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Federation Pledges Resources to Aegis

President Zachary Hudson and Shadow President Felicia Winters have united behind Federal backing for the reformation of Aegis.

Congress held an emergency debate after the Alliance and Empire agreed to support an official tri-superpower initiative against the Thargoids. A majority of votes from Republican, Liberal and independent representatives approved the provision of ships, personnel and materials from the Federation.

President Hudson delivered a short address to mark the occasion:

“The intensified Thargoid attacks against the core systems demand a proportionate response. We recognise that Salvation was directly responsible for many of the tragic events that Aegis was blamed for. The Federation has an opportunity to correct that misjudgement and do our part to defeat a common adversary.”

Congressman Tom Gillespie has volunteered to coordinate the Federation’s involvement with any unified anti-xeno activities. Professor Shamus Madigan of Olympus Village University will continue to lead on xenological research. The Federal Navy has assigned Rear Admiral Daniel Parry to act as its military liaison, a reduced version of the role formerly occupied by Admiral Aden Tanner.

Professor Alba Tesreau has publicly thanked the leaders of the Alliance, Empire and Federation for their “renewed faith in the ideals that Aegis represents”.

Class 5 Experimental Weapons Stabiliser Released

*Pilots’ Federation ALERT*

Azimuth Biotech has commercially launched a new module that allows two additional AX weapons to be added to large ships.

The experimental weapons stabiliser increases the number of AX weapons which can be installed on a ship. The class 3 variant released last week increases the limit to five, whereas the class 5 variant released yesterday increases it to six.

Both versions entered mass production following Azimuth Biotech’s highly successful resource drive in the LHS 1163 system. CEO Torben Rademaker issued a statement to accompany the product launch:

“Our proprietary technology has bypassed the inherent design flaws of Aegis’s AX weaponry. The experimental weapons stabiliser will play a vital role in the ongoing defence of the core systems.”

“I can only assume that the current chatter about reforming Aegis is due to misplaced nostalgia. How quickly people forget the Baumann Report, which laid bare the organisation’s inefficiency and incompetence. The logical path to victory is to employ the most accomplished anti-xeno specialists, such as those found here at Azimuth Biotech.”

Admiral Tanner Withdraws from Federal Navy

Admiral Aden Tanner has formally resigned his commission with the Federal Navy, mere weeks after a presidential pardon overturned his court martial.

He had returned to naval service following an executive order from President Zachary Hudson. But this unexpected resignation means he is no longer a member of the military, although he retains the honorific of ‘admiral’.

Admiral Tanner released a personal statement, which was published by The Federal Times:

“I must begin by expressing my gratitude to President Hudson, and thank all those who supported my actions in the T Tauri system. History has proven that Salvation was willing to sacrifice millions of lives in his personal vendetta against the Thargoids, and we are suffering the after-effects of that obsession today.”

“The Federal Navy was once my home, but my disillusionment has grown over recent years. Politics and commercial influences hold this great institution back from safeguarding the Federation to its fullest capability. Now that the Thargoid threat has reached such a colossal degree, I find such restrictions frustrating to a point that I would likely be a nuisance to my fellow admirals. I have too much respect for every person serving the navy to offer anything less than my best – that best is now prohibited by bureaucracy. Therefore I am stepping down for the benefit of all.”

“As per the presidential pardon’s terms, I will continue developing anti-xeno strategies as an independent military specialist. I will liaise directly with Fleet Admiral Tayo Maikori to contribute to the navy’s war efforts, while also collaborating with other organisations down the line. I remain dedicated to saving lives and bringing this war to an end as soon as possible.”

“To any Thargoids who may be listening: you haven’t seen the last of me yet.”

Experimental Weapons Stabiliser Becomes Available

*Pilots’ Federation ALERT*

The class 3 experimental weapon stabiliser is now available following Azimuth Biotech’s delivery initiative in LHS 1163.

The corporation’s PR division confirmed the release of its new product in a press release:

“This variant of Azimuth’s experimental weapons stabiliser is now widely available for purchase. By redirecting and absorbing internal stresses, it allows a ship to carry a total of five AX weapons rather than the previous limit of four. The class 5 variant of the stabiliser, which permits two additional AX weapons, is scheduled to reach the market next week.”

“Our manufacturing partners were able to begin this rapid production cycle thanks to receiving great quantities of meta-alloys, insulating membranes, HN shock mounts and beryllium. Pilots who delivered these materials can now collect their rewards from the Glorious Prospect megaship in the LHS 1163 system.”

“Azimuth Biotech remains fully committed to supporting anti-xeno initiatives. Our team will continue playing a significant role in combating Thargoid aggression and protecting innocent lives.”

Retail outlets have reported an increase in purchases for both AX missile racks and multi-cannons, including the enhanced designs recently produced by the engineers Liz Ryder and Zacariah Nemo. The class 5 variant of the experimental weapons stabiliser is expected to further boost sales of AX weaponry when released on Thursday 2nd February.

Thargoid War Update: January 3309

Vox Galactica reporter Jade Sanderlyn has published a summary of the current situation in the conflict against the Thargoids.

“Many of us who witnessed those terrifying events in HIP 22460 felt that it was both an ending and a beginning – that history had turned a page. Five months later, the Second Thargoid War has escalated to a point which may yet close the book altogether.”

“The arrival of the eight Maelstroms resulted in 44 populated systems being completely overwhelmed by the Thargoids. Dozens of neighbouring regions were also attacked by their fleets, leaving starports and settlements ablaze. Billions were killed and billions more fled from their homes as panicked refugees, creating the greatest humanitarian crisis of all time.”

