The People's Daily, Issue 1: August 3rd, 3307
03 Aug 2021Ivy Augustine Hall
THE PEOPLE'S DAILY Issue I, August 3rd, 2207
a Communist publication operated by the Industrial Workers of the Way,
on behalf of Communism Interstellar
Welcome to the first issue of The People's Daily: Galactic news, as seen by the workers. This publication is aimed at providing the proletariat, who keep the Bubble alive with their labor, with a fair and honest view of all major news. As such, this publication is not supported by corporations or imperial powers, and never will be. All resources and labor are donated by comrades from the IWW and Communism Interstellar.
Our first issue covers only a handful of topics, as it is a soft launch. The quality and length of articles published will no doubt improve over time, as more experienced and capable comrades begin to donate their time and knowledge towards this endeavor. Further, early plans are already being laid to bring this news to you in audio format as well, and on a more frequent basis.
It is our hope that we can bring you the most clear, honest views of the galaxy, as seen through the eyes of real, working people.
With my utmost regards for you, the reader, and those in the IWW that contributed to the first issue of this fine newsprint,
-CMDR Ivy Augustine Hall, Editor of The People's Daily
Hudson Struggling to Maintain Control, Sends Troops Against Democracy
Zachary Hudson, president of the Federation, has once again countered the quickly-growing independence movement with threats of violence. The ironically-named megaship Fortress Liberty has been dispatched to the Kuwembaa system in response to the recent secession of New Kuwembaa Labour. This action indicates a rapidly growing crisis of instability within the Federation, as the prior secessions only took place with a great deal of outside help. The megaship was deployed along with this message from Hudson: "Abide by constitutional law, or face the consequences." However, this threat comes at the tail of an embarrassing defeat in the Azalandshu system mere weeks ago, which saw the Federation suffering losses at an order of magnitude far greater than the rebels.
The elected governor of New Kuwembaa Labour, Sonal Mishra, declared independence citing concerns with the ongoing "draconian" spying situation being inflicted on Federation citizens by their government. While law scholars are still debating whether or not this is just cause for abandoning the Federal Accord, the secession has already gone through, and it appears civil war is once again on the horizon for President Hudson.
New Onionhead Strain Denounced by Superpowers
A new Onionhead strain, Gamma (formerly known simply as Helix), has taken underground markets across the galaxy by storm. The Federation and Empire have outright denounced the appearance of yet another strain of Onionhead, with Princess Aisling Duval having the most emotionally charged public reaction to it, while the Alliance has maintained that its less-than-law-abiding member factions have the freedom to do with it as they choose. It remains banned under all forms of government across the galaxy, save for Anarchy factions.
Users of the new narcotic strain have described it as a much milder form of Onionhead, producing much less intense psychedelic reactions and subsequently less harsh addictions. The People's Daily makes no personal distinction on the morality of narcotics, nor will we engage in unfounded speculation about the scientific details. However, for any comrades suffering from addiction, we will be the first to publish any results on its use as a replacement for those who wish to wean off of the drug and reach sobriety.
NMLA Strikes Out Against Marlinists After Losing Election
The Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army, well known for their acts of terrorism against over nine major starports a few months ago, have seemingly retaliated against the very people they claim to support after their recent electoral defeat at hands of the Free Marlinists. Just days after Kayode Tau's victory for the position of Prime Consul, two starports were bombed with signature enzyme material, and the death toll has so far been confirmed at over 35,000, with total injured casualties numbering in the hundreds of thousands. First Minister Jenna Fairfax was killed in one of the blasts, throwing the government of the Free Marlinists into disarray.
Comrades experienced in galaxiopolitical studies have speculated that these attacks may have been planned from the start, but could have in fact been intended for the Imperial Senate, should Verity Dexter have won the election on behalf of the NMLA. Security at all major Imperial facilities has remained extremely tight in the aftermath of the initial terror bombings, undoubtedly making them difficult targets, but the victory of Verity Dexter could have been just the opening that the NMLA and their leader, Theta Seven, needed.
One thing is certain: independent systems appear to be under zero threat from these bombings, and one of the safest places for workers in the galaxy is, at this moment, the Greater Manite Volume.
Worker's Daily: An Interview with Comrade Garry_HD
The People's Daily: Hi Garry! Thanks for agreeing to be profiled for our first issue!
Garry_HD: Hey, thanks for having me. Glad to help out our comrades from the press.
TPD: Since these interviews are really to give a spotlight to the comrades in our ranks, would you mind answering a few basic questions to kind of establish who you are to the readers?
G: Sure, although there is nothing special about me.
TPD: (chuckling) Well, that's what our goal is here, really, to prove that no comrade is just some cog in a soulless machine. How long have you been with Communism Interstellar? What brought you into the fold?
G: I have been part of this project for over a year now. Joined right after last years Interstellar Worker's day. I came home from a local worker's march in Akheilos and something just clicked. Maybe it was the energy of the crowd, maybe it were the speeches by the representatives of the People's Party of LTT 14271. But I had to do something- I mean, what brought me to CI? A long journey, that's for sure. You know my family is from Rhea?
TPD: No, but I've got an aunt from there, actually, Aunt [redacted for privacy].
G: Wait. [redacted], Balandin Gateway?
TPD: That's her! (chuckling)
G: No way! I had her as a passenger once! Wanted to visit some geyser, I don't remember which. But she was such a nice passenger, had a great conversation with her while in Super Cruise. She gave me candy for my daughter (laughs)
TPD: (chuckling) Probably some Karsuki Locusts, knowing her. God, what a small galaxy.
G: Tell me about it. Where were we, again?
TPD: You were telling me about being from Rhea.
G: Right. Yeah, was a total Winters guy. Voted for her every time. Button wearing, leaflet distribution to fellow voters and all. She promised us: Work hard and it will pay off. Things will improve for us when Hudson is finally gone. But did my rent skyrocket in Rhea? Could I afford a second bedroom when our child was born? Did pay just stay the same, while the rich people at the top I took on tourist journeys demanded more and more luxury every year? She could change all of that in Rhea. Didn't need Hudson gone for that! Weird, isn't it? Anyway, one day I came home and our landlord had thrown my wife and daughter out, because we couldn't pay the oxygen bill.
TPD: Mm! Awful.
G: We packed our stuff and moved further out. Took any job there was. Landed in Akheilos one day and, wouldn't you know it? Basically free housing, good pay, and I could even join a transportation union without being fired. What was different? The commies were in charge, that's what! The day my wife had to go to the hospital after an accident and got quality treatment without bankrupting us, I became a communist. From there it was only a matter of time until Communism Interstellar seemed like the right step forward, I suppose.
TPD: Right on, comrade. Well, Garry, this was a fantastic interview. Pretty sure you managed to answer a few questions before I even had the chance to ask (laughing).
G: My pleasure! Fellow comrades tell me to shut up more often, but space gets lonely sometimes and I like talking to people.
TPD: As they say, if you fly with CI, you're never flying alone. Take care, and I hope to see you again soon.
G: o7, Comrade.