The Tiacken Tribune

Diplomatic Notes - War Has Cometh(Sivrehn - Tiacken Tribune Senior Correspondent)

Dear Tiacken Tribune readers,

By the time this is published, war will have been declared between the Empire and Union. The already great tensions between them have been sparked up by an unexpected event: Allegations from Empire officials that the well-known “Free Keldana” separatist movement is actually actively sponsored and headed by the Don of the Union. While some Union officials are categorically denying all accusations, others privately admit that some officials of the Union could very well be spearheading such a separatist effort. “These would, ironically, be nearly all former imperials and pirates who joined us for access to our unique technology, which they may have smuggled to the separatists,” said a Union officer, who wishes to remain anonymous.

This theory is supported by the fact that a significant amount of Union military have declared over the comments to be in favor of this movement, even offering their wholehearted support. Whether such declarations are sincere or merely an effort by the well-known “warmonger wing” in the Union High Assembly to bring about a war of conquest remains unknown, but Tribune hacker sources have detected an increase of coded messages moving through the interstellar networks. Shockingly, one such message suggests that pirate Ragnar Cere may indeed be one of the leaders of this movement, even though he is a human.

Which brings us to the question: Is this war meant to weaken both powers? If so, who is secretly pulling the strings?

Federation officials, while reservedly agreeing that they support the Free Keldana movement’s ideals, are frantically speeding up talks with the Empire in order to try to resume some semblance of order between both factions’ relations, both publicly and privately. Several High Councilors were sighted talking with High Command staffers in bars, restaurants, hotels and parks all over Sol, Rashkan, Ska and Keldana. It would, at least on the surface, appear the Federation doesn’t want to benefit from the Empire by taking a more hostile approach while they’re weakened.

Yet, some officers are actively disregarding their leadership’s orders and ambushing for Imperial personnel on the Neutral zone and in the Pardus contingents. Several lower-ranking officers are following on their lead, physically and verbally attacking the Empire. Will this splinter faction of the military actually be able to initiate a tripartite war? “They’re getting more and more votes at High Command everyday”, says a Federation staffer. “Coded transmissions are flying through this desk like maddened Sabres”.

This reporter would ask people to think about the Hell that is war and not to bring it about to the other half to the galaxy, but I know those who want war will stop at nothing, even while they stay safely behind their MO lines and nooks.

Fly safe.

War begets…war?

In a stunning display of utter bone-headedness, less than a week after declaring war with the Empire, the Union has began flinging accusations at the Federation. Apparently, some Hercules flying Federation colors was spotted roaming around Union space. The Unionites reacted as the whole universe has come to expect them to, and accused the Hercules of everything from spying (reported to GNN) to secretly smuggling space weasel eggs to Union strongholds. The identity of this Hercules remains unknown at this time, and Federation officials have issued a hasty apology, clearly eager to resume the positive relationship that was being cautiously formed between these two factions during the past months.

How the Union reacts to this remains to be seen, but the Tribune would like to add a word of caution to our brothers who fly the yellow fist…you cannot win a war on two fronts. Keep that in mind.

The Tiacken Tribune Presents! (Tribune Staff)

70 Corba — This sultry vixen of the spacelanes was once one of the most brutal and savage slaver mistresses to grace former economic superpower, TST. Though her infamy extends primarily from her efficient quelling of the slave rebellion of L-2819, on Lahola II (where not a single slave or overseer was left alive), she continues to be a stalwart presence in the universe. She now resides in the hallowed halls of The Pardus Order of The Temple, where she lies in wait to unleash verbal fury on any who dare speak foolishly.

69 Achillia Scotia — Achillia is another fine example for an IHL (Imperial Hot Lady). Starting out with the Blue Sun Corporation Achillia soon joined the ranks of the Imperial Guard who are always willing to take a girl with such obvious uhm… talents. An IG spokesman recently stated that allowing that rather young pilot into the Empire’s elite squadron had ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with the fact that she won the Playcrab of the Year award three times in a row.

68 Hugiks — Hugiks is one of the less-known imperial pilots who usually chooses to work behind the scenes. Graduating with honours from the Keldon Flight school, he soon became known as The Rich Guy. After spending all his money on skilling, killing and some more skilling with several different alliances, he is now broke but happy.

67 Katmai — Katmai was always torn between his two great passions. Ever since being trained on the Imperial Academy on Keldon, he’d been a loyal servant of the Emperor. At the same time, he quickly established a leading position within Conglomo, a thoroughly neutral alliance. With a saddened heart, he put his alliance before his faction, serving as Conglomo’s leader for a long time. Now, he’s back where all Imperial want to see him - after stepping down from Conglomo leadership, he has joined the ranks of the Imperial Guard.

66 Ovest — Serving with the Triad for nearly 2 years, Ovest is one of the best known Admirals of the FHC. Her abilities as the application manager/director of recruiting for the largest alliance in Pardus are the thing of legend. After fighting two faction wars, she decided to pursue her real passion - the training of young federal recruits. After acting as a senior instructor at the federal academy, she is now with the Brotherhood of Steel.

65 Irrerivan — Pirate, freedom fighter, federal war hero or loyal servant of the Don - Irrerivan has had a number of rather interesting stations in his career. After starting out in the Federation, Irrerivan quickly became a Famous Pirate, but also made himself a name for being one of the few federal officers that actually fought back during the first faction war. Now, he proudly serves with the Candy Lords, protecting the Union from aggressors and filling his own pockets while doing so.

64 Winston — Winston used to be one of the most prominent drug dealers of Pardus; that is, until the Union came around. Winston then decided to change sides and went to join the Ebidium Hand, where he continues to play an important role as their “spiritual leader.” Whether being a spiritual leader depends on consuming a large number of illegal narcotics was still unknown at this time.

63 Biks — Biks woke up one day happily, for he had realized what he should do with his life. So he went out into the great universe while singing happy songs about nature, culture, poetry and the complete and utter annihilation of all other living creatures. He kills for pleasure. He kills for a living. Likely, he also kills for some greater good that we just haven’t found out about yet. If you are a pilot, a fearsome space monster or a small furry creature from Alpha Centauri - chances are that Biks just killed you while reading this. Our condolences go to your family.

And yes, that guy from Terra called Chuck Norris IS afraid of Biks. Go figure.

62 Nebulosa — Nebulosa: A man. A doomstar. And likely a small kitten. Nebulosa is one of the most colourful figures of the Federal High Command - after a considerable stint with the now long-gone alliance of the Space Monkeys, Nebulosa became the “leader” of UIE, promoting independence for pilots all over the Universe. However, when the call for war came, Nebulosa answered. Since then, he has served as one of the prime commanders and diplomats of the Federation.

61 Sweetness — Beauty beyond measure is a lady’s greatest treasure - but then, an army of blood hungry mercenaries comes in as a close second. Sweetness has been the commander of MERC for quite some time now and therefore wields one of the most fearsome forces of Pardus. Additionally, she looks really good in one of these fancy evening dresses and has been breaking hearts (and military outposts) wherever she goes. The most prominent of her suitors definitely is the famous bounty hunter Zguby.

That’s it for this week’s installment. Tune in next time for more of the top 100! Did YOU make the list!?