As nightfall drew in over the skies of Taanab, only the whistling of fireworks could be heard above the revelry of crowds below, where at the Trade Federation Palace, just a few hours earlier, representatives of the Galactic Concordiate had met to finalize the treaty which would admit two new members to the group: the Falleen Federation and the Sienar Conglomerate. It was widely hoped that the recent shakeup of the bloc would renew interest in its ability to act as a guarantor of stability and peace, and kindle an era of closer cooperation amongst neutral powers.

King Dur`rik, in a speech to the Sejm, set out his government's position on membership of the Concordiate: "Our Charter of Confederation states that 'we join together as brothers and sisters, accepting equally those Falleen lost among the stars and those others desirous of freedom and peace, in a firm league of friendship with each other for common defense, the security of our liberties, and our mutual and general welfare.' Although it has been six years since we declared neutrality, I have been determined always that our Federation should uphold those values as a model; that it should not be an island unto itself. With the Second Treaty of Forsetti, the Galactic Concordiate has demonstrated its commitment, not only to those ideals which we cherish, but a willingness , too, to argue that neutrality is not merely to stand by, as the passive observer, it is to develop our societies on our own terms, and in a spirit of cooperation with others across the galaxy."

The Falleen Federation's admission to the group was therefore considered a major success of the alliance's reforms. The parallel application of Sienar was, however, considered a surprise, given the Conglomerate's history of independent neutrality.

"Sienar has always been an independent and neutral corporation," noted Bart Roberts, Vice President of the Sienar Conglomerate Board of Directors, speaking on behalf of the Conglomerate. "It has been a guiding principle since our inception fifteen years ago, and shall always be so. Nevertheless, we have wanted to be a part of building a peaceful galaxy for some time now. But, it was never clear how exactly a corporation such as ours would 'fit in' with the Galactic Concordiate as it was first organized. As a non-government, we were simply ineligible to join the group's upper leadership. Now that full equality to all members has been granted, we are confident of our place and role in the group. And while we accept that the Concordiate is not a perfect solution to the problems that plague our Galaxy, we believe that it has the best chance of making a reality of the vision for an organized group of neutral governments and corporations based upon the rule of law, and respect for the sovereignty of its members."

Concluding the press conference which followed the signing, current Magistrate of the Concordiate, Jacob Jansen, explained why the Galactic Concordiate appeared to stress the importance of collective action only now, six years after its creation. "When we founded the Concordiate it was conceived as a way to organise the existing relationship between its founders. We did not envisage it as a political 'project' of any kind; there was no need to. However, as Lady Hegemon Stephanie Barefoot expressed clearly two months ago, the galaxy has changed drastically since then. Lawless groups have emerged and targeted those of the galaxy willing to operate by the norms of civil diplomacy. Ignoring the problem has seen it grow, and further inaction will simply continue to undermine the role which peaceful diplomacy and mutual cooperation play in building the sustainable peace and prosperity the alliance has enjoyed. If the Concordiate seems now to be a 'project' then it is because we think that one is necessary." The Magistrate underscored the importance of self-restraint, which major powers would need to exercise if such a project was to be achieved. "Groups like the Trade Federation must lead by example. We have to accept certain limitations on our role and power within the alliance if our partners' voices are to be adequately heard and considered. The Concordiate has striven to achieve that balance with its new treaty, and the results are reflected today with the signing of two members varying significantly in power, history, and relationship to the Galactic Civil War."

Six of the larger governments and corporations spread across the galaxy have now signed up to the 'third way' encapsulated by the Second Treaty of Forsetti, making the Second Galactic Concordiate one of the largest organisations in galactic history.

It was recently announced that Shili Free Press has joined the recent boom of business entities registered with the Galactic Business Bureau.  The recent boom of registrations has been predicated on the Bureau’s relaxing of certain requirements for business size and other advanced financial metrics.  The new requirements allowed for more organizations to qualify for registration, including the press agency. 

Registration with the Bureau is highly advantageous to most corporate entities for multiple reasons.  Primarily, it provides a huge boost to publicity by being announced publicly as well as being listed as a legitimate organization in the Bureaus' publications.  In addition, registration allows the Bureau to provide various other services such as networking opportunities, provides stability for the business, adds a measure of legitimacy with other organizations that may be looking for partnerships, and offers helpful advice and assistance on various services such as hiring and payroll services.  The bureau also acts as a collective voice for all businesses with various governments and regulatory agencies across the galaxy.

