INTELSER Forums

Fan Council '91 => Faction Roleplaying Threads => Topic started by: Daemonknight on April 19, 2011, 07:12:55 AM

Title: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Daemonknight on April 19, 2011, 07:12:55 AM
For press releases and other news articles.

Inner Sphere, Periphery, and Independent factions may post articles to this thread. Clan factions must find an intermediary to post any stories they originate.

All articles, unless sent to the GMs for posting as an INN article or concealed by an intelligence order, must be posted in the name of the originating faction.

ComStar and the Word of Blake reserve the right to take punitive action against any nation whose media misrepresent their nationality.

OOC Note: this is not/not going to be a locked thread; however, post propaganda at your own risk. Any faction that undermines its credibility will not be able to count on GM intervention if subsequent "serious" news stories are ignored or downplayed.
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Cannonshop on May 22, 2011, 03:02:42 PM
News from the Edge, January 1, 3091...

Boojum Naval Shipyard, boojum 2, Kowloon system...[/b]

REAPR '91, the Regional Exploration and Anti Piracy Reconaissance exercise slated to launch this week, has been delayed.  Spokesmen for the Department of the Navy this week cited concerns raised in the annual Logistics Audit, as well as technical problems aboard the Cameron class cruiser "Obvious Lie"-a vessel purchased five years ago from Clan Jade Falcon as the reason for the delay.
The Obvious Lie has been taken off the mission, its role as Flagship is to be taken over by the Aegis class Bunker Hill.
In a move that surprised the Kowloonese Assembly, the Department of the Navy has accepted Duchess-in-Waiting Amanda Ngo's request to remain on active duty as the assistant gunnery officer aboard the Bunker Hill.  Members of the dominant Conservative Party in the Kowloonese Assembly have sent instructions to Congresswoman Bianh Dinh Dao to lodge a protest with the Department of the Navy, citing the young noble's other duties as reason to force her back into civilian life, an action that would allow long-standing planetary regent Charles Vanh to retire before medical complications make him unable to serve as Speaker and Regent.

Social Democrat spokesmen at the local level have applauded duchess-to-be Ngo's devotion to National service in the Navy, a move that is in conflict with the National level party's demands that large operations like REAPR '91 should be curtailed as being 'aggressive' posturing likely to alarm neighbouring powers such as the Star Adders or Spirit Cat clans.

The public course of REAPR is expected to range out in the deep periphery zones off the Spirit Cat border and rimward to the zone surrounding the remote fleet base at Dirtside, a journey of some four to six months one-way by standard jumpship.  Planners do not expect to enounter as much serious pirate and bandit activity as they did when REAPR '89, the last major antipiracy operation, was run.  REAPR '89 resulted in the establishment of the High Road 2 base at Dirtside...
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Parmenion on May 23, 2011, 07:19:57 PM
Cerberus Mechworks

Cerberus, Horse Alliance Dec 90


It was announced today by President Seamus O'Halloran of Cerberus Mechworks, and endorsed by the Alliance Trade Office, that the HEP-3H Helepolis and the Royal Crab mech designs are available for trade or sale to select parties. 



Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Cannonshop on May 30, 2011, 04:49:28 AM
For Immediate Release: UIW Archduchess Debra MacAulliffe

While we recognize our friends, the Lyran Alliance, have legitimate grievances against the Clan Star Adder, the Union of Independent Worlds will not be taking sides in this matter at this time.  Should one of the combatant parties violate our sovereignty, this position will change.  Should both parties to the dispute wish to seek a negotiated remedy and engage in peace-talks, we are open to mediate in that case so long as our neutrality in the dispute is recognized by all parties.

Because of the relational nature of both the Star Adder, and Lyran sides, UIW forces will not accept security contracts with either side for the duration of this disagreement, nor will expansion of any present contracts be pursued or agreed upon until this conflict is over.
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: GI Journalist on June 03, 2011, 08:11:43 AM
Exerpt from the INN Periphery News Report transcript for January 3, 3091

News Anchor: "...in another curious story, Caesar Julius O'Reilly declared a renewed exploration and colonization effort in anti-spinward space."

Ceasar Julius O'Reilly: "The prosperity of the Marian Hegemony means that its citizens need new oportunities. The New Venice observatory has identified a number of systems that are likely to contain habitable worlds, and our fleet has begun to survey the most likely prospects."

News Anchor: "The centerpiece for this announcement is Frontier Station, a spectacular accomplishment for a Periphery nation, which Caesar Julius has opened to the public. In his address, he extended an open invitation to free traders and explorers looking to support the Marian effort. Let's go now to Marian Hegemony expert Dr. Haterim Faroud for comment. Thank you for joining us."

Dr. Faroud: "Thank you, Bob. First let me say that Ancient Romans were not known as explorers. Let's hope Caesar's adventurism doesn't also extend to another war. Obviously, the Marians need to search hard for intelligent life, because they haven't enough on their own planets to recognize O'Reilly for the dictator he is."

News Anchor: "Uh, thanks for that unique perspective, Dr. Faroud. I'm sure we all wish the Marians good luck in their explorations. Join us after the break as we reveal astounding new footage and attempt to answer the question, giant space hamsters, myth or legend?"
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: GI Journalist on June 09, 2011, 11:28:25 PM
Inner Sphere Business Week, 10 January 3091

Taking an unprecedented interest in the protection of unarmored infantry, Caesar Julius O’Reilly seems to have finally recognized his legionnaires need for BattleArmor. Typical of a Periphery state, the Marian Hegemony has long gone without significant protection for its forces. Unhappy with the technology available to the Marian Hegemony, Alphard Trading Corporation is evaluating bids from companies who can provide heavy BattleArmor to Caesar’s Legion. According to CEO Livia O’Reilly, the company is seeking the expertise of other Star League states. She says the ideal contract would be a partnership, in which ATC would provide guest facilities in the Marian Hegemony in exchange for the license to produce the design. To merit serious consideration, we expect any BattleArmor offered would need to be equipped to deal with the extreme conditions of the modern battlefield.  On the other hand, it’s possible a Successor State sponsored manufacturer will underbid the competition by offering an older design. It also seems likely that ATC will be looking at other cost cutting measures, such as retrofitting missile firing BattleArmor designs with their infamous dumbfire rockets. If ATC can make this current venture a success, we may soon find their stock is on the rise...
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Deathrider6 on June 14, 2011, 09:10:32 AM
Terra, Feb 1st 3091


[For Inner Sphere wide distribution.]


  Elias McKenna assumes the office of Director General.


  Elias McKenna was elected Director General of the Terran Hegemony by acclaimation today. Parliment ratified the High Council's selection of McKenna after a very short debate. Elias is the son of late Director General Anton McKenna who was tragicly killed at 2nd Sudeten in 3070. Prior to his election Elias served as a Battalion Commander in the 472nd Division of the THAF.

  His press secretary read the following statement. "I am honored to have been chosen to lead the Hegemony into the future. It is my belief that the five great houses and the TH must co-operate to see a stable and prosperous Inner Sphere. I invite the Five House Lords and the Clans to send representatives to Syrma for talks. Should they chose to do so I will welcome them."
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Parmenion on June 15, 2011, 08:31:01 AM
Canopus IV, Magistracy of Canopus

4th Feb 3091


BBC Galactic, Evening News

"Heading the news tonight, we were able to obtain an interview from Magistrix Naomi Centralla.  The full interview will be shown immediately after this bulletin, however here are the highlights."

<cuts to a scene of a BBC Galactic reporter interviewing the Magistrix>

Magistrix.  By now you would have heard the news that the Terran hegemony has a new ruler.  Do you have any comment on this?

