Leroy's Traveller™ Campaign

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The Two Empires Campaign

a Traveller™ Universe variant

Copyright © 1996-2003 Leroy W.L. Guatney

Also, read my Traveller™ site-wide disclaimer.

many people have visited my pages since my web-site moved on 10/9/1999.

I run my Traveller™ campaign using the original (some say Classic, or CT) Traveller™ rules, and I am certainly a fan of MegaTraveller, Marc Miller's Traveller (T4), and GURPS Traveller (GT) really captures the CT spirit. I guess I'll just call my version T++. My favorite of these rules is High Guard and am preparing extensive examples of efficient and capable starship designs. I have also been developing enhancements to the Scouts rules and I have been generating complete star and planetary systems as my test bed for these rules. I also love research into various subjects related to the game.

There are some more links related to my campaign in the Sci-Fi area of my home page.

Note that the date is past 6,000 A.D. though this is clearly not the same Gregorian calendar we, today, are most familiar.

Finally, I should mention that this page is an online reference for my campaign, not that my campaign itself is online. If you are in the Denver, Colorado, USA area, by all means contact me about joining. We could use a few more players. I am flattered that some of you have thought so. I primarily put this page up as an example (inspiration) for what Traveller™ can be.

Directory

Alien Trade Effects | Chronology | Currency Exchange | Emperor's List | Empires of Terra | Introduction | Independent Travellers' News | Library Data | Library Data Archives | Newest ITN Highlights | Player's Guide |

Introduction

I started a new campaign in 1996 and I wanted it to be a fresh one. In this beginning, my players were treated to a very casual introduction that was designed to get them thinking that Traveller™ factoids as they knew them from the published materials were not to be trusted as the truth as previously known. Now, I can give the perspective of just how I have woven some parts of the game's background into my second, newest campaign.

In the past, as my player group evolved or reconstituted itself, dealing with events like graduation from college, job changes, etc., my campaign had been a continous timeline from the first group, to the second group. My current (third) group should take past knowledge gained of the universe as only hearsay—I am free to treat what in fact happened with the earliest settings, as mere rumor and innuendo for this newest setting.

The Internet crowd (some of them anyway) like to get into so-called canon discussions, discussions based upon what was published, who published it, who wrote it, etc. ad nauseum. I will be the first to admit that while I just totally love the game, not everything published is to my liking. This is a by-product of having played since the beginning (1977) and refereed from 1982 on. I don't like some of my own early inventions either, and this fresh start is my way of dealing with all of the above.

Comments about the game here are intended to enlighten my players (and onlookers) about what is to be treated as canon in my setting, not some attempt to bash the game. I am not trying to offend anyone either for what they may like about the game, because I realize some might think my favorites are the turkeys. Any onlookers should feel free to use this setting if it is to their liking.

History

The history of my campaign pretty much matches the published history of Traveller™ roughly until the takeover of DGP for MT. I say "pretty much", because I do not like the handling of some things that made it into print in some of the most canon of sources—GDW. My first campaign began in 1107 TI, but quickly departed from the timeline with Strephon having been assassinated in 1109, not 1116 (MT). By the way, my 1109 assassination happened before DGP was ever known to us earliest fans of the game.

My history from that point quickly departs from published sources. I did somewhat like the MT Hard Times supplement, but even that had its flaws, and was not well thought out from the standpoint of its world generation (modification due to effects of the times). Mine was an incorporation in spirit, not content. Similarly, so went TNE's Virus. I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that I too (under pressure from a friend, player, and fellow referee) did incorporate some of the spirit of, but much less so, the TNE setting. That is where my old campaign ends, and my new campaign picks up, more than 3,000 years later.

Virus was released in 1165 TI (yes my early campaigns passed a lot of time) by a coreward faction of the Fractured Imperium (my predecessor to, and equivalent counterpart of, DGP's and GDW's Shattered Imperium). An important difference was that a long-term Hiver observation program was "onto" this particularly devious human plan, and had managed to prepare a counter-virus which left the human version inert. Its subsequent release on the tail of the main Virus resulted in a wavefront of temporary chaos. The degree of effect varied from faction to faction. Some fell further, while others were not effected at all, and still others failed entirely under the strain of the last straw. This was the beginning of the era that would later be dubbed, The Eclipse, a period of about one century which would see the fall and rebirth of Imperial civilization.

A Truly New Era

On the rim, the Dominion of Syracuse had been slowly recovering "pieces" of civilization, returning them from the verge of Wilds when possible. Thanks in part to a sense of galactic consciousness, and in part due to incredible luck, the Dominion was early on the only viable choice for successor to the (Third) Old Imperium. A further Dominion advantage was its early association with Terra, having been one of her oldest and deepest colony projects. Later, historians would come to call this early era the Regency period of the Terran Empire. They would later refer to the Dominion as the Old Republic. Even the first Terran Emperor was originally a Dominion citizen, though ordinary could never describe him. The same goes for the first Chancellor of the Empire. The details of the Regency period were purposely kept from the public, and this explains why so little is known of the pre-Imperial years, or earlier.

The Restored Ziru Sirka (Ziru Sirkaa) was the foundation for the present-day Vilani Empire (but see Separatists below). After the collapse (intentional small 'c'), the Vilani curtailed the roaming of the Vargr, and placed them in a pocket region wholly within the Vilani Empire where they could do no further harm. That region is known as the Vargr protectorate. Vilani space reaches farther coreward than any previous human civilization. If the Vilani had to be summarized in one word, it would be order. While their bureuax are a form of corporation and government rolled into one, they are also a reflection of Vilani social conciousness as well.

Vilani by their nature, and by their own definition as an aside, are not inclined toward criminal behavior (murder, theft, etc.). However, by Terran standards, Vilani could be lumped into some Terran definitions of criminal tendencies. If the Terrans can say, Possession is nine-tenths of the law, Vilani would rebuke them with, Share for the good of the community. The Vilani Shipping Guild is a by-product of bureaux, combined with social consciousness, their system of patents, and one of the earliest of regulations: No private ownership of starships greater than 200 displacement tons.

This attitude makes Terran ship crews uncomfortable when Vilani crew travel the Terran Empire expecting access to ship and crew areas. Vilani have been known to offend more than one Terran, telling them how to run their ships, or parts thereof. Hivers rank most Vilani world government forms as Committee (W).

Vilani Separatists (those who do not accept the Pact of Two Empires as legal and binding) have an information underground throughout the Two Empires, mainly among Vilani, that contend that published accounts of the Grand Empire (Ziru Sirka) are misleading from the standpoint of how long it has been an empire, and even claims that the Vilani Empire did not fall through the Long Night, or to Terran advances in the Interstellar Wars. They claim that the galactic population was intentionally mislead for reasons they can not provide. The most common claim of a separatist holds that the Vilani Empire has been in existence for 15,000 years.

The Vargr Protectorate is a region of space fifty parsecs across which includes, but is not centered on, Lair, the Vargr homeworld. Vargr have a simple choice: get neutered and become Vilani citizens, or live in the Protectorate. Vargr citizens are not allowed on worlds within twenty-five parsecs of the edge of the Vilani Empire, or beyond. Vargr residents (of the protectorate) are only allowed to travel on Guild ships within the Empire, otherwise subject to the same restrictions on travel by citizens.

The Aslan Hierate evolved under a new, and quite mysterious ruler who is treated as, and whose name/title is translated literally from the Aslan language as, The God who walks among us. Their sphere was gradually transformed into the present-day Aslan Hegemony, almost bearing no resemblance to the old form of Tlaukhu government. This ruler did end the Tlaukhu wars, and every Aslan owes a debt of fealty for that act. As near as can be determined, some form of hereditary rule has kept his descendents in power for a very stable three millenia! Naturally, Aslan will claim that there has been only one. Afterall, we are talking about a God.

The K'kree in their Two Thousand Worlds have settled into a period of stagnation and ritual. They still retain their active vegetarianism, but have apparently become content to enforce it only in their own region. They are less concerned with happenings around them, a by-product of the short end of the stick they received during the Era of Imperial Rebellion.

The Hive Federation is the region of space least effected by the turmoil of the past three millenia, and the changes I have made to canon. Don't even think about the TNE Aliens of the Rim: Vol. I, Hivers & Ithklur. Some of this canon source is of use, but not enough to mention.

While Hiver territory has only expanded a little, their sphere of influence has more than tripled to rimward and trailing—space beyond the humans and K'kree. Hiver outposts are usually found to coincide with frontier Fascinating worlds, or worlds which bridge a gap in communication lines. These Sparse Worlds as they are known, are no different in character than worlds in the Federation proper.

The Zhodani Consulate was settled less than a thousand years ago. About 100 million of their race arrived on a generation ship and would have passed charted space entirely, had it not been for a single event which changed their lives forever. Though they had been TL 15 for longer than they can remember, they didn't discover jump drive until they had reached what is today called Zhodane sector. They immediately jumped back and forth from the mothership exploring Gaval subsector near the Human Client States.

Shortly after finding Zhodane, they slowed the great ship and arrived at their new homeworld. Within 150 years, they had colonized the T-prime worlds of Zhodane and its neighboring sector, and have since expanded the Consulate to its present-day size. At the time of the settlement of the first two sectors, a number of Zhodani became restless, and again launched off to explore space, but this time in large extended family groups, aboard much smaller jump-capable ships. They have roamed far and wide, expanding the very borders of charted space itself.

If you are familiar with Zhodani of old, you might be asking "why?". Their area is on the far frontier of known space (remember, my campaign started on the rim, not in the Spinward Marches). As for the material in the CT Alien Module 4: Zhodani, I say, What Core expeditions? Need I say more? Well, that material would have to be overhauled extensively to be used in my campaign. I have written a short paper outlining the overhaul. No disparaging the authors of the original work—they did pretty good faced with an interstellar state that was drawn on a map, and later fleshed out. For me, the whole thing comes off as too ad hoc, and that is why I don't use it. So, I rewrote it.

