View source for Of Pale Blue Dots Arc

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<div style="font-size:162%; border:2px solid #ccc; margin:0; background:#A0358A; padding:.1em; color:#fff;">Of Pale Blue Dots</div>
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{{Template:2025 Event Timeline}}
<div style="font-size:110%; border:2px solid #ccc; margin:0; background:#A0358A; padding:.1em; color:#fff;">This is the overview and timeline page for the Of Pale Blue Dots arc which began on '''July 3rd, 2025''' and pertains largely to '''[[Skrell| Skrell Lore]].'''</div>
<div style="font-size:110%; border:2px solid #ccc; margin:0; background:#A0358A; padding:.1em; color:#fff;">Adminsted protests, the [[Nralakk Federation]] strengthens ties with the [[Republic of Biesel]] and the [[Stellar Corporate Conglomerate]].</div>
<div style="font-size:110%; border:2px solid #ccc; margin:0; background:#A0358A; padding:.1em; color:#fff;">Below is a summary of the arc's applicable news articles, and additions.</div>
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=Jrugl Departs For Federation-Biesel Diplomacy, Grand Council Announces!=
'''News Article'''

'''Publisher: Warble Enquirer'''

'''Writer: Stripes'''

<div class="mw-collapsible-content">

After months of discussion within the Grand Council, Grand Councillor Weashbi Jrugl has departed for the Republic of Biesel’s capital to plan further cooperation between the two nations. The Council has also stated that new positions for an expansion of the current staffing and Kala posting within the rebuilt embassy are also en route with the councillor as well. Key topics for discussion with President Torvald are slated to cover the state of the skrell refugees within the Starlight Zone, the phoron scarcity crisis, environmental consultation for Port Antillia, and other topics.

Grand Councillor Jrugl and the council have released a joint statement regarding the slated talks before departing earlier this morning:

“With the Spur’s nations more involved and more interconnected across each other’s borders in light of the growing phoron scarcity, the Federation cannot keep away from its allies and fellow partners as we have in the past. The Solarian Alliance has extended an offer of peace to the Republic of Biesel, and with Biesel hosting so many of our citizens within its borders after the Traverse crisis, it is prudent that we move to do the same. To the citizens within Mendell City’s Starlight Zone, know your home and its citizens have not forgotten or forsaken you, and we will ensure that the events that led to the attempted bombing of the Eighth District, as well as the destruction of our embassy within Mendell City, will not be allowed to repeat.”

For readers unaware, the Nralakk Federation Embassy in Mendell City’s first district was bombed in August of 2463 not long after the refugees from the Traverse arrived to request asylum, which was linked with another terror bombing of an asteroid station on the same day. Rebuild efforts were delayed by investigation efforts by both the Federal Republic of Biesel and the Federation, but was rebuilt by February of 2464. Later that year, Mendell City’s police thwarted a bombing attempt on multiple buildings and homes within the Starlight Zone’s Lekan Village, which has since been linked to terrorist Al’mariist groups, such as the Democratic People's Republic of Adhomai. The perpetrators were never found.

Councillor Jrugl and the newest staff for the Federation’s embassy are set to arrive before next week, with talks to begin the day after.

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=Nralakk Federation Visit and Federation-Biesel Begin Next Week: Following Solarian Footsteps?=
'''News Article'''

'''Publisher: Tau Ceti Times'''

'''Writer: Stripes'''

<div class="mw-collapsible-content">

Trenton McColaugh, Foreign Affairs Correspondent
Ruqizori Nirvoq-Hoalo, Skrell Affairs Correspondent
Reporting from: Mendell City, Biesel, Tau Ceti

Earlier this morning, the Nralakk Federation’s Grand Council announced that talks between Grand Councillor Jrugl and President Torvald are to begin next week, following plans to widen diplomatic involvement with the Federation last month.

The currently revealed topics to be discussed revolve around the state of the Starlight Zone’s skrell refugees and their legal statuses, Port Antillia’s environmental consultations, and the future of both nations potentially combining efforts to combat the phoron crisis. More topics are also slated, but are currently left unannounced to the public.

While typically not much of a topic between Bieselites, a recent polling resulted in a total of 37% supporting the effort to expand Federation diplomacy among participants, with ambivalence towards the move, or those still undecided, at a comparatively high 33%. The remaining 30% 's opposition against the move reveals the skrell nation is far from a distant neighbor in the Spur. 

Resentment still lingers after the Nralakk Federation’s move to pressure the Solarian Alliance the barricade the Republic throughout 2458, partnered with their absence during the second invasion of Biesel in 2462, leaves many detractors pointing to these events as the reasons behind the lost confidence in any future interactions with the Federation and Weashbi Jrugl’s councillorship. 

District Eight’s Starlight Zone has erupted into a hotbed of discussion on whether the Federation should push further into Biesel politics, with anti-Federation activists in Lekan Village preparing to protest their arrival.

Ruqizori Nirvoq-Hoalo, our skrell correspondent, took to the streets of Lekan Village to hear what the skrell had to say.

