NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: Just a thread for random bits and bobs that don't belong anywhere else. Feel free to comment on stuff if it's public information, otherwise please do not.


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Mars, Mercury UAR's Federalized
The Office of the Secretary-General has today announced the full federalization of the UAR of Austarian Mars and D'na Apollo respectively. As full states of the UCSAU, it is expected that powers formerly granted by them will be placed in the full control of Anatoba City directly, and any existing means of autonomy will be over-ruled. In a positive turn of events for both territories, it also means that both territories may now enjoy access to the same resources as citizens living in what has for some time been considered the 'homeworld' of the Unione of Capitalizt States. The move, which has been widely acclaimed as 'bold, yet intelligent', is also expected to boost efficiency across the Federation in a number of ways including (but not exclusive to) military coherency, immigration, citizenship agreements, and business regulation.

Formerly Administrators of the Unione Administrative Regions, the Office of the Secretary-General has also announced that it will be appointing Harek Trujillio and E.L.E.K.T.R.A. v2.0 as Governors of the Mars and Mercury states effective immediately.


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Secretary-General Appoints Scevola, Sec-State, Qu'Salos, Sec-Defense
In a Cabinet re-shuffle that has seen two top leaders of the Unione of Capitalizt States formerly retire from government, the Office of the Secretary-General has announced the appointment of two successors.

Firstly, Marzio Scevola, long considered the UCS Ambassador to Mars shall be promoted to the position Secretary of State. From his new office in Anatoba City, Scevola will be primarily responsible for the management and operation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He will also be considered the Unione of Capitalizt States' chief representative with nations and territories external to the Federation, excluding the Secretary-General himself. Marzio Scevola shall liaison with the Secretary-General in policy-making, and on key foreign and internal state issues if necessary.

Secondly, currently Gen./Field Marshal Ezra Qu'Salos shall be promoted to the position Secretary of Defense. From there Qu'Salos shall oversee all issues pertaining to the defense of the Unione of Capitalizt States, and act as the second-in-command only to the Secretary-General as Commander-in-Chief of the UCS Military. From this position, Qu'Salos will manage and oversee the Department of Defense concerning all key issues, from the development of new ties and infrastructure, to operation of the Military itself. Qu'Salos shall remain an officer of the UCS Military on and off the field. Not so coincidently, Ezra Qu'Salos has also been nominated by the Secretary-General as his (eventual) successor.

Today congratulates both men on their successful appointments.

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UCS "Stargate" Program Revealed; Govt, Magliozzi Conglomerate in key talks

After an anonymous tip led reporters from the Austarian Broadcasting Corporation to question the government, it has been revealed by a key public figure [on conditions of anonymity] that the government and Magliozzi Conglomerate are indeed discussing the development of a commercially viable stargate-like program; designed to connect interplanetary and even interstellar points across the known universe in a network "capable of providing a new means of transport to consumers".

Unlike similar systems based in orbit, the program currently under development would be based on land and possibly in connection with magnetic levitation infrastructure commonly based on planets such as Earth and Mars. Nobody with access to privileged information could be reached for questioning, but it is estimated that the network could save as much as $amount Billion Austarian Dollars multi-nationally.

Both Magliozzi Conglomerate and the Department of Commerce have refused to comment on anything regarding the network.

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Stargates Confirmed; ' Construction to commence immediately '

After a joint press conference with government representatives, Magliozzi Conglomerate has announced a $amount Billion Dollar joint initiative with the Conglomeration of Northrop-Grumman to build and maintain a network of Stargates throughout the Unione of Capitalizt States. The plan which would see transportation costs and efforts cut dramatically, will see up to some twenty gates to be built initially, with increases to be planned proportional to national growth data as released by the Austarian Bureau of Statistics.

Economically, the deal is advantageous--some $amount Million Austarians are expected to make use of the network daily, with some using it to travel as far as Earth to Mars based-states of the UCS. It is also expected that some $amount Grummian citizens will make use of connections made between Austarian-based points and gates located in the Conglomeration under a ground-breaking deal to provision employment for foreign citizens, relieving the skills crisis that has been putting upward pressure on inflation over the past decade. And with inflation expected to lower dramatically, the Reserve Bank should see it necessary to provide cuts to assist in the economy's stimulation according to its new capacity.

But it is not all good news. ABC News has reported that complaints have been lodged by minor operators in the transport industry, relying on freight going back and forth via space as it has for the past few centuries. Magliozzi has eased some of these concerns by announcing that they will be closing their space transport division, allowing for such and such corporations to fill in the blanks where the gates will be otherwise inconvenient, such as asteroid fields or areas unserviced. It is undeniable however that as operators stand to fight [for better or worse] for the remaining share of a slowly but surely dying era of transportation, Magliozzi is solidifying its market position for a technologically advancing generation, and maintaining their dominance of nearly all industries in the Unione of Capitalizt States.

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Hector Magliozzi: " System Operational "

In a Press Announcement made at 16:00 today, Magliozzi Conglomerate CEO and President Hector Magliozzi has announced that the Stargate Network dubbed 'Astria Porta' by its developers will be completed and available for public use beginning 06:00 tomorrow morning. 'UCS-SN' as it shall also be called will be connected and monitored by the government via the Unione of Captalizt States' central 'DATANET', with servers based all over the Union. Dialing mechanisms shall in the meantime remain a 'state-secret' in conjunction with the Conglomeration of Northrop-Grumman who assisted in its development.

