25 JAN 3302
Since the wreckage of the Highliner Antares was recovered several weeks ago, the families of those who lost their lives aboard the ship have been lobbying the Sirius Corporation for more information. Specifically, questions have been asked about where the wreckage was found, and if any human remains were recovered. The corporation, evidently aware that the public is hungry for information, has now released a statement:
"We are aware that some sectors of the galactic community believe we have not been sufficiently transparent regarding our research into the Antares. Please be assured that any lack of clarity is in no way indicative of a desire to withhold information – it is simply a reflection of our focus on our research."
"In light of this, we can confirm that the remains of the Antares were found in the Luyten 205-128 system, and that no organic remains were recovered. As for the cause of the explosion, we can only reiterate our earlier statement that a cascade failure in the hyperdrive's internal containment systems triggered an explosion within the drive. Although the precise cause of the explosion is not yet known, we believe any additional information will only corroborate our assessment that the destruction of the Antares was nothing more than a tragic accident."
"We would like to take this opportunity to extend our condolences to those who lost loved ones aboard the Antares."
25 JAN 3302
Dr Arcanonn from the Canonn Interstellar Research Group has released a statement to the galactic media:
"I am now working from a new laboratory, two kilometres underground, at a secret location. My colleagues have forced me to relocate in the interests of my own safety. The death threats began shortly after I urged the galactic community to search for the barnacles. As word reached us of fellow scientists disappearing under mysterious circumstances, we realised the threats were not idle."
"But the work must go on. I urge you to continue to gather meta-alloys for Professor Palin. He is our best hope to solve the station malfunctions. But stay away from people harbouring the irrational idea that this endeavour will lead to our annihilation."
Commander Lord Zoltan
25 JAN 3302
In this weekly digest, the latest GalNet data is compiled to show the economic state of a short list of minor factions and the star systems they inhabit.
Here are 10 of the 12,177 minor factions currently enjoying an economic boom:
Chi Herculis Creative Group
HIP 62249 Allied Limited
66 Draconis Incorporated
Maurr Monarchy
Worker's Party of HIP 38235
Monarchy of Treima
Laturesingo Empire Group
HIP 112441 Services
Rio Paha State Group
Bestia General Organisation
When in boom, the wealth of a system is increased for the duration and all trade missions have double the effect on influence. Boom can also positively increase a minor faction's influence. Boom can be entered by consistent trade profits and completed trade contracts. Booms tend to last until they naturally expire or until some other indicator takes precedence, such as famine.
Here are 10 of the 610 factions currently experiencing economic bust:
LTT 5455 Jet Clan
League of George Pantazis Defence Force
Sha Gigas Ltd
Dragons of Urvane
Future of Zeta Fornacis
HIP 18527 Liberty Party
V1581 Cygni Gold Rats
Kruger 60 and Co
LHS 215 Purple Galactic Ind
Cordenet Jet Ring
The wealth of a system diminishes while in bust and the minor faction's influence is also lessened. The effect of trade contracts and actions do not contribute to boom while a bust is active. A bust generally has to run its course before ending.
Data is correct at time of publishing.