Watch: Lekan Village Street Interviews

The hourglass logo of the Tau Ceti Times appears over a black background, completing one turn before fading to reveal a crowded street in District Eight, the Starlight Zone’s Lekan Village. A younger-looking, dull red-colored skrell with short bunned headtails is speaking passionately in Tau Ceti Basic. They’re wearing a black wetsuit, with heavy coveralls worn loosely over them, arms and headtails crossed. 

“Anyone even beginning to pay attention to the statement [the Nralakk Federation] put out can see that it’s as much of a hidden threat against us! The fact they still call themselves 'our' home is proof enough they’re just here to muscle in and take innocent people off the streets for slighting them, and I won’t stand to see quyas separated and people stolen without a second chance at life. We’re here to stay.”

The video cuts to another skrell, this one older and with long, orange headtails and noticeable tuux. A wetshirt is worn under a plain, yellow dress. Their response in Nral’malic is captioned into Tau Ceti Basic at the bottom of the video. 

“We have never had a say in the matter when we fled in the Traverse,” says the anonymous interviewee, “so why should we just stand by and let it happen again here? Living outside of the Federation is hard, but you just do not know what was chosen for you until you go somewhere where you really are free. I think we should all protect that. The people down in Severson City really want us to believe that this is for the best - my Qu'Draa [captioned with a translation reading “sibling”] stayed down there when I moved up here - but should we really have to sacrifice, just to get better conditions?”

The video then fades to black, with the revolving Tau Ceti Times hourglass logo returning before it ends.

Those in Severson City, however, spoke very differently in light of the news.

Watch: Severson City Street Interviews

The hourglass logo of the Tau Ceti Times appears over a black background, completing one turn before fading to reveal the interior of a public building in Severson City, most obviously seen with the windows showing the area to be completely submerged. The interior is busy and slightly crowded, with many skrell inside conversing excitedly. The skrell interviewee is wearing a two-piece suit with constellations embroidered across it, atop an old-looking mantle of the Nralakk Federation’s flag. They’re visibly very old, with their long headtails worn in a ponytail.

“I’m just so relieved that the Federation remembers us,” they say in TCB-captioned Nral’malic, “that we weren’t going to be left here to be forgotten. I could wait decades and still be just as ready to go return to my home - and the fact that the Grand Councillor is coming here? It’s a sign that everything can be fixed, and the stars are with us even down here in the depths.”

The video cuts to an ad-break, debuting a new VR arcade opening somewhere in District One on Mendell City, then returns to another interviewee. A light blue, younger skrell in a black wetsuit with a starry cape draped across their body at the shoulders. 

“This is going to cause some disharmony with our moister friends above us,” the skrell starts in Nral’malic, “but with all due respect, how many criminals and anti-socials do they keep with them? They let criminals in, like the ones who bombed the embassy! The Kalas ought to come in and get rid of the ones causing all that trouble - and the [expletive]s from the synthetic ‘church’, too! If Biesel wants us to stay here and work, then the least they should do is let the Federation show them how to properly run a country.”

The video then fades to black, with the revolving Tau Ceti Times hourglass logo returning before it ends.

President Åke Torvald released a short statement over Chirper after the newsbreak under his official account at 11:32.

"I am of complete confidence that the meeting with Councillor Jrugl will be productive for the whole of the Republic. The future of the Republic is with every member of the Spur, and taking this opportunity will carry the torch forward."

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=Councillor Jrugl Arrives, Protests At the Spaceport!=
'''News Article'''

'''Publisher: Tau Ceti Times'''

'''Writer: Stripes'''

<div class="mw-collapsible-content">

Cory Lee, Breaking News Correspondent

Reporting from: Mendell City, Biesel, Tau Ceti

Yesterday, the Nralakk Federation's Grand Councillor Weashbi Jrugl, alongside the new Federation embassy staff, arrived at Mendell City's Republic Air-Star Spaceport in District 10.

Supporting Mendell City Police and Nlomkala, the Federation’s national security and enforcement corps, were on-scene to ensure that the Grand Councillor was safely transported to the embassy due to the amassing of multiple groups of protestors along the route.

Watch: Republic Air-Star Spaceport’s Protest Presence

The hourglass logo of the Tau Ceti Times appears over a black background, completing one turn before fading to reveal an aerial view of the perimeter outside of the spaceport, and most of the area around the busy streets and public transportation routes, crowded with protestors. The weather is a light sunshower, with umbrellas and raincoats worn over most of the people present.

Most notable are the groups of various IPCs, with some small groups of them in Trinarist robes and waving signs with religiously-angled messages. The rest of the crowd is mostly human and skrell, with some wearing old or now defunct Tau Ceti Armed Forces uniforms of various branches. The crowds are being managed by lines of Mendell City Police members in riot gear, flanked by the much more visibly armed and hardsuit-wearing Nlomkala members as multiple cars depart the starport.