Initially, five gates will be fully-operational as another fifteen across territories of the UCSAU are being completed. Magliozzi Conglomerate has in the meantime announced that a further eight gates will be completed for both military and public access, and extension on its initially planned twenty gates in total. With twenty-eight gates to be fully operational by next month, they are also expected to be connected with a similar network in Northrop-Grumman, allowing for the daily migration of some $amount_hundred/thousand million Grummians who have already secured the promise of employment among states of the Unione of Capitalizt States.

Economically, the deal is expected to boost the Austarian economy by $amount Billion Dollars while the Grummian economy is also expected to benefit, which is currently struggling with record levels of unemployment.

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Secretary of Defense Orders 128th Review of the Federation

" Forward planning is essential, " announced Secretary of Defense Ezra Qu'Salos on Monday. " For it is the linchpin of our success in the future. "

In a powerful execution of his powers as acting Secretary-General, the Secretary of Defense has announced what will be, the 128th Review of the Federation. Whilst the Review's contents have insofar not been released to the public from its very conception, it is understood that it has remained one of the many centerpieces of government policy from the beginning of Goodchild's administration. With the administration now in its one hundred and twenty eighth year, this will be the one hundred and twenty eighth successive Review of the Federation--a document known to contain challenges and solutions to the problems we face as a nation today and tomorrow.

" Mr. Qu'Salos has acted with the full authorization of Mr. Goodchild himself, " replied a government spokesman on further questioning. " He [Mr. Qu'Salos] is, in effect, a voice to the Secretary-General's instruction while he is away. "

The Review itself is expected to take two full weeks. Paid for by the Office of the Secretary-General, Departments Leaders, Ministers, advisers to the Office, and the Chief of Staff will be sent to a retreat where they will be free to voice and nut out their ideas on the direction of future policies of the Unione of Capitalizt States. The exact location of this retreat is unknown to the public, but it has been made understood that the Secretary-General himself will be unable to attend in person. Instead, he will communicate to his Ministers and Staff remotely, also from an unreleased-to-the-media location.

Community groups have been quick to praise the announcement, commending the government for its 'commitment to the Austarian interest, both domestically and abroad'. The Review is expected to begin in a month.

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Secretary of State Confirms World Tour

As the Secretary-General and Secretary of State both leave for 'official business' in the Conglomeration of Northrop-Grumman, a spokesperson of Secretary of State Marzio Scevola has announced that this will be the first of many state visits, confirming speculation that a World Tour would be conducted by Scevola after his recent appointment. The tour, expected to encompass several key friends and allies of the Unione of Capitalizt States, will last until $month this year. It is also expected to include a couple of new nations who have expressed an interest in a relationship with the Federation.

The Office of the Secretary-General has in the meantime confirmed that the Sec-Gen intends to return home after his meeting with the Chairman and Chairwoman of Northrop-Grumman, a key partner in the development and operation of Astria Porta by business hegemony Magliozzi Conglomerate.

For a full update on which nations are to be included in the tour, users of 'Today' online services will be able to click here.

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'Federal Service' Extended from Three to Five-Years

Secretary of Defense and acting Secretary-General Ezra Qu'Salos has today taken the opportunity to announce that the compulsory military program known as "Federal Service" will be extended from three to five years. To be incorporated in the program, includes a provision for further education at the Hoffman Military Academy, an opportunity in which young servicemen will be able to undertake much shorter two-year at their relevant private institution to earn their Bachelor and Master degrees.

After further consultation between the Department of Defense and the Department of Education, it has been revealed that the average young Austarian will be fully prepared for an ex-military career by the age of twenty-five. This is exactly the same as under the three-year system.

Upon further questioning, Qu'Salos has revealed that the extended program is intended to 'streamline' Federal Service for a more seamless transition for young Austarians from the Military into their career of choice. It is also understood to serve the needs of the central government, and increase the level of education of the average Unione of Capitalizt States citizen.

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Qu'Salos Orders Closure of Mercurian Mining Operations

In an announcement to a gathering of the Press earlier this morning, Secretary of Defense and acting Secretary-General Ezra Qu'Salos has ordered 'effective three months from now' the closure of all Mercurian-based Mining Operations, citing a number of environmental concerns related to the Planetscape of Mercury and the subsequent preservation 'of its natural state'. Magliozzi stocks were barely affected however on the back of news that the Conglomerate would be posting five percent growth in profits from its financial businesses.

After being questioned by the Press, a spokesperson of the Magliozzi Mining Division revealed that the Conglomerate was in key talks with the government regarding new areas to mine, one of those being the asteroid belt located between Mars and Jupiter. Recent surveys of the asteroid belt have revealed that the metals composite of the area are similar if not the same as that on the Planet Mercury.

Neither the government nor Magliozzi were willing to announce whether an agreement had been reached. It has revealed however by a representative of the Office of the Secretary-General that a much more comprehensive announcement will be made in the next couple of days.

