Black-Bart

“We were escorting a cargo ship to Watson Settlement. As we approached, we were intercepted by a pair of Vultures. They asked us to identify ourselves, but I don’t think they were even listening – they just opened fire. The cargo ship took a hit, and then my wingmate bought it. I barely made it out alive.”
This testimony comes from the Neits system, which has become the site of intense conflict in the past 24 hours. Authorities in the system have confirmed that a Federal organisation known as Neits Jet Life Ltd has deployed ships throughout the system, and is attacking other vessels at the slightest provocation. Meanwhile, the GR 316 Silver Universal Group, an Imperial organisation, has despatched fighters to counter the Federal offensive.
Neits has long been a contentious territory due to its position between Imperial and Federal space. The system has always tried to maintain its independence, resisting both Federal and Imperial overtures, but many suspected it was only a matter of time before one of the superpowers made a grab for power.
Neither the Federation nor the Empire has made an official statement on the matter, with both Federal President Zachary Hudson and Emperor Arissa Lavigny-Duval remaining silent. But one inhabitant of the system was happy to provide an opinion on the situation:
“It’s no secret that tensions have been rising between the Feds and the Empire recently, so I guess conflict was bound to break out sooner or later. Trouble is, when the superpowers start throwing punches, there tends to be a lot of collateral damage. By the time they’re done fighting, there might not be much of Neits left.”
Both Neits Jet Life Ltd and the GR 316 Silver Universal Group have promised to reward pilots who support their campaigns. The two factions have set out week-long operations to take control of the system, which will begin on the 19th of May 3302.Update from Galnet News

Earlier this week, private security firm the Diamond Frogs issued a request for liquor and other legal narcotics to be delivered to Skvortsov Orbital in 63 G. Capricorni for a massive party celebrating the success of the Distant Worlds Expedition. Independent traders throughout civilized space have responded enthusiastically to the appeal, but it would appear not everyone wants to share in the festivities.
Recent reports indicate that an extremist temperance organisation from the nearby system of Eravate has been interdicting and destroying merchants attempting to deliver legal intoxicants to Skvortsov Orbital. Although only minor casualties have been reported, representatives from the Diamond Frogs have expressed concern about the social unrest in Eravate spilling over into neighbouring sectors.
Commander Paramemetic, the Diamond Frogs’ chief logistics officer, said that the security firm would take steps to ensure the safety of traders making deliveries. “It’s a shame these puritanical troublemakers are trying to steal the spotlight from the explorers,” he said, “but we’ll make sure they don’t interfere with the celebrations.”
‘Disc’ Commander Felix Dyson, Radio SkvortsovUpdate from Galnet News

With the successful conclusion of the Distant Worlds Expedition looming, intrepid explorers both within and without the bubble are turning to the bubbly, and O’Malligan’s Coffee Bar at Skvortsov Orbital has announced plans to throw a party for the returning travellers. A spokesperson for the establishment said:
“What does an explorer want after they’ve returned to the bubble, stumbled out of their ship and cashed in at Universal Cartographics? A drink or two! So we’re throwing the party of the century to celebrate the achievements of the Distant Worlds pilots, and other intrepid explorers.”
O’Malligan’s Coffee Bar has approached the Diamond Frogs, the system’s controlling faction, for assistance in making the party a reality. But the Diamond Frogs’ chief logistics officer, Commander Paramemetic, said: “There’s no way O’Malligan’s is going to be able to throw a radical party without support from the Pilots Federation. Diamond Frogs pilots alone will consume all of O’Malligan’s stock within a matter of hours.”
To ensure the celebration is worthy of the accomplishments of the Distant Worlds team, the Diamond Frogs have promised to reward pilots who bring alcohol and other recreational substances to Skvortsov Orbital in the 63 G. Capricorni system.
The campaign begins on the 12th of May 3302 and will run for one week. If the final target is met earlier than planned, the campaign will end immediately.Update from Galnet News

At a recent event at the Mars Business Society, Federal Shadow President Felicia Winters responded to a question concerning the hospitalisation of former Federal president Jasmina Halsey:
“It was clear from the outset that she’d experienced a traumatic event, and that it impacted her psychologically as well as physically. I hope she receives the treatment she needs.”
When asked about Halsey’s alleged mystical experiences, Winters replied:
“Frankly, I find the question distasteful. She has undergone a harrowing experience – an experience that would have affected even the strongest of us – and drawing attention to her so-called ‘visions’ is counterproductive to restoring her mental health.”Update from Galnet News