Major Races

While Traveller™ held that there were only six major races, and it was arguable or time dependent as to which the six were, my commonly known space is quite more expansive. There are at least three more known races who fit the definition of major—having independently invented the jumpdrive, and grown their territories to empire caliber. The current list includes:

Sometime before 4112 A.D., a long-legged Vilani exploratory mission contacted the Nesthin far to coreward. These creatures control a region of space roughly 250 parsecs across. Their closest star system is slightly more than 100 parsecs from the coreward-most Vilani star system. Being methane breathers, they have superior cryo-technology sought throughout the Two Empires for low temperature operations. The Nesthini are easily recognizable for their large stature, and distinctive environment suits.

Far to spinward, but coreward of the Great Rift, one may find the Wadi. Their sphere begins about the same galactic longitude that Aslan space ends. They control a region over a thousand parsecs in length, but no more than 100 parsecs wide, along the riftedge. Their religion holds that the rift is of special significance, so no Wadi ever favors being far from it. The Wadi are air-breathers, but prefer atmospheres somewhat dense by Terran standards, and are just exhilirated by enough Argon to kill a human. Being humanoids, their gills for aqua-breathing as needed do add an exotic flair to these creatures. Their Terran nicknames are Goonies.

The Hivers have met and contacted the Ssst*phok, a race so alien that when they first contacted the K'kree, the herbivores where not even aware of them as sentients. While at first perplexed, the Ssst*phok later realized that the militant vegitarian ways of the K'kree did not make their own omnivorous lifestyle very palatable. Other than these few tidbits of information, the Hivers have not shared very much about this species. It is believed that they control a dozen sectors trailing from, and perhaps a little more coreward of, the K'kree.

Ancients

Finally, a word is in order about the Droyne. As the descendants of the Ancients, nothing has changed. However, it should be mentioned that 3,000 years in my future of Traveller™, some dozen races are in the ancients category from the Terran perspective. Vilani may have their stories, but they don't tell them like the Terrans do. Seven varieties are extinct: three no longer roam this part of the galaxy, but are known to have moved on: one is only legendary with its own group of believers: while one (the Fallon) is still active in the region that the major races inhabit. These ancients are not usually included in the count of the major races.

The Fallon are an insectoid race resembling Terran butterflies, except that they would measure 2 meters in height. Their measure of technology is beyond anything trackable by human standards. One of the more common questions asked of them is, How long have you been in space? While the Fallon are known to not like sharing of information about themselves, several independent and anonymous confirmations have been made that claim, They roamed this galaxy before its first supernova. Scientists tell us this ranges into the billions of years!

Robots

The Library Data Archives reference the essay on Robots in CT Adventure 2: Research Station Gamma. This adventure is set in the Spinward Marches and mentions that the listed robot designs are fully-tested prototypes. This is of course inconsistent with my campaign as RoBs (my term, pr. robes) have been in use for centuries, but the functions and designs of these robots in CT:A2, and even their descriptions, including artwork, are appropriate.

I would describe the role of RoBs in my campaign as little more than colorful background detail. But economics drive their application and deployment. We are not talking about the huge robotic factories commonplace throughout my universe, but those filling mostly appliance roles. Androids ala C-3PO of Star Wars fame are virtually unheard of outside of the University or Academy laboratory, or the eccentric Billionaire's mansion or starship. This type of design is impractical except for the challenge to those involved in research, or special military applications, especially with the introduction of compact gravitics at TL 14—who needs legs?

A note to the players about the description in Library Data about Autonomous Programming. You may at first think it is inconsistent that AP is required for a RoB to operate independent of a computer, but nothing special is required for the computer to control the RoB in the same way. Recall that with Stempel Architecture computers, any given computer program operates more powerfully in a more powerful architecture!

For players who wish to spend the money and build their own robots, I plan to use the Robot construction rules presented in Journal of the Travellers' Aid Society issues 2-4, or Best of the Journal v1 (this reprint takes precedence over the original JTAS articles), and was written by Marc W. Miller and Loren Wiseman. If I do not get this body of rules reviewed, we will use the first player's design as a debug of those rules. There are a couple of suggestions which appeared in the BOTJ v1 as well. The CT:A2 states that those robots were built according to these rules.

For integration with High Guard, there are three points. First, I wish to avoid things like a fully (as possible) robotic starship. They are certainly not the norm (read the background info in Library Data) in my campaign, and would be considered experimental at best. Some player skills are not suitable for use in a RoB, but I don't have a list yet. You can get a feel for the guidelines I describe under StdRob: KnoRoB.

Second, if software for running RoBs onboard a starship takes CPU equal to more than half the CPU difference between itself and the next lower computer model, that computer will operate as the next lower model for purposes of combat only. For instance, a Model/8 has CPU/Space of 30/70, and the Model/9 has 40/90. If the Model/9 had to allot more than 5 central processing units to running onboard RoBs, it would be reduced to effectively a Model/8 (or lower).

Third, if necessary, I will develop an EP usage table for use under combat circumstances.

Finally, I feel very optimistic about the changes I've made to the Robot construction rules, but if there is a need, I can also re-work the Book 8: Robots rules. We are free to pick and choose from there too.

Rules?

That will have to cover the overview for now. What should be clear is that my Traveller™ campaign may have some familiar faces, but I am not limited to, nor would it matter to me, what "canon" there is out there. I want my campaign to have its own taste, but retain some familiarity to the things that many of us do love about the game. With three (perhaps four) sources of rules and background data to have as a reference, it is only that. I am free to pick and choose the coherent pieces that are useful to my Two Empires variant.

There is one last, and major difference with my variant campaign setting—Terra is not Earth!

Click for Map Click here for the large scale map of the campaign.

Leroy Guatney

Library Data

See also Library Data Archives
Centauri Logo

Centauri Lines:

3100 A.D. to present

A Terran Megacorp (operations entirely external to the Empire) operates an interface line between the Empire, the Hivers, and the K'kree (Centaurs—the original inspiration for the Corporation's charter), as well as several Client States in the Mixed Client States region.

Centauri is a large enough Megacorp that it maintains its own Navy (the Company calls them Route Protectors—TL15 surplus Empire Heavy Cruisers) and is not shy about using it for enforcing reasonableness.

ROM Logo

Fleet Worlds:

24 A.D. to 2002 A.D.

Fleet Admiral Beauregard "Bull" Heron of the First Empire's Interstellar Navy, had been ordered for a significant showing of the flag and joint operations by the 101st Fleet (based in Ley sector) to the client state known as the Corona Regnum along the frontiers of Hiver space. With the completion of this five-year mission the 101st, nearly home and in Starbeach sector, was contacted by fleet couriers outbound from Ley. Upon hearing word of the failure of the Imperial banking system as well as other news from Fleet HQ, Admiral Heron set down on Asturia, the present-day capital of the Federation of Heron.

Asturia, like many other worlds in the region, had been settled by Terrans (and some Vilani). The Asturians embraced the Fleet, and within a few years time, had quickly come to rule several subsectors of space. At its height, the Fleet Worlds numbered nearly 300 systems, 2/3rds of them in Starbeach, with others in the Glimmer Drift and Numbis sectors.

The Fleet Worlds became the surrogate master in the client state relationship with the Corona Regnum and other former Rule of Man client states in the region. Their mandated Representative Democracy form of government was appealing to those who were beginning to see the turn of regional politics in the vacuum of the fallen Empire. Vilani interests in the early years of the Old Imperium saw the Fleet Worlds as a threat, and an extended period of covert operations lead to the last referendum before the planetary assembly, and the Fleet Worlds formally disbanded.

The Fleet being the command organization reporting to the assembly, and having a nearly two millenium long history, as well as the reality of the end of the Long Night, accepted these final orders. The Fleet Worlds came to an end, but live on vis-a-vis the present-day Federation of Heron, the Glimmer Drift Spread, and the Amalgamation (Gold) Union. These three states, along with the Corona Regnum remain Terran client states, the latter having a special relationship with the Hive as well.

The four insterstellar states mentioned above signed the Fleet Worlds Pact late last century (Terran). It calls for mutual defense and a comprehensive trade relationship.

Gimbali Triadem

Gimbali Prefecture:

2990 A.D. to 3500 A.D.

A small interstellar government that lasted for just over five hundred years in the core subsectors of what is known today as the Lost Sector. The High Prefect is a line of Hereditary Rulers unbroken to this day. They have ruled the small state of Funai on Isin longer than did their ancestors in the old Prefecture. The whole sector's economic balance depended upon the Prefecture, and when the First Barbarian Fleet defeated the Gimbali Navy, the sack of the state was swift, and within a decade, interstellar trade had almost evaporated.

Today, the Prefecture lives on through the various islets of sector culture scattered in all directions. The Gimbali Triadem is patterned after the High Prefect's symbol of authority and power. The yellow disk symbolizes Gimbal, the stellar primary of their old home system.

Ming Logo

Ming Empire:

3099 A.D. to 3660 A.D.

Although Leopold I was not of the same bloodline as Ming I, the relationship between these two families was thicker than blood. Ming I served as chancellor to Leopold's Empire, and both were staunch Terrans.

The brief reign of Sanjay I was technically called the Nehru Empire but, many references of the period still referred to the Empire as the Ming.

Pacific Lines Logo

Pacific Lines:

6004 A.D. to 6014 A.D.

A short-lived medium sized (subsector) shipping entity, which was scaled towards feeder service off of Centauri Lines' routes in Avalon subsector with home port of Pacifica. Recent years of their operations had seen a strong investment on Ohmsley, and consolidation of proprietary routes at the expense of Free Traders throughout the region.

While Pacifica had a relatively large Vilani minority population, this fact was not believed to be the reason that some had speculated that it was Vilani influence behind this corporation. Pacifica was the most easily accesible, High Population market in the region.

The company failed in 6014 A.D. after the Pacific Jump Barnacle Plague and became a wholly-owned and operated subsidiary of Centauri Lines. After the restoration, the remnant pieces on Pacifica reorganized into the Rimward Pacific Main Company, but is out of the shipping business entirely.

ROM Logo

Rule of Man:

958 BCE to 22 A.D.

Also known as the First Empire, due to it having been the first Terran imperial interstellar state. Imperial co-successor to the Terran Confederation, the Rule of Man was long considered the height of civilization, and to have had the greatest achievements of any contemporary or subsequent interstellar state. The Terran (or Second) Empire in some ways has exceeded its forebearer, but in other ways still has not reached the pinnacle that was the Rule of Man.

