News Brief #22: Meteors Rain Down on Zenya--III

Stardate:  Forday, 117-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Zenya

Subsector: Shannekam

"All the news that's fit to transmit."

 

Meteor Storm Strikes Zenya--III!

Earlier today, Zenya-III was pummeled by meteors.  The majority of meteors were destroyed by elements of the Zenyan Planetary Defense Force.  The ones that slipped by Zenya's defenses mostly landed in remote areas.

Others landed in rural locations.

 

However, multiple impacts have been reported in several cities across the planet. 

 

Damage and casualty reports continue to flood the planet's emergency alert network.  President Zenami of the Zenya Mainland Union Government (Z-MUG) is reported to be in the process of declaring a planet-wide state of emergency.

Gamemaster's Note

The images used in this News Brief are from the following sites:

Images 1 & 2 are from Wookiepedia, Meteor Shower.

Image 3 from Q&A with David Goldberg on the meteor strike in Russia's Chelyabinski Region.

Image 4 from SimCity Wiki, Meteor Strike.

News Brief #21: Zenyan Parliament Vote

Stardate:  Tuday, 115-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Zenya

Subsector: Shannekam

"All the news that's fit to transmit."

Zenyan Parliament Votes in Favor of Tarsus

Tarsus received support from both houses of the Zenyan Parliament today.  Although it was a bare two-thirds majority in each case.  The Planetary Senate voted 45-22 in favor of Tarsus, while the Planetary Assembly's votes were 234 for, versus 115 against.  The Tau Tau Autonomous District has no representation in Parliament, despite the fact that the disputed islands are within the Tau Tau Autonomous District.

The resolution grant Bongolaan 30 days to leave Vandalla Island, along with any and all the minor islands Bongolaanian ground forces currently occupy. 

Although Ambassador Heraud pressed Parliament to order Bongolaanian forces to leave Zenya immediately, she expressed her thanks for the decision made by both houses.

Ambassador Mzuka, of the Fel Empire, merely said this was a "regrettable decision" before boarding his shuttle.

President Kaboyo of the Zenyan Mainland Union Government (Z-MUG) is expected to endorse the resolution. 

News Brief # 20: Addresses Before Zenyan Parliament

Stardate:  Wonday, 114-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Zenya

Subsector: Shannekam

"All the news that's fit to transmit."

Opposing Ambassadors Address Zenyan Parliament

Eleanor Heraud, the Ambassador from Tarsus addressed the Zenyan Parliament this morning.  During an impassioned appeal, she denounced the invasion by Bongolaan of the TAg Market Islands, which Tarsus has leased from the Tau Tau Autonomous District.  Ambassador Heraud asked the Zenyan members of Parliament to vote for the immediate removal of all Bongolaanian ground forces from the TAg Market Islands, while allowing the Tarsan reinforcements, currently in a holding orbit at the outer edge of the Zenyan system, to land and begin evacuating Tarsan citizens.  

Bongolaanian forces consisting of the 7th and 8th Cohorts of the 599th Droid Infantry Legion (DIL), currently occupy Vandalla Island, which is one of three islands administered by TAg (Tarsus Agricultural) Market for 10 years.

Later in the morning, Ambassador Mzuka, of the Fel Empire, stated the Bongolaanian Planetary Government was merely seeking compensation for economic damages inflicted by Tarsus.  President Bunda Akhtar of Bongolaan, has accused Tarsus of harboring former president Zeveg Bharzi, along with several other individuals, who helped Bharzi escape when the Fel Empire took over Bongolaan, in the wake of the Galactic Alliance collapse on 001-130ABY. 

These individuals are accused of theft, along with damage to Bongolaanian property, totaling 2,218,800 CR.  Until Tarsus pays compensation and extradites former president Bharzi, Bongolaan intends to keep it's gains on the TAg Market Islands.

Ambassador Mzuka also asked for Bongolaanian reinforcements be allowed to land in order to deter any attempts by Tarsus to retake Vandalla Island.

Neither ambassador gave press conferences after their Parliamentary addresses.  Currently, members of the Zenyan Parliament are debating the TAg Market Island Dispute behind closed doors.

