same Empire and, despite some eventual disagreements, we all have fairly similar goals. The war has been over for several years and there is really no good reason for using labels from the past to keep us from working together for the greater good.

GGG: What about your system claims, don't you fear upsetting the IMP and the CNF by reflagging systems that were previously claimed for them?

BR: The reflagging was done with the agreement of both the IMP and the CNF, and the Emperor himself acknowledges my role as protector of these systems. Also, as you may remember, the systems claimed by House Ravenstone were not claimed by the IMP or by the CNF when we first established our claim. Wastelands and Caribbean were unclaimed, Demon was claimed for the RIP. It was for making these systems part of the Empire that I was awarded the title of Grand Duke of the Imperial Frontier.

GGG: House Ravenstone surprised many people with the purchase of EEM Hypso (4802), a place that is an important part of the history of the peripheries. Do you have any special plans for the starbase?

BR: RVN Hypso has a rich history and we intend to respect that. We will be making some renovations but selected historic locations will be maintained and conserved as a monument to the exploration of the galaxy. The market is currently closed while we reorganize a few things but it will soon reopen for business as usual.

GGG: What are your goals for House Ravenstone?

BR: We are primarily interested in the reunification and the expansion of the Empire, by peaceful means. We hope to be a voice of reason and moderation in the political conversation, but also to take a pragmatic role in resolving important issues and in fostering harmonious relations with civilian populations.

-o-

Cheap Shots
by Kaspar Khan, exclusive for the GGG

+ IMP Viceroy Githyanki declared the orbit and quadrant of planet Midway, in the Straddle System, a restricted zone and threatened to shoot any DTR ships found there. The republican response to yet another attempt to start a war was something along the lines of "sorry, not today".

+ The GTT announced the promotion of Thomasia Payne to the Board of Directors. Rumours that it is just old Bob Bost returning to the affiliation after a sex change operation seem to be unfounded.

+ First it was the allegedly peaceful and neutral traders from the AFT spotted flying 200 Heavy Hulls warships. Then it was the allegedly peaceful and neutral traders from the MOH spotted flying 100 Heavy Hulls warships with high tech equipment. Now we are waiting to see what kind of warships the allegedly peaceful and neutral traders from the WMB will be flying.

+ The Oligarchs of Mithras, in the Persian System, have been hiring starcaptains to blow small chunks of icy rock off small comets and guide them into low orbit to create rain. Perhaps the IMP should release Demetrius "Badaboom" LiQuan from prison and let him share some of his expertise in blowing up asteroids.

-o-

GGG - Issue 21 - 211.23.1

Interview: Cassius Jerusalem, Foreign Minister of the Detinus Republic (DTR)
by Tess Olsen, exclusive for the GGG

GGG: The DTR have contested the IMP claim to the Straddle System. Why did that happen? Was it a response to the recent claim changes in the Inner Empire?

Jerusalem: Exactly, yes. We could not allow the Imperial Services to continue breaking up the Commonwealth without making some sort of response. Should they stop trying to claim Commonwealth systems for the IMP, then we will be more than happy to change the Straddle claim back. And I'm talking specifically of Apollo and Ross 248 here, and the growing IMP claim on Earth, which was clearly the next system they were going to attempt to steal away from the Commonwealth. A fundamental part of the peace treaty was in securing access to the Inner Empire for the entirety of humanity. That's what the DTR and CNF were fighting together side by side to achieve. We will not see it destroyed.

GGG: The Peace Accord states that the DTR will claim Straddle on behalf of the IMP and will eventually transfer the system claim to an Imperial nominated starbase. By claiming Straddle for the DTR, you seem to be violating that agreement. Was that the intention?

Jerusalem: The Peace Accord also states that Commonwealth systems will be claimed for and on behalf of the Commonwealth. The IMP have already violated the agreement, we are simply demonstrating to them that they cannot violate it without having any sort of response from ourselves. For too long the DTR have turned a blind eye to the activities of the IMP and the Meklan Baron in their attempts to destroy the Commonwealth. And we say no more. The Commonwealth will stand against those who seek to destroy it.

GGG: You have stated that the DTR remain absolutely committed to the ideals of the Commonwealth. How does claiming the Straddle System for the DTR fit with those ideals?

Jerusalem: Well, first of all, the people of the Straddle System are not humans, and were never part of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth is a human organisation located in the Inner Empire. Straddle is an alien system in the Capellan region of space. The sentients of the Straddle System suffered under many long hard years of Imperial occupation, until we liberated them during the war. They were none too happy about being in an IMP system again, but we explained to them that this was administrative, and they would remain free to live as if they were part of the Republic. What has happened is they have seen the monstrous behaviour of the IMP and the HLQ, they have seen the results of meklanisation, and they want the increased level of protection that being in the DTR affords. We think the sentients of Straddle have a right to self-determination. In fact, was this not the exact same argument that the Baron LiQuan used about the people of Dolphinus? And I don't recall the Imperial Viceroy having a problem with that act of self-determination.

GGG: Viceroy Githyanki was quick to respond to the counter claim, mentioning even the possibility of "full scale war". Was that the reaction you were expecting?

Jerusalem: Frankly, I think if the DTR were to announce that we quite like chocolate biscuits, Viceroy Githyanki would announce his intent to declare war on us for our chocolate biscuit loving ways. The truth of the matter is that the IMP want a war, and they are determined to pick one.

GGG: Will we see more new system claims and counter claims from the DTR in the near future? If so, where?