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Secretary-General Announces 'Asteroid Belt' Claim

In an announcement that has surprised many, Secretary-General Carmine Goodchild has revealed that the Unione of Capitalizt States of Austar Union intends to lay claim to 'sizable portions' of the asteroid belt, located primarily between Planets Mars and Jupiter. The belt, which is an estimated $amount million kilometres in volume, is primarily regarded as a place for mining by both national and multi-national corporations across the known universe.

In collaboration with the announcement, both the Office of the Secretary-General and the Institute of Resource Management have released documentation of a study that has revealed that the asteroid belt is under threat of being 'dangerously over-mined', and may not exist in its present form somewhere between one hundred to two hundred years from today.

Under the present regime, corporations and countries are free to mine the field as much as they wish, with little to no restrictions as to where, to which amount, and to what means. A representative of the Secretary-General has announced though that the plan, to be implemented by two years from now, should provide the beginnings of a means to conserve the belt and its resources. Mining operations by the Magliozzi Mining Division and several of its competitors are have said to have been approved, but experts predict that the vast area claimed by the Unione of Capitalizt States government are far beyond the capabilities of the nation or its companies to make use of these resources to any significant effect. The claim, estimated to be at roughly six percent of the asteroid belt in total, is one of the first to be made in the history of Sol.

The Secretary-General has reportedly encouraged fellow members of the international community to take similar action, out of concern that the field 'beyond Unione of Capitalizt States control' will remain unprotected and at risk of endangerment. It has also been revealed that the Department of Defense is working to develop and maintain a contingent, aimed at preventing illegal mining operations in UCS controlled areas, and pirate activity. Meanwhile, both the Secretary-General and Secretary of Defense have gestured to reassure the international community that regular traffic will not be interrupted, and that the move is intended to protect the asteroid belt only.

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Magliozzi Makes Application for a Review of Private Military Ambitions

At an announcement concerning company growth and profit, a spokesman of Magliozzi Conglomerate has revealed that the Megacorporation still has interests in the development of a Private Military, and that it would be making an application for the Unione of Capitalizt States government to review its position on the ownership of such.

Under current legislation, Private Military corporations are banned under the provision of strict gun ownership laws, and the government position that all military and police-security forces are to be monoplized by the state.

This will not be the first time such an application has been made however. XYZ "Blackwall" made a similar request some one and a half decades ago--it was subsequently rejected, but on the conditions that Blackwall was under investigation for tax defraudation, an investigation which was subsequently proven under a ruling by the Supreme Court over the following two years. Nevertheless, it remains illegal and if accepted, will be an exemption of the law by massive proportions.

Meanwhile, Secretary of Defense Ezra Qu'Salos has confirmed that he will be making a ruling on the issue by the end of next week.

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Police Raid District for Terrorists, Scores Arrested

Over a hundred Pilonese were arrested yesterday as the Department of Special Operations launched an anti-terrorist raid on suspect homes and businesses in conjunction with District Police within Yggdrasil. Having acted on the suspicion of terrorist activity, it has been revealed that many if not all of those arrested are known affiliates of Geneticorps, the organization responsible for the less recent outbreak of 'Osage Influenza', otherwise known to the medical community as 'OBI-4'.

Meanwhile, as the one-hundred and nine arrested now face charges related to being affiliated with a terrorist organization and treason against the UCS government and its interests, it has been announced that a further sixteen remain at large, their precise locations remaining unknown. With most of them expected to have already left the District to be in hiding abroad, the Department of Special Operations has launched an international search and arrest campaign for their capture, revealing their faces and identity to the policing community on Mars.

'Today' online services also managed to gain a copy of this campaign.

Click here (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b370/AustarUnion/wanted.png) if you want to know more.

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DSO Releases Names and Faces of Accused; Sixteen 'Wanted'

As charges are brought forth against some one-hundred and nine accused of collaborating and affiliating with terrorists after their arrest just a few days ago, the Department of Special Operations have released the names and faces of sixteen further individuals, wanted on similar charges. It had been revealed by a spokesperson of the DSO that the sixteen are 'knowledgable' as to a warrent for their arrest, and that they are to be considered possibly armed, and extremely dangerous. The DSO has also urged calm in the community, in order to prevent panic or unease to set into both the District of Yggdrasil and Greater Epsilon, which has been virtually locked down at all aeroports and gateways in order to capture the terrorists.

Of the sixteen, it is expected that at least five of them have fled internationally, including but not limited to the GPH of Pilon where authorities are focusing on rebuilding cities and settlements after the outbreak of 'Osage Influenza', otherwise known as OBI-4. Police and Border Security have been notified and will assist the Austarian government in their search.

Meanwhile, an international manhunt continues as several more have their locations yet to be identified, with multinational authorities and privateers joining in on a search that has offered $1 Million UCSD for the capture of each suspect. With so much on offer for their arrest and a successful extradition to Unione of Capitalizt States territories, it is only a matter of how long they will be able to escape the clutches of the DSO.

Want to Know More? (http://z4.invisionfree.com/The_Planet_Mars/index.php?showtopic=1353&st=0&#last)

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Govt Rejects Magliozzi Application for 'Private Military' License

In an announcement by the state yesterday, spokesperson Andrew Simmons of the UCS government has confirmed that the application made by Magliozzi Conglomerate to expand its business into the private military industry has officially been reviewed and rejected.

