Black-Bart

The Money Matters news feed has reported that the market value of the mysterious unknown artefacts has dramatically increased. The report neglects to include specific figures, citing the “fluctuating nature” of the market, but does imply that the trade price has seen a significant upswing. According to Money Matters correspondent Roberta Unwin:
“The market value of a commodity can increase over time, of course, but dramatic spikes of this sort tend not to happen without a catalyst. Evidently, someone is paying a great deal for these objects. The question is: who?”Update from Galnet News

Two weeks ago, the Explorers’ Association began work on a new Ocellus starport in the Pleiades Nebula. The project received financial support from the Brewer Corporation and Universal Cartographics, which offered generous premiums to traders providing essential materials for the construction. Now, with the bulk of the work complete, the Explorer’s Association has announced a third and final appeal for resources:
“Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the galactic community, the new Ocellus starport is almost complete, and we are a hair’s breadth from gaining an important foothold in the Pleiades Nebula. All that’s needed now is one final push. If you are in a position to help, we implore you to do so. This is your last chance to be a part of this historic project.”
Pilots who want to contribute to the campaign are invited to deliver gold to Neville Horizons in the Kaushpoos system. Update from Galnet News

After several days of fighting between Imperial forces and the mercenaries of the Cayutorme Syndicate, order has been restored to the Cayutorme system. With the mercenary fleet defeated, the leaders of the Cayutorme Syndicate have petitioned for a ceasefire. Kyle Kurowski, the leader of the organisation, has not been seen since hostilities began.
Speaking from Adkins Port, Admiral Lucius Lavigny praised the Commanders who fought for the Empire:
“This conflict would have lasted much longer without the support of independent Commanders of the Pilots Federation. The Empire thanks them for their efforts.”
Admiral Lavigny also announced that all captured mercenary vessels would be sold at Adkins Port in Cayutorme, at a heavy discount. Value-minded buyers are already gathering.
Commander Quade and Commander CorrigendumUpdate from Galnet News

Authorities in the Epsilon Indi system have reported a dramatic increase in smuggling over the past week. Station personnel at London Relay – believed to be the focus of the smuggling activity – declined to provide specifics, but an anonymous source at the starport said:
“Apparently a group called ‘Revolution Incorporated’ put out a request for explosives, which is why there’s been a spike. Of course, the station authorities don’t want people to know the station is full of explosives, especially with the summit conference starting soon, but I gather the response to the request was pretty enthusiastic.”
The Federal Times approached Revolution Incorporated for a response to this statement, but received only a brief, cryptic reply:
“People have started to forget about old Guy and his friends. We think it’s time someone reminded them.”Update from Galnet News

Imperial forces have begun their offensive against the Cayutorme Syndicate and its illegal fleet. Large clashes have occurred over the past few days, and major victories have been won by the forces of the Imperial Navy and its auxiliary force of Commanders.
The Cayutorme Syndicate fleet has put up a good fight, but it has been met with overwhelming force. At the time of writing the fight is in a bit of a lull, with only minor skirmishes going on, as the Syndicate begins to deploy reinforcements. If things continue as they have, the Syndicate fleet may have to surrender or face total destruction at the hands of the Imperial Navy.
Commander Jack HildingUpdate from Galnet News

Following a recent statement from Sirius Corporation announcing its intention to revitalise several newly acquired star systems, the company has launched an initiative to boost the economy of HIP 8396. At the heart of the initiative is a request for osmium, which Sirius Corp hopes will serve as a fillip for the system’s financial rejuvenation. Li Yong-Rui, the CEO of the Sirius Corp., was quoted as saying:
“The people of HIP 8396 are part of the Sirius Corporation family, but if we are to help our compatriots, we will need help ourselves. So I implore all galactic citizens to contribute to this initiative, and bring a new era of peace and prosperity to HIP 8396.”Update from Galnet News

Last month, Gutamaya Shipyards marked Arissa Lavigny-Duval’s coronation by temporarily lifting the rank-related restrictions on all Imperial ships. With the official coronation period now over, the company has announced that the restrictions on its ships will be reinstated on Monday.Update from Galnet News

Mavia Kain, High Inquisitor of the Imperial Inquisition, has formally announced the upcoming Galactic Games for Charity. The games will take place between the 13th and 15th of November 3301 in support of the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. A general amnesty will be declared in the Brestla system over the weekend.
The headline event is the Galactic ‘Top Gun’ Championship, in which pilots from across the galaxy will compete for a prize of 200 million credits. Commanders wishing to participate are invited to visit Roed Oodergaard Port in the Brestla system between 18.00 on Friday the 13th of November and 06.00 on Saturday the 14th of November. The final will be held on Sunday at 20.00.
The weekend will culminate with the first ever ‘Elite Hunger Games’, in which 24 commanders will compete in a no-holds-barred fight to the death in Mk III Vipers.
Commander djtruthsayerUpdate from Galnet News

The deadline for the inspection and disbandment of the mercenary Cayutorme Syndicate fleet has passed, and Imperial Naval vessels have entered the Cayutorme system. Speaking from an undisclosed location, the leader of the Cayutorme Syndicate, Kyle Kurowski, confirmed that his mercenary armada had engaged the Imperial Fleet, but denied reports that independent pilots were fighting for both sides: “Independent pilots are just that – independent. They will not be the tool the Emperor uses to turn us into Imperial citizens. If they stand for freedom, they stand with us.”
The Imperial war chest has been opened for any independent pilots who want to help the Imperial cause. Admiral Lucius Lavigny, the Emperor’s second cousin, stated:
“We know that Commanders pledged to the Empire will fight to maintain law and order, and we urge other Commanders to do the same. If these miscreants are permitted to continue with their activities, more systems will suffer.”
Commander Quade and Commander CorrigendumUpdate from Galnet News

London Relay in the Epsilon Indi system is to host a summit conference focusing on terrorism and galactic security. Representatives from the Empire, the Federation and the Alliance are all expected to attend the three-day event, which begins next week. Topics for discussion are expected to include Emperor’s Dawn and the ongoing conflict in the Pegasi Sector.
As preparations for the event begin, Federal authorities have raised concerns about an organisation based at London Relay known as ‘Revolution Incorporated’. According to authorities, the group has announced its intention to commemorate the Gunpowder Plot – a historic incident dating from Earth’s distant past – with “a special event” due to coincide with the summit. Although the precise nature of the event has not been revealed, authorities are nevertheless uneasy:
“It’s entirely possible that the organisation’s intentions are benign, but since we know so little about it, and given its publicized intention to commemorate an attack on the state, we are obligated to investigate.”
The Federal spokesperson was asked to confirm reports that the group also plans to issue an open contract for explosives, but said only: “we can neither confirm nor deny such reports”.Update from Galnet News