Gentlesophonts:
The following Earth Colonies news briefs are reprinted from *Melbourne
Times* #1:
Earth/Sirius (1720.19 A867988-D) 21 Feb 3001
- - The jump ferry Bright Prospect was christened today by Pan Commonwealth
Starlines.
- - The 200-kton starship is the first of its kind. While jump ferries are quite
common in Commonwealth space, the Prospect is the first starship built
specifically for commercial purposes. Previous jump ferries have been
converted from surplus battle rider carriers.
- - Construction of the commercial jump ferry is seen by industry observers as
confirmation of the economic success of the once-controversial jump ferry
concept.
- - Two additional jump ferries also commissioned by Pan Commonwealth have been
laid down at the Jakarta Shipyards. A fourth ship has been commissioned by
rival Transtellar Lines.
New Canaan/Gaea (2215.10 A865999-D) 11 Feb 3001
- - Supreme Aspirant Ganesa today recognized the Prometheus Foundation for its
assistance in helping the Abrahamic Synod develop jump-4 capability.
- - In ceremonies at her Spiritual Sanctuary, the Abrahamite leader presented the
Golden Sunbeam, the Synod's highest award, to Maruda Ishihara, Subsector
Curator of the Prometheus Foundation, who accepted on behalf of the
Foundation's Board of Directors.
- - "With this new discovery we will be better able to bring our message of love
and peace to fellow seekers of enlightenment," said Ganesa in prepared remarks
delivered at the ceremony.
- - With its development of jump-4 capability, the Synod's place among the major
Colonial States remains well established.
Aztlan/Procyon (0911.20 A9879A7-D) 18 Jan 3001
- - A spokesperson for the Imperial Admiralty today refused to comment on the
latest clash between Aztlan and Commonwealth naval elements in Pollux
subsector.
- - "I can neither confirm nor deny any reports of engagement of foreign forces
by elements of the Imperial Navy," said Lieutenant Dona Imelda Aniak.
- - "While it is not our policy to discuss the Empire's naval maneuvers I can
assure you that any attempt by foreign forces to encroach upon Imperial
territory will be met with appropriate resistance." Dona Imelda made her
comments during the Admiralty's weekly press briefing.
- - Tensions in Pollux subsector have risen in recent weeks following the
disappearance of the Commonwealth merchant carrier Finnegan's Surprise which
failed to make it's scheduled arrival at Remus/Pollux more than two months ago.
Amazonas/Ourora (1934.24 A766955-D) 01 Feb 3001
- - Spacers worked to stop leaks from a disabled fuel tanker Saturday, but rough
skies kept crews from cleaning up clouds.
- - Starport officials said hydrogen clouds and rain were spotted from between
450 and 3000 kilometers downwind and as far as 9000 kilometers west of Nuevo
Recife.
- - Officials speculated that most of the fuel burned before the Haven's drive
failed 200 kilometers above the resort town of Arenzano on 14 Jan, and no more
than 2 billion kiloliters was left on board. But environmentalists say as much
as 18 billion kiloliters of fuel are in the tanker.
Nyanza/Nyanza (1531.12 A86898A-D) 28 Jan 3001
- - The Minister of Trade today denied reports that the Federation had issued
Letters of Marque in its dispute with the Ouroran Community and Aeroi Worlds.
- - "While we acknowledge our differences with these two powers, we unequivocally
condemn any acts of illegal piracy against merchant vessels," said Asahi Teke.
- - "The term 'Nyanzan pirate' has long been used falsely to connect the
Federation with bands of rogue marauders in the region. We regret this
unfortunate misconception."
hvi-Unapfi/Auriga (1909.09 A893847-D) 11 Jan 3001
- - Foreign Minister aci-Gharean, opening a face-to-face campaign to convince the
Aeroi's toughest trading partners to relax trade barriers, said Aeroi ties to
the Colonies Sphere are "both wide and deep".
- - Speaking to representatives from the major Colonial States, aci-Gharean said
the end of the Markets War would not diminish Aeroi interest in the region.
- - "To the contrary, the end of Aeroi-Meren confrontation and the opportunities
for peace in the Colonies Sphere will allow us to begin to turn a page in
history and focus on the new challenges of interdependence as we shape a new
era," aci-Gharean said.
- - "Aeroi engagement in the Colonies Sphere region is critical to the success of
a post Markets War interstellar system."
Dedn/Europa (2934.30 AA6A865-D) 25 Jan 3001
- - As she leaves office, the Commonwealth ambassador to Dedn rates Morrochai
Gvo's chances for political survival as high and predicts that the crumbling
Expansionist Clique will not regain its once vast power.
- - Asked to assess the Meren autarch's prospects, Ambassador Jacqueline Morekki
replied, "It seems to me it has excellent chances.
- - "I would say the whole four years I've been here, most of them, people have
been predicting that somehow it was about to be swept from the scene. And each
time there is a crisis, it seems to strengthen its position."
*****
Happy Travelling,
David Johnson
Houston, Texas, USA