USD unviles new defense system.

Acriborea,

After almost a month of no activity regarding the Q-Bomb debate, the USD has now unviled its new defense weapon that was put into development shortly after the United Terran Federation had demonstrated the power of their new Q-Bomb Superweapon. The new weapon with the codename "Hyperfire" seems to be the result of said development. The weapon, a 60cm gauss cannon that is able to fire projectiles with almost 35.000 meters per second with a range ranging between 2500 km to almost 10.000 km has recently been tested on various sattelites and spaceships with devasting results.



The plan is to install similar cannons on orbital platforms to protect planets from surprise attacks. It is augured that the cannon will make it hard for anyone to approach planets unseen and its great range makes it hard for any attacker to launch weapons like the Q-Bomb, due to its limit range.



Where the weapon was test fired and its its other specs are currently unknown and the military only released these 2 photos of the weapon and avoids any official statement.

We will of course keep our readers informed about any new development regarding this.

Q-Bomb Controversy: Did the UTF test its new weapon?

Did the United Terran Federation test its new weapon, the Q-Bomb? This is the question everyone is asking after images made by the Galileo Observation Probe where released yesterday. The image taken in the Gamma Quadrant, shows the destruction of a planet know as OM-1, that was located near UTF controlled territory.



The image shows the destruction of OM-1 and its moons by a large explosion, "something that only the Q-Bomb could achieve" as experts say. So far the event is still investigated and no official comment was made by any side.

This events overshadows the passing of the new defense bill by the congress that allows the Military of the USD to develop a defensive capability against the new superweapon. The bill, that gives gives the Military 1.2 Billion Credits additional funds had been debated hotly in the past weeks with the opposition voicing their concern about a out of control military as a result of overspending.

with the passing of the bill, the Military researchers started almost immediately their work to find a solution to the problem that is The Q-Bomb.

Al Raqis: 15 people die from terrosit missle attack at splintered Rock.

Splintered rock, Al Raqis,

yesterday, a civilian transport carrying nuns and orphans to their new frontier home in the Pollux system, was shot down by a Anti-Aircraft missile that was launched from a hidden Missile site. The Space bug 101 was experiencing engine problems and requested an emergency landing on Splintered rock.When they entered the atmosphere they were met with surface to air missiles from Khayal Alramady.

A terrorist group calling themselves "Maruders" confessed the attack with the word: ""We will smite the invaders from our skies. There will be more in the days to come. We are here. We will not be ignored. We will win. We are the Marauders. Expect us."

This marks a new twist in the conflict between the Fremen and the Imperium and is the first attack of this kind where innocent civilians where killed.

A official statement of the Al Raqian authorities is eagerly awaited by everyone.

Congress meeting postponed after turmoil.

Nauri Prime

In the recent days, one Congress meeting hunted the next, after the United Terran Federation unveiled its new Superweapon. Yesterday marked the first time in the History of the Directorate that a Congress meeting had to be postponed due to turmoil. The new Defense Bill, that the High Council presented to the Congress, had been heavily debated the last couple of days, while heated, it never reached yesterdays level of intensity, when Congressman Jim Nakamura from the United Power League called the everyone that is against this bill "spineless, headless, pinko-hippy bunch of cowardly traitors."

Members of several parties, among them the PPC (Party of Progressive citizens), Traders Union, The Progressive Federalists among others who had stated that the bill would give the military too much power, started shouting back at Nakamura. Others left the meeting altogether, making it impossible to go on with the meeting. One Congressman, Trent Easton from the Centerpoint Party, approached Nakamura while on the podium and started an argument with him, wildly gesturing, to retract and apologize for what he said.

The turmoil reached its height, when members of both parties ran to the podium, wildly arguing with each other. While it did not came to physical attacks, the security had to separate the group and escort them outside.

"I am a membe of this Congress for 30 years and I have never seen anything like this. We all reperent the people of this Nation and we should know better then to throw child like fits at each other." said Kreg Corilla from the Union for Advancement.

The next meeting will be held on Monday.

Offical statement of the USD High Council about the New Superweapon of the UTF.

