News-News: This new page will debut all weekly changes, updates, upgrades, and advisories that affect this RP as a whole.
News and Patches
Pending Changes and Augments:
1. Hypertext Wiki-links are being applied to almost all 1,000+ pages, helping to answer your TNH questions.
2. Final planetary and lunar astrophysical and historical data packets are uploading. Please be patient, as we are still using the same example-template for the World Data Sheet (chart) on all
planet pages. Actual World Data Sheets will not be available until next year, pending RP frequency.
3. Based upon your donations and requests, we will be apportioning our staff to add new planet pages.
1. Hypertext Wiki-links are being applied to almost all 1,000+ pages, helping to answer your TNH questions.
2. Final planetary and lunar astrophysical and historical data packets are uploading. Please be patient, as we are still using the same example-template for the World Data Sheet (chart) on all
planet pages. Actual World Data Sheets will not be available until next year, pending RP frequency.
3. Based upon your donations and requests, we will be apportioning our staff to add new planet pages.
Patches:
The ME2 Verse has now been applied. See the Milky Way Galaxy page in the Galaxy Map drop-down menu.* Current World Data Sheets are examples only, at present, and are open to player suggestions at all times.
The ME2 Verse has now been applied. See the Milky Way Galaxy page in the Galaxy Map drop-down menu.* Current World Data Sheets are examples only, at present, and are open to player suggestions at all times.
New Horizon Website News:
1. The Personnel Dossiers webpage has been updated, still under construction.2. The Himinbjorg System webpage song has been removed, pending adjustment.
1. The Personnel Dossiers webpage has been updated, still under construction.2. The Himinbjorg System webpage song has been removed, pending adjustment.
3. The Job Openings and Assignments chart graphic has been updated to present time.
4. IRL rates (costs) for our offered goods and services (including courses and training packages) are now
posted at the bottom of our new Support Us page. Our latest service addition is Website Consultation.
新聞和
修補程序
修補程序
IRP Verse News:
For the majority of our IRP (In Role-Play) news in this roleplaying universe, see the individual webpages for each character (located in the Personnel Dossiers tab) and cosmic body (clusters, nebulae, star systems, planets, and moons, located in the Galaxy Map tab). Also, new-join characters will be updating their character profiles and IRP/IC (In Role-Play / In-Character) journals in our newly created RP Forum.
For the majority of our IRP (In Role-Play) news in this roleplaying universe, see the individual webpages for each character (located in the Personnel Dossiers tab) and cosmic body (clusters, nebulae, star systems, planets, and moons, located in the Galaxy Map tab). Also, new-join characters will be updating their character profiles and IRP/IC (In Role-Play / In-Character) journals in our newly created RP Forum.
TNH Newsflash: Every airlock mysteriously opened at the same time. Oh, boy! Hold on to your bedpans!
"Fox" Galactic News Network
Non-Planet-Specific News from Across the Verse
Ongoing Contemporary Galactic Community-of-Worlds Issues:
Philosophical and religious debates continue at the Ivy League universities on all of the worlds spread out across our colonized Verse. The current 'hot topic' of debate?: why virtually every habitable and terraformable world we come across often has ruins and pyramids, plants and animals, but no comparable sentient life, no indications as to why or how such life might have vanished, and why there is no record or recollection of any previous human activity there, raising the follow-up questions: Who built what is now in ruins? Why are pyramids such a common architectural occurrence? Were these worlds terraformed over a much greater period of time to ensure their stable 'face-lifts'? ...and the wilder questions: Are we somehow creating these ruins merely by expecting them? And now that they are in such excellent condition as paradisaical 'Garden Worlds' (Class M planets, for all you astrophysics buffs out there), ...should we be expecting the imminent return of whoever shaped them that way?
Philosophical and religious debates continue at the Ivy League universities on all of the worlds spread out across our colonized Verse. The current 'hot topic' of debate?: why virtually every habitable and terraformable world we come across often has ruins and pyramids, plants and animals, but no comparable sentient life, no indications as to why or how such life might have vanished, and why there is no record or recollection of any previous human activity there, raising the follow-up questions: Who built what is now in ruins? Why are pyramids such a common architectural occurrence? Were these worlds terraformed over a much greater period of time to ensure their stable 'face-lifts'? ...and the wilder questions: Are we somehow creating these ruins merely by expecting them? And now that they are in such excellent condition as paradisaical 'Garden Worlds' (Class M planets, for all you astrophysics buffs out there), ...should we be expecting the imminent return of whoever shaped them that way?
Terraformed Stars:
The beautiful and stunning discoveries of several until-now unexplored and unnoticed solar systems in our arms of the Milky Way have led scientists and artists into a state of mass-euphoria and hurried expeditions. The 'new Suns' that have been found have had their photos and videos 'going viral' across The Cortex. Why? Because these special and rare stars have much dimmer glows allowing for indefinite direct viewing, a full rainbow of assorted and mixed color patches instead of a singular, monochromatic scheme to them, and because many of them even have clearly defined and stable 'continents' resting about their surface areas. Witnesses have described them as being "like bioluminescent, translucent, radiant versions of the fabled planet Earth", and words and images like these have sparked a growing curiosity and burning desire across all of colonized Space to set out in a tireless quest for more of these cosmic entities; logic now telling us all that surely... somewhere out there... there are many more just like them, and others still that are more amazing and breathtaking than them... and even some that are planet-sized, colonizable, and lucrative as resort world investments.
The beautiful and stunning discoveries of several until-now unexplored and unnoticed solar systems in our arms of the Milky Way have led scientists and artists into a state of mass-euphoria and hurried expeditions. The 'new Suns' that have been found have had their photos and videos 'going viral' across The Cortex. Why? Because these special and rare stars have much dimmer glows allowing for indefinite direct viewing, a full rainbow of assorted and mixed color patches instead of a singular, monochromatic scheme to them, and because many of them even have clearly defined and stable 'continents' resting about their surface areas. Witnesses have described them as being "like bioluminescent, translucent, radiant versions of the fabled planet Earth", and words and images like these have sparked a growing curiosity and burning desire across all of colonized Space to set out in a tireless quest for more of these cosmic entities; logic now telling us all that surely... somewhere out there... there are many more just like them, and others still that are more amazing and breathtaking than them... and even some that are planet-sized, colonizable, and lucrative as resort world investments.
2516 Anno Domini
狐狸
新聞
兩個之一八五
More: [Entire Article] Cortex Weblink
Under Construction
October, week 1:
1st - 'Bubble-City' Concept Unveiled at "Impending
Design" Seminar
"From the outside, it looks like a collection of silver bubbles linked by tubes -- but inside, it's a busy city filled with people from all species. That's the dream of Javier Oha, an architect participating in "Impending Design", a seminar on the future of cities as the galaxy moves into the [Earth Standard Date] 23rd century. "We have to accommodate changes in taste while maintaining full functionality for all sentient peoples," says Oha. "For example, the interior of the 'bubble-city' is designed to be comfortable for body sizes ranging from volus to krogan. The modular rooms, inspired by Earth-colony buildings, give us a structure that can be taken apart and rearranged to meet any needs." Oha urges curious viewers to take a virtual tour of these experimental cities online."
2nd - Vorcha Life Expectancy Paper Condemned by Scientific Community
"The average vorcha has a life expectancy of only twenty years -- can that be extended? If so, should it? These questions are being asked after a paper published by Dr. Minador Lux claimed experimental gene therapy might be able to double the vorcha lifespan. At a press conference, Lux stated that "the unique biology of the vorcha already holds the key to slowing down their aging process. We must simply adapt their ability to undergo radical cellular changes when adjusting to new environments." The report was widely condemned by the scientific community, including the University of Sehgan's biology professor Himar Patathor: "Lux's paper combines gross irresponsibility with wishful thinking. The doctor is talking about waltzing in and tinkering with basic physiology as if he were beading genes on a string! This could only begin to be excusable if he solicited the opinion of a single vorcha about his work -- which he has not.""
3rd - Salarian Institute Opens New Wing to Public
"The Salarian Institute for Exo-Archeological Research announced today that the latest addition to its museum is now open to the public. "Our new 'Lost to the Ashes' wing is devoted to sapient races destroyed by nuclear war," said institute director Narid Jarwinar. "So far, we know of six species in the galaxy whose history has been devastated by the fires of atomic Armageddon. Entire civilizations once flourished, rose to great heights of scientific advancement, and then destroyed themselves over disagreements we can often only speculate about." The museum's new exhibit specializes in preserving artifacts of those lost races in an effort to shed light on their history. "Who knows what these races might have offered the galaxy? By carefully analyzing the remnants of these cultures, we may yet decipher a nugget of knowledge that puts a face to these unknown people.""
"From the outside, it looks like a collection of silver bubbles linked by tubes -- but inside, it's a busy city filled with people from all species. That's the dream of Javier Oha, an architect participating in "Impending Design", a seminar on the future of cities as the galaxy moves into the [Earth Standard Date] 23rd century. "We have to accommodate changes in taste while maintaining full functionality for all sentient peoples," says Oha. "For example, the interior of the 'bubble-city' is designed to be comfortable for body sizes ranging from volus to krogan. The modular rooms, inspired by Earth-colony buildings, give us a structure that can be taken apart and rearranged to meet any needs." Oha urges curious viewers to take a virtual tour of these experimental cities online."
2nd - Vorcha Life Expectancy Paper Condemned by Scientific Community
"The average vorcha has a life expectancy of only twenty years -- can that be extended? If so, should it? These questions are being asked after a paper published by Dr. Minador Lux claimed experimental gene therapy might be able to double the vorcha lifespan. At a press conference, Lux stated that "the unique biology of the vorcha already holds the key to slowing down their aging process. We must simply adapt their ability to undergo radical cellular changes when adjusting to new environments." The report was widely condemned by the scientific community, including the University of Sehgan's biology professor Himar Patathor: "Lux's paper combines gross irresponsibility with wishful thinking. The doctor is talking about waltzing in and tinkering with basic physiology as if he were beading genes on a string! This could only begin to be excusable if he solicited the opinion of a single vorcha about his work -- which he has not.""
3rd - Salarian Institute Opens New Wing to Public
"The Salarian Institute for Exo-Archeological Research announced today that the latest addition to its museum is now open to the public. "Our new 'Lost to the Ashes' wing is devoted to sapient races destroyed by nuclear war," said institute director Narid Jarwinar. "So far, we know of six species in the galaxy whose history has been devastated by the fires of atomic Armageddon. Entire civilizations once flourished, rose to great heights of scientific advancement, and then destroyed themselves over disagreements we can often only speculate about." The museum's new exhibit specializes in preserving artifacts of those lost races in an effort to shed light on their history. "Who knows what these races might have offered the galaxy? By carefully analyzing the remnants of these cultures, we may yet decipher a nugget of knowledge that puts a face to these unknown people.""
October, week 2:
4th - Sonax Commander Denies She Is Seeking New Employers
"Just when it seemed the worst might be over for Sonax Industries, rumors are flying that their supreme commander Lira Speight has floated her résumé across the extranet. Speight denies the rumor and says the document, which seems to have been made by someone who knows her employment history, is a fake. "I am a Sonax employee," she declares. "I am under contract until the last Sonax soldier leaves Garvug. It would be premature to look for other opportunities when there is still a mountainous task ahead of us." Meanwhile, Sonax's stock has taken another significant dive, dropping 12.3 credits a share over the course of last week."
5th - Blood Pack Funding Supported Vorcha Life Expectancy Research
"Further controversy is brewing over a proposed life-extension treatment for vorcha after revelations that research funding was provided by Blood Pack commander Quash Hurgott. Some fear that Dr. Minador Lux's age-lengthening research may strengthen the already powerful krogan and vorcha mercenary band. Others believe it's a lure for vorcha recruitment. "The doctor and his highly theoretical work are incidental," claimed one Citadel diplomat. "The promise of longer life is simply a carrot for Hurgott to dangle in front of his vorcha 'friends.'" Lux's research has been confiscated and is currently undergoing review to determine whether it falls outside the boundaries of the Citadel's genetic engineering restrictions."