The video cuts to an ad-break, offering vacation opportunities to Belle Côte on Biesel. After the ad ends, the video shifts to a shot from a camera on the ground itself. Multiple protest signs hold the same slogans among protestors, notably:

“KICKED YOU OUT ONCE, DIDN’T NEED YOU TWICE!”

“SYNTHETICS LIVE HERE, FEDERATION BEWARE”

“TAKE SOL BACK OUT WITH YOU”

Among other signs of variable political leanings. Notably, a relatively rare sign held exclusively by human and IPC protestors is the phrase:

“BETTER GLORSH THAN JRUGL”.

The video switches to a shot of a Tau Ceti Times correspondent on the street, holding a microphone in his hand. He’s wearing a grey raincoat over a green flannel that’s tucked into black jeans. “This is Cory Lee, reporting in at the Republic Air-Star Starport protest. You can- really feel the tension in the air right now! We’ll be trying to get some of the opinions from some of the protestors here.” 

The feed cuts to the camera focusing on a Tau Ceti Foreign Legion-uniformed woman, tucking a sign under her arm. Notably, the tag that would display her surname and first initial are missing. She nods her head towards Lee, who turns to face her.

“Cory Lee, Tau Ceti Times - can I get your name, please?”

The interviewee shakes her head. “No thank you, Lee, I’ll pass.”

“Alright. You’re one of the representatives for the protest, then, ma’am? What are the goals for this protest for the Grand Councillor’s arrival?”

“That’s pretty simple,” she says, wiping the rain away from her brow, “the whole Federation was the one who agitated for the whole thing that led to that Solarian fleet blockading Tau Ceti and invading Reade. Both times, their fault, and when we requested for aid to get the 35th off- do you remember what their reply was?”

“...No, I don’t. What was it?”

“That they’d be ‘monitoring the situation’ for ‘sending their right people’. They never arrived. Elyra and the Coalition showed up just fine, but the Federation? Didn’t even bother giving a No. They want to come back now, right after the refugee camps at Severson? That’s not right. Not even a little bit. We don’t need them.”

“And did you have the same sentiments for the Solarian talks, as well?”

The interviewee shakes her head firmly. “It’s just proof this is all going to hell now that Torvald’s here.”

“Alright, thank you for your time, ma’am.”

As the uniformed interviewee nods and pivots back to the crowd, the video fades into black. As it fades back in, the camera is focusing on a reddish-toned skrell, who is wearing an obscuring facemask, a scrunchie to bind their headtails behind their head, and a bulky raincoat that obscures most of their form. They turn their head to the camera directly, before quickly looking at the off-screen interviewer.

The interviewer clears his throat. “Cory Lee, Tau Ceti Times - could I get your name?”

“No- no, I’d rather not.” The skrell says, giving a firm shake of their head as they shift their weight to one leg.

“That’s fine. Now, we’ve seen a lot of skrell at this protest. What’s got so many of them willing to participate? Are they mostly from Lekan, or Severson?” 

“Lekan- we’re definitely all from Lekan. Severson folks think we’re all too dry, or that we’re criminals trying to hide and cling. They’re all probably at home right now, celebrating or something. We’re- we’re all out here because when we went with Weibii, we were fleeing what we all saw was coming next.”

“And what was that?”

“Us wanting an independent Traverse was going to be a scapegoat for repressing and kidnapping a lot of good skrell. The writing was on the stars - we were already being branded as lyukal, pirates, inserted plants… What happens if you’re considered a criminal usually means you’re already going to be caught and corrected. The Federation always wanted us back to punish us; now they’re here with Dorn gone!”

“So, you think this is just going to be a front for deportations?”

“Without a doubt. No doubt in my mind. We’re all scared.”

“Any last comments you’d like to add, then?”

“Yes-” the skrell looks directly to the camera, their tone almost pleading. “Please keep us in mind when you hear what’s going to come after this. What happens to us next.”

“Thank you for your time, then.”

The interviewee scampers back into the crowd, and the video fades out once more.

The video transitions to the revolving Tau Ceti Times hourglass logo returning before it ends.

The Nralakk Federation embassy has declined to reply when requested for comment.

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</div></div>

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=“We offer our deepest apologies” - Nralakk Embassy Staffed, Jrugl Releases Official Apology, Promises Made In Meeting With Torvald=
'''News Article'''

'''Publisher: Tau Ceti Times'''

'''Writer: Stripes'''

<div class="mw-collapsible-content">

Zūn Pirzada, Political Journalist

Reporting from: Mendell City, Biesel, Tau Ceti

Today, the Nralakk Federation Embassy faces new changes with the entourage of new positions, doubling in size from its reduced staffing after it was rebuilt in 2464. Notably, new positions include an increased security presence, as well as positions for immigration and citizenship aid for the displaced skrell within District Eight’s designated refugee zone. Grand Councillor Jrugl departed this morning, and has since arrived at District 1’s city hall, where their meeting with President Torvald is set to take place.

Watch LIVE: President Torvald and Grand Councillor Jrugl’s City Hall Meeting

The hourglass logo of the Tau Ceti Times appears over a black background, completing one turn before fading. 