Jerusalem: We certainly hope not. We hope that this gesture brings some sanity back to the IMP and the HLQ, and that they return the Commonwealth system claims to the Commonwealth. Of course, if this fails, then it will mean the IMP have no interest in honouring the Peace Accord, and we will have no choice but to declare them in violation of the terms of the Peace Accord. Be assured, we have no interest in starting a shooting war with anybody. But if the IMP seek to test our resolve on this they will find us prepared. We are the Detinus Republic, we are the last best hope for peace and truth and justice.

-o-

Five Steps to Preserve Peace
by Cornelius Merryheart, exclusive for the GGG

With peace among humans threatened once more by the machinations of petty warmongers, there are a few things that could be done not only to avoid armed conflict now but to secure a prolonged period of stability. Here are our suggestions:

1. Replace the IMP Viceroy. Viceroy Githyanki wants a war and everyone knows it. Until the Imperial Services put a sane and reliable person in charge of their affiliation, in the best tradition of Lord Simms and General Krieger, new excuses for bloodshed will keep resurfacing.

2. Put a leash on Baron LiQuan. The infamous Meklan Baron has clashed against anyone with enough free time to respond to his provocations, always retreating to a safe position behind the confed warfleet and waiting for others to do the real fighting. The Confederacy needs to control this noble trouble maker or stop bailing him out.

3. Consolidate the Imperial factions. Now that the war is over, all affiliations loyal to the Empire should have their roles reassessed and reassigned in order to better fit within one single government and no longer to one of two opposing factions. If we want a strong human nation, we need to stop thinking in terms of Imperials and Confederates.

4. Bring the DTR to a reasonable compromise. The Republicans are strong defenders of the Commonwealth but seem unwilling to make any accommodations for the greater good. Perhaps it's time to stop claiming Inner Empire systems for the DTR while everyone else is supposed to claim for the Commonwealth. Perhaps it's time to stop building massive platforms in orbit of Earth without approval from other Commonwealth partners.

5. Relaunch the Commonwealth. The Peace Accord was a great achievement but the document itself starts to show its age. We live in a new galactic status quo and we need a Constitution that addresses the present state of affairs. Not an easy task and not a job for impatient people, but certainly a noble goal worth pursuing.

-o-

GGG - Issue 19 - 211.14.1

Interview: Baron LiQuan, leader of House LiQuan (HLQ)
by Tess Olsen, exclusive for the GGG

Once again, Baron LiQuan is at the center of a controversy. For the second time this year, the Dolphinus System, part of the Inner Empire and part of the Commonwealth, is being claimed by House LiQuan. The last time this happened, the IMP threatened to go to war against them. This time, things seem to be different. We talked with the Baron himself to get his views on this matter.

GGG: We have been informed that House LiQuan is once again claiming the Dolphinus System and the Fortress System in the name of the HLQ and not for the Commonwealth as before. Is that true? If so, why?

LiQuan: House LiQuan is the legal representative of the Emperor in those systems. We have decided, with the Emperor blessing, to claim these systems in his name where his rule alone will be recognised.

GGG: Is this move intended to be a break from the terms of the Peace Accord and the rules of the Commonwealth? What are the HLQ views on the status quo of the Inner Empire and the Inner Confederacy?

LiQuan: Claiming the systems does not break the peace accord, but certain people disagree on this. However, confirming that the Emperor rules these systems and not the Triumvirate Council does. I believe the systems in the Inner Empire and Inner Confederacy should all be claimed for the Emperor. He is after all the leader of the human race and these systems are the home of the human race. To keep the peace I am willing to allow the rebels to continue claiming the systems they have there at the moment.

GGG: The last time the Dolphinus System was claimed for the HLQ, the IMP Viceroy issued a public cease and desist ultimatum demanding the claim for the Commonwealth to be restored. What is different now?

LiQuan: House LiQuan has worked hard to improve its relations with the Imperial Block, which has allowed us to become allied again. This time more preparation has gone into this and the Emperor has given his support. Also, this is happening under the leadership of the Baron and not his son. I don't believe the Imperials or the Confederacy will go against the Emperors wishes. After all, I am sure they want the Emperor to rule just as much as I do.

GGG: If Dolphinus becomes indeed a system claimed by the HLQ, could this be the beginning of a balkanization of the Inner Empire, with the SMS claiming Apollo fir the SMS, the CNF claiming Sparta for the CNF, the GTT claiming Ross 248 for the GTT, etc?

LiQuan: I don't think these things will happen. The Emperor has given control of a few systems to noble houses, something that's well documented. These houses have certain rights in these systems to ensure order and stability in the Emperor's name. The GTT and SMS are valued corporate holdings and it would be a big change in direction for them to claim systems on behalf of themselves. Most of the systems should be claimed for the Confederacy and Imperials, who are the Emperor's representatives for the day to day running of the Empire.

GGG: And what about the Sol System?

LiQuan: The Sol System could be a matter for some debate. I would personally go for the Confederacy, since they have close ties with the DTR, who would more likely accept that than the Imperials claiming the system. However, a lot depends on whether the DTR wish to bring the fear of war back to the Empire.

-o-

IMP Viceroy Forsakes the Commonwealth
by Cornelius Merryheart, exclusive for the GGG

At the time of the appeasement between the IMP and the HLQ, many people asked what could have dissuaded a warmonger like Githyanki, the IMP Viceroy, from starting a little war. The answer is simple: a bigger war. We are now seeing the other end of the sweet deals sealed behind closed doors, ensuring the reinstatement of Baron LiQuan's title and a extremely lenient sentence for his son. With support from the IMP Viceroy himself, Baron LiQuan is now initiating a rupture in the Commonwealth by claiming systems for House LiQuan and going against the Triumvirate Council. After these new claims, it didn't take long for Githyanki to come forward and declare, in his unmistakable crude style, that the Triumvirate Council and the Commonwealth are "false establishments with no legitimate power".