Citing a number of reasons, the Secretary of Defense was not immediately available for comment but confirmed later that 'several of the consequences of allowing private military contractors to establish themselves [...] were contrary to the security objectives of the Unione of Capitalizt States.' Qu'Salos also said that he was 'extremely confident' in the Military's ability to protect the interests of Austarians both domestic and abroad, and would not be allowing for otherwise peaceful corporations to potentially list themselves as 'terrorist organizations' by governments otherwise opposed to their missions.

A spokesperson from Magliozzi Conglomerate has refused to comment on the development, with the Department of Public Relations only releasing that 'Magliozzi will continue to work within the framework allowed to it, as provisioned by UCS legislation'.

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Department of Defense Confirms $32BN UCSD in 'Powered-Suit' Upgrades

Once a limitation to mobility, the Powered-Suit as deployed by the UCS Military is now fitted, flexible, and ever-increasingly able to protect our servicemen. In an announcement made by the Department of Defense just yesterday, Undersecretary for Defense Phillip O'Grady has confirmed rumors that the Military intends to spend up to $32 Billion UCSD in upgrading its 'powered-armor' resources. Designed and manufactured by subsidies of Magliozzi Conglomerate, the new suits will be made from a compound of Trinium, an extremely strong metal in refined form.

The new suit is also flexible and fits naturally to the body, providing additional mobility and comfort to our soldiers. Mixed with a variety of other elements, the product has since been labeled a 'state-secret' of the Unione of Capitalizt States Military in conjunction with the Subsection of Research and Development. Meanwhile, as contracts have already been placed to manufacture and deliver the new suits, final delivery of the new product is expected to take place by March of next year.

An export version of the suit codenamed 'Azure' will not be available.

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DSO Announces One Arrested, Manhunt to Continue

It was at the District Central Station in the District of Yggdrasil that Eric von Kappa, one of the sixteen most wanted men in the Unione of Capitalizt States was arrested by security forces yesterday.

Believed to be attempting to board one of the trains out of Yggdrasil, Kappa was known to be among the most dangerous of sixteen suspects. Meanwhile, the manhunt continues with the Department of Special Operations declaring that they have had 'some success' in tracking most of the fugitives, who are wanted on crimes of being associated with a terrorist organization among other charges.

One of the other sixteen is former Special Operations Manager Robert Kelps, who has been also linked recently with other groups such as the notorious [...]

Want to Know More?

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Market Forces Surge as Grummian 'Deal' Benefits Realized

As the Reserve Bank of the Unione of Capitalizt States releases their report for the fourth financial quarter this month, President of the Board Alan Greenspan has commented on the 'remarkable' progress that the economy has made over the past few months. Coupled with statistical data collected over the last quarter, Greenspan has attributed much of the growth to the Austarian-Grummian visa waiver partnership and to the establishment of Astria Porta, which has seen more than $amount Million Grummians cross into the Unione of Capitalizt States each day for their employment.

As the economy swells with a larger employment base, inflation has nigh dropped off the radar as governments and corporations find themselves with room to move in the employment/production markets. Wages have grown by a measily $something percent, with real wages growth turning barely negative for the first time in twenty-five years.

This is good news for investors and homeowners alike, as the Reserve Bank has now the incentive to cut rates to promote business growth according to its new capacity, lowering costs by at least fifty dollars a week. Families are also expected to benefit, with the average two parent, three child home better by at least one hundred.

In other news Magliozzi has posted a two point one billion quadrillion dollar profit margin as its subsidy European Banking increases its market share by five percent of its current share of eight on the European Continent. Analysts attribute this to the falling costs of credit available to end consumers, as opposed to competing banks and credit unions. The sharemarket is up, on the back of financial stocks and bonds, and consumer confidence over the past three months has risen six points to ninety-two out of a hundred, its highest in more than twenty-two years.

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Department of Defense Release Aid Package for the 'Underprivilaged'

As the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, it is hard to deny that many millions of Austarians are wondering how to put food on the table each and every night. As living costs increase, so too do the numbers of families unable to pay for basic services such as healthcare and schooling. And with going off and supporting the family on a military income a non-option for many, the Department of Defense has released a much needed financial assistance program for those most in need. The program, to be means-tested according to the needs of each individual will mean that service in the military under the agreement will behave like a 'get out of jail free' card for personal debt, providing the opportinity to wipe many thousand financial slates clean. This has been a nigh impossibility for some, who have turned to military wages just to pay the bills each week, with debt not rising or falling.

Codenamed 'Fishing Lessons', the program joins one of many aimed at producing better or more affordable living for the Unione of Capitalizt States' most needy, from subsidies in education to full tax returns on basic nessesities such as healthcare and medical costs. The Department of Defense has refused to reveal as to how many applications to the new program will be accepted, but expects it to be popular among those otherwise unable to get ahead without some kind of financial assistance.

There is a catch however. Instead of having to serve the minimum three years a total of five will be nessasary, with needs of the family being taken into account with regards to a specific posting and such. Many fathers are expected to take part in the program, but analysts fear that single mothers will also be driven to enlist while their children will be left with friends of family for the duration of their service. A spokeperson of the Department has 'acknowledged that there will be challenges with regards to the specific rollout of the new financial partnership program, but cases will be determined individually and with everyone's needs in full consideration'.