The Rule of Man was dubbed the Ramshackle Empire by its, largely Vilani, detractors. The rapid rise of technology, and similar pace of social change, was seen as reckless by the stability that had been the Vilani Imperium before contact with Gaia (Terra).

White Star (Tentacular) Lines Logo

Tentacular Lines:

? A.D. to Present

A Hiver megacorporation tasked with the interface from their Federation to neighboring interstellar states. Tentacular had not conducted business in Starbeach sector in accordance with a recently expired, ancient agreement with the K'kree. The company operates a dozen subsidiaries on the spin-coreward frontier of the Hive Federation. The local subsidiary new to the Avalon region actually does business as White Star Lines, named for Ben Sultan. Recently, unsubstantiated allegations that the crew of the Far Trader Six Pockets Nest are operatives for Tentacular have arisen, and were denied by all parties.

Tentacular operates differently from Imperial megacorporations. Indeed they have a shipping monopoly like their counterpart within the Federation, and are powerful outside, like their human counterparts. However, every ship operates a Septimus computer, is armed with Six Eyes Nest military-grade weapons systems, and hosts Star Patterns Trading representatives, as well as those from the other Hive megacorporations, except of course, Hub, the internal shipper. White Star ships are built upon dispersed structures with zero-gee crew habitats. An array of streamlined vessels are carried which are tailored to their routes. Curiously, shortly before they began operations, they purchased a number of standard design starport shuttles built in the Avalon region, as well as Centauri passenger modules.

Terran Logo

Terran Empire:

1 A.D. to Present

Also known as the Second Empire. The collective name for the Old Republic, and the series of Empires, Dynasties, and periods in which the Empire has continued for 6,000 years. Even before the Republic (and later Empire) had contained Terra, the term Terran was used to refer to the citizens, attitudes, and heritage of the Old Republic.

Vilani Logo

Vilani Empire:

2921 A.D. to Present

The actual date and history of the Vilani Empire is shrouded in mystery. The Vilani are not amenable to probes of their history, and as such have not been very helpful to researchers of the subject. In fact, most of the reliable information comes from the Terran Empire's Regency period. Vilani citizens have often boasted of Empires going back fifteen thousand years.

Chronology/Emperor's List

Note: The entries of this chronology which have specific bearing to the local campaign area (Avalon) are appear in Green.
Terran Imperial DateEvent
Regency Period1-3009
2990 Gimbali Prefecture forms
3010Phillip I founds basis for Modern Empire
3012Terran Sphere integrated into Grand Empire
3015-3060Expansion Wars on Coreward Frontier
3092Integration is complete
3096First Interregnum
1st Ming Dynasty3099-3361
3099Imperial Senate confirms Leopold I in succession of Phillip
3100 Centauri Lines founded
3115Ming I, Leopold's Chancellor takes power when Leopold d. n.c.
3202Ming II succeeds his father
3208Jocasta I (wf. Ming III, d. bfr. Ming II), first Empress to rule
3247Jocasta abdicates in favor of Ming IV
3321Ming the Mad reigns for 8 months
3322Ming VI kills his cousin/predecessor
3361First Ming Dynasty ends with death n.c. of Ming VI
(Nehru Dynasty)(3363-3419)
3363Sanjay I confirmed by I.S. as proper successor
3365-3418First Galactic War with Vilani Empire
3419Imperial Senate reconvened
3422Karl Friedrich I (fmr. Grand Admiral) succeeds Sanjay k.acc.
2nd Ming Dynasty3456-3660
3456Margaret III establishes second Ming Dynasty
3499Ming VIII succeeds his gm. upon her death
3500 First Barbarian Fleet
3581Ming IX succeeds his gf. upon his death
3594-3605Second Galactic War with Vilani Empire
3604Ming IX killed at Battle of Ershur, Ming X reigns
3605Vilani cede Masilaa Province ending war
3660Demin I kills Ming X starting First Civil War
3664Demin killed - Imperial Senate reinstated
Senatorial Governance(also called Second Interregnum)
3665I.S. confirms Karl Friedrich II (Pyotr Leonov)
3702Phillip II appointed by I.S.
3758Jocasta II, Phillip's wf. rules
3802Leopold II appointed by I.S.
Nigelian Dynasty3848-4411
3848Nigel I given hereditary title by I.S.
3961Nigel II succeeds his gf.
4022Nigel III succeeds his father
4099Nigel IV succeeds his gf.
4122Margaret IV succeeds her husband
4200Noreen I succeeds her parents
4222Elroy I succeeds his mother
4280Nigel VII succeeds Elroy
4331Elroy II succeeds when Nigel d.w.i.
4392Noreen II succeeds her gf.
Garzan Dynasty4411-4721
4411Dante I succeeds his gm.
4460 Nomyl Cluster Interstellar Accords
4488Castra I succeeds her gf.
4551Dante II succeeds his gm.
4629Castra II succeeds her gf.
4677Castra III succeeds her mother
4721Castra III d.w.i. sparking Second Civil War
Third Interregnum4726-4840
4726I.S. closes Civil War with Succession orders
4727Selbin named Emperor by I.S.
4765Jyrki named Emperor by I.S.
4799Athelos named Emperor by I.S.
4814Yuri named Emperor by I.S.
4840-4844Third Galactic War with Vilani Empire
4844Vilani cede Lankhisidam Province ending war
Avalon Dynasty4844-5269
4844Sanjay II named Emperor by I.S.
4972Sanjay III succeeds gf.
5001Sanjay III signs "Pact of Two Empires" with Vilani
5098Sanjay IV succeeds gf.
5202Sanjay V succeeds gf.
5267Sanjay V d.w.i.
Split Empires5269-5362
5269Frederick rules Spinward Empire
5269Louis I rules Endward Empire
5350Louis II rules Endward Empire
5362Louis II reunifies the Empires
haut Devereaux Dynasty5362-5555
5363Frederick d. n.c.
5470Louis III succeeds gf.
5550Louis IV succeeds gf.
5555Louis IV as. by I.S.
3rd Ming Dynasty5556-5825
5556Ming XI confirmed by I.S.
5825Ming XI d. n.c.
Walker Dynasty5825-5968
5826William I confirmed by I.S.
5863William II succeeds father
5928Edward succeeds father
5968Edward d.w.i.
4th Ming Dynasty5968-present
5968Ming XII confirmed by I.S.
6004 Pacific Lines founded
6017Present day

AbbreviationsTerm
I.S.Imperial Senate
as.assassinated
bfr.before
d.died
d.w.i.died without issue
gf.grandfather
gm.grandmother
k.acc.killed in accident
n.c.natural causes
wf.wife

Empires of TerraDynasty(s)
Grand EmpirePhillip I
Ming Empire1st & 2nd Ming
Nehru EmpireSanjay I briefly between 1st & 2nd Ming
Terran EmpireNigelian
Castran EmpireGarzan & Avalon
Endward/Spinward EmpiresSplit Empires
Terran Empirehaut Devereaux and later

Note:

Many times, there was no formal name for the Empire. It would be referred to only as "The Empire," or "Terran Empire" when there was really no official name. The best example of this was an address of Nigel I referring to the new Terran Empire while all official documents and references used "the Senate, the Imperial Government, and People of Terra" or SIGPT for the official abbreviation.
Before the Split Empires, the Empire had adopted the formal name Terran Empire for the treaty in 5001 with the Vilani. Interestingly enough, during the Split Empires period, the Vilani conducted business as if it where the Three Empires, instead of the Two Empires

Alien Trade Effects
Au Cr Cu Gf Gi Hv H* Kk Na Te Tu
Au -- Au
Cr -- Cr
Cu -- Cu
Gf -- Gf
Gi -- Gi
Hv -2 -2 -- -- -2 -2 Hv
H* +1 +1 -- -- +1 +1 H*
Kk -- Kk
Na +1 +2 -- -1 Na
Te -- Te
Tu -- Tu
Au Cr Cu Gf Gi Hv H* Kk Na Te Tu

I have only adapted the major Alien Race Trade Effects. The H* represents the human-engineered trade goods that are built by and for several of the human races of the Federation, and distributed by Star Patterns Trading (H*). The Tuhoratadan entries are included only for completeness, yet remain empty because the value of their goods are not commonly known due to the Terran Interdiction.

Two Empires Currency (Avalon Region)
World Local Credit Abbreviations Exchange Rate Relative Rate Unit value (Cr)
Avalon Std. Credit Cr, KCr, MCr 1.00 1:1 1.00
Bank of Avalon Std. Credit Cr, KCr, MCr 1.00 1:1 1.00
Beltcouncil Stars Sr, KSr, MSr 0.95 1:1 0.95
Capulan Capstanes C, KC, MC 0.85 1:1 0.85
Dalton Daltons D, KD, MD 0.85 1:1 0.85
Dieter Sterns St, KSt, MSt 1.00 4:1 0.25
Imamgigemkar Sasa S, KS, MS 1.00 1:1 1.00
Isin (by state) ***
Dymbruti Guineas Gu, KGu, MGu 0.80 1:1.87500 1.50
Funai Gims G, KG, MG 0.70 1:2.14286 1.50
Port Isin Bushels Bu, KBu, MBu 0.85 1:1.76471 1.50
Ohmsley Ohs Oh, KOh, MOh 0.45 1:2444.44 ** 1100.00
Ohms Om, KOm, MOm 0.45 1:2.22222 1.00
Overlook Station Merits Me, KMe, MMe 0.90 1:10 9.00
Pacifica Pearls P, KP, MP 0.80 1:1 0.80
Poundstone Shards Sh, KSh, MSh 0.70 100:1 0.007
Telo none * -- 0.70 -- --
Terran Empire Mings M, KM, MM 1.00 10:1 0.10
Vilani Empire Khedi Kh, KKh, MKh 1.00 1:1 1.00
Yodor Grains Gr, KGr, MGr 0.90 100:1 0.009
Notes:
The Relative Rate is applied after Exchange Rates are indexed. For example, the Terran Ming and Vilani Khedi have an equal exchange rate and then the Ming relative rate of 10:1 is applied, so 10 Mings equal a Khedi. Similarly, 10 Mings equals 4 Sterns (Dieter) or 90 Grains (Yodor), and 90 Mings would buy one Merit (Overlook Station).

