Pharsalia Arc
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Pharsalia
This is the overview and timeline page for the Pharsalia arc which began on April 7th, 2025 and pertains largely to Sol Alliance and Republic of Biesel lore.
With a new democractically elected leader, the Solarian Alliance seeks to reforge diplomatic ties.
Below is a summary of the arc's applicable news articles, and additions.
SANN LIVE: Department of State to Announce New Diplomatic Initiative!News Article Publisher: Sol Alliance News Network Writer: NewOriginalSchwann After the SANN’s opening jingle the camera focuses in on the ever-present face of the network: Harold MacMillan. The newscaster nods to the camera, slides his dataslate away, and begins speaking. “Good evening, and welcome back to The State of Sol. As always I’m your host, Harold MacMillan. Today’s feature story is an impending announcement by the Secretary of State, Carmen Mercado Ortiz, following her recent confirmation by the Senate after weeks of hearings related to Strom’s cabinet formation. With the press conference about to begin, let’s go to our reporter on-scene: Cèline Eylenbosch.” The camera switches from MacMillan to a blonde-haired Cytherean woman — now dressed in spring fashion — standing in a fairly crowded conference room. “Hello Harold, and hello dear viewers,” Eylenbosch smiles at the camera. “Cèline, what does it look like in there? How’s the atmosphere?” “Oh it’s practically electric, dear viewers. Rumors have been spreading for most of today about what these new initiatives are — Secretary Ortiz has only ‘officially’ been in her position for a week. So what could she possibly have dreamt up in that time, hrm? Dare I say, could it be a rapprochement?” “With what?” “Well, the most rumored-about one is, of course, Tau Ceti, Harold. Not even the most speculative Binyarian tabloid would guess Gadpathur!” Eylenbosch laughs at her own joke! “But Biesel? The Spur wonders, don’t they?” “Right. How long until it starts?” Eylenbosch looks down at her watch, bringing it up far enough for the viewers to get a look — and Idris-produced Model 89 Ophelia, by the looks of it. Holographic too, and apparently in the colors of Venus’ flag. After a moment of viewing it — long enough for anyone watching to get a good look at the Ophelia — she looks back to the camera and smiles at it, letting her watch-hand drop back down. “In a few minutes, Harold, so let’s switch this to the stage view,” Eylenbosch gestured to the camera, causing the viewer’s eye to swap to a different camera overlooking the stage. As per most Solarian Alliance press conferences the podium is covered in microphones from various agencies and nations — some from as far away as Assunzione or Novi Jadran. After a few moments a Solarian Army guard touches his earpiece and leans over to open a door behind the podium, letting a middle-aged woman in a typical Solarian business suit out. She says something to him briefly, then takes the podium, taking some glasses out of her pocket and putting them on. On her lapel, right below the Solarian flag pin, is a Mictlani flag pin. “Thank you for your presence,” she begins, leaning a bit towards the microphones. “I am pleased to, on behalf of the Solarian people, discuss our upcoming diplomatic agenda for Prime Minister Strom’s term. “As our Alliance is emerging from a period of struggle unseen since the Interstellar War, I wish to assure the Spur writ large that our nation wishes, above all, to seek a peaceful future in the wider interstellar community, while respecting the interests of Solarians everywhere. With that said, the main purpose of this conference is to announce that we are seeking to reopen diplomatic relations with nations Frost’s dictatorship severed relationships with.” A murmur goes through the crowd of reporters as camera lenses flicker. “First among these is the nearby system of Tau Ceti, also known as the Republic of Biesel,” Ortiz pauses for a moment, letting her words sink in. “There are, as the interstellar community is aware, numerous diplomatic conflicts which may ‘bubble over’ between the Alliance and Tau Ceti. It is in the interest of both our government and Tau Ceti’s to ensure war does not break out, and that a diplomatic solution may be reached.” More murmuring and camera lenses flickering fills the air as Ortiz stops talking for a moment. “I now leave the floor open to questions.” A sea of hands shoots up. Ortiz points to a well-dressed man in the front row. “Secretary Ortiz, Liao Qi with XNS. Does the Alliance have any interest in changing its relationship with the Coalition, particularly around Konyang?” “At the time our government believes our relationship with the Coalition, where we maintain diplomatic missions with nearly every member-state aside from Gadpathur, is not in need of further modification. We trust our partners sitting in Xanu feel the same.” “Thank you, Secretary.” Another sea of hands shoots up. Ortiz picks out a well-dressed, if pale, woman in foreign clothes. “Senator Ortiz, Anastazija Leno with the Novi Rijeka Gazette. Over the past years we’ve seen further cooperation between the Empire of Dominia and the Alliance. Can you speak to any plans to further strengthen this relationship?” “Cooperation between the Empire and Alliance has mostly been under the purview of the Department of Defense, so