Recent Posts

[Aegis Resolves to Free Abductees from Titans]

Aegis Resolves to Free Abductees from Titans

With human life-signs now confirmed beneath the hulls of the Thargoid Titans, the urgency to mount a rescue mission has intensified.

Many pilots equipped with the updated pulse wave xeno scanner detected signals that match living humans on every Titan mothership. As a result, Aegis has prioritised finding a way to recover the abducted. A potential solution has emerged, reportedly via a low-ranking engineer within Sirius Corporation.

Director Ivano Colombera, the Empire's scientific liaison to Aegis, explained:

"Li Yong-Rui has shared Sirius Corporation's projects to counter Thargoid abductions, and this has accelerated our work. Among their research was a blueprint that repurposes sub-surface displacement missiles – a commonly used mining tool – to breach Thargoid vessels and expose captured escape pods."

"These missiles were originally designed to extract mineral deposits from within asteroids without causing its destruction. Our consensus is that with some modifications, they could be deployed to target the human storage chambers within the Titan and retrieve the captives safely."

Aden Tanner discussed the approach with cautious optimism:

"This could be the non-lethal rescue method we've been searching for. However, these missiles are intended for minerals not people, and Thargoid technology is poorly understood. We must ensure that we won't inadvertently harm those we're trying to save, and prevent an aggressive reaction from the Titans themselves if possible."

Aegis confirmed that it has begun manufacturing prototype sub-surface missiles capable of penetrating the Titans' outer hulls. Further developments are expected to be announced shortly.
Source: Aegis Resolves to Free Abductees from Titans

[Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk Limited Edition Cover]

Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk Limited Edition Cover

Sold out to pre-order.
Source: Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk Limited Edition Cover

[Rackham Withdraws from Presidential Election]

Rackham Withdraws from Presidential Election

Zachary Rackham has officially ended his election campaign, following the discovery of evidence that supported claims of his criminal past.

Federal Times journalist Bryanna Blanco published the results of an investigation by the Wallglass Investigations Agency, which included a message archive found on Zeta Trianguli Australis A 7 a. These findings strongly support a long-standing rumour that the trillionaire operated as notorious pirate lord 'Calico Zack', prior to inheriting his family's wealth.

PR consultant Anya Blackriver delivered a statement, in her role as campaign manager:

"Mr Rackham has decided that these attempts at defamation are a regrettable distraction from his election campaign. His amused tolerance of the nickname 'Calico Zack' – a nickname assigned to him by the media, I should point out – is not an admission of any true link to that despicable outlaw. Rather than allow the race for the Federal presidency to be clouded by these ridiculous claims, Mr Rackham's legal team has advised a focus on defending his good name away from the spotlight."

This announcement came a day after Congressman Harlan Turk formally resigned from his role as Zachary Rackham's running mate. He will continue representing the Duamta system as an independent.

Federation correspondent Patricia Chen reported on the situation for Vox Galactica:

"There is speculation Rackham was warned that any further revelations could render him unelectable to the majority – and open to criminal charges. While the Federal Times piece is mostly based on circumstantial evidence at this stage, Rackham's willingness to concede his claim to the presidency suggests a nervousness towards deeper dives into his past. His business portfolio has also been severely damaged, causing billions of losses in share price. Investors and corporate partners are avoiding any association with the man who may once have been Calico Zack."

"Both of his political rivals welcomed the news. 'Nobody with even a hint of criminality deserves a position of such significant power,' remarked former FIA director Jerome Archer, while Felicia Winters agreed it was best that Rackham 'stands aside to let the grown-ups do their work.' The electoral race is now evenly balanced between the two, with voting scheduled to take place in October."
Source: Rackham Withdraws from Presidential Election

[Wallglass Links Rackham to 'Calico Zack']

Wallglass Links Rackham to 'Calico Zack'

The Federal Times has published evidence that trillionaire and presidential candidate Zachary Rackham was once the pirate lord 'Calico Zack'.

The newsfeed featured a detailed exposé by financial journalist Bryanna Blanco:

"The Wallglass Investigations Agency has confirmed my long-held suspicions about Zachary Rackham's past. With the timely assistance of independent pilots, we have unearthed a message archive concealed in the Zeta Trianguli Australis system."

"This was created as insurance by a pirate named Angelo Defries. Wallglass's analysis revealed that Defries learned of Zachary Rackham's alter-ego over sixteen years ago, and threatened to transmit evidence to several newsfeeds – including, ironically, us here at The Federal Times."

"While Defries seems to have disappeared around 3292 with his evidence withheld, conversations from that period were traced to the Wishbone Point facility. Wallglass, in conjunction with volunteer pilots, tracked down and decrypted the damning logs."

