Villore - Amid increasing accusations and counter-accusations of impropriety, a coalition of Senators have begun publicly calling for the resignation of Mentas Blaque. Chief among these voices of dissent is Senator Julian Hevard. Hevard, whose chief aide was arrested on suspicion of espionage, was frank in his condemnation of Blaque's policies. "It is clear that Mentas Blaque is using his FIO position as a tool of personal power. It is wrong. It must be stopped." While Hevard's disagreement with [...]
Pator - Sanmatar Maleatu Shakor has declared that the upcoming tribal assembly is to be delayed until the end of the third quarter this year, rather than being held shortly after the middle of the year as originally planned, in order to "give our Nefantar and Starkmanir brothers and sisters more time to properly carry out the crucial task of selecting their tribal chiefs." Although it is a response to concerns expressed by Minmatar converts over the killing of Abel Jarek some days ago, and the [...]
Pator - Minmatar converts to the Amarrian faith have become increasingly vocal about their fears and grievances in the days since the murder of Abel Jarek, leader of the Salvation Crusade, by unknown attackers in the religious township he established near ancestral Krusual lands on Matar. Following the killing, the Minmatar Republic has promised a swift investigation and asserted that "those responsible for the murder of Abel Jarek will be brought to justice." However, sources within law enforcement [...]
Seyllin, Essence - Few will forget the day of devastation in which countless lives were lost on Seyllin I. Yet while many still grieve the victims, there are those who work tirelessly to ensure that the loss of life need not be in vain. The Synenose Accord [SYNE], a group of capsuleers from all races and backgrounds, is working to uncover the mysteries surrounding the wormholes and their deadly inhabitants while assessing their threat to humanity. Through the course of the conference, however, it [...]
Villore - Senator Chermoul has addressed the press regarding the recent turmoil within the Defense Committee, and announced a formal withdrawal of his petition. In the days since several committee members called for the removal of chairman Vance Opheron, no less than fourteen senators and local governors have formally withdrawn their support for the petition. Less than an hour ago the Defense Committee held a vote on the position of Senator Opheron, which passed with a majority wishing him to remain [...]
Pator - Abel Jarek, the leader of the Salvation Crusade, a movement of former slaves preaching the Amarrian faith, died yesterday during an attack by masked vigilantes in the township he founded for his followers in the Tronhadar Valley region of Matar. The news spread quickly among the scattered Salvation Crusade communities, inducing shock and disbelief among their number. While some considered Jarek to be overly evangelistic in his approach, other Minmatar converts to the Amarr faith expressed deep [...]
Aydoteaux - Early this morning, members of the Federal Intelligence Office's Special Department of Internal Investigations (also known as the Black Eagles) took Weilard Guillaud into custody pending charges of espionage. Guillaud, who served as Chief of Staff to Senator Julian Hevard, was apprehended at his home, though FIO personnel conducted a simultaneous raid of his offices at Hevard's campaign headquarters. Guillaud stands accused of having used his unrestricted access to Senator Hevard's office [...]
Mani - Holder Urist Satri surprised many today by announcing he would be permanently leaving his family's ancestral holdings and moving to the Ammatar Mandate. "I cannot live in a place where I am surrounded by those who so offend my sensibilities," Lord Satri said. "It has become apparent to me that my neighbors are not interested in the moral prosperity of the Empire. They are interested only in making things easier and more convenient for themselves. It is a sad state of affairs. I have long tried [...]
Villore - Three senators from the Defense Committee have put a motion before the Military Oversight department this morning calling for the replacement of Committee chairman Vance Opheron. Following recent rumors of discord within the Committee, currently conducting a review of the Federal Defense Union's administration, the senators demand that Senator Vance Opheron be replaced due to 'incompetence' and claim he has displayed a 'lackadaisical attitude to the defensive state of the Gallente [...]
Khanid Prime - The Khanid Bookstore has declared a record 3.6 billion ISK turnover for the month of May. The figure came after the venture had achieved a 1.2 billion ISK turnover in April. The Bookseller is a retired industrialist who established the Khanid Bookstore in order to bring skillbooks to the residents of the Khanid Kingdom who lack easy access to educational facilities in the region. The venture, which has now run for more than one year, imports a wide selection of skillbooks from Tash [...]