This new IMP Viceroy, who ascended to power under questionable circumstances, is a menace to humans everywhere. His goal is clear. He is now throwing away years of diplomatic efforts to reunite humans everywhere, he is disregarding all the consequences to peaceful citizens across the galaxy, he is nonchalantly disposing of the Commonwealth, the Triumvirate Council, and by extension the Peace Accord itself, all this to open a way for a large scale war against the DTR. Githyanki is trying to pick a fight, a big fight that will have an unthinkable cost for all sides, and he has to be stopped. Won't honorable members of the Imperial Services step up and say "no more of this nonsense, we need a Viceroy who will consolidate the peace and not one intent on spreading blood and destruction"?

-o-

GGG - Issue 17 - 211.11.1

Interview: Black Jack, leader of the Trade Acceptance Group (TAG)
by Tess Olsen, exclusive for the GGG

It's not often that a newcomer to the peripheries succeeds in building his own affiliation instead of joining one of the already established organizations out there. Black Jack did that and created the Trade Acceptance Group (TAG), yet another merchant affiliation claiming to be politically neutral.

GGG: First of all, congratulations on the creation of your new affiliation, the TAG. Why did you choose to start your own affiliation instead of joining one of the already established affiliations?

BJ: I did not want to be tied to a history complete with friends and enemies. All of the major blocks come complete with a full stable of both. Even the AFT has a history of war with the IMP block so is not free from this chain. The GCE comes closest but they are a family owned business and I am in the wrong family. As my own boss, I can decide the direction of the company and how it will fare. I know I will never have the opportunities a large block could offer or the toys they have but that is fine. As a non-aligned business, I have other opportunities someone from the large blocks don't have. And the toys are mostly military equipment and our business has a firm stand on its no-warship policy so that is not really a factor.

GGG: What are the TAG goals and how does the affiliation fit in the political spectrum?

BJ: We want to become a major force in transportation of goods around the stars, modelled somewhat after the Mohache. In the short run, a mid-level organization that can take shipping that is too small for the Mohache to bother with. In some years, I am hopeful our growth will allow us to compete with the Mohache directly. On the political spectrum, we are strictly neutral and will do nothing to break this neutrality. Any base in a claimed system will support that claim without discrimination. No spy missions, no selling of information or positions spotted.

GGG: Where is the affiliation based and how far it extends its trade activity?

BJ: We are based right now on Mobile Bay where our HQ is TAG Pershing. This base is still in the growth stage but we are acquiring modules to expand its size. We have had trade runs in IMP, CNF, DTR and FCN space to date and expect to reach the Cluster and Halo soon to do business there.

GGG: We understand that you managed to pay the new affiliation fee of one million stellars by obtaining a loan from the EEM. How did you get such a large advance without collateral of the same or higher value? And if you indeed had anything evaluated in that high bracket, how did you get it in such a short period of activity?

BJ: We did have collateral in excess of one million stellars at the time of the loan. Our base on Mobile Bay exceeded that amount at the time of the loan. Now I do not pretend to understand the valuation method used by the EEM and, to be honest, I felt their valuation of the base to be excessive, but who am I to tell them that? But their valuation of a merchandising complex far exceeds the value of the 25 modules that go into that complex. The fact that I built almost nothing but merchandising complexes at the start brought in a large weekly income that I used to buy yet more modules for factories that are now producing yet more modules in a (hopefully) never ending spiral of growth. And we now even have a small shipyard area building barges.

GGG: What are the TAG next big projects?

BJ: We are currently looking at other areas of space for a second base to grow the corporation. Though this will be slowed obviously while we continue the expansion of TAG Pershing.

-o-

Cheap Shots
by Kaspar Khan, exclusive for the GGG

+ HLQ ships get attacked by pirates again, Baron LiQuan blames the DTR but offers no evidence for their involvement.

+ Krazy Kastorian Kanji invades an empty CNF hiport in the Inner Empire for the second time, and brags about his ability to steal unguarded property.

+ GTT Trade Director Bob Bost announces his retirement from the affiliation, leaving more space for éminence grise Ike Krieger to expand his influence.

+ Kasius Ven leaves the DTR after a very short stay and joins the BHD, trading the gods of bureaucracy for the gods of arrogance.

+ Allegedly peaceful and neutral traders from the AFT spotted flying 200 Heavy Hulls warships, making people wonder how peaceful and how neutral they really are.

+ RCF rebels create problems for the HLQ among the population of Jericho, Baron LiQuan expected to blame the DTR.

-o-

A note from the editor

At the time we closed our last edition, we had not heard back from Michelle Diaz, leader of the DTR, about the possible GTT-DTR crisis (apparently totally defused now). But I want to register here that Ms. Diaz did contact us later, and we thank her for that. Too often our requests for comments or for interviews go unanswered, and we are very appreciative when starcaptains or affiliation officials take time from their busy schedules to talk with the free press.