it’s outside of my responsibility. I can, however, say that the Solarian people appreciate the cooperation with your navy to reduce piracy near the Southern Reaches.” “Thank you, Lady Secretary.” The sea of hands goes up yet again. Ortiz picks out a distinctive blonde-haired woman in the first row. “Hello, dear Secretary. Cèline Eylenbosch, SANN. How long have these negotiations been ongoing for, with Tau Ceti?” “Roughly two weeks, with them having started under the acting secretary. There haven’t been any official diplomatic meetings, yet, but I can say Prime Minister Strom has approved this initiative — he wants to see the Alliance’s border security issues handled within his term, and so do I.” “Thank you.” The sea of hands goes up again. Ortiz picks out a man further in the back who is dressed sharply. “Secretary, I’m Baqir Yassin, ENN. With the Alliance posed to reopen relations with Biesel, are there any plans to change its relations with the Republic of Elyra?” “Not at this time, no. So long as Elyra tightly restricts its fuel exports, we cannot see a deeper relationship with it,” Ortiz looks down at her podium, then back up. “And I must apologize, that’s all the time we have for questions. Thank you for coming, and long live the Solarian Alliance.” Ortiz waves to the crowd, then turns and walks back through the door to the shouted questions of unlucky reporters and the snapping of cameras. The view switches back to Eylenbosch, who looks positively thrilled. “Well, dear viewers, isn’t this exciting news?! Back over to you, Harold!” Eylenbosch waves to the camera, which then switches to a view of MacMillan. “It is,” MacMillan straightens his posture, looking at the camera/viewer. “The State of Sol will be right back after this short break, so stay tuned!” Republic of Biesel and Sol Alliance in Talks to Resume Diplomatic Relations: What Could This Mean for the Republic?News Article Publisher: Tau Ceti Times Writer: Sadkermit Sargylaana Cholbonova-Sadar, Foreign Affairs Correspondent Reporting from: Mendell City, Biesel, Tau Ceti On the 7th of April, the Alliance of Sovereign Solarian Nations (ASSN)’s Department of State announced an initiative to reestablish cordial relations with the Republic of Biesel. The prospect of rapprochement would have seemed impossible among citizens of the Republic of Biesel 2 years ago, however polling today shows 38% of participants would support resumed diplomatic relations with the Sol Alliance, with 26% ambivalent or undecided – a significant departure from prior polls but one still grounded in uncertainty. Nonetheless, the Torvald Administration is facing a substantial challenge selling the deal to opposition within the government and 36% of poll participants who would not support resumed diplomatic relations with the Sol Alliance. Could these talks produce the breakthrough in relations both Strom and Torvald’s Administration are hoping for, and what does this mean for the Republic of Biesel? While any talks remain ongoing and nothing is currently set in stone, any resumption of cordial relations between the Republic of Biesel and Strom’s Administration will mark a shift away from military action to solve problems back to talking issues out over a holo-connection. ‘This could be the beginning of renewed cooperation, where we can tackle big issues that blight the whole Spur together,’ said Foreign Affairs Committee spokesperson Liu Jun Xiang, later saying, ‘The Scarcity isn’t an issue that will be solved by spilled blood and imperial ambitions.’ Spokesperson Liu Jun Xiang said that now is the time for the Sol Alliance and Republic of Biesel to put aside a ‘sour history of military action’, with the Solarian Alliance’s ‘rejection of the military junta’ the ideal time to ‘create an enduring peace’. A hot issue on both sides of the table are the future prospects of the Corporate Reconstruction Zone (CRZ), including the notable planets of Mictlan and Port Antillia. With some in the ASSN’s government holding onto antiquated notions of returning even Biesel to the Alliance’s fold, many are concerned about the future of the CRZ. Iara Galandez, Minister for Development of the Corporate Reconstruction Zone, has revealed a longer term, optimistic aspiration to work with the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate liaisons to see all of or parts of the CRZ recognised by the ASSN. ‘Seeing Solarian recognition of the joint Republic-Conglomerate administration of the Corporate Reconstruction Zone is certainly a desire of my team if rapprochement is a success,’ said Ms. Galandez, though she was quick to say that such recognition is subject to ‘many, many hard talks’. On the flipside, those in the CRZ critical or unhappy with the Republic of Biesel and Stellar Corporate Conglomerate’s restoration efforts within the region have seen these talks as a stepping stone towards a return to the Solarian Alliance’s rule – one achieved without military or insurgent intervention. Former Minister of Defense for Port Antillia, Isandro Burgos, said over Chirper yesterday to his online supporters to a fiery response, ‘This could be an opportunity for Storm [sic] to push Biesel out of the CRZ [...] Torvald must let us go or we must recognise that severing ourselves from Biesel’s festering body is the only way we can avoid alien influence infecting us too’. In the minds of many