Galnet archive

Proactive or Reactive?

As the Thargoids continue to wreak havoc in the Pleiades, questions are being asked about the lack of an effective military response.

Gianna Tachibana, an Imperial Senator based in the Achenar system, offered the following assessment to The Imperial Herald:

“The Pleiades is at risk of becoming a no-go zone, accessible only to the most courageous pilots. The formation of militias of independent pilots has unquestionably had an impact, as has the advantage afforded by Aegis’s ongoing research. But one cannot escape the feeling that humanity is being reactive, rather than proactive.”

“What is needed is a comprehensive military strategy. The time for a coordinated response is now.”

Meanwhile, authorities in a number of systems have reported that sales of Thargoid-themed novelties, including toys and clothing, have skyrocketed in recent weeks. The manufacture of such merchandise has been condemned by many as insensitive.

The Bulwark Project

The Federation has launched an initiative to develop autonomous military hardware with which to fight the Thargoids.

Federal Shadow President Felicia Winters shed further light on the initiative, which has been christened the Bulwark Project:

"As the Thargoids' aggression escalates, it's essential that we find ways to minimise casualties while continuing to protect ourselves. Aegis is doing commendable work, but it needn't be our only line of defence."

Imperial commentators have criticised the initiative, however, drawing attention to long-standing conventions against the development of artificial intelligence. Shadow President Winters was quick to dismiss such concerns, saying:

"The purpose of the Bulwark Project is to investigate alternative defence strategies, not to develop machine intelligence."

The operation has received financial support from the Momoirent Central and Co, which has placed an open order for various commodities for use in the campaign.

The campaign begins on the 15th of February 3304 and will run for one week. If the final target is met earlier than planned, the campaign will end immediately.

Galactic Leaders Renew Appeals for Aid

Seventeen starports have now been attacked by the Thargoids, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life. Many of these stations remain in a critical state, and are unable to offer essential services.

In response, Federal President Zachary Hudson and Emperor Arissa Lavigny-Duval have issued fresh appeals for aid, imploring independent pilots to support relief efforts.

In her announcement, Arissa Lavigny-Duval said:

“Relief coordinators are doing everything they can, but without the support of the galactic community, the restoration of these stations will take a long time. I therefore implore independent pilots to deliver essential commodities to the affected starports, and to evacuate civilians.”

The Emperor also confirmed that Aegis is investigating reports that the Thargoids are moving towards the core systems.

Galactic Leaders Renew Appeals for Aid

Seventeen starports have now been attacked by the Thargoids, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life. Many of these stations remain in a critical state, unable to offer essential services.

In response, Federal President Zachary Hudson and Emperor Arissa Lavigny-Duval have issued fresh appeals for aid, imploring independent pilots to support relief efforts.

In her announcement, Arissa Lavigny-Duval said:

“Relief coordinators are doing everything they can, but without the support of the galactic community, the restoration of these stations will take a long time. I therefore implore independent pilots to deliver essential commodities to the affected starports, and to evacuate civilians.”

The Emperor also confirmed that Aegis is investigating reports that the Thargoids are moving towards the core systems.

New Technology from Aegis

Aegis has expanded its roster of anti-Thargoid technologies with a new device – the decontamination limpet. The device is specifically designed to counter the caustic properties of Thargoid missiles.

In a statement, an Aegis spokesperson said:

“As we know, the Thargoids’ enzyme missiles are particularly dangerous because of the caustic damage they inflict. The decontamination limpet is designed to address this by stripping the corrosive enzymes from a ship’s hull while also performing limited repairs.”

“We have rigorously field tested the device and are confident that it will give pilots a distinct defensive advantage.”

The decontamination limpet can be purchased from planetary bases with military, high-tech, refinery, industrial or extraction-level economies.

One Year On

It has now been a year since the Thargoids returned to human-occupied space, and in that time they have become increasingly aggressive, their hostility culminating in starport attacks in the Pleiades Nebula.

Now that the Thargoids’ intentions have been made clear, the question many are asking is “what can we do?”

Outspoken political commentator Daxton Sung offered the following analysis:

“The situation continues to escalate and our leaders continue to offer the same tired platitudes – militaristic bombast from Hudson, noncommittal banalities from Lavigny-Duval and earnest sympathising from Mahon. It’s clear that they have no idea how to counter the Thargoid threat, beyond pumping more money into Aegis’s weapons programme.”

Galactic News: Authorities Urge Public Not to Panic

Following the devastating news that the Thargoids have attacked three starports in the Pleiades, authorities in the Taygeta system, home to one of the affected stations, have released the following statement:

“Our priorities remain getting civilians to safety and securing the commodities we need to stabilise the starport. Independent pilots are encouraged to deliver foods, water, basic medicines and natural fabrics to Titan’s Daughter and other affected stations.”

“The important thing is not to panic. The situation, although critical, is in hand.”

It is currently unclear why the pertinent starports were targeted by the Thargoids, but Aegis is investigating the issue.

Galactic News: Galactic Leaders Condemn INRA

Following the discovery of further INRA outposts, Emperor Arissa Lavigny-Duval and Alliance Prime Minister Edmund Mahon have issued statements denouncing the now-defunct INRA.

Speaking from the Imperial Palace on Capitol, Emperor Arissa Lavigny-Duval said:

“What the INRA records underscore is that even when faced with dire threats, we cannot abandon our principles. Evidently, the INRA crossed ethical boundaries in its pursuit of victory. Defending civilisation cannot come at the cost of our humanity.”

Alliance Prime Minister Edmund Mahon added the following:

“While the INRA records are indeed disturbing, it was the account of John Jameson that troubled me most. Here we have a man – who evidently did a great deal to defend civilisation from the Thargoids – who was deceived, manipulated and ultimately murdered by the INRA.”

“I am aware of concerns that Aegis could continue in the same vein. Fortunately, Aegis is bound by the strictest possible codes of conduct. We will not make the same mistakes.”

Meanwhile, the descendents of those affected by the INRA’s activities are reportedly investigating the possibility of legal action. Legal experts have advised that such efforts are unlikely to yield results, however, given the amount of time that has passed.