The Waters End Grand Reopening

Novara Narstrom

SPLINTERED ROCK, Al Raqis - The Waters End will have it's Gala reopening in it's traditional Saturday time slot, So come on down on saterday and wet your beard with our classic Spice Beer and meet Jeromes sister, Jerona, get familer with the old days as you slowly get wasted and wind up having to get thrown out on your drunken face as the night goes on! See you there everyone. :)

Mysterious Cult Unveils Statement of Intent

By Megan Luz
Al Raqis Raconteur
Al RAQIS - This esteemed publication today received a letter of intent from the mysterious cult, the Jadist Congregation, operating on the desert world of Araxes. The group, who has so far been reticent to talk to the public, also issued an identical statement to the higher governmental office of the planet, the Laandsrat, at their gathering yesterday. The group's aims are lofty however they provided little detail upon how they would achieve their aims with some members of government deriding the group as "unorganised" and "childish."

The organisation came into existence following the death of prominent upcoming politician, Jade Moonkill, who campaigned against a controversial cure proposed by the Araxes government. Investigations into the assassination have so far proved slow causing many to speculate that the lack of a conviction has caused a groundswell of suspicion towards the Great Houses and associated bodies that rule the planet. Unsubstantiated reports have also claimed that Moonkill, a 34 Tau native and carrier of a rare genetic disease, may also have been involved in an 'organ legging' operation involving the transfer of illegally sourced organs and that her death may have been caused as a result of an agreement turned sour. Friends of the late Ms. Moonkill have were reluctant to comment.

The statement reads as follows :

The Solemn Words of the Jadist Congregation

We deliver this message to the Laandsrat in the hope that the Time of Strife can be avoided. Too much blood has been spilt on this world and others like it. A time of great darkness approaches but that destiny can be avoided and time of divinity can come upon us all.

We ask the following:

1. That the murderer of the Messiah Jade Moonkill will be delivered to the Jadist Congregation. Their fate will be decided by the Council of Ghosts.

2. That the Laandsrat will immediately dissolve and hand over power to the Beit Dawla as the Messiah demanded.

3. That the Laandsrat will be replaced by the Church of Jade and we shall administer teachings of love and prayer to the people so that they may live in happiness. Democracy through faith! All who believe in the Messiah Jade Moonkill will live by her teachings. Only then will peace and tranquility spread throughout the galaxy.

These are the words of the Jadist Congregation through the Messiah's Emissaries.

Do not choose a path that will spill the blood of the people. Choose the path of love and forgiveness.

Praise Jade and may she bless you all.

Possible new threat in Mu Draconis

The last image from the Nostroomo
before the signal was lost.

CNS staff in Arraxes interecepted a transmission from a ship on the outskirts of the Mu Draconis system that seemed to report an attack of some sort.

The text of the message is as follows:

"This is the Frigate Nostroomo. We are being boarded by entities unknown. We spotted a huge armada.. and are trying to get within range to communicate coordinates. We have been chased by 'Dusant' group of scout ships. 

OH. Oh we are being fired upon... [laser fired heard in background]. Sending image of aliens intruders. Please anyone out there, hel- [static burst as transmission ends.]"

The alien seen in the last image sent before the signal was lost could not be identified. Those who can identify the species is encouraged to contact the CNS or Arraxen authorities.

Spice Mining Payout

SR Ning
Hoto Nagi receive 1600 Linden Dollars
United Systems Directorate receive 800 Linden Dollars
Misrim Clan receive 400 Linden Dollars
Au Yang Clan (15g)

Spice Miner Totals
4th Shift of Cycle 01
Stacy Leakey (8010g)
Darkwolf Randt (3690g)
Ito Naminosaki (3300g)

Shift Total: 15885g

3rd Shift of Cycle 01
Willard Deerhunter (210g)
CTSS3XXY Arun (15g)

Shift Total: 255g

2nd Shift of Cycle 01
SafiyabintDavud Resident (1095g)
Willard Deerhunter (300g)
Albert Starsmith (210g)

Shift Total: 1680g

1st Shift of Cycle 01
Willard Deerhunter (240g)
Malchior Negulesco (105g)

Shift Total: 375g

Cycle Total: 17940g

Trouble brewing on Arraxes

CNS offices in 34 Tauri and Mu Draconis have picked up transmissions of impending conflict on Arraxes. The message received was garbled. Message follows:

....[Garbled] ask [garbled] the Ta'Seti to provide them Logistical [Static] Space lanes protections while they embark on a Campaign [Static] will not divulge to us. ... Intel has provide us the strong possibility of the Ta Seti invading the Al Raqis system. ... if anyone ahs family or interest in the Al Raqis systems. I [incoherent] get you and yours out

No further information was available at press time.