Acriborea,

yesterday the High Council released and official statement regarding the development of the Q-bomb by the UTF. In this statement, it was made clear that the United Systems directorate would not stand idly by and will take measures to ensure the security of its citizens.

"This new Superweapon is a threat for every nation in the galaxy and will further destabilize the balance of power to the favor of the Terran Federation. We are concerned about the peace and safety of our Nation and its citizens. We have taken steps now, to ensure this safety. A new defense bill will be presented to congress that allows the military to develop counter measures against this new threat. We want to emphasis that we are, at this point in time, are not interested in building our own Q-Bomb. We see no reason why our nation should posses such a weapon and we want to make it clear that other nations should also not see any need for the development of such a terrifying weapon.

We are still willing to extant a hand as a gesture of peace towards the UTF and want to invite the UTF leaders for a summit to deescalate the current situation. This invite also stands for the representatives of the Hegemony and any other nation that feels threated by this new concerning development.

We will overcome this crisis, like we have overcome so many in the past. We are certain that there is a way to solve this crisis for the good of all of us."

At this poitn, no answer of any nation was given but are eagerly awaited by the USD. The new defense bill is now in the hands of the congress and voting on it will begin shortly. Experts say that the majority will vote for this bill, so the development of a new defense device against the Q-Bomb can start right away.

Meanwhile, thousands of people have gathered at the Embassy district to demonstrate for peace in front of the UTF and Hegemony Embassies. The protest is peacefully and so far everything has been quite.

Right now, everyone is holding its breath, concerned of what will happen next.

United Terran Federation develops new terrifying weapon.

Bludhaven, New Terra,

In a stunning public revelation, the United Terran Federation (UTF) unveiled its new weapon system, called "The Q-Bomb" a Quantum accelerator weapon that makes it possible to unleash great amounts of destructive energy at once. The weapon is to be rumored to be able to destroy complete planets.



Should that be correct, then this would be the most destructive weapon that has ever been build. A UTF spokesman said that this new weapon was build for deterrence only. Critics say that this weapon could shift the power in the galaxy gradually and may create another arms race to build equal or even more powerful weapons.

"I am very concerned about this, we always feared that at some point mankind would be able to build a weapon that can destroy whole planets at once." said Brian Wilkis, head of the political research group at the Sagan Institute. "If this weapon falls into wrong hands it could be devastating."

Military experts are worried as well "In the past, the only thing you could do was use orbital nuclear strikes to wipe out all life on a planet, now you can completely obliterate the planet and blow it into fragments, you could easily smash a gap into any defensive measures if you simply blow up the planet the forces are on. There are not many ways to protect yourself against an attack with a weapon like this." said Major General William Xavier, current chief of the Planetary Defense Force.

Even within the UTF, the weapon is controversial discussed, even if propaganda is brushing it away as usual as this News Footage shows:



If the weapon was tested yet, is currently unknown, as much as it is unknown how many Q-bombs exist and how many of these weapons will be produced and deployed. "We can only hope that this insanity can be stopped, before we destroy ourselves" says Vicki Lance, a peace activist wanting a ban on all Weapons of Mass Destruction and a gradual reduction of the militaries of all factions involved.

The Ekaterinian Hegemony has already accounted, that it will develop its own weapons like the q-bomb and that it will not tolerate any interference in this goal. A expansion of the fleet was also accounted as well as increasing the intake of conscripts, reinforcing the fears for a arms race that might lead to a clash between any of the factions involved.



At this moment, there is no official statement from the High Council about this matter but it its awaited eagerly by all.

The United Systems Directorate wants you!

Like any great nation, we need people that help protect it, build and support it. That means we need you, as researchers, miners, engineers and soldiers of the United Systems Directorate. Join us and help expand our great nation, help to keep peace and freedom for everyone and help us to make live better for each one of us.

We need:

Trader/Spacer: The group for everyone who wants to conduct commerce and wants to transport goods from one point to another.

Prospector: The Prospector looks for minerals and resources and is also responsible for mining them or overseeing others mine it.

Engineers: Building better worlds and a better life for everyone. So work hard, work smart, your future and the future of your fellow citizens depends on you.

USD Scientist: Explore the vast universe, help research new tech and expand the horizon of knowledge.