6th - Nuclear Holocaust Planet Discovered in Nubian Expanse
"It was announced today that a deep-space mining ship stumbled upon a previously unknown world in the Nubian Expanse that appears to have suffered a nuclear holocaust. This planet, 433 Spidau, brings the number of known sapient species destroyed by nuclear war to seven. "All evidence points to a massive exchange of nuclear weapons some 1,000 years ago. Scans indicate at least ninety cities reduced to rubble that still bear radioactive markers," said Narid Jarwinar of the Salarian Institute for Exo-Archeological Research. "Reaching the nuclear threshold seems to be an important epoch in any civilization's evolution. This discovery is just another reminder that surviving the threshold is by no means guaranteed. Yet each race we discover is another potential treasure trove of new information and new ways of looking at the universe. It's also proof that every race -- even ones separated by vast gulfs of space -- face the same universal struggle for survival.""
7th - Controversy Engulfs Salarian Institute for Exo-Archeological Research
"Controversy engulfed the Salarian Institute for Exo-Archeological Research today after an anonymous employee leveled accusations that it is deeply involved with salarian intelligence services. The unidentified employee said, "They claim to be studying ancient galactic cultures in the interests of expanding our view of the past. That's true, to a point: the institute does serve a legitimate academic function and is staffed with genuine scholars, but it's just a front. Their research is carefully monitored by salarian intelligence. Any 'interesting' discoveries they find are quickly passed along to the spooks. The fact is, without the covert funding provided by salarian intelligence, the Institute would cease to exist." When reached for comment, the institute's director Narid Jarwinar angrily replied, "We're outraged at this attempt to disparage our reputation. These accusations are patently untrue.""
8th - Evidence for Salarian Institute Intelligence Link Surfaces
"New evidence has surfaced amid accusations that the Salarian Institute for Exo-Archeological Research is a front for salarian intelligence. Research documents have been obtained from teams working on the newly discovered planet 433 Spidau, which was the scene of a nuclear war some 1,000 years ago. The documents indicate the teams found an underground bunker stocked with advanced weaponry which was still intact; however, those items went missing when shipped to the institute for analysis. The implication is that salarian intelligence intercepted them en route. Institute director Narid Jarwinar today conceded: "We conducted an internal review and discovered a handful of employees working for the institute who did have current intelligence ties. Those employees have been terminated, and our institute is ready to move forward without undue influence from the state.""
9th - Narid Jarwinar Quits as Director of Salarian Institute
"The Salarian Institute for Exo-Archeological Research announced today that its director Narid Jarwinar is stepping down. "We wish Dr. Jarwinar the best of luck in his future endeavors," said institute spokesman Hamis Kerad, who cited "internal disagreement" as the reason for Jarwinar's departure. In the same press conference, Kerad pointed out the Institute is petitioning the public for investors. "In the wake of our recent mistreatment by the press, a number of our trustees have withdrawn their support," he said in a press conference today. "However, we remind potential donors that the institute maintains an exclusive presence on the planet 433 Spidau, and there is no better time to become a part of history." Asked what percentage of the intitute's funding came from intelligence service fronts, Kerad replied, "I don't count kepta [roaches] as they leave the house. I'm just happy that they're gone.""
10th - Jason Pyrrus Executed on Kopanis
"A navigation malfunction turned tragic when an Oyama Industries surveyor landed on a restricted planet and died at the hands of enraged local colonists. A video smuggled off-planet shows Jason Pyrrus, son of billionaire entrepreneur Byron Pyrrus, being held captive and brutally executed. The ship landed on the planet Kopanis, whose colony is a known haven for followers of Strata Pact, a fanatical anti-technology group who have cut themselves off from the wider galactic community. Infamous for acts of terror against industrial manufacturers, the group established the colony 17 years ago. Kopanis' star, Jornous, is located inside the Terminus Systems; therefore, no formal inquiry can be made in to what sparked the event. Pyrrus was 34 and leaves behind a wife and two daughters."
"Just when it seemed the worst might be over for Sonax Industries, rumors are flying that their supreme commander Lira Speight has floated her résumé across the extranet. Speight denies the rumor and says the document, which seems to have been made by someone who knows her employment history, is a fake. "I am a Sonax employee," she declares. "I am under contract until the last Sonax soldier leaves Garvug. It would be premature to look for other opportunities when there is still a mountainous task ahead of us." Meanwhile, Sonax's stock has taken another significant dive, dropping 12.3 credits a share over the course of last week."
5th - Blood Pack Funding Supported Vorcha Life Expectancy Research
"Further controversy is brewing over a proposed life-extension treatment for vorcha after revelations that research funding was provided by Blood Pack commander Quash Hurgott. Some fear that Dr. Minador Lux's age-lengthening research may strengthen the already powerful krogan and vorcha mercenary band. Others believe it's a lure for vorcha recruitment. "The doctor and his highly theoretical work are incidental," claimed one Citadel diplomat. "The promise of longer life is simply a carrot for Hurgott to dangle in front of his vorcha 'friends.'" Lux's research has been confiscated and is currently undergoing review to determine whether it falls outside the boundaries of the Citadel's genetic engineering restrictions."
6th - Nuclear Holocaust Planet Discovered in Nubian Expanse
"It was announced today that a deep-space mining ship stumbled upon a previously unknown world in the Nubian Expanse that appears to have suffered a nuclear holocaust. This planet, 433 Spidau, brings the number of known sapient species destroyed by nuclear war to seven. "All evidence points to a massive exchange of nuclear weapons some 1,000 years ago. Scans indicate at least ninety cities reduced to rubble that still bear radioactive markers," said Narid Jarwinar of the Salarian Institute for Exo-Archeological Research. "Reaching the nuclear threshold seems to be an important epoch in any civilization's evolution. This discovery is just another reminder that surviving the threshold is by no means guaranteed. Yet each race we discover is another potential treasure trove of new information and new ways of looking at the universe. It's also proof that every race -- even ones separated by vast gulfs of space -- face the same universal struggle for survival.""
7th - Controversy Engulfs Salarian Institute for Exo-Archeological Research
"Controversy engulfed the Salarian Institute for Exo-Archeological Research today after an anonymous employee leveled accusations that it is deeply involved with salarian intelligence services. The unidentified employee said, "They claim to be studying ancient galactic cultures in the interests of expanding our view of the past. That's true, to a point: the institute does serve a legitimate academic function and is staffed with genuine scholars, but it's just a front. Their research is carefully monitored by salarian intelligence. Any 'interesting' discoveries they find are quickly passed along to the spooks. The fact is, without the covert funding provided by salarian intelligence, the Institute would cease to exist." When reached for comment, the institute's director Narid Jarwinar angrily replied, "We're outraged at this attempt to disparage our reputation. These accusations are patently untrue.""
8th - Evidence for Salarian Institute Intelligence Link Surfaces
"New evidence has surfaced amid accusations that the Salarian Institute for Exo-Archeological Research is a front for salarian intelligence. Research documents have been obtained from teams working on the newly discovered planet 433 Spidau, which was the scene of a nuclear war some 1,000 years ago. The documents indicate the teams found an underground bunker stocked with advanced weaponry which was still intact; however, those items went missing when shipped to the institute for analysis. The implication is that salarian intelligence intercepted them en route. Institute director Narid Jarwinar today conceded: "We conducted an internal review and discovered a handful of employees working for the institute who did have current intelligence ties. Those employees have been terminated, and our institute is ready to move forward without undue influence from the state.""
9th - Narid Jarwinar Quits as Director of Salarian Institute
"The Salarian Institute for Exo-Archeological Research announced today that its director Narid Jarwinar is stepping down. "We wish Dr. Jarwinar the best of luck in his future endeavors," said institute spokesman Hamis Kerad, who cited "internal disagreement" as the reason for Jarwinar's departure. In the same press conference, Kerad pointed out the Institute is petitioning the public for investors. "In the wake of our recent mistreatment by the press, a number of our trustees have withdrawn their support," he said in a press conference today. "However, we remind potential donors that the institute maintains an exclusive presence on the planet 433 Spidau, and there is no better time to become a part of history." Asked what percentage of the intitute's funding came from intelligence service fronts, Kerad replied, "I don't count kepta [roaches] as they leave the house. I'm just happy that they're gone.""
10th - Jason Pyrrus Executed on Kopanis
"A navigation malfunction turned tragic when an Oyama Industries surveyor landed on a restricted planet and died at the hands of enraged local colonists. A video smuggled off-planet shows Jason Pyrrus, son of billionaire entrepreneur Byron Pyrrus, being held captive and brutally executed. The ship landed on the planet Kopanis, whose colony is a known haven for followers of Strata Pact, a fanatical anti-technology group who have cut themselves off from the wider galactic community. Infamous for acts of terror against industrial manufacturers, the group established the colony 17 years ago. Kopanis' star, Jornous, is located inside the Terminus Systems; therefore, no formal inquiry can be made in to what sparked the event. Pyrrus was 34 and leaves behind a wife and two daughters."
October, week 3:
11th - Billionaire Offers Five Million Credits for
Information on Son's Killers
"Billionaire entrepreneur Byron Pyrrus has offered five million credits for any information on the group responsible for the death of his son, Jason. Jason Pyrrus was executed yesterday at the hands of the Strata Pact on Kopanis. The Strata Pact, a militant anti-technology group tied with several acts of terror, has offered no reason for the execution. A visibly shaken Pyrrus announced at an Illium press conference, "Anyone who can bring me the names of the monsters responsible will get five million credits. No questions asked." Illium authorities strongly caution against individuals confronting the colony, which is reportedly quite militant and well-armed, even by Terminus Systems standards."
12th - Failed Assassin Released After 21 Years in Prison
"Ivor Johnstagg, the man who tried to take the life of volus ambassador Venta Tox, was released today after spending 21 years in prison. Johnstagg made headlines when he tried to shoot the ambassador from the top of a car park on Illium. He claimed to be sent by Eternal Earth, a now-defunct radical political party founded after the First Contact War. Investigators found no evidence of his claims and diagnosed Johnstagg with paranoid schizophrenia during his incarceration. The backlash from the assassination attempt almost cost the Systems Alliance an embassy seat on the Presidium. Upon his release, Johnstagg issued a statement saying he intends to refuse any offers for his life story since he has "powerful, powerful enemies waiting to see what I do. I'm either a quiet man or a dead one.""
13th - Billions Snap Up Tickets for Lucky-88 Lottery
"Maybe it's the downturn in the economy or the fact that it's the largest jackpot in history, but people are snapping up tickets for the 1.7-billion credit prize in this year's Lucky-88 Lottery. Says one player: "Guarded optimism: Our office pool has collectively purchased 315 tickets. Wistful hope: What a dream come true if we had that winning number." It's rumored that over a billion tickets have already been sold on planets from Thessia to Caleston. The draw will be held next week."
14th - Horror Simulstims Dominate Galactic Box Office
"The weekend box office is in, and audiences paid to be horrified. Salarian shocker "The Jar" played on the universal modern fear of being trapped in a simulstim to the tune of 2.05 billion creds; "Talons," on the other hand, played on the human fear of turians rending human throats with their razor claws, scaring up 1.86 billion and not a little controversy. At third was the counter-programming "The 840-Year-Old Virgin," whose romp through the life of an impossibly nerdy asari netted a handy 1.43 billion. Coming in fourth was the low-budget "Binder," which answered the question: "Who exactly binds the books covered in human skin in all those other horror movies?" If you never wondered this, you're not alone -- only 998 million credits went to this cerebral chiller."
15th - Kopanis In Flames After Devastating Attack
"The Terminus Systems colony of Kopanis is in flames tonight, having suffered a devastating attack allegedly perpetrated by Eclipse mercenaries. The colony garnered galactic attention when billionaire Byron Pyrrus sought information on the execution of his son at the hands of the Strata Pact, a terrorist organization based on Kopanis. If the speculation that Eclipse and Pyrrus are responsible is correct, this private war against the anti-technology zealots would be one of the largest individually-funded offensives in recent history. Pyrrus himself, who was last seen on Illium, could not be reached for comment."