A vote on various aspects of the TAg Market Islands is expected to be made tomorrow.

Gamemaster's Note

The last image is of the Pakistani National Assembly.

News Brief # 19: Tarsan Ambassador Arrives at Zenya

The Tangletree Envoy en route to Zenya-III

Stardate:  Forday, 110-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Zenya

Subsector: Shannekam

"All the news that's fit to transmit."

Tarsan Ambassador to Address Zenyan Parliament   

Ambassador Eleanor Heraud of Tarsus arrived at Kairobi earlier today.  

She traveled on board the Tarsan Diplomatic Cruiser, Tangletree Envoy, from Ku Krassus, where her and her staff survived a pirate attack and an assassination attempt. 

The diplomatic ship was escorted by the Tarsan mercenary cruiser, Alderaan's Vengeance, a vessel based on the CR90 Corvette. 

The Alderaan's Vengeance en-route to Zenya-III

Ambassador Heraud is scheduled to meet with several members of the Zenyan Mainland Union Government (Z-MUG) to discuss the dispute, often referred to as the Bantha-Gabaki Trade War, between Tarsus and Bongolaan.  A representative from the Fel Empire, which oversees the governing of Bongolaan, who will also meet with Z-MUG officials.  

Negotiations are expected to last throughout the weekend (112-130 to 113-130ABY).  If no resolution or compromise can be reached, both representatives will address a full session of the Zenyan Parliament on Wonday, 114-130ABY.  Afterwards, Parliament may vote on the issue.

Gamemaster's Note: 

 

The second and fourth pictures are of Nairobi, Kenya, and the Kenyan Parliament Building. 

News Brief #18: Reinforcements Arrive at Zenya

Stardate: Thirday, 109-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Zenya

Subsector: Shannekam

"All the news that's fit to transmit."

Multiple Reinforcements Arrive at Zenya

Yesterday, a task force of two frigates and six corvettes, escorting four GR-75 medium transports, dropped out of hyperspace beyond Zenya-IIIs planetary defense network.  An anonymous source at Pierson Station confirmed the vessels were dispatched from Tarsus, as Task Forces 627-1 and 627-2, and are carrying reinforcements for the TAg Market Island Security Forces on Milquoor and Kulovaan Islands.  

Tarsan Task Forces 627-1 and 627-2

However, as the Tarsan Starship crews were computing their approach to Zenya, another task force dropped out of hyperspace.  This one from Bongolaan.

The Bongolaanian task force consisted of three frigates and six corvettes, escorting several medium transports.  The freighters are most likely containing reinforcements for their ground forces currently occupying Vandalla Island. 

Bongolaanian Task Force

Before any of the hostile warships could exchange fire, they were intercepted by a Zenyan Planetary Defense Force (ZPDF) squadron.  

The Zenyan squadron consisted of one destroyer, three frigates and five corvettes. 

Zenyan Task Force

As of now the three-way stand-off continues.

A source from the Zenyan Mainland Union Government (Z-MUG) reported both foreign fleets requested clearance to land their reinforcements.  The requests will be submitted to the Z-MUG Parliament for debate and consideration.

Current situation on the TAg Market Islands

News Brief # 17: Missing Persons on Ku Crassus

Stardate: Wonday, 100-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Ku Crassus Bureau

Subsector: Shannekam

"All the news that's fit to transmit."

Several Police Officers Now on "Sick Leave"

FIN has just learned that the five surviving police officers involved in the gun battle at Cortona Park have fallen ill, or have somehow been injured.  The firefight erupted two days ago when a Tarsan Diplomatic Security Team (DST) became involved in an altercation between a force-user and a street gang.  Within moments, the fight escalated when a squad of Sith Mutants covered the escape of the force-user, rumored to be their Sith Lord.  Two patrol cars and several officers from the Cortona Police Department (CPD), responded to reports of blaster fire erupting in the capital city's central park. 