USD Diplomat: The official representative of the USD are in this group, a very powerful and prestige role to have.

USD Military: Soldiers, Marines, Pilots, Medics, we need you, help us fight for freedom and peace.

For more information, please contact Delta Sweetwater or Darkwolf Randt (In world)

Join today.

Murder on Al Raqis.

Al Raqis Raconteur

AL RAQIS KEEP, Al Raqis - Mr. Kamm, CEO of Imperial Logistics Corporation, was murdered last night at the Magistrate's Keep during a cocktail party. Magistrate Al Jofar summoned investigator Nephyxtemet Ceriaptrix, who quickly determined the identity of the murderer.

Reiko Soyinka, Lady of House Morloch, stands accused of murder. She walked away from custody, assisted by her paxman and a squad of Morloch guards.

New information indicates that Mr. Kamm may have had some connection to an outsystem pirate and smuggling cartel.

Political Issues Create Al Raqis Shipment Delays

Al Raqis Raconteur

HIGHPORT - Upset local business people gathered at the House Kira manor, complaining about recent shipping delays.

"We have contracts that stipulate schedules, and these are not being met." said one angry owner.

Allie Reiland, representing House Kira, assured that ships were coming in, "But, the unstable political situation in Al Raqis' system makes many nervous. Ships are taking more precautions, causing these delays."

Many question these remarks but others speculate House Veles may be the source of the concerns.

Scientist: Al Raqis Not Always Dry

CNS news services reports:

AL RAQIS - In a controversial report, offworld scientists working near Al Raqis City report that Al Raqis was not always a desert world.

"There is more water locked into local rock strata, as much as 100 times more, than fits our models for a planet that was 'once a desert, always a a desert.'" says senior scientist.

Other scientists disagree, "That report is sham science backed by no data. I expect we'll find core sample contamination skewed results."

With the report, amateur 'water prospecting' has increased.

Splintered Rock Bar "Waters End" Attacked by giant insect. Are Arachnids a danger for mankind?

Splintered Rock, Al Raqis.

on Thusday the Waters End Bar was the location of a frightening insect attack. Reports say that a at least 8ft tall spiked insect came though a vent and attacked the people inside the bar, wounding the constable, resulting in a chaos and injuries by misguided gun and laser fire. The attack occurred during the evening when lots of people where visiting the bar.

During the attack, USD personal was at the bar, among this personnel was Lt.Col.John Collins, the local Commander of the USD outpost on AL Raqis. He was unavailable to be interviewed about the event, we will try to get a full interview with him as soon as possible.

The Insect escaped the scene after attacking the Constable, being chased away by laser fire, its whereabouts are unknown.

All people wounded during the attack are already out of the hospital there are currently no follow up reports regarding the insect. Eyewitness reports speak of a 8ft spiked insect that resembles a Thrull Drone.

There had been an encounter with this insect several weeks ago, where Doctor Thomas Issac shoot those 2 images of the creature:



It is not certain what kind of species that insect belongs to, but the danger it represents seems to be clear. This is only one of many of Thrull or Arachnid related incidents that have been recorded in the USD sectors as well as outside of it. The big question that everyone is asking now: are those giant insects a danger for mankind?

Dr. Freeman, expert for exobiology: "Both Thrulls and Arachnids are no danger for us, we should just need to be aware that we share this galaxy with other species as well. That means that we have to be careful with our expansion so that we do not intrude in already colonized space"

Not everyone shares that view like in the case of Professor William Holden: "These insects are incredible well adapted to live even in the harshest of environments, they can very well spread over large areas of space and be a real threat for colonists. We are still not sure how the Arachnids do it, but we think they send out Spore balls that can reach far away planets. Just imaging if such a spore ball lands on a planet like Nauri Prime, it would be devastating!"

Indeed the numerical advantage these insects have is often one of the main concerns and fears of the USD Citizens throughout the outer arm.

Images of a so called "Warrior Bug":


How high would the chances of an attack on the core worlds? "The chances for that are very, very slim" says General Case, Commander of all Core Forces. "We have an array of satellites, monitoring stations and regular patrols as well as orbital defense systems that would make it hard for any kind of Spore Ball to reach any of the core planets. Even most planets of the border have defense installations that would prevent a sudden attack"

Indeed, the orbital defense systems where improved after the recent Kaefer war and would make it nearly impossible to mount a sudden attack, but what if the creatures are already on the planet, how would our combat troops preform?