16th - Krogan Warlords to Attend "Living History" Lectures on Gataly
"The Royal Center for Education and the Arts on the planet Gataly is hosting a two-week lecture series on the Krogan Rebellions, part of the "Living History" initiative to chronicle both sides of the war. The focus of this year's talks is the enslavement of several occupied worlds by krogan forces and the possibility of reparations for families of former slaves. In a surprise announcement, several krogan warlords from Tuchanka have stated they intend to attend the lectures."
17th - Krogan Rebellions History Lectures Devolve Into Heated Debate
"A history lecture on the Krogan Rebellions turned into a battleground of impassioned debate today. Former asari commando Matriarch Adora Ellja recounted her experiences during the Rebellions for audiences attending the lecture series. Her haunting descriptions of raiding slave camps on krogan-occupied worlds deeply affected many in the audience. Then, during a question session, krogan Warlord Ravanor Tusk asked if the asari would pay reparations for krogan slaves used as forced labor during the last days of the war. After Matriarch Ellja denied any krogan had been enslaved, Tusk's response was: "You're either a fool, a liar, or senile." The rest of the evening turned into a heated argument between Warlord Tusk, Matriarch Ellja, and students and historians attending the lecture."
"Billionaire entrepreneur Byron Pyrrus has offered five million credits for any information on the group responsible for the death of his son, Jason. Jason Pyrrus was executed yesterday at the hands of the Strata Pact on Kopanis. The Strata Pact, a militant anti-technology group tied with several acts of terror, has offered no reason for the execution. A visibly shaken Pyrrus announced at an Illium press conference, "Anyone who can bring me the names of the monsters responsible will get five million credits. No questions asked." Illium authorities strongly caution against individuals confronting the colony, which is reportedly quite militant and well-armed, even by Terminus Systems standards."
12th - Failed Assassin Released After 21 Years in Prison
"Ivor Johnstagg, the man who tried to take the life of volus ambassador Venta Tox, was released today after spending 21 years in prison. Johnstagg made headlines when he tried to shoot the ambassador from the top of a car park on Illium. He claimed to be sent by Eternal Earth, a now-defunct radical political party founded after the First Contact War. Investigators found no evidence of his claims and diagnosed Johnstagg with paranoid schizophrenia during his incarceration. The backlash from the assassination attempt almost cost the Systems Alliance an embassy seat on the Presidium. Upon his release, Johnstagg issued a statement saying he intends to refuse any offers for his life story since he has "powerful, powerful enemies waiting to see what I do. I'm either a quiet man or a dead one.""
13th - Billions Snap Up Tickets for Lucky-88 Lottery
"Maybe it's the downturn in the economy or the fact that it's the largest jackpot in history, but people are snapping up tickets for the 1.7-billion credit prize in this year's Lucky-88 Lottery. Says one player: "Guarded optimism: Our office pool has collectively purchased 315 tickets. Wistful hope: What a dream come true if we had that winning number." It's rumored that over a billion tickets have already been sold on planets from Thessia to Caleston. The draw will be held next week."
14th - Horror Simulstims Dominate Galactic Box Office
"The weekend box office is in, and audiences paid to be horrified. Salarian shocker "The Jar" played on the universal modern fear of being trapped in a simulstim to the tune of 2.05 billion creds; "Talons," on the other hand, played on the human fear of turians rending human throats with their razor claws, scaring up 1.86 billion and not a little controversy. At third was the counter-programming "The 840-Year-Old Virgin," whose romp through the life of an impossibly nerdy asari netted a handy 1.43 billion. Coming in fourth was the low-budget "Binder," which answered the question: "Who exactly binds the books covered in human skin in all those other horror movies?" If you never wondered this, you're not alone -- only 998 million credits went to this cerebral chiller."
15th - Kopanis In Flames After Devastating Attack
"The Terminus Systems colony of Kopanis is in flames tonight, having suffered a devastating attack allegedly perpetrated by Eclipse mercenaries. The colony garnered galactic attention when billionaire Byron Pyrrus sought information on the execution of his son at the hands of the Strata Pact, a terrorist organization based on Kopanis. If the speculation that Eclipse and Pyrrus are responsible is correct, this private war against the anti-technology zealots would be one of the largest individually-funded offensives in recent history. Pyrrus himself, who was last seen on Illium, could not be reached for comment."
16th - Krogan Warlords to Attend "Living History" Lectures on Gataly
"The Royal Center for Education and the Arts on the planet Gataly is hosting a two-week lecture series on the Krogan Rebellions, part of the "Living History" initiative to chronicle both sides of the war. The focus of this year's talks is the enslavement of several occupied worlds by krogan forces and the possibility of reparations for families of former slaves. In a surprise announcement, several krogan warlords from Tuchanka have stated they intend to attend the lectures."
17th - Krogan Rebellions History Lectures Devolve Into Heated Debate
"A history lecture on the Krogan Rebellions turned into a battleground of impassioned debate today. Former asari commando Matriarch Adora Ellja recounted her experiences during the Rebellions for audiences attending the lecture series. Her haunting descriptions of raiding slave camps on krogan-occupied worlds deeply affected many in the audience. Then, during a question session, krogan Warlord Ravanor Tusk asked if the asari would pay reparations for krogan slaves used as forced labor during the last days of the war. After Matriarch Ellja denied any krogan had been enslaved, Tusk's response was: "You're either a fool, a liar, or senile." The rest of the evening turned into a heated argument between Warlord Tusk, Matriarch Ellja, and students and historians attending the lecture."
October, week 4:
18th - "Living History" Lecture Extended
"Gataly's "Living History" lecture has been extended as the question of Krogan Rebellion slave reparations is fiercely debated by academics, legal experts, and the last three asari veterans of the war. Says one attending krogan: "My father's father was captured by asari and forced to build their camps. After the war, he killed himself out of disgrace. If the asari want to settle debts, they can start right there." Asari historian Koni Sollia claims that krogan were enslaved in only a few isolated incidents: "Shamefully, a small minority of asari commando groups did use krogan prisoners as forced labor during the Rebellions. The enslaved were less than a hundred in number and the commandos responsible were stripped of their rank and severely punished. Strangely, while the slaves taken by krogan numbered in the tens of thousands, I haven't heard a word about reparations from their side.""
19th - First Wave of Corporate Soldiers Withdrawn from Garvug
"Krogan and vorcha crowds danced in the streets and fired weapons as starships took home the first of the corporate soldiers who had occupied the planet Garvug since an aborted coup seven months ago. "No one in my platoon is going to miss it," said one anonymous soldier serving with Guanghui Solutions, "but everyone's wondering if they could have done more." Their situation is less grave than that of government forces in Dhazil, who describe the situation as "a nightmare." Orut Tairn, liaison to the Rassk vorcha pack, wonders, "What do they think is going to happen without troops? The guerillas are going to take back power and everyone in government's going to get purged." Orut is fleeing the planet and he's not alone -- Starways Space Travel says all flights leaving Garvug are booked solid for the next six weeks."
20th - Lucky-88 Lottery Winner Donates Prize to Belan Relief Funds
"The winner of Lucky-88 Lottery's 1.7-billion credit jackpot claimed the prize today... then promptly gave away the first payment. Hours after the Unified Bank of Irune transferred its first payment to a lucky hanar called Brimyell, the credits were donated to various relief funds for the disaster-struck planet of Belan. Brimyell spoke to the press about its visits to the beleaguered planet, saying that it had been touched both by the suffering and the spirit of cooperation among its people. "The sum this one received was a blessing which it believes should be shared. May Belan be guided by the gifts of the Enkindlers. Also, while speaking to the press, this one would appreciate a moment to request that people cease petitioning it for funds it no longer possesses. It is having difficulty keeping up with its e-mail.""
21st - Sensitive Turian Military Data Found on Scrapped Memory Chip
"Accountability remains a source of heated debate in the case of a collection of sensitive turian military data uncovered on a memory chip that was purchased at a salvage yard on the planet Monrini. The chip was one of many that was auctioned off to scrap trader Sidney Wall. Wall learned of the data when he began to catalog his purchase for resale. He reported the find to local authorities, who confiscated the chip and contacted the Turian Hierarchy. The chip's contents are reportedly wide-ranging, including blueprints for turian fighters and results of turian war game scenarios. The Hierarchy will begin a formal inquiry next week to seek culpability."
22nd - Celebration in Honor of Tandy Noble Called Social Event of the Season
"A celebration thrown in honor of Tandy Noble, daughter of billionaire media mogul John Noble, is being called the social event of the season. The festivities began with a fireworks display rivaling anything that could take place planetside: custom orbital explosives maximized for display in vacuum were created for the event at a cost estimated in the tens of millions. Invited guests watched the presentation from Noble's private cruiser as it circled the rings of Saturn. Noble also used the opportunity to introduce his new e-magazine "Haute Monde", which is aimed at the galactic elite."
23rd - Hundreds Dead After Gang War Bombing on Omega
"The bombing of fifteen high-traffic docks on Omega has been confirmed as salvos in the ongoing gang war plaguing the troubled station. Over two hundred people were killed and nearly a dozen starships were destroyed in blasts that targeted docks controlled by the Blue Suns mercenary group. Witness reports are mixed, with some claiming to have seen Eclipse mercenaries before the explosions, while others say that Blood Pack mercs ran through the vicinity just prior to the bombings. The Citadel Travel Advisory recommends immediate cancellation of all travel to the station."
24th - Actress Sues After Botched Cosmetic Surgery Leads to Her Firing
"A botched cosmetic surgery is the centre of a three-way legal battle between representatives of asari actress Monia "Kitten" Calder, producers for the weekly drama "The Lower Wards," and the private practice of surgeon Dr. Ahwid Francis. In documents released today by Calder's legal representative, the actress is seeking damages from Dr. Francis for "unacceptable results" on a recent facial reconstruction procedure. In a separate but related action, the actress is suing the producers of "The Lower Wards" for "violating the contract that does not include a physical representation clause" upon her termination from the drama after nearly 18 years. The documents contend that the actress is within her rights to alter herself via elective surgery if desired."
"Gataly's "Living History" lecture has been extended as the question of Krogan Rebellion slave reparations is fiercely debated by academics, legal experts, and the last three asari veterans of the war. Says one attending krogan: "My father's father was captured by asari and forced to build their camps. After the war, he killed himself out of disgrace. If the asari want to settle debts, they can start right there." Asari historian Koni Sollia claims that krogan were enslaved in only a few isolated incidents: "Shamefully, a small minority of asari commando groups did use krogan prisoners as forced labor during the Rebellions. The enslaved were less than a hundred in number and the commandos responsible were stripped of their rank and severely punished. Strangely, while the slaves taken by krogan numbered in the tens of thousands, I haven't heard a word about reparations from their side.""
19th - First Wave of Corporate Soldiers Withdrawn from Garvug
"Krogan and vorcha crowds danced in the streets and fired weapons as starships took home the first of the corporate soldiers who had occupied the planet Garvug since an aborted coup seven months ago. "No one in my platoon is going to miss it," said one anonymous soldier serving with Guanghui Solutions, "but everyone's wondering if they could have done more." Their situation is less grave than that of government forces in Dhazil, who describe the situation as "a nightmare." Orut Tairn, liaison to the Rassk vorcha pack, wonders, "What do they think is going to happen without troops? The guerillas are going to take back power and everyone in government's going to get purged." Orut is fleeing the planet and he's not alone -- Starways Space Travel says all flights leaving Garvug are booked solid for the next six weeks."