is also the potential of the reactivation of the bluespace gates in the Tau Ceti and Sol system. Last night, it was confirmed that the bluespace gates are out of the scope of the current talks, with the Department of Interstellar Transportation releasing a statement saying the Sol-Tau Ceti system connection will ‘remain closed’. Related: 7 Years Since the Solarian Blockade: Should The Bluespace Gate Connection Be Restored? All of these long-standing issues may be better solved through active negotiations between the Solarian Alliance and Republic of Biesel should diplomatic relations resume, where inflammatory rhetoric and threats of conflict have failed. Despite this, many who supported the Cetian Conservatives in the last election feel let down by the government’s change in posture towards the ASSN, with opinion polls seeing a noticeable 4.7% drop this week. A post on Chirper by Conservative Senator Elmedina Hayre went against the whip and amassed 8,233 likes, saying, ‘We should not even PRETEND to be friendly with the Solarian Government after their actions in our past. We must keep our guard UP!’. Time will tell what comes of Strom’s diplomatic initiative. However, the talks are a marked departure from the Alliance’s typical solution to problems, and a note of optimism has cut through this decade’s otherwise dour atmosphere. More to come, if the stars are true. Most Read: Megacorporations: Stellar Corporate Conglomerate spokesperson says findings of early investigation into Burszia Attack will be released ‘at a later time’. Crime & Security: ‘Maritime piracy is in fashion’: Port Antillian navy deserter turned most-wanted buccaneer Deylin Amaro barely evades capture by APNF’s Fètil Chain anti-piracy group. Arts & Culture: Wear Like Idris reveal limited edition GREMMIE STOMPERS high-tops to celebrate 100th anniversary of movie franchise. XNS Exclusive: Konyang Reacts to the Alliance's New Diplomatic Stance Towards BieselNews Article Publisher: Xanan News Service Writer: NewOriginalSchwann SUWON, REPUBLIC OF KONYANG — In what XNS host Mariska van den Soeterik has called, “a stunning reversal over a decade’s worth of efforts to isolate Biesel,” the Alliance has stated it will seek a diplomatic relationship with what many Solarian politicians have called a rogue breakaway state: the Republic of Biesel. To give you an understand of how this has impacted what many analysts view as the Coalition’s most vulnerable world to the Alliance, our very own ace reporter Liao Qi has traveled to Konyang to catalogue the views of its everyday citizens — human and synthetic. Below it an excerpt from the XNS’ soon-to-release documentary What Our Future Holds: Konyang, the Rampancy Crisis, and the Alliance. The camera focuses on a middle-aged man smoking a cigarette under an awning. Round glasses sit on his face and his hair is starting to go grey around the edges. He’s wearing a National Police rain slicker with a badge on it marking him as Inspector Myung-Ki Hak — assuming, of course, you can read Konyanger Common. A voiceover begins. “Inspector Myung-Ki Hak,” Liao Qi’s voice begins, “is a twenty-five year veteran of Konyang’s police, having served in Suwon — the Republic’s capital — for his entire career. Inspector Hak tells us the rampancy crisis of 2466 was the worst state he’s seen the planet in.” Hak exhales upwards, takes the cigarette out of his mouth, then looks to the camera and begins speaking. “We all know the story, but most off-worlds don’t know the details of it, how it happened. I was there, so,” he shrugs his shoulders, “I can.” “What was it like during the first days?” “Confusing. I worked homicide at the time — still do — and kept having to respond to these calls out for dead or injured people with synthetic subjects. These were pretty brutal attacks too, at least some of them. Just savaged beyond recognition — like hit-and-run vics we get sometimes,” Hak takes another drag from his cigarette, then sighs after exhaling the smoke. “That started escalating fast — really, really fast — over the next few months, and it only really stopped when the corporates brought that device.” “Where were you when the crisis stopped?” “You’re going to be disappointed, Liao: I was asleep after an all-day shift trying to keep my department secure!” Hak laughs, waving his hand! Qi appears to join in for a few moments. “Right. Now, with the crisis behind us, how is Suwon?” “We’re recovering, but it’s slow. It’s always slower to build things than it is to destroy them — people spend 21 years raising a kid only for them to get shot during an overloader deal gone wrong. Life goes on for them as it goes on for our damaged metropolis. The big issue on everyone’s mind is what Sol will do with us.” “And what do you think they’ll do?” “Nothing good,” Hak scowls, then drops the cigarette butt and snubs it out with his shoe. “I think Strom’s the latest edition of Sol’s long-standing tradition of invading and killing anyone who stands against them.” “So you think he’ll invade?” “I think we should be asking when he’ll invade, not if. And when he does come, he’d better be ready for a fight. I’ll go the way of Commodore Taeyang if I have to.” The video ends with a shot of Hak's face, still scowling. What Our Future Holds: Konyang, the Rampancy Crisis, and the Alliance will premiere on the XNS on 24 April 2468. Further Reading: Places to See: The XNS’ Guide to the Scarlands Coalition Member-States to hold “Initiative North” Naval Readiness Exercises Near Konyang C.F.X.P. Heads to New Hai Phong in First Football Match in Sol Since Callisto-Xanu Game Government Confirms Tau Ceti to Send Diplomatic Mission to Unity Station!News Article Publisher: Sol Alliance News Network Writer: NewOriginalSchwann UNITY STATION, SOL SYSTEM — Earlier today (GST) the Department of State announced the government of the Tau Ceti System (GTCS) will send an official diplomatic mission to Unity Station as part of ongoing negotiations between Tau Ceti and the Alliance. This delegation is the first of its kind from the GTCS since its declaration of secession and has been cited as, “an important step towards normalizing relations between our peoples,” by a Department of State spokesperson contacted by the SANN. The Department of State provided the SANN with the following statement: “Normalized relations with Tau Ceti will allow our nation to turn the page to a new Spur, leaving behind a decade of attempts by rogue elements to invade other powers that led to our civil war. Secretary Ortiz eagerly awaits meeting with her counterparts from Tau Ceti.” Reactions to the diplomatic mission from the GTCS, and of normalizing ties, have been mixed across the Alliance, with the Solarian Federation of Labour Unions calling it a step towards building a united front against megacorporation dominance, and the Society for a Free Mictlan (SML) calling it, “an insult to every Solarian living under the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate’s illegal occupation of our territory.” A spokesperson for the SML provided the following statement to the SANN: “While the SML has full confidence in Prime Minster Strom, we oppose any move to normalize relations with Mictlan’s occupiers. One only needs to look back to their ‘peacekeeping’ to see the price everyday Solarians paid for Biesel’s rescue: destroyed houses, murdered innocents, cyborgified dissidents. Is this a state we should have relations with? No!” The SANN will continue to report on Tau Ceti's diplomatic mission as the situation develops. Further Reading: Navy Announces “OBSIDIAN CAGE 67” Readiness Exercise at Coalition Border to Test Readiness Ulrike de Esterházy von Galántha Confirmed by Senate as Ambassador to Moroz Ton Gwai Triads Score 9-7 Win Over Colettish Guards in Latest Game President Torvald Justifies Renewed Solarian-Biesellite Relations.News Article Publisher: Tau Ceti Times Writer: Sadkermit President Åke Torvald spoke to the Tau Ceti Times’ Aramis on Sunday. Discussed in the interview were this year’s challenges tackling the phoron crisis, physician staffing shortages on Biesel and–in focus today–the chance at renewed diplomacy with the Alliance of Sovereign Solarian Nations. Watch: President Torvald Interview - The Solarian Diplomatic Mission The hourglass logo of the Tau Ceti Times appears over a black background, completing one turn before fading to reveal a wide scene of an interview; two red, fabric armchairs seating the interviewer and their interviewee. President Torvald sits on the left, dressed in a light grey suit and navy sweater vest, a striped tie poking out that alternates between navy and red. Opposite, there sits a cross-legged, silver Baseline synthetic wearing some gaudy, purple bell-bottoms and a black, buttoned-up suit jacket. Past them both is a glass window, looking out over Mendell City’s skyline from a relatively tall skyscraper. Shuttles whizz by up high, and a line of hover cars separates them from the conventional traffic barely visible down low. This particular clip appears to begin midway through the interview. “Mister President, enough of future plans, tell us about the current proceedings with the Solarian Alliance,” the synthetic, Aramis, says with a charmingly melodic, masculine voice. “Why is it in the best interests of the Republic of Biesel to seek rapprochement with the Solarian Alliance?” Torvald nods as he hears out the question, leaning forwards and crossing a leg over the other as he wrangles the line of questioning with a calmer demeanor than most may be familiar with “Very simply, the hair-trigger relationship we have had with the Alliance has not worked for anyone,” the president says, his New Gibsonite accent a few notches harder compared to more official appearances. “When other options have been shut down and the only recourse is to pull the trigger, we-we see blockades, we see admirals taking a chance, we see triggers pulled.” A flat palm is raised as he looks at Aramis’ screen where the Tau Ceti Times’ hourglass logo is displayed, Torvald continues, “This is about expanding on those eh, options: hashing out issues in calls or in person, seeking safe resolutions to— territorial disagreements, such and such.” His brows suddenly furrow, the palm now a stabbing finger as he says, “This is not about being pro-Solarian or anti-Solarian; it’s about needing to avoid another invasion— not about being pro-Solarian.” — After a longer pause from Torvald, the Baseline’s screen flickers and the hourglass turns; it turns once again when Aramis finishes his question, “Would an invasion be likely if these talks were to fail or to not have begun?” The president bobs his head, face scrunched up for a moment in thought. “It has happened before – twice – so there is no saying it eh, can’t happen again. What is important is ensuring that it absolutely will not happen again, which is what this achieves,” Torvald replies. “There is nothing to stop it right now but the threat of retaliatory force–” “But, is a third invasion likely if these talks were to fail; is it something you or the government in the Alliance fear?” Aramis interrupts. “No, there is no present threat of an invasion, not of Tau Ceti or any of the systems in the Corporate Re–” Aramis interrupts again, a heavy huff coming from the president, “Will military spending continue to–” Torvald begins to talk over Aramis who gives way, “There is no imminent conflict, but the Republic’s military forces– remain just as important as before; our armament efforts are not going to-to lapse. This is about options, and our armed forces will always remain one of them, but it is important we employ others too.” The president glances away for a moment, before returning to give a canted stare to Aramis. — “The Cetian Conservatives – who you ran with – their supporters, and many other Biesellites too, have long thought the Republic’s government doggedly stand against the Solarian Alliance for its past actions. Do you not feel that you are turning your back on many of these supporters?” Aramis asks, idly drumming his metallic fingers on his knee. “Absolutely not.” Torvald calmy replies, shaking his head. “Our government has a duty to protect its citizens from any infringement from Solarians– this includes putting a stop to any such action before it takes place. We can only do this if you know, we have clear lines to the Alliance’s government.” “Right,” Aramis says, a momentary whir heard as he formulates his next question. “Where do you hope to see Biesel-Solarian relations at the end of your term?” Torvald nods at the question, dipping his head to scratch the crease of his nose for a long moment. He sucks in a breath- -and exhales, “There are a lot of changes that I um, would hope for. But, one of my largest hopes here is to see reduced Solarian-Biesellite tensions.” The synthetic appears to roll its head structure back, a falling dwoooop heard, though Torvald continues, “I– am sure that never will tensions be zero, perhaps, but they can certainly be lowered.” “Of course,” Aramis says in a low tone, glancing just past the camera before his voice upswings. “Thank you, Mister President. Let us have a break.” Torvald puts on the rare smile, his hands clasped before him as he stands up. Then, the video cuts to the revolving Tau Ceti Times hourglass logo. But, not before an affordable NanoTrasen health insurance plan is advertised – included in most NanoTrasen employment packages, so you can work to secure a healthy future! Most Read: Megacorporations: Hephaestus Industries ordered to cease production of 2465 ‘Ignoble’ line of positronic designs following Einstein Engines court victory. Arts & Culture: “Are you f****** ready Tau Ceti!?”: Cape City pop sensation Margot & The Phoron Dolls to begin 6 year HOT PINK tour around Republic of Biesel. Crime & Policing: 8 Eridanians detained on Valkyrie for smuggling illegal recreational drug Nightlife in Getmore Soda bottles: “Enough to kill a space whale”. Tau Ceti's Diplomats Arrive at Unity Station -- SANN AnalysisNews Article Publisher: Sol Alliance News Network Writer: NewOriginalSchwann After the SANN’s opening jingle the camera zooms in on, as it always does, Harold MacMillan. Once again sitting across from him is Doctor Giacomo Principi, of the Callistean Institute of Interstellar Studies. After taking a moment to adjust the papers on his desk, MacMillan nods to the camera and begins speaking. “Good evening, and welcome to The State of Sol. As always I’m your host, Harold MacMillan. Today’s feature story is the recent, and long-awaited by many, arrival of Tau Ceti’s diplomatic delegation at Unity Station. Returning to the show to discuss these events is Doctor Giacomo Principi of the Callistean Institute of Interstellar Studies. Doctor, thank you once again for coming.” “Of course, Harold. I’m happy to be here.” “Now, Doctor, could you start by explaining a bit about the current state of Alliance-stay Ceti relation for our viewers?” “I can, yes,” Principi clears his throat. “As you know, roughly 15 years ago in ‘52 the government ceded — some would say it failed to intervene — independence to Tau Ceti. Since then there have been no formal diplomatic relations between Unity Station and Mendell City, and two failed interventions in Tau Ceti by the Navy, with the most recent — in ‘62 — resulting in the civil war.” “So what’s changed, doctor? Why pursue relations now?” “The interstellar realist perspective is that Tau Ceti now controls more of the Spur than ever before, following defections and annexations during ‘62 and ‘63. Tau Ceti’s government has, through its use of force, legitimized itself — but I wouldn’t call it stable.” “Why wouldn’t you?” “Their new zone of control,” Principi draws a circle in the air using his pen, “isn’t stable, Harold. Arguably their frontier administrative center — Mictlan — is a potential flashpoint for internal security problems, with it having recently experienced what I would describe as a civil war and-or revolt against Tau Ceti.” “Doctor, would you still say Biesel is worth engaging with diplomatically?” “Yes,” Principi