Faction Leaders! Make some extra cash!

Any faction can now have spice credited to it at the Splintered Rock Refinery and the faction with the highest amount of spice credited receives 1600 Lindens! Contact Vooper Werribee in world if you want your faction added to the refinery.

House Barca coup plot revealed

A spokesperson for House Barca over the weekend confirmed rumours that a coup plot has been uncovered within the House.  "The conspirators are currently being held in a safe place", said the House representative, although he would neither confirm nor deny that any prisoners are being held in one of House Barca's rumoured offworld training establishments, only saying that they are being "re-educated and will be able to usefully serve society in the future."

[KDRP]- Presentation Postponed

Due to an unfortunate occurance IRL I will be unable to run the KDRP presentation on the 14th and hence have postponed it until further notice.

My apologies.

Arnold . J . Gustav
Director of Kaden Private Security

ELECTION IS OVER

Jai Raghilda
And the election results
Arnold Gustav: 29 votes
Dave Dorm Gaffer: 22 votes
Seren Undercroft: 19 votes

Willard Deerhunter: 15 votes
Captain Sisko: 15 votes

Sisko and Deerhunter will share half a vote on the council.

Congratulations all.

Thanks everyone for voting.

A presentation from the KDTP

The "Kaden Desert Transmogrification Project" team would like to formerly invite Beit Dawla delegates, Laandsrat members and infact any resident of Al Raqis to attend what could be a life changing presentation. As Director of the KDTP's parent group, Arnold Gustav will be making the presentation.

Date: 14th January (Time to be confirmed)
Location: House of Companions function room

Arnold . J . Gustav
Direction of Kaden Private Security

Accusations of Voter Fraud, Voting Period Extended!

Open Voting for the Beit Dawla has been extended to January 7th! Investigation called for, and armed escorts are being provided for voters.
Today shocking revelations from the Cortex News Service have left the Beit Dawla Elections in the midst of a scandal!

Our confidential sources reported that, "the data crystals from the polling matrix at Highport Station have been corrupted"

The recent celebration of The Imperial Festivals of Greeting, which included the sold out appearance of the Diva Plava Laguna at renowned hotspot Sanctuary, made the polling kiosk there convient to a large number of voters, and makes the loss of those crystals the probable result of a deliberate attack.
Due to this appalling sabotage, shuttles are currently ferrying citizens to Al Raqis Square and the voting has been extended another week...

Voting will now be open through January 7th.

If YOU cast your vote at Highport you will need to come to Al Raqis to recast your ballot.

((OOC: As we are all aware the ONLY polling station for the Beit Dawla is in Al Raqis Square....   BUT... Please consider this news item as your own! 
-did you or somone you care about vote at the station? 
-have you been shuttling people in from various locales to recast their vote? 
-did you hear a rumor of criminal types at Waypoint X bragging about the hack?  -are you even, perhaps, glad that the elections got the old wrench in the works? 
GOOD...  to all of it!

And in truth, the extension is only because of the winter holidays. Unless you like to vote drunk, then go to town. :)
See you round town, in orbit, or out on the bled.
))

Beit Dawla Elections begin Dec. 26!

Joan Vhargon
The Magistrate reminds all citizens of Al Raqis of the upcoming Beit Dawla (House of State) Elections Week of Dec. 26 - Jan 1.

Four seats in the Beit Dawla. the lower governing house of Al Raqis, are being contested. Delegates will lead government Role Play and also help develop region wide policies.

Return completed to Joan Vhargon by Dec 25. Please include a "campaign" picture of your Av and a very short campaign statement.

