21 MAY 3303
Former Federal president Jasmina Halsey held a public demonstration in the Alioth system yesterday in protest of the ongoing conflict between the Empire and the Federation.
More than 30,000 people attended the event, which lasted for several hours and occupied one of the main public plazas in Nerah City on Argent’s Claim.
A number of high-profile speakers and activists addressed the crowd, although Alliance Prime Minister Edmund Mahon was notable by his absence. Political commentators were quick to point out, however, that the demonstration could not have taken place without his foreknowledge, if not his explicit approval.
In an address to the crowd, Halsey said:
“As a 20th Century historian once wrote, ‘The underlying reason for war is always economic.’ This conflict has nothing to do with freedom or liberation – it is about resources. And I believe enough people have died to line the pockets of already wealthy individuals in the Federation and the Empire.”
“I speak now directly to President Zachary Hudson and Emperor Arissa Lavigny-Duval: It is not too late for you to listen to reason.”
Neither the Empire nor the Federation elected to respond to Halsey’s statement.
21 MAY 3303
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:
HIP 73428 Exchange
Njikan Jet Dynamic Industry
Sui Xenates Indie Union
Jaques
Labour of Kalads
Yimanbin Nationalists
Friends of Pirigen
Brotherhood of Hasattra
Karex Mob
HIP 20577 Blue Dragons
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:
Limapa Blue State Commodities
Partnership of LHS 2819
Co-operative of Brangkalar
Anotchi Citizens' Forum
Nationals of Algreit
Future of LTT 911
Posse of HIP 97337
Monarchy of Michael Pantazis
New Rutujil People's Party
Haeduwong Systems
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.