Images of a Standard USD Soldier:


"We have dealt with giant insects before and we can handle them very well. Not only do we have regular light infantry, we also have power armor and tanks and we can even call in air-strikes and other heavy stuff" says Major James Grimmon, 5th Battalion, 6th Infantry.

"Its nothing we have not done before, we go in, find the Hive and either use gas or napalm to destroy it. Flamethrowers also work wonders. We learned a lot from fighting the Plasmides on Hope. Our Power Armor makes short process of any type of bug. I remember that on Echon 5 we encountered Arachnids, we where outnumbered 5:1 but that was not really a problem. We had Tanks, rocket launchers, flamethrowers, pulse rifles, lasers and importantly, Power Armor armed with miniguns. Together with the air support we had no problems taking them out. After a 2 hour firefight we had killed most of the bugs and we only had 2 casualties." says the Major.

Close up of the Infantry Power Armor


So, clearly, the fears of a sudden Thrull or Arachnid invasion are unfounded. There is no real threat coming for these giant insects and we should try to understand them and only in rare cases we should make use of our superior weapons technology. Mankind will not be extinct anytime soon.

Research log, Doctor Thomas Issac, Cliffworm encounter

"Personal log of Doctor Thomas Issac, June 10th. I was called to the landing pad today to examining some sort of creature. It appears to be some sort of Sandworm. It has a large head with a maw that has sharp tooths. 2 more large tooths are attached to its side. The body appears to be mostly head, ending in a long tail like longer body. The skin is thick and brown. It seems to be able to eat flesh, which is odd for a regular sandworm. This is either a sub species or something completely new and different"

"The creature has no eyes, it seems to rely on vibration detection. There is also no nose present. "



"After scanning the worm, it seems that its internal structure is made of a exo-skeleton and the worm typical organs. It backed up when I started scanning which leads me to believe that the frequencies of the Tricoder influenced the worm, it seemed not to like the scan at all. We need to remodulate our scanners to have a lower frequency so we do not disturb the worms during the scanning process. I also got a DNA sample which I will put under a microscope very soon. I have to note that this is a very fascinating encounter"

Addendum: I recently could identify this species of Worm as a Cliff Worm. They where commone in the more rocky areas of Al Raqis but have not been seen since quite some time, so locals told me. It seems that people hunted them because of the threat these worms seem to be when spice mining. They also are supposedly venomous, if that is correct then these creatures do pose a threat to people venturing into the desert. I will continue my research in this matter and will report my findings.

Doctor Thomas Issac, lead scientist, Al Raqis

Cortex News: Hale's Moon Put Under Martial Law

CNS news services

HALE'S MOON - The UAP has declared martial law on Hale's Moon after the latest trouble to hit the riot and asteroid struck moon.

The crisis for the moon increased yesterday when transports approaching the spaceport were attacked. Three ships were heavily damaged but managed to land without injuries, though the fire of the Moonshel-registered Little Clarity did explode after landing, requiring emergency services to put out a rapidly spreading fire near the main hanger. A fourth ship was so badly damaged it crashed in the badlands beyond the town with all hands lost.

Colonel Silvermane of the IAV Abraham Sinkov declared martial law after arriving on Hale's moon after the latest problems.

Hale's Deputy Mayor Gennie Foxtrot, speaking for the colony while Mayor Seana Kawanishi was off world, said the arrival of the military came as a shock to the local populace, but that the people did appreciate the arrival of food and medicine. Both had been cut off because civilian ships were blocked from crossing the now treacherous airspace to the port.

As for the chance of it affecting the moon's relationship with the UAP military, Foxtrot said "Could if they start acting uppity with us. They've been civil a while now, so I'm hoping they don't change their ways."

Kawanishi has been told of events on the moon, Foxtrot said.

No word as of yet as to when martial law will be lifted or on the cause of problems on the rim world.