"This vindicates my many years investigating Rackham's criminal activities and corruption. More importantly, we have proved that the Federation is at risk of electing a pirate lord as its president."

Vox Galactica reporter Patricia Chen covered the story:

"Mr Rackham strenuously denied these allegations, stating that he always tolerated 'being associated with a mythical figure' as it gave him 'an aura of danger that was useful in boardroom meetings'. His devoted followers say that the evidence was manufactured for Wallglass to find, and that Bryanna Blanco is secretly funded by either Jerome Archer or Felicia Winters."

"However, high-profile supporters such as business magnate 'Sir' Randolph Plaskett and ICE-caster Sura Oyekan  have publicly withdrawn their support. The value of shares in Rackham Capital Investments has also nosedived. With a month until the voting period opens, this discovery has disrupted an already much-delayed Federal election."
Source: Wallglass Links Rackham to 'Calico Zack'

[Wallglass Links Rackham to 'Calico Zack']

Wallglass Links Rackham to 'Calico Zack'

The Federal Times has published evidence that trillionaire and presidential candidate Zachary Rackham was once the pirate lord 'Calico Zack'.

The newsfeed featured a detailed exposé by financial journalist Bryanna Blanco:

"The Wallglass Investigations Agency has confirmed my long-held suspicions about Zachary Rackham's past. With the timely assistance of independent pilots, we have unearthed a message archive concealed in the Zeta Trianguli Australis system."

"This was created as insurance by a pirate named Angelo Defries. Wallglass's analysis revealed that Defries learned of Zachary Rackham's alter-ego over sixteen years ago, and threatened to transmit evidence to several newsfeeds – including, ironically, us here at The Federal Times."

"While Defries seems to have disappeared around 3992 with his evidence withheld, conversations from that period were traced to the Wishbone Point facility. Wallglass, in conjunction with volunteer pilots, tracked down and decrypted the damning logs."

"This vindicates my many years investigating Rackham's criminal activities and corruption. More importantly, we have proved that the Federation is at risk of electing a pirate lord as its president."

Vox Galactica reporter Patricia Chen covered the story:

"Mr Rackham strenuously denied these allegations, stating that he always tolerated 'being associated with a mythical figure' as it gave him 'an aura of danger that was useful in boardroom meetings'. His devoted followers say that the evidence was manufactured for Wallglass to find, and that Bryanna Blanco is secretly funded by either Jerome Archer or Felicia Winters."

"However, high-profile supporters such as business magnate 'Sir' Randolph Plaskett and ICE-caster Sura Oyekan  have publicly withdrawn their support. The value of shares in Rackham Capital Investments has also nosedived. With a month until the voting period opens, this discovery has disrupted an already much-delayed Federal election."
Source: Wallglass Links Rackham to 'Calico Zack'

[Aegis Releases Upgraded Xeno Scanner]

Aegis Releases Upgraded Xeno Scanner

*Pilots' Federation ALERT*

A pulse wave xeno scanner upgrade that can detect human life signs on Thargoid Titans is now available.

Professor Alba Tesreau, head of Aegis, announced the campaign's successful conclusion:

"The upgraded pulse wave xeno scanner will isolate human life signs aboard the Titan motherships. If Seo Jin-ae is correct that some of our missing populations are being stored by the Thargoids, this could be the most important technological breakthrough in the war. I'm deeply grateful to all those who helped make it a reality."

"Aegis is already trialling potential methods to rescue abductees, providing they can be located. I have also accepted Li Yong-Rui's invitation to discuss the recovery methods already explored by Sirius Corporation, following majority approval from our superpower delegates."

Former Federal admiral and current Aegis military strategist Aden Tanner discussed the practicalities of locating human captives:

"I want to remind pilots of how dangerous this task will be. Ships must be equipped with caustic sink launchers to survive within the corrosive Maelstroms, as well as Thargoid pulse neutralisers to breach the Titan's defensive barrier.Flying close to the surface of the Titans is no easy feat, plus there is an ever-present risk of attack by patrolling Thargoid vessels. But I know how determined many of you are to find these poor souls. Every human identified is a potential life saved the moment we have the tools to do so."

In advance of the pulse wave scanner upgrade, Aegis hosted a campaign in the Rabh system which aimed to resupply low-stock commodities for the broader humanitarian efforts. Independent pilots managed to deliver quantities of neofabric insulation, polymers and thallium. While the eventual total received was lower than anticipated, current stocks should now be sufficient while a permanent supply chain is established.