"Only that I wish Director General McKenna well.  He has had a tremendous burden placed on his shoulders, which most people could not comprehend."


And what of his invitation to the Great Houses of the Inner Sphere and the Clans to journey to Syrma for talks?

"As a young leader, he is trying to make his mark on the diplomatic stage.  However his advisors would also be telling him that each and every Great House and Clan has their own agenda.  Agenda's which I doubt would fit nicely into anything that the Director General envisions.  Plus, he has already alienated billions."


Alienated?  In what way, Magistrix?

"It is the same for almost all whose fundament sits on Terra.  The new Director General has either forgotten, or more pointedly, refused to extend the same invitation to the nations of the Periphery.  For anyone living in the periphery, I cannot but think this has been a poor first impression by the Director General."





Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Fatebringer on June 27, 2011, 01:46:25 PM
17th running of the Dominion’s Niflsmeet starts amidst trying times


Orestes Free Press (ALSHAIN) - 27 Jan 3091

In the year 3068, Clan Snow Raven acquired the planet Timbuktu from Clan Star Adder in a trial with four other worlds because Clan Star Adder did not have the time or assets to invest in the worlds. Soon after others came to challenge Clan Snow Raven’s rights to the worlds. With only Local volunteer Militia to garrison the worlds each one was challenged and taken from Clan Snow Raven, all except Timbuktu. In an grand battle, the local militia commander, Star Captain Milos,  a local boy with an old Hunchback, that defeated his Magistracy challenger Captain Adele Benecke in a top of the line Wraith Battlemech. What followed was a string of victories against opponents until New Dominion regular forces landed to garrison the world.

After they solidifying their claim to Timbuktu, it became the New Dominion’s diplomatic outpost for the entire region, accepting visitors from the all along the western edge of the Inner Sphere. Many trails, no longer for possessions of the world, have been fought there and acts as a neutral site for trials where no party can agree to a location. Since the arrival of Bergan Industries on the world, other New Dominion businesses have taken up an interest in moving closer to their Non-Dominion customers. Clan Snow Raven has recently completed their Industrial Complex Gamma adding a bigger showcase for new customers.

Then in the year 3074, the New Dominion Garrison put out an open call for others to come and test their might as many did in the years leading up to the Niflsmeet. The interesting event that introduced the rest of the Clans and Inner Sphere to New Dominion Culture and brought possible new buyers to Timbuktu has been running for seventeen years now with the last years champoin being from Clan Ice Hellion. Already some teams have arrived in but so far the event appears to still be scheduled to run despite recent events in the local surrounding area. The prizes are as big as ever and that will draw in the contestants.
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Cannonshop on July 10, 2011, 04:53:33 AM
From the Edge Newsmagazine, February 28, 3091...

A Red Auburn Goes a-visiting...

Well, I got the assignment a week ago, and we're still in UIW space.  What assignment could be dragging me out of the comforts of doing my nails and waiting for another war to start?

My editors want me to try and get an interview with a FORMER Spirit-Cat SaKhan, I'm sure you've seen the press-releases.

Joy.

This morning, I woke up in a cargo-transfer station over Neerabup, just in time to see my pals in the Navy loading another fifty thousand tonnes of supplies for the REAPR-91 operation that I'm NOT going on.  Word has it, there's a gang out there bigger and rougher than ol' George Gordon's crew.  I managed to catch up with Sammy Hung, the Embed, before he left-but he's a good student, didn't let me pry one detail out of him in spite of three vodka-chess games.

I'm so proud, my former intern's grown up into a real Journalist!

Anyway, Bluestar doesn't normally run into Spirit Cat territory, and without formal diplomatic relations, we're waiting for their traffic-control guys to rout us through.  Sick thing about it, is that I know a couple Coka-Basers who swear up and down that they not only have a line in to getting Engadine White, but that a mob on that side of the border's churning it out in the tonnage-lots and swamping the market.  How reliable are dopers, you ask? Dopers can be pretty reliable news-sources, especially if they're junkies hooked on stuff that's illegal in most of the human universe.

That, of course, don't mean they're getting their hookups from sources that're really ON Engadine, but after twenty hours waiting for HPG lines on Falconnet to clear our request for a border crossing, I'm rather seriously considering calling in markers and seeing if the drug-runners can get us across the border with less hassle.

Not going to do it...just thinking about it.  Last thing "I" need is a visit to the Clans' version of a Regional Penitentiary-especially as a guest.  They shoot people there.

Red.
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Marlin on July 10, 2011, 05:23:33 AM
(If Chaos does not condone the use of Tamarind, then it will be changed. Report and Reporter will stay the same, though. :) )

A plain looking man with too big glasses and slightly too wide business clothing appeared. Hair greased backwards, looking at the VidCam:

“Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Irv Weinsteingate from ISNBC Tamarind Weekly with an important update.
The recent assault on the Marian Main Worlds has spawned news all over the Inner Sphere. We could make some important reports for you, one of them a speech from the late Spirit Cat Khan, listen in:

Quote
“I, Khan Selena Fokker, will step back in light of our recent offensive and its essential failure. Also, I did not prepare the Touman enough to face such an enemy resorting to scores of nuclear Weapons. It is likely that our enemy will continue to use those dirty weapons. However, while I still can offer advise to my successors, my failure is too great to continue in my post. I wanted to follow our great Khan Andrea West's footsteps but I have shown to be unable to.

If not for those stravag Rimworlds, we would be already victorious here and we would still have our Khan. I swear to you my oath: I will not rest until those pirates are destroyed and all that give them aid. Even if I shall be a Warrior only, my skills will serve my Clan.”

This was seen in the Chatterweb and reports of increased Trials against the saKhan have been received. After the honorable but lost fight for their important Space Station in the Deep Periphery and the attacks of Alphard and Lothario with a tremendous number of nuclear force deployed by the Marians, the Spirit Cats seem to waver between a state of shock and fury. The poor performance on Alphard speaks for the former, while the use of nuclear weapons in such manner could also produce a counterreaction leading to increased aggressiveness.

Of course, with such power concentrated by a Clan, rather insignificant compared to our noble state’s, of course, it is unlikely that they will leave the Marians, especially after overrunning their Capital. It is more likely that the war there will intensify, even if only over the Marian Worlds. Let’s hope it stays limited.

Voices have been heard that the Canopians who had to suffer until recently under their neighbours see this new twist of their enemy’s fate with joy, although nothing has been issued officially.

Now, it seems that Alphard was hazardous to the Cats, who reportedly struck one Galaxy from their rolls. Also, many of their Galaxy Commanders were Veterans of their time in the Inner Sphere as part of Drac Com and Terran Hegemony and as such considered rather meek and/or softened compared to oldschool Clan-raised SibKids.  I would say those will be removed soon to make place for the new blood from the Homeworlds. With the resigning of Selina Fokker, and the saKhan likely to follow, there will be some shakeups in the structure of the Clan, perhaps that will translate to more honorable trials or even harder combat. We don’t know yet, but we will keep you updated in your preferred style, truthful and neutral.

Now to the important updates on the recent unusual weather patterns…” grabbing a new stack of paper…
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Cannonshop on July 26, 2011, 02:22:16 AM
From the Edge Magazine, April 11, 3091...

Waypoint, Spirit Cat occupation zone, Red Auburn reporting...

This morning, a battalion of Union Marines hit the spaceport here in a surprise attack.  [image: Dead body in UIW uniform.photcell]
The attack, unexpected as it was, failed catastrophically. [image:crashed Mk VII smallcraft.photcell]
Spirit Cat officials have not released the identity of the attacking force, but these pictures [string of images of crashed smallcraft, dead bodies, damage] indicate the Third Force Recon Battalion, publicly assigned to antipiracy missions as part of the REAPR '91 naval fleet exercise, was the unit that raided here at 0330 hours this morning.

