The Tiacken Tribune

The Tribune would like to thank all of the pilots who wrote in to urge us to make a comeback. Without your support, none of this would have ever happened. Further, we would like to welcome several new staff writers aboard. A warm hello goes out to SpiderJerusalem and Walkingrazor, who published in this edition, as well as to several other new folks who are working on articles currently. As always, any information anybody has is welcome. Your confidentiality is assured.

The War Forthcoming (Brackard)

While all wars are nasty, the recent war between the Empire and the Federation was fortunate in many respects. Fueled by hatred over the proposed wrong-doings over the planet of Usube, both sides considered themselves in the right – the Empire in thinking that the Federation was producing weapons of destruction on a planet-wide scale, and the Federation in thinking the Empire had falsely accused them. Rashkir and Humans versus the Ska’ari and Keldon met in the field and destroyed each other in glorious fashion. Many lives were lost, but in the end, peace was declared and life went on.

I can’t help but think what will happen here some time in the future when the Union gets involved. Members of the Union are predominantly Rashkir and Keldon. The Union was created by separatists of both the Empire and the Federation. It would be foolish to think that the Union will not one day find themselves at odds with with the Federation and/or the Empire. What causes the problem is immaterial, but what does matter is that one day – members of the Union will find themselves at war with themselves. Whether it be Keldon vs. Keldon or Rashkir vs. Rashkir, the Union will have to deal with the issues of killing their own kind – en masse. Like all wars, the war will eventually end, with a victor ‘declared’, but can there really be a winner with the Union? I can imagine that the killing of their own kind will leave scars on all sides that may take a long, long time to heal.

Let’s hope we never see the day.

Fond Farewells

The Tribune is sad to report that on the joyous occasion of our re-opening that many of our longtime readers no longer fly the space lanes of the Pardus universe. The Tribune has long hoped to discover what lies beyond the golden door guarded by the cubes, but the final voyage of all these great pilots remains a mystery. Nevertheless, we at the Tribune feel compelled to raise our glasses to all of the fine fliers and friends who are with is only in memory. They know who they are, and so should you. Cheers.

A Postcard from Usube (Walkingrazor)

The terraforming machines hover over the landscape at about 5000 feet off the surface of the planet, where the clouds had floated previously. Both Imperial and Federation markings could be seen on the orbiting stations, coexisting alongside the Usubean Restoration Coalition logo of a sprouting seed. It had taken nearly a month to remove all the fallout from the air, for the nano-tech radioactive molecule killers to execute their seek and destroy missions: neutralizing harmful chemicals into base elements and metals that were non-toxic to the soil and the natural Usubean wild-life.

Now the terraformers were combining hydrogen fuel with the oxides remaining from the Class R planet Usube had become and making water. It had been a long process, the oceans were nearly full now,after the explosions had flashed them into vapor that fateful day when the weapon went off. The gene banks on Sol, Ska, and Keldon, pressed into double-shifts, were examining historic records and beginning to reproduce the flora and fauna that were native here. Of course, it will take many years and careful management to restore an approximate version of Usube’s natural ecosystem. Some of the species that had not been catalogued are lost to all time.

Those that managed to survive the weapon have been quarantined and treated for radiation sickness. The sporadic conflict of interest groups over the remaining scarce resources have died down with the influx of aid and the planet is now producing food and water, enough to feed its small population.

I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Franklin Arayn (Head Scientist of the Bi-Faction Commission on the Usubean Restoration) recently about the progress and he spoke very positively about the situation, saying:

“We’ve got a long way to go but the cooperation of the Federation and Empire has truly produced a marvel of physical recovery. While major events such as asteroid impacts have caused great damage to planets, never before have we seen such wholesale devistation. We’ve managed to create a preliminary balance in the ecosystem and the population has been steadily increasing. Of course, with additional support such as the construction of med labs by Usubean citizens and traders, we will see much more rapid growth. It is our hope that with careful management, we can restore the planet to it’s former glory.”

Dr. Arayn and his team continue their efforts from the Seat of Restoration in the Northwest Regional Capital.

While the planet has a long way to go, there is hope where there once was only wasteland. The Usubean government has been distributing relief aid and energy produced by the Scorpion Guard star-bases in Usube and Urhoho and many traders from the Neutral Zone have been crucial in their support of the rebuilding effort. The people of Usube thank you, citizens of Pardus.

Announcements

Exotic Crystals
Residents of Edenve received a pleasant surprise this week as a sudden flux in the space continuum brought about the discovery of exotic crystals in their sector. Economies boomed with the influx of pilots from around the universe hoping to catch a rare glimpse of a crystal and perhaps be lucky enough to harvest one. Seb, a young harrier pilot and member of the Sith Lords, has quickly earned a name for himself as the man to contact regarding crystal purchase. To date, Seb has found upwards of a dozen of these rare mineral deposits. While the use of the crystals is currently unknown, many pilots whisper furtively of their possible use in recovering technologies lost during the first great Pardus war. The Tribune has hired several scholars to peruse the historical texts of the universal races, but nothing has yet been discovered. Worry not, however! We promise to keep you informed should any new information come to light.