Attack on ARPharma

ARPharma statement: "On Saturday, November 12, ARPharma production facilities on Araxes were attacked by persons unknown. These vandals destroyed existing serum stock and caused some property damage. Stockholders are assured that production has been slowed but not halted."

UPDATE:
ARPharma announcement: "Due to the recent attack on our production facility, contract employees are warned not to trigger the sentry guns. Let's keep workplace casualties to a minimum this month!"
(OOC- sentry guns deliver a kick but will take damage. Enjoy)

CFTA, Serenity Trading Merge

CNS services

AL RAQIS - In a surprising move this week, the Core Free Trade Alliiance (CFTA) and Serenity Trading announced a full merger of the two competing trade organizations to form one corporate entity. From the remains of both organizations rises the Serenity Trade & Freight Union (STFU). New offices will be located in Al Raqis. A 'duty free' private landing area for STFU pilots will remain on the surface as well as a strong presence on the orbiting Highport Station.

With the lifting of the blockade and trade restrictions from the Mu Draconis system, plus the silent role that independent traders had in getting the cure to the 'Black Pox" SAF Virus to the 34 Tauri system and other outlying worlds, the new company looks forward to a profitable future.
The Serenity Trade & Freight Union (STFU) is an alliance of independent freighter captains and spacefaring merchants working together for free trade in all parts of the galaxy.  "Free" trade is a misnomer, as they do seek to make a profit. Think "free speech" and not "free beer."

The primary role of the STFU is that of a  collective bargaining group and shared resources. The STFU allows small independents to make a better living as traders.

Laandsrat Arrested, Government Paralysed

By Joe Shin
Al Raqis Raconteur

AL RAQIS - The Arraxes goverment was paralyzed this week when the Beit Dawla issued arrest warrants for all members of the Laandrat, accusing the members of a lack of action on the Black Pox epidemic and of taking advantage of the crisis for profit.

Most members of the Laandsrat have been placed under house arrest with the exception of Zeno Baxton, who turned herself in and is currently being held in a cell at the government center. The order was issued by Beit Dawla leader Jade Moonkill.

"I hear by order, as an elected member of the Beit Dawla established by order of the Sovereign – His most Exaltedness the Emperor, the immediate arrest of all members of the Laandsrat Council and the executive board of ARPharm," Moonkill said in the announcment. "To face charges of treason against the people of Araxes and crimes against humanity for failure to act swiftly and appropriately in this pandemic, human trafficking and exploitation.  I also order the seizure and freezing of all property, assets, and financial accounts of its members and the stock holders and members of the executive board of the ARPharm until the time that they have been tried and found not guilty."

At least three of the Laandsrat members were also citizens of the UAP in 34 Tauri. The UAP government decried reactions in a statement.

"The UAP is most distressed to learn that its citizens have been placed under arrest on Araxes by order of a member of the Beit Dawla. Jade Moonkill is also a citizen of the Alliance, and it is troubling to see what one person can do to her fellow citizens," said a government spokeswoman.

Magistrate Joan Al Kafar of Arraxes, who was also one of those served warrants, declined comment.

Rersidents of Arrexes have been largely silent in the latest turn of the crisis, waiting to see what happens in the first big political crisis since the establishment of the Beit Dawla as a seperate branch of the Arraxen government.

UAP Expresses Anger on Virus Cure Cost

CNS Reports
NEW WESTMINSTER, Londinium - The governemtn of the Union of Allied Planets released a strong statement this week as the virus now known as the Black Pox continues to spread.

The Offices of the Surgeon General, UAP Health Services, and the Allied Medical Congress (AMC) on behalf of Parliament have issued a joint press statement condemning the actions of the Imperium and the Magistrate of Al Raqis, Joan al-Jofar.

"We find her attitude to be cold, heartless, and inhumane," said Surgeon General Liam Xiaoshen. "At the time when this pandemic is raging through her own system and into ours to charge a usurious fee for the vaccine is tantamount to a declaration of war. We have been in close contact with our mission on Araxis, Lady Zeno Baxton and Consulari Jai Raghilda of Zenobia, to formulate a policy response as well as obtain any necessary raw materials to develop the vaccine in our own system."

