14 MAY 3302
Preparations are underway for the Distant Worlds Expedition gala at Skvortsov Orbital, but one explorer will be unable to attend: Commander Olivia Vespera, pilot of the expedition's fleet flagship, a Type-9 named Zombie Wasp IV.
At the time of writing, Commander Vespera is still at Beagle Point, prospecting for the necessary materials to synthesize 'jumponium', a colloquial moniker given by explorers to frame shift drive injection. Without it, Vespera will be unable to return home.
But Commander Vespera is unconcerned – in fact, she's jubilant.
"I got a message saying that Jaques Station is coming to Beagle Point. I might actually be the first to meet him here!"
Lisbeth Moore
14 MAY 3302
One year ago today, Federal President Jasmina Halsey and Vice-President Ethan Naylor embarked on a tour of Federation frontier systems. Two weeks later, Starship One was declared missing with all hands. Despite initial assessments that the ship would never be found, the remains of the vessel were located and a handful of survivors recovered, including former president Halsey.
Although Halsey had many political opponents, she also had many supporters. Some of these supporters have assembled outside the psychiatric facility on Mars where Halsey is currently located, waving signs and chanting various slogans, seeking her release.
Rachel Young, one of the most vociferous of the former president's supporters, made this statement to on-site reporters:
"President Halsey worked hard for the Federation. She deserves to be with her family. She deserves the respect and protection any former president is entitled to, not to be locked up in the funny farm."
Federal law enforcement is monitoring the protest to ensure it remains peaceful.
Commander Corrigendum
14 MAY 3302
At a recent event at the Mars Business Society, Federal Shadow President Felicia Winters responded to a question concerning the hospitalisation of former Federal president Jasmina Halsey:
"It was clear from the outset that she'd experienced a traumatic event, and that it impacted her psychologically as well as physically. I hope she receives the treatment she needs."
When asked about Halsey's alleged mystical experiences, Winters replied:
"Frankly, I find the question distasteful. She has undergone a harrowing experience – an experience that would have affected even the strongest of us – and drawing attention to her so-called 'visions' is counterproductive to restoring her mental health."
14 MAY 3302
This report presents the latest data on expansion among the galaxy's minor factions.
Here are the latest factions to have expanded into new systems:
Reorte Mining Coalition
Shibboleth Systems
Orgetu Jet Mafia
Warkin Industries
Gnowee Partnership
Djand Domain
HIP 11131 Coordinated
Autocracy of T'iensei
Akualanu United and Co
Social Manamaya Democrats
Expansions occur when a minor faction reaches a sufficient level of influence and there is a populated system within striking distance. Expansion is costly, so when a faction expands, the wealth and development level of the system it controls are temporarily reduced.