A spokesbeing for the CPD, who spoke on condition of anonymity, would only say that the officers were placed on sick leave.  However, follow up calls to Cortona hospitals and doctors' offices revealed that no one from the CPD has checked-in to report any illnesses or injuries.  Calls made to hospitals and doctors' offices across the planet also turned up negative. 

The police officers involved in the gun battle are not the only ones missing from the public eye.  All the homeless beings that inhabit, or frequent, Cortona Park are nowhere to be found.  At this time it is too early to jump to the conclusion that there is a connection between the two vanished groups.  However, it seems unlikely that this is a mere coincidence.

News Brief #16: Carnage in Cortona Park

Stardate: Sixday, 098-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Tarsus Bureau

Subsector: Shannekam

"All the news that's fit to transmit."

Tarsan Security Detail Involved in City Park Gun Battle

Two days ago, members of Diplomatic Security Team Three (DST-3) were involved in a firefight in the middle of Cortona Park on Ku Crassus.  The team happened upon a meeting between an apparent Sith Lord and the Bongolaanian delegate, after the Tarsan-Bongolaan negotiations ended for the evening.  After the meeting, the team attempted to follow the Sith, but were ambushed by a strike team of rifle-armed Sith Mutants.

The blaster fire alerted the Crassian police, who dispatched a squad to the scene.  All five of the Sith Mutants were killed, along with one Crassian police officer, in the ensuing battle. 

However, these were not the only casualties.  Several gang-members and a couple of homeless beings were reported killed while DST-3 was in hot pursuit of the Sith Lord.  Currently, there are conflicting reports on the causes of death among the park-dwellers.  An investigation is now underway to determine if DST-3 employed indiscriminate blaster fire during the chase.

One homeless man did survive, despite suffering from cardiac arrest.  The individual, who bears some resemblance to Janos Gazdag, Professor of Economics at the University of Shanneka, was escorted into a police land speeder by DST-3.  The professor has been missing for several days now.  (See the bottom story of News Brief #13).  The identity of the survivor taken out of the park has not yet been released.

 

The Sith Mutants sacrificed themselves to allow their leader to evade DST-3's pursuit and the subsequent search by Crassian authorities.  An anonymous source in the Crassian System Defense Force told FIN, it is possible this being is off-planet by now.  If he has access to Sith Infiltrator starships, like the type spotted landing on Gadnek Island in the Zenya System.  Such vessels are equipped with cloaking devices and can easily evade military-grade sensors and scanners. 

If this is so, then it is anyones guess where this Sith Lord and his mutant strike teams will turn up next. 

News Brief #15: Assassination Attempt Against the Tarsan Ambassador

Stardate: Thirday, 095-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Tarsus Bureau

Subsector: Shannekam

"All the news that's fit to transmit."

Tarsan Ambassador's Convoy Attacked!

After the pirate attack on 092-130 ABY, the crippled Tarsan Ambassadorial Vessel, Tangletree Envoy, took an additional day to arrive at Ku Crassus.  Due to the extensive damage on the starboard engine the ship made a hard landing at Cortona Starport, just outside the planetary capital.  There were no reported injuries.

Immediately upon landing, members of Diplomatic Security Team Three (DST3), organized a convoy for Ambassador Heraud and her staff.  Due to the threat of a possible Offworlder Riot, like the ones erupting on nearby Zenya and Zandamak, there were no Crassian security assets available to escort Ambassador Heraud's motorcade.  (Note:  DST3 initiated a formal complaint against the Crassian Government for the lack of VIP security).

The attack occurred just as the convoy approached Cortona's downtown district.  At least three beings, in red armor and armed with slug-throwing rifles, appeared over a tenement roof ledge and fired on the vehicles as they sped by.  (See the topmost image).  DST3 returned fire with their blasters, forcing the attackers back from the ledge.  The vehicles suffered minor damage, but there were no reported injuries.  The Tarsan Delegation arrived at the Crassian Government Building without any further incident.

It is unknown at this time if this incident was related to the pirate attack, or merely coincidental.  In any case, there is unconfirmed speculation that the red-armored attackers are the same, or at least similar beings to the ones encountered by DST3 on Zenya's Gadnek Island.