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Department of Special Operations Given 'Green Light' to Operate In Pilon

As the manhunt continues for fifteen known associates of Geneticorps, a spokesperson of the Department of Special Operations has been able to confirm that the organization has been granted 'special privilages' to operate inside Pilon for the duration of the investigation. The Greater People's Hegemony, a relatively peaceful nationstate, is lesser known for it being the origin of global terrorist network Geneticorps, a group whose main objective is largely unknown to the world but has been associated with such attrocities as the deliberate release of 'Osage Influenza', formally known as OBI-4.

OBI-4 was only brought under control after creating widespread chaos, by basing a cure and vaccination off similar and less dangerous strains of the virus after months of research and dedication.

Meanwhile as the search for the remaining fifteen operatives continues, the Unione of Capitalizt States Military has announced that it will be boosting troop numbers inside Martian Pilon to a total of three-hundred thousand, twenty-thousand more than what is there currently. Under an agreement with the Pilonese government, Austarian soldiers are participating in an effort to assist with the rebuilding of cities and settlements, after much of them were partially destroyed during the virus outbreak.


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Scevola 'Tightly-Lipped' on Anti-Pilonese Sentiments in the MDI

With rumours mounting that the Greater People's Hegemony of Pilon might be being expelled from the Martian Defense Initiative, Secretary of State Marzio Scevola has remained silent after calls have been made to comment on the matter from both inside the Unione of Capitalizt States and abroad.

" The Unione of Capitalizt States does not comment on issues not pertaining to it specifically, " read an unsigned statement from the Department of State. " More to the point, it is not in the habit of poking its nose where it has not been explicitly welcomed such as within organizations that it is not privvy to hold a spoken opinion. Of course, despite discrepencies with regards to its handling of the outbreak of Osage Influenza the Unione of Capitalizt States still maintains an excellent relationship with the government of Pilon. As we understand it, the Pilonese government is largely focused inwardly and on the issue of reconstruction--they enjoy our full support. "

Meanwhile, the government has refused to confirm or deny rumours that it has been approached to be sponsered into the MDI. Largely a defensive pact, the Martian Defense Initiative is an organization that has steadily declined in prominance after the creation of the Mars Port Authority, a more community-led initiative to control the distribution of territory.

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'Greater Epsilon' to Cease as a State, Split into Two

In a move widely expected by political and economic analysts across the nation, the Secretary for Interior Affairs announced that Greater Epsilon (currently the fifth registered state of the Unione of Capitalizt States) would be split into two, and be managed as the fifth and sixth states respectively.

Bringing the total number of states within the UCS to seven (when factoring in the Mercurian State of D'na Apollo), former business tycoon Dmitry Streshnev has been promoted by the central government to Governor of the State of Epsilon Two, the Unione of Capitalizt States' second installment to their Planet of Mars holdings. With a combined total expected to surpass two billion this time next year, the Interior Ministry cited a number of impracticalities in 'the administration of all Martian Austarians in its present form'. A report detailed in $year just two years ago called for such a develepment, calling the former division of governments (or lackof) not only 'impractical', but 'irresponsible in its neglect to provide effective services to the Martian community'--a finding supported by the Goodchild administration.

Secretary-General Carmine Goodchild has congratulated Streshnev on his appointment, 'citing his clear ability to lead' and 'a resolve to better the lives of people everywhere' as a number of reasons he was selected for the position. His coronation will take place July 12th.

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DSO Arrests Three as Manhunt Continues

The Department of Special Operations has announced a further three arrests as of this morning, a report to the Austarian Broadcasting Corporation has revealed, with the locations and identities of the remaining twelve 'most wanted' in the Unione of Capitalizt States declared 'mostly known' to operatives and agents assigned to the case.

Due to an order by the UCSCentralGov, the ABC is unable to reveal such details as it may compromise the security of the investigation, but it is understood that several more arrests are just around the corner as the operatives of Geneticorps are tracked to their current, or most recent known locations. Further information on the suspects is being accepted in the meantime as sightings all over the world are reported, most of them discovered through one means or another false alarms.

Special Agent Ralph Murdoch who is in charge of the manhunt has not been immediately available for comment on the arrests, hailed a 'major victory' for the Department, who believes that the terrorists were already working on some sort of an attack--less grandeur than the release of Osage Influenza just months ago. The three were arrested whilst on a flight to Victoriana, Midlonia, after being identified by an Air Marshal who was protecting the voyage. The Air Marshal, who preferred that he remain anonymous for the protection of his identity whilst on duty, is expected to be rewarded by the Department of Special Operations for his bravery and diligence whilst in service to the security of the Unione of Capitalizt States.


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Security Tightened as Military Tipped for a Second Martian Defense

As the Military celebrates its victory over the rogue Augmented elements of Fleetmind Kara across Mars and I.T. security becomes normalised along with the rest of Mars, Secretary of Defense Ezra Qu'Salos has announced that a 'second threat' to security of The Planet Mars has been identified, and that Taskforce Martian Defence who was responsible for the Austarian contribution to an allied victory, may have to prepare for mobilisation.