More generally, you take the Exchange rate, multiply by the right side of the Relative rate, divide by the left side of the Relative rate, and you should be able to derive the Unit value. Exchange rate represents true value in proportion to the Interstellar norm, and Relative rate reflects local adjustments which are arbitrarily imposed by government preference. It is convention to list Relative rate with a '1' on either side to simplify conversions. Dymbruti could list a Relative rate of '1000:1875'.

* - Telo uses either Pearls, Capstanes, Avalon Bank Credits, or most currencies from the Pacific main, and are exchanged in accordance with relative worth.

** - The Oh is a special trade credit. Manufactured at Dieter, it has a nano-chip built-in which regulates its own exchange rate. They are not officially (legally) traded for other credits and as such, their only value is returning them to Ohmsley for an exchange of 1:1100 for Standard Credits (Bank of Avalon). This exchange rate is obtained after the fourth visit to Ohmsley (from outside the Scouri system). Otherwise, they are valued at a 1:1000 Standard Credit relative rate. The number of Ohs in circulation ranges in the hundreds of millions. Ohs may not be sold, and if this is discovered, they are immediately declared valueless.

*** - Isin has a unified currency exchange where each state's credits exchange 1:1 with all of the others on planet.

Directory

Alien Trade Effects | Chronology | Currency Exchange | Emperor's List | Empires of Terra | Introduction | Independent Travellers' News | Library Data | Library Data Archives | Newest ITN Highlights | Player's Guide |

A Guide to the Two Empires Campaign

Astrography

The Nomyl and Avalon (Memsil) subsectors are in the N and O positions of Starbeach sector. To rimward is the Lost Sector where the last outpost of civilized worlds may be found until reaching Hiver space. On the published Traveller™ maps, these sectors would be Crucis Margin and Leonidae respectively.

Communications

SkyNet Logo
A sometimes overlooked characteristic of the Traveller™ universe (and mine) is the fact that Faster Than Light communications does not exist. Information travels at the speed of Jump. This is accomplished using any available ships which have been equipped to carry "mail."

Commonly and collectively referred to as SkyNet, there are three forms of communications at the interstellar level:
B-mail
abbreviation for broadcast-mail, an electronic parcel for communications, which is broadcast in all directions from the point of origin, to a specified recipient, and to not exceed a specified maximum range, via contracted common carrier (regulated). e-parcels may contain text, data, software, audio, wallvid, holovid, VSE, or any combination thereof.
Courier
the traditional form of courier for parcel or e-parcel, via private or commercial ship under contract with sender (unregulated)
D-mail
abbreviation for directed-mail, an electronic parcel (e-parcel) for communications, which is directed to a specific destination (called a domain), to a specified recipient, via contracted common carrier, domain format:

address@organization.planet.subsectorname.sectorname

If the address of the recipient is not known, send to D-mail-master@pla.sub.sec with a common name in the refer-to address section. You can also specify a b-mail address with a d-mail reference, i.e. b-mail-address(10)@pla.sub.sec which would specify a b-mail of range 10 parsecs, from pla.sub.sec. NB! b-mail-address = d-mail-address, it is the addition of (range) and the sometimes lack of even a partially qualified domain which differentiates use of b-mail vs. d-mail. If the organization is known, it should also be specified following the @ sign.
Some examples of e-parcel address usage:

The D/B mail forms may use standard encryption for e-parcels, and identicode addressing formats. You can not send uninvited encrypted messages. The common opinion of trying to crack encrypted mail is that no message would be worth the trouble which would be required. In the Empire, there are always the standard expressed opinions that His Eminence's Secret Service holds all the decryption keys. Computer experts generally doubt this possibility, but can not rule it out.

For the region of the Avalon subsector, the contracted common carriers are: Contact individual Free Trader contractors for their address. Any e-parcel entering the system should be sent to CommonMailCarriers@LocalHub.LocalWorld (or just @LocalHub for space transfers). The configured B-mail range limit for the Avalon region is 15 parsecs.

Cybertech

Normally, people object to the notion of technology not easily detachable from their bodies. Any such procedures have to be demonstrated to be sufficiently beneficial to a player-character for this Referee to consider it available. There are certainly unscrupulous individuals who would be willing to take money from a character. You usually sign their legal forms indemnifying them before the work is attempted.

If a player decides that his character wants such enhancements, he may roll 2D6 weekly to get up the nerve to have the procedure done. On a roll of 12+ (the Determination throw), he finally goes to see a doctor for the procedure. At the time of the go-no-go decision, a 2D6 roll of greater than INT must be made to see the procedure through to its conclusion, DM -1 for each previous time he chickened out. Once the Determination roll is made, it need not be made again.

Finally, as if the above discouraging system is not enough, the Referee feels free to take advantage of the player-character in any appropriate way he sees fit.

Most normal people don't see the cost justification of these types of measures. The primary cost (if available at tech level) is in cloning and then specially engineering tissue from your samples, to coat the implants in a layer that won't trigger your immune system. Too many years of the required alternative preventitive medications destroy your immune system.

History

see Introduction above. It is actually a treatise on the philosophy of using Traveller™ references, but it does have some morsels of fact that player-characters can use.

Library Data

Read the newly created Library Data (A-Z) Archives. They are short entry discussions of background for my campaign, and represent information commonly obtainable from ship's computers in response to the correct keywords. The information may prove useful in providing a greater understanding of the workings of the universe, or in providing direction in quests or searches. In any case, the information in Library Data or Library Data (A-Z) Archives can be of great help to any travellers looking for guidance. The format is roughly based upon the Traveller™ Supplements 8 & 10.

Jump Technology

This works pretty much as has been used in the game, with a couple of notable exceptions, and a few minor ones.

During a long period of time in the Grand Imperium, J-1 was all that was needed. Later, as jumptech leaked across the boundaries of Vilani-influenced space, the Empire developed J-2 as a required advantage for consolidation. This was all that was needed until they met the Terrans, and so never went further. By the time the Terran Confederation invented J-3 (for the first time in the galaxy), it was too late for the Vilani to respond with their own advance. It wasn't until later that the Rule of Man pushed the frontier to J-5, leaving J-6 for the Third Imperium and Hivers to develop jointly. As this was the case in times past, so it is today. A culture may have achieved a given TL, but they may not have achieved the Jump TL associated with their general TL.

Another aspect of the above is what the tech level was of the society when it acquired the associated Jump TL. High Guard lays out the rules for building ships, but those are the guidelines for the present day. The table below lists only the firsts at each jump number.
Empire TL at time Highest Jump Number TL per HG
GI/VI 10 1 9
GI/VI 13 2 11
TC/ROM 12 3 12
ROM 14 4 13
ROM 16 5 14
TI/HF 15 6 15
TE 16 QII-J1 —

The other major difference is the limit on jump number. That has not changed, except that advanced technology levels (starting at TL16) develop the Quantum II Jumpdrive. This is more of use for the design of ancients' artifacts, or worlds on the low end of the high tech scale. Of course, just because a world may be TL16 does not mean that they have developed/support Q-II Jumpdrive. In fact that applies to all types of Jump technology. The Zhodani did not even invent Quantum I Jumpdrive until they were TL 15.

Politics

With the Pact of Two Empires, signed by Duurgii and Sanjay III in 5001 A.D., the Vilani and Terran Empires formed a loose union. This arrangement has lasted for more than one thousand years, with the exception of the Split Empires, when the Terrans formed the Endward and Spinward Empires as a result of their Civil War. Even at that time, the Vilani operated as if there were a Pact of Three Empires.

The general mood between the Two Empires is relaxed. It is similar to the relationship between today's United States and Canada, or member states of the European Union. Some credits (the non-electronic variety) have no indication of their origin to tell whether they were minted in Vilani or Terran space. The Intelligence organizations of both Empires still act as if there were no Pact—a method of insuring that they stay on their toes.

Of the neighboring Alien races to the Two Empires, the Hive Federation and the K'kree Two Thousand Worlds are the two largest political associations likely to be encountered in the Avalon subsector. The K'kree have kept more or less to themselves after the Vilani formed the Vargr protectorate to coreward. The Hivers trade far and wide, perhaps even more so than the humans in the Two Empires. On rare occasion, citizens of the Aslan Hegemony may be found travelling through the Avalon subsector.

Religions, Major, Human

For now, just a list:
Believer Movement
Cantrilist Monks
Convergists
Dethist
Followers
Turbans
About 10% of Vilani populations have adopted the Terran Dethist religion. This percentage varies more extremely outside of the Two Empires.

Robots

see the information above. More information may be found in the Library Data Archives. I have also overhauled the original construction rules from the early Journal of the Travellers' Aid Society.

Technology and Language

Rail travel at high speed is not possible, because passengers, unable to breathe, would die of asphyxia.
-- Dr. Dionysus Lardner, (1793-1859)

Extrapolating our (Earth's) relative backwater technology, as compared to the Game universe, could be as difficult as a modern-day English speaker being able to comprehend the spoken language of a native speaker of what we today call Old English. In just 1200 years, the language has drifted (but, see below) to the point that to us, it bears little resemblance to the English we know and use.

I look at the technology of many tens of centuries from now the same way: nearly incomprehensible to what we now know. I don't think any of today's best prognosticators will end up with anything nearly as good for the time of Traveller™ as the predictions of Jules Verne for today. So, I tend to discourage too much reliance upon our present-day understanding of technology for my players. Interestingly, there is an overlap here of technology with language.

Terminology for technological items will often not evolve when such a system might have changed completely. A good example would be the nano/microchip. Originally, a construction of silicon, now a generic term for any logic-oriented computer sub-component. The Two Empires campaign might now call such an item, a submicrochip. That does not mean that computers in the campaign are silicon-based, rather convenient terminology is retained in language that also happens to coincide with player knowledge.