Ishukone has announced that it will be selling transcranial microcontrollers to interested Holders at "bulk rates". "Ishukone is opening its arms to the Empire with this unprecedented offer," read the press release from the megacorp. "With the recent debate in the Empire, knowledge and acceptance of Transcranial Microcontrollers will only grow. By offering to keep prices low and affordable, many holders may now benefit from their numerous applications as a method of workforce control." The press [...]
Villore - Emotions ran high today as the Gallente Senate debated a bill which would have major implications for the Federation's defense communications network. At issue was the bill's plan to undertake a massive upgrade of the physical infrastructure, encryption protocols, and anti-tamper safeguards underpinning all secure defense-related communications. The plan is the result of a recent study undertaken by the Federal Intelligence Office's Special Department of Internal Investigations to assess [...]
Villore - Controversy over the review into the Federal Defense Union administration emerged today at an open senate session in Villore, where topics included the Defense Committee's review and the Federal Navy liaison office's parallel investigation. Various senators found the Federal Navy involvement in the review 'highly inappropriate' branding it as a step towards military oversight of civilian government operations. Other political blocs in the senate, including Senator Chermoul himself, argued [...]
Villore - Speaking outside the office of the Senate's Defense Committee, Federation Navy Captain Jaxon Harner issued a statement regarding the Navy's forthcoming involvement in the militia review. As the appointed Navy liaison to the Senate's Military Oversight department, Captain Harner had reportedly met with the Defense Committee, as well as Senator Chermoul previously, to assess potential Federation Navy participation in the ongoing review. "From what I have seen thus far," stated Captain Harner, [...]
Avair - The Theology Council has decided against hearing and ruling on the transcranial microcontroller controversy. The Council released a short statement explaining the ruling. "The issue of slave control is one left up to a Holder and his slave drivers. It is not the position of the Theology Council to step in and mandate what methods are and are not acceptable. A broad, sweeping declaration on the issue would ignore the many unique issues involved in owning and caring for slaves. There are times [...]
Many of the more powerful Holders in conservative areas of the Empire have begun banning the use of transcranial microcontrollers by subservient Holders. Lord Tapur, the Holder of Dakba, stated that the move was a mere formality. "None of the lesser Holders under my charge would think of using them. But a statement needed to be made and I have made it. We will not allow change for change's sake to poison the moral fiber of the Empire and allow us to drift down a dangerous pathway toward corruption. We [...]
The reignited debate over Transcranial Microcontrollers has proven to be a divisive one in the Empire, with camps divided over the chip's acceptability as a slave control tool. Many oppose them completely, while many others believe they are the way of the future. Middle ground is difficult to find, with only a few moderate voices chiming in. One of the most vocal critics was Lord Tarpur of Dakba. "The issue may seem minor, but it is endemic of the way more and more people are thinking. Slaves are [...]
Villore - In a prepared statement, Gallente Senator Pillius Ardanne announced today that he would be retiring from the assembly effective immediately. Citing reasons of "personal health," the statement has sent shockwaves through the Gallente political establishment. Though best known for his heated tirades at the podium, Ardanne was none the less a respected member of the Senate, holding several important committee positions thanks to his seniority and political connections. Chief among these was his [...]
Konora, Metropolis - A number of Konora officials, including Freedom Extension station administrator Korlo Seycha, have been arrested on charges ranging from corruption to collaboration with the enemy. Republic Fleet investigators believe the Konora food shortage crisis was engineered by a renegade splinter faction of Angels as a means to provide a plausible cover for their takeover of the system and potentially to cast themselves in the role of saviors. Administrator Seycha is suspected of a leading [...]
Mani - Holder Urist Satri has publicly charged his neighbor, Holder Loke Hatar, with heresy stemming from Lord Hatar's usage of transcranial microcontrollers on his slave population. Lord Satri made these comments during a public sermon conducted by the Holder regarding traditional values and the role of slaves in the Empire. Unlike Lord Hatar, whose heretical methods weakens the future of the Empire, we use only the traditional, Scripturally-approved methods of slave control," Lord Satri said amid [...]