The interior of one of Mendell City Hall’s private rooms fades into view, with two black armchairs seating President Ake Torvald and Grand Councillor Jrugl across from each other, separated by a short table. Torvald is dressed in a dark grey two-piece suit, with a solid purple tie, and is seated with both feet flat on the floor. Jrugl, sitting across from him, is wearing a black under-wetsuit that peeks out of the sleeves of their white-purple suit jacket and dress pants that clasps shut across the front. The headtail chains are modest and silver, meant to be unobtrusive. Their posture and seating position is proper, if rigid.

The room is notably windowless, with no view of the outside or natural sources of light.

President Torvald looks towards the direction of the camera and gives a firm nod to someone out of view, then turns to Grand Councillor Jrugl as he extends a hand to shake. 

“It’s a pleasure to have the chance to meet with you this morning, Grand Councillor Jrugl,” he says, accepting Jrugl’s hand as they share a firm handshake. “I am appreciative that I finally get the chance to speak with you in-person.”

“The sentiment is matched, President Torvald,” Jrugl replies with a slight warble, drawing back their hand and returning to their seated position. “Visiting Mendell City and Biesel has been quite the thrill!”

“Now, to begin with our outlined topics for our meeting,” the skrell continues. “I would like to open with something that I believe many viewers of the Republic may have on their minds, currently. I have no intention of depriving them of that shared sentiment - when we arrived, I noticed much the same from the initial crowd that awaited us at the starport.” 

Torvald blinks and adjusts his seating position, showing the slightest hint of surprise before nodding and leaning slightly back into his chair. “Well, you are free to- to continue, you have the floor.”

“Thank you,” Jrugl turns their head to look slightly more towards the camera, while still directly addressing Torvald. 

“The events of Biesel’s second invasion during the November of 2464 remains a dark, inky mark on the Nralakk Federation, and my own decisions during that period of crisis. As I speak for the Nralakk Federation as both a representative of its actions both then and now, it… would not be acceptable to go without addressing it.” 

Torvald seems to begin to reply, but stops as Jrugl continues speaking. Their tone is more emotional. “As Grand Councillor of the Nralakk Federation, and on the behalf of all of the federation as a whole, we officially- officially apologize for our absence during the events of the rogue 35th Fleet’s reprehensible actions when they assaulted Tau Ceti. This is directed to both yourself, then-President Dorn before you, and all of the people of the Federal Republic of Biesel. Our deepest apologies go out to all of you.”

Jrugl pauses and looks fully to Torvald, who looks mildly surprised before speaking, bringing one leg over the other, “While not expected, Councillor Jrugl, to apologize for the invasion of Biesel is something that I appreciate and accept, and I am sure many of the people at home watching also, eh, appreciate it and are relieved to hear as much. Now, with the docket we’ve discussed, you wished to expand future diplomatic efforts, yes? Do you want to expand on that?”

“Ah, yes, of course,” Jrugl’s voice levels out from the more emotional tone that they were using earlier, as if it were an accident that it slipped. “The first major thing that I will bring up is the other obvious question on the minds of us both - the Starlight Zone and its refugees. Of course, with the fact of the matter of their status as refugees-”

“Refugees, yes. They are legally protected under their status, which I know to be a point of contention.” Torvald interjects, nodding once.

“-Yes, exactly that. After much discussion within the Grand Council, we have come to the decision to work with Biesel to grant amnesty towards all of the Federation citizens who are currently refugees. Minor criminal histories should no longer be a barrier for those who wish to return to the Federation.” 

Jrugl continues after Torvald gives a slight motion that he has nothing to immediately comment on. “This will hopefully allow many displaced citizens to begin returning to their homes in the Traverse, and that they will become less of a burden on Mendell City as a whole. We do also wish to cooperate with Biesel regarding the still present criminal activity within the Starlight Zone as well. As you may recall, with the bombing of the embassy and the reported siege-”

Torvald raises up a hand, speaking up, “-We are very aware that this was a concerning event for the Federation as much as it was for us. The- the police section in District Eight has been sharing information regarding the self-policing groups of both refugee groups in Lekan and Severson. Working with both you and them would be a great advantage in ensuring their safety and finding the criminal elements that would remain hidden due to the settlements’ insular nature. I am very open to seeing the results of that, ah, cooperation.” 

“With that, the removal of rogue elements in both refugee settlements would be a key goal we both share, and I am equally very excited to see the collective relief when we have them sent to the Federation to face proper justice in misusing the amnesty generously given to the collective group by the republic,” Jrugl replies, headtails shifting and curling upwards as a subtle emotional display. “The Zrosian Watch and Xii’Eyes groups will, as I see it, become very pivotal in this action. We will discuss further, of course, when everything is finalized.”

“That will be all very good to see come to fruition-” Torvald looks to something off-screen as someone catches his attention, Jrugl’s head glancing over before he gives a nod and presses a hand into his armchair rest to adjust his seated position. Both of them return their attention to each other. “-and that this is a solid foundation of cooperation between our nations. You have also discussed wanting to involve the Federation in regions beyond Biesel, if you could elaborate on that.”

