Issue #91
Empire Economies Shut Down - Outlook Bleak
Late last week, TSO surprised the universe, particularly the Imperials, when they began constructing another set of blockades in Empire space. These Military Outposts ring in Ska, and rumors abound that TSO is planning on running a large-scale drug operation right in the Emperor’s backyard. The Tribune attempted to reach the Emperor for comment, but couldn’t get the passcodes for all 4 or 5 sets of MOs now needed to approach Ska from the SPR. Clearly, this construction will have a chilling effect of Imperial trade. The bureaucracy alone makes travel through these sectors an annoyance. Between DABOO Corp’s barricade and TSO’s, plus the dual lines of Pass MO’s, Imperial space is looking less familiar and welcoming than ever. The Tribune attributes the Emperor’s sudden need for increased security to a virus caused by some tainted Broccoli. All Broccoli suppliers are urged to find new sources for their wares, as your continued supply only endangers the Emperor’s sanity.
Nari Peace Talks Break Down - Universe Poised for Another War
After former Admiral Cere was revealed to have covered up the true reasons behind the destruction of Usube, an uneasy peace settled over the galaxy. Many reputations had been injured during the fray, and few pilots were safe in opposing faction space. Nevertheless, life went on. Faction governments began settling down again, the flags of trtuce were raised high. Then came greed. The federation was proud of the fact that they took Nari during the Usube conflict, and raised a Starbase to memorialize the occassion. Imperial citizens, particularly those who own Starbases in the EPC, felt that the federal presence had overstayed its welcome, and demanded that the federation relinquish control of the base, and return Nari to Imperial control. The Federation refused. Peace talks disintegrated. Both sides left the negotiating table. Nari remains neutral and tempers are boiling over.
Even as I write this, the first shots may be fired. When that happens, war will once again descend upon us. The Tribune urges all of our readers to begin stocking emergency supplies. Rations, ammunition, and cellophane will be in short supply once the war begins again. Get them while you can.
The Tiacken Tribune’s Top 100!!! (The Tribune Team)
It has been brought to my attention that I unwittingly forgot to credit the orginator of this idea in the initial publication. The Tribune owes this brilliant idea, and much of the list compilation, to Spider Jerusalem Jr. While the entire team debates who actually makes the cut, SJJ has worked tirelessly on compiling pilots he believes are worthy of mention here. Without his effort, this would not be possible. So, thanks SJJ!
90. Amai y Hassa- It’s become very silent around the famously colorful Captain Hassa; he would have easily qualified for top 20 six months ago… still, when he bothers to open up his comm channels, Pardus listens.
89. Soul of Dipstick- Playing nice in Freeholders currently, this Starbase Collector was and continues to be one of the most controversial Pilots around… His fights with the Federation, Stuffz and the Union are legendary, and a single post of his can provoke a flamewar. Unlike other Firestarters, he is surprisingly good at inspiring loyalty though.
88. Kaela Angeles- Spokesperson for the Freeholders, particularly in Federal affairs; quite possilby the most overworked Diplomat of the entire 2nd Usube War.
87. Delenn- for consistant SSC piracy for years; despite relative insignificance, her victims are legion, as her placings on the faction’s most despised lists are testament to.
86. Fahron- He controls access to the Solaqu Z Fighter Petting Zoo, the fast track to combat greatness. That alone makes him very popular, although he does make a good broccolli quiche.
85. Ghorakhan- His famous wartime defection briefly opened a second front in the Pardus Clusters during Usube II, instantly making him the most hated pilot in the Federation. Has since built on that reputation by refusing to stay away from any conflict, and has, among other things, destroyed/captured 4 Starbases since, not counting his original Ghorakkhar in Sargas. Quite possilby the hardest working mercenary in the business.
84. ShiShi- because the Empire never looked this good
83. Jesus Nix- The Original Stoned Pirate, he’s the product of a looong career of breaking the law interspersed with short intermezzi of arguable respectability… Represents the last attempt at old style Piracy the way Granddaddy Doombringer did it.
82. Zeris- It’s become quiet around this formerly major player in both Quinto and the Federation… now leads the Alliance Penumbra. Promotion up the top 100 ranks pending our discovery of what Penumbra actually does.
81. Lady Aliara- Pardus’s most preeminent Female Bounty Hunter/mercenary, she has tempted untold numbers of pilots into a life of dirty deeds done dirt cheap; the Usube Cupcake Manufacturer’s Association has built a statue in her Honor. Some say she’s Lord Steel’s worse half, but never to her face.