Some critics have noted that some of the recent businesses that have registered appear to be not only smaller, but also less organized and lacking in the refined polish of their predecessors.  Most of these new registrations are not the typical mega-corporations that formerly dominated the membership of the Bureau.  However, perhaps these smaller and more agile entrepreneurial outfits will be able to provide services previously overlooked by the old mammoths of industry. 

Lahasa Fy, chairman of the board for Shili Free Press, released the following short statement regarding their own recently completed efforts to be listed.

As soon as the Galactic Business Bureau announced their decision to relax their requirements, I knew that Shili Free Press could qualify, but we had many more steps to take before we felt ready to formally apply for registration.  Being committed to our heritage on Shili, we needed to ensure that we retained a presence on Shili, even as we expand into being a galactic-wide organization.  So, I needed to work closely with the New Republic, despite our recent differences, in order to get our building and expansion plans within Shili space settled prior to registering, as they are the controlling government of the system.  I didn’t want to register prematurely and have issues with our foundation crumble later, which would leave a black mark on our reputation.  Now that our building permits have been reviewed and approved, I need to thank Minister of State Rinou and outgoing Chief of State Chran, as well as the entire Senate, for working with me to make this effort possible in a way that maintains the heritage which has defined Shili Free Press’s long history.

Even within the New Republic itself, some critics have stated that maintaining our headquarters in Shili within the control of the Republic might be a seen knock against our independence, a confirmed link and bias toward the Republic.  While we do worry about this, we feel our efforts in the past and our future efforts will show ourselves to be a truly independent force for truth.  We welcome any and all honest and open collaboration efforts with other news, commercial, and political groups across the galaxy.  In addition, now that our foundation has been secured, we will be looking to secure additional broadcasting centers in other quadrants of the galaxy, which should help to solidify our standing as a neutral and galactic-wide source for in-depth reviews of and investigations into events that affect us all.

However, I cannot say that my contacts with the New Republic have entirely ended, despite our independence.  After all, with the recent Chief of State Election and the rumored impending trial of an elected official on Treason and Espionage charges, there are ongoing stories within the Republic that deserve our style of independent reporting, and we will continue to find and cover those stories.

With the registration process behind us, in addition to building up our broadcasting base, we will hope to progress some of our other plans for coverage, including an ambitious series of in-depth stories on the lesser known political powers influencing the galaxy.  Our first story, already in the works, is a review of the shadowy Zann Consortium, and how they have progressed from a notorious swoop gang to controlling multiple sectors of space.

So, until our next broadcast, this is Lahasa Fy, of Shili Free Press, hoping everyone stays safe out there.

This is Jeff Froud from the Galactica Group Press Office, live from the headquarters of Cybot Galactica. The Galactica Group has announced a live press conference just a few hours ago regarding the tragic death of Amelia Moretti and the direct aftermath. This situation has been in the news for four days now, but details were scarce. In just a couple of moments the chain of events will hopefully become clear. It would appear the conference has just started, so let’s cut to that.