The order, which could come as soon as immediately, is widely suspected to be associated with the sudden yet easily identifiable Ork fleet which has been identified on the edge of Sol. While it has formally not been acknowledged as the single threat that the Secretary of State is talking about, commentators of the speech have been able to pinpoint a number of mentions where it becomes 'discernibly obvious' that it is the Orks who are threatening Mars. With elements already having come in contact with an Indran taskgroup, all eyes are on the 'battle-sphere' as commanders of the UCS Strategic Forces are expected to be watching and identifying common tactics of the Orkish forces before having to engage them personally.

Meanwhile, the Department of Defence has appealed for calm.

" Although we may be forced to engage an even new enemy for the common defence of Mars, " a news-release reads. " We place confident victory in the hands of a combined allied assault. As is always, the best defence is an offence, and we have powerful tools at our disposal. Without wanting to count all our chickens before they hatch, the cat is already in the bag--so to speak. We shall only watch and wait confidently until the declaration of victory is made, contributing where necessary and intelligent. "

Little under fifty percent of the UCS Strategic Forces make up Taskforce Martian Defence, which is led by Fleet Admiral Khālid ibn al-Walīd. The Fleet Admiral, who is responsible for leading the Austarian counter-offensive in the last defence of Mars (http://z4.invisionfree.com/The_Planet_Mars/index.php?showtopic=1360), is reportedly currently in discussion with allied commanders on Isasrach, de jure capital of the VERITAS alliance and currently stationed in New Boston.

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Secretary-General Instructs a 'Mercurian Reconstruction'

Having long returned from a meeting in Northrop-Grumman, Secretary-General Carmine Goodchild has today announced that the reconstruction effort of D'na Apollo's natural environment, a plan revealed before he left a state-visit to the Conglomeration, shall begin 'effective immediately' in collaboration with a number of contracts released to private Austarian Union.

With the bidding for the contracts already having begun, it is expected that D'na Apollo will be restored to its natural environmental state after mining efforts have left unmistakable damage to the Mercurian surface, operations which were halted by an order of the Secretary of Defence while Goodchild was away. A sudden interest in the environment of Mercury has been largely a mystery to political observers to the UCSCentralGov, although sources close to the Office of the Secretary-General have indicated that it may be due to a request from Governor ELEKTRA v2.0, the sentient AI responsible for overseeing the territory granted statehood just over a year ago.

In similar news, Magliozzi Conglomerate has reportedly made a twenty-five billion dollar bid for shares in United Terraforming Co. Ltd, raising speculation that it may be attempting to raise its current holdings of approximately twenty percent to a controlling thirty-five. Whilst it would not grant the Conglomerate total control of the corporation, it would give enough for it to effectively sway the board of directors to take an active interest in restoration activities on and around The Planet Mercury, an effort tipped to be worth some half a trillion dollars in estimated profit. Currently, United Terraforming is involved in committing to an active effort to make Mars fit for human living, and fighting pollution.

Amongst speculation that Magliozzi is seeking to increase its holdings in the company, shares in United Terraforming Co. Ltd have risen more than thirty percent, with the Board of Directors mulling whether or not to recommend that shareholders accept the deal.

Magliozzi is offering $375.64 AUD per share.

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Secretary of State Continues Tour During CoP Discussions

As Secretary of State Marzio Scevola continues his tour across various states of the known Universe, the Department of State has released a statement on what it describes an 'amazing success' in strengthening already existing relationships, and fostering new ones.

Scevola, who is currently attending discussions to reforge the Concordat (as the Concordat of Pheonix) as an observer (after having met with the Chairman and Chairwoman of Northrop-Grumman), is understood to have met with the Midlonian Foriegn Secretary and have come to the mutual conclusion that a friendship-agreement is appropriate as per a plan to introduce a more stable platform for the Unione of Capitalizt States and Greater Kingdom to cooperate closer and more successfully. Although the two nations have had their differences in what is more admittedly a precarious history, the pre-agreement has been hailed by the Department as a 'freshening change in the relationship between our two countries'.

Scevola is expected to meet with some of the other Ambassadors during the course of discussions meanwhile, which have reportedly stalled on the back of an Oyadan defiance to commit to the proposed agenda. Widely expected to withdraw from discussions, political observers have tipped them as 'the odd one out' concerning any agreement from the general delegation, which have enjoyed what is largely a common consensus from its members.

With talks expected to resume shortly, the Concordat of Pheonix is already a unified organisation with its members-to-be sharing similar goals and agendas.

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'Bandit', 'Pirate' Activity Up as New Lizaa Vacated, Returned to the MPA

It has been several months* since the government of Britmattia announced that it was abandoning its protectorate-colony of New Lizaa, turning it over to the control of the Mars Port Authority. But for an organisation which (largely) performs its own security, not everyone has been able to sleep confidently.

Doris Betherwittle, who lives in the village 'Petersworth' just two kilometres from the Austarian-MPA border complains that criminal activity has jumped more than five hundred percent since the territory was vacated, a claim which has been echoed by thousands living in the area. Local Police who have had their forces boosted threefold in an effort to battle what is a rising tide of banditry and criminality, say that much of the problem comes cross-border where they simply don't have the jurisdiction to operate and arrest felons living outside and in the MPA controlled 'zones'--a haven for almost all sorts of undesirables. Using time and the politically-sensitive issue of territorial responsibility to their advantage, Patrol Officer Rick Jamesfield of the Federal Police Services has revealed that pirates use most of their time plotting their next attack while local security forces in the UCS are unable to do anything but wait, and respond to whatever comes up next. Border Security has been given more powers to arrest those they come across, but they don't catch everything and especially not those with sophisticated technology and 'cloaking' at their disposal.