Interview with new IG’s Founder (Spider Jerusalem)

This week, The Tribune traveled deep into the Nebula clouds of Spica to the Sinner’s Inn to gain an interview with Tikakan: avid trader, Union Coodination Councilman, and founder/short-lived leader of the reformed Imperial Guard.
After getting lost for several hours inside the sprawling recreational quarter of Sinner’s Inn, our reporter finally found the specified meeting place, the pleasure establishment, “Original Sin”, where a farewell party was being held; the Starbase had just been sold. Once inside, he managed to unglue his subject matter’s eyes from a ravishing, tapdancing female ska’ri, upon which Tikakan grudgingly got up, stuffed a hundred credit bill into the dancer’s garter, and escorted our reporter to a small office behind a two-way mirror. On the wall to the left was a framed, autographed holopic of the late Amazon Jim inside the establishment, dedicated “to the biggest tool in the shed;” on the right was an old poster of Imperious Blackheart from his days in the Keldana Imperial Ballet Company. Tikakan seated himself on the far side of his improbably large desk, produced a bottle of Vegameister and two glasses from a drawer, and signalled he was ready for the interview to commence.

Tribune: Greetings Tikakan, you are well, I presume?
Tikakan: I am well and happy, that the Imperial Guard thrives without me.

Tribune: Let me cut right to the chase here and ask what’s on everyone’s mind: What were you, an upstanding Unionite thinking when you decided to revive the Imperial Guard?
Tikakan: I am a friend of continuity, but the continuity of the Imperial Guard had been disrupted by the disappearence of their leader, Imperious Blackheart. So, as I had some spare cash left and wanted to help, I resurrected the IG.

Tribune: So one could say you were a fan of the original Guard?
Tikakan: I was no fan of the Guard specifically, I just saw the opportunity to help, and the Guard was in need of help. I am a Fan of the Union though. (take large swig from glass)

Tribune: Undoubtedly. Did the reactions to your aid surprise you?
Tikakan: It was not a surprise, there are always pilots who are offended when a pilot from a faction doesn’t mind his own business and gives the other factions a hand.

Tribune: But you decided to do it anyway.
Tikakan: That’s correct, the line must remain unbroken.

Tribune: Some have even gone as far as to call you a Graverobber, and that you have made a mockery of the glorious traditions of the Guard, what do you have to say to that?
Tikakan: Nonsense! The Imperial Guard needs a leader and the Emperor needs protection! As there is always an Emperor, there should always be a Guard to do his bidding. That’s what continuity in Monarchy is about; the Imperial Guard is no more, long live the Imperial Guard, and all that! (takes another swig)

Tribune: And A Union cleaner was the person to do that?
Tikakan: If the old guard is to whiney and sissy to reform the Guard on their own, every other law abiding Pilot of any faction is right to fill the void.

Tribune: I see. In the meantime, the Guard is imperial in both alignment and leadership again; most of the original members have already returned. How was the situation eventually resolved?
Tikakan: After some ruckus, the original guard members were ready for talks to reform the Guard under Viscount Lexico.

Tribune: …who eventually gave leadership on to Meanguy.
Tikakan: True. Lexico and Eldritch helped to resolve the situation and were the driving force in getting the wheels rolling. Lexico performed the proper imperial rituals to reinitaite the guard, since I as a Union pilot was not able to do that.

Tribune: Even if it was very brief, what was it like to lead the Guard?
Tikakan: It was a very busy time to organize a working Guard without the help of other commanding officers.

Tribune: Did you ever intend to remain leader?
Tikakan: No, it’s too much work to be alliance leader, Starbase owner, and trader.

Tribune: …Because your recruitment plug gave many the wrong idea.
Tikakan: Humph, it would have been easier to get the IG on its feet with help, so I asked for some, it’s that simple. (empties glass and refills it)

Tribune: So the allegations that you are a closet IG fanboy and have secretly gotten hold of Imperious Blackheart’s legendary pink tutu are untrue?
Tikakan: (grins at the words „pink tutu“) Yes, I am a loyal unionist; no chances there, even if the empire has tutus…

Tribune: I see. Have you suffered damage for your efforts? Your recent GNN entries tell quite a tale…
Tikakan: I lost 2 ships, but luckily they were covered by insurance and I had only small amounts of energy on board, both times. And the escape pod was brand new in both times .Never fly without an escape pod, kids. (winks)

Tribune: Your buildings were razed too, no?
Tikakan: Thats true; for that I placed some bounties on the evildoer’s head. Those Buildings where in neutral space and open for business to all pilots. A shame, that the infrastructure in the north pardus rim was hit by such a blow. (empties glass in one go)

Tribune: Is the Sale of the Sinner’s Inn in any way related to recent events?
Tikakan: (refills glass) As the Sinner’s in is on a important trade route from Vega to Quexce, I needed to protect it from aggressive acts from offended pilots. It is a shame, that I sold the Inn, though I wish Souldiver the best of luck with it, and hopes he keeps the Station supplied with fuel. (raises glass to a toast and downs it)

Tribune: Well, at least it’s in the hands of a legitimate businessman; what do you think about the Empire after your experiences of the last few days?
Tikakan: My opinion didnt shift. I just got irritated by the warmongering of some pilots.

Tribune: Speaking of that, a final question: a lot of pilots can’t forgive you for your actions, and at least one has even vowed repeated vengeance… Do you have anything to say to your detractors?
Tikakan: I hope they have enough money and cunning to keep track of me! I’m a tough cookie; if they think they can just dunk me in milk and take a bite, they’ll find there’s more than just oreo stuffing inside! (pushes over bottle)

Tribune: I’m sure they will. Thank you for the interview, sir.
Tikanan: Anytime, anytime. On your way out, can you send Butters in? I need to discuss her severance pay…

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