07 APR 3303
It has now been several months since the galaxy's superpowers commented on the mysterious spacecraft seen throughout human-inhabited space.
Some members of the galactic community have publicly wondered why the galaxy's political leaders are keeping silent, but political commentators have been quick to point out that in the absence of concrete information, it is perhaps prudent to refrain from discussion.
But it seems that, behind closed doors, the superpowers are taking the issue very seriously.
A spokesperson for the Federal Navy has announced that Admiral Aden Tanner, a seasoned military leader with over four decades of experience, has been appointed to the newly created role of Chief of Federal Security. Although the Federation has not elaborated on Admiral Tanner's precise remit, an inaugural statement from the admiral suggests he has been ordered to investigate the mysterious ships, prompting media outlets to nickname him 'the alien tsar'.
In his statement, Admiral Tanner said:
"Having reviewed all available information, we can confirm these craft are active primarily within the Pleiades Nebula and the space in and around the Maia and Merope systems. The significance of these locations – if any – has not yet been determined. We can also confirm, despite rumours to the contrary, that carrying an Unknown Artefact does not attract the attention of these vessels."
"A number of independent pilots claim to have seen evidence that these ships have attacked human vessels, but no empirical verification has been recovered. Nevertheless, I would urge the galactic community to treat these strange ships with extreme caution."
Admiral Tanner declined to answer questions from media representatives, saying only, "When we know more, you'll know more".
07 APR 3303
This report presents the latest data on conflict among the galaxy's minor factions.
Here are the latest factions to experience a civil war:
Avan Labour Union
Eravate Life Services
Yakabugai Exchange
New 31 Aquilae Green Party
Green Party of HIP 103138
Fusang Fortune Commodities
Leesti Alliance Union
Alpha Centauri Gold Brotherhood
Leaders of BD-08 2963
Independent HIP 108971 Values Party
Civil wars occur when minor factions compete for control of major assets such as starports. When a faction is involved in a civil war, the standard of living, development level and security level in the system it controls are temporarily reduced. Combat activities can bring a civil war to an end.
Here are the latest factions to experience war:
G 41-14 Purple Travel Solutions
Kini Drug Empire
Labour of Ethgreze
Order of Ethgreze
Laedla and Co
Kokary Holdings
United LHS 3479 Green Party
Crimson State Group
LTT 377 Purple General Corp.
39 Tauri Interstellar
Wars occur when a minor faction invades a star system controlled by another minor faction. For the duration of the war, the standard of living, wealth level and security level in the disputed system are reduced. Combat activity between the two warring factions determines the outcome of the conflict. If neither faction succeeds in dominating the other, the war ends in a ceasefire.