“Yes. As with the ecological discoveries of Mictlan, Silversun, and the recovery of New Gibson, we have had an interest in the state of Port Antillia as well. Speaking in ecological terms, the chain of natural disasters since its colonization is no small source of struggle for the colonists on the planet. Its integration into the Corporate Reconstruction Zone also left it in a precarious state, which is why I would like to continue our declarations of cooperation with extending the Federation’s scientific arm towards aiding the people of Port Antillia.” Jrugl leans forward as they continue. “The ecological consultation will benefit us both in understanding how to adapt the colonies to better fit the planet’s environment over its course, to which we can then plan on implementing those changes.”

Torvald, having nodded along while giving simple acknowledging statements during Jrugl’s explanation with “correct” and “interesting”, tugs on a sleeve before speaking, “Aid towards Port Antillia and the Corporate Reconstruction Zone is always a priority for the Republic. This will, with the- the recent pledges from the Solarian Alliance of an enduring peace, be a welcome respite for the peoples of the Zone. Our time for this meeting is coming to an end, but be assured that the Republic and the Nralakk Federation will be opening towards one another for mutual benefit.”

Torvald comes to a stand, with Jrugl following suit as he extends a hand for them to shake one last one. Jrugl takes his hand and shakes it firmly, with Torvald giving a polite smile.  

“Of course, President Torvald. I am sure the stars will guide us ahead, together.”

“I am sure it will, Grand Councillor Jrugl.”

The video stream fades to the symbol of the Tau Ceti Times’ hourglass logo as the stream hangs on for a few moments, then ending with a still image of the Tau Ceti Times’ stream, offering a replay… after an advertisement for Nanotrasen’s Hazel Inc.’s newest edition of Hazel IPCs plays. It’s your friend, Hazel!

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=New Wave Of Bills, Legal Expansions, and Cooperation Promised After Jrugl-Torvald Meeting: A New Ally For the Republic?=
'''News Article'''

'''Publisher: Tau Ceti Times'''

'''Writer: Stripes'''

<div class="mw-collapsible-content">

Zūn Pirzada, Political Journalist

Reporting from: Mendell City, Biesel, Tau Ceti

After the meeting between the Nralakk Federation’s Weashbi Jrugl and President Torvald last week, the discussed changes have since entered the Republican Congress and are pending debate, with most forecasted to have their final votes held towards the end of July throughout August.

While originally discussed in the presidential meeting, the formalized articles have been expanded upon after collaboration between the Nralakk Federation’s representatives and the Republic of Biesel. Trade agreements, the legal statuses of the skrell refugees of the Starlight Zone, and Port Antillia’s ecological consultation were key points in the following discussions. 

Beyond the slated bills, an executive decision was put forth by President Torvald to have the Biesel Citizenship and Immigration Services department cooperate with the Nralakk Federation’s embassy to aid in the emigration of voluntary skrell refugees back to the Federation. Also covered in his decision is the delay on deportation requests made by the Nralakk Federation for a total of three months, or until a decision on the MCPD District Eight expansion is made by the Republican Congress.

Each bill facing review by the Republican Congress are as follows:

- Finalize and adopt conditions for future trade between the Nralakk Federation and the Republic Biesel, designation of ports for new trade influx, import taxes, tariffs, and customs inspection.
- Expand Mendell City Police Department provisions towards District Eight’s precinct, as well as the creation of a special cooperation group between District Eight precinct and both neighborhood watch groups known as Xii’Eyes and Zrosian Watch. Alongside this bill is an expected article regarding reopening the investigations against the Nralakk Federation Embassy’s bombing of 2463.
- Port Antillia’s ecological consultation, specifically a ten year research project to further understand how to best adapt the colonies present on the planet, alongside how to preserve the environment while exploiting its resources with renewable methods.
- New legal protections toward enlisted skrell members of Tau Ceti Foreign Legion against deportation to the Nralakk Federation during and after their service.
Plans to implement Nralakk Federation-provided aid and funding towards improving material conditions of Severson City and Lekan Village residents, draft and implement plans on rebuilding and improving District Eight’s utilities.

Of the wave of new bills, recent political polls by the Tau Ceti Times note a 43.2% “generally supportive” view towards the trade and diplomatic expansions. “Undecided” responses rest at 29.4%, and “not supportive/against” with the remaining 27.4%. Controversy surrounds the extension of MCPD and the expansion on potential deportation against refugees with criminal history that remains outstanding after the amnesty extension, with “generally supportive” ranking at 36.5%, “undecided” at 31.7%, and “not supportive/against” standing at 32.3%. 

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= Nralakk Federation’s Councillor Weashbi Jrugl Meets League of Chief Directors and CEOs at Top of the World  =
'''News Article'''

'''Publisher: Orion Spur Oracle'''

'''Writer: Kermit'''

<div class="mw-collapsible-content">

Last Monday, Grand Councillor Weashbi Jrugl took a detour from their talks with the Republic of Biesel’s Torvald Administration to speak to top Chainlink directors and executives at the Top of the World headquarters.

