16 JUL 3302
The discovery of Jacques Station has prompted many Commanders to load up on meta-alloys and start the long trek to Eol Prou RS-T d3-94.
One group that has already made it has begun searching the area for barnacles. If the structures are found, they could provide Jacques with the meta-alloys needed to fix the station.
Some Commanders remain sceptical, arguing that the barnacles are engineered and won't be found in the system, but that hasn't stopped the search from going ahead. For many it is not a question of 'if' barnacles will found it – it is a question of 'when'. One of the searchers said:
"It makes sense there would be barnacles out here – the system has many of the conditions required. But searching for them is a big job. Any assistance from pilots in the area is welcome."
Commander BluWolve
16 JUL 3302
This report presents the latest data on expansion and withdrawal among the galaxy's minor factions.
Here are the latest factions to have expanded into new systems:
Ross 42 Services
Durinn Gold Natural Interstellar
United Heiltsu Left Party
Haritana Dynamic Group
Ngobriglai Services
Independent Kaus Australis Values Party
HIP 15376 Gold Creative Limited
LFT 361 Independents
BD+14 1876 Independents
Etznabal Imperial Society
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.
Here are the latest factions in withdrawal:
Ambibates Inc
Mariang Patrons of Law
LFT 90 State Incorporated
BD-01 3500 Electronics Services
LFT 78 Patron's Principles
Wolf 225 Federal Industry
Nidarijedi Empire Party
Mara Systems
Confederacy of LPM 696
HIP 118311 Empire Party
Factions are considered to be in withdrawal if their level of influence within a system drops below a certain level. If the faction's influence remains low for a total of five days, the faction must leave the system entirely. If the faction manages to increase its level of influence, it remains in the system.