Inner Sphere News Thread

[Dave Baughman]

INN OFF AIR FOLLOWING ESPIONAGE PROBE
Enemy agents contacted CEO, senior editors, report claims

Voice of Truth (TERRA), 8 February 3070

Viewers throughout the Sphere were disappointed when last weekend's download of INN news programming was inexplicably delayed. The reason for the unexpected disruption of news service from ComStar's news agency was revealed today in a press conference at TerraSec headquarters. Reading a prepared statement, General Mary Durant announced:

"Following an eight-month investigation by the Terran Hegemony's domestic security agencies, TerraSec conducted a number of arrests at the offices of INN, including the new organization's CEO and several senior editors, whose identities are being witheld at this time. All of the individuals arrested are suspected of espionage activities related to contacts with the so-called Spirit Cats, a terrorist organization formed by renegade Nova Cat personnel."

"Based on the grave nature of the allegations, and the possibility of additional suspects attempting to pass coded information to foreign contacts, INN's broadcasting license has been suspended indefinitely. I regret that at this time, due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation, I cannot answer any questions regarding the specific allegations or charges."

Voice of Truth obtained an exclusive interview with long-time INN anchor Tracy Seibert who opined: "I still can't believe that [redacted] was working for the Clans, especially after everything they did to our people at Sudeten..."

The complete interview will be broadcast following tonight's local news programming.

[Parmenion]

Onverwacht, Horse Alliance
 
Feb 3070
 
"This is Ingrid MacKinnon from BBC Galactic reporting from the periphery world of Onverwacht, located in the renamed Horse Alliance.  The pictures you are now seeing show the large amount of construction work currently underway on this newly rediscovered planet.  Mitchell Avellar was present on the planet and attended the opening of a new hydro-electric plant in the Zeeland Plateau and visited a number of manufacturing and industrial concerns that will be powered by the plant.  Following these tours, he journeyed to the planetary spaceport to watch the arrival of tens of thousands of merchant, technical and labour caste personnel direct from Niles.  Dropship after dropship landed and unloaded enormous numbers of equipment and personnel from a newly arrived convoy.  We were allowed to speak briefly with some of the arriving castemen."
 
"Hello there." <to a young woman transiting through a receiving point>  "I'm a news reporter from the BBC Galactic.  What is you name and what is your first impressions of your new home?"
 
<while the woman looks a little overawed about her new surroundings she tries to answer>
 
"Name is Sonja.  I am technican trained in city communication hub links.  The air here is so sweet.,  One can almost taste it.  And there is no dome.  No mask required for work outside dome.  It must be a beautiful world."
 
<Cuts back to a picture of the reporter>
 
'As we have been informed, the planet where Sonja came from, Niles, has a tainted atmosphere, therefore the donning of a mask filtration system is mandatory should one have to work outside.  Hopefully here, she will..."
 
 

[august]

Lyran Address to the Nations

With of the last remnants of the old Lyran Commonwealth on Tharkad defeated, it is my honor to proclaim on behalf of the Lyran people according to their hope and good will, the inception of a new era in our corner of the Inner Sphere. The Lyran peoples, according to their full consent, have elected to form their state anew, to be known as the Commune of Lyran Peoples. Our goal is to maintain the peace, security, and prosperity of all of our citizens. Make no mistake about it; the CLP is not the Commonwealth of old, simply covering itself with a new name. The decadent nobility, who so firmly stated their intentions to crush the lifeblood of the people under the banner of the iron fist, have been scattered and their resources given back to the proud laboring people who have the good fortune to call themselves Lyran. From local Popular Councils, to the Estates General and its Directorate Council, the CLP aims to provide as best it can for the least of its people. The harmonious ideal of the Lyre, so quickly forgotten by the tyrants, has been returned to the fore; if even one string suffers from being out of tune, there shall be no melody. We aim to leave none suffering, none in poverty, and none abused.

Unlike the dead Commonwealth, we have no desire to undertake wars of conquest - we wish peaceful and mutually beneficial relations with all. Absurd territorial claims of the past, that ruined the living for the selective memory of the long dead, are forfeitted. Those worlds that form the CLP do so willingly; we shall turn none aside who wish to join us honestly, but nor shall we force our path on others. We ask only for the recognition of others, with hope of building a better future for all.

With proper respect to all,
Hellen Rengesburg, Delegate Wroclaw

[Dave Baughman]

Civil War on Donegal?
News Blackout follows Estates-General Putsch

Voice of Truth (TERRA), 25 February 3070

"Planet Donegal, the seat of Robert Kelswa-Steiner's provisional Estates-General and de facto capital of the Lyran Commonwealth since the fall of Tharkad earlier this month, is under martial law and news blackout, according to the last report received - almost 48 hours ago.

"Unconfirmed reports indicate that a attempted seizure of the government by Skye nationalist groups, including members of the Free Skye terrorist organization, lead to intervention by military units garrisoning the capital city. At this time, property damage and casualties are unkn---"

BREAKING NEWS

"We now take you live to our correspondent on Skye with he latest news on the Donegal crisis."

The camera switches from the anchor's desk to a middle-aged man, who long-time viewers quickly recognize as Duncan Bradstreet, Voice of Truth's senior political reporter in the Lyran Commonwealth.

"Peace of Blake be Upon You, Alberto, I'm reporting live from Skye, which may now in fact be the capital of the late Robert Kelswa-Steiner's Lyran Commonwealth... but for how long is anyone's guess."

"Two hours ago, the A Station at Skye received a broadcast from Donegal, announcing the end of civil unrest in the star system. This exclusive footage brought to you first by Voice of Truth is the uncut announcement:"

The camera shifts again, this time to a Lyran officer wearing a vivid red armband over his normal national sleeve insignia - the same tone used on the jackets of the Association of Tharkad Martyrs. Behind the speaker are the burning remains of a large building - rescue workers can be seen in the background picking through the remains.

"The burning of the Estates-General was intended to be the signal for a bloody uprising and civil war; ;arge-scale pillaging on Donegal and elsewhere was planned, and it has now been determined that throughout the former Lyran Commonwealth acts of terrorism were to begin against prominent individuals, against private property, against the lives and safety of the peaceful population, and general civil war was to be unleashed: all in the name of upholding the corrupt power system of the Lyran nobility against the will of the people. Effective midnight, 23 February 3070, the Donegal star systems and all other systems constituting the remnants of the Lyran Commonwealth are under direct military rule."

The snap-hiss of laser-ionized air can be heard in the distant background, but the speaker continued unperturbed,

"On the basis of Article 48 paragraph 2 of the Constitution of the Protectorate of Donegal, the following is ordered in defense against terrorist state-endangering acts of violence:"

"Articles 114, 115, 117, 118, 123, 124 and 153 of the Constitution of the Protectorate of Donegal are suspended until further notice. To the extent merited by the emergency, local commanders may restrict the rights of habeas corpus, freedom of opinion, including the freedom of the press, the freedom to organize and assemble, the privacy of postal, telephonic, and digital communications. Warrants for House searches, orders for confiscations as well as restrictions on property, are also permissible beyond the legal limits otherwise prescribed."

"In keeping with the purpose and aim of the decree any additional measures neccessary will be directed against the terrorists in the first instance, but then also against those who co-operate with the terrorists and the so-called nobility and who support or encourage their criminal aims. I would point out that any necessary measures against members or establishments of other than reactionist anti-State parties can only be justified by the decree if they serve to help the defense against such terrorist activities in the widest sense."

"Make no mistake, order will be maintained on Donegal and her neighboring star systems at all costs. We have already reached out to our comrades elsewhere in the former Commonwealth and expect a positive response from them in the days ahead."

The camera switches back to Bradstreet, "As you can hear, Alberto, it appears that what started as an attempt by Free Skye to seize power in the remnants of the Commonwealth has lead to a full-scale takeover of Donegal by a military junta that bears a striking resemblance to the same forces that have systematically taken control of the Arc Royal region of the past months. At the moment, there are no signs of unrest here on Skye, but considering the heavy-handed measures the Donegal junta has announced, it can only be a matter of time before resistance to military rule coalesces."

[Marlin]

29th December 3069

ABNN:


General Redburn dead!
Exclusive revelation:

As the Atocongo Blend News Network has just uncovered, the famous leader of the 1st Royal BattleMech Regiment of the Star League Defense Force was killed in a Raid by Ice Hellion Forces on Atocongo on the 21st September 3069, presumably in preparation of an Invasion.

General Redburn had lead his bodyguard Company on an inspection of his forces, and while on his march over the Great Plains, ran afoul of a Raid Force of unknown size by Clan Ice Hellion, presumably from their Elite Alpha Galaxy. After a pitched Battle, the Company was wiped out, and General Redburn killed due to a cockpit hit, while the Hellion force sustained heavy damage as well, but made it off planet via Pirate Point.

Fortunately, the Invasion of Atocongo did not commence, due to the presence of SLDF Forces on-planet, thus keeping the flow of our Atocongo Blend Coffee to the Inner Sphere mostly uninhibited.

The recent troubles between the various splinters of the Lyran Commonwealth have impeded delivery of several shipments to Tharkad and other planets. This delay we apologize for and expect shipments to go on as usual in a few days.

We hope you continue to enjoy our Brand, and will strive to provide you constant delivery and consistent quality of our Atocongo Blend Coffee.

[Dave Baughman]

FWL SLAUGHTERS THOUSANDS
Vicious scorched-earth campaign on Coventry

Orestes Free Press (RASALHAGUE) - 28 February 3070

According to latest reports from the front lines, Star League forces are fighting a desperate scorched-earth defense of the Coventry star system, killing and estimated forty thousand and rending homeless as many as twenty-five million civilians in their efforts to hold back the Grand Council advance.

Facing the imminent loss of his naval forces, Free Worlds League Commodore and naval commander Jackson "The Beast" Price chose to turn his WarShips' guns on the civilian population of Coventry rather than surrender to advancing heavy elements of the Star Adder navy. It is believed at this time that Price died in action, going down with his ship as it succumbed to multiple wings of Clan OmniFighters.

Enraged by the cynical destruction of Coventry's cities, front-line Star Adder ground troops assault dropped onto multiple strategic sites around planet Coventry on or about 17 February. The most up-to-date information received by OFP indicates heavy fighting against multiple Inner Sphere armies. Contrary to initial reports that suggested they had abandoned the Star League forces, latest information also indicates that the Rim Worlds Republic's forces on Coventry have sided with the SLDF and are also opposing Clan landings.

Live from Free Rasalhague, Orestes Free Press will continue to bring you the latest war news, free from Terran censorship and propaganda.

[Dave Baughman]

HISTORIC CONCLAVE ON TERRA
ComStar Precentors Recalled to Hilton Head

Voice of Blake (TERRA) - 1 March 3070

In an unprecedented move of reconciliation and brotherhood between the estranged orders of ComStar and the Word of Blake, Primus Sharilar Mori issued a decree today announcing the convening of a sacred conclave at Hilton Head to discuss formally ending the schism within Our Blessed Order.

Invitations have been sent to the Precentors of all ComStar HPG stations throughout the Federated Suns, Draconis Combine, Capellan Empire, and other ComStar clients to return to Terra to take part in this historic summit.

Hopes are high that Primus Mori's brave and wise move will be remembered by history as the first step towards reconiciliation and reunification of Our Blessed Order.

Primus Mori was not available for interview, citing the heavy demands the upcoming conclave placed upon her schedule.

[Dave Baughman]

Pirate radio broadcast received on Solaris VII...

"This is Radio Free Xolara, Solaris Fans speaking to Solaris Fans," said the voice of Duncan Fisher, "before we begin, please listen to these personal messages. There is a spill in the 'Mech-it Lube. There is a spill," he annunciated, "in the 'Mech-it Lube. Anton has shaved his beard. Anton has shaved his beard. Now, let's recap this week's matches..."

[Dave Baughman]

JADE FALCONS WIPE OUT WOB IN UIW
Terran infestation removed after heavy fighting

Orestes Free Press (RASALHAGUE) - 15 March 3070

Breaking news from the Lyran Front, according to sources in the Jade Falcon high command, Falcon troops have landed in force throughout the Union of Independent Worlds, wiping out the Word of Blake presence almost entirely. According to still unconfirmed reports, only the HPG compound on Arluna is still holding out after having repelled an initial assault by Phi Galaxy's command trinary in an intense battle.

We will continue to bring you the latest news from the front, uncensors and free from Terran propoganda.

[august]

CLP Announces Termination of Terran HPG Contract

Newswire Arc-Royal (CLP) - 17 March 3070

Citing the danger to Terran HPG operators made apparent by the recent attacks against facilities in the UIW, the Terran Hegemony has informed the Estates General that as of April 1, 3070, communications service in the CLP will be terminated. Terran nationals will leave the CLP, along with key HPG components. When asked for comment, the media relations department of the Estates-General issued the following statement: "It is the prerogative of the Terran Hegemony to recall their people and equipment as they see fit. This is not an Interdiction; the Hegemony was keen to underline that they respect our neutrality in the Clan War. As for our nation's communications need, the Estates General has already taken steps to ensure that alternate service will be available with a minimum of disruption. Citizens of the CLP should plan for some inconvenience at the beginning of the next month, but we expect full service to be restored by Mid-April."

[Dave Baughman]

New ComStar Schism Brewing?
Primus says no, Wall Street says otherwise

MercNet Financial News (OUTREACH) - 24 March 3070

According to a written statement from Primus Mori first reported two days ago on Voice of Truth, there is no chance that the reconciliation conclave will cause a new schism in ComStar; the handful of high-level personnel who made a small but newsworthy scene while departing from Terra were merely a tiny dissident minority that did not represent the opinion of ComStar on the matter.

That's the party line.

However, according to a recent filing with the Terran Hegemony Stock Exchange, next week will see an initial public offering by a previous unheard-of corporation called "Opus Domini Communication's Services." Its prospectus? Delivering politically neutral hyperpulse generator communications to markets that have been neglected or underserved by ComStar and the Word of Blake.

I don't know about you, but it sounds like not all is happiness and roses on Hilton Head.

Don't count on an easy cash-in on cheap HPG stock though; Opus Domini filed with a par value of 150 million C-Bills a share. This is a luxury stock for the super-rich, not something that the average Harlech merc is going to look at for the company retirement plan.

[Dave Baughman]

Leaked Minutes: "F.S. Shennanigans."
TH mulling retaliation for "pervasive" industrial espionage.

MercNet Financial News (OUTREACH) - 28 March 3070

Well folks, if the recently-leaked minutes from an emergency meeting of the TH Department of State are any indication, now's the time to dump you stock in GM. According to the classified documents obtained from a senior civil servant, ROM has identified at least five different attempts by Federated Suns-based corporations to steal secret military technology from the Hegemony, in contravention of both international law and the Star League charter. The activity, alternately described as "double-dealing shenanigans" and "a pervasive pattern of misconduct" are condemned in the strongest terms by senior TH officials, including the head of ROM's counterintelligence section.

According to the minutes, senior officials discussed a number of retaliatory measures that could be implemented against Federated Suns interests to punish the long-time ally's indiscretion without escalating the situation into a public crisis.

Which would have been a great idea if someone didn't then go and leak the meeting minutes.

TH officials, in response to inquiries from MFN, refused to confirm or deny the accuracy of the leaked document, and requested that MFN not broadcast or publish actual extracts of the classified document.

[Parmenion]

At The Going Down Of The Fist

BBC Galactic (London-Terra) -  March 3070

Is the old Lyran Commonwealth refusing to roll over and die?  Or are they just too stubborn to face the inevitable? 

Reports today that one of the last systems recognising Lyran Commonwealth rule repulsed an assault from Clan Spirit Cat forces.  Caldarium, a former Rim World world, was subject to an clan trial style of assault from the traitorous Clanners.  The defending force, reportedly from the Magistracy of Canopus, shattered over half the attacking troops before allowing the rest to leave. 

In other Lyran news, reports from...

 

[Marlin]

(If GMs have a Problem, just tell me so) Also, there needs to be looking into it as it seems there is a continuity issue.

Grunwald Associated Media

Alexander Carlyle BondsmanGrey Death Legacy gone or on the way to rebirth?


Grunwald, 10th April 3070

The Planet of Grunwald was beset by Clan Ice Hellion in the first days of March, blockading the System, the Clan’s saKhan was attending and announced his goals.

Hauptmann Alexander Carlyle,  de facto Commander of the prestigious 1st Royal Guards, but due to the shattered state of the Lyran nation still without promotion to appropriate Rank answered the call.

It is said both Commanders met in private to discuss the future of the hopeless 1st Royal Guards, the saKhan offering them the chance to stay as defenders of Grunwald and or surrounding systems while they must swear allegiance to the Ice Hellion Clan.

Carlyle took this offer to his comrades and after fierce discussions announced the negative outcome to the Clan Commander.

The battle, according to our sources in Clan fashion, took not long. The hardened Veterans of Beta Galaxy made short work of the 1st Royals, perhaps the offer had sapped some of their resolve?

Grunwald became part of the Hellion Clan, and Alexander is said to be the personal Bondsman of the saKhan Connor Rood.

What will now happen with the inheritor of the Carlyle-legend is to be seen. Will he become the epitome of Clan Warrior like Phelan Kell? Hardly, as he is too old. Will he ease the relationship between the Clan and the Lyrans now under their rule? Possible. Will he be the face of the Clan regarding future attacks on the Lyran remains? Likely.

We will keep you informed about the development.

[Dave Baughman]

Where are the Missing Precentors?
Mysterious "Master" at Heart of Conspiracy, source says

The Starling Report - 18 April 3070

Hello, Truth Seekers, and welcome to the Starling Report. Today: Inside ComStar! Or at least as close as we can get with their Conclave in full swing.

Oh wait, did I say "Conclave," I mean "secret snow-job to hide the WOB takeover of the Media." Anyone notice that since the Conclave has been announced, all of ComStar's official announcements have come as press releases given exclusively carried by Voice of Truth.

So did you see the news conference held by Gavin Dow? If so you're better than me because despire the Conclave being "in session" for two weeks now, Gavin Dow isn't on Terra. Don't believe me? Check out the travel manifest at##35!%!#! to this report. ComStar paid up front for Dow's tickets, but the last f%#*#####*!)%!%#*!%*##!%)!%#*)%!# got redeemed.

Well, maybe he got the flu or something. So how about Precentor New Avalon? Funny, h##!%!(&!%(&!(%(!%#######%))#()#()#(#(#############


This is a customer service advisory. We regrets to inform you that a data corruption error has occured and "The Starling Report - 18APR70" is not available at this time. Our faithful Acolytes are working hard to resolve this problem, but presently there is no timeframe for the restoration of this content. Please reference the helpful links below for other stories that may be of interest to you.