The common tongue of my campaign, and hence, my player-characters is Techling (or Technical Lingua), and is the second language of most planets in and out of the Terran Empire. Even the Vilani speak the Techling and, except for the occasional accent difference, are completely understandable to Terrans. All player-characters automatically speak Techling, along with other regional dialects/languages that they have accumulated.

Among the multitudinous human races/cultures to be found among the stars, nearly every one, except for a few of those which are totally isolated, will be translatable by acquiring a chip for the standard HandComp.

Finally, having given the example above of present-day English compared to Old English, I feel obliged to explain that a curious change happened to the languages of humans. This example of language drift is seldom found in the Two Empires campaign due to the stagnating effects of technology upon human languages. Given time, the technological evolution of human society brought about a reinforcement of language, a standard that tended to make minute corrections to the natural drift of language, in effect, no change. As a result, the languages of the campaign have few differences in them from the first days of Starflight by humanity.

Theory of Technology

Given the game's breakdown of Tech from the Tech Level Table, it is obvious to me that the scale undergoes a rapid compression in the range of TL 9 to TL 15, and spreads out the levels before TL 9 or after TL 15. (Actually, TL 6 is where the compression starts, but I am only focusing on 9-15 here.) This is natural because the setting of the game is for starfaring, and these are the first starfaring tech levels.

For my consideration of this aspect of the game, I have applied the underlying theory (not really a theory since I am referee) that in fact, what the game calls tech levels 9-15, only for analysis of Tech issues, is in fact a single tech level. If you were to renumber the tech levels using this approach, TL 16 would now be TL 10.
Independent Travellers' Network News Logo

ITN: Independent Travellers' News

The ITN is distributed throughout the Avalon (Memsil) subsector and neighboring areas by Common Mail Carriers and Centauri Lines. The News items contained here are © by the Independent Travellers' News Service and ITN correspondents and are not modified in any form by agreement under the Nomyl Cluster Interstellar Accords 4460, to which all of the carriers have undersigned.

Rights of redistribution are extended to anyone as long as no changes are made to the reports of the structure of this broadcast, publication, or other readable form.
ITN is headquartered at Avalon/Avalon with major bureaus located at Pacifica/Avalon and Kojinko Belt/Avalon.

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

5999 Feb 14
Avalon Bureau

The bureaucratic government of Cambri Prime, in the Alpha Cambri star system, has recently undergone a power shift. While the form of this world's government remains the same, a significant shift has taken place in the relative power strengths of the two major parties. The party in power (self-labeled progressives) have accomplished a realignment in appointees to various key positions within the apparatus of government, effectively neutralizing the influence of the (self-labeled) producers, more a manufacturer's lobby organization than a political party.

As a producer spokesperson recently put it, "Nobody's pocket will be safe with this bunch running things. As ambitious as their rhetoric is, the looters will surely run the economy into the ground in short order and now there is nobody to stop them." The public affairs branch spokesperson fired a return volley from the government stating, "Anyone can see by their words, that the obstructionists are totally dissatisfied at being out-maneuvered politically. If they spent half of their profits to improve the lives of the average citizen, they might not have found themselves in their so-called predicament."

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

5999 Mar 20
Pacifica Bureau

The Centauri Lines ship Dierdre is overdue for port of call here in the Gemma star system. Pacifica Search'N'Rescue has been activated to scan the system for a possible misroute. A Centauri spokesperson stated, "Our 4800 ton Gunned Merchants have proven to be sturdy vessels, so we doubt foulplay."

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

5999 Aug 30
Avalon Bureau

Edward Williams, the leader of the largest farmers' cooperative on Cambri Prime, is beleived to have set his entire last season's produce aflame two weeks ago. There was no comment from the man, but it is beleived to have been in response to the government's recent increase in farm subsidies in unison with a measure that turned back relaxations on farm loans. At a townhall meeting a few months ago, Williams had argued that, "These proposals will only make state slaves of all but the largest of farming groups."

The bureau of orbital affairs has restored the function of the weathersats which had mysteriously failed to extinguish the flames on the Williams' homestead.

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

5999 Dec 7
Pacifica Bureau

A Free-Trader out of the Poundstone Belt has reported a lucky escape from a privateer (built on the Terran Commerce Raider model) when they were en route to Ohmsley late last month. The ship—twice their size—severely outmatched them. Using all remaining fuel in their ship, they entered jumpspace knowing that they would not make it. The luck came in when their misjump exit brought them to the Kiger gas giant in the Regilis star system (Poundstone Belt). Their luck continued when they met up with the Kassandra, a Centauri Lines J-3 Liner that lent assistance in the form of fuel.

This incident has encouraged supporters of the formation of a Free-Trader's guild.

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6000 May 8
Avalon Bureau

The government of Cambri Prime has today, signed into legislation, the Land Reform Act of 6000 where, "The evolution of private cooperatives into state communalities will assure that the children of the breadbasket of Avalon will not starve and will, in fact, have bright futures. The ideological core of our program, the educators of this world, will direct the day-to-day affairs of the communalities. May Day has long been a celebration of our people, and its observance today is certainly no exception."

A Free-Trader recently out of the Alpha Cambri system interpreted that cryptic piece of news for us. She said, "The Teacher's Association had been the strongest supporters of the progressive party, but apparently failed the state-ists by refusing to give up teaching the last fifty years of history, as had been requested by the government. So much for progressive party loyalists—they get sent to forced farm labor camps."

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6000 Jun 1
Pacifica Bureau

The Vilani Empire cruiser Isizarkha was found in the Fernier/Fourier binary star system, adrift and lifeless in the Carbon Belt (Fourier). It had received heavy fire and apparently went quickly, as no word was received by the system's inhabitants.

Isizarkha had been operating on and off the Pacific Main for at least eight months, but nobody has any idea about her purpose. Centauri officials promised to deliver word to the Vilani Empire of the fate of this ship.

In unrelated news, the Free-Traders' Association (FTA) announced that they have completed negotiations with the main ports of the Pacific Main. It will now require FTA membership to land at all of the lesser ports, and some of the major ports on the main. Particularly notable is the placement of FTA SDBs at Ohmsley and Telo for protection of "our hard-working members."

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6000 Nov 12
Avalon Bureau

Our reporter, in touch with the Cambri underground on Cambri Prime, is finally able to deliver statements by members of the former, and now illegal, producers party. The so-called obstructionists have been censored over the past year by the government.

"We do not expect the people of our world to tolerate for long, the increasing oppressiveness of the government. Those who are mislead by issues unrelated to those at hand, must eventually see that they are being manipulated by the image-makers of the looters party. Typical of so-called progressives, they say one thing and do another."

Later, in response to the Land Reform Act of 6000, "Redistribution of the wealth? Don't you [the government] think it's time to try a new tactic? If they can do this to the teachers, who is next? As more and more producers—not necessarily of the party—stop production, this world will be brought to its knees."

Most recently, "The 97% income tax rate on earnings is the straw that will break the Kian's back. Declaring that the 'rich' are those who earn more than 16,000 Cr. [20 KCr local currency, -ed.] per annum guarantees action from the grass-roots level of our society. Just wait and see."

We do not expect any further direct reports like this one anytime soon. It is difficult enough getting the news out. We have relied heavily on Free-Traders for other news from Cambri Prime. They mostly complain that this port is rapidly degrading as it is virtually impossible to get goods for export.

ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH

6000 Dec 17
Avalon Bureau

Word has just arrived of the latest (and largest) Barbarian Fleet to engauge the civilized frontier. As of just one week ago, the Naroma gas giant system around the red dwarf pair *SSGRS-UUSHW and *SSGRS-UUSHX was invaded by 5,000 elements ranging in size from 100 tons to 20 ktons. Believed to be overrun are the worlds of Nonn and its colonies at Gossamer Base and Corvee, as well as Sagar, and Centauri Avalon; all satellites of Naroma. In the outer system, it is believed that the inhabitants of Freepoint Station and Farpoint Station may have escaped.

Nonn is known to maintain non-jump-capable System Defense squadrons in both the Naroma and Zhang gas giants (around the primary star) and in the Nuaphl gas giant in the outer system (orbiting the center of mass of both stars). It is believed that Nonn's System Defense forces displace approximately 150,000 tons, but have the advantage of defensive strengths and better armament.

ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH

6000 Dec 22
Avalon Bureau

The world of Nonn, main world of the Naroma gas giant subsystem, has only two jump-capable courier vessels. The only one that was in-system at the time of the Barbarian Fleet's arrival has just arrived here from Nonn. A few days ago, the Farpoint Station occupants came to Avalon via a Free-Trader on which they fled the system, bringing word of the Barbarian arrival.

Captain Jack Harrison of the NPF-0011 Ariel said, "I am saddened to report that the whole system must be in Barbarian control by now. The fleet must have slipped through the backwaters of the Antiqua system because nobody had any warning. Nonn was unfortunate in that they had succeeded at raping our world a century ago, and now they have returned. As crazy as it sounds, the millenarians back home will be right in a few more days."

After the short press conference, Captain Harrison and crew went to be debriefed by Avalon Defense officials. Ariel's sister ship, Atalanta, is reportedly in the Alpha Cambri system on government business. Centauri Lines has pulled all highliner operations off of the Cambris Cluster and terminated J-3 service out of Overlook Station.

ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH

6000 Dec 28
Avalon Bureau

All port facilities for Cambri Prime in the Alpha Cambri star system have been closed by the government. Ships fleeing the downport reported military style confrontation taking place in an attempt to capture the starport. Additionally, it is believed that similar activities plague the island of Apharos, the world government compound 130 Km. off-shore from the downport complex.

It is clear that the Cambri underground has become a full-fledged rebel organization. Ships arriving in system will receive this news, broadcast from the Alpha Cambri III relay station, where fuel and other basic ship's supplies may be procured, but only on a temporary basis and courtesy of Centauri Lines.

ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH

6000 Jan 12
Kojinko Bureau

The High Shiinuud (of the Miinda star system) has ordered fleet elements into the neighboring Ashmir and Ember star systems. She has also offered 100,000 Sasa for information on the whereabouts of the Barbarian Fleet or related groups. Unaltered sensor log data will need to be demonstrated for proof to collect the reward. These actions were prompted by news of the fleet's occupation of Nonn's system.