One year ago today, Federal President Jasmina Halsey and Vice-President Ethan Naylor embarked on a tour of Federation frontier systems. Two weeks later, Starship One was declared missing with all hands. Despite initial assessments that the ship would never be found, the remains of the vessel were located and a handful of survivors recovered, including former president Halsey.
Although Halsey had many political opponents, she also had many supporters. Some of these supporters have assembled outside the psychiatric facility on Mars where Halsey is currently located, waving signs and chanting various slogans, seeking her release.
Rachel Young, one of the most vociferous of the former president’s supporters, made this statement to on-site reporters:
“President Halsey worked hard for the Federation. She deserves to be with her family. She deserves the respect and protection any former president is entitled to, not to be locked up in the funny farm.”
Federal law enforcement is monitoring the protest to ensure it remains peaceful.
Commander CorrigendumUpdate from Galnet News

Preparations are underway for the Distant Worlds Expedition gala at Skvortsov Orbital, but one explorer will be unable to attend: Commander Olivia Vespera, pilot of the expedition’s fleet flagship, a Type-9 named Zombie Wasp IV.
At the time of writing, Commander Vespera is still at Beagle Point, prospecting for the necessary materials to synthesize ‘jumponium’, a colloquial moniker given by explorers to frame-shift-drive injection. Without it, Vespera will be unable to return home.
But Commander Vespera is unconcerned – in fact, she’s jubilant.
“I got a message saying that Jaques Station is coming to Beagle Point. I might actually be the first to meet him here!”
Lisbeth MooreUpdate from Galnet News

Arlo Cortez, a member of Jasmina Halsey’s personal staff, has responded to a recent statement from Ricardo Bentonio, the notorious conspiracy theorist. In an official press release, Cortez said:
“The suggestion that Jasmina has been somehow ‘silenced’ by oppressive governmental powers is patently ridiculous. The decision to admit Jasmina to the Clearwater Clinic was made by her friends and family. No one else was involved.”
Cortez also said that Bentonio’s request to meet with Halsey would not be granted:
“Our paramount concern is that Jasmina receive the care and attention she needs. She will not be meeting with members of the press, representatives of the Federation, or crackpot conspiracy theorists.”Update from Galnet News

Dr Derthek, a founding member of the Canonn Interstellar Research Group, has embarked on an ambitious project to map NGC 6357, also known as the War and Peace Nebula, in its entirety.
Before departing, Dr Derthek gave a brief interview explaining his motivation:
“I’ve examined the Unknown Artefacts, I’ve seen the barnacles, I’ve even completed a circumnavigation of the galaxy. But the estimated 13,000 systems of NGC 6357 have always fascinated me. It’s one of the most prominent sites of massive-star formation close to the bubble.”
“I think there’s something out there, although I don’t know what. But it’ll be my home until my ship, the RSV Canonn, has visited every single system. I might find more barnacles, more UAs, or something entirely new. Who knows?”
Hundreds of fellow scientists have sent messages of support, and Universal Cartographics is understood to be eagerly awaiting Derthek’s return.
Commander Lord ZoltanUpdate from Galnet News

Last month, Professor Ishmael Palin announced his intention to retire from The Palin Institute, the research organisation he founded in 3301. In a statement, the professor indicated that he would relocate to a small research centre on Maia A 3 a, where he would continue investigating the Unknown Artefacts and meta-alloys. Now, the professor has issued a further statement, announcing that he has placed an open order for building fabricators for the construction of the new outpost.
“The galactic community has given me considerable support over the past few months – even going so far as to rescue me and my team from pirates in the Orulas system – and I would very much like for them to be part of this initiative. The new research centre will be relatively modest, but there is still a need for materials. I can promise that pilots who deliver the necessary supplies will be generously compensated!”
The Defence Party of Nespeleve, which is coordinating the effort on behalf of Professor Palin, has promised to reward pilots who deliver building fabricators to Wilkes Orbital in the Nespeleve system. The organisation has also promised to reward Commanders who eliminate hostiles operating in the system, to ensure those delivering building fabricators can do so safely.
The campaign begins on the 12th of May 3302 and will run for one week. If the final target is met earlier than planned, the campaign will end immediately.Update from Galnet News

A spokesperson for The Fuel Rats named Mischief has announced that Jaques Station has received sufficient quantities of fuel to complete the proposed jump to Beagle Point.
Jaques, the starport’s owner and operator, confirmed that the station received hundreds of thousands of tonnes of fuel over the course of the week-long campaign. In a statement, the cyborg expressed his pleasure at the initiative’s success.
“It’s a terrific response, it really is. We haven’t even set off yet and already I’m excited! Obviously there’s lots of prep to be done – we can’t just go leaping into the black – but we should be ready pretty soon.”
Jaques Station is expected to depart for Beagle Point in the next few days.Update from Galnet News