20th - Lucky-88 Lottery Winner Donates Prize to Belan Relief Funds
"The winner of Lucky-88 Lottery's 1.7-billion credit jackpot claimed the prize today... then promptly gave away the first payment. Hours after the Unified Bank of Irune transferred its first payment to a lucky hanar called Brimyell, the credits were donated to various relief funds for the disaster-struck planet of Belan. Brimyell spoke to the press about its visits to the beleaguered planet, saying that it had been touched both by the suffering and the spirit of cooperation among its people. "The sum this one received was a blessing which it believes should be shared. May Belan be guided by the gifts of the Enkindlers. Also, while speaking to the press, this one would appreciate a moment to request that people cease petitioning it for funds it no longer possesses. It is having difficulty keeping up with its e-mail.""
21st - Sensitive Turian Military Data Found on Scrapped Memory Chip
"Accountability remains a source of heated debate in the case of a collection of sensitive turian military data uncovered on a memory chip that was purchased at a salvage yard on the planet Monrini. The chip was one of many that was auctioned off to scrap trader Sidney Wall. Wall learned of the data when he began to catalog his purchase for resale. He reported the find to local authorities, who confiscated the chip and contacted the Turian Hierarchy. The chip's contents are reportedly wide-ranging, including blueprints for turian fighters and results of turian war game scenarios. The Hierarchy will begin a formal inquiry next week to seek culpability."
22nd - Celebration in Honor of Tandy Noble Called Social Event of the Season
"A celebration thrown in honor of Tandy Noble, daughter of billionaire media mogul John Noble, is being called the social event of the season. The festivities began with a fireworks display rivaling anything that could take place planetside: custom orbital explosives maximized for display in vacuum were created for the event at a cost estimated in the tens of millions. Invited guests watched the presentation from Noble's private cruiser as it circled the rings of Saturn. Noble also used the opportunity to introduce his new e-magazine "Haute Monde", which is aimed at the galactic elite."
23rd - Hundreds Dead After Gang War Bombing on Omega
"The bombing of fifteen high-traffic docks on Omega has been confirmed as salvos in the ongoing gang war plaguing the troubled station. Over two hundred people were killed and nearly a dozen starships were destroyed in blasts that targeted docks controlled by the Blue Suns mercenary group. Witness reports are mixed, with some claiming to have seen Eclipse mercenaries before the explosions, while others say that Blood Pack mercs ran through the vicinity just prior to the bombings. The Citadel Travel Advisory recommends immediate cancellation of all travel to the station."
24th - Actress Sues After Botched Cosmetic Surgery Leads to Her Firing
"A botched cosmetic surgery is the centre of a three-way legal battle between representatives of asari actress Monia "Kitten" Calder, producers for the weekly drama "The Lower Wards," and the private practice of surgeon Dr. Ahwid Francis. In documents released today by Calder's legal representative, the actress is seeking damages from Dr. Francis for "unacceptable results" on a recent facial reconstruction procedure. In a separate but related action, the actress is suing the producers of "The Lower Wards" for "violating the contract that does not include a physical representation clause" upon her termination from the drama after nearly 18 years. The documents contend that the actress is within her rights to alter herself via elective surgery if desired."
October, week 5:
25th - 79 People Gunned Down As Omega Gang Violence
Continues
"Travel to Omega is still off-limits as 79 more people were gunned down an hour ago in what security experts are calling "an escalating bloodbath". Captain Quart Vadus of Elanus Risk Control claims he's seen this kind of thing before and that it will get worse before it gets better. "It isn't rare for Omega to experience this level of violence," Vadus said, "but it's rare for it to last this long. Gangs are taking advantage of the chaos to settle old scores before the power shifts again." Asked what ordinary citizens on Omega should do to avoid getting caught in the crossfire, Vadus responded: "Hide.""
26th - Luxury Liner Grande Mar Makes Emergency Stop at Omega
"The luxury liner Grande Mar had to make an unscheduled stop at the now-violent Omega space station when onboard systems catastrophically failed during a routine touring cruise. The crew quickly secured passengers aboard the ship before while hastily conducting repairs. An Omega representative known as Aria T'Loak encouraged passengers to make the best of their stay and assured anyone wishing to "see the exotic sights" that Omega was safe and secure. No incidents were reported aboard the Grande despite heavy fighting reported to be taking place elsewhere on the station."
27th - Eden Prime Declared "Culturally Significant Site"
"Earth's Council for the Preservation of Human History and Culture has officially designated the colony of Eden Prime as a "culturally significant site". Eden Prime was humanity's shining jewel, demonstrating the species could succeed on the galactic stage, before it suffered a devastating attack by geth forces led by ex-Spectre agent Saren Arterius. A public memorial and museum have been opened at the site of the destroyed colony. The opening ceremonies, scheduled for next week, will feature a visit by Systems Alliance Prime Minister Amul Shastri."
28th - Research Outpost Finds Life on Europa
"The Sol System is abuzz after a Binary Helix research outpost found life on Jupiter's moon of Europa. Scientists on the Nautilus Facility, a station built underneath Europa's vast ice sheets, discovered microorganisms inside a rock sample taken from the moon's ocean floor. "Life is tenacious," says head researcher Dr. Zsuzsa Gaul. "Scientists have theorized for decades that Europa could sustain an underwater ecology. It's incredible to be at the vindication of some of the field's earliest xenobiological hopes." Dr. Gaul hoped to find even more sophisticated life as her team sends more probes to explore the site where the microorganisms were found."
29th - Systems Alliance and Binary Helix Dispute Rights to Europa Life
"The Systems Alliance is clashing with Binary Helix over which group has first rights to the genetic material of of newly-discovered microorganisms on Jupiter's moon of Europa. "Europa is Alliance territory," says Commander Lowrie, head of Intrasolar Development. "We gave Binary Helix permission to build a facility, not patents to Sol-system life." Binary helix spokesperson Jamie Cho replied: "The contracts signed by the Alliance were very clear: Binary Helix has first claim to any new biological life forms created, modified, or discovered on Europa. Since legal precedence is in our favor, the Alliance is trying to split hairs.""
30th - "Reversal" Treatment Allows Dextro/Levo Species to Share Cuisines
"The process is quite literally stomach-turning, but gourmands across the galaxy are lining up to try Reversal, a new gastrointestinal immunosuppressant treatment that allows dextro/levo species to safely sample each other's cuisine. The process is expensive, lasts less than 24 [Earth Standard] hours, and the food provides no nutrition, but restaurants are already busy booking dextro/levo food parties. "It's an adventure," says food writer and Reversal enthusiast Livian Messalina. "We're opening up new ranges of texture and flavor to each other. Taste still varies from species to species, but that's part of the fun." Doctors are warning these bold new epicures to watch out for leftovers -- meals should be eaten as soon as possible, and users must purge before the treatment wears off."
31st - Earth and Its Colonies Celebrate Halloween
"Don't be surprised to find your human friends in a costume today as large portions of Earth and its colonies celebrate the holiday of Halloween. Originally a "day of the dead" in which masks were worn to scare off evil spirits, Halloween evolved into a secular holiday with popular activities such as carving fruits, wearing costumes, and the curious custom of children going house-to-house, begging for food. It's the biggest night of the year for the candy industry -- 25% of their annual sales are typically purchased for the purpose of being distributed on Halloween. This year's hottest-selling costumes include "Zombie Huerta," "Lili T'Nigus," and "Geth Hunter.""
"Travel to Omega is still off-limits as 79 more people were gunned down an hour ago in what security experts are calling "an escalating bloodbath". Captain Quart Vadus of Elanus Risk Control claims he's seen this kind of thing before and that it will get worse before it gets better. "It isn't rare for Omega to experience this level of violence," Vadus said, "but it's rare for it to last this long. Gangs are taking advantage of the chaos to settle old scores before the power shifts again." Asked what ordinary citizens on Omega should do to avoid getting caught in the crossfire, Vadus responded: "Hide.""
26th - Luxury Liner Grande Mar Makes Emergency Stop at Omega
"The luxury liner Grande Mar had to make an unscheduled stop at the now-violent Omega space station when onboard systems catastrophically failed during a routine touring cruise. The crew quickly secured passengers aboard the ship before while hastily conducting repairs. An Omega representative known as Aria T'Loak encouraged passengers to make the best of their stay and assured anyone wishing to "see the exotic sights" that Omega was safe and secure. No incidents were reported aboard the Grande despite heavy fighting reported to be taking place elsewhere on the station."
27th - Eden Prime Declared "Culturally Significant Site"
"Earth's Council for the Preservation of Human History and Culture has officially designated the colony of Eden Prime as a "culturally significant site". Eden Prime was humanity's shining jewel, demonstrating the species could succeed on the galactic stage, before it suffered a devastating attack by geth forces led by ex-Spectre agent Saren Arterius. A public memorial and museum have been opened at the site of the destroyed colony. The opening ceremonies, scheduled for next week, will feature a visit by Systems Alliance Prime Minister Amul Shastri."
28th - Research Outpost Finds Life on Europa
"The Sol System is abuzz after a Binary Helix research outpost found life on Jupiter's moon of Europa. Scientists on the Nautilus Facility, a station built underneath Europa's vast ice sheets, discovered microorganisms inside a rock sample taken from the moon's ocean floor. "Life is tenacious," says head researcher Dr. Zsuzsa Gaul. "Scientists have theorized for decades that Europa could sustain an underwater ecology. It's incredible to be at the vindication of some of the field's earliest xenobiological hopes." Dr. Gaul hoped to find even more sophisticated life as her team sends more probes to explore the site where the microorganisms were found."
29th - Systems Alliance and Binary Helix Dispute Rights to Europa Life
"The Systems Alliance is clashing with Binary Helix over which group has first rights to the genetic material of of newly-discovered microorganisms on Jupiter's moon of Europa. "Europa is Alliance territory," says Commander Lowrie, head of Intrasolar Development. "We gave Binary Helix permission to build a facility, not patents to Sol-system life." Binary helix spokesperson Jamie Cho replied: "The contracts signed by the Alliance were very clear: Binary Helix has first claim to any new biological life forms created, modified, or discovered on Europa. Since legal precedence is in our favor, the Alliance is trying to split hairs.""
30th - "Reversal" Treatment Allows Dextro/Levo Species to Share Cuisines
"The process is quite literally stomach-turning, but gourmands across the galaxy are lining up to try Reversal, a new gastrointestinal immunosuppressant treatment that allows dextro/levo species to safely sample each other's cuisine. The process is expensive, lasts less than 24 [Earth Standard] hours, and the food provides no nutrition, but restaurants are already busy booking dextro/levo food parties. "It's an adventure," says food writer and Reversal enthusiast Livian Messalina. "We're opening up new ranges of texture and flavor to each other. Taste still varies from species to species, but that's part of the fun." Doctors are warning these bold new epicures to watch out for leftovers -- meals should be eaten as soon as possible, and users must purge before the treatment wears off."
31st - Earth and Its Colonies Celebrate Halloween
"Don't be surprised to find your human friends in a costume today as large portions of Earth and its colonies celebrate the holiday of Halloween. Originally a "day of the dead" in which masks were worn to scare off evil spirits, Halloween evolved into a secular holiday with popular activities such as carving fruits, wearing costumes, and the curious custom of children going house-to-house, begging for food. It's the biggest night of the year for the candy industry -- 25% of their annual sales are typically purchased for the purpose of being distributed on Halloween. This year's hottest-selling costumes include "Zombie Huerta," "Lili T'Nigus," and "Geth Hunter.""
November, week 1:
1st - Isenberg-Wyatt Toys Unveil 'Battle Buddies'
"Parents, beware: Isenberg-Wyatt Toys has unveiled a new robot that's already flying off shelves. Battle Buddies appear to be simple blocks, but when their owners pit holograms of the toys against each other via the extranet, the real-life robots change in color, configuration, and sophistication. "They're great," young Battle Buddy enthusiast Paul Von Kern confided. "Once you finish enough tournaments, they look really scary, and you can make them fight from school even if you leave them home." All this fun comes with a price tag, though: basic Battle Buddies start at 5,000 credits; tournaments, which promise special transformations for the winners, have entry fees attached."