Konora, Metropolis - After fierce fighting in Konora, first reports are that the breakaway Angels have been driven from the Konora system in disarray, with most of their ships destroyed by a combined Minmatar-Thukker fleet and renegade ground forces overwhelmed by Minmatar Republic shock troops. Thukker Tribe forces are confirmed to have been present at the engagement, with the allied fleet outnumbering the renegade Angels by at least two-to-one. Despite intelligence indicating a massed force of [...]
Konora, Metropolis - Dozens are feared dead in Konora, after pro-Republic protests on several industrial colonies were forcefully suppressed by the Angel forces laying claim to the system. Sanmatar Shakor's office has released a statement condemning the "acts of terror perpetrated by a small group of pirate malcontents" and pledging to restore peace and order to Konora "before the week is out." An Angel spokesman known only as Commander Origen claimed that "more food rioters attempted to breach the [...]
Villore - Senate Defense Committee head, Vance Opheron, has issued a preliminary report to the Senate's Military Oversight department. This follows an official petition last week by Senator Chermoul, calling for a full review of the Federal Defense Union's administration. Initial press releases regarding the report, though relatively low on detail at this time, indicate the first findings into the FDU's administration 'leave little to be concerned about.' Early probes into previous budget allocation, [...]
Konora, Metropolis - In what many have termed an unusual development, Angel Cartel forces - by some accounts actually members of a breakaway faction - have shipped large supplies of food to the Konora system and directly distributed them to the various mining and industrial colonies scattered across the system. The ground forces accompanying the food shipments have reportedly secured the colonies and a spokesman known as 'Commander Origen' has asserted control of the territories "on behalf of the [...]
New Caldari - **** The contentious Military Reforms Act first proposed by the Caldari Providence Directorate in April was passed by the Chief Executive Panel today. Despite strong objections by Hyasyoda, Nugoeihuvi and Sukuuvestaa, Ishukone and CBD sided with the patriot bloc's corporations in passing the measure, which will go into effect at the end of the month. Among the provisions of the act are unification of equipment specifications and clarification of overall chains of command, both of which [...]
Konora, Metropolis - An unusually prolonged shortage of food among industrial colony workers in the Konora system has led to weeks of unrest which yesterday escalated into deadly violence. When rumours circulated yesterday morning that large stockpiles were being held at Freedom Extension's orbital storage facility, a food riot ensued. The violence claimed two lives as corporate security fought to stop rioters from breaking into the station's storage bays. Similar violence at the Kaalakiota [...]
Villore - The Gallente Federation Senate's Defense Committee has been presented with a petition, signed by a large number of senators, calling for an urgent review of the Federal Defense Union's management. The committee, part of the Senate's larger military oversight structure, is charged with monitoring the competence and positioning of military assets dedicated to the defense of Gallente Federation territories. The signed petition received by them this morning was forwarded from the office of [...]
Pator - Senior figures within the Minmatar military establishment have dismissed recent developments in Amarr-Khanid relations as "changing very little" as far as the security of the Minmatar Republic is concerned. While a number of conciliatory moves have been made in recent months, the formal declaration of unity between the Amarr Empire and the Khanid Kingdom took New Eden's diplomatic community largely by surprise. In particular, Empress Jamyl I's decision to give Khanid II a seat in her Privy [...]
The Political Science Department at the University of Caille today released an official statement regarding the apparent thawing of relations between the Khanid Kingdom and the Amarr Empire, calling the development "a worrying development on the international scene." Relations between the Amarr Empire and the Gallente Federation have been strained since last June, when Amarr sided with the Caldari State after what Amarr reporters described as the "reclaiming of Caldari Prime." Tensions hit a fever [...]
New Caldari - Several Caldari leaders took time over the last week to express their opinions on the apparent reconciliation between King Khanid II and the Amarr throne. The overall tone of their comments was quite positive, though some voices on the CEP were cautious; insiders say that some members of the Wiyrkomi and Sukuuvestaa delegations are worried about the threat a renewed Amarr-Khanid state would pose to the interstellar balance of power. None of the State's corporate leaders expressed those [...]
New Caldari - Following the fall of the last Federation stronghold in contestable losec space two weeks ago, Caldari State Executor Tibus Heth issued a nationwide address commending the State Protectorate Militia for their "momentous achievement" and promised to award each pilot with the Distinguished Blade, a national medal of recognition from the Caldari State. Heth noted that their achievement marked "an inflection point in history" that "established the legacy of the capsuleer for time [...]