News Brief #14: Pirate Attack Against Tarsan Ambassador

Stardate: Tuday, 094-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Tarsus Bureau

Subsector: Shannekam

"All the news that's fit to transmit."

Pirates Attack Tarsan Ambassadorial Ship!

Two days ago, Ambassador Heraud's vessel, the Tangletree Envoy, was attacked by a pirates as the ship neared the asteroid field in the Ku Crassus System.  Due to a slight miscalculation, the Tangletree Envoy came out of hyperspace several light-seconds behind it's escort the armed transport, a YT-1300 light freighter, Gadnek Survivor.

The attack occurred just as the ambassador's vessel was maneuvering over the asteroid field.  Two TIE fighters opened fire, bringing down the starboard deflector shield and causing minor hull damage.

The Tangletree Envoy then plunged into the asteroid field to avoid further damage from the pirate mother ship.  The desperate maneuver brought the ship too close to an asteroid, which smashed the starboard engine (seen in the above image).

Meanwhile, the Gadnek Survivor maneuvered back to protect the crippled vessel, which was now leaking nuetronic fuel.  Apparently the appearance of another starship distracted, or panicked, the crew of cutthroats.  The pirate ship collided with an asteroid as it attempted to outmaneuver the Tarsan transport (seen in the image below).

Despite suffering from forward hull damage, the pirate vessel and its accompanying fighters, were more than a match for the YT-1300.  Fortunately, a small Tarsan task force, consisting of the corvettes Skaig and Skerron, led by the frigate Deft, dropped out of hyperspace.  Now suddenly outnumbered and outgunned, the pirate ship quickly retrieved it's fighters and made the jump to hyperspace before the Tarsan warships could pursue.

It is unknown at this time whether this attack was a random occurrence, or if the pirates were informed of the ambassador's specific itinerary.  It is rumored the pirates belong to the Hidden Dagger Clan and may be responsible, at least in part, for the higher-than-normal ship disappearances that have occurred in this subsector.

News Brief #13: Public Discovery of the Sith Mutants

Stardate: Sixday, 091-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Tarsus Bureau

Subsector:  Shannekam

"All the news that's fit to transmit."

THE SITH WALK AMONG US!

FIN has learned that the special operatives involved in the rescue of Damethon Cohain, confronted hundreds--possibly thousands--of cannibalistic Sith mutants on Zenya's Gadnek Island. 

At least two squads of mutants, equipped with firearms, were led by a force-user, possibly a Sith Lord.  Unsubstantiated reports that Sith mutants can appear as normal beings are now being circulated throughout the subsector.  "Ground Zero" for this rumor sprung from Mappel Street, a week ago, in the Zenyan capital city of Kairobi.

Fear gripped the suburban residents as they accused offworlders--even friends and neighbors--of being Sith mutants, or collaborating with these monstrosities.

 In less than 24 hours, fear--and riots--engulfed dozens of cities on Zenya...

Two days later, "Offworlder Riots," erupted on the neighboring system of Zandamak.

Constabulary forces on both worlds were overwhelmed and planetary militia forces have been activated to quell the violence.  Hundreds were reported killed and thousands injured, while businesses, homes and even public facilities have been destroyed.  At the time of this news brief, the unrest on both worlds continues unabated and casualties continue to mount.

In other news across the subsector...

Shanneka Constabulary officials reported Professor Janos Gazdag, Professor of Economics and the subject of a possible ethics scandal, has disappeared.  (See News Brief #11).  His home, located on the Shanneka University Campus, showed no sign of break-in and no items, including clothing, appeared to be missing. 

However, after thoroughly examining the professor's computer, it was discovered that his entire upcoming work, An Economic Assessment of the Independent/Non-Aligned Worlds of the Shannekam Subsector, along with all his research notes, have been completely erased from the hard drive. 

At the time of this news brief the Shanneka Constabulary was seeking a warrant to examine and monitor Professor Gazdag's financial accounts.

GM's Notes:

The inspiration for the spark that has ignited the Offworlder Riots came from the Twilight Zone episode, The Monsters are Due on Maple Street.