2nd - Hostilities on Omega Cease As Gang Leaders Negotiate
"After a week of mercenary infighting, the death toll on Omega is estimated to be anywhere from 900 to 1,100. The wounded continue pouring into clinics already tasked to capacity. Hostilities appear to have ceased, however, since the arrival of several Blue Suns freighters and a rumored meeting between gang leaders in an undisclosed nightclub on the station. The Citadel Council is maintaining its advisory against travel to Omega, noting that this peace may only be temporary."
3rd - University of Serrice Petitioned to Return Salarian Artifacts
"Salarian historians are petitioning the University of Serrice to return artifacts taken by asari anthropologists from the colony of Mannovai 400 years ago. The University's Office of the Curator released the following statement: "While we respect Mannovai's request, the artifacts in our collection were given freely to our representatives in good faith so that we might protect and provide access to these pieces of history. The galaxy's turbulence has destroyed the treasures of too many civilizations, and our university has a proud tradition of providing a safe haven for items from all cultures." The salarian collection includes paintings and sculptures commissioned within a year of the first landing on Mannovai, as well as medallions from League of One members who died in the colony's defense."
4th - Pressure Mounts for Salarian Relics to Be Returned to Mannovai
"More institutes of higher learning are increasing pressure on the University of Serrice to return historical relics taken from the colony of Mannovai. "We're pleased with the support," said Mannovai Parliament Member Shayar Edcronus. "The University of Serrice doesn't want to acknowledge the cost of their flippant cultural plundering. A trip to Serrice costs time and credits not every salarian can afford." The University of Serrice's Professor Baliya Haphia was quick to respond: "Four centuries ago, several of my friends on Mannovai died to help me escape with some of the colony's oldest artifacts before a batarian fleet bombed their spaceports. There was nothing 'flippant' about their bravery. Our display is as much a tribute to their courage as it is to Mannovai's past.""
5th - Hindu Holiday of Diwali Begins
"The human Hindu holiday of Diwali begins tonight, a festival of lights celebrating renewal, a new financial year, and the triumph of good over evil. For five days, celebrants hang traditional candle lamps called "diyas" outside their houses to guide good fortune to them or celebrate the gods' victory over darkness. On starships where open flames consume needed oxygen, diyas are typically replaced with an LED display outside the practitioner's cabin. Diwali is also a time for exchanging gifts, eating sweet foods, bathing with oil, and lighting firecrackers. Though often celebrated secularly, the holiday is not without its spiritual side - observant humans use the days to contemplate the inner light, or "soul", that transcends the physical form."
6th - Water Sources on Taharon Rendered Toxic By Bacteria
"A recent natural disaster on the colony planet Taharon has rendered most of its available fresh water toxic. A rare seismic event opened several giant fissures under the ocean and water tables, releasing dangerous bacteria into groundwater reservoirs. Within months, most fresh water sources were found to contain lethal bacteria levels. "It's everywhere," says one resident. "We have to fry our running water with UV rays just to wash food or dishes. Not to mention showers. People reek." Despite this, not one of the 3,500 colonists who live on the planet is relocating. "We've been here twelve years, right from the beginning," says Ning Tsai, a local agritech. "We're not giving up now." He may not have a choice, however; experts agree that specific repercussions to the ecosphere cannot be predicted, but that the outlook is most certainly catastrophic."
7th - Nanotech Diet Aid "The Skale" On Shelves Today
""The Skale," a new nanotech diet aid by Black Horse Foods, hits shelves today. The much-anticipated device is capable of excluding food matter after it is consumed. Taken internally, Skale nanotech monitors the user's consumption and stops the digestion process if the food is beyond stated parameters. The excess matter passes on as a harmless waste that is naturally eliminated. Black Horse literature describes the device as "a practical and safe solution for those watching their diet, and a miracle for those with potentially life-threatening allergies." The Skale and its 1-year-warranty will run about 300 credits."
"Parents, beware: Isenberg-Wyatt Toys has unveiled a new robot that's already flying off shelves. Battle Buddies appear to be simple blocks, but when their owners pit holograms of the toys against each other via the extranet, the real-life robots change in color, configuration, and sophistication. "They're great," young Battle Buddy enthusiast Paul Von Kern confided. "Once you finish enough tournaments, they look really scary, and you can make them fight from school even if you leave them home." All this fun comes with a price tag, though: basic Battle Buddies start at 5,000 credits; tournaments, which promise special transformations for the winners, have entry fees attached."
2nd - Hostilities on Omega Cease As Gang Leaders Negotiate
"After a week of mercenary infighting, the death toll on Omega is estimated to be anywhere from 900 to 1,100. The wounded continue pouring into clinics already tasked to capacity. Hostilities appear to have ceased, however, since the arrival of several Blue Suns freighters and a rumored meeting between gang leaders in an undisclosed nightclub on the station. The Citadel Council is maintaining its advisory against travel to Omega, noting that this peace may only be temporary."
3rd - University of Serrice Petitioned to Return Salarian Artifacts
"Salarian historians are petitioning the University of Serrice to return artifacts taken by asari anthropologists from the colony of Mannovai 400 years ago. The University's Office of the Curator released the following statement: "While we respect Mannovai's request, the artifacts in our collection were given freely to our representatives in good faith so that we might protect and provide access to these pieces of history. The galaxy's turbulence has destroyed the treasures of too many civilizations, and our university has a proud tradition of providing a safe haven for items from all cultures." The salarian collection includes paintings and sculptures commissioned within a year of the first landing on Mannovai, as well as medallions from League of One members who died in the colony's defense."
4th - Pressure Mounts for Salarian Relics to Be Returned to Mannovai
"More institutes of higher learning are increasing pressure on the University of Serrice to return historical relics taken from the colony of Mannovai. "We're pleased with the support," said Mannovai Parliament Member Shayar Edcronus. "The University of Serrice doesn't want to acknowledge the cost of their flippant cultural plundering. A trip to Serrice costs time and credits not every salarian can afford." The University of Serrice's Professor Baliya Haphia was quick to respond: "Four centuries ago, several of my friends on Mannovai died to help me escape with some of the colony's oldest artifacts before a batarian fleet bombed their spaceports. There was nothing 'flippant' about their bravery. Our display is as much a tribute to their courage as it is to Mannovai's past.""
5th - Hindu Holiday of Diwali Begins
"The human Hindu holiday of Diwali begins tonight, a festival of lights celebrating renewal, a new financial year, and the triumph of good over evil. For five days, celebrants hang traditional candle lamps called "diyas" outside their houses to guide good fortune to them or celebrate the gods' victory over darkness. On starships where open flames consume needed oxygen, diyas are typically replaced with an LED display outside the practitioner's cabin. Diwali is also a time for exchanging gifts, eating sweet foods, bathing with oil, and lighting firecrackers. Though often celebrated secularly, the holiday is not without its spiritual side - observant humans use the days to contemplate the inner light, or "soul", that transcends the physical form."
6th - Water Sources on Taharon Rendered Toxic By Bacteria
"A recent natural disaster on the colony planet Taharon has rendered most of its available fresh water toxic. A rare seismic event opened several giant fissures under the ocean and water tables, releasing dangerous bacteria into groundwater reservoirs. Within months, most fresh water sources were found to contain lethal bacteria levels. "It's everywhere," says one resident. "We have to fry our running water with UV rays just to wash food or dishes. Not to mention showers. People reek." Despite this, not one of the 3,500 colonists who live on the planet is relocating. "We've been here twelve years, right from the beginning," says Ning Tsai, a local agritech. "We're not giving up now." He may not have a choice, however; experts agree that specific repercussions to the ecosphere cannot be predicted, but that the outlook is most certainly catastrophic."
7th - Nanotech Diet Aid "The Skale" On Shelves Today
""The Skale," a new nanotech diet aid by Black Horse Foods, hits shelves today. The much-anticipated device is capable of excluding food matter after it is consumed. Taken internally, Skale nanotech monitors the user's consumption and stops the digestion process if the food is beyond stated parameters. The excess matter passes on as a harmless waste that is naturally eliminated. Black Horse literature describes the device as "a practical and safe solution for those watching their diet, and a miracle for those with potentially life-threatening allergies." The Skale and its 1-year-warranty will run about 300 credits."
November, week 2:
8th - Private League Athletes Endure Severe Effects From
Drug Use
"Published today: the results of a long-term study on the effects of performance-enhancing drugs and technology on athletes in privately-owned sporting leagues like the Galactic Football League and Universal Rugby Association. The results were released after being held up in legal tangles for the better part of a decade: athletes who participate in these private leagues, known for casual use of banned substances, pay a dear price for a shot at galactic fame and fortune. The report details effects that include toxic levels of carcinogens, abnormal brain chemistry, sterility, and significantly shorter life spans. No species is immune; even krogan and vorcha players displayed debilitative symptoms."
9th - The Skale Diet Aid Linked to Multiple Deaths
"The new Black Horse Foods [Mars/Blue Sun?] diet device called "The Skale" is now linked to the deaths of at least four young humans and one volus. Ingesting The Skale allows users to remove food from their systems and lose weight. The device shipped with multiple safeguards, but savvy hackers have already posted code spikes on the extranet that allow full control of the device's anti-digestion settings. The result has been a growing collection of users who reduce their food intake to dangerously low levels in efforts to stay thin. Representatives from Black Horse Foods did not immediately respond to inquiries."
10th - Military History Museum Opens New Wing
"The Turian Hierarchy opened the doors today to a new wing of the Tianar Museum of Military History, dedicated to the history of interspecies conflict. The event, held on the turian homeworld of Palaven, was attended by representatives from all Citadel races and media from around the galaxy. Hunner Genchak, the museum's curator, hoped to encourage conversation on the cost of war for a species. "The turians have long held military power as a touchstone to cultural identity. This exhibit acknowledges that our proud legacy has a price." The museum holds never-before-seen relics such as declarations of war on various planets throughout the Krogan Rebellion period and a wall dedicated to those killed in action during humanity's First Contact War."
11th - Workers Rescued From Flooded Research Facility on Europa
"Systems Alliance rescue workers rushed to save Binary Helix employees trapped in a flooding underwater research facility on Europa today. A distress signal sent from the Nautilus Facility eight hours ago reported a breached outer wall and malfunctioning escape pods. Alliance commander Lowrie hinted that sabotage may be to blame: "It doesn't look like an accident. Unfortunately, water destroyed the security systems along with most of the facility's computers. Given the conditions, I'd like to congratulate our med teams for rescuing everyone in the Nautilus Station before it completely flooded." Over protests from Binary Helix, the Alliance is confiscating data from the station "in the event that anything or anyone inside the Nautilus Facility is responsible for this disaster"."
12th - Photo Revives Debate Over Tuchanka's "Colossal Thresher Maw"
"A photo taken by Clan Ravanor miners during a drilling operation on the krogan homeworld of Tuchanka is reigniting debate on the existence of a colossal thresher maw. The photo, now being viewed widely on the extranet, adds to a long line of evidence that skeptics call an old and treasured hoax -- and believers call irrefutable proof. For centuries, krogan settlements bordering Tuchanka's deserts have told stories of entire clans swallowed by this colossal thresher maw. While locals claim the ancient creature is real, no outside sources have confirmed the beast's existence."
13th - Garvug Guerillas Reclaim Capital of Dhazil
"Once again, fighting returned to the Terminus Systems world of Garvug, but this battle was brief and pointed. Guerilla gunmen overtook government buildings throughout the capital of Dhazil, meeting minimum resistance. In a televised speech from the former Sonax headquarters, clan chieftain and guerilla leader Hailot Wrund announced martial law until the government takeover was complete. "After this year of bloodshed and uncertainty, our home stands strong," he said. "Garvug has brought down the tyrants and bloodsuckers of the galaxy. Our task now is to rebuild on the ashes of our enemies and take this colony to a victorious future.""