New Caldari - A military reform proposal submitted by the Caldari Providence Directorate in April appears to be getting new life as a result of Internal Security's attack on a civilian convoy in Uphallant last week. Nugoeihuvi had previously led opposition to the proposal, but the actions of their security arm have reportedly made CBD and Sukuuvestaa uncomfortable with supporting their longtime ally in this matter. Meanwhile, sources close to the Ishukone board are reporting that the patriot bloc is [...]
Amarr - In a stunning move, Empress Jamyl I has announced that the Khanid Kingdom has been granted a full seat on the Privy Council. The announcement came after days of meetings between the current members of the Privy Council in the Imperial city of Dam-Torsad. The entire Privy Council - including a returned Yonis Ardishapur - stood along with Jamyl I and Khanid II on the steps of the Imperial palace at Dam-Torsad as the Empress made the announcement. "Faithful of Amarr, it has been our pleasure to [...]
Amarr - Royal Heir Yonis Ardishapur abruptly departed the emergency meeting of the Privy Council early today. The meeting, which has stretched over several days, was convened after extended meetings between Empress Jamyl I and King Khanid II. In his place Lord Ardishapur left his nephew, Arim Ardishapur. According to an official statement by the Ardishapur Family, the Royal Heir left to attend to "vital matters inside his domains" that could not be delayed. The statement also declared that Arim [...]
Amarr - The five Royal Heirs of the Amarr Empire have been recalled to Amarr Prime for an emergency meeting of the Privy Council. The order comes after days of meetings between Empress Jamyl I and King Khanid II that have fueled rampant speculation throughout the cluster. All five Heirs have already arrived at Dam-Torsad to attend the meeting. Catiz Tash-Murkon was the first to arrive, followed shortly after by Merimeth Sarum, then Aritcio Kor-Azor and Uriam Kador, with Yonis Ardishapur arriving [...]
Amarr - In a historic first, Empress Jamyl I met with King Khanid II in the Imperial city of Dam-Torsad today. Flanked by Imperial Paladins, the Empress greeted Khanid II and welcomed him back to Amarr Prime. Mimicking what transpired several days ago on Tash-Murkon, the Empress swiftly retired to private council with Khanid II, where they have remained since. Once again, neither side has issued any comment about the meeting. The meeting between the two heads of state is historic for several reasons. [...]
Amarr - Following several days of closed door meetings with Lady Catiz Tash-Murkon, King Khanid II departed Tash-Murkon Prime along with the Khanid Royal 1st Fleet early this morning. The 1st Fleet immediately traveled the short distance to the Amarr system, where it proceeded to Amarr Prime. After roughly three hours of maintaining an orbit around the planet, several atmospheric transports were observed departing the flagship of King Khanid II and descending to the planet below. The transports landed [...]
Amarr - The Amarr College of Epistolary Societies has issued a report showing that there has been a substantial increase in 'voluntary conversions abroad' and particularly among Minmatar living in the Minmatar Republic. An umbrella organization covering a number of religious societies dedicated to spreading the Amarr faith by way of letters and written sermons - known formally as epistles - the College of Epistolary Societies recently encouraged its member societies to concentrate on writing to [...]
Villore - Reaction from federal senators to Mens Reppola's appointment as Ishukone CEO has been limited since its announcement, as the senior legislative body of the Gallente Federation continues to adjust to a re-energized Foiritan administration in the wake of last year's events. Taking evidence from analysts at the recent Foreign Relations Committee hearings, senators probing the background of the new Ishukone CEO were widely observed to word their questions on the topic in what many deemed [...]
Uphallant - A civilian shipping convoy was attacked and destroyed in the Uphallant system yesterday when a patrol fleet belonging to Internal Security, Nugoeihuvi's security arm, engaged the unarmed vessels after what Nugoeihuvi is calling a "miscommunication." At least 250 people are confirmed dead, with more than 600 passengers and crew missing. The civilian convoy, carrying machine parts, medicines, foodstuffs, and a number of passengers, was cleared to jump into Uphallant by Caldari authorities, [...]