Cornelius Merryheart
Editor of the Great Galactic Gazette

GGG - Issue 13 - 211.2.1

RCF Get Some IND/PIR Help
by Cornelius Merryheart, exclusive for the GGG

Following a CNF attack against RCF assets in the Hitite System, an IND platform in orbit of Alalus, IND Shoot (36006), opened fire against outpost CNF Merry Harbour (43406). Initially it was thought that the offensive move could be part of the HBO measures against exclusion zones, but the IND platform seems to belong to the starbase IND Westfall by Farmwich (72324), which openly brags about not necessarily being aligned with their hosts the Halo Benevolent Oligarchy (HBO). A public message informs anyone entering orbit of Alalus about their thoughts: "This is the Free State of Alalus, we may have signed the charter, doesn't mean we like foreign laws." CNF General Carter informed us that the IND attack will not stop their effort against the RCF in the Halo Periphery: "This in no way prevents Operation Manassas from continuing - it just means that a change of tactics is required.

We also received a scan report from a ship visiting IND Westfall by Farmwich clearly showing seventeen pirate ships docked at their starport. Some of these same PIR ships have previously been spotted attacking harmless outposts throughout the Halo Periphery. We wonder how long the HBO, so keen on enforcing their laws, will tolerate this nest of pirates encrusted in their territory.

-o-

Soft Sentence for Demetrius Liquan
by Ringo Baxter, exclusive for the GGG

What should be the punishment for killing hundreds of IMP employees and destroying an IMP outpost on an asteroid (alongside with a few thousands MUs of Pulac and the asteroid itself)? Apparently, the Imperial Services believe that one year of imprisonment for the person who gave the orders (in this case, Demetrius Liquan, the HLQ second in command) is enough. According to the official announcement by IMP Viceroy Githyanki, a more fitting sentence has been waived due to "certain mitigations and interactions on his behalf by his father" and to "a return of more amicable relations between the Imperial Services and House Liquan in recent months". Curiously, there has been nothing but silence from IMP members who had previously been stating that war was the only possible answer to the attack or that a reimbursement of millions of stellars needed to be made to the victims.

Meanwhile, a confederate court has found IMP officer Zladmir Tomeshenko guilty of opening fire and destroying an HLQ ship in the Sol System, and condemned him to indentured servitude in the Thorlium mines of Masda. In a theatrical surprise, however, Baron LiQuan has stepped in to pay the convict's debt and to set him free. Apparently, officer Tomeshenko is now a guest of the HLQ in the Dolphinus System. It's unknown if the baron expects his gesture to soften even more the sentence passed on his son Demetrius Liquan, but he told us that his lawyers will soon study the trial transcripts to determine whether to raise an appeal or not.

-o-

GGG - Issue 12 - 210.51.1

FET Join the Confederacy
by Cornelius Merryheart, exclusive for the GGG

FET CEO Zuvoro Norozov and CNF Supreme Commander Thomas S. Jackson announced this week that the Frontier Exploration and Trade (FET) have joined the Confederacy. Although the group was originally comprised of affiliations engaged in the Civil War to place Samuel on the throne of the Human Empire, now that peace has been restored there's still much in common among them, including somewhat similar political and cultural principles and goals. It's very revealing that the official announcement mentioned the unity and the stability of the Empire quite a few times.

This move has the blessing of Emperor Lysander and the FET will retain its Imperial Charter, becoming the first affiliation to be on both the Imperial and the Confederate blocks at the same time. It remains to be seen how the IMP Viceroy will react to this new development. First they lost the Grand Duke of the Imperial Frontier to the CNF, now the FET strengthen their ties with the Confederacy. The political influence of the Imperial Services under Viceroy Githyanki rule seems to be waning.

-o-

A Verdict for Demetrius Liquan
by Ringo Baxter, exclusive for the GGG

The Imperial Services (IMP) have announced this week that at the end of his trial Demetrius Liquan was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and of willful destruction of property or criminal damage, but not guilty on the charge of murder. Legal pundits are interpreting these results as an acceptance of the claim that Demetrius Liquan, acting as temporary leader of the House LiQuan (HLQ) didn't know of the existence of an IMP outpost on the asteroid he ordered to be destroyed.

Sentencing will be determined in the coming weeks, but it's a bit surprising that the verdict announcement elicited no public reaction from the Dewiek Elder Nation (DEN), claim holders to the Mizam System, where the asteroid destruction took place. Perhaps they are waiting to see if the sentence will include the payment of fifteen million stellars demanded by Gregor Konstantin, IMP Research Commissioner in charge of the destroyed outpost, so they can ask for a slice of the pickings.

-o-

GGG - Issue Nine - 210.47.1

GTT Starbases Changing Flags to PIR
by Kaspar Khan, exclusive for the GGG

First it was starbase GTT London (2012), in the Storm System. In the midst of a battle against the KRL in week 210.39, leaders of the GTT were surprised to see their starbase suddenly flying the PIR colors. According to CEO James Stryker, an agent sabotaged base transmitters to flag it as pirate, "a dirty trick by someone lurking in the background".

Then, in week 210.46, it was starbase GTT Finkley Downs (4707), in the Yank System, that changed its flag to PIR. Again, according to Mr. Stryker, the result of a terrorist act: "an operative succeeded in tampering with base beacon, setting status to pirate". This time, however, with a starbase on the busy Mobile Bay planet, the GTT suffered automatic and immediate attack from several positions standing ready to act against pirates, including KAS, DTR, HLQ, and IDC.

It seems that the GTT are being targeted by one or more factions that favor covert operations, and they will have to strengthen up security at least in their most visible starbases to avoid a third and most embarrassing event of this kind.

-o-

Former COH Leader Executed
by Tess Olsen, exclusive for the GGG

The Confederate Intelligence Agency (CIA) announced this week the sentencing and execution of the former Emperor of the COH, for crimes against the Confederacy, including the destruction of the moon Coombes in the New Sussex System and the consequent loss of thousands of civilian lives. According to their report, the prisoner was placed inside an outpost which was then blasted from orbit with a few missiles.