replies without hesitation. “The Coalition has internal conflict but we still engage with them. We need to look ourselves in the mirror and accept Tau Ceti is a peer rival of the Alliance now, for better or worse.” “What do you mean by that, Doctor? By peer rival.” “Ah! What I mean to say is Tau Ceti has the ability to contest the Alliance on ‘even grounds,’ despite its smaller military. It can being a great economic force to bear against us during a period when much of the Alliance is recovering from a period of crisis.” “Thank you, doctor. As a closing statement, what do you want to see from these negotiations?” “If you’ll permit me to be naïve, Harold, I’d like to see us go through the rest of this century without another crisis centered around Tau Ceti. I’d like for my children to grow up in a better Spur than ours.” “Let’s hope your naïvity becomes reality, hm?” “Let’s, Harold.” “Right — Doctor Principi, thank you for your time.” “Thank you for having me.” “The State of Sol will be right back,” Harold points at the camera, “so stay tuned!” BREAKING: Alliance and Tau Ceti Move to Reopen Relations – Developing StoryNews Article Publisher: Sol Alliance News Network Writer: NewOriginalSchwann After the SANN’s traditional opening jingle, the camera zooms in on the ever-present, and ever-steady, face of Harold MacMillan, host of The State of Sol. The veteran newscaster nods to the camera, takes a moment to move his dataslate, and begins speaking. “Good evening, and welcome back to The State of Sol. As always I’m your host, Harold MacMillan. Today’s top story is a breaking one, having only just come out of Unity Station: the Alliance and Tau Ceti have, after over a decade of no relations, decided to formally reopen diplomatic relations between Unity Station and Mendell City. For more on this we go to our ace reporter, Cèline Eylenbosch. Cèline?” The camera switches from MacMillan in his broadcasting room to a view of an iconic blonde Cytherean woman standing in a fancy-looking hallway with oak doors and red carpet – the halls of Unity Station, for any viewers familiar with the Alliance’s capital. A bar at the bottom marks her location at “Unity Station - Department of State.” Eylenbosch is, once again, well-dressed in the latest fashion trends out of Idris Incorporated’s spring catalogue. A Cytherean to the core. She smiles to the camera and begins speaking. “Good evening, Harold, and hello, my dear viewers.” “Cèline, what does it look like in the Department of State?” “Well, Harold,” Eylenbosch points a finger to a door behind her, turning slightly. Is that Idris Incorporated's 2467 Vermilion Sunrise re-release on her index fingernail? “behind this door, our secretary of state and Tau Ceti’s diplomatic teams have just finished their negotiations, and a clerk just notified us a few minutes ago that both parties have agreed to reopen formal relations – that’s why I called you and said it was so urgent.” “So, what does this mean for the Alliance? What’s the next step” “I’m not Doctor Principi, Harold,” Eylenbosch wags a finger at the camera, grinning a bit coyly, “but I can still tell you what’s going to for sure happen – no theory though.” “Right, right.” “An ambassador will need to be appointed to Tau Ceti, and our embassy there will have to be reopened. The senate will have to confirm the ambassador, of course, but that shouldn’t take long – it’s a simple majority.” “That sounds easy enough. Has Ambassador Oritz offered any comments yet?” “Nothing yet,” Eylenbosch can’t help but look a bit disappointed, pouting for the camera, “but we did get a quote from a foreign service officer in the diplomatic security branch who spoke on condition of anonymity. They said there are concerns in the Department about ‘blowback’ – their words, not mine – from the residents of Mendell City, where the embassy’s set to be.” “What are they concerned about?” “Mendell City was one of the targets hit when the 35th Fleet invaded it prior to its attempt to overthrow the Alliance, and there’s still a lot of ill-will there. The SISA is currently working with their security agency, according to our source, to stop any violence from breaking out – but there might be protests, Harold. Hopefully we’re there to capture it, hrm?” Eylenbosch’s earlier disappointment fades, replaced with enthusiasm. She wants to be there, in the thick of it. “I’d hate to miss a story only to have the Tau Ceti Times pick it up – wouldn’t you?” “I have to say,” MacMillan laughs for a moment, “it wouldn’t fit the SANN to lose an exclusive to Tau Ceti.” “It wouldn’t!" Eylenbosch grins for the camera again, "But that’s why you have me, my dear viewers, to bring you the hard-hitting information from the ground – should it come to be!” “I’m sure they appreciate you, Cèline. Anything else to add? Further comments?” “Nothing at the moment, Harold. Back over to you.” The camera switches back to a view of Harold, once again in his office. He nods to the camera. “That was Cèline Eylenbosch reporting live from Unity Station. As we move to enter this new era of Sol-Tau Ceti relations, you may not know what’s coming in geopolitics: but you’ll always know the SANN will be there for you: so stay tuned!” MacMillan points to the camera as it fades out and into a commercial. Prime Minister Strom Names First Ambassador to Biesel!News Article Publisher: Sol Alliance