Ostingele - The Pend Insurance corporation issued a press statement today warning investors of the firm's upcoming earnings report. The company, which has a successful track record as an insurer and investment brokerage, has recently suffered significant losses and writeoffs due to the continued successes of the Caldari Protectorate in the Essence, Placid, and Verge Vendor regions. The statement came on the heels of a press release issued by the Bank of Luminaire, a partner of Pend Insurance and one [...]
Pator - With Minmatar politicians and tribal leaders looking ahead to the upcoming tribal assembly, the news of Mens Reppola's appointment as the new CEO of Ishukone corporation was given a cautious welcome by most, including senior figures in the Minmatar military. Under the late Otro Gariushi, Ishukone was seen by Minmatar leaders as a progressive force within the Caldari State, despite a complicated, and at times murky, history of political and economic engagement between Ishukone corporation and [...]
Yulai - CONCORD authorities responsible for licensing and auditing the activities of station agents have agreed to issue an additional 23 licenses for highly-qualified agents, as a result of lobbying from the Association of Market and Contract Brokers (AMCB) and major empire corporations. The AMCB negotiators had pointed to a considerable increase in the demand for agents in a number of key hubs and lobbied very hard to relieve the pressures on the agents it represents, mainly Gallente and Minmatar [...]
Moments ago, the Khanid Royal 1st Fleet crossed into the Tash-Murkon Region of the Amarr Empire. The Fleet was immediately met by the Amarr Navy. The Amarr Navy ships took up escort positions around the Khanid 1st Fleet and the two fleets tandem warped away. Current reports have the two fleets traveling toward Tash-Murkon Prime. The presence of the Khanid 1st Fleet in Imperial space marks the first time Khanid warships have entered Imperial sovereign territory in centuries. Neither the Amarr Empire [...]
Malkalen - Following the appointment of Mens Reppola as Ishukone CEO, he has tapped Eborimi Shiskala to succeed him as Ishukone Watch CEO. Formerly the Watch's chief operating officer, Shiskala is another Navy veteran and a close friend of Reppola's, which has led most analysts to conclude that the Watch is not likely to make any major policy shifts under its new CEO. " Under Otro Gariushi, the Watch was used quite often as a tool to advance his agenda, both domestically and abroad," says Arjus [...]
Jita - A week into Mens Reppola's tenure as Ishukone CEO, analysts remain apprehensive about his plans for the company, even as its stock trends upward. While the appointment appears to have calmed investors' worst fears and saved the company from a devastating crash, Reppola's plans to focus on high-end research and development rather than bread-and-butter heavy industry have caused concern that the company could end up spending billions of ISK for potential return that may never come. The bigger [...]
Intaki - A month after State Protectorate forces established space superiority in the Intaki system, the situation on Intaki Prime itself continues to decline slowly, despite the best efforts of the Intaki government. While the protests commonly seen on the streets of Intaki cities during the occupation's first two weeks have largely abated, the population remains anxious over the possibility of a planetary invasion. So far, the planet has been spared food shortages like those experienced by many [...]
Malkalen - In a unanimous decision, the Ishukone board has voted to install Ishukone Watch CEO Mens Reppola as the company's new CEO. Natasha Ogemi, whose illness many thought might postpone the decision, evidently cast her vote from her hospital bed. Following the announcement, Reppola addressed the corporation on every Ishukone broadcast network, where he promised to "honor the legacy of Otro Gariushi." "Since the earliest days of the Caldari State, in the throes of our war of independence, Ishukone [...]
Malkalen - Mens Reppola, speaking from Ishukone Watch headquarters in Malkalen shortly after trading closed, announced that he is now the owner of five percent of Ishukone shares. "I have taken this step because I believe, like my friend Otro Gariushi did, in putting my money where my mouth is," he told reporters. "I have spent my entire personal fortune, leveraged every ounce of my credit to invest in Ishukone; our employees deserve leaders who are as invested in the success of the company as they [...]
Malkalen - The Ishukone board has called Ishukone Watch CEO Mens Reppola and Minedrill CEO Soisonen Okalala to meet with them at the megacorporation's headquarters, where they have sat in emergency session since yesterday. While some analysts believe this may be a precursor to a CEO announcement, many suggest this is a sign of desperation as well as an indication the board may be attempting to broker some sort of compromise. Meanwhile, a surge of buying at the opening of the markets helped buoy the [...]