We contacted the CIA leader, Duke Laton, asking him a few questions about the event, including why it took several years for the Emperor of the COH to be tried for his crimes, but we received no reply. We wonder if the timing of this trial is connected in any form with the recent CNF declaration of war against the COH (officially for their alliance with the RCF) or with the upcoming trial of HLQ second-in-command Demetrius LiQuan also for the destruction of a celestial body (although the cases seem to be different in several aspects).

-o-

GGG - Issue Eight - 210.46.1

CNF Launch Campaign Against RCF
by Ringo Baxter, exclusive for the GGG

Alex Carter, Secretary General of the Confederate Forces (CNF), announced this week that his affiliation will finally move against the so-called Real Confederate Forces (RCF). It has been a full year since renegade General Eddy Dean Smith left the CNF in a stormy manner, taking unauthorized assets with him and reflagging them as RCF or PIR. The RCF have been busy this whole time launching terrorist attacks against positions loyal to the Empire, mainly IMP and GTT, and the lack of reaction from the CNF had led to some speculation about how upset they really were with this splinter group.

Operation Manassas is the new CNF initiative to combat the RCF rebels and those who help them. We have reports that the first to be targeted were the Children of Hexos (COH), official allies of the RCF, who were attacked by CNF forces in the Agripeta System. Many expect the CNF campaign to restrict itself to the Halo Periphery, but more optimistic voices are already expressing their wishes for Operation Manassas to include action in the Yank System, where the RCF have been enjoying the silent support of the Kastorian Junta (KAS).

-o-

IMP Viceroy Calls Off War on HLQ, Invites Them for Tea Instead
by Cornelius Merryheart, exclusive for the GGG

After all the boisterous threats against House LiQuan, Viceroy Githyanki announced this week that IMP and HLQ have reached a mutual agreement and that there will be no unleashing of the full wrath of the Imperial army and navy. We all rejoice with the peaceful end of yet another crisis, but it's really difficult not to see how this whole episode marks once more the outstanding ineptitude of the current IMP administration to deal with complex political situations.

House LiQuan destroyed a large asteroid and the IMP outpost on it. House LiQuan organized the counterclaim of a Commonwealth system. House LiQuan gloated in public about these questionable achievements. A competent negotiator would have easily used the spurious system claim and the attack against the Imperial Services to obtain a massive compensation from the HLQ or to force them out of the Inner Empire. Instead, Viceroy Githyanki ended up agreeing on giving back the title of Baron Dolphinus to Aldahan LiQuan.

Punishment for stirring up unrest in Dolphinus? None. Punishment for destroying a whole asteroid in Mizam? Aldahan's son, Demetrius LiQuan, the person who ordered the offensive action, will be handed over to the IMP to stand trial. But no mention to the fifteen million stellars demanded by Gregor Konstantin, IMP Research Commissioner in charge of the destroyed outpost. All that could perhaps be accepted as the result of a timid negotiation, but actually supporting House LiQuan for a noble title as a reward for their misdeeds is a blunder of galactic proportions.

First, IMP Viceroy Githyanki gives the KRL the right to claim the Storm System, despite their use of pirate ships to attack Imperial positions. Then, IMP Viceroy Githyanki gives the HLQ his support for a noble title, despite their attack against IMP positions and their encouragement of civil unrest against the Commonwealth. The lesson here seems to be clear: attacking the IMP is a good to way to achieve your goals, they will huff and they will puff but in the end they will give you what you want.

-o-

GGG - Issue Seven - 210.45.1

New IMP Viceroy Gives Ultimatum to HLQ
by Cornelius Merryheart, exclusive for the GGG

Githyanki, a former Patrol Commissioner who came out of retirement to become the new Viceroy of the Imperial Services (IMP), has quickly demonstrated how the affiliation will work under his rule. Choosing to bypass any of the diplomatic avenues open to him, he has launched a public ultimatum to House LiQuan (HLQ): to deliver Demetrius Liquan to the IMP to face trial for murder and to remove the contested status of the Dolphinus System claim. The alternative, according to the Viceroy, is "the full wrath of the Imperial army and navy". House LiQuan replied with excuses and evasiveness, meaning, like everyone expected, that they have no intention to do what the Viceroy asked.

Did Viceroy Githyanki really expect the HLQ to comply with those demands or was the ultimatum just a formal warning that he intends to wage war on them? Why did he choose to issue an ultimatum and threaten House LiQuan with war instead of using his position in the Triumvirate to address the HLQ offenses? Wouldn't a non-violent response be more appropriate to deal with the LiQuan problem without allowing them to play the role of victims? Doesn't he fear that such moves could reignite the civil war? We asked these and other questions to the Viceroy, and he gave the same answer to all of them: "No comment."

But there is still hope that a war can be avoided. We learned from Thomas S. Jackson, Supreme Commander of the Confederate Forces (CNF), that there are undergoing attempts to resolve the IMP-HLQ disagreement in a manner acceptable to both affiliations. Understandably, he couldn't give us any details on what must be a delicate negotiation involving two allies of the CNF.

In what seems to be a side effect of this situation, the IMP have also announced they would be stopping their wars against the KRL (despite their recent and still unrepentant involvement with piracy), the COH (despite their alliance with the RCF rebels) and the OPS (despite their ties to slavery). As retired FET member Peregrine Lanner sarcastically commented, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for that gives them freedom to point their war machine somewhere else."