14th - Massive Surprise Attack Destroys Dhazil
"An attack of unbelievable scale has taken place on the planet Garvug's capital of Dhazil. According to one independent journalist trapped in the city, mass cannons have destroyed the seat of government recently retaken by Hailot Wrund, as well as most buildings within the city. Reports of assassinations and precision bombardments are coming in, but as Sonax Industries controls all comm buoys in the Paz system, their accuracy is unverifiable at this time. Sonax-controlled imagery showed a large fleet moving from behind one of Garvug's moons to orbit over the planet's capital, a force including Binary Helix ships, which supposedly left Sonax's coalition months ago. No representatives from those companies were available for comment; on the way to his skycar this morning, Binary Helix's press secretary said merely, "You'll see.""
"Published today: the results of a long-term study on the effects of performance-enhancing drugs and technology on athletes in privately-owned sporting leagues like the Galactic Football League and Universal Rugby Association. The results were released after being held up in legal tangles for the better part of a decade: athletes who participate in these private leagues, known for casual use of banned substances, pay a dear price for a shot at galactic fame and fortune. The report details effects that include toxic levels of carcinogens, abnormal brain chemistry, sterility, and significantly shorter life spans. No species is immune; even krogan and vorcha players displayed debilitative symptoms."
9th - The Skale Diet Aid Linked to Multiple Deaths
"The new Black Horse Foods [Mars/Blue Sun?] diet device called "The Skale" is now linked to the deaths of at least four young humans and one volus. Ingesting The Skale allows users to remove food from their systems and lose weight. The device shipped with multiple safeguards, but savvy hackers have already posted code spikes on the extranet that allow full control of the device's anti-digestion settings. The result has been a growing collection of users who reduce their food intake to dangerously low levels in efforts to stay thin. Representatives from Black Horse Foods did not immediately respond to inquiries."
10th - Military History Museum Opens New Wing
"The Turian Hierarchy opened the doors today to a new wing of the Tianar Museum of Military History, dedicated to the history of interspecies conflict. The event, held on the turian homeworld of Palaven, was attended by representatives from all Citadel races and media from around the galaxy. Hunner Genchak, the museum's curator, hoped to encourage conversation on the cost of war for a species. "The turians have long held military power as a touchstone to cultural identity. This exhibit acknowledges that our proud legacy has a price." The museum holds never-before-seen relics such as declarations of war on various planets throughout the Krogan Rebellion period and a wall dedicated to those killed in action during humanity's First Contact War."
11th - Workers Rescued From Flooded Research Facility on Europa
"Systems Alliance rescue workers rushed to save Binary Helix employees trapped in a flooding underwater research facility on Europa today. A distress signal sent from the Nautilus Facility eight hours ago reported a breached outer wall and malfunctioning escape pods. Alliance commander Lowrie hinted that sabotage may be to blame: "It doesn't look like an accident. Unfortunately, water destroyed the security systems along with most of the facility's computers. Given the conditions, I'd like to congratulate our med teams for rescuing everyone in the Nautilus Station before it completely flooded." Over protests from Binary Helix, the Alliance is confiscating data from the station "in the event that anything or anyone inside the Nautilus Facility is responsible for this disaster"."
12th - Photo Revives Debate Over Tuchanka's "Colossal Thresher Maw"
"A photo taken by Clan Ravanor miners during a drilling operation on the krogan homeworld of Tuchanka is reigniting debate on the existence of a colossal thresher maw. The photo, now being viewed widely on the extranet, adds to a long line of evidence that skeptics call an old and treasured hoax -- and believers call irrefutable proof. For centuries, krogan settlements bordering Tuchanka's deserts have told stories of entire clans swallowed by this colossal thresher maw. While locals claim the ancient creature is real, no outside sources have confirmed the beast's existence."
13th - Garvug Guerillas Reclaim Capital of Dhazil
"Once again, fighting returned to the Terminus Systems world of Garvug, but this battle was brief and pointed. Guerilla gunmen overtook government buildings throughout the capital of Dhazil, meeting minimum resistance. In a televised speech from the former Sonax headquarters, clan chieftain and guerilla leader Hailot Wrund announced martial law until the government takeover was complete. "After this year of bloodshed and uncertainty, our home stands strong," he said. "Garvug has brought down the tyrants and bloodsuckers of the galaxy. Our task now is to rebuild on the ashes of our enemies and take this colony to a victorious future.""
14th - Massive Surprise Attack Destroys Dhazil
"An attack of unbelievable scale has taken place on the planet Garvug's capital of Dhazil. According to one independent journalist trapped in the city, mass cannons have destroyed the seat of government recently retaken by Hailot Wrund, as well as most buildings within the city. Reports of assassinations and precision bombardments are coming in, but as Sonax Industries controls all comm buoys in the Paz system, their accuracy is unverifiable at this time. Sonax-controlled imagery showed a large fleet moving from behind one of Garvug's moons to orbit over the planet's capital, a force including Binary Helix ships, which supposedly left Sonax's coalition months ago. No representatives from those companies were available for comment; on the way to his skycar this morning, Binary Helix's press secretary said merely, "You'll see.""
November, week 3:
15th - Corporatist Stocks Skyrocket With Success on Garvug
"Sonax supreme commander Lira Speight held her first press conference in weeks, displaying satellite images of Sonax and Guanghui Solutions divisions landing in Dhazil -- or what remains of it. Speight showed little concern for the cost of life from the brutal bombardments, but pointed out that the roads, spaceport, and mining infrastructure remain intact. Sonax, Guanghui, and Binary Helix stocks closed high in response. Sonax's nearly 1000% boost was the talk of the trade floor as the "win by losing" strategy became apparent."
16th - Garvug Guerilla Leader Hailot Wrund Killed
*Garvug's history of guerilla warfare since the (ME1/2 timeline) [event/year 21…?]
"Sonax Industries presented a list of confirmed dead or captured enemy commanders on Garvug today: 90 of the 112 names are presumed out of action. Among the dead is notable guerilla leader Hailot Wrund, who apparently survived a poisoning attempt before fleeing in a skycar that was driven out of the air by Guanghui Solutions gunships. An autopsy revealed that after Wrund's heavily armored car slammed into a mountainside and armor-piercing incendiary rounds ignited its fuel into a fireball, the trapped and wounded Wrund finally died of smoke inhalation. The corporate coalition is making the autopsy video and gun-camera footage publicly available at midnight tonight (Garvug local time)."
17th - Corporate Coalition Reps Explain "Wooden Horse Gambit"
"Sonax Industries, Guanghui Solutions, and Binary Helix held a joint press conference today to address shareholder concerns about the new offensive on Garvug. Spokespersons detailed a campaign of careful media control dating back several months. Binary Helix explained that their rift in the coalition was a ruse. Guanghui gave details of special forces left on Garvug disguised as civilians, whose mission was to pinpoint insurgency leaders when they came out of hiding. Sonax reps spoke at length about the actual board vote (8-3) to continue the war once they were filled in on the so-called "wooden horse gambit." Said CFO Abayomi Osoba, "We had a responsibility to keep the company from going under. We regret that there was no way other than to ask for forgiveness after the fact." Asked if the board would face charges for perpetrating fraud on stockholders, he responded, "Our legal department can explain Illium's laws in that area. You'll find them quite flexible.""
18th - Drell Actor Fell Fannus Accepts Lifetime Achievement Award
"Veteran award-winning drell actor Fell Fannus accepted a lifetime achievement award from the Art and Culture Foundation's annual event held at the theatre that bears his name, the Fannus Centre. Fannus is known for a body of work that spans more than 40 years and includes live performances, blockbuster vids, scripts, and directing projects. The entertainer is part of a select group of performers that effortlessly cross boundaries between species. Fannus thanked the assembled luminaries and quipped, "I am fortunate to have made a career out of being other people, because I don't find myself terribly interesting." Fannus' latest directorial project, "A False Face," opens this week."
19th - Watchdog Group Challenges Genex Chemical Contract
"The corporate watchdog group BALANCE, headed by Dr. Trent Leeds, has challenged a contract between Genex Chemical and a group of colonists settled on the planet Watson, who are embroiled in an ongoing debate on corporate colony sponsorship. Genex came under fire last year for offering to sponsor a group of colonists under an agreement that allowed them to test new synthetic soil amendment products with little peer review from third-party scientific bodies. The legal challenge will be given a preliminary hearing by the Citadel Board of Planetary Settlement (CBPS) this month."
20th - Black Horse Foods Issues Recall For The Skale
"Black Horse Foods, makers of the controversial diet aid "The Skale," have issued a formal recall of their product as shares dropped by more than 66% in the past week. The move comes in the wake of more than 34 deaths, chiefly among youth, attributed directly to the product. Medical authorities on Citadel-space planets are calling on retail outlets to remove the product from store shelves, although use of The Skale is still approved for prescription in cases of severe allergies or food restrictions. Neither public relations staff nor legal counsel for Black Horse Foods would comment on the recall or pending legal action by families of the deceased."
21st - Communications Sector Sees Rapid Growth This Quarter
"No matter what happens in the galaxy, we love to talk about it -- this season's hottest companies are on the bleeding edge of communications. Developers and manufacturers of extranet server-buoys, browser programs, and omni-tools were the fastest-growing firms this quarter, and were popular investor picks. Last month, Skywire bought up Quick Space, an up-and-coming research and development group, for 34.9 billion. Rumor has it that Quick Space has found a way to significantly lower the price of building quantum entanglement communication equipment, news that has left many of their shareholders salivating in anticipation."
"Sonax supreme commander Lira Speight held her first press conference in weeks, displaying satellite images of Sonax and Guanghui Solutions divisions landing in Dhazil -- or what remains of it. Speight showed little concern for the cost of life from the brutal bombardments, but pointed out that the roads, spaceport, and mining infrastructure remain intact. Sonax, Guanghui, and Binary Helix stocks closed high in response. Sonax's nearly 1000% boost was the talk of the trade floor as the "win by losing" strategy became apparent."
16th - Garvug Guerilla Leader Hailot Wrund Killed
*Garvug's history of guerilla warfare since the (ME1/2 timeline) [event/year 21…?]
"Sonax Industries presented a list of confirmed dead or captured enemy commanders on Garvug today: 90 of the 112 names are presumed out of action. Among the dead is notable guerilla leader Hailot Wrund, who apparently survived a poisoning attempt before fleeing in a skycar that was driven out of the air by Guanghui Solutions gunships. An autopsy revealed that after Wrund's heavily armored car slammed into a mountainside and armor-piercing incendiary rounds ignited its fuel into a fireball, the trapped and wounded Wrund finally died of smoke inhalation. The corporate coalition is making the autopsy video and gun-camera footage publicly available at midnight tonight (Garvug local time)."
17th - Corporate Coalition Reps Explain "Wooden Horse Gambit"
"Sonax Industries, Guanghui Solutions, and Binary Helix held a joint press conference today to address shareholder concerns about the new offensive on Garvug. Spokespersons detailed a campaign of careful media control dating back several months. Binary Helix explained that their rift in the coalition was a ruse. Guanghui gave details of special forces left on Garvug disguised as civilians, whose mission was to pinpoint insurgency leaders when they came out of hiding. Sonax reps spoke at length about the actual board vote (8-3) to continue the war once they were filled in on the so-called "wooden horse gambit." Said CFO Abayomi Osoba, "We had a responsibility to keep the company from going under. We regret that there was no way other than to ask for forgiveness after the fact." Asked if the board would face charges for perpetrating fraud on stockholders, he responded, "Our legal department can explain Illium's laws in that area. You'll find them quite flexible.""
18th - Drell Actor Fell Fannus Accepts Lifetime Achievement Award
"Veteran award-winning drell actor Fell Fannus accepted a lifetime achievement award from the Art and Culture Foundation's annual event held at the theatre that bears his name, the Fannus Centre. Fannus is known for a body of work that spans more than 40 years and includes live performances, blockbuster vids, scripts, and directing projects. The entertainer is part of a select group of performers that effortlessly cross boundaries between species. Fannus thanked the assembled luminaries and quipped, "I am fortunate to have made a career out of being other people, because I don't find myself terribly interesting." Fannus' latest directorial project, "A False Face," opens this week."