News Brief # 12: Several of Our Starships are Missing

Stardate: Fiday, 090-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Tarsus Bureau

Subsector:  Shannekam

"All the news that's fit to transmit."

Starships Declared Missing

In a press release, a spokesbeing from the Bureau of Ships and Services (BOSS) announced that an unusually large amount of shipping has failed to make scheduled planetfall within the subsector.  Shortly after this announcement, BOSS changed the status of the following freighters from "overdue" to "missing:"

--the Thri-Keen, departed Talchis on 337-129 ABY, bound for Gulnok

--the Nokomsis, departed Gulnok on 338-129 ABY, bound for Bowman

--the Marluuk Ghilsi, departed Shanneka on 340-129 ABY, bound for Tarknal

--the Globtik Solymi, departed Tarknal on 343-129 ABY, bound for Gulnok

--the Liikiran Dreamer, departed Bowman on 350-129 ABY, bound for Bongolaan

--the Lysen Kaashir, departed Tatooine on 357-129 ABY, bound for Bowman

--the Gambler's Luck, departed Zenya on 361-129 ABY, bound for Zandamak

--the Dyshii, departed Zandamak on 365-129 ABY, bound for Ku Crassus

--the Shaarin Challenger, departed Bongolaan on 001-130 ABY, bound for Tarsus

--the Amuar, departed Ku Crassus on 002-130 ABY, bound for Merantis

The spokesbeing did not rule out the possibility of piracy being the leading cause for the disappearances of such a large number of vessels.  If this is the case, then it may explain why only two ships were possibly lost within the Merantis Star Cluster (circled in green).  This volume of space is regularly patrolled by planetary defense forces of the member systems. 

The Shaarin Challenger was one of several ships that made a hasty lift-off from Bongolaan in the early morning hours of the New Year's Coup.  All other ships have been accounted for, having either escaped from, or been captured by, Imperial warships dispatched to reclaim the Gabaki-producing planet.  Since then, no other ships have been reported overdue, or missing, within the Fel Empire (circled in read).  However, this may be due to Imperial censorship of such data.

GM Notes:

This news brief is derived from the Traveller News Service feature of The Journal of the Travellers' Aid Society, No 8, page 5, Regina/Regina, Date:  054-1107.

The ship names are derived from the The Best Ship Names post from Citizens of the Imperium.

News Brief #11: Possible Scandal in Shanneka University

Stardate: Fiday, 083-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Tarsus Bureau

Subsector:  Shannekam

"All the news that's fit to transmit."

Shanneka University Professor Under Investigation

Professor Janos Gazdag, of the College of Economics, is currently under investigation by Shanneka University's Board of Ethics.  He reportedly received a donation in excess of 100,000 Credits from an anonymous patron, for his upcoming disertation, An Economic Assessment of the Independent/Non-Aligned Worlds of Shannekam Subsector.  University by-laws stipulate faculty members must report any single-source funding in excess of 10,000 Credits.

Failure to report such funding can give the impression of currying favor, or worse, birbery.  Not only could the professor be fined, if found guilty of violating university ethics, but his entire work may be rejected during the peer review process.

If An Econimic Assessment does get vetted by the university, it will be the first to examine the Gross Star System Product (GSSP) of every world within the Shannekam Subsector.  (GSSP is the market value of all goods and services produced within a single star system).

News Brief #10: CEO's Son Found

Stardate: Forday, 068-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Tarsus Bureau

Subsector:  Shannekam

"All the news that's fit to transmit."

TAg Market Heir Found on Zenya

Damathon Cohain, son of TAg Market CEO Thasallah Cohain, was found several days ago, on the planet Zenya--five parsecs coreward from Tarsus.  He is seen in the image above, taken at Pierson Station, being assisted off of a shuttle by an unidentified Durosian of the Tarsan Diplomatic Security Force and a Tau Tau (Gunganoid) warrior. 

As a company vice president in charge of operations, Damathon was scheduled to visit TAg (Tarsan Agricultural) Market's seafood processing facilities in the Tau Tau Archipelago.  However, his ship, the Ivory Bantha, was listed as overdue, two weeks ago.