The Spirit Cat officers that I have been able to get to speak off the record, claim that there was no indication or provocation for this raid, and expressed distress not only over the raid itself, but over the conduct of this raid, which extended part-way into residential areas near the space-port in a running gun-battle in the streets. [image: damaged houses, damaged apartment buildings, two burned out ground vehicles, and one burned out Stryker light tank]

"They landed outside the spaceport first, in People's Park, we managed to destroy their craft on the ground, that started the chase.  I do not know why they did this, there was no announcement, no warning, and they made no demands.  We pursued the group to the port, and almost had them cornered, when the other droppers slipped through-the raiders hit, deployed security elements, and sent units to hit the armory and barracks areas-those groups we wiped out pretty easily, all things considered, then they just...ran.  I am certain that we got more of them than they got of us-their fire was ineffectual, random, as if they were not even TRYING to hit us, just firing as a distraction, maybe...it makes no sense.  Why would the Indies attack us?  We have done NOTHING to them!"-Point Leader Julio, one of the few Spirit Cat warriors involved in the clash willing to speak to members of the press.

More senior Spirit Cat officials have hinted that the Clan may seek revenge for this, and other attacks by Union "Thugs" on Spirit Cat holdings over the last month.

This attack, and rumoured attacks elsewhere, is certainly going to make my attempt to find and interview Selina Fokker more difficult. 
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Cannonshop on July 26, 2011, 03:17:48 AM
From the Edge Magazine April 21, 3091...

Engadine, embedded reporter Jessica Donoho reporting...

[image: street scene.photcell]

Marine forces landed two weeks ago on this world, and today, the Clan hold on this former Lyran world has been officially broken after more than twenty years.  

[image: screaming crowd of middle-aged and older people and a man in Clan Civil Caste uniform under guard by Marines]

Marine troops from the Civil Affairs branch of the Coast Guard have been hard pressed after the defeat of the garrison forces here to protect former Clan officials from rioters and terrorist attacks of the sort that have always been common in human space when, as Lt. Commander Charlie Netanyahu calls "When the flags change".

Surprisingly, on the street, there is only an undercurrent of concern, and a feeling of heading into the unknown.  Former Merchant-Leader Fritz explains...

Quote
JD: So, why the worry?  the Cats were, reportedly, one of the more liberal clans, certainly the transition won't be that difficult...

Fritz: First of all, Jessica, you have to understand-the Clans, one or another, have controlled this world for over twenty years.  Many of the civilian populace don't know what to do with themselves, when they no longer have to fear informants, or no longer have a 'caste' to tell them what they should be doing.  In some cases, this means that there is a sense of coming to a state of lawlessness, of anarchy.  I was a Sociologist before Engadine was invaded, they tested me into the Merchant caste because Sociology isn't a science that is militarily useful in their eyes.  Even a very Liberal Clan's culture is, compared to the old Lyran Commonwealth, an authoritarian state of existence-your position in the Clan is paramount, and determined by your relative usefulness, there is no concept of 'savings' in Clan economics outside the Merchant Caste-unspent wages are rolled back into a common pool, and adjusted downward based on 'need' and upward based on 'productivity'.

JD: So, basically, they are communist?

Fritz: It is more complex than that description, but many of the same operating principles apply, including lifting the Collective over the Individual among the non-military sectors of society.  Really the system is, if you want a political science term for it, a dressed up form of Fascism-everything is geared to serve the military, even at the expense of the rest of society.  Most of the time, the needs of the military are not that burdensome, since they make up such a small fraction of the population, but the method of administration, and the way that upward mobility is controlled...Jessica, In MY humble opinion, the kind of freedom you, as a citizen of a non-Clan society are used to, is far too 'free' for most of the people here-they have no experience with the kind of freedom of thought and association that was common in the Lyran Commonwealth of my youth, for instance-it is more akin to the sort of system the Dracs used.  Assimilation is going to be painful for all involved, much moreso than it was to transition from the freedom and risk of Inner Sphere life, to the safe authoritarian structure of Clan life, expect riots, expect looters, expect a spike in violent crime, and expect agitators demanding a return to Clan governance.  After twenty years, the Liberty of your system, especially YOUR system, is going to be seen as threatening, a kind of predatory chaos, by many of the younger generation...


The riot this morning at the Ration centre seems to provide contextual evidence for the Merchant...er, 'Professor's' concerns.  

Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Cannonshop on July 26, 2011, 04:19:43 AM
From the Edge Magazine-Editorial, 24 April, 3091...
Jonah Ahearn, Political Commentator

Does any-ol-body know why we're at war?  Seriously.  Why the fuck should anyone care about the bloody-thrice-cursed Marians, why are we at war?

I've been thinking about this, and a few answers come to mind, and not one of them begins with "Because space romans are kewl".

Bear with me here, I've only had three martinis this morning.

Why are we at war with the Spirit Cats?  Well...know any Rockjacks? Talked to any of 'em lately?  I spent monday night at Boojum with a couple of buddies from my old LCN days.  us Grounders are looking at each other nonplussed, the Rockjacks from Boojum, and a few Spacers out of Inarcs, Neerabup, and Winter systems were celebrating as if they heard news we were kicking the CLP all over again, or maybe as if we struck a blow against old Amaris himself.

It turns out, see, Belters and Rockjacks and Spacers get around, and they keep tabs on each other, and when NIOPS went down, word got out in that community that the Spirit Cats were the ones that burned the domes with nukes, and it's got around that the Clanners then spent a couple years hunting down every burrow in the system, those that didn't submit to being put dirtside in their shiny new Castes were spaced, except the ones that had jumpers and could escape.

Bad scene, man.  Bad-the Cats deny it, and who wouldn't?  but the Jacks an' the Belters believe it, so they have a hate on now.

who should care? You should.  Rockjacs and Spacer-born make up better than forty percent of the Union Navy, and sixty percent of the Coast Guard, they have seats in Congress separate from the normal district seats each world has allotted, and they control better than half our major industries, including most of the Mining and all of the Shipyards.

Lots of influence there, enough, I suspect, that the Archduchess doesn't ignore 'em when it comes to deciding what foreign policy we're all going to have to live with.

The Tail, friends, is waggin' the Dog on this.  So pour yourself another drink, and here's hoping we can survive the backblast from this.
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Raginar on August 04, 2011, 03:15:14 PM
Latest news from TC....

 Movement of life begin in Taurian Concordat after the 20 years and 4 months of silence.  After the nuking in home world. The Taurians show some life. Things are looking up in the TC.  Taurians seem to be looking for the future. Rebuilding their way of life from the past. New Taurian leader Darc Venomspirit Brought new ways and boost moral with his new ideas and new blood. Also new generals replace old tactics. With all this going on who know where this change will take the Taurians in the future. At the Speach of election Darc had this to say.........


  " The night is only darkest with the shadows are not seen."


   
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Parmenion on August 05, 2011, 08:44:55 AM
LET'S DO THE CHICKEN DANCE WITH ELMO MIKHAIL PRYDE!!
 
BBC Galactic, Jun 3091
 
It has been reported today that elements of the Magistracy Armed Forces journeyed to the Clan Jade Falcon held world of Twycross in order to challenge the Falcons, via Clan rules of zellbrigen, to the system.  The commanding officer of the Jade Falcons on Twycross, one Galaxy Commander Mikhail Pryde, showed his true colours, declaring, "we do not want to fight your forces."
 
Have no doubt that Martha Pryde and Vandervahn Chistu, former Khans of the Falcons, would be spinning in their virtual graves at the news of the lack of 'intestinal fortitude' displayed by the good Galaxy Commander.
 

Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Cannonshop on August 05, 2011, 02:40:38 PM
Union Polinews Vidblog, 3191/04/30...

In a surprise move today, Archduchess Debra MacAulliffe accepted the retirement of Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael Collins of the Union Navy.  Sources inside the Government have hinted that the Admiral's sudden exit from service after what is being called a wildly successful campaign against Clan Spirit Cat, is motivated by medical issues and a desire to spend more time with his wife and grandchildren.

Government sources have not yet released the name of Admiral Collins' permanent replacement, however field operations have been placed in the hands of Commodore Anh Cu'ong, a veteran commander, Cu'ong has a reputation as something of a maverick in the Fleet, and was number two on Alicia Li's list of successors behind Admiral Collins-according to some rumours, Cu'ong was actually number one on the list, but Collins was promoted above her for 'political reasons'.

In related news, newly released video feed shows Duchess Amanda Ngo, serving as Marine Commander of the UIS Bunker Hill as she accepted the surrender of Star Commander Stephen aboard a Newgrange class Yard-ship in the still-contested Mainstreet system.  [vid]


Sources in the Department of the Navy indicate that Duchess Ngo's return to Kowloon and assumption of her ducal duties has been delayed by the current conflict with the Spirit Cats, though sources in the CNO's office have voiced unofficial rumours that Ngo used her position and contacts to extend her service and take part in this action...
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Cannonshop on August 06, 2011, 02:02:18 PM
Economic Analysts Report on costs of assimilating Spirit Cat Worlds-Record Budget Deficits Predicted.
From the Edge Magazine, Finance Pages, 30.04.91

Economists at Inarcs University have released an analysis of the costs versus benefit of retaining control of former Clan Spirit Cat worlds taken as part of military operations over the last two months.

The analysis covers incumbent economic conditions, with examinations of the cost of posting defensive forces, realigning the local monetary structure, and maintenance of existing infrastructures including functions such as law enforcement, education, roads and communications.

Specific attention was paid to the realignment of the local economies, based on previous experiences other nations have had in switching formerly Clan held worlds from the Work-Credit based two-tiered Clan Economic model, to a single-currency economic model, with adjustments based on the Uniform Currency Act of 3070, which forbids the use of 'Fiat' currency, or Debt-backed currency structures by the UIW.

"Most of these worlds are well over a generation in living under the Clan boot-some of them under MULTIPLE Clans, such as New Kerensky.  There is a distinct lack of Hard Currency that can be converted over in the local black-market economies, and in the local legitimate economies, the Work-Credit system has effectively made the civilians unable and, in some cases, unwilling, to handle a non-fiat money structure.  The cost of switching over will be truly titanic..."-Dr. Ezra Murphy, University of Inarcs Economics Dept.
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Daemonknight on August 07, 2011, 06:34:23 AM
INN-Tharkad Breaking Newscast
Alphard Province Rumors? The truth breaks!


Recently, agents of the INN and Orestes Free Press were leaked documents detailing an area of interest to the Lyran Alliance, refered to as Section 12. Originally thought to be a secret military installation, correspondants from the AFFS however have noted that transmissions intercepted from the ComStar-operated HPGs on Pompey(the current center of the Marian govornment, with Alphard under Clan occupation) also refer to Section 12 as being located within the Marian Hegemony.

After nearly 3 weeks of research efforts, documents were finally revealed naming Section 12 as the Hegemony itself! When asked for comment, the Lyran Archon turned INN to his son Tavis, saying that any comment on the matter would have to come from the 'man in charge himself'. When the Archon's youngest son was finally reached, he confirmed that there is indeed Lyran interest in the Hegemony, though despite a satisfied smirk on his face during the questioning, he gave few details.

Further watching diplomatic traffic, aswell as an annonymous source within the Lyran political structure confirmed that Tavis Steiner is set to marry Cassandra Logan-O'Reilly, daughter of the late Caesar O'Reilly. When asked for comment, Tavis confirmed the news, and gave a short statement.

"It was going to be announced next week anyways, however this is just as good I suppose. Yes, the rumors are indeed true- I am set to marry Cassandra, and it is part of a larger plan to fully integrate the Marian Hegemony with the Alliance. My father's diplomatic corps has already reached an agreement with the govornment of the Hegemony, and as her elder brother is currently not reachable and possibly dead, she was chosen as the interm Caesar. The Marian Hegemony, and all lands it claimed as it's own prior to the invasion by the Spirit Cats, is considered the soverign territory of the Lyran Alliance.

As the Spirit Cats have been approached with a potential exit from the conflict, the Lyran Alliance is willing to agree to allow them safe exit from the former Marian territories without additional conflict, should all infrastructure and planetary services remain intact. We have already sent a diplomatic envoy to the Cats, via our Jade Falcon allies, to ensure that the hostilities are ended immediately, and to the satisfaction of both parties.

It is good for the Inner Sphere to note that the Star Leauge was ultimately not needed to end the hostilities, despite the actions of the SLDF over Pompey, which were greatly appreciated. We are sure that even had that not been the case, the Cats would have seen the wisdom of ending hostilities once the Lyran Alliance was extended to include the former Marian state.

While details are still in discussions, it is currently thought that the Marian Senate will become members of the Estates General, and that should he survive, Sulla Logan-O'Reilly will be given the hereditary title of Duke of Alphard within the Alliance. The Legion itself will be brought up to LAAF standards of course, but will retain it's Legion trappings, just as the various provinces of the Alliance, and the Commonwealth before it, have always prefered to do.

We ask now that the Federated Suns forces within what is now Lyran territory stay on Pompey, as their work in defending the planet is recognized and appreciated. Likewise, the Lyran Alliance wishes to see the SLDF remain on Marian soil, to ensure the Spirit Cats leaving does not allow opportunistic groups to claim what is now the soverign territory of the Lyran Alliance, as no treaties currently exist to allow other nations to access the Alphard Province."

Young Tavis then made his way to the private retreat of the Steiner family, though word has not yet arrived on the timetable for the wedding, it seems the paperwork for this integration has been underway for some time.
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Cannonshop on August 07, 2011, 03:38:13 PM
From the Edge News, Special Report-An Armistice?

reposted to Union Polinews network

"News of a pending Armistice in the Spirit-Cat/Marian conflict, and the extension of the Lyran Commonwealth to the Rimward Periphery broke this morning, feeding rumors that the Marines and Spacers currently engaging Spirit Cat forces may be coming home."  Archduchess Debra MacAulliffe announced today, "So far, officially, the Union has not recieved confirmation of this Armistice from both parties-we have recieved statements to the effect that the Cats are conducting discussions with the Marians-which was one of the preconditions we set with them last month, so it is a good sign.  Maybe some sense DID finally get in.  Per the original deal, Union forces will cease military operations against Clan Spirit Cat and return captured Cat personnel and planets, in the event that they achieve an armistice and withdraw to pre-war borders.  News of the Cats withdrawal from several Marian worlds has been recieved, however those withdrawals are from Marian worlds under threat, not under occupation-which is stipulated in our treaty terms with the Allied side.  Operations will continue until such time as there is a signed and public treaty.  In the meantime, in accordance with the Constitution, all Reserve forces are on Alert against external attack, if the Cats are using this just to get a breather to come take us on, well, we're going to have to be ready for that, if they have new allies, we'll have to be ready for THAT, and if the peace-talks break down, we'll have to be ready for THAT as well."

she grimaced, "The official position of the Union, is that this is a police action only.  In spite of speculations related to handling the absorption and assimilation of Clan populations, the Union has no interest or desire to permanently occupy worlds in the Spirit Cat zone, we are holding them until such time as their proper owners show up to properly support, protect, and defend them.  That is all we ARE doing, that is all we WILL do.  There will be no new seats in Congress.  Membership in the Union is a voluntary proposition, and as such, can not be achieved through violent conquest followed by brutal subjugation.  Worlds that do not want to belong, are free to leave, worlds that wish to join us are free to do so, per the Constitution.  If the folks on Engadine, New Kerensky, Issaba, or Death of Adrian want to return to their Clan, or even go it alone, or join someone else, that is not our business in the long term-in the short term, our operations were successful in reminding the Cats that they NEEDED to defend those worlds, rather than leaving them to be taken by the next bandit that walks past-it would appear we were successful in this endeavour, the next few months will tell the story-if we were, then Spirit Cat forces should be arriving in four months to reassume their duty to their people, if not, well...we'll deal with 'if not' if it happens."  

