Volume 14

All the news that's fit to print, first!
From the Editor's Desk
Well, on my way back from my last assignment I decided to stop in Electra and enjoy some sights. I battled a few Z monsters from the Federation, and found them quite helpful as combat practice drones (except for the Z16 Drone, that is scary). Then I had the unfortunate opportunity to test my escape pod, when I got caught under a Z14 Fighter with no energy to maneuver my ship. With the luck of a drunken Keldon, the person who killed the Z14 was none other than the infamous Doombringer. Lesson learned, when running combat practice in the Neutral Zone, make sure you have plenty of rest.

General News
Counterattack!
Ghearaz Fezdan

Following the great success of the Tiacan action, the IDF (Imperial Defence Force) braced itself for the inevitable counterattack from the rebels. Surely they would have to strike, their vulnerability to our strength and determination had been displayed to all the universe. How could they not strike back - and in force?

It certainly seems that they were under considerable internal pressure - IIS (Imperial Intelligence Service) reports noted an increase in public disatisfaction with the Federation's military at home - several protests and some scathing press reports on Sol. In a chdank-shell, the public had become afraid! Afraid that the big bad Imperial kisdatta's (Keldon pack hunting predators) were coming to get them.

I'm sure some of you are thinking - "but there has been no assault ?!?" Well in this you are both right and wrong. Federal activity in Imperial space, especially the Keldon Core Cluster has increased since the Battle of Tiacan, but so has the number of Federal ship destructions as the IDF scramble to defend us. The sting of Tiacan did however bring out the Federal Admirals - 2 at least entered Imperial space - and were destroyed for their trouble. Their gigantic war machines - the Doomstar class of battleship - proved to be no match for the skill and courage of our pilots. The Empire salutes all those who selflessly defend our home and loved ones.

Take heart brave Imperials, whenever and wherever the Federation tries to attack, the IDF will be ready. Know too that we will continue to take the fight to them as we seek a meaningful peace - a peace free of the threat of their insane weapon research. Already there are signs that their resolve is weakening. Only a fool would suggest they are already beaten - but we are getting closer to victory.

For the Emperor!

The Dominator class fighter recieved a refit this week, adding two more missile mounts to it in order to get maximum use of Imperial MK II missiles during combat. Hooray! for Imperial engineers. This makes the Dominator much more useful in combat, and it is expected that the number of Dominator's in service will take a sharp turn upward.

The second MoonCrusher was purchased by Prince rimskych. All hail the Prince and his glorious new ship! Now the Prince has set his sights on a Ska'ari princess.

Unfortunately at the same time, the Tyrant class tradeship was found to have hull and armour problems and recalls have forced decreased armour and hull protection to be used for replacement.

The Keldon Report - by Frozen
Ed. Note. Frozen was busy with battles and defences this week and didn't give a report.

The only item of note was the Federation incursion following the Battle of Tiacan.

MO's have been erected in Pass Emp-03 in order to keep Ska and the Emperor safe. This allows defenders to concentrate on defending Keldon without having to worry about attackers slipping by.

The Imperial Paladins have been beaten up by Eastlake. If you are in northern Keldon, be on the lookout for this nefarious Federation officer.

Alliance News
The Sith Lords have surrendered to the Federation in exchange for immunity from attacks during the war. Aleowyn of FTS sent bombers to attack the Sith's leader's, Rapm's, Starbase and successfully removed a habitat ring. It was at this point that terms of surrender were laid down and that The Sith Lords complied. They are no longer an Imperial aligned alliance and have been forced to bar the Empire from their buildings and bases.
A warning to all Empire pilots. Gilo no longer offers safe haven to Imperial Pilots.