The Cohain family spokesbeing declined to comment on this incident. 

Damathon landed, by way of express boat, at Newland Down Starport today, amidst heavy security. 

The fate of the Ivory Bantha and her crew of six, remains unknown at this time.

News Brief # 9: Reprimands and Repercussions

Stardate: Senday, 050-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Merantis Bureau

Subsector: Shannekam

"All the news that's fit to transmit."

Tarsan Ambassador Visits Constabulary Headquarters

Ambassador Eleonora Heraud arrived earlier today on board the diplomatic transport, Tangletree Envoy, escorted by the mercenary assault frigate Alderaan's Vengeance (aka "Aldi-Vee").  Instead of heading to the opening ceremonies of the Star Cluster's diplomatic summit, the ambassador went to the Merantis Constabulary's Headquarters to meet with Chief of Constables Pendric Nelprin. 

(The photo above shows Ambassador Heraud, in the white gown, along with her personal assistant and bodyguards; discussing matters with Chief of Constables Nelpin, in the brown and blue uniform).

While the details of the meeting are unknown, an anonymous source within the Constabulary said the Ambassador made a formal request to have Kal Jorek extradited to Tarsus.  The basis of this request is Bongolaan's declaration of trade war against Tarsus, so Jorek can be tried for espionage.  However, Merantis, nor any of the other planets in the star cluster, are involved in the "Bantha-Gabaki Trade War" and such a request is usually passed up to the Merantan Judiciary for consideration. 

The captured smuggler may not be the only source of legal friction between Tarsus and Merantis.  Shortly after their meeting, Chief of Constables Nelprin, shown in the photo above, issued the following directive to the Constabulary of Merantis--

Effective immediately:  All Tarsan investigators, official and private; to include law enforcement officers, intelligence agents and bounty hunters, will have a Merantan constable escort with them at all times when conducting operations within the Merantis System.

Ambassador Heraud also met with her two surviving investigators. On this, our source could only say he overheard "um...an emotional lecture"--all of it in the ambassador's distinct voice. In light of these events, it appears as if the Tarsans violated some undisclosed, legal protocol.  When our source was asked if the two surviving investigators were still conducting their operation on Merantis, all he could say was "they've been reassigned."

Bounties Posted

Earlier today, the Ministry of Justice posted bounties on the two beings suspected of killing the Tarsan investigator, Nance Windu.  The details of the bounties are as follows:

Tonda Gunka

Species: Aqualishian

Homeworld: Bongolaan
Known Associates: Frizz
Bounty: 5,000 CR
Classification: Planetary, Government
Application Conditions: Alive
Bonus: (See bounties on known associates)
Detrerment: No serious injuries
Crimes: Murder
Originator: Ministry of Justice of the Commonwealth of Merantis
Receiver: Any Ministry of Justice representative or law enforcement officer

Frizz

Species: Shistavanen

Homeworld: Bongolaan

Known Associates: Tonda Gunka
Bounty: 5,000 CR
Classification: Planetary, Government
Application Conditions: Alive
Bonus: (See bounties on known associates)
Detrerment: No serious injuries
Crimes: Murder
Originator: Ministry of Justice of the Commonwealth of Merantis
Receiver: Any Ministry of Justice representative or law enforcement officer

Entertainment News

On to a lighter subject...

In just over a week, Shiri Blen's hit single Twi'lek Dream, reached #1 in the Shennekam Subsector's Top 40 Chart.  Word has it, that despite systematic jamming, Shiri's fans still manage to download the song from the Fel Empire's holonet.

This weekend, Miss Blen teamed up with the Tarsan garage band, the Goo Goo Droids.  Last night they played several collaborative songs at Spazhouse Cafe & Bistro on Tarsus; to include South Star, which Miss Blen dedicated to those who rescued her during the Bongolaanian New Year's Coup:

(Inspired by the song Southside by Moby and Gwen Stefani)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV0KmOYfomM 

And now some words from our sponsors:

(Inspired by Teenage Dream, by Katy Perry)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE