Far Frontiers Gateway sector

[Murph]

266-2507 Gateway News Service- Sutekh

The Silver Dawn is ahead of schedule, it is getting close to Cthulhu station, and a complete medical team has already boarded the ship. But due to the age of the Cryosleep system, and the tech level 9/10 equipment onboard the ship, the Royal Sutekh Navy and Rescue Service, have partially refueled the ship to allow for its onboard reactor to provide power to the cryosleep systems.

We are being told that it looks like if they open one of the malfunctioning capsules, it will trigger the system to activate all the capsules, so a decision has been made to not take any possible actions which would trigger the wake up process. A fast courier was sent to New Texas to see if schematics and a description of the software is available to aid in the re-animation of the sleepers in the capsules.

Engineering crews have arrived from Sutekh to assist the in system staff in examining the ship. Three of the remaining active cryosleep capsules show signs of failure, so there is a certain level of urgency in getting access to the hardware and software on the system. Cybernetic specialists have also arrived from Sutekh and are working on adapting modern hardware to the 300 year old connectors. They were able to disconnect the computer from the drive system to allow the ship to be moved back in system of the Sutekh Beta system.

 

[Murph]

272-2507 Gateway News Service- Sutekh/Cthulhu Station

The Silver Dawn has been docked at Cthulhu Station, with engineering and medical crews crawling all over the ship, as the situation has become critical for several of the cryo capsules which are showing signs of immanent failure which could become a cascade event. Engineering experts and Medical staff have arrived from the Alpha system, along with a Xanadu Cruiser with some medical experts from BioGen who are experts in cold sleep systems. They were rushed aboard and shipped off to Sutekh very quickly.

We are being told that the ships systems are stable, but the rescue team is monitoring the systems constantly, and are getting prepared in case the worst comes to fruition. The issue is both the age of the onboard systems, and the old and unfamiliar technology which has not been in common use for at least 150 years. We are being told that there is a very steep learning curve in terms of learning the systems on board the ship. The crews are hoping that New Texas is able to send some records and a request has also gone out to Gateway to see if they have any records of these ancient systems.

As we were speaking with some of the Sutekh personnel, we overheard one of them telling another: "Well, those that make it, think about 300 years of back pay and allowances!" With another one saying: "Yeah, but think how happy the tax men will be for all that back pay and allowances"? The legal issues are starting to be discussed, since the crew is from the old Republic of Texas Space Fleet, and since the colony world of New Texas has never renounced allegiance to Old Texas pending a potential recontact with their nation, lawyers are already discussing if the government of New Texas has obligations to this crew.

There is already a legal opinion that New Texas is both De Facto and De Jure the true and correct successor of the Republic of Texas on Old Terra, and therefore, the ship, crew, and all its observations actually belong to the world of New Texas. We can foresee years of litigation over this matter, and more as things take their course. The surviving crew, if any, will certainly request their back pay and allowances from the government of New Texas, as well as resettlement rights on their planet.

 

[Murph]

274-2507 Gateway News Service- Friedland

Frieherr Georg Albrecht Karl von und zu New Leipzig has tied the knot once again. The sixth Frieherrin von und zu New Leipzig, the former Leticia Gloria Soledad Martinez y Ybarra who is a minor cast member in several Vid dramas, became the 6th wife of the Frieherr who is known as quite the bon viant and playboy. The other former Frieherrin were in attendance, since they have remained on quite good terms with their ex-husband, often times gathering for parties and family events.

The Frieherr's eleven children were also in attendance. Frieherr von und zu New Leipzig was a close friend and confidant of the late Kaiser Karl I, and is the Godfather of the current Kaiser Otto. The Kaiser and Kaiserin were in attendance at St. Luke's Orthodox Lutheran Church in New Pottsdam as the now 128 year old nobleman married is 29 year old wife. The brides family was present from Nuevo Sol in force.

There was a minor, and carefully hushed up incident between her sister Estancia and one of the Guard Cuissassiers in an alcove. After being discovered both parties hastily re-arranged their clothing, and joined the Bridal party. The ceremony was quite lovely, with the bride positively radiant in her maternity gown as she walked down the aisle assisted by her mother and father as she was close to her delivery date.

After exchanging vows, the very gravid bride was able to walk to the waiting carriage for the short trip to the festplatz where the reception was being held. At the festplatz a minor incident occurred after the brides uncle Ferdinand was caught spiking the punch, and patting the fanny of the Grafin von Lustbader who is married to the commander of the battleship Scharnhorst. A minor scuffle ensued as Captain Graf Ernst von Lustbader was unamused at Uncle Ferdinand making advances to his wife, and challenged Ferdinand to a duel. The family intervened, and after Ferdinand apologized, the Captain retracted his desire for a duel.

As she bent over to speak with the Kaiser, the new Frieherrin's water broke, and she exclaimed to all present: ¡Mi**da! ¡De todos los tiempos para que este niño decidiera escaparse! ¡Llévame al maldito hospital ahora! (S**t! Of all times for this kid to decide to squeeze out! Just take me to the d***ed hospital now!). She was rushed off to Friedland General Hospital where she later delivered a healthy 4 kilo baby boy. The child was named Georg Albrecht Jesus Guadalupe von und zu New Leipzig by the father. The Kaiser and Kaiserin have consented to be the godparents. Mother and child are doing well.

 

[Murph]

277-2507 Gateway News Service- Esperanza

The Orbital Water Company has announced that it was going to have to shut down deliveries of water to the new sea, after a surface to air missile was fired at one of their water shuttles. The missile caused damage in the cargo tank and released approximately 2,000 tons of water, over the Shield mountains. The missile was fired as the shuttle was starting its landing run, striking the shuttle.

The crew was able to recover, and make an emergency landing on the border of New Anatevka where emergency crews rushed to the scene. No one was injured in the attack, but the shuttle has been declared a complete loss at this time due to hull damage which has compromised its integrity. The crew was taken to the Rabbi Solomon hospital for a checkup and were stated to be in good health, just shaken up.

Investigators have located the area where the missile was launched from, but no sign of any weapons, or other evidence which would lead to the discovery of the party (ies) involved was found at the scene. Tensions are high with New Quebec, however the leadership of New Quebec has denied any participation in this attack. They did state however that they were going to aggressively negotiate their portion of water from the new sea in the high desert, and stated that actions like this could be a result of “disgruntled elements” who find that New Quebec is being ignored and not accorded its rightful place in the control of Esperanza.

The Planetary council has issued a strong condemnation of this attack on the water shuttle, and said that they would be looking at measures to take to protect the shuttles as they deliver water to the new sea. Some leaders are demanding that New Quebec take stronger measures to stop any possible terrorist actions by insurgents.

 

[Murph]

I will see if I can attach the two Special Reports from Natasha Alvarez. Please enjoy, and feel free to use and modify. I cannot upload the map, it is just too big.

 

[bookwyrm]

I will see if I can attach the two Special Reports from Natasha Alvarez. Please enjoy, and feel free to use and modify. I cannot upload the map, it is just too big.

Those gave me goosebumps! I'm really worried about my state of dreaming tonight .

 

[Murph]

Here are the worlds of the sector, I still cannot get the map to upload.

 

[Murph]

286-2507 Gateway News Service- Esperanza

Alexander's Mercenary Battalion has taken a contract with New Wyoming on Esperanza. The mercenary battalion has accepted a two year internal security, and counter insurgency contract with New Wyoming. The unit will be arriving soon and disembarking on this border world. The grav equipped battalion is a mixed grav cavalry/grav infantry unit with its on ortillery unit of four corvettes.

The New Anatevka/New Solomon colony is in talks with the 1st Frei Jager Regiment for a two year contract for internal security and counter insurgency operations. If the talks succeed this very large mercenary unit will deploy its forces to New Anatevka where they will provide security to the colony for at least two years, with an option for an additional two year extension of the contract.

Both of these units are very well known, and have a superb reputation for customer satisfaction. The Atrocity Mercenary Company is in talks as well since their contract on Sulawesi has expired. Also they are reportedly wanting to get somewhere less "wet and marshy". The Atrocity Mercenary Company has a less than stellar reputation for playing by the rules, but they do get the job done. Its leader Major William "Atrocity" Smith has warrants for his arrest issued by New Africa. His company is persona non grata on New Africa after an incident a number of years ago.

 

[Murph]

287-2507 Gateway News Service- Serenity Belt

Belt authorities have called an emergency after airlock doors failed on Ore processing station #29. The blow out was caused by lack of maintenance, general neglect, and Galaxy Metal's demand for more production which caused them to cut back on required servicing of the stations in the belt to improve their profit margin.

At this time 11 crew are reported as missing since they were in the area which was rapidly depressurized, and are thought to have been sucked out into space. The Imperial Viceroy has declared a Class 1 emergency throughout the belt and has directed the Imperial forces in system to start an immediate search to try and locate the crew.

Station #29 was an older station which had been purchased from Gateway 50 years ago, and moved into the belt. It was a rock and ore processor which took normal belt debris and smelted out the metals. The station had three other issues in the last two years which did not result in any fatalities, but workers had been notifying the management that a large scale problem was coming if required maintenance was not forthcoming. The workers Councils have called for all work to stop and are protesting the slow pace of reform.

The maintenance was always deferred with excuses of budgetary shortfalls, but records show that increasing profits were being funneled off to shadowy accounts in the First Bank of Hades Station by various high ranking members of Galaxy Metals. The Viceroy has referred this matter to the Imperial Investigation Agency and is reported to be very angry over the loss of life. To that end he has formally invoked Imperial Authority, and ordered a complete shut down of all stations in the belt unless and until all required maintenance is performed, and all safety issues dealt with.

The management who gave the orders have been placed in custody on Xin Zhongguo, with the Emperor personally getting involved. The scandal of Galaxy Metals has caused the companies stock to fall to half of its pre-scandal value, and it looks to keep dropping as each new revelation comes to light. The remaining management has been attempting damage control, issuing the following statement:

"We are aware of the possibility, that there is a potential for some minor issues arising from the patriotic desires of the old management to increase production for the Glory of the Imperial Way, but in their zeal to fully support the Imperial Nation, it is possible that some misguided managers, who were burning with the need to build a strong and prosperous nation might have made a few mistakes.

No one was told to violate any safety regulations, but perhaps there were some misguided people who were unaware of the nature of the issues, which in their zeal to increase production to meet quotas might have mis-stated some of the requirements that should, in retrospect, have been addressed by management. But we can assure you that all efforts consistent with the directives of the Light of Heaven are being performed so that the loyal subjects of the Imperial house can continue to bask in the light of virtue given off by the Emperor through his virtuous example to all subjects of the Empire.

At no time can we turn our eyes from the minor mistakes which are being blown out of proportion by certain parties who wish to damage the reputation of our company which has always been a loyal supporter of the Imperium. Those misguided persons who brought this to pass are being used by outside influences to damage Galaxy Metals, a loyal and faithful company, dedicated to supporting the Empire, and by damaging us, they attempt to damage the very fabric of the Empire!"

No other comment was forthcoming. We are told that both the Viceroy and the Emperor are exceptionally angry at what is being found in the Serenity Belt, and on home world.

 

[Murph]

289-2507 Gateway News Service- Esperanza

Tang Wen Tea plantation has announced the latest teas of the season. They have their famous gunpowder green, a Kuan Yin Oolong, and several Black teas on offer. Their teas are raised in the foothills of the Shield mountain chain, where the near constant mist and clouds produce a finely delicate leaf that yields an exceptional brew that is thought by many to only be second to the teas of Xu Su in quality.

Tea experts have arrived and are sampling the latest teas, and so far the reviews have been uniformly good for this years plucking. The Tang Wen plantation has been on Esperanza almost since the start of colonization, and are grown from genuine Terran tea plants brought over from both the Anhui region of old China, and the Darjeeling region of old India.

The owner Frank Metternech tells us that he and his tea masters are looking at perhaps working on a Pu'Er style tea for the next season. This is rather exciting news since the only source of Pu'Er tea is a small plantation on Xin Zhongguo which produces a limited quantity of high grade Pu'Er which is mostly available for domestic consumption. If the Tang Wen plantation comes out with a high grade Pu'Er which is available across the sector that will allow more people to try that sort of high quality fermented tea which is reported to have health benefits.

 

[Murph]

290-2507 Gateway News Service- Amaterasu

Prime Minister Matsumoto faced a vote of No Confidence today in the Diet, but was able to rally enough votes to remain Prime Minister. PM Matsumoto has come under fire recently for his tough stance against Gateway which some in his party are viewing with alarm as giving in to the "hawks" in the Imperialist Party. But with timely intervention from the Blue Party, who are known as moderate conservatives he was able to maintain his leadership and his seat.

As a result of this vote, he has offered the leader of the Blue Party, Mr. Akihito Hiroshige the position of Commerce and Technology minister. Mr. Hiroshige has a doctorate from New Waseda University in economics and an extra Masters in Colonial Administration. He was a mid level manager for the Sakura Corporation, in their colonial products division. He has been the leader of the Blue Party for the last three years.

The more dovish members of the Prime Minister's party have been increasingly restive as military budgets have gone up, and they are also unhappy that Amaterasu has placed additional troops with the Occupation Force on Marduk. The Anti-colonialist Homeworld Party has also allied with the disgruntled members of the PM's party since they are vehemently against all colonial adventures which is a primary plank of their party.

But the Prime Minister remains popular with the voters of Amaterasu, and is expected to easily win in the next election which is due to be called in mid 2508. The PM has stated that he will be attending the meeting of heads of state on Ember station, and looks forward to "restoring the peaceful nature of the sector". The Prime Minister just celebrated his 111th birthday and the Emperor sent him a poem written by the Imperial hand, as well as a canister of fine tea leaves. The PM and the Emperor are on very good terms, and occasionally gather to play Go or Shogi at the Imperial palace.

 

[Murph]

294-2507 Gateway News Service- Ultima Thule

A terrorist attempt to sink a harvester ship was thwarted by the crew of the Silver Minnow. The crew found three explosive devices that had been attached to the hull of the ship, with the limpet mines having been placed by a group of terrorists who were killed in gunfire with Omega Tech security personnel in the port. The limpet mines were traced to a source on New Medina which is a front for a known arms dealer. The 20 kilo devices were magnetically attached to the hull under the water line, and would have caused severe damage to the ship if they had detonated.

The Terrorist group known as MGELFPoaNTaSRaW (The Mother Gaea Ecological Liberation Front for the Protection of all Natural Things and Some Rocks as Well) has claimed responsibility for this. They also said that they are well on the way to coming up with their new cool "terrorist name" which appears ready to go to their PR firm for testing on focus groups to determine the best cool name for the group since the current name just does not roll off the tongue.

 

[Murph]

298-2507 Gateway News Service- Sutekh

We are being told that the crew of the Silver Dawn have been suffering from what the doctors are now calling "Temporal Adjustment Syndrome" with the crew having a very difficult time in coming to grips with the reality of waking up roughly 300 years in the future. Doctors tell us that psychiatrists are on hand 24/7 due to the nature of the problems the crew is enduring since nothing is the same, nothing seems real to them.

Doctors are worried that some of the awakened crew members might perform self harm, or sink into a fugue state of unresponsiveness due to the shock of finding themselves essentially alone in the universe with only themselves as anchors to reality. Plus finding out that only 11 out of the crew survived was a terrible shock to them.

Medically we are being told that they are relatively healthy at this time, but again their condition is being monitored, and doctors are debating whether or not the crew is able to be taken to Sutekh where they can "breath fresh air", or if coming to a modern TL 11 world would cause additional problems for the crew.

 

[aramis]

Here are the worlds of the sector, I still cannot get the map to upload.

There's a size limit on individual uploads.

 

[whartung]

There's a size limit on individual uploads.

What is the limit?

 

[Murph]

Thanks , the map is 8.9 mb, so it is large.

 

[aramis]

What is the limit?

I'm not sure.