She shifts a paper note on the dais, and looks up at the cameras, "Congratulations to the upcoming royal couple, a merger between the Marians and the Lyrans is certainly big news.  We'll see if it is good news,  With any luck, the kids will get on just fine (http://intelser.org/forums/index.php?topic=2689.msg25508#new)."
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Daemonknight on August 14, 2011, 02:52:14 AM
Terrorists strike at Canopus IV!

BBC Galactic(Terra) May 3rd, 3091

Our Periphery Security and Magistracy consultants have forewarded shocking reports of rampant terror strikes in the heart of the Magistracy of Canopus. Several spaceports were hit by high-yield explosives, with the largest attack alone claiming over 30 victims' lives, and sending dozens more to the local hospitals. In an act of extreme brutality, the hospitals themselves were attacked, the ambulances having been rigged with explosives, timed to go off just as the vehicles brought their charges to the ER.

Such banditry has seldom been seen the past 20 years, even in the days of the Dark invasion. Initial police reports indicated confusion as to the origin of the handful of suspects, however a daring police raid yielded several suspects. A shootout occured, and 4 of the 5 gunmen were killed. The last man expired on his way to the ER.

The initial investigation revealed documents linking the party to the Capellan Confederation, however these documents were soon proved to be forgeries. More in depth investigation revealed that 3 of the 5 men were actually mercenaries from now-dead Randis IV, while the other 2 are citizens of the Free Worlds League. BBC's inquiry to the FWL embassy on Terra were not immediately returned.
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Dave Baughman on August 19, 2011, 10:22:02 AM
Taurian Concordat: Newest Pirate Kingdom?
Source: F.S. "concerned" about Canopus raids

Fox Holo News (NEW SYRTIS) - 14 June 3091

According to a confidential source in the Federated Suns government, the First Prince is "gravely concerned about the acts of piracy occuring on the border between the Taurian Concordat and the Magistracy of Canopus.

As the anchor speaks, footage from an F.S. flagged merchantman at Dainar Majoris plays. In the grainy long-range telescope picture, Taurian TIG-15s, escorted by aerospace fighters, latch onto a Mammoth-class freighter

Following the dissolution of the Coalition of Periphery States, many have speculated that the periphery had begun the slow slide into barbarism; combined with the recent Clan invasion of the Marian Hegemony, the Taurian Concordat's sudden embrace of piracy seems to be another warning of the shape of things to come.

Fox Holo News' Taurian expert, John Armstrong, now joins us for a detailed analysis. Joining him are Roberto Lopez of the Federation First Party and Andrea Horowitz of the liberal think tank The Olive Branch Foundation.

John, what can you tell us about the Taurian's change in strategy. Should this be coming to us as a surprise?

Armstrong: "Not really, Andy. While they may have tried to take on a facade of respectability, the Taurians have operated as a neobarb state since the reunification war. Putting aside their history of agression against the peace-loving Federated Suns, the pride they take in maintaining a nuclear stockpile against all standards of international civilization and decency goes a long way to..."

Horowitz: "Hold on, John, you're completely misrepresenting the Taurians. These are a deeply traumatized people who were literally turned into a slave state during the First Star League. Yes, they lash out at any neighbor who they see as a threat, but that's because its the only way they know."

Lopez (rolls his eyes): "Andrea, do you seriously believe that? These 'people,' and I use the term loosely, did live medical experiments on their own people to catch up-"

Horowitz: "Oh, for God's sake Roberto, next you're going to tell me they eat babies. Those rumors about experiments were circulating thirty years ago and they were never substantiated."

Lopez: "OK, miss smarty-pants, if the Taurians are so kind and misunderstood, then why are they raiding the Magistracy? What are you and your pinko friends going to do when Taurian corsairs start showing up in the Pleides, huh?"

Anchor: "Now, now, settle down everyone. We're here to help the public understand the nature of these events, not to get in a first fight. Alright, folks, as you can see this is an issue that evokes a passionate response from all corners. When we return from these commercial messages, we'll discuss what the Star League's role in this debacle should be."
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Daemonknight on August 26, 2011, 09:18:54 PM
Atrean News Network - Rebel Chemical Warfare Attack Kills Thousands!

Atreus, Atreues City - June 3091

 Thousands lie dead in the streets surrounding Marik Castle today, the victims of callous, cowardly individuals, who are in open rebellion against the rightful rule of the benevolent Captain-General Anston Marik. What should have been a magnificent day of reintegration of the wayward children of Regulus and Andurien, instead we have confusion and death. The leaders of the rebellious provinces were present in Marik Castle today, ostensibly to sign a peace treaty to end their treachery. Unforuntely, it seems that this was merely a ploy to be sure of the Captain-General's location.

In addition to the release of nerve gas in Marik Castle, several power substations and 2 nuclear reactors were sabotaged, further complicating matters as the potential for radioactive materials release is still possible. Thus far, thousands have already been killed by the blasts or the gas attack, and no offical word has yet been given for the Captain-General's condition.

Now the only question remains: what is the FWL's response? And who is to replace Anston Marik, should he have not survived this despicable attack? One thing is for sure, the rebels are obviously playing for much higher stakes than previously thought.
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Dave Baughman on August 26, 2011, 10:33:57 PM
Anston the Mad Strikes!
Prince Randall, thousands others feared dead!

The Times of Regulus (REGULUS) - 7 June 3091

Thousands of citizens poured into the streets of cities across Regulus today to demand vengeance for Antson Marik's cold-hearted massacre of Prince Randall Cameron-Jones and his peace delegation under a flag of truce. In a move only a bloodthirsty megalomaniac like Marik could concoct, chemical and radiological agents were released in and around Castle Marik, ensuring no hope of survival for any of the delegates. According to unconfirmed reports, the mad Captain-General watched the his victims die in agony by closed-circuit camera from his bunker beneath the castle.

Speaking from the capital building in Regulus City, princess-mother Sonja Cameron-Jones expressed her shock and horror at the brutality of House Marik and extended her condolences to, "the valiant people of Andurien and Bolan as they struggle to throw off the yoke of Marik tyranny." According to highly-placed government sources speaking on condition of anonymity, the princess mother plans to propose an alliance with other like-minded members of the League to end the Marik regime permanently.

Members of house Cameron-Jones have so far refused to comment on when Randall's son will be formally enthroned as Prince, but the Times' political analysts believe that the soon-to-be Prince's youth will result in a regency, most likely under the princess mother.

As this breaking story continues to develop, stay tuned for the latest uncensored news from the Times of Regulus.
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Dave Baughman on September 10, 2011, 02:41:53 AM
Marik Fiddles as Oriente Burns
Latest atrocities reported in F.W.L.

INN (SIRIUS) - 20 July 3091

The anchor appears, dressed in a cream-colored suit with a small ComStar logo on his lapel. In a canton in the upper right of the screen, stock footage of an Aegis-class Heavy Cruiser in orbit of a planet plays.