Minions and Allies of Miinda are advised to avoid contact with the Cambris Cluster.

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6001 Mar 2
Pacifica Bureau

Word out of Poundstone Belt and Dalton's Rock that Kasimir Stevens, a philantropist well-known throughout the subsector, is rumored to have arranged a special charter of a Centauri Lines highliner for a relief mission to the rebels on Cambri Prime to provide military and humanitarian aid. The tide of public opinion seems to be shifting in favor of the rebels. Stevens reportedly has received donations over the past month well into the 7 figure range.

At last report, the rebels had captured several regional spaceports and had laid seige to the world's secondary type-A facility—Isen starport. Their seige has been successful enough, that non-military traffic is no longer routed to that starport. However, January's thrust aimed at capturing Cambris starport (the world's primary type-A with yards) was less successful.

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6001 Apr 5
Pacifica Bureau

Three Centauri Lines route protectors at 250 ktons each have just passed through the Pacifica system believed to be en route to the Cambris Cluster.

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6001 Jun 7
Pacifica Bureau

The following entries were specially contracted for delivery to the Pacifica Bureau with the Hiver Six Pockets Nest Far-Trader and Centauri Lines, and bear their original "print" dates along with current distribution dates.

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6001 Jan 12 [Jun 7]
Avalon Bureau

Captain Jack Harrison, Free-Nonn Planetary Forces, has announced recruitment of men and women willing to "put their lives on the line for honor and money." The Bank of Avalon indicated that they were financing his ticket, "free of charge for the public goodwill."

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6001 Feb 16 [Jun 7]
Avalon Bureau

Starport traffic here at Avalon has reached an all-time low. With little traffic from Alpha Cambri, no traffic from Nonn and Port Downs/Anziens Belt/Nafir Republic, the only thriving route is to/from the Beta Cambri system. The only recent big event was the arrival of the Terran Empire scout-cruiser Po a few weeks ago.

Also, ships not in the past registry file of the starport are not permitted a landing.

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6001 Mar 22 [Jun 7]
Avalon Bureau

It has now been 90 days since the NPF-0011 Ariel brought news of the Barbarian Fleet here, and no ships have arrived at any of the ports of Avalon, Alpha Cambri, or Beta Cambri, from Nonn or the Antiqua/Anziens systems.

Centauri Lines has indicated that they expect to resume service to the constellar worlds of the Cambris Cluster, in perhaps a month's time.

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6001 May 7 [Jun 7]
Avalon Bureau

Word just in from the Alpha Cambri system that Centauri Lines Naval elements have fired on the Apharos Isle government complex on Cambri Prime in response to an attempt by the government to "procure needed goods for the people of Cambri Prime" according to a government source. A Centauri spokesperson stated, "We are willing to do business with almost anyone as long as it is not at gun point."

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6001 May 26 [regular feed]
Avalon Bureau

A courier from the Centauri Lines Naval task force has returned to Avalon from Nonn with devastating news. The entire population of Nonn has perished from direct or indirect Barbarian activities. It appears that the looting of the world, along with the unavailability of needed foodstuffs from Cambri Prime, the majority of the population perished from starvation, cannibalism, or suicide. Nonn was a domed settlement on a Naroma gas giant vacc world moon. The last census on Nonn, and subordinate bases, indicated 9,112,680 inhabitants.

The Centauri Lines spokesperson indicated the Barbarians may have moved on as recently as a month ago. The main task force was headed for Port Downs. The remainder of the Cambris Cluster is still on a high alert status.
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6001 Jun 29
Pacifica Bureau

Senator Bartholomew Landrum of Capulan has been appointed to head this world's Interstellar Trade Council (ITC). Similar functionaries along the Pacific Main have been quick to praise Capulan Chief Executive (head of state) Nguyen's appointment.
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6001 Jul 20
Avalon Bureau

With the actions of Centauri Lines nearly two months ago, the government forces of Cambri Prime were put into disarray enough that the Rebel forces gained a better foothold. While a few members of the government continued the fight, their fate was already decided—the Rebels have taken control of this former agricultural center.

Rebel Leader, Sven Tarkenton, planted a ceremonial triticale plot on the Apharos Isle government compound grounds today, as a, "symbol of the return to normality of the business of helping feed the subsector." It will take some time for normalcy to return. However, it is believed that the provisional government declared in today's actions is a good first step toward that end. Tarkenton believes that the provisional government will be required for at least six months, and perhaps a year or more, before a final form is approved.
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6001 Aug 31
Avalon Bureau

In a long-uninhabited system on the Scavenger Main, two parsecs out from Beta Cambri, the Centauri Lines Naval taskforce successfully overtook the Barbarian Fleet, engauged them, and, "cut the 'head' of off the fleet." A Centauri spokesperson continued, "They had gotten greedy, though for good reason. They had captured three NPF vessels, each with a low-yield Meson Gun spinal mount. I don't have to tell you what that may have meant for commerce in these parts. Ironically, we had overshot their route because they were moving so slow with their heinous prize. We caught them quite by accident on the return from deeper in the wilds of the Lost Sector."

The spokesperson went on to explain that the company (navy) was going to file a renaming request with the Terran Scout service, changing the non-specific catalog number of the system's prime to Vengeance. The taskforce skuttled most of the major element wreckage in the system's only gas giant. A number of smaller vessels did escape the major fight, however average system defense forces should be able to handle any of those "stupid" enough to return coreward.

House Avalon today responded by granting Centauri six months of tariff-free trading, commencing immediately, on all worlds of the Cambris Cluster.
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6001 Oct 3
Avalon Bureau

A curious report was received from ITN's office on Overlook Station, "It was a perfectly normal day here, 'over Ditiri.'" This report was filed with no further explanation.
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6002 Jan 16
Pacifica Bureau

The talk of Shields in the Regilis system was of the first expedition to the ancient derelict in over a century. The team, who wished not to be identified, thought that they could put the latest techniques and ideas to work surrounding the object, a seemingly permanent fixture to the high intensity Gauss field of Arba, the gas giant which Shields orbits.

The presence of the object has been known for as long as the city has been on the moon. Harle Carver, a resident and speculator, ventured, "Nothing new here, they won't figure out nothing that hasn't already been figured."
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6002 Mar 1
Pacifica Bureau

The performance of locally traded Centauri Lines stock has risen noticeably with the recent announcement of company plans for a new J-4 highliner business-class passenger service dubbed the Crescent Run. The new high-capacity service will link Nomyl/Nomyl to Avalon/Avalon via Pacifica/Avalon, Dieter/Avalon, Imamgigemkar/Avalon. Special rates will apply to the new service, with limited, non-contracted cargo capacity as well.

Industry analysts applauded the shrewd move by Centauri and predicted nothing but success, as the run connects the major population centers of the region.
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6002 Aug 5
All Feeds

[Ed. Note - the following entries have been selected for local readers in an effort to keep up with the unprecedented passage of time in recent months.]
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6002 Aug 5
Pacifica Bureau

It would appear that the exploratory team operating from the Free Trader White Rabbit in the Regilis star system has made a profound discovery on the Arban gas giant moon of Shields. It was this same group who had been behind the activity six months ago.

Some impetus must have triggered programmed activity aboard the artifact. It was released from its watery muck of a prison, changed colors, and hovered over the Shield generator near the Starport for a few minutes before spreading its tentacles, and moving off into space. After clearing the atmosphere, it set a direct course in the direction of the Red Giant star Agena, and accelerated at high speed in that direction.

The Shields Center For Astrophysics (SCFA) tracked it constantly for several hours, and thereafter reacquired the object thus confirming that its course did not change over the following days. The SCFA lab plans periodic observing time when its schedule permits in the forseeable future.
The White Rabbit remained in system for a few days, and then departed without contact or comment.
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6002 Nov 14
Pacifica Bureau

The Centauri Crescent arrived here today on the innaugural voyage of the Crescent Run. The new high-capacity service links Nomyl/Nomyl to Avalon/Avalon. It is reported that all available passages from all linked systems were sold out immediately upon availability from operator, Centauri Lines.

A pre-taped interview with Captain Williams was made available to ITN along the run. Tri-vid footage also showcased the ship in all of its regalia. The Casino section was one of particular extravagance.
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6003 Apr 29
Avalon Bureau

Nearly a standard year after it was convened, the Constitutional Convention of Cambri Prime has voted to form a department-oriented Terran Peerage (Civil-Service Bureaucracy). Recall that the previous government, if it could be called that, had almost driven the whole Cambri Cluster's economy to ruin.

Elections will soon be held to delegate Department representatives from each of the prefectures on planet. It is not expected that the provisional government will object to these proceedings.
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6004 Jan 1
Pacifica Bureau

A new shipping entity has been declared with Pacifica/Avalon as its home port. It appears to be well funded and well organized as witnessed by the revocation of the Pacific Main Postal Union's sweetheart deal of special concessions to the Free-Traders' Association.

It is commonly speculated that Pacific Lines is controlled by Vilani interests. They are using what would appear to be surplus, TL 12 variable performance Merchant ships, which will make them a perfect feeder for Centauri Lines. Needless to say, members of the FTA are not at all happy with recent events.
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6004 Feb 4
Pacifica Bureau

The Free-Traders' Association filed today to change operation on the books officially as the Free-Traders' Guild. This is seen as a move to protect the now-defunct FTA and allow continuation of operation as the new FTG with indemnity.

Free Trader captain Danim Shaw stated, "They'll drive all of the Free Traders from this whole region. I won't be surprised to see the price of Medium Passages go up as a result." It is doubted that the latter statement can be proven. A spokesperson for Centauri Lines had no comment.
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6005 Mar 15
Avalon Bureau

The (local) annual dust-off has come on Auburn in the Ashmir system with quite a surprise for the planetary residents. The very thin atmosphere of this world gives rise to a yearly dust-storm which lasts for two standard months, and then conditions return to normal. During the storm, landings are conducted at the Willy Starport on instrument readings only. Local visibility is always zero. Access to residences or facilities outside the dome is accomplished by properly outfitted vehicles or through tunnels for this express purpose.