For more News from the UAP controlled space visit: http://www.cortexnewsservice.com/

Trail against the "Conspiracy of the 20" starts.

Acriborea,

Today the Trail against the 20 conspirators begins, that tried to start a war and get the USD invovled in it as a set up to shake the foundation that our goverment is based on. In the recent statment of the Department of Justice, the goals of Rayback and his followers where much bigger then just that. It seemed that they even planned to overthrow the High council and even the Chief Directorate himself. 

The other 19 people read like a who is who in politics and the industry. It appears that the tentacles of this group reached into the highest ranks. On trail are people like Calvin Wax, special  advisitor to the Prime Director; Colonel Seymour MacCall, member of the SPADS, Senator Clayton Willard the list goes on. 

due to the nature of the trail, the place where it is conducted is conducted at a still secret location. Informations will be first released when the court is in session. No public is allowed and only a selected few observes are allowed. Wherever that trail takes place, the security must be at a all time high, due to fear of retribution and attacks.

As soon as new informations are available, we will post them here.  

Spice refinery Destroyed by Explosions

Splintered rock, Al Raqis,

Yesterday evening, a series of huge explosions destroyed the Spice refinery at Splintered rock. Reasons for what happened are currently unknown. Eye witnesses say that several explosions went off and continued for at least 15 mins. Current reports state that no one was injured during the explosions. 

The Cause of all this is currently under investigation. 

USD Forces on the planet are now put on high alert. 

USM introduces new Prometheus Class ship to the fleet.

The United Systems Military, Devision Space Forces is proud to announce the introduction of the Prometheus class heavy dreadnought into the service of the Space Fleet. The ship will increase the capabilities of the Fleet drastically, delivering a firepower that is currently unmatched. 

Despite the heavy armor and armaments, the ship also possesses a large hangar bay that can house fighters, bombers and dropships or several 100 tons of equipment, barracks, armory, as well as a science lab and hydroponics that make this ship more then just a super heavy dreadnought. 

Fleet Admiral Taggart: "With the Prometheus, we have a ship that can be used for virtually everything for space exploration, to escort missions to all out planetary invasions, this ship can is up for every such task." 

How many of these ships will be issued to the Fleet is currently secret. It is estimated that not more then 4 of those ships can currently be introduced and operated due to the cost. Still, this ships adds a new aspect to the fleet and it will certainly pay off with more security for our homes. 

Director and Head of JN Corp arrested.

Acriborea. 

Officials of the CI5 reported today that the director and Head of the JN Corporation, Jonathan Rayback was arrested today on charges of illegal arms trafficking, funding of a terrorist organization, conspiracy against the state, illegal waste disposal and corruption. The arrest followed after a 2 year long investigation by the CI5 and local police authorities in which a network of 20 people was uncovered that where engaged in various illegal activities. "We crushed a powerful Syndicate today that has put the lives of many people in danger." said Major Heideger, director of the CI5. 

Jonathan Rayback

Rayback became head of the JN Corp. 10 years ago and quickly rose to one of the financial successful companies in the USD controlled Sector. JN Corp is the head company of one of the most powerful Consortium's in this sector, having companies like Militech, Cybertech and others under its umbrella. 

Rayback´s arrest is only part of a coordinated strike, with him at least 25 other people where arrested, among them several close associates of him.  

"We have collected enough evidence against them to jail them for a long time. They planned to destabilize this whole sector so they could benefit from the arms sales. They even planned to trigger revolts on planets far away from our space so our forces would have been busy fighting wars aboard." said District Attorney Jennifer Paxton.

Apparently the tentacles of this Consortium reached as far as the planet Al Raqis and it seems that the shuttle crash last week might be connected to this case. The next weeks and moths will shed more light into this mystery and hopefully this swamp of corruption and crime can be dried up very fast.  

Grack Braff,

GGN News. 

Update on Researchlog.

From Doctor Thomas Isaac

Recent investigations into the structures of the Sandworms have revealed that the Worms do not posses a bone structure as seen in the cut-away drawing that was included in the research log. After speaking with a local inhabitant of Al Raqis, I was told that the Worms posses a exoskeleton. 

If that assessment is correct then it creates a row of new questions that have to be investigated. The cutaway drawing also has to be corrected to from the error.