In the latest outrage of the rapidly-escalating Marik Civil War, WarShips of the Free Worlds League Navy bombarded planet Oriente after freedom fighters seized control of a militia headquarters. According to unconfirmed reports, at least three thousand innocent civilians are believed to have been killed. At the time of airing, INN was still seeking an official comment from officials on Atreus.

All across the Sphere, horrified witnesses ask themselves: when will House Marik's genocide against its own people come to an end? As this story continues to develop, INN will bring you the latest news, free of government censorship.

In other news, the Hegemony Supreme Court ruled earlier today...

Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Parmenion on September 13, 2011, 07:54:13 AM
BBC Galactic: Canopus IV Desk, Jul 3091

For the latest on the breaking news from the Royal Palace, we cross to Amie Chou.

Than you Jacqueline.  The Magistrix, Naomi Centrella, accompanied by her Senior General, Kit deSummersVille, has just now issued a statement confirming that elements of the Magistracy Armed Forces have crossed the frontier to engage Concordant troops.  The Magistrix has stated this to be a measured response in answer to recent Taurian aggression and in no way constitutes a territorial advance.  Coupled with the  terrorist strikes here on the capital, the Magistrix further announced that the Magistracy would not sit idly by while outside forces brought ruin on the realm."
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Dave Baughman on September 16, 2011, 01:28:44 PM
Jade Falcons Conquer Pasig With Overwhelming Force, Honor Code Ignored
Irony completely lost on Falcon commanders

2 August 3091 - INN (TERRA)

In the latest news from the general Lyran counterattack against the Clans, Jade Falcon units loyal to Tharkad crushed all Clan resistance on planet Pasig. The Ice Hellion defenders, face with 10:1 odds, were utterly annihilated by the overwhelming numerical superiority of the invaders.

While the Inner Sphere applauds the Lyran Alliance and its allies for the success of their counterattack against the remaining 'untamed' Clans, the particularly unfair odds of the battle and its location tell an ironic and somewhat sad story about the times in which we live. A generation ago, the Pasig Accords sought to 'civilize' warfare in the vein of the old Ares Conventions by limiting the scope of conflict and ensuring "fair fights" between the Sphere and the Clans.

Were millions of civilians on Pasig not homeless and destitute in the devastation wrought by the massive battle, it would be an amusing note that the Falcon commanders have shown no indication of guilt or reservation over their total abandonment of their much-touted system of honorable combat.

After the break, we will speak with a panel of experts to further discuss the ongoing disintegration of Clan civilization and what recent events bode for their future in the Inner Sphere.

This is INN, your source for uncensored news, broadcasting direct from Terra.
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Dave Baughman on September 19, 2011, 01:51:15 AM
Capellans Turn Coat, Kells Exercise Escape Clause
MRBC expected to release all Capellan mercs

8 August 3091 - MercNet Financial News (OUTREACH)

Representatives of the Kell Hounds announced today that their command is terminating all contracts with the Capellan Confederation. Citing confirmed reports that the military junta leading the Confederation has announced an unconditional surrender to the invading Clans, lawyers representing the Hounds invoked a general default clause in their contract.

Following appeals by attorneys representing the interests of Gregg's Long Striders and Little Richard's Panzer Brigade, the MRBC is currently deliberating on the legal status of the so-called Shark Supremacy. Industry insiders expect that in the next 48 hours, the MRBC will void all mercenary contracts with the Capellan Confederation, releasing those units to abandon their postings without legal repercussions.

On related news, the upheaval in the Confederation has lead to a run on spare parts for the Sian-built Transgressor aerospace fighter. Early market reports are indicating that prices have risen by...
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Dave Baughman on September 24, 2011, 12:56:18 AM
Voice of the Resistance Speaks
New Leader Vows To Fight For Freedom

18 August 3091 - INN (TERRA)

"In an exclusive interview, smuggled out of the Shark Occupation Zone by heroic INN journalists, we now bring you an official communique from the leader of the Capellan resistance against Clan occupation."

The anchor is replaced with a man dressed in a simple zhiju robe. No insignia of rank were visible, but he had the trim figure and close-cropped hair of a soldier. Looking directly at the camera, he spoke.

"I am Bhairava, shiao-zhang of Warrior House White Tiger and Kali Liao's chosen successor. Do not despair, people of the Capellan Confederation! While the running-dog traitors on Sian believe they are safe in their betrayal, secure in the embrace of their new masters, they are wrong. Throughout the Confederation, loyal patriots are preparing to resist. For now, prepare yourselves for liberation - stockpile food and water and be ready to seek shelter in the even of battle. If freedom fighters are already active on your world, do what you can to help them - feed them, hide and nurse their wounded, report to them on the movements of the enemy, point out collaborators to them. To the rest, be patient, stay strong, and know that the spirit of the Confederation lives on!"

The camera switched back to the anchor, who resumed his monologue.

"In respose to this announcement, Terran officials - speaking on condition of anonymity - revealed that the Terran Hegemony is preparing to recognize Bhairava's cadre of freedom fighters as the legitimate government-in-exile of the Capellan Confederation and offer financial and materiel support."

In other news, the Director offered condolences to the people of Kowloon, reiterating his denial of Terran involvement in the recent battle within that star system. The UIW Ambassador responded...
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Cannonshop on September 24, 2011, 05:13:51 AM
Kowloon Remains Free

18 August, 3091...(associated press)

Reports filtering in from the Kowloon system this morning included news of orbital bombardment, millions of civilians killed, the destruction of major cities...and the apparent defeat of mysterious forces armed with near science-fictional weapons and sophisticated electronics.  Preliminary damage assessments report the capture of at least one intact enemy vessel, by all current accounts, a Leviathan II super-battleship, by Coast Guard emergency response teams assigned to Fleet Base Kowloon. 
Unconfirmed reports from sources indicate that the capture occurred during the attempted bombardment of the planet, a bombardment that was only partially successful, after the destruction of vessels attempting to halt the attackers.

Fleet Base Kowloon, a Bastion class administrative centre, is confirmed lost in the battle, as were the UIS Fateshaper,  UIS Obvious Lie (Cameron Class) and most of the Coast Guard task forces based at FB Kowloon.

Clan Jade Falcon forces are reported to have fled the site of the battle before the first shot, pre-emptively deserting Jade Falcon lowercastemen and technicians maintaining the comms array sited in the City of Hue, along with the Canid Creations factory in that city, which miraculously, survived the bombardment intact.

The following cities were hit by the unknowns, and casualty reports are confused in all but one particular;  The damage was extensive, and in some cases, castastrophic.

Nha Tranh
New Saigon
Vin Drin Lap
Da Lat
Da Nang
Chu Lai
Brigham City
Defenbaker
Los Gordos
Tsingtao
Havenville
Bethlehem
David
Lansing
New Beirut
Xiao Loc
An Loc
Mekong
Bordenville
Camp John
Camp Frederic
Luisberg
Bad Rock
Stonedale
Lake Chao


Estimated civilian deaths as of 1900 hours Standard time today in excess of 400,000 persons.  This number is expected to increase as the night goes on.  Experts have indicated that loss of life by the end of the week, with a new cold front moving up from the pole, and the loss of infrastructure due to the bombardments, may reach as high as five million.



Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Holt on September 24, 2011, 01:31:14 PM
Shark Supremacy Speaks on the matter of Mercenary Forces

The New Shark Supremacy government has issued a new decree stating that any mercenary forces that wish to leave the former Capellan territories may do so, but under a few conditions.

Any unit wishing to leave the new Shark Supremacy will submit their requests to their mercenary liaison and stand down in their garrison posts. Transportation will be arranged via Shark Supremacy merchant vessels, or in case that have they have their own transport; escorted by Supremacy forces.