CD-51 1447 Imperial Society is now rewarding contributors to Aegis's initiative at Muller Terminal in the Rabh system. Pilots who protected deliveries by destroying wanted ships can also now redeem bounty vouchers.
Source: Aegis Releases Upgraded Xeno Scanner

[Sirius Corporation Discusses Thargoid Abductions]

Sirius Corporation Discusses Thargoid Abductions

Sirius Corporation has revealed a long-running project to rescue people who were captured by the Thargoids.

CEO Li Yong-Rui made this statement during a press conference:

"Shortly after the early reports of Thargoid Interceptors collecting inhabited escape pods were received, Sirius has explored several possible countermeasures. Various remote recovery methods had been designed, although only a few prototypes were ever constructed."

"Now that the Thargoids are conducting widespread, systematic abductions of living humans, we believe that this research may prove crucial to saving millions of lives. Sirius Corporation is willing to bypass the commercial potential of our work and share it directly with Aegis. I have personally requested a meeting with Professor Tesreau to provide details and discuss options."

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Corcoran, who oversees the Alliance's contributions to Aegis, was invited to comment by the Old Worlds Gazette:

"The Assembly has no knowledge of this project, since it falls outside of our strategic defence pact with Sirius Corporation. My concern is whether this comes with an expectation of a reciprocal data exchange. Li Yong-Rui's offer sounds like an altruistic gesture, but sometimes the true price of information is unclear. I intend to discuss this with the other Aegis coordinators before any decisions are made."

Aegis is currently gathering resources for an upgraded pulse wave xeno scanner, which can locate human captives held on Thargoid Titans. There has been speculation that Sirius Corporation's research may prove useful to the anticipated next step: rescuing those abductees from their confinement.
Source: Sirius Corporation Discusses Thargoid Abductions

in conclusion to the episode

Captain Ryan Atwell has a new value and a couple of character notes
New Value: "If there are consequences I will deal with them"
Character notes: Episode 1.1 - Had a vision of a dark future where he was on trial for thosands of deaths; Section 31 contact Admiral Hossack tell him that there are consquences for his action

LT Jin Sora
Receives a citation for innovative thinking, I have also added the following value
New Value: "I will prevent the dark future I have seen"

LT Sofia Koivisto
Receives a citation for bravery is promoted to LT-CMDR

Crewman Louise Farraday is promoted to Petty Officer

Epilogue - A celebration of life (but not as we know it)

Captain's log - conclusions

With the aid of Captain Littleton and the crew of the USS Rushton we are able to bring Starbase 277 back online and return it personnel to the base.

LT Koivisto is recovering in the sickbay from the injuries taken in the subspace eddy. 

Enshara left the Starbase shortly after the incident,  hopefully that will be a good thing

I am citing LT Jin and LT Koivisto for their quick thinking and bravery in their duty, I have recommended Crewman Louise Farraday for promotion to Petty Officer.

On an additional note I have been contacted by Admiral Joyce Hossack who has informed me that she has arranged for the collection of the warp bubble containing the parasitic energy entity and the quarantined Admiral Kenton Smith.  She also indicated a level of disappointment and in not following her order to the letter.  She also reminded me that actions have consequences.

Act III, Scene V - A celebration of life (but not as we know it)

While Captain Atwell tries to draw the entity to the warp bubble.  LT Jin prepares to spring the trap and the Transporter chief Crewman Farraday tries to beam LT Koivisto out of the subspace eddy before the warp bubble is triggered.

I will use one 2d20 roll against each of the actions taken (Rolled: 7 & 16)
Captain Ryan: Daring+Command = 15
LT Jin: Reason+Science = 15 (with Warp Field Dynamics)
Crewman Farraday: Sensors+Engineering = 12 (with High-resolution sensors)

Captain Atwell manages to lure the entity in to the warp bubble while LT Jin activates the trap causing the warp bubble to close.

Crewman Farraday and LT Jin both get and advantage
Farraday: Federation assistance
Jin: Surprise discovery



Crewman Farraday with assistance of the USS Rushton (that arrived on the scene following the Windsor's report of the situation) help to locate and transport LT Koivisto out of the subspace eddy.

As LT Jin is activating the trap she realizes that there are three lifeforms connected (Adminal Smith, Enshara and a parasitic energy life form).  LT Jin attempts to trap just the parasite.

Using Insight+Science=15 (and adding Rapid Analysis focus) Rolled: 7 & 12 (giving both Momentum and Advantage)
Momentum: Danger revealed (alien ambassador reports danger)
Advantage: Lucky circumstance

LT Jin with aide from Enshara highlighting important reading and recognizing the energy reading taken from the Captain early is able to isolate the parasite trapping it in to the Warp bubble.

Realizing the Admiral is infected she signals the ship to put Admiral Smith in to isolation.