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CAPITAL/CORE (0508-A586A98-F) Date: 132-1116
Emperor Strephon Aella Alkhakioli was assassinated at 1517 hours local
time, 132-1116, in the Grand Reception Hall of the Imperial Palace above
Capital/Core. In the ensuing firefight, the Empress Iolanthe and Grand Princess
Iphegiana were also killed, along with the Aslan Yerlyaruiwo ambassador, twelve
Imperial Guards, and a number of bystanders
In the following minutes, Archduke Dulinor of Illelish appeared before the
cameras of the Reception Hall, claimed the crown of Eperor by right of
assassination, and scattered holocrystals documenting his claim to the
surviving crowd. He ascended the steps of the dias and sat on the Iridium
Throne briefly before leaving in the company of his bodyguard.
System Control Central reported tracking the Archduke's cruiser leaving
the Capital system minutes later. Fleet elements are reported in pursuit.
Capital has been placed under martial law. Off-planet transportation has
been suspended temporarily. Naval headquarters has issued a statement that the
situation is stable and under control. Rioting is reported in the city.
CAPITAL/CORE (0508-A586A98-F) Date: 133-1116
The Imperial Palace above Capital has been sealed off by Naval Security
troops. Dulinor is rumored to remain concealed in the palace with a company of
bodyguards. It remains unclear whether Dulinor fled the Capital system
yesterday aboard his cruiser, or if he remains in the Palace. Occasional plasma
flashes have been reported along the Grand Concourse.
Imperial officers at the scene refused comment.
CAPITAL/CORE (0508-A586A98-F) Date: 134-1116
Captain Sir Gerals Spirlandin, commanding the Honor Company of the 2nd
Imperial Marine Regiment, denied reports that Duke Varian, Strephon's nephew
and heir apparent to the Iridium Throne, was killed in skirmishes within the
Imperial Palace yesterday.
Spirlan, 32 of Ibaru/Zarushagar, said "The situation is under control, but
identities of people in the palace remain unconfirmed."
News Service personnel have not yet been allowed inside the Palace.
CAPITAL/CORE (0508-A586A98-F) Date: 135-1116
Preparations for Emperor Strewphon's funeral tomorrow continued today
without incident. Empress Iolanthe will be buried at the same time. Grand
Princess Iphegenia will be buried Thirday.
The Admiralty confirmed today that the Imperial Palace has been cleared of
disloyal elements. The apartments accorde Dulinor in the Palace have been
retaken, with no sign of the Archduke.
The body of Prince Varian, until today heir apparent to the Iridium
Throne, was recovered from the Imperial Palace this afternoon and now lies in
state alongside the Emperor in the central Hall of Nobles beneath the Moot
Spire. Varian's funeral is scheduled for Thirday.
Crowds of mourners continue to file through the Hall of Nobles. Responding
to the press of crowds, last minute arrangements have been made to keep the
hall open through the night.
The Office of the Mint has suspended production of the Cr1 coin pending
the coronation of the next Emperor. A generic sunburst design has been adopted
as a temporary replacement.
CAPITAL/CORE (0508-A586A98-F) Date: 136-1116
Emperor Strephon and Empress Iolanthe were buried today with full state
honors. The procession from the Hall of Nobles to the Alkhalikhoi section of
the Imperial Park in the shadow of the Palace moved slowly and without
incident.
Prince lucan, Varian's younger brother, and now heir apparent to the
throne, appeared briefly at graveside, leaving under heavy security immediately
after the ceremony.
CAPITAL/CORE (0508-A586A98-F) Date: 137-1116
Following simple burial cermonies for Grand Princess Iphegenia and Prince
Varian, the Office of the Emperor today annouced that Prince Lucan had formally
ascended the Iridium Throne in private ceremonies in the Imperial Palace.
Shortly thereafter, Duke Simalr of Ushra, speaking for the Moot, charged
that private ascension ceremonies are invalid, adding that any assumption of
the powers of the Imperium requires the consent of the Moot.
Emperor Lucan, communicating through his seneschal, exercised the Imperial
power to dissolve the Moot for one year. Duke Simalr of Ushra, speaking for the
Moot, denied the legitimacy of Lucan's action in a strongly worded reply which
was released simultaneously to the news services.
A meeting of the Moot later in the day failed to achieve a quorum. Duke
Simalr is reported under house arrest.
VLAND/VLAND (0307-A967A9A-F) Date: 202-1116
Emperor Strephon was assassinated by Archduke Dulinor of Illelish
132-1116. The Central Authority issued a simple statement early today
regretting the Emperor's death, but calling on all citizens to remain calm and
remember his passing with dignity.