Those units who adhere to these orders will be given a bonus of two stars of light Battlemechs upon reaching the edge of Supremacy Space and termination of contract.

Units who do not conform to these orders will be considered enemies of the state and treated accordingly.

Mercenary units who would like to continue their service with the Shark Supremacy are asked to inform their liaison for contract negotiations.   
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Cannonshop on September 25, 2011, 05:33:23 AM
Duchess Ngo of Kowloon to award Clan Warriors for "Exemplary Courage" in Kowloon Battle.

Hue City, Kowloon, 20 August, 3091...

With the Coast Guard Rescue Tender Danh Tu hooked into the civil grid to provide emergency power to this city of thousands, and in sight of emergency shelter-camps, shuttles carrying the 43 New Dominion Navy and Clan Snow Raven survivors rescued over the last month by Rescue Service personnel landed at the secondary drop-port in Hue city.

They came in all shapes and sizes, from the diminutive (almost normal) Aeropilots, the gigantic Elemental phenotypes.  Some had to be ferried in wheelchairs, others with limbs in slings, or on crutches.

Duchess Ngo herself met them sporting a chrome, self-powered wheelchair and bandages-injuries earned in the defense of her homeworld.

"You will be returning to your people soon, I hope you are not embarassed to wear these-You stood when others said it was too impossible, you fought until you could not physically fight any longer, and you held on to the chance that you might somehow prevail when all seemed lost.  Doing the impossible, or doing what someone ELSE thinks is impossible, is worth something.  It shows a strength and moral courage that others might talk about, but do not have themselves.  It is the essence of Valour, and the soul of Gallantry.  You have everything to be proud of.  Without your help, the people here would be dead, like so many others, murdered uselessly by malevolent entities bent on destruction, no matter how random it is directed.  This medal dates back a long time.  The first ones were made in secret, to mark the courage of ancestors that stood at Xiao Loc where it took three Rim Worlds armies to overcome two short battalions of reservists.  the Fist của thách thức, or 'fist of defiance' some call it, but the official name is not near so grand, it is simply a medal of valour, and it might not seem important to your folks, but in normal times, I might be allowed to approve one, maybe two of them in a decade...so it is not some cheap 'lyran medal' for decorating a do-nothing's uniform.  This one has meaning, and you folks are the first outsiders ever to win it."  she paused, "What won it, was that you did not have to do that."  she shifted uncomfortably, and a pan up showed her neck was in a brace.  "You could have run, you could have suicided when your ships went down, or when you were cut off...but you kept fighting.  You fought and you held on when all seemed lost, and you did not have to...you did something to be proud of."

We now cut to our in-house analyst, Retired UIW Colonel Sam Ramirez, sam?

"Kowloonese don't give out medals, Tim.  The Union does, of course, but their specific units in the 171st don't authorize  wear or display of Awards and Decorations unless they were earned in some pretty extreme circumstances, and their local forces like the 1st ACR don't issue them at all unless you died.  People have heard of the 'Fist of defiance', of course, but she wasn't lying, they don't issue it often, and this IS the first time it's been given to offworlders-we're seeing history here."


Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Cannonshop on September 27, 2011, 04:39:53 AM
Death Count Reaches 1 Million, Exceeds. Casualty Reports remain incomplete.
Khe Sanh, Kowloon, 24 August, 3091
Associated Press

Reports of the death toll on Kowloon from the orbital bombardments experienced in late July continue to roll in, and the numbers are firming.  Authorities expect that the death tolls from the after-bombardment effects will continue to drive upward as the Planetary authorities struggle with the combination of infrastructure damage, raw casualties from the bombardment itself, and the coldest and harshest local winter on record.  This morning, reports have come in from the North Coastal areas, confirming disaster responders' worst fears. 

The Death toll tonight hangs at 1,027,552 with an estimated increase, based on orbital survey, of an additional half million before the end of the month, though Coast Guard authorities are warning that this number may sharply increase if another cold front from the south pole makes landfall in the next three days. 
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Dave Baughman on September 28, 2011, 02:25:44 AM
Terran Hegemony Condemns Kowloon Raid, Offers Aid
Director General: TH Had No Knowledge Of Attacks

25 August 3091 - INN (TERRA)

For the first time since news of the attack on Kowloon reached the broader Sphere, Director-General Elias McKenna spoke publicly about the tragedy, condemning it as a crime against civilization.

"The events we have witnessed on Kowloon were the work of criminals and rebels, and the Terran Hegemony condemns them in the strongest terms. The Terran Hegemony stands ready to provide whatever aid the people of Kowloon require in rebuilding, and I have directed the Department of the Treasury to offer foreign aid loans to the Union of Independent Worlds in order to reinforce their economy against any after-effects of the attack. I have also been informed that both ComStar and NovaCom stand ready to send skilled technical personnel to repair damage to Kowloon's high-tech infrastructure."

"Let me be clear: the Terran Hegemony had no knowledge of this cowardly attack. The dark days of Precentor Apollyon's shadow government and its evil policies are gone, and the Terran Hegemony stands with the rest of the free people of the Inner Sphere against those who would return us to the chaos of the last war."
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Dave Baughman on September 28, 2011, 02:44:04 AM
Latest Reports: Victoria, Highspire in Rebel Hands
Betelgeuse Sector Insurrection Reported Spreading

Voice of Capella (ZURICH) - 26 August 3091


Capellan Patriots, Dare to Think - Dare to Act!

According to latest reports smuggled out of the "shark supremacy" by brave patriots, forces loyal to the Celestial Throne have seized control of Victoria from the running-dog traitors attempting to surrender its factories to the Clan invaders. Meanwhile, our heroic leader Bhairava is leading the loyal Warrior Houses to total victory on Highspire, shattering the invaders' hopes for a meek acceptance of their rule.

In other exciting news, unconfirmed reports indicate that the entire 2nd Capellan Legion has remained loyal to their oathes and is engaging in death-defying battle to liberate nearby worlds. Fueled by a burning hatred of the backstabbing traitors who delivered their beloved nation into the hands of the alien invaders, the 2nd Legion is exploding out of Betelgeuse sector in a campaign of against-all-odds liberation.

Fellow Capellan Patriots, follow the example of these heroes of the revolution and prepare for action. Do not collaborate with the Clan invaders, stockpile food and arms, and be prepared to point out collaborators as your own planets' liberation cells become active.

Long Live Chancellor Bhairava! Xin Sheng!
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Cannonshop on September 28, 2011, 03:12:05 AM
Duchess Ngo Speaks
Khe Sanh, Kowloon...
Associated Press International and Bedbug's Poliblog

25 August, 3091...

In her second press appearance since the attack, and the first since meeting with Dominion survivors, Duchess Amanda Ngo of Kowloon held a rally this morning in the refugee-choked city of Khe Sanh, on the northwestern edge of the Ia Drang Plateau.  Still injured from the battle, the Duchess has traded her wheelchair, for a light industrial exoskeleton, allowing her to stand and move with only minor difficulty.  She began the speech with a benediction in Hebrew, and a reading from the Torah.

Here is what she had to say (translation service provided by BedBug's Poliblog from the original text in the local Hebrew-influenced Vietnamese)

"good evening. Tomorrow is the Sabbath, but some of us will have to ask forgiveness, for there is too much work to be done, and it can not wait, I hope god understands." (laughter.)
"I have toiled with the question that many of our people have asked...'why'?  Why us? why now?  Why Here?  I do not have a good answer, or a wise answer, I may not even have the RIGHT answer.  What I know, is that we were attacked by criminals.  Well-financed, well-armed, well-equipped criminals, and I know that my people are suffering because of those criminals, and those who sponsored, sheltered, and preserved them up to now.  I have asked our intelligence services to find out who, find out where, and find out why.  With god's guidance, we will learn those things, and then, we will punish them.  We will teach them a lesson that will not be forgotten for a thousand years...but that is the future, the present, is what we must do for each other, and ourselves-we must survive to seek justice, and we must remember who we are.  This event is a test that we must not, as a people, fail..."

she draws in a breath, and lets it out in a cold plume of steam-the video shows local temperature is -3 Centigrade.