This year all was the same, except for the presence of a metallic, mirror-surfaced pyramid found only 993 Km. from Willy. Sensor readings fail to penetrate the structure. However, if measurements are at all reliable, they indicate a mass of several million metric tons applied to the ground nearby and under it.
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6006 May 14
Pacifica Bureau

While the Farnor system has no Asteroid belt per se, it has been known since 4975 A.D. that it might be possible that one of the system's solitary rocks might be perturbed by Ordode into a potential collision with one of its own moons, Telo. The original long-term survey calculation had projected a 100% likelihood of this event happening by 6200 A.D.

Last year, it was discovered that an unprojected encounter with Ordode caused a further course change with the inner gas giant Tasdef. This course change is leading to a 100% likelihood of impact with Telo on 6014 Feb 2. At zero hour, the position of Telo will lead to a miss of the settlement by 1500 ± 350 Km. Projected yield of impact is 211,756 kilotons.

Plans are being drawn up for discussion. Any suggestions are welcome. It is expected that the Telites will contact Dalton's Rock for assistance.
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6007 Aug 23
Pacifica Bureau

The Shields Center For Astrophysics of Shields in the Regilis star system reports a changeover in the spectrum of the object that left that system a little over five years ago. Estimates indicate arrival in the Agena system in September of 6012 A.D. While the acting captain of the FTG White Rabbit refuses to comment on the whereabouts of his fellow crewmembers, it is speculated that they are aboard the light-speed object headed for Dieter.

Interest in the scientific community has begun to swell in light of the confirmation of the prediction of the object's destination. This is important given that a competing theory was that the object was in fact attracted to bright stars, and upon reaching the vicinity of Agena, it might then proceed on to Ben Sultan.
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6008 Dec 3
Pacifica Bureau

The new class C starport facility was dedicated last week in the Scouri system on Ohmsley. Eneri Dunlaas, president of Pacific Lines was present for the ceremonies. The new port facility was named Laurent, in honor of the local Patrician whose responsibilities had been with the old starport. Patrician Laurent died two years ago of natural causes.

Pacific Lines has guaranteed the new exchange rate with the Bank of Avalon, rather than wait for the usual two year period for currency re-evaluation. This means an immediate 15% gain in value for holders of Ohmsley credits (Ohs/Ohms).
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6009 Oct 15
Nomyl Bureau

Van Owen's Valkyries have departed the Dorata system having completed their mission there for the Chairman of that world. No information was released from official sources, but it is commonly believed that they were responsible for finally reigning in the Shining Light underground that was fomenting rebellion from the colony mother world—Garibaldi.
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6010 Jun 28
Pacifica Bureau

In an effort to change the course of the Slammer asteroid in the Farnor system Dr. Helge Peterson of the Dalton Science Institute has driven 250 fusion pitons into the nickel-iron asteroid to mount a 1,000 Km. light sail. Plans were foiled only a few hours before the scheduled deployment.

It was reported that a 400-ton vessel arrived on the scene, disabled the few small vessels and the Dalton Lab ship Wallace and then proceeded to fire on the sail package, killing three workers in the process. The ship immediately made jump. While there are still four years to come up with a solution, Telites are skeptical.
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6011 Sep 29
Pacifica Bureau

Telites are rejoicing today. The deployment of the backup light sail brake was accomplished after the raiding ship left. News of this was suppressed and on Sep 5th, Slammer had a close encounter with the Tasdef gas giant that directed it into the surface of Farnor. It was successfully vaporized.

The residents of Telo refuse to speak to the news media about any subject after the events of the last few years. It has been suggested that the Slammer's original course change was not by accident. Nevertheless, Telites have declared Feb 2 (the originally projected impact date) to be their official Doomsday holiday. It won't officially be celebrated until just over two years from now.
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6012 Mar 19
Pacifica Bureau

Pacific Lines has recently fluctuated heavily on the Pacific Exchange—the market for the whole main—amid rumors and speculation that the company was going to be acquired wholly by Centauri Lines.

Things finally calmed down after a Centauri spokesperson denied the rumors, and added, "We have a good working relationship with Pacific. There is no reason we would go after their markets and routes now. Had we wanted them, they would have never been founded in the first place because we would already be there."
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6012 Jul 7
Avalon Bureau

Last week, the Beta Cambri system was humming with news of the arrival of Van Owen's Valkyries on Leviathan. What is very clear is that they were rimward out in the wilds of the Lost Sector. What is not at clear is what they were doing there.

The best operative theory is related to last decade's Barbarian fleet movement into this subsector. According to sources, the mercenaries had scoured all available database systems on Avalon, rumored related to the incursion, and especially concerning Nonn. Remember Nonn?
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6012 Aug 2
Pacifica Bureau

Scientists from Dieter reportedley have confirmed the arrival date of the alien spacecraft that had been predicted shortly after it left the Regilis star system a decade ago. "The performance curve of their technology is nothing short of our standards, even by the best of Imperial standards."
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6012 Sep 9
Dieter Desk Feed

The day has finally come. Two weeks ago, it was finally confirmed that the crew of the White Rabbit was aboard an alien starship that has travelled from the Regilis star system to the Agena star system. The craft arrived not too far from Dieter and ejected the crew into interplanetary space in an air-bubble that dissolved on external contact with the air of the ship that made rendevous with them.

Three male humans and a hiver gave a brief press conference, answering only a few questions, and then selected some members of the scientific community that had converged on this point in space and time, and gave a private debriefing. The crew then returned to their ship of more than ten years ago and departed.

The alien spacecraft left the proximity of Dieter under very high acceleration headed for the inner system, and has not been seen since.
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6013 Jan 3
Pacifica Bureau

A court ruling which has made its way up through the appeals process, all the way to the Pacifica Council, has been settled in favor of the defendant. Dr. Venn Jakobsen, a communications researcher at Pacifica Tech on Pacifica has been cleared of any damages awarded by lower courts to Gamel Rostikov of Capulan.

On 6012 Feb 2, Mr. Rostikov sent a b-mail to D-mail-master(15) and a refer-to of Yoshi Namura. Dr. Jakobsen (D-mail-master@Pacifica.Avalon.Starbeach) objected to this, "blatant waste of b-mail resources", and promptly launched a program into the SkyNet which subsequently, and continuing to this day, deletes any un-encrypted mail from or to Gamel Rostikov.

While the findings came as a surprise, they were understandable given the nature of this landmark case.
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6013 Jun 8
Avalon Bureau

The authorities at Overlook Station in the Ditiri system have cracked down on a dozen people who for the last six months have been trying to muster support for a ban of shipping through the system of Ohmsley. These people are suspected of having ties to the Cambri Liberation Front, a radical group advocating the overthrow of the legally established government of Cambri Prime.

Upon hearing the news that the CLF is agitating against another world, the Premier of Avalon has publicly offered a 100 KCr bounty for each member, payable on Avalon.
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6013 Jun 30
Avalon Bureau

News just in from Overlook Station, a bombing in the brokerage exchange has killed 75 people and closed the exchange for an indeterminate amount of time. At the top of the list of suspects would be those in league with the Cambri Liberation Front. A little over three weeks ago, a band of people suspected with CLF ties were arrested for, "Harboring ill will toward an interstellar neighbor."

Bartering has recently caught on in the starport concourses in lieu of having the public exchange. Chief Trade Officer Michael O'Leary expects to be able to reopen from between two weeks to a month, depending upon the extent damage to the computers.
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6013 Sep 4
Avalon Bureau

A suicide-bomber with, "an extremely high-tech bomb" was caught attempting to breach customs at Avalon Five Port today. Upon the detection, she was placed in a damper field, taken to far orbit and harmlessly detonated at a safe distance. Authorities remarked, "It was a shame she couldn't be interrogated, but she did make quite a spectacle at the Premier's birthday party."
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6013 Dec 22
Avalon Bureau

Nomylese playboy tychoon and heir to AirGas Industries, Yordo Cortesse has become the first person to succeed in buying all of the passages on the Centauri Lines' highliner operation known as the Crescent Run. His birthday corresponds to the arrival date of the Centauri Agena at Nomyl.

In response to prospective passenger complaint, Centauri has diverted the A.G. Clark from the Sagar run out of Avalon, and has announced that medium passage rates will apply for that trip only.
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6014 Jan 1
Pacifica Bureau

Capulan's newly elected Chief Executive Bartholomew Landrum has shocked this world by announcing reforms designed to curb political corruption and cronieism at the highest levels on down. The fact that his election meant announcements not previously mentioned during the campaign was no surprise to anyone here. But to announce that CE Landrum was going after political change has led some to openly suggest that he is attempting to become the, "shortest lived Chief Executive" in Capulan's history.

Of course this isn't true. Having made his innaugural address, Chief Executive Landrum has already lost his chance at that record.
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6014 Feb 9
Pacifica Bureau

Former Engineering staff of Pacific Lines today called a press conference to decry the company's recent layoffs. According to spokesman Dal Varrick, "The company is replacing all of us qualified workers with low-paid Vilani of some caste structure from their homeworlds." Pacifica has been the home port of the shipping concern for a decade now, and according to the company spokeswoman, PL is merely fulfilling its 10 year contract with these engineers.

Varrick finished with, "We should have known that they were bringing in all of these new Vilani so that they could be taught our jobs. These are Terran built ships, so its no surprise that PL just used us until they had no further need." Unexpectedly, joining the press conference was a member of the Free Traders' Guild, "Should any of this surprise anybody? Next thing you know, we'll all have Vilani-style trade restrictions imposed upon us. We predicted these kinds of things ten years ago, but nobody paid attention. I hope you're all watching now."
Remember Nonn!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6014 Mar 12
Nomyl Feed

In the early pre-dawn hours of 10 March, an emergency message was received by Nomyl Space Command from a ship near P-1138, a 10-Km. asteroid in the belt. It stated, "Help. We are under attack by aliens. Send rescue immediately." Authorities indicated that the asteroid was registered to the Dawn Corporation, and the matter was turned over to them. Since the ship that sent the message was in space away from the rock, a patrol corvette was still directed to the site.

Before any further responses were enabled, a stand-down message was received from the ship indicating that there was no longer an emergency. Yesterday, an unmanned Dawn Corporation shuttle arrived at starport control.