Discussed was the potential of a new wave of corporate expansion into the Nralakk Federation, with the League of Chief Directors moderating the interests of all constituent megacorporations: NanoTrasen Corporation’s CEO Miranda Trasen, Zeng-Hu Pharmaceutical's CEO Liqin Hsiao-Li, and Orion Express’ Chin-Hae Hong were also present at the meeting representing their companies.

The Orion Spur Oracle was permitted exclusive access to this meeting; here are all of the largest developments!

PHOTO: Spur’s Leaders at Top of the World Conference

A simple photo taken from the Chainlink’s Top of the World headquarters building’s main lobby, the sun pouring in through the skylight.

Flanked by a standing Nralakk Federation banner and Chainlink banner are Miranda Trasen and Grand Councillor Weashbi Jrugl. Both of them offering smiles or curled headtails to the photographer, their hands clasped in a firm handshake.

CLIP: Top of the World Nralakk-SCC Conference: Orion Express Contracted for Logistics, Fabrication and Mining Within the Pluat Cooperative.

After the Orion Spur Oracle’s into clip finishes, the recording of the meeting begins in the thick of it.

Seated along a large, circular table with an etched in Chainlink logo are a number of suited faces — a few appearing as holograms.

Some are well-known: Miranda Trasen, occupying the camera’s focal seat; Orion Express’ Chin-hae Hong seated immediately beside her; Zeng-Hu’s Hsiao-Li appearing via holoconference a couple seats left of Chin-hae; Weashbi Jrugl a few seats to the right of Miranda, the seats on either side of the skrell sitting two aides, headtails curled.

Plenty are the unknown and unnamed figures that dictate their sweeping decisions: a dozen humans, a half-dozen skrell, a single overt synthetic, most of whom wearing their dull suits and all of which holding duller expressions. The names on the holographic plates before them don’t matter, only the printed logo of whichever company they represent.

Miranda Trasen steers the meeting. “The next topic to discuss was mining and fabrication contracts, is that correct?”

A look for confirmation is shot Hong’s way, who quietly confirms with an appeasing smile. “That’s correct.”

The look is then passed along the table. A man donned in a black suit quickly reads over something on an in-desk computer screen before chiming in, “Orion Express is amenable to the opportunity presented by Nralakk officials regarding the opening of a branch office under the new special economic zone within the Pluat Cooperative.”

“This is the Forlorn Nova option?” A skrell across the table asks, followed by a series of inquisitive, high-low warbles..

The Orion Express executive nods, affirming, “That’s right. We are eyeing this compartment here—”

A blip is heard from the in-desk computers, “—planning permission T-B-D.”

The same skrell speaks up, the camera gliding over to reveal the advisory council member, chirping, “This works. Re-zoning and construction could begin by September, unless the Sector Council flags any issues. This is on a station, so it could even see completion by November.”

The camera zips back to the Orion Express segment of the round table, showing a few approving nods.

A different Orion Express representative takes over, saying, “The deal we have sketched out then is the purchase of Hephaestus Industries’ central hub on Pluat-proper. With the branch office complete by this year’s end, we could see operations beginning next year, scaling up to establish smaller mining, fabrication, or logistics sites around the Cooperative.”

“The logistics and fabrication contracts can be worked on as-soon-as, really, though the mining aspects will most likely be subcontracted to Qerr’Zvolq until those additional mining facilities are established,” the representative adds.

There is a nod from Orion’s Chin-Hae, before the camera pans to the quietly chirruping Nralakk segment.

The skrells eyes all intermittently shimmer, glass over, or close; a back and forth of psionic communications between one another. The Grand Councillor twitches a webbed finger, their eyes momentarily glowing, and each skrell returns more focused looks ahead of themselves.

The advisor replies, saving minutiae for behind closed doors, “I believe that works for us.”

The clip ends. In the suggested videos: a clip related to recent Stellar Corporate Conglomerate developments, including the SCCV Horizon’s Crescent Expanse phoron surveying operation, and a few other clips from this meeting.

CLIP: Top of the World Nralakk-SCC Conference: Zavodskoi Interstellar Contracted To Manufacture Next Line of Arms for Qehalak.

The Orion Spur Oracle intro plays, leading into the same scene around the round table where the Chainlink’s highest and most fateful decisions are made.

The camera sits on a line up of Zavodskoi Interstellar representatives, all in black or brown suits, and all faceless to the Spur. The senior representative in the centre of the line up casts a wary look at the recording camera, not so used to framing shady deals as a media show.

“Zavodskoi Interstellar will certainly consider the contract offered,” she confidently says nonetheless, bearing her uppity, Lunan accent.

She finalises what must have been a round of negotiations, “Five-hundred million credits — Solarian — for up to fifty-thousand units of a rifle weapon system, and fifty-thousand units of any other, combined, smaller weapon systems — small arms, shotguns, that is.”