19th - Watchdog Group Challenges Genex Chemical Contract
"The corporate watchdog group BALANCE, headed by Dr. Trent Leeds, has challenged a contract between Genex Chemical and a group of colonists settled on the planet Watson, who are embroiled in an ongoing debate on corporate colony sponsorship. Genex came under fire last year for offering to sponsor a group of colonists under an agreement that allowed them to test new synthetic soil amendment products with little peer review from third-party scientific bodies. The legal challenge will be given a preliminary hearing by the Citadel Board of Planetary Settlement (CBPS) this month."
20th - Black Horse Foods Issues Recall For The Skale
"Black Horse Foods, makers of the controversial diet aid "The Skale," have issued a formal recall of their product as shares dropped by more than 66% in the past week. The move comes in the wake of more than 34 deaths, chiefly among youth, attributed directly to the product. Medical authorities on Citadel-space planets are calling on retail outlets to remove the product from store shelves, although use of The Skale is still approved for prescription in cases of severe allergies or food restrictions. Neither public relations staff nor legal counsel for Black Horse Foods would comment on the recall or pending legal action by families of the deceased."
21st - Communications Sector Sees Rapid Growth This Quarter
"No matter what happens in the galaxy, we love to talk about it -- this season's hottest companies are on the bleeding edge of communications. Developers and manufacturers of extranet server-buoys, browser programs, and omni-tools were the fastest-growing firms this quarter, and were popular investor picks. Last month, Skywire bought up Quick Space, an up-and-coming research and development group, for 34.9 billion. Rumor has it that Quick Space has found a way to significantly lower the price of building quantum entanglement communication equipment, news that has left many of their shareholders salivating in anticipation."
November, week 4:
22nd - Antique Munitions Cache Found On Enael
"A cache of antique munitions was recently uncovered by colonists mining for palladium on the planet Enael. The miner who made the discovery, Lawrence Daskin, immediately contacted authorities, who began an emergency evacuation of local colonists to a safe distance. The cache, which includes more than 100,000 artillery and mortar shells as well as land mines and high explosives, is believed to date back to a skirmish between batarian forces and Citadel forces over seventy years ago. The munitions removal is expected to last until late next week, after which colonists should be able to return to their homes. Said one expert, "While this is obviously a big inconvenience for the folks living here, it's not the kind of job you want to rush.""
23rd - Sonax Industries' Lira Speight Interviewed By Emily Wong
"In the first half of an exclusive 90-minute (Citadel standard) interview, Sonax Industries supreme commander Lira Speight sat down with the Future Content Corporation's Emily Wong and answered questions about the war on Garvug. "We -- and I mean the army, not the board -- had a nearly impossible task once the insurgency was established," she says, "and success would not have been financially possible without Umsung Holdings' backing. I presented the idea to the higher-ups of letting some negative stories through on the comm buoys to win trust with the news media, but it developed into more. The president of Umsung was good friends with Sonax's chairman; when the offer was made, the idea clicked: the board realized the power of winning by losing. From that moment on, we played the wounded bird and gave the snakes exactly what they wanted to see.""
24th - Sonax Industries' Lira Speight Interviewed By Emily Wong (Part 2)
"In the second half of Emily Wong's interview with Sonax supreme commander Lira Speight, the admiral alternately argues about, confesses to, and speculates about the moral repugnance of her actions. "I don't regret the deception," she said, "to shareholders or anyone else. What keeps me up at night is [the death of Brigadier General] Noah [Vardos]. He knew the real strategy, but he saw good people dying under him; Garvug residents dying for no reason - it haunted him." As to the civillian casualties, she responded "Our test story, the video of krogan being executed, that wasn't genuine, but damn few people questioned it. Once we saw the public's saturation point, when they weren't shocked any more and just wanted it over, we gave them what they demanded, as fast as we could.""
25th - Alliance Marines Find Survivor on Deserted Station
"A patrol of Alliance Marines recently stumbled across an asteroid miner who had been marooned on a deserted station for over two years. "Billion to one chance," said Captain Matthew Brown. "I looked out the window just as we flew over the surface and spotted a light in one of the buildings." The survivor, Pashtol Nima, was a drill operator who'd disabled his tracking beacon while in the field to make up for lost time on a job, unaware that the operation was closing up behind him. "We all thought Nima shipped out early, like he kept saying he wanted to," said Nima's former foreman Jim Ratham. "He's lucky it was cheaper to leave the life-support equipment behind on this job instead of hauling it back into space." Although severely malnourished and suffering from psychological distress, Nima is expected to make a full recovery."
26th - Pediatricians Warn Against Excessive Synthetic Childrearing
"Do human parents leave too much childrearing to synthetic hands? Recent studies show that more than half of urban human households use a robotic or VI babysitting service at least once a week, and a quarter use them more than three times per week. Pediatricians say that it's too much time spent with stand-ins. "A robotic caretaker is meant to supplement real-life parenting, not replace it," says Dr. Alger Coppton. "Childhood is when we form our deepest familial connections. Spending this time with synthetic surrogates is neither healthy for nor fair to a child." Single father Riley Brennan says that sometimes, that time is not an option. "I work double shifts four days a week. I can't afford a real babysitter. I'd love to be home more, but at least this way I know my son is being looked after while I'm at my job.""
27th - Eldfell-Ashland Energy Stonewalls Quarian Conclave In Mining Dispute
"Eldfell-Ashland Energy is refusing to meet with representatives from the Quarian Conclave as they clash over rights to rich veins of palladium discovered on several asteroids on the outskirts of the Nubian Expanse. "Eldfell-Ashland's sole contribution to the project was to appear with an armed frigate after we finished surveying, then demand that we vacate the unclaimed area," says Captain Ahlis'Laspar vas Nalotir. "We will continue mining until Eldfell-Ashland presents the Conclave with proof of ownership or speaks to us without hiding behind a gun sight. We would prefer both.""
28th - Eldfell-Ashland Ships Destroyed in Nubian Expanse
"Eldfell-Ashland Energy has accused the Migrant Fleet of destroying a cruiser, three frigates, and six mining freighters in the Nubian Expanse over a mineral-rights dispute. The quarians denied all charges, saying that they last saw Eldfell-Ashland's ships retreating out of sensor range, presumably to refuel at their cruiser by the system's mass relay. Eldfell-Ashland spokesperson Yves Nevil responded: "Yesterday we lost contact with our ships out in the Expanse. Shortly afterward, we received a distress signal from the MSV Stanislaw reporting an 'alien attack.' We have very little doubt as to what happened here." Eldfell-Ashland officials are planning to go before the Council and ask that the Migrant Fleet be banned from Citadel space."
"A cache of antique munitions was recently uncovered by colonists mining for palladium on the planet Enael. The miner who made the discovery, Lawrence Daskin, immediately contacted authorities, who began an emergency evacuation of local colonists to a safe distance. The cache, which includes more than 100,000 artillery and mortar shells as well as land mines and high explosives, is believed to date back to a skirmish between batarian forces and Citadel forces over seventy years ago. The munitions removal is expected to last until late next week, after which colonists should be able to return to their homes. Said one expert, "While this is obviously a big inconvenience for the folks living here, it's not the kind of job you want to rush.""
23rd - Sonax Industries' Lira Speight Interviewed By Emily Wong
"In the first half of an exclusive 90-minute (Citadel standard) interview, Sonax Industries supreme commander Lira Speight sat down with the Future Content Corporation's Emily Wong and answered questions about the war on Garvug. "We -- and I mean the army, not the board -- had a nearly impossible task once the insurgency was established," she says, "and success would not have been financially possible without Umsung Holdings' backing. I presented the idea to the higher-ups of letting some negative stories through on the comm buoys to win trust with the news media, but it developed into more. The president of Umsung was good friends with Sonax's chairman; when the offer was made, the idea clicked: the board realized the power of winning by losing. From that moment on, we played the wounded bird and gave the snakes exactly what they wanted to see.""
24th - Sonax Industries' Lira Speight Interviewed By Emily Wong (Part 2)
"In the second half of Emily Wong's interview with Sonax supreme commander Lira Speight, the admiral alternately argues about, confesses to, and speculates about the moral repugnance of her actions. "I don't regret the deception," she said, "to shareholders or anyone else. What keeps me up at night is [the death of Brigadier General] Noah [Vardos]. He knew the real strategy, but he saw good people dying under him; Garvug residents dying for no reason - it haunted him." As to the civillian casualties, she responded "Our test story, the video of krogan being executed, that wasn't genuine, but damn few people questioned it. Once we saw the public's saturation point, when they weren't shocked any more and just wanted it over, we gave them what they demanded, as fast as we could.""
25th - Alliance Marines Find Survivor on Deserted Station
"A patrol of Alliance Marines recently stumbled across an asteroid miner who had been marooned on a deserted station for over two years. "Billion to one chance," said Captain Matthew Brown. "I looked out the window just as we flew over the surface and spotted a light in one of the buildings." The survivor, Pashtol Nima, was a drill operator who'd disabled his tracking beacon while in the field to make up for lost time on a job, unaware that the operation was closing up behind him. "We all thought Nima shipped out early, like he kept saying he wanted to," said Nima's former foreman Jim Ratham. "He's lucky it was cheaper to leave the life-support equipment behind on this job instead of hauling it back into space." Although severely malnourished and suffering from psychological distress, Nima is expected to make a full recovery."
26th - Pediatricians Warn Against Excessive Synthetic Childrearing
"Do human parents leave too much childrearing to synthetic hands? Recent studies show that more than half of urban human households use a robotic or VI babysitting service at least once a week, and a quarter use them more than three times per week. Pediatricians say that it's too much time spent with stand-ins. "A robotic caretaker is meant to supplement real-life parenting, not replace it," says Dr. Alger Coppton. "Childhood is when we form our deepest familial connections. Spending this time with synthetic surrogates is neither healthy for nor fair to a child." Single father Riley Brennan says that sometimes, that time is not an option. "I work double shifts four days a week. I can't afford a real babysitter. I'd love to be home more, but at least this way I know my son is being looked after while I'm at my job.""
27th - Eldfell-Ashland Energy Stonewalls Quarian Conclave In Mining Dispute
"Eldfell-Ashland Energy is refusing to meet with representatives from the Quarian Conclave as they clash over rights to rich veins of palladium discovered on several asteroids on the outskirts of the Nubian Expanse. "Eldfell-Ashland's sole contribution to the project was to appear with an armed frigate after we finished surveying, then demand that we vacate the unclaimed area," says Captain Ahlis'Laspar vas Nalotir. "We will continue mining until Eldfell-Ashland presents the Conclave with proof of ownership or speaks to us without hiding behind a gun sight. We would prefer both.""
28th - Eldfell-Ashland Ships Destroyed in Nubian Expanse
"Eldfell-Ashland Energy has accused the Migrant Fleet of destroying a cruiser, three frigates, and six mining freighters in the Nubian Expanse over a mineral-rights dispute. The quarians denied all charges, saying that they last saw Eldfell-Ashland's ships retreating out of sensor range, presumably to refuel at their cruiser by the system's mass relay. Eldfell-Ashland spokesperson Yves Nevil responded: "Yesterday we lost contact with our ships out in the Expanse. Shortly afterward, we received a distress signal from the MSV Stanislaw reporting an 'alien attack.' We have very little doubt as to what happened here." Eldfell-Ashland officials are planning to go before the Council and ask that the Migrant Fleet be banned from Citadel space."
November, week 5:
29th - Citadel to Launch Investigation into Attack on EAE
Fleet
"The Migrant Fleet's place in Citadel space is today's leading debate, as the Presidium prepares to launch an independent investigation into the destruction of an Eldfell-Ashland Energy mining fleet. "That this is even being discussed is frightening," says asari diplomat Cerca T'Awnas. "There's been no time to inspect the fleet's wreckage, and no formal charges were laid. It's a blatantly premature condemnation of the quarian people." Public opinion on the matter, however, is more mixed. "The Flotilla is a floating scrap yard," says an entry from popular blogger Feyro Derlan. "When too many ships are beyond repair, what are the quarians going to do, take out a loan? It was only a matter of time before they turned pirate.""