But Austarians living in Epsilon One are not the only ones complaining, a report leaked to the ABC has revealed. One in twenty border settlements in Zkaza have suffered similar activity at least once since the area was declared under international control, a number which is rising and set to hit one in fifteen by the close of next month. These may seem little statistics, but for the lives of thousands the experience of having a group of outlaws raid their township for all they can find is terrifying, and possibly deadly. Just last month, three people were killed in what were apparently 'related' to the incidences which were 'increasing in severity and frequency'.

Police Commissioner James Callaghan of the State of Epsilon One is expected to address the issue at a Press Conference on Tuesday next week and certainly, residents of these townships will be watching and expecting action.

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Explosion Rocks Pheonix Corp Headquarters, Pilon; Geneticorps Claim Responsibility

BREAKING NEWS - As commuters went about their daily business yesterday, none of them would be prepared for an attack on the Pilonese economy that has sent shares plunging. Several explosions could be heard at the headquarters of Pilonese conglomerate, Pheonix Corp, and thousands killed as security and police scrambled to restore control over the situation.

One day on, and a tape has appeared at the doorsteps of the Pilonese News Network (PNN); an unnamed Geneticorps member has claimed responsibility for the attack promising 'more to come'.

" There will be more attacks, " said the masked individual, claiming to be a member of the notorious terrorist organisation, 'Geneticorps'. " We seek to oppose the brutality [...] existing in your so-called World Order. "

It is unclear who the threats are directed to, one intelligence body suggests only targets inside the Greater People's Hegemony are at threat while another claims that even the UCS is in danger of being attacked.

" This World Order they speak of, is much more of an obligatory concept than anything else, " explains Dr. Hugh Nelson, an expert on Geneticorps for more than thirty years. " Anything which stands to oppose their crave for destruction, chaos, and even death. "

" They are truly, rebels without a cause. "

Samantha Woods, a lecturer of the University of Mars is not convinced, " We need to be identifying what are the objectives of Geneticorps, work out what their targets might be, and then meet them there when they arrive. This will be the only way we will be successful in destroying their thirst for destruction. "

Meanwhile, the manhunt continues as twelve of the original sixteen operatives remain at large. The DSO has rejected opportunities to comment on the investigation, but has revealed that they are on the verge of 'some breakthrough' concerning Geneticorps members who have fled to Martian Pilon, presumed responsible for yesterday's attacks.

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Post of "Vice" Secretary-General Created, Made Second in Line to Succeed Goodchild

A very confident Carmine Goodchild appeared to the press this morning, announcing that he would be creating the position of "Vice" Secretary-General, a second-in-command type role who would become the natural successor to the highest-ranking office in the Unione of Capitalizt States.

Promoting Ezra Qu'Salos into the role effective immediately, the Secretary of Defense has announced that he will not be giving up his profile in the Department, rather accepting 'additional responsibilities pertaining to civil affairs of the Federation'. A move which has been widely hailed as 'politically intelligent', Goodchild has been seen to cement his influence in the Statehouse in recent times, should for some reason he be forced to retire or finish his term as the Commander-in-Chief of the Austarian Union for any reason. Violence being another issue for consideration, the Secretary-General has also amended the Unione of Capitalizt States 'Continuity of Government' policy, naming the "Vice" Secretary-General as first to succeed him, with the positions of Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State ranking third and fourth respectively. Ranked fifth is the Secretary of Homeland Security, also responsible for internationally notorious organisations such as the Department of Special Operations (DSO), an amalgamation of various powers and police-agencies throughout the UCS.

[ Want to Know More? ]

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"Vice" Secretary-General Qu'Salos Announces a Restructuring of Military Forces

Given assent by Secretary-General Carmine Goodchild earlier this week, newly appointed "Vice" Secretary-General has appeared to the media to announce what he has called, a restructuring of military forces. Tabled below is the new UCS Military, as of three months from now.


"Ground": Formerly the Army
"Skies": Also known as the Air Force
"Wet": Navy
"Space": Formerly "Strategic", describes the UCSAUs Space-Based Forces. May also be referred to as 'StarFleet' in some situations.
"Ballistics": Everything from fixed-based missiles to Orbital-Based Lasers or "Godrods", also operates the national STI program. May also be referred to as 'Strategic" for its presumptive control over WMD and other such programs.
"Special": Describes forces from those specialising in anti-terrorist operations, extraction, espionage, intelligence. Made up of mixed elements from each of the other 'sections' of the UCS Military. 'Special Forces'.


Arrangements with each of the State-controlled 'National Guard' units will not be changed, including but not exclusive to the selling/passing on of retired technologies, chain of command, and funding.

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Azores Islands: We Want to be a Member of the Unione of Capitalizt States Federation

Becoming the eight state to claim membership in the Unione of Capitalizt States has been an issue of dramatic significance in the tiny provincial democracy of the Azores Islands in recent years, with its Parliament being the most recent joining a chorus of voices advocating such an idea after it passed a symbolic resolution to encourage its government to do so. Azores Islanders have enjoyed a largely close relationship with the Unione of Capitalizt States, after the Republic of Austar Union liberated it from a state of anarchy more than four hundred years ago.