"and we will not fail. They will never break us, it is a lesson that Amaris did not learn, that the Caliphs and the Terran Alliance did not learn, that the Nazis and the Communists did not learn...but we will keep teaching them that lesson until, some day, they understand that we will not be broken, we will not be cowed, we will not be intimidated.  We are Kowloonese, we are the survivors and the avengers of Elbar, the scourge of the Rim Worlds Republic, we do not quit, we do not give up, we do not lay down, and we WILL prevail, just as our ancestors did in the Starving Years, as they did in the Long War, as they did after Dinh Diep...speaking of which..." she smiles for the first time,

"They apparently DID learn from that.  Where the galaxy turned away to excuse the destruction of a city to preserve a viper at its breast, this time, others have come forward with open hands, offering support, trying to understand.  We have, apparently, won the right to continue to exist in the eyes of the galaxy at large-I see no reason to turn away what is offered freely, it means we are not alone anymore."
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Dave Baughman on September 30, 2011, 03:41:48 AM
Leak: ComStar Mulls Unilateral C-Bill Revalue
Stock Markets Spherewide React With Caution

MercNet Financial News (OUTREACH) - 29 August 3091


ComStar officials have so far refused to comment on the allegedly leaked documents published in "The Starling Report" yesterday, but stock markets throughout the Inner Sphere are already seeing a slowdown in activity and investors realign their portfolios to protect against the potential for economic disruptions.

According to the report, ComStar banking officials are planning to unilaterally impose fixed exchange rates between the international C-Bill and foreign currencies. The report claims that the move is in reaction to currency speculation and is intended to boost market stability, but critics have already denounced the move as an effort to undermine the economies of the Successor States.
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Dave Baughman on October 02, 2011, 12:20:17 AM
War Measure Fails In Star League Council
THAC condemns "irresponsible" Free Worlds League vote

INN (TERRA) - 1 September 3091

A vote to mobilize the Star League Defense Force to liberate the Capellan Confederation failed in the Star League Council earlier today due to opposition from the Free Worlds League and the Federated Suns. The Terran Hegemony Advisory Council quickly condemned the move; in a press conference earlier today, Director-General Elias McKenna said,

"This is yet another example of the selfish and irresponsible policies of the Free Worlds League placing the freedom of the Inner Sphere in jeopardy. The Terran Hegemony is currently reviewing its options in light of this Council vote and stands by the freedom-loving people of the Capellan Confederation."

In other news, NovaCom stock rose three percent today following higher-than-expected profits in...
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Cannonshop on October 03, 2011, 01:48:51 PM
High Road to be Homeport for Captured Leviathan?

Union Military Officials continue to deny reports that the Leviathan II class superbattleship captured in Kowloon orbit during the bombardment last month, has been, or is being, moved to one of the High Road stations.  They have confirmed that the large-signature jump reported from the Boojum Orbitals was the ship being moved, to a "secure location" after rumours of several nations offering to purchase the vessel, and at least one allegation that an un-identified Clan has attempted extortion to secure it.

"It is being moved to a secure location until such time as it has been cleared as 'safe' to use."  CNO Admiral Giao Pham stated when asked.  "At this time, I can only confirm that the Office of Naval Intelligence is currently securing the vessel's contents and ordinance to prevent accidents while the Congress decides what we will do about the ship."

In a separate conference, Duchess Amanda Ngo, leader of hte Kowloon system and controversial figure after decorating several Dominion personnel for their part in the defense of her home system, has confirmed that the Leviathan-class vessel has been moved out of the system.

"Too big a prize, when you have one like that, everyone wants it, or wants it back. If they have to look for it, that buys us time."  she said in an interview with DBC Arluna, "I am cooperating with our national security authorities, so I won't tell you where it's going, only that it is going to a location that is considered secure, where it will undergo testing and examination until such time as a decision has been made on final disposal."
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Dave Baughman on October 14, 2011, 03:32:02 AM
F.S. Bank Warns Against ComStar Currency Plan
"Chaos" predicts Bank of New Avalon

Fox Holo News (NEW AVALON) - 28 September 3091

Reacting to ComStar's recent announcement that it plans to unilaterally revalue the C-Bill relative to House currencies and the Kerensky, a top official at the Bank of New Avalon predicted "financial chaos on a scale not seen since the eve of the Battle of Luthien."

Going on to describe the move as "a cynical move to promote Terran interests at the expense of the rest of the Star League," the BONA official predicted serious market disruptions throughout the Inner Sphere.

"Large corporations and individuals alike have kept their savings in C-Bills for centuries. We're already getting reports from other regions in the Suns that market speculators are causing serious fluctuations in the value of the Pound, and now ComStar is talking about freezing large currency transactions until the revaluation is completed."

Even on condition of anonymity, the official would not comment on what percentage of F.S. government accounts are currently held in C-Bills.
Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Cannonshop on February 10, 2012, 03:56:39 AM
Congress Declares War
-Arluna

After months of investigation, hearings, and debates, the Union Congress met this morning to examine only one issue.

What to do about the attack on the world of Kowloon.

This morning, by a vote of 54 to 6, with ten members abstaining or absent, Congress has passed and submitted for the Archducal signature, Special Bill 41-Declaration of War against the Manei Domini and their allies.

According to constitutional provisions, this bill still requires either the signature, or veto, of the Archduchess before taking effect, but due to interpretation by the Supreme Court of the Union of Independent Worlds, a Veto can be overridden by a simple 60% majority-a margin well below the margin of passage in this morning's vote.

This declaration marks the first time that official war-footing has been supported as a public policy, and the first time the Nation has, in fact, formally declared war on a foreign power.

Provisions within special bill 41 include the suspension of normal "peacetime" policies with regards to military action, including authorization for the use of thermonuclear weapons, orbital bombardment, and massed aerial "Firebombing" bombardments in non-defensive postures, and the suspension of all acceptance of Trials and Trial style combat for the duration of the war footing, as well as special provisions de-authorizing Union forces in issuance of trial-style combats...

Title: Re: Inner Sphere News Threads
Post by: Cannonshop on March 08, 2012, 04:39:30 AM
Request for Proposals:

A light to middleweight Warship with a patrol endurance of 18 months or greater, Capacity to support 18-24 Fighters and 12-24 150-200 tonne small Craft for the deployment of up to 1 Battalion of space marines.

Integrated antiair defense is a must. 

Vessel must be comparable in throw weight to existing Destroyers with adequate armament to survive a standard Naval Engagement against an average vessel of equal mass.

Minimum of 1, maximum of 2 drop-collars required.

Mission Profile is split Escort for larger vessels and long-endurance deep range solo patrol/naval recon.

Request minimums for accelleration in the 2-3 gravity range at sublight speeds.

Ideally, vessel should be maintainable, using common or off-the shelf components wherever possible to reduce production and maintenance costs, and should support an effective self-maintenance capability in excess of 75%.

For proposals, contact:

UIW Naval Contracting Office,
Department of the Navy,
Grantsville, Arluna, Union of Independent Worlds,
HPG routing# JF1313UIW897623

Request closes 03/15/3091
cross-posted to the CBT forum Here ([url]http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,16954.0.html[/url])