One of the Grand Councillor’s advisors, donning a formal wetsuit with a Qukala civilian science branch shoulderpatch, lets out a high warble, “It will be very exciting working together. A number of choice consultants from the Kalas and er, Einstein Engines have already been scouted to best inform how to combine Zavodskoi weapons research with the needs of the Federation.”

The mention of Einstein Engines doesn’t foster a blink from anyone but Miranda Trasen on the edge of the shot, though the representative offers a diplomatic response, “Yes. It will be quite enjoyable working closely with Federation state scientists to come up with a number of proposed designs that adequately fuse the skrell and human military technological advancements of this century.”

The clip ends. In the suggested videos: a public economists conference hosted by Idris Incorporated, the Horizon’s Crescent Expanse phoron surveying operation again, and yet more clips from this meeting.

CLIP: Top of the World Nralakk-SCC Conference: Renewed Nralakk-SCC Cooperation.

The Orion Spur Oracle intro plays once again, leading into a different scene in the lobby of the Chainlink’s Top of the World headquarters.

The camera’s focus lies on Grand Councillor Weashbi Jrugl, surrounded by a number of skrell aides, as they begin their walk out of the building. They have an excitable, bouncy look to them, their more extravagant, jeweled headchains clinking with each step.

A reporter trailing ahead of Jrugl and walking backwards with the camera leading ahead of them says, “Grand Councillor, we’re so fortunate to be speaking to you! How did the meeting go?”

Jrugl bobs their head with a nod and a short chirp, “It went very well, I do think!”

The microphone begins going back and forth, “Can you tell us about the phoron surveying initiative between your Council and the Chainlink?”

“I can!” the skrell replies, warbling a series of high notes!

Jrugl and their entourage shuffle through the exit of the headquarters building, the camera adjusting to the sunlight.

“It is both the endeavour of the Grand Council, as well asour fantastic partners in the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate to see a new wave of phoron surveys in Federation space,” the skrell continues. “This is an opportunity to put together all of our best minds towards a single effort, which we strongly believe will lead to good results.”

The microphone goes back to the reporter, “How will that shape out uh— what will come of this opportunity?”

The Grand Councillor explains, “Part of this new initiative we have agreed upon is extending cooperation between the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate and the Federation’s Tuz’qlip Researchers. It is our hope to augment the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate’s already brilliant phoron sensors equipment — such as the Venator quantum array on the SCC’s Horizon — with advancements currently only seen in Federation technology.”

The entourage hold on the pavement outside of the Chainlink HQ, the accompanying skrell staff tiredly looking down the gated community’s main road or beginning to disappear off-screen into their own vehicles.

Jrugl finishes, “With the aid that both ourselves and the Conglomerate have extended to each other, the frontier of the Nralakk Federation and beyond may hold the key to alleviating the crisis that we both face. I hold faith in that statement.”

The reporter on the side nods an affirmation, then asks, “Has the Federation or Chainlink singled out any particular region of the skrell frontier to explore?”

The Grand Councillor bobs their head again, letting out a series of chirrups!

Jrugl curls their headtails and answers, “We have! We are beginning to look into surveying opportunities in the Zeiqi-Trqn— the Deadspace Spine, as translated into Tau Ceti Basic. Those plans are still being drafted, however, and we have yet to finalise investment discussions with Idris Incorporated, who are also interested in this initiative.”

One of the skrell staffers returns from out of the picture, eyes shimmering as they give Jrugl a silent look. A psionic whisper goes unheard, and the reporter steps back to give them a moment of privacy— not that any eavesdropping could be achieved by the reporter.

The Grand Councillor’s headtails then cross and they conclude the interview, “Thank you for your questions.”

“It was a pleasure, Grand Councillor,” the reporter says as Jrugl is whisked away to attend to duties.

The clip ends. In the suggested videos: a clip about an SCC insurance package for those stationed on exploration vessels, another clip from the Top of the World conference, and yet another clip on the Horizon’s phoron surveying mission.

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<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
=Nralakk-Conglomerate Agreement Confirmed; Corporate Cooperation To Go Forward=
'''News Article'''

'''Publisher: Orion Spur Oracle'''

'''Writer: Stripes'''

<div class="mw-collapsible-content">

A week after the extensive League of Chief Directors and CEOs discussions with the Nralakk Federation’s leader, Grand Councillor Weashbi Jrugl, both parties have successfully come to full agreement on the terms of their future endeavors together. 

While the Nralakk Federation has originally been notably slow to integrate the interstellar corporations into its economy and borders, today marks a landmark event in the Conglomerate’s outreach as a Spur-wide economic partner. The Nralakk Federation, now a national partner of the SCC, will be receiving competitive phoron price rates as received by other Conglomerate national partners, reduced from the more restrictive rates applied to the Solarian Alliance due to their alignment with non-SCC business partners.