Handed back the right to self-determination after a brief period of transitional governance and rebuilding, a political deal which saw the Austarian Military able to continue military operations via the preservation of a Naval/Military Base on the Azores guaranteed that towns and villages predominantly resided by ethnic Portugese remained in close and considerable contact with Austarian servicemen over the past number of centuries and although Mid-Atlantic operations have been wound back over the years, the Azores Naval Base has remained a strategically important location to the Unione of Capitalizt States Military.

A referendum is required to be held if the Azores Islands is to join the Federation as its eighth member, but it is understood that a delegation is being prepared including Prime Minister Alberto Romão to meet with "Vice" Secretary-General Ezra Qu'Salos and at a later date, Secretary-General Carmine Goodchild if an arrangement can be worked out. Which model that will be proposed is another issue for Azores Islanders, with two concepts becoming a forerunner of sorts. One of them advocates full membership of the Unione of Capitalizt States, with the Azores Islands as a State. Another advocates the Azores Islands joining the UCSAU as a territory, an arrangement which could facilitate autonomy whilst gaining the benefits of being tied into one of the world's biggest economies, and coming under the Unione of Capitalizt States Federation 'defensive umbrella'.

Only one thing can be certain regarding this; time will tell.

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Borders Closed as U.C.S. Military Launches "Security Exercises"

Thousands of travellers were stranded this afternoon as the UCSCentralGov announced that it would be closing all borders to the State of Epsilon One, after undertaking what it described as 'military exercises to assist and restore security in the region'. A complete information blackout has been issued to the media concerning the State, which is reportedly 'uncontactable' after a number of technical issues meant to closure of the area's civillian network just hours prior.

The announcement, which comes as a surprise to many people across the U.C.S. has been described as 'enormous'--no such mandate has been issued prior to this date in the history of the Unione of Capitalizt States.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson on behalf of the Goodchild administration has appealed to the public for calm concerning the matter.

" There is no danger to citizens in the area, " the Undersecretary for Defense. " This administration is undertaking what most circles call, a crackdown of military and police authority. "

He has revealed that 'certain elements' within the State meant that a 'surprise raid by the military was required', whilst some sections have already reported enormous success in their mission. He apologised for the sudden nature of the assault but vowed to bring the matter to a close as soon as possible. He reminded citizens of the importance of security, and noted that it has always been a priority of the UCSCentralGov since it was formed some two hundred-and-fifty years ago.

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Scevola: "No Comment" over Tarakovyan-VERITAS Fallout

As negotiations over the sovereignty status of New Trenton between Taraskovyan and VERITAS powers drew to a close yesterday, analysts began to fear that a 'new era' of Taraskovyan relations were about to begin when the Empire's legislative body announced that it would be seeking to 'destroy or limit' some of the friendship treaties that exist between itself and the nations of Menelmacar, Kajal, and C'tan. With the Vasilevs announcing that they would not be supporting any movement to do so, a call was also made upon the Unione of Capitalizt States and Tiburon to condemn its allies in VERITAS, after so-called 'scathing attacks' were made by those formerly mentioned.

But the Secretary of State has refused to do so when approached by the foriegn media--a sure sign that he would be standing by his allies and the result that negotiations had fallen to.

" It is regrettable that Taraskovyan legislators feel that their nation has been hard done by, " reads a bulletin from the Department of State. " But the Unione of Capitalizt States remains firm in its conviction, and shall not be making any statements concerning such by its allies at this time. "

" We of the U.C.S. Department of State sincerely hope that the result of the negotiations will not hinder further cooperative measures between ourselves and the Taraskovyan Empire, who should not underestimate their value to us among other members of the international community. "

" Meanwhile the Department would like to issue a special thanks to our Ambassador to VERITAS, Marc Gonsalves, who worked tirelessly to find a solution which would benefit both all parties and governments. "

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Source: U.C.S. to Negotiate New 'Status of Forces' Agreement with Pilon

It's been several years since the outbreak of 'Osage Influenza' was perpetrated by Geneticorps, and the rebuilding effort within Pilon (where it started) still continues. Now under new management, the Greater People's Hegemony is growing faster than ever, with old infrastructure being replaced with the new while the 'dead' is cut away and discarded as a forgettable chapter of history.

Since the event--some three hundred and fifty thousand soliders from the U.C.S. Military have assisted local forces with the rebuilding of Pilon, and now that it looks that much of the work is being brought to a close, a source close to the UCSCentralGov has revealed that the Department of State intends to negotiate a much broader, more permanent agreement.

Among other such things on the 'wishlist', is to maintain a permanant presence of Austarian Forces within the Pilonese territory.

Representatives of the Department have refused to comment on the rumours, which have been circulating the press community for several weeks now, but recently one development has produced much interest in the subject at hand--the Department of State has confirmed that a high level envoy from the Unione of Capitalizt States will be visiting and meeting with various 'administrators' of the Greater People's Hegemony, including chiefs of the Pilonese Military, which has insofar remained indifferent to the new government led by Genesis Simber.

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