Singed

Doctor Thomas Isaac, project Lead. 

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Research log, May 5

Speices: Shai-Hulud Gigantus wormus (Common term: Al Raqian Sandworm)

The Sandworm is a native life-form of the planet AL Raqis. It lives in the vast deserts and sand dunes that stretched across the surface of the planet.

Sandworms live beneath the sand. Attracted to rhythmic vibrations on the surface, they will breach in pursuit of the origin of such vibrations. This is an effort to defend their territory, of which they are highly protective. Thus to see a worm, and live to tell about it, is extremely rare, save for the mysterious fremen, who have achieved some kind of mastery over the beast.

Size

By anyone's standards, Sandworms could grow to an enormous size. The size ranges from around 30m and is rumoured to go as far as 2km. The average size of a worm is around 450 meter. 

Age

Due to the difficulty of studying these creatures, not much is originally known about the wild Sandworms. The longevity of the Sandworm is supposedly extreme, estimated in the thousands of years. We still have to study the subject of age. The only ones who really can tell us about the age of the worms are the Fremen.

Appearance

Their skin is thick, rough, and orange colored. It serves the simple function of armor and seems to be comprised of many scales, each a few feet in size. These scales overlapped and interlocked to form the armor that protected it against internal sand invasion.

Sandworms are animals similar in appearance to colossal terrestrial annelids and in other ways to the sea lamprey. They are cylindrical creatures with no significant appendages, equipped with a fearsome array of crystalline teeth, used primarily for rasping rocks and sand, and more than capable of eating anything imaginable.

Image of a Sandworm:

 

This is the theoretical internal view of the Worm. We still have to research into it and expand out knowledge of the Sandworm, but we manage to collect a lot of data already. Still, we can not confirm a connection between the Sandworms and the Spice at this date.

Lightning

The approach of a sandworm towards its breach-point is often indicated by the dry lightning that frequently occurres in the area; a result of static electricity being discharged into positively-charged air.

We have registered a lot of changes in th EM fields which we are sure are created by the Worms. We have to investigate it further so we can actually create a warning system that let us know in advanced where a worm will show up.

Diet

The main component of the Sandworm's diet seems to be sand, and other inorganic and dry components of the Al Raqian crust. We also think they sifted the sand-plankton for nourishment.

Birth

We are currently not sure hoe the procedure of conception and birth is happening with the Wroms, we have to investigate this problem further.

Cultural Impact of the Sandworm

To the planet's Fremen population, the creature is a spiritual symbol of their faith and see them as physical embodiments of the One God of their original Zensunni religion. Within Fremen culture the Sandworm has several additional names, notably The Maker and Shai-Hulud, which variously mean Old Man of the Desert, Old Father Eternity, or Grandfather of the Desert

Young Sandworms seem to be used by the Fremen for special ceremonies. Inducting a new Sayyadinas or reverend mothers is a prime example of the Sandworms essential cultural role.

We still have to learn a lot about these creatures and how they are tied into the network of life here on Al Raqis. Further investigation is necessary to uncover all the mysteries and secrets this creature surrounds.

The history of the United Systems Directorate.

The United Systems Directorate (USD) is a unification of several star systems in the Aurora out arm, with a federal government style system which is located at Naruni Prime. The ruling bodies are the High Council and the Senate who compose the main ruling body for the separate sector administrations. The high council is compromised of 25 members, each member representing a Sector Administration. The High council is lead by a Prime Director/Prime Minister who is elected by the senate. The Senate is composed of 400 members of different parties and star systems that are elected by the people.

Each Sector of the USD has a Sector Administration that gets its directions from the High Council and the senate and is run more like a Company then a Federal Government. The Administrations take care of all important aspects like rules and regulations, law enforcement and make up the local authority of the USD.

The Senate holds election every 4 years, where the party with the highest percentage votes then proceeds to form the new High Council. The Prime Director/Prime minister is then voted in by the senate.

Over the recent years, the USD became rather powerful, managing to expand its territory and to integrate many alien species into its society without major problems.

The USD has a giant economic potential and several large and small private owned corporations form the backbone of the very powerful industry, ranging from mining operations to the constructions of spaceships and other high-tech goods.