Xiaoshen went on to say that the AMC has been working with the Gehörnspiel Corporation on Ariel as well as Barrowclough Apothocary and the Trader's Guild to ensure rapid production and distribution of the treatment.

Members of parliament, speaking on condition of anonymity, have said that they are pushing for stronger action, including economic sanctions against the Imperium. When asked if that would include military action, no definitive answer was given.

UAP spokesperson Kimaya Liamano denied that the language was too strong.

"They are fully aware of the attitude that the natives of Araxis have displayed toward the people of 34 Tauri and other worlds," she said. "One might think that this virus, since the Desen appear to be immune, is an attack on non-native populations engineered by the Imperium. We are conducting further investigations into this theory."

The Verse Voice reached the Magistrate for comment.

"This is an incredibly complex and expensive serum to produce," Commented the Magistrate. "The Laandsrat is has been subsidizing the research and production costs since the outset of this outbreak"

"Thanks to my generosity ARPharma is able to sell the vaccine at a mere 20,000 solaris per unit." She explained. "That's a only a little more than half a common workers yearly wages. Is that too much to ask for your life? We worked very hard to make it affordable to almost every citizen. If we gave the serum away then who would pay the stockholders and how could we afford to cure the next virus?"

As of press time, the virus has spread to Spinwheel City with 2000 infected and 57 dead, Colchester with 50 infected and two dead and two infection on the isolated moon of Burnet. Infections are still increasing on Colchester and Paquin. There have also been isolated reports of the virus on Dragon's Egg, but no sign of active infections on that moon.

BREAKTHROUGH IN THE SAF VIRUS- Early Detection is KEY

AL RAQIS, Arraxes - arly detection is key to your survival so get tested.   We have found a tea that will now prolongue your life from 14 days to a year or more.  It is extremely important for your safety that we find it early.

There is no cure yet but there is a preventive measure.  The tea will be set on the stores very soon as soon as we bioengineer massive quantities.
Thank You and stay safe

Dr. Eliza Eaglefeather Demanjrick

Viral Outbreak Flares again

Raconteur reports

AL RAQIS, Arraxes - An intercepted transmission over subspace by the SS VULTURE while in orbit of Araxes indicates that the virus has indeed spread off planet. Despite a heavy quarantine and grounding all flights out of Araxes, a small merchant vessel has been discovered a few parsecs away with all six crew members dead. Cause of death appears to be the same virus that has been plaguing the planet.

Local medical authorities have also confirmed new cases of the virus on the surface. Earlier reports of the eradication of this virus were unfounded.

Medical facilities aboard the SS VULTURE are available for local medical personnel. The ship is docked at Bay 3 of Highport Station. Special Medical shuttles and equipment have been ferried to the surface for use by local medical teams in combating this outbreak.

OOC NOTES: There is a landing pad just west of the Spice Refinery on the desert floor. It is a rezzer to supply a Londinium Medivac Shuttle to anyone. The shuttles have a 30 minute lifespan and will de-rez on their own. They seat a pilot, two crew, and one patient. It's a sort of flying ambulance and is clearly marked. Clicking the cabinets will give residents medical clothing and equipment.

Saturdays Dance 1st October

Morat Barbarosa

Have you ever wanted to be someone from your favourite TV show? Well this Saturday 2-4pm SLT you can, and possibly get paid for it too!!

Join us at Club Naos on Al Raqis for our weekly dance. DJ Sredni Vashtar will as always be entertaining us with some of the best of 80's pop, New Wave and old school goth and industrial.
I will be giving a prize of L$500 for the best in theme costume or avatar.

Beit Dawla Election BEGINS TODAY

AL RAQIS - From August 27th to September 3rd, eight (8) candidates will be vying for four (4) seats on the House of State. Candidates Skhmet Pryxis, Damhnait Cernach, Deren Ireton, Senet Blackburn, Tah Sha REE , Otheym Rashad, Khajied Narstrom, and Jade Moonkill will be competing for your vote to the Beit Dawla.  The voting booth is located at the front of the Al Raqis court house. May the best 4 candidates win.