-o-

What is the real connection between RIP and RCF?
by Ringo Baxter, exclusive for the GGG

The facts: Several of the Halo Periphery assets previously owned by the so-called Real Confederate Forces (RCF) are now flying the colors of the Regular Independent Privateers (RIP), including starbase RIP Freedom Town (57224), previously known as RCF New (57224), and platform RIP Freedom Defender (41585), previously known as RCF Arinna Defender (41585), both in the Hitite System.

Optimistic explanation: Following the successful IMP campaign against the RCF on planet Alalus, resulting in the total destruction of the starbase RCF New Darkfold (26477), the RCF leaders realized they couldn't avoid the loss of their remaining assets in the Halo Periphery and decided to sell them all to the RIP, who happened to have enough spare cash after the sale of a starbase in the Solo System.

Pessimistic explanation: After the reported demise of their leader GT Spugman, the RIP secretely fell under the control of the RCF. Both affiliations are working together and the reflagging of assets is just a ruse to avoid attacks from the IMP, who at the moment don't seem interested in waging war against the RIP.

What's your theory?

-o-

GGG - Issue Five - 210.43.1

More Treachery from the HLQ
by Cornelius Merryheart, exclusive for the GGG

We are all used to the dirty schemes and general unpleasantness that emanates from House LiQuan (HLQ). But this week they have outdone themselves and proved once again that they don't care about lives or properties, alliances or treaties, honor or integrity. The only thing that matters to House LiQuan is House LiQuan, and they will stop at nothing to further their ambitions.

The first incident happened in the Dolphinus System. The HLQ had already asked the Triumvirate to make an exception to the Inner Empire claiming agreement so they could claim Dolphinus not for the Commonwealth but for themselves. Permission was denied but that didn't mean much to House LiQuan. They just went ahead and incited the local population to claim the system for the HLQ, a claim that despite representing just a vocal minority from planet Frolic (total population is over 2,500,000 humans, the civilian claim is just from 25,000 people) is large enough to topple the current claim (10,000 troops). Representatives from House LiQuan, cynically, say it's not their fault the locals prefer them to the Commonwealth, conveniently ignoring that it was the recent Demetrius and Jessica LiQuan visit to Frolic that triggered this new claim and shamelessly pretending that Aldahan LiQuan never threatened to do exactly that, stir local populations against other members of the Commonwealth.

The second incident happened in the Mizam System. The HLQ attacked and destroyed a whole celestial body, an asteroid called Ruby, and the Imperial Services (IMP) installations that had been there for years. Around 300 lives were lost and the material damage is estimated to surpass 2,000,000 MUs. Aldahan LiQuan's excuse that he was just waging war against the Dewiek Elder Nation (DEN) is hard to believe, as there were no DEN assets in Ruby and hardly any DEN presence in the system. Mizam, despite being claimed in the name of the DEN, has been controlled by the Konstantin family for many years, since the DEN offered the system as a sanctuary to the Dominion (DOM), which are now part of the IMP. Even if we were to believe that the HLQ were completely ignorant of the IMP presence in the system, how to justify the deliberate destruction of a whole celestial body (in the words of Aldahan LiQuan, "a ripe target for the show of force") without even checking if any citizens of the Empire could be injured in the process?

Now, with a spurious system claim and an attack against the Imperial Services, the HLQ have clearly put themselves in a very bad position. They obviously don't care for the unity of the Commonwealth or for the well being of the Empire. If these matters are treated properly, the HLQ should be forced to make reparations or suffer dire consequences. They should ensure that the Dolphinus System is claimed in the name of the Commonwealth, either by convincing the population of Frolic to withdraw or amend their civilian claim or by placing enough trained troops in the system to successfully claim it for the Commonwealth. They should issue a public apology to the IMP, fully reimburse them for their losses in the Mizam System, and also promise to refrain from further actions that may harm any signatory of the Peace Accord. If the HLQ are unable or unwilling to comply, or if they perform this kind of actions again, they should simply be expelled from the Commonwealth and from the Inner Empire.

The response to the LiQuan treacheries should be swift and forceful. But it should also be conducted legally and with the best interests of the Empire and the Commonwealth in mind. Rushing into a vengeful war against the HLQ could be not only the worst possible reaction but also exactly the kind of reaction the HLQ were hoping to get. They have proved again and again that they don't care for a unified Empire and that they care even less for a unified Commonwealth. Let's not help them destroy what we worked so hard to achieve.

-o-

The Chicken from Yank
by Ringo Baxter, exclusive for the GGG

This is another story I heard from an IND merchant during one of my trips to Mobile Bay. I'm not sure if it really happened but I found it amusing anyway. Take it as a work of imagination or as piece of popular culture if you want.

Some time last year a DTR bureaucrat was ordering lunch at one of the many restaurants you can find in Solo. He had a peculiar request: "I want a roasted whole chicken, but it has to be a chicken from Yank." Ten minutes later, the waiter brought his dish. The bureaucrat looked at the chicken, looked at his index finger, inserted his index finger into the chicken's butthole, pulled it out, looked at his finger again, then pronounced: "This chicken is from Pegasus, I want a chicken from Yank." Ten minutes later, he got another chicken. He looked at the new chicken, looked at his index finger, inserted his index finger into the new chicken's butthole, pulled it out, looked at his finger again, then pronounced: "This chicken is from Dorn, I want a chicken from Yank." Ten minutes later, he got another chicken. He looked at the third chicken, looked at his index finger, inserted his index finger into the third chicken's butthole, pulled it out, looked at his finger again, then pronounced: "This chicken is from Fortoon, I want a chicken from Yank." This scene was repeated another few times when a very intoxicated Falconian, who had been watching everything from the bar, approached the DTR bureaucrat and said: "Excuze me, Zir, I've been drunkz for zeveral dayz now and there'z no wayz I can remember where I live, could you pleaze put your finger up my butt and tell me where I come from?"

