Emperors Disclaim Faction Mission

UUNN Newswire

(UUNN HQ)  Emperors Venticus and Cineon released a statement on the current Octavius Faction Mission this morning:

After much consideration and discussion, we have decided that it is best for everyone that we do not remain silent about the curent “Octavius” Faction mission.  This mission is, in fact, NOT an Octavius mission.  The mission was initiated by Empress Iulia without our agreement or consent — which would be the norm for such things.  In our opinions, it is not a mission that benefits Octavius and we would encourage pilots to carefully consider this before participating any further.  This mission is a mission to benefit Martius . . . and more specifically the Empress herself.

We consider this situation to be anomalous and still consider Octavius to be united in purpose, with a strong, bright future for all of our planets.

Although the planets of Octavius have had a contentious and sometimes violent history, there has been nothing hinting at this level of discord since Octavius joined The Recontruction Initiative almost 100 years ago.

Unrest Breaks Out in Belum After News of Resident’s Execution

UUNN Newswire

(Belum, Martius)  Protests broke out in the town of Belum after residents found out that Titus Valens had been executed at the palace in Etrucera — allegedly for for dereliction of duty.

It is estimated that more than 500 protesters had assembled in the town square, many carrying signs acusing the Empress Iulia of murder.  Most of the proteststers scattered as soon as the ISS (Imperial Security Service) arrived.  The few who remained were quickly arrested and taken away, with one screaming “You work for a murderer . . . a MONSTER! So what’s that make YOU?” as she was roughly shoved into a transport vehicle.

Valens, just shy of his 22nd birthday, had just completed the process of becoming a jump-pilot and had quickly achieved the level of Corporal. He was an only-child.  His family has lived in Belum for more than five generations.

Dorator Acquires Annihlitech Patents

By Yaz Shanndar

(Octavius Outpost)  Dorator Industries today announced it has acquired the patents and intellectual properties of long-defunct Annihlitec from Postern Associates.

“Annihlitech made bad-ass weapons,”  said Dorator President and CEO, Malkev Dorator.  “We think there’s an opportunity to continue that tradition and, of course, to grow our business.”

According to Dorator, production has already been activated for the FeatherFire ion canon on Octavius Outpost. It will continue to be marketed using the Annihilitech brand. 

Oct Core Attacked

UUNN Newsire

 *  *  *  *  *  BREAKING NEWS *  *  *  *  *

(UUNN HQ) There are unconfirmed reports of two attacks on Octavius Core by consular ships from Martius.  More details when available.

Estrucera Palace on Lockdown

by Thane Carios

(Great Pillars Station)  The palace of Empress Iulia Atreus is on lockdown today after a dispute that ended with a brief battle in Great Pillars sector that resulted in the destruction of two ships — one an Imperial Guard Phoenix and the other the ship of Consul Caelina Arsann.  It is unknown whether the Consul was actually flying that ship.

A source who was at the palace today said there was some kind of meeting that ended up with an unknown delegate leaving very abruptly.

The Empress was allegedly restrained by her advisors as she burst from the meeting chamber screaming:

“They threatened me!  They … threatened … ME!!!  I’m going to get them.  I’m going to BURN IT ALL down!  First that picture shit on the dark nets.   Now this . . .

Caeli!  Where’s Caeli?

One witness said the fleeing ship was “Weird. White with numbers.” They indicated the ship was being chased at high-speed by two Phoenix-class fighters, but then it turned and began firing.

There has been no response to inquiries from Martius.

Imperial Guard Ships Downed in Great Pillars

UUNN Newswire

 *   *   *   BREAKING NEWS  *   *   *

(UUNN HQ) – Two Imperial Guard Phoenix fighters were involved in an engagement in Great Pillars sector today at approximately 13:24 UTC.  Both were shot down.

According to station radar logs, the Imperial ships chased a third ship with pirate tags, which was not broadcasting any transponder signal.  The unknown ship, then turned on the chasers and was able to quickly destroy both.

More details will be provided when available.

Empress Wants Statue

UUNN Newswire

(Etruscera, Martius)  According to sources on Martius, Empress Iulia Atreus has decided to commission a statue of herself to replace the statue of Atticus VI just outside Danubia — which she had destroyed shortly after her ascension.

It is not known whether she is accepting proposals only from artists on Martius, from all of Octavius, or from any faction.

Empress Lashes Out on Prosthetics

UUNN Newswire

(Etruscera, Martius) Consul Caelina Arsann today released the following statement:

Great Pillars Station has recently received a number of Prosthetics deliveries.  While we are unimpressed with the irrelevant legalities of the situation, we are nonetheless displeased.  Notably the Empress. To quote her own words:  “If I catch the imbecile who thinks this is even a little bit funny, they will NOT be turned over to TRI . . . I’ll personally feed them piece by piece to the ekels!”

We recommend delivering them elsewhere.

TRI-Security had no immediate comment.

REPORT: Empress Executes Staff Members

UUNN Newswire

(Etruscera, Martius)  Sources say that after flying into a rage, Empress Iulia Atreus personally excuted at least seven members of the Imperial household staff.  It is unknown what sparked the murderous spree and there has been no official word at all from the palace.  The Empress is known to have ordered summary executions in the past for invididuals who crossed her but this is the first report of her personally carrying out an execution.

Further details will be reported as they become available.

Empress Chooses Donor and Surrogate

UUNN Newswire

(Etruscera, Martius) Consul Caelina Arsann of Martius announced today that Empress Iulia Atreus had chosen a donor and a surrogate to bear the “Heir to the Empire.”

This has caused some debate about ascertaining genetic continuity, but a contest to the legitimacy of Iulia’s heir-to-be would most likely meet immediate retribution. While it is unlikely that the surrogate will be named — to protect against assasination — many are hoping to know the name and lineage of the donor.

As has been usual with recent Octavius politics, there has been no comment from the leadership of the other Imperial States.