“Despite the lack of coordination previously provided by Aegis and Salvation, anti-xeno efforts have been herculean. Allied, Federal and Imperial warships rapidly responded to form a vanguard against the invaders, and thousands of independent pilots have valiantly fought the Thargoid swarms across multiple battlefields.”

“Military experts believe that neutralising the Maelstroms will stem the endless waves of Thargoid vessels. Unfortunately, their caustic clouds and repulsing energy waves prevent our ships from exploring whatever resides within. They also generate the same disruptive field found in HIP 22460, which prevents any Guardian-based weapons from functioning within the system.”

“But there is hope. A small but steady flow of unclassified relics, those strange artefacts recovered from Thargoid surface sites after the Proteus Wave fired, have made their way to Professor Ishmael Palin and Ram Tah. A leading theory is that they share esoteric properties with several of the Thargoids’ recent technological advances, and may hold the key to developing countermeasures. Many other scientists are focusing on xenological research, striving to locate a weakness or develop an advantage.”

“Until such a breakthrough occurs, we are reliant upon our spacefaring warriors to contain the most destructive adversary the human race has ever faced. This is Jade Sanderlyn for Vox Galactica. Stay safe out there.”

Experimental Weapon Stabiliser Initiative Begins

*Pilots’ Federation ALERT*

Azimuth Biotech has requested deliveries to LHS 1163 to manufacture a module that increases AX weapons capacity.

A press release from the corporation’s PR division stated:

“Azimuth’s dedication to defeating the Thargoids, which stretches back more than a century, has reached a new milestone with the development of our experimental weapon stabiliser.”

“This proprietary invention redistributes the physical stresses that AX weapons place upon a ship’s infrastructure. The class 3 and class 5 variants allow ships to be outfitted with one or two additional AX weapons respectively.”

“Supplies of meta-alloys, insulating membranes, HN shock mounts and beryllium are required to begin mass production of our successful prototypes. All shipments should be delivered to the Glorious Prospect megaship in the LHS 1163 system. Sufficient resources will allow the class 3 variant of the experimental weapon stabiliser to become available immediately, with the class 5 variant reaching the market a short time later.”

The opportunity to increase hardpoint capacity for anti-xeno combat ships has been broadly welcomed. But critics have noted that Azimuth Biotech stands to commercially benefit from this contribution to the conflict, which many believe was triggered by its Proteus Wave operation in the HIP 22460 system.

A spokesperson for Operation Wych Hunt, an independent community established to oppose Azimuth Biotech, offered this statement:

"The proposed modules will benefit humanity in the fight against the ongoing Thargoid threat and we support anybody who takes advantage of them. But this does not absolve Azimuth Biotech of the terrible acts that they committed under the leadership of Caleb Wycherley. The company still must be held accountable for the many atrocities it has committed, including the inhumane experiments of Project Seraph and the vile murder of thousands onboard the Alexandria."

Azimuth Announces Experimental Weapons Stabiliser

Azimuth Biotech has revealed prototypes of a module which improves hardpoint capacity for AX ships at the TZ Arietis Weapon Expo.

The event showcased a range of military products to entice governments, corporations and private groups into contracts with arms suppliers. But the current demand for anti-xeno weaponry meant that Azimuth Biotech’s announcement gained the greatest media attention.

CEO Torben Rademaker delivered a presentation on the expo’s main stage:

“Azimuth’s experimental weapons stabiliser is designed to redistribute the physical stresses that experimental modules place upon a ship’s structural integrity. Its unique technology will allow ships to utilise AX weapons above the current limit of four, expanding a pilots’ options when engaging Thargoid vessels.”

“The medium variant of our stabiliser allows one additional experimental weapon to be installed, while the large variant can facilitate two additional experimental weapons. Both stabilisers support the enhanced AX missile racks and multi-cannons that recently became available.”

“While I have your attention, I’d like to add that Azimuth utterly condemns the recent pardon of the war criminal Aden Tanner. It is shocking that Aegis’s unprovoked attack against our headquarters at Hind Mine could be glossed over so easily. We have informed the Federation that Azimuth has no intention of relinquishing our ownership of the Musashi, the megaship commanded by Tanner during his failed attempt to steal company assets.”

During the weapons expo, Azimuth Biotech made successful deals to commercially manufacture its experimental weapons stabilisers. An initiative is being planned to acquire the raw materials needed to establish mass production.

Admiral Tanner Receives Presidential Pardon

The court martial verdict of Admiral Aden Tanner has been officially overturned by an executive order from President Zachary Hudson.

In November 3307, Tanner attempted to take control of Hind Mine starport while in command of the Musashi megaship. He claimed that databanks at the headquarters of Taurus Mining Ventures – as Azimuth Biotech was then known – contained evidence that Salvation’s anti-xeno superweapons were designed to attract the Thargoids into populated systems before they were deployed.

A legal review last September, after the Proteus Wave was used to entice Thargoids to HIP 22460, substantiated Tanner’s claims. His sentence was commuted to time served, but his dishonourable discharge was upheld. This granting of clemency by President Hudson quashes the convictions of mutiny and unlawful military action.

The Office of the Federal President published the following:

“Aden Tanner has an impressive and honourable record of service to the Federation, including a key role as chief military liaison to Aegis. His brief violation of protocol has since been accepted as based on sound intelligence. President Hudson therefore believes that Tanner’s in-depth experience in combating Thargoid forces is too valuable to disregard, considering the current situation.”

A brief statement was also made by Fleet Admiral Tayo Maikori:

“I fully support this presidential pardon, which is in the best interests of all citizens. Admiral Tanner has been formally reinstated and is already being briefed on strategic plans regarding the Thargoids.”

“I’d like to stress that I believe the Federal Navy Criminal Court’s original verdict was just and fair, given all available information at the time. This executive action does not undermine the court’s crucial role in maintaining order among enlisted personnel.”