-o-

GGG - Issue Four - 210.42.1

Baron Meklan
by Cornelius Merryheart, exclusive for the GGG

The good news is that Aldahan LiQuan, leader of House LiQuan (HLQ), has been submitted to medical exams to determine the risks, if any, of his partial meklanization. The bad news is that the scientists in charge of these procedures failed to answer some very important questions.

According to the reports provided by the CIA, it has been confirmed that there is a firewall in LiQuan's head. But there are some conflicting statements that need further clarification. LiQuan had initially informed that, in case of a breach, his brain would be shut off by the firewall: "The technicians say that they have incorporated a firewall to the brainstem which should stop the nanites from completing the meklanisation process. If nanites are detected in the brain, the firewall will shut down the brain automatically, effectively killing the baron." The CIA doctors, however, make no mention to this failsafe feature and only point to the existence of a barrier to the nanites: "the firewall in the baron's mind consists of many ganglions that are treated at frequencies that will not interfere with typical neurological signals but will deactivate any nanites that attempt to pass along the nerve sleeves and into the brain of the Baron". They also imply that they don't fully understand the process taking place in LiQuan's head, acknowledging the presence of "a large build-up of nerve structures below some of these firewall ganglions", which they describe as puzzling: "They may be nothing more than improving reaction times for automatic actions such as pulling a hand away from a hot surface but the team think that there may be some local processing also involved."

So we still don't know how effective this firewall is, we still don't know if it will really shut down the brain in case some nanites manage to breach the barrier, we still don't know if the nanites can directly or indirectly influence LiQuan's actions, and we still don't know if despite not having a direct connection to the brain the nanites can still communicate with whatever external powers control Meklans, possibly transmitting valuable information about the Empire to the enemy. There are simply too many unknown factors at this point, and at best LiQuan is a very serious risk. He should be kept away from the Emperor and he should be kept away from any sensitive information about the Empire or the Commonwealth.

-o-

FET Exodus
by Ringo Baxter, exclusive for the GGG

Much seems to be changing in the Frontier Exploration & Trade (FET). First, Krazy Kastorian Kanji left the affiliation in an explosive manner, kidnapping the CEO and stealing precious assets and information. Then almost as fast as they were welcoming new recruits, older and more established members started to leave and retire.

We talked with Pahl Kantner, well known former FET trader and head of the Lost Planet Airmen, and asked him what made him decide to retire. He wasn't in a very good mood but agreed to a short declaration: "Ah was dismayed 'n disheartened by the recent turns o' events in the FET. Ah was distressed by the changes in attitude 'n direction o' the new FET. 'Nuff said!"

We also talked with Peregrine Lanner, another well known former FET member, who also decided to retire after a long time in the affiliation. He explained the situation in the FET with more detail: "The expulsion of Kanji pretty much coincided with the arrival of new affiliates with new ideas, perhaps more in keeping with FET's old school profile. I found myself arguing more and more against the suggestions being offered as to how FET should move forward."

The FET attack on the FCN also had, of course, a big impact on the way affiliation policy was perceived internally and externally. Mr. Lanner confirms this: "The Falconiangate incident pretty much sealed things. I am sure CEO Norozov would be the first to admit that the reaction to his mercenary actions against the FCN shocked him. I am not referring to the general anti-FET rhetoric that abounded after the event became public, that was political points scoring and was only to be expected. What made me realise that perhaps the operation had been a mistake was the reaction of our allies and in particular, the IMP Viceroy (at the time). Ike Kreiger is someone I admire greatly and for him to come out and virtually condemn us as being no better than the RIP, well that was the clincher. It was time to leave."

Many now await the next move from the FET. Will they try to reorganize and realign their goals with those of the Imperial Block? Or will they pursue a more daring line of work that seems to draw inspiration from the smugglers and mercenaries who originally built the affiliation?

-o-

GGG - Issue One - 210.39.1

Editorial

Welcome to the first issue of the Great Galactic Gazette, a new independent newspaper covering political and social issues around the peripheries. Our goal is to present credible information and thoughtful analysis, and we will only publish material that has been checked by our journalists or remarks that have been made directly to our reporters. If you are looking for unreliable rumours or reprinted press releases, we are sure you can find other publications that cater to your taste. Here at the Great Galactic Gazette we engage in serious journalism only.

Cornelius Merryheart
Editor of the Great Galactic Gazette

-o-

Interview: Aldahan LiQuan, leader of House LiQuan (HLQ)
by Tess Olsen, exclusive for the GGG

Aldahan LiQuan, aka Baron LiQuan (his official title is Baron Dolphinus in Exile), is a very vocal figure in the political arena of the galaxy. He has been involved time and again in very public verbal disputes and he has never been shy about threatening his adversaries. Just as an example, not long ago, he placed a 100,000 stellars bounty on our good editor (before he was our editor) because he made a joke about the baron. More recently, Aldahan LiQuan became the center of a controversy when he decided to infect himself with Meklan nanites. It is not everyday that we have the head of a noble house who is either a Meklan or at least part Meklan (he will undergo medical examinations to determine that), so we chose him as the subject of our very first interview.

(The interview you see here is the full conversation we had with Aldahan LiQuan. However, to ensure a good reading experience, we took the liberty to correct any speech problems. Our spellchecker worked overtime on this assignment.)