News Network Writer: NewOriginalSchwann UNITY STATION, SOL SYSTEM — Earlier today (GST) the Department of State and Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) released a statement saying veteran foreign service officer Jianguo Zhu had been chosen as the first person ever appointed ambassador to Tau Ceti. Zhu is a veteran diplomat and with previous experience in Persepolis, Vysoka, Xanu, and skrellian space, and his appointment is expected to be confirmed by the senate, “within the week,” according to a source within the Department of State speaking on the condition of anonymity. The SANN reached out to office of Senatorial President Toshiyuki Sumida and received the following statement: “The Senate stands ready to help the Alliance enter a new chapter of diplomacy, but wishes to advise that the interests of the Solarian people must be respected — even if they are currently living under foreign governments.” SANN reporting has discovered the embassy will likely be in Mendell City’s first district, Biesel, Tau Ceti, in a building indicated by a member of the Mendell City Police Department speaking on the condition of anonymity as being a former Solarian government building from the pre-secession era. The MCPD source indicated they were aware of plans by residents of Mendell City to protest the embassy’s reopening, but stated they were not at liberty to discuss the matter further. The SANN reached out to Biesel Security Services Bureau with a request for comment but did not receive a reply. In response the SISA’s office for interstellar medial affairs was contacted, and a spokesperson provided the following statement: “The Solarian Interstellar Security Agency is committed to ensuring the safety and security of Solarians at home and abroad, and is watching the situation in Tau Ceti closely with our foreign and domestic partners. Solarian citizens seeking to travel to Tau Ceti should be aware of any alerts and advisories issued by the Department of State.” The Department of State’s travel advisory for Tau Ceti, per their website, remains at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, due to instability throughout its territory and the presence of organized crime in Mendell City, in addition to a limited Solarian government presence. The only higher category is Level 4: Do Not Travel, which currently applies to some worlds in the Coalition of Colonies. Further Reading: VSI: Next Monkey King Movie Expected Summer 2467 Venusian Tourist Extradited from Dominian Custody Following Intrusion into Military Zone, Conviction by Military Court Xanu’s Nouvelle-Rochelle Captains Thrash Callisto’s New Edinburgh Castilians in Latest Cricket Match Thousands Protest Biesel-Solarian Talks and Appointment of Solarian Ambassador!News Article Publisher: Tau Ceti Times Writer: Sadkermit More than three-thousand people have attended the March Against Sol protest against the reopening of the Alliance of Sovereign Solarian Nations Embassy in Mendell City and the appointment of Jianguo Zhu as the Solarian Ambassador in the Republic of Biesel. The march saw disgruntled citizens from across the planets under the Republic of Biesel’s flag flock to protest, with all of the Mendell City shuttleports seeing shuttles of banner and placard wielding protestors arriving to assemble for the march. Protestors rallied at the Xavier Trasen Memorial in District One and marched along a meandering route that ended at what campaigners believe to be the allotted Solarian Embassy building. Similar protests occurred in other cities throughout the Republic of Biesel, with Hengsha on New Gibson and Saint Lawrence on Port Antillia each seeing over one-thousand protestors march. Image: Mendell City Protest Placard (NTImages) A wide, close-up image is embedded into the article. In the blurred background, a dozen protestors are visible; in-focus, an elderly gentleman with a fat grin holding aloft a large cardboard sign. painted with the Republic of Biesel’s flag, on it is written, “Marching Against Solarian Hegemony Since 2402”. '[We are] here to show that whatever it is that happens, we remain standing against the Solarian Alliance,' said a protest organiser for March Against Sol. They added that the reopening of the Solarian Embassy was a ‘gut-punch for liberty’. 'It’s an insult to us who lost family during the invasion,' said protestor Kirsten Wilmann who spoke at the pre-march rally, mother of Jonas Wilmann, a Prefect in the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion who was onboard the BLV Fylgja when it sustained critical damage during the Second Invasion. Another protestor said, “They [the Strom Administration] have no respect for us or our Republic [...] Why should we give any back?” The Mendell City Police Department has stated that the protest had undergone the proper planning process to go ahead. However, four individuals were arrested for 'going too far' according to the MCPD’s Chirper account after defacing the anticipated Solarian Embassy building with red paint. The protest was otherwise policed laxly. President Åke Torvald appeared very briefly before the press at the Fallanland Shutteport where he said, 'The peoples' voice never goes unheard; protests are fundamental for this in a democracy.' Most Read: Megacorporations: Hephaestus Industries Biesel online website down for 5 hours following cyberattack. Arts & Culture: Reality TV show Stars Amid Stars renewed for 2nd season set on Idris Incorporated pleasure yacht. Phoron Scarcity: Sustainable Investing: How can your money slow the fall? Zhu Confirmed as Ambassador, Embassy in Tau Ceti Reopens!News Article Publisher: Sol Alliance News Network Writer: NewOriginalSchwann After the traditional SANN jingle the camera zooms in on the ever-present figure of Harold MacMillan, host of The State of Sol. Macmillan takes a moment to straighten his tablet, nods to the camera, and begins speaking. “Good evening, and welcome back to The State of Sol. As always I’m your host, Harold MacMillan. Today’s top stories are connected, and take us to both the heart of Unity Station and the streets of Mendell City, Biesel, with our teams on the ground at both locations to bring you the latest news regarding our nation’s diplomatic thaw with Tau Ceti. We go first to Unity Station, where Le Quynh Cong is waiting to give us the latest from the Senate on ambassador-appointee Jianguo Zhu’s confirmation. Le?” The camera switches from MacMillan to a bespectacled Haiphongese woman -- this time without her respirator -- standing in the Alliance’s halls of power: the Solarian Senate. She nods and waves to the camera, smiling for it. “Hi Harold! Is the connection good?” “Le, good to hear from you. We’ve got a steady connection — what’s new in the hearings?” “Right,” Cong nods, “I’m happy to report that Zhu has officially been named ambassador to Biesel by an overwhelming majority of senators, with only a small coalition led by Senator Trang voting no to his nomination.” “What made them vote no? Any explanation?” “We got a quote from Senator Trang shortly after the vote, Harold. She says that, ah— that she supports the pursuit of further relations with Biesel, but does not believe a Lunarian is the best fit for the position, citing the Sol System's continued dominance over politics.” “So, were most of the ‘no’ voters from outside the Sol System?” “They were, or they were part of the Communist Party - Senator Pavlov voted no as well, and told Plutonian media his reason for doing so was Biesel’s suppression of socialist and communist movements in service of the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate.” “Did you get a quote from Ambassador Zhu?” Cong shakes her head. “No, but we got a quote from Secretary Ortiz’s office: it says the Department’s happy to see a formal reopening of relations, and wishes for a continued dialogue with Tau Ceti as we move forward.” “Right. Thank you, Le.” “Of course, Harold.” The camera switches from Cong after she nods to it, swapping back to MacMillan in his studio. “With Ambassador Zhu now confirmed, we go to our reporter on the ground in Mendell City: Cèline Eylenbosch. Cèline?” The camera swaps to an evocative sight: the Solarian flag flapping in the wind in what’s clearly Mendell City. The shot slowly zooms out to show the flag is flying on a flagpole atop an elegant white building set back from the road which stands in a fenced-in lot featuring a few trees. At its front stands a gate with — contrasting the elegant surroundings — four Solarian Army guards with rifles and body armor, complete with helmets. A human Mendell City Police Department officer stands beside one of the soldiers, apparently talking with her idly, and is only wearing a basic vest. The camera then pans to show Cèline Eylenbosch, looking as elegant as ever. Barely visible on her arm is a Solarian blue armband with “PRESS” written on it in multiple languages. She smiles and nods to the camera. “Hello Harold, and all our dear viewers. I’m delighted to announce I’m one of the first — perhaps the first — Solarian reporter in Mendell City since 2462.” “Right Cèline, how does it look on the ground in Mendell City?” “Why, it’s positively thrilling here! As you can see behind me,” Eylenbosch points over at the gate, “the Army’s on the ground here and already working with the locals – the protest last week has the embassy on a heightened state of alert, per a spokesperson we met with, but otherwise it’s proceeding as hoped – for now.” “For now?” “Well, Harold,” Eylenbosch smiles just a bit, “You never know what could happen here – Mendell City’s known for civil unrest and riots, especially since the secession – hopefully the embassy can be stable, hm?” “Let’s hope so. With that aside, what kind of people have shown up at the embassy so far?” “On its first day? Not many people aside from the ambassador – a few Solarian citizens showed up to have their paperwork updated and got a photo with the ambassador for being the first Solarians to visit the new embassy. Exciting, isn’t it?” “I never imagined paperwork could be, but here we are!” Eylenbosch laughs for a moment. “Here we are indeed, Harold. That’s all I have for now.” “Right. Take care out there, and stay safe.” “Of course, Harold,” Eylenbosch nods to the camera. “Back over to you.” The camera switches back to MacMillan in his newsroom, who nods to the camera. “The State of Sol will be right back – so stay tuned!” MacMillan waves to the camera as it zooms away from him and fades out. The commercial, a bit unsurprisingly, is for an independent travel agency called Pan Solarian, and is advertising the fastest, most luxurious flight to Mendell City from Callisto. |
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