Dex: ‘’Good evening, ladies and gentlemen of the press. After discussing the situation with the Board, we have decided to come out with a statement regarding the tragic death of our beloved employee Amelia Moretti. 
On Day 360 of this year, she and her unborn child were found dead on an RMI ship. Rumors of her death quickly spread all across the galaxy since she was a well-known figure in the intergalactic community, with her departure from Black Sun becoming a major story. One of these rumors is that she was murdered by RMI’s co-owner Chrii`kkt Raas as a part of a plot to seize control of the company. I am saddened to say these rumors are true. Raas granted former Galactica Security Services Leader Taranjeek O`Cuinn access to the ship Amelia was on board after it entered an asteroid field, and remotely locked Amelia out of the ships controls. O`Cuinn and Raas arrived on scene with a full medical team, ostensibly to save the life of Amelia and her unborn child after they were attacked by hostile bandits in the asteroid field, however later confessions proved that this was merely a cover in a premeditated assassination. 
The pair attempted to save Amelia’s unborn child using a complex medical procedure with the help of a science team, but ultimately failed. Shortly after her death, the two co-conspirators informed me of the situation, noting that multiple looming issues and potentially catastrophic events for our group had been averted.  I immediately called for an emergency meeting of the Galactica Group Board of Directors, which got incredibly heated to say the least.
Raas testified for the Board, saying that Amelia’s unpredictable behaviour, constant interference and undermining of his leadership and frequent and drastic changes to the company was causing major issues with Raas-Moretti Industries as a whole and he believed they were causing harm to the Galactica Group as a whole in the public sphere. Due to these factors he and O`Cuinn, who had been tasked with the security of our group as a whole, decided it would be a good idea to assassinate her instead of taking it up with me, with the tragic happenings as a result.They planned to use her death to prevent any future catastrophes they believed were likely to happen, as well they believed that in her death they could prevent future aggression by the Black Sun Collective which had our conglomerate listed as official enemies of state and myself with the dubious pleasure of being the sole person considered a Persona Non Grata by the Collective by removing her from the equation which would potentially smooth over all remaining issues the Collective has with our group. 
They saw her as volatile and unstable, something she was in a way, but never to the extent where murder is excusable. Over the last few days, a lot has taken place to punish the murderers. O`Cuinn has been replaced as GSS leader with their former Chief Operations Officer Drav Refter, for example. After four days, Raas has turned himself in to Cirina Moretti, wife of the deceased, and signed over Raas-Moretti Industries, or Raas Industries as it was known during the days after the murder, to her as well. The company has been since been renamed to Moretti Industries. Does anyone have any questions?’’

TriNebulon reporter: ‘’Mr. Sehrin, is there a chance that something like this will happen again?’’

Dex: ‘’Absolutely not, this was an isolated incident and everyone involved either has been or will be thoroughly punished. We already have strict rules against murders in Asher space and we shall do everything to prevent tragedies like this from happening in the future.’’

Central North News reporter: “Mr. Sehrin, what will actually happen with Mr. Raas and Ms. O`Cuinn?”

Dex: “No comment.”

PURE reporter: ‘’Is this the end of the drama?’’

Dex: ‘’Likely, all the parties have been dealt with accordingly and the Galactica Group is once again functioning as normal and all companies have remained within. Our products and services are all still available. It would appear that we have run out of time, so I’m ending this conference. I hope you are happy with the information and that you will continue to enjoy Galactica’s products and services.’’

And with that, the press conference has come to a close. The new leader of Moretti Industries has reached out to us with a closing statement. "We are currently working our hardest to get everything back to normal as soon as possible, so please be patient in the meantime. Elements involved in the attempted takeover and murder of Amelia have been detained and will be dealt with accordingly." With that, this is Jeff Froud for the Galactica Press Office, signing off.
 

High Council Ends Infestation

ARGAI, CRONESE MANDATE, TION CLUSTER

Golan II - Port Argolis Security Checkpoint

Marked for immediate release.

Year 18 Day 80 - Today saw the successful end of a five day operation by senior members of the Tion Hegemony High Council, according to a spokessentient from the Office of the Lady Hegemon.

Upon notification that Kray Voh, infamous bounty hunter and proprietor of Ever Light Transportation, was scheduled to arrive in Argai to gather an order for an Athakam MedTech customer, the High Council formulated a plan to capture the Yam`rii.

An arrest warrant was approved by a quorum of the sitting High Councillors on Day 75, as agents swarmed the Argai system, home of Athakam MedTech, to secure the system and wait-out the arrival of the acknowledged criminal.

Once the Yam'rii was in custody deliberation over trial and execution occurred, with immediate execution of Kray Voh being voted as the course of justice. Summary of charges include: attempting to kidnap a Tionese citizen, attempted bounty, operating illegally within Tionese space, offering bounties of top Tion officials, and criminal threatening of the Lady Hegemon.

The affected customer of Athakam MedTech was contacted post-operation by the Rector Superior of Athakam, who authorized a swift refund and arranged transportation for the delivery of the customer’s goods, including the care of a sand panther cub that Mr. Voh had in his possession.

The Tion High Council would like to offer support to any victims of Kray Voh’s schemes. If anyone having hired Ever Light Transportation believes they will have been affected by this apprehension, please contact Fleet Admiral Crislyn Anessa Waryn.

-- END HIGH COUNCIL RELEASE --