Corporate-specific cooperation efforts are as follows:

Orion Express has been allotted resource prospecting, extraction, and refinement contracts in multiple territories in the Nralakk Federation’s frontier, known as the Traverse. A large-scale logistics depot and office branch is scheduled to be built in the Pluat Cooperative, which is the industrial heart of the Traverse. Notably, this expansion includes the reallocation of multiple facilities originally maintained by Hephaestus Industries, who will instead be contracted for work in the inner systems.

Hephaestus Industries is now slated to refocus their operations on material refinement and industrial solutions towards the core systems of the Nralakk Federation, pivoting away from the frontier. Multiple expansions for their special economic zones on Aweiji and cooperation with the Federation’s national industrial workforce Qerr'Zolvq Industries on improving and expanding industrial throughput to meet the growing demands of the most populated systems.

Zavodskoi Interstellar will be supplying the Traverse’s separate military force, the Qehalak, with firearms and ship-mounted weaponry. Zavodskoi will also be involved in research agreements with Tuz’qlip Researchers for future weapons development, stating that the goal of their collaboration will be to “combine human and skrell defense research for a safer, better-defended Spur”. 

Both the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate and Nanotrasen will receive Federation technological grants and select delegates from Tuz’qlip Researchers to work in-house under contract for an unspecified amount of time. Both corporations will begin integrating the Federation’s advanced research techniques and cutting edge technology for ongoing in-house projects, of which none have been currently named or specified beyond one particular project, dedicated towards “breakthroughs in survey technology for the discovery of phoron”. A renewed phoron survey into the Nralakk Federation’s frontier territories is also slated in the near future, with the joint-expedition being granted the Conglomerate’s most advanced sensor probes and prospecting equipment for both Federation and SCC vessels involved in the effort. 

Other news:
Reported pirate activity in the Traverse has doubled in the last year, with Qehalak and Qukala officers reporting that the situation is “slowly being enveloped back into control, but may continue to worsen until that point”. A travel advisory in the Traverse remains in effect, and trade vessels are urged to report all movement in-system to authorities and apply for a Qukala or Qehalak escort. 

</div></div>

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
= Jrugl Returns From Biesel, Announces Future Cooperative =
'''News Article'''

'''Publisher: Warble Enquirer'''

'''Writer: Stripes'''

<div class="mw-collapsible-content">

Grand Councillor Weashbi Jrugl has returned from the diplomatic event within the Federal Republic of Biesel’s capital of Mendell City. Reports from the Federation’s embassy within Mendell City have reported that all staff have acclimated to their posting acceptably, and Jrugl’s own visit to the embassy was without any issue. Now returned to Kal’lo, the Grand Councillor will resume their regular schedule by next week. 

Notably, the corporate summit at Top of the World will now be the second key topic of future council meetings between the Grand Council, as well as the multiple systemary and planetary councils affected by the decisions reached during the meeting. Both the renewed trade agreements with Biesel and cooperation with the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate’s member companies will have quotas and labor assignments updated across all affected planets and affected state-owned enterprise labor teams immediately upon their respective council’s meeting completion. Each foreign corporation’s special economic zone expansions will come into effect over the following months, and are scheduled to have their work completed by the end of 2684-Oqq/2467 AD.

Following their return, Weashbi Jrugl released an official statement to the Grand Council, as well as a recording of the statement over their official Viv-ID account.

 “Today marks the beginning of the Nralakk Federation’s commitment to involve itself with the Orion Spur’s many sophonts and their nations. With the Republic of Biesel now considered a cooperative ally to the Federation, we can begin the process of reaching out to those displaced from the violence of the Independence Traverser Movement and Lyukal insurgency, and see our displaced friends, family, and neighbors return to their homes. Our cooperation with the corporations will also see a great relief to the Federation’s many growing needs, with their help working under our state-owned enterprises to ensure that no shipment is late, no shortages are reported, and no citizen starves or wants for basic necessity. In the many years ahead of us as a nation and as a species, I will hope to continue to lead the Nralakk Federation towards a brighter future.”

With this statement’s release, many skrell in the Traverse have shared the hopeful thoughts echoed by Jrugl’s statement. Currently, the Traverse’s collective state across the Pluat Ven’qop, Median Treqki, and Q’elpi is universally recognized as deeply troubled, particularly as the phoron scarcity continues to reduce available vessel traffic from the Core, Elemental, and Contingent systems to aid the frontier. Members of the Qehalak have also reported a generally positive outlook with regards to receiving armaments and defense technology from the coming corporate cooperation, believing that their abilities to deter Marauder and piracy activity will only be improved from these efforts. Updated instruction to the Qehalak training regimen has also been announced, particularly involving the use of ballistic firearms, non-Federation manufactured energy weapons, and loading ship-mounted weaponry.

Health - Official Headtail Bun and Styling Guides Posted Over Viv-ID In Light Of Dangerous Style Fads

Interstellar - Travel Advisory For Republic Of Biesel Tourism to Be Updated

Culture - Projected Wulumunusha Crop Deficit to Potentially Impact Weishii Practices 

</div></div>