GGG: "Why did you accept the challenge to a duel issued by the DEN? Don't you think that it was an outdated manner to solve a dispute and that the matter could have been solved some other way, perhaps through diplomatic negotiations?"

LiQuan: "The DEN called it a trial by combat. I refused to recognise that statement and called it a duel. The DEN accused me and the HLQ of made up crimes to further their own political ends. We could have left it there and let the talks continue or we could meet them face to face and show them what honour means. In the end I slaughtered their champion, so proving under their laws that the charges were unfounded. How did the DEN react? They cried foul and tried to board my personal yacht. Against all the rules and customs. This proves once and for all what the DEN are. There could be no diplomatic solution, for the charges were plainly made up for other motives."

GGG: "Why did you choose to go through a dangerous and controversial medical procedure and get yourself infected with Meklan nanites?"

LiQuan: "Good question. My wife was murdered by the Imperials on Frolic, along with hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians, when they rained a nuclear hell on our homeworld. The only family alive is my son and his wife. I have directed the HLQ for a long time in a manner to get our objectives done. I am keeping and upholding the customs of our culture. I have followed a code called honour all my life and so have my family before me. Now to defeat a DEN Elder in hand to hand combat without help was not going to happen. So I instructed our research department to enhance my body with Meklan tech. This would enable me to cause a crushing defeat on the DEN and to knock them down a peg or two."

GGG: "And how certain can you be that the firewall protection will really work in case the nanites try to reach your brain?"

LiQuan: "Probably, but nothing is certain in this world. If it fails the brain will automatically switch off, stopping any threat to the HLQ. At the moment I am undergoing extensive evaluations to assert the true impact on me and my body."

GGG: "Physically, what changed in your life after the procedure? Do you have new eating habits, do you sleep the same number of hours, do you feel any different than before?"

LiQuan: "My eating and sleeping habits are the same, except that now I have great physical strength and reflexes. I have more energy than I know what to with. I am like a new man."

GGG: "How do you see yourself now? Would you say you are a Meklan, a half-Meklan, a cyborg, or just the same old Liquan?"

LiQuan: "I am the same old Baron LiQuan just a bit tougher."

GGG: "The Dewiek Elder Nation have declared war on House LiQuan and House LiQuan have declared war on the Dewiek Elder Nation. Since the DEN cannot reach your assets without trespassing on their allies and since you cannot reach DEN space without trespassing on your allies, how do you expect this war will be resolved?"

LiQuan: "You are mistaken here. The DEN declared war on me and cannot attack me unless they invade the Inner Empire or the Inner Confederacy, which would bring them into conflict with the Commonwealth. Or they can attack me in Yank against the KAS wishes. I, however, can attack the DEN in their space, as they have not shut down the stargate links or the wormhole. In fact, HLQ forces are already in DEN space. We will not attack DEN in neutral systems, we have honour. Why have I not attacked in force? Basically, I am not strong fleet wise, I am a ship builder by trade and normally sell our ships. However recently we are building our fleet up to take some action. How will the war get resolved? It will end when the DEN get some honour and admit they were unjustified in their actions, or when they convince their human allies to attack the HLQ and start another civil war."

-o-

The Story of the Krell Pirates
by Ringo Baxter, exclusive for the GGG

On Star Date 210.36.4, a group of pirate ships attacked unarmed IMP freighters in quadrant Gamma 1 of the Agripeta System (198). The attack failed and the IMP ships were able to leave the battle with no damage other than a small integrity loss. When the IMP intelligence services analized the sacans from the battle, it became clear that those pirate ships were the same ships that once flew the KRL flag.

Among the offending ships were the following Broadsword Class Heavy Cruisers: PIRATE SHIP RAVAGER 6 (11859), previously known as KRL SHIP BROAD KRELL 16 (11859); PIRATE SHIP RAVAGER 5 (22058), previously known as KRL SHIP BROAD KRELL 15 (22058); PIRATE SHIP RAVAGER 3 (27414), previously known as KRL SHIP BROAD KRELL 11 (27414); PIRATE SHIP RAVAGER 1 (65760), previously known as KRL SHIP BROAD KRELL 4 (65760); PIRATE SHIP WRATH 10 (85327), previously known as KRL SHIP SWORD 3 (85327); PIRATE SHIP RAVAGER 1 (88898), previously known as KRL SHIP BROAD KRELL 1 (88898).

Skaven, leader of the KRL, claimed that he had sold those ships to an undisclosed buyer. He added: "The Krell will not disclose the buyers of these ships under any circumstances." This, of course, placed the KRL in a bad situation. If the ships were really sold to a third party, then by not disclosing the identity of the buyers Skaven was aiding the pirates. If the ships were not sold to a third party, and Skaven was either unable or unwilling to prove they were, then the KRL were directly engaged in piracy.

The situation only got worse for the KRL. When the IMP received information about a pirate lair on a hidden asteroid in the Adventure System (206), the patrol sent to confront the criminals found a KRL outpost with PIR ships docked and in orbit, including some that had taken part in the Agripeta attack. The outpost was taken by IMP forces and most of the pirate ships were destroyed or fled after receiving heavy damage. Now the truth was in the open, with all evidence pointing to the KRL as the responsible party for the pirate operation.

Since then, Skaven has been pretending that there was never a KRL outpost harboring PIR ships that were once KRL ships. Most amusingly, he claims it is all a fabrication. The evidence, however, is unmistakable and has been verified by several parties. There is no doubt that the KRL are pirates, and all lawful affiliations will treat them as such. The IMP have declared war against the KRL and vowed to fight them until they are neutralized. The fight against piracy continues.

-o-