History

In 252 BSD (Before United Systems)  the first colony was established in the Aurora Arm on a planet called TX-774 that would be later known as Acriborea, located in the Ruivivar System. The M class planet was first discovered by the UMS Autigra in 275 BSD and was considered for colonization. TX-774 had earth like atmosphere and similar gravitation (1,1 G) and orbited a sun together with 16 other planets. The atmosphere supported a vast majority of different live forms, especially large insects and reptiles, but no intelligent live was found.

Acriborea is mostly composed of lush woods with some desert areas around the equator and polar caps at its north and south poles. 

The first humans to arrive this planet were prospectors of the Interstellar Mining Corporation who quickly discovered many different minerals that would play an important role in the future of the planet. The IMC was owned by a man named Richard Morrow that had made a fortune with several mining operations through the human controlled space. In 245 BSD, the IMC build a large Mining facility on the planet. Morrow himself lead the construction of the facility and during that time it is said, that he saw the potential of Acriborea and decided that this planet should become a major colony for future operations of the ICM in the whole sector of space.
Morrow approached the expert in space colonization at the time, Prof. Dr. Michelle Andrews, who worked at the UEC (United Earth Colonies) Colony administration and already had experience in several colonization efforts.

Together they worked out a plan for the colonization of the whole system. The plan had a timeframe of 50 years and would include the setup of several colonies on Acriborea, its moons and the construction of a large spaceport that would support large spaceships that would be necessary to bring the settlers to its destination. Morrow, unsure if the UEC would accept this plan, invested money in the construction of several large colony ships that would bring material and settlers to the planet to build the necessary infrastructure needed to support major colonization efforts.

In 230 BSD the colony got visited by a race known as the Nominos. The Insectoid Alien race became aware of the human presence after several ships human ships had entered their space. The Nominos where very suspicious about the human activity and feared that the humans would take over their space and even take their sovereignty. It took some negotiations till both sides found an agreement that would suit both parties.

Meanwhile several other colony ships had arrived in the sector, starting the colonization of the neighbouring systems. These ships were sent by the powerful Wyland Yutani Corporation that shared similar goals then the IMC. Morrow approached Wyland Yutani and they worked out an mutual cooperation contract that would help all sides to reach their goals.

In 205 BSD the first colony ships arrived at Acriborea, speeding up the growth process of the colony that now was no longer a simple mining facility but a large city. Several other cities where constructed around the planet and the construction of the spaceport began.

The UEC finally approved the plans of Morrow and Dr. Andrews, but the UEC had different goals then simply colonizing several star systems. The brutal and oppressive nature of the UEC had lead to internal conflicts and thousand, if not millions of people that had opposing views had been sent into prisons. Several rouge colonies had been under lockdown and the civil unrest grew larger. To solve this problem, the UEC decided to simply load those 12 Million Political Prisoners and radicals into large ships and fly them to the far away Aurora Outer Arm to get rid of them once and for all.

Morrow, now Magistrate of the growing and blooming colony, was not informed of this plans and was surprised to hear that the UEC was sending 12 Million people to Acriborea. Wyland Yutani was also taken by surprise and both companies started working together to build the much needed infrastructure that would allow these 12 Million people to live.

The irrational behaviour of the UEC was answered by the 2 companies to form a Alliance, the Alliance of the Outer Colonies (AOC), voting for independence of the colonies. These efforts lead to an open conflict with the UEC military units that were stationed in the sector.

Trying to get the rouge colonies back in line, the UEC Marines tried to size the company HQs and the Magistrate buildings on Acriborea, Naruni Prime and Yaron 2. On Acriborea, the Marines were successful in sizing the Magistrate office, but could not size the IMC building, on Naruni Prime both goals were accomplished, while on Yaron 2 both buildings stayed in the hands of the AOC. Morrow, managed to flee, but was killed later as a Marine Patrol spotted his Aerodyne and shot it down with automatic weapons fire. The news of Morrows death spread like a wildfire and angered the local population.