P-1138 has been placed off-limits due to severe computer malfunctions of any ships that come within 100 Km. of the rock. Dawn Corporation reports that the forty-eight miners and station personnel are missing without a trace. There were also signs of forceful actions taken against the station. A spokesman for the company indicated that the ship was owned by prospective buyers.

P-1138 was claimed by the Dawn Corporation in 5999, and was reported as first operational in 6009. As near as can be determined, the ship at the rock was the White Rabbit.
Remember Nonn!

ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH

6014 Apr 14
Pacifica Bureau

Commencing immediately, the world and highport of Pacifica is under the strictest of quarantine measures. No ships will be allowed to leave under any circumstances. Military Rule has been declared by the Orbital Defense Command. Violators will be destroyed.
Remember Nonn!

ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH

6014 Apr 17
Pacifica Bureau

The quarantine of the world and highport of Pacifica is still in tact. Orbital Defense Command has guaranteed that the three ships which fell in the contamination window have all returned to the highport.

Pacific Plague
Seen above the planetary limb is the Highport (lower) and the Centauri Lines Orbital Warehouse complex (upper)

The orbital view above was released by the ODC late last night. According to an ITN source on the highport, something referred to as a single jump barnacle came in three days ago attached to the exterior hull of an in-bound Free-Trader and found its way into a cargo which descended the beanstalk for the planet's surface.

Now, there are jump barnacles everywhere in sight at the base of the beanstalk, and for a radius of a couple of thousand miles. These things are brown and roughly cylindrical, and measure 15 centimeters in length, and about 8 centimeters in diameter. They are covered with a sticky, viscous, and nearly transparent plasma, which may be due to their exposure to the atmosphere of the planet.

Several hundred thousand people have been hospitalized, and are beginning to die from apparent exposure to the jump barnacles. Expired sea life has begun to wash up on the beaches. No original highport residents (crew or military) are still alive. Volunteer replacements from the surface have come "up" to maintain systems, etc.
Remember Nonn!

ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH

6014 Apr 26
Pacifica Bureau

The death toll from the Pacific Jump Barnacle Plague has exceeded one hundred million. Any person still alive, with scientific training has been studying the jump barnacles around the clock in an effort to find a cure. Time is running out. Protective measures, even Vacc Suits and Battle Dress are insufficient.

In agreement with the ODC, ITN stopped carrying live coverage a week ago, and is only providing newscasts three times daily. That is now being reduced to once daily.

Centauri Lines and Pacific Lines have discontinued service to the Gemma star system. A Centauri spokesman indicated that the Crescent Run has been suspended at all points along the route.

ODC has completed the preliminary investigation of the origin of the jump barnacle. The Free-Trader Amber Crown out of the Gold Union, owned by Captain Judith Wright, arrived from Dalton's Rock, and was refuelled by an AirGas Industries tanker stationed at the system's J-1 point nearest to Pacifica. The tanker crew witnessed the Amber Crown's exit from jump space, and sold them discounted refined fuel which is how AirGas was establishing a market in the Pacifica system.

A crewman on the Free-Trader reported seeing "something" on the hull, and the tanker sent one of their suited personnel to check it out. The crewman was unable to detach it from the hull. Video of the ship docked at Penthouse starport shows nothing like the jump barnacle on the hull of Amber Crown as it departed Dalton's Rock on Apr 5. Even if it had originated from that system, it would not have survived the entry into jump space. That is why the ODC has concluded that these things originated in jump space. The tanker crew returned to the highport the next day with an epidemic "flu" outbreak. A jump barnacle was also found on its power-plant.

The best description of the jump barnacles are single cell creatures, millions of times enlarged.
Remember Nonn!

ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH*ITN NEWS FLASH

6014 June 4
Mora Bureau

The last ITN feed from Pacifica has come in. The ODC reports no life signs remaining from the planet below. The Pacific Jump Barnacle Plague engulfed the entire planet on May 26, and sensors indicated that the last functioning power-plant on the surface entered the auto-shutdown cycle which had been programmed into all such systems on the surface, in the event that no one was left to maintain them.

Pacifica's population numbered 1,312,486,210 from April's census. There were no survivors, except for members of the Orbital Defense Force, whose actions served to protect Pacifica's neighbor worlds. The ODF intends to leave only a skeleton crew to maintain the interdiction backed by Meson Guns. The Terran Empire scout-cruiser Garth Robbins has recently arrived and is assisting, as well as studying the effects.
Remember Pacifica!

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6014 June 16
Bonhomme Belt Feed

At the inner edge of the belt of the Ditiri system on Overlook Station, Centauri Lines officially took possession of all facilities and holdings of Pacific Lines today. After last month's tragedy at Pacifica, the company was unable to pay the lease fees owed to Centauri for their surplus Tech-12 equipment.

The company refused to comment on their immediate plans for reshaping the now-defunct carrier's routes. Some have speculated that they might connect Shanir to Avalon now that service on the Crescent Run has come to an end. The fate for Overlook Station remains uncertain, but Centauri still runs its J-3 Gunned Merchants out of the Nomyl Cluster to Avalon.

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6014 August 2
Mora Bureau

Terran Empire News, 6011 November 14, via Songnian III/Sitari/Glimmer Drift:

For the first time, a base directly attributable to the so-called First Human Empire has been discovered on a world believed to be in a sector across the Rift from Reaver's Deep sector and the Aslan Hegemony. The world is thought to be in Touchstone sector, Ardalla sector, or the Vanguard Rim. The press conference given by the scientific team that made the discovery, stated clearly that if too much information was given on the world of the discovery, it might give away the location to potential looters. The Empire chooses to preserve and study this great find.

The only description that was given was of a map room, which projected, "quite a sophisticated three-dee map of the Starry Lane galaxy." They say that 90% was covered by a single empire, with the tip of our side of the double-spiral being occupied by an alien foe that was apparently never conquered. It is believed that the First Human Empire exceeded Tech-Level twenty-one from routes which apparently made it to the galactic core in twenty-five hops.

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6014 August 27
Pacifica Bureau

It would appear that the Fallon had something to do with, "something wonderful", happening at Pacifica/Avalon. "It was as if Pacifica was just dropped out of time the instant before the start of the tragedy, and placed back into the time stream four months later", said a representative of the Pacifica Council.

The electronic transfer of wealth, both private and corporate, will have to be, "sorted out", according to a spokesperson for the Bank of Avalon. The only long-term effect that was not reversed by the "pop" of the time bubble was the failure of Pacific Lines.

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6014 September 2
Mora Bureau

A rare appearance by the Royal Knights Templars of Alouette graced this system before proceeding on to Nomyl. While it is not clear exactly what brought them abroad, rumors from unamed sources in the Mora Portmaster's office say that they are attempting to track down an unidentified starship, of unusual configuration, which recently blasted their way into the system, destroying a patrol corvette, with all hands aboard.

This elite police force travels in purple with gold trim Battle Dress, and diplomatic passports. Their grav cycles are integrable with the Battle Dress and make for an impressive procession over the skies of any city. It is not known how they travel by jump due to the local security arrangements wherever they visit.

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6014 September 25
Pacifica Bureau

The remnant pieces of Pacific Lines have, with the sanction of the Pacifica Council, reorganized into the Rimward Pacific Main Company. It had been expected that Centauri Lines might have opposed such a move, but that never came to pass. On November 1, they will begin trading on the Pacific Exchange under the symbol RPMC.

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6014 October 19
Pacifica Bureau

Terran Empire News, 6013 April 2, from Songnian III/Sitari/Glimmer Drift:

It has just been announced that Centauri Lines has filed the first Imperial Patent for a containment mechanism designed for matter/anti-matter reactions. In reaction to the news, the Imperial Economics Regent raised Centauri stocks a modest 52%, and that of the owning Swire Group, 250%.

ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN*ITN

6014 October 26
Nomyl Feed

The former crew of White Rabbit fame, now on the Merchant-Explorer Nomad, has just returned from a survey mission to Asad's Star in the Cluster's outer periphery to spinward. Investigating anomalies in the existing survey of the system, they encountered a "speckled egg" displacing about five tons which apparently put them in a thirty-minute stasis blackout, while it escaped at high-gee.

The Nomad crew would like to hear from anyone who has had a similar experience.

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6014 November 29
Pacifica Bureau

With the return of normal operations for Centauri Lines on the Pacific Main, a change has been introduced. Connecting service at Dieter is offered to customers continuing on Endward via Tentacular Lines. A reciprocal arrangement for Tentacular passengers travelling Spinward exists. However, they must take the Pacific Shuttle out of Dalton's Rock to mainline service at Pacifica.

The Pacific Shuttle had originally been intended as an express passenger service subsidiary of Centauri Lines. With the suspension of highliner operations on the Crescent Run, and regular Pacific Main services, the Shuttle was tasked with filling the newly created holes in the company's service offering. With Pacifica's restoration of three months ago, Centauri recently reorganized the Pacific Shuttle operations into a full-fledged subsidiary, specializing in short-haul as well as long-haul passenger business.

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6015 February 6
Pacifica Bureau

The principals of Diamond Star Enterprises gathered together a press conference last week in the Dal system, at Dalton's Rock. The purpose was to announce partial findings from their research of an artifact they think exceeds known Imperial technological levels. They are probably correct.

Their 20-cm. diameter disk is 8-cm. thick and has the ability to power a single starship laser weapon for twenty minutes. Dr. Just Entex provided a demonstration of the energy output under independently verified conditions diminishing chances that it is a hoax. Diamond Star hopes this may advance Imperial research.

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6015 April 12
Dieter Desk Feed

Humans somewhat smaller in stature than Terrans have arrived here in a ten kiloton "shuttle" from Endward. They have apparently been beyond the K’kree and Hivers for some time. They are bartering Germanium for information, but seem to have no interest in the normal kinds of supplies that starships require.

Calling themselves the T’kon, nobody in Charted Space seems to have information about them.

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6015 July 1
Dieter Desk Feed

Nothing happened on Dieter today.

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6015 October 23
Dieter Desk Feed

The Hive Federation ambassador to the Terran Empire passed through this system, briefly staying one week for an impromptu inspection of the Tentacular Lines terminal here.

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