The local Marine garrison was attacked by an angry mob of people, killing several Marines and wounding many others. Hundreds of protesters were shot, escalating the whole situation even more. With reinforcements weeks even months away, the local UEC commander decided it was better to evacuate all troops on the surface and wait for reinforcements.

The AOC did not posses any combat ready ships at the time and it would have been easy to launch an orbital strike on the rouge colonies. That should never happen. On the 3 April 195 BSD the UCE Flagship for this sector, the Horizon was struck by a large explosion, damaging the ship heavily. A large freighter, loaded with explosive material had hit the ships rear, exploding on impact. This event came by surprise and it was not the last attack on the UEC ships.

Admiral Garrison, Commander of the UEC troops in this sector, evaluated the situation and came to the conclusion that it would be saver to retreat and come back in force. On 10 April 195 BSD, all ships that were still intact departed from the sector. They never came back.

The leadership of the UEC had changed in a bloody coupe d’état and the new leadership was no longer interested in the Aurora outer Arm and its systems.

With the arrival on the 12 Million new settlers, in 195 BSD, the situation between the humans and the Nominos became worse. The Aliens now feared that the people of Acriborea, who had now control of 5 star systems already, would use this new manpower to start a war and take the Nominos controlled space by force.

A time of very tense relationship began, during which the AOC had to repair the damage that had been done by the UEC.

It was not easy to negotiate with the Nominos and the following years a condition of a Cold War followed. The immigration of the new settlers was also very problematic and at least 50.000 people were without home, despite the huge efforts the Construction companies that were working on full capacity.

But the arrival of the 12 Million people did turned out to be a good thing in the end: then many of those settlers were scientist, members of the military or politicians. One of them was Dr. Josef van Buren, the man who would be the next Magistrate. Van Buren had been the top scientist in the field of space ship design, computer science and the field of quantum physics. Being the brainpower behind most space projects of the UEC, he became very famous and powerful.

But at one point in his career, he overthrew himself with the UEC leadership and became a fierce opponent of their plans. Van Buren was arrested and thrown in jail, but released later to work on the Omega Station Project. The Omega Station was a very powerful weapons platform in space and should ensure the UECs power over all its controlled space. Van Buren also helped to build the spaceships that would transport the 12 Million people across space and bring them into the Aurora Sector. Still having a lot of connection, Van Buren used them to get a place on the ship so he could flee and begin a new life.

Van Buren became the colonial Magistrate on 5 December 195 BSD, only 2 months after his arrival. His first actions were to approach the Nanstrad Corporation to help building the much needed living areas. A contract was formulated and the company sent workers to Acriborea to help the building efforts.

Van Buren also started major reforms within the UAC that should make it more effective and ordered the establishing of a standing Army, Aerospace force and a Starfleet. These already did exist in part, security forces were in place since the first settlers had arrived, but they were not organized and effective enough to stand a chance against a enemy like the UEC.

Image of Van Buren

The First Commander of the new forces was Colonel William Pallinger, a former commander of The Alliance Armed Forces that had been captured by the UEC only to be shipped off with the other settlers and unwanted persons to the Aurora System. Pallinger re-organized the security forces, gave them new weapons and equipment and set up a gruelling training regiment to ensure that the new forces were ready and effective.

General Pallinger

In the following years the AOC became larger with more systems joining the Alliance. This expansion required a new form of Government. Van Buren augured that it was time to re-organization of the political structure of the AOC and let the people decide what type of Government they want and what type of constitution. A constitution was written down and formalized and voted for by the majority of the population of the AOC. After that the first senate was formed and the first high council came together.

The name was also changed, from Alliance of Outer Colonies, to United Systems Directorate (USD). Van Buren became the first Prime minister of the USD and the first high council member. Colonel Pallinger was promoted to the rank of General and became the first Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces.

Van Buren was Prime Minister for almost 5 years when health problems forced him to resign his post as Prime Minister. He was succeeded by William Jefferson Holden, who had been his vice-Prime Minister.

In the following years, Van Buren went back to spaceship design and helped building a proper Starfleet and designed fighters, bombers, cruisers and dreadnaughts as well as orbital defense platforms. Van Buren died on 20th April 55 ASD (After Systems Directorate) in the age of 82. He left behind a legacy that still lives on today.

End of the file.

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