30th - Survivor Claims Massive Starship Destroyed Mining Fleet
"Earlier today, the Migrant Fleet rescued an Eldfell-Ashland Energy employee drifting through the Nubian Expanse in a lifepod. Navigator Camilla Gutierrez, the only survivor of the MSV Stanislaw, says that quarians had nothing to do with the attack that stranded her: "The ship's silhouette was just massive. There's no way the quarians had that monster in their Flotilla. I've never seen anything like it." Asked about the attack itself, Gutierrez reported, "They blew out our engines before we knew what hit us. Smoke was everywhere. I heard the captain yell something about boarders before he ordered us to the lifepods." Eldfell-Ashland says it is relieved Gutierrez was recovered, but that the Citadel investigation should continue "until all parties involved are satisfied.""
"The Migrant Fleet's place in Citadel space is today's leading debate, as the Presidium prepares to launch an independent investigation into the destruction of an Eldfell-Ashland Energy mining fleet. "That this is even being discussed is frightening," says asari diplomat Cerca T'Awnas. "There's been no time to inspect the fleet's wreckage, and no formal charges were laid. It's a blatantly premature condemnation of the quarian people." Public opinion on the matter, however, is more mixed. "The Flotilla is a floating scrap yard," says an entry from popular blogger Feyro Derlan. "When too many ships are beyond repair, what are the quarians going to do, take out a loan? It was only a matter of time before they turned pirate.""
30th - Survivor Claims Massive Starship Destroyed Mining Fleet
"Earlier today, the Migrant Fleet rescued an Eldfell-Ashland Energy employee drifting through the Nubian Expanse in a lifepod. Navigator Camilla Gutierrez, the only survivor of the MSV Stanislaw, says that quarians had nothing to do with the attack that stranded her: "The ship's silhouette was just massive. There's no way the quarians had that monster in their Flotilla. I've never seen anything like it." Asked about the attack itself, Gutierrez reported, "They blew out our engines before we knew what hit us. Smoke was everywhere. I heard the captain yell something about boarders before he ordered us to the lifepods." Eldfell-Ashland says it is relieved Gutierrez was recovered, but that the Citadel investigation should continue "until all parties involved are satisfied.""
December, week 1:
1st - Nockrick Taur Arrested After Disrupting Musical
Showing
"After his latest fiasco, police are charging self-declared elcor performance artist Nockrick Taur with breaking and entering, computer intrusion, inciting a riot, destruction of property, and resisting arrest. Taur broke into the Reyanommond auditorium on the Citadel during a showing of the popular new musical "Hearts on Breaking Shore." Halfway through the program, Taur used a jamming signal to short out every translator in the theater, then triggered a fire alarm. "It was a nightmare," says one theatergoer. "It was dark, people were suddenly shrieking gibberish, and no one knew what was happening. One poor salarian got his arm broken just because he was standing between the crowd and an exit." Taur expressed no remorse over the 44 people injured in the panic, only saying as he was led to jail: "Smug satisfaction: It was an admirable success in forcing people to face their overdependence on technology for modern convenience.""
2nd - Simulstim Actor Accuses Director of Staging Beating
"Simulstim director Hoyt Marrazo is being accused of using unscripted, real-life trauma in his controversial mockumentary "Holly's Last Chance." Marrazo instructed actor Cordan Ryng to put on his recording-rig before coming to the set, which was deserted when Ryng arrived. "Then three or four thugs jumped out," Ryng said. "One cracked my leg with a baton, then kicked me to the ground. They beat me for at least two minutes and 34 seconds, because that's how long Marrazo's footage lasts." Marrazo denied all charges of a setup, insisting that Ryng was fully aware and consenting during the scene. "I'd never destroy the bond of trust between a simulstim director and his actor for a cheap shock," said Marrazo. "If Ryng's doing this to get out of more filming, there are smarter ways to get out of a contract.""
3rd - Youth United Aims to Connect Young People of All Species
"Youth United is a galaxy-wide extranet group that aims to connect young people of all species. Founder Darchas Clark says he wants to provide a helpful, positive environment for children to learn about each others' cultures. A batarian raised in a human family, Clark says he knows things can be difficult for young people of mixed backgrounds. "My parents were good people, but they didn't know how to help with my struggle to relate to either batarian or human cultures when I was a kid," he recalls. "It's important that Youth United lets kids know they're not alone in that struggle. There's still too many vicious and ignorant attitudes towards mixed families out there." The group's services include chat sessions with peers and counselors, free classes on alien languages and cultures, and a guide to the galaxy's major legal systems."
4th - University of Serrice to Return Salarian Artifacts
"Rare salarian artifacts will be returned to Mannovai after a month-long visit to the colony by Professor Baliya Haphia. "The families of the salarians I met changed my mind on where these artifacts should ultimately rest," says the professor, who had staunchly defended keeping the items in the museum of the University of Serrice. "Sometimes it is easy to forget that a curator's job is not only to preserve the past, but also to inspire the next generation with its own history." Credited with facilitating the agreement reached between the University of Serrice and Mannovai, Professor Haphia has been asked to accompany the honor guard escorting the artifacts back home."
5th - Work Completed on the Cairn Monument
"The last shovel of soil has been laid over the time capsule buried underneath the Cairn, an ambitious sculpture its project lead hopes will be her longest-lasting monument. "Most time capsules are lost or abandoned," says Andrea Schumacher, the Cairn's lead architect. "The Cairn has been inscribed with pictograms developed by anthropologists and semioticians. These graphics are designed to show any species that there's something buried below. What any given race makes of the capsule is for history to decide." The Cairn is a simple, 300-meter block covered with a thick coat of weather-resistant, nigh-indestructible polymer. Over 20 museums have contributed materials for the capsule, including instructions on how to build starship drive cores and a map of the galaxy's mass relays."
"After his latest fiasco, police are charging self-declared elcor performance artist Nockrick Taur with breaking and entering, computer intrusion, inciting a riot, destruction of property, and resisting arrest. Taur broke into the Reyanommond auditorium on the Citadel during a showing of the popular new musical "Hearts on Breaking Shore." Halfway through the program, Taur used a jamming signal to short out every translator in the theater, then triggered a fire alarm. "It was a nightmare," says one theatergoer. "It was dark, people were suddenly shrieking gibberish, and no one knew what was happening. One poor salarian got his arm broken just because he was standing between the crowd and an exit." Taur expressed no remorse over the 44 people injured in the panic, only saying as he was led to jail: "Smug satisfaction: It was an admirable success in forcing people to face their overdependence on technology for modern convenience.""
2nd - Simulstim Actor Accuses Director of Staging Beating
"Simulstim director Hoyt Marrazo is being accused of using unscripted, real-life trauma in his controversial mockumentary "Holly's Last Chance." Marrazo instructed actor Cordan Ryng to put on his recording-rig before coming to the set, which was deserted when Ryng arrived. "Then three or four thugs jumped out," Ryng said. "One cracked my leg with a baton, then kicked me to the ground. They beat me for at least two minutes and 34 seconds, because that's how long Marrazo's footage lasts." Marrazo denied all charges of a setup, insisting that Ryng was fully aware and consenting during the scene. "I'd never destroy the bond of trust between a simulstim director and his actor for a cheap shock," said Marrazo. "If Ryng's doing this to get out of more filming, there are smarter ways to get out of a contract.""
3rd - Youth United Aims to Connect Young People of All Species
"Youth United is a galaxy-wide extranet group that aims to connect young people of all species. Founder Darchas Clark says he wants to provide a helpful, positive environment for children to learn about each others' cultures. A batarian raised in a human family, Clark says he knows things can be difficult for young people of mixed backgrounds. "My parents were good people, but they didn't know how to help with my struggle to relate to either batarian or human cultures when I was a kid," he recalls. "It's important that Youth United lets kids know they're not alone in that struggle. There's still too many vicious and ignorant attitudes towards mixed families out there." The group's services include chat sessions with peers and counselors, free classes on alien languages and cultures, and a guide to the galaxy's major legal systems."
4th - University of Serrice to Return Salarian Artifacts
"Rare salarian artifacts will be returned to Mannovai after a month-long visit to the colony by Professor Baliya Haphia. "The families of the salarians I met changed my mind on where these artifacts should ultimately rest," says the professor, who had staunchly defended keeping the items in the museum of the University of Serrice. "Sometimes it is easy to forget that a curator's job is not only to preserve the past, but also to inspire the next generation with its own history." Credited with facilitating the agreement reached between the University of Serrice and Mannovai, Professor Haphia has been asked to accompany the honor guard escorting the artifacts back home."
5th - Work Completed on the Cairn Monument
"The last shovel of soil has been laid over the time capsule buried underneath the Cairn, an ambitious sculpture its project lead hopes will be her longest-lasting monument. "Most time capsules are lost or abandoned," says Andrea Schumacher, the Cairn's lead architect. "The Cairn has been inscribed with pictograms developed by anthropologists and semioticians. These graphics are designed to show any species that there's something buried below. What any given race makes of the capsule is for history to decide." The Cairn is a simple, 300-meter block covered with a thick coat of weather-resistant, nigh-indestructible polymer. Over 20 museums have contributed materials for the capsule, including instructions on how to build starship drive cores and a map of the galaxy's mass relays."
December, week 2:
6th - Guanghui and Sonax Concealing Prothean Technology on
Garvug
"A team of reporters from Second Star Broadcasting has made a discovery that they claim puts the war on Garvug in an entirely new light. Working undercover for several months at Guanghui Solutions, the journalists uncovered evidence that the company, along with Sonax Industries, was concealing a cache of Prothean technology on Garvug for their own private financial gain. The reporters' painstaking documentation has garnered the attention of the Citadel Council's Committee on Paleotechnology, which demanded that the corporations allow their inspection team full access to the Garvug site in question or face reprisals to their offices in Citadel space. The investigation promises to delay Guanghui's release of a high-performance mass effect field generator scheduled to be on the market in just a few months."
7th - Biologists Document New Insectoid Species With Biotics
"Biologists on the arid world of Ekram were shocked when an insectoid colony shoved them back from its nest with a biotic field. "At first I thought it was our meteorologist, Darren, goofing around with his L1 implant," says Dr. Andile Ndiaye, who leads the team studying a beetle-like invertebrate called a kirik. While most animals can theoretically develop biotics if exposed to element zero at the earliest stage of their lifecycle, insects and similar arthropod-like species on other planets were previously thought to lack the complex neural pathways needed to develop control over biotic powers. "We're getting calls from all sorts of specialists," says Dr. Ndiaye. "Studying the kirik will be a treat if we can actually get near the little critters again.""
8th - Kirik More Intelligent than Earth Insects
"The insect-like kirik on Ekram are not only powerfully biotic, they could also be far more intelligent than Earth insects. Once the insect colony figured out the scientists studying it weren't predators, the kirik began sending out unified biotic pulses in different strengths and patterns. "When a biotic repeated these patterns back," says linguist Martha Cospiel, "the kiriks' broadcast patterns changed. If this is indicative of systematic learning, it could be the beginning of real communication between us. It also indicates total brain volume is not as important as we once thought. We're hoping they might be as clever as cats or even dogs.""
9th - Lead Biologist on Ekram Suggests Uplifting Kirik
"Dr. Andile Ndiaye released this controversial press statement earlier today about his work with the biotic and possibly intelligent kirik on Ekram: "At first our communication with the colony was basic -- me, you, food, not-food -- but the more our biotics 'talk' to them, the faster they learn. We suspect their complex social structure puts their learning ability on par with that of dolphins. 'Uplift' has become a dirty word, but the kirik are perfect candidates." Seconds after his speech, the extranet exploded in a furious debate over Dr. Ndiaye's proposal. The Citadel Council has sent several ships to monitor traffic to and from Ekram as it decides whether or not to permit the research team to remain on the planet."
10th - Pundits Weigh In On Kirik Uplift Debate
"Whether or not to uplift the biotic kirik colony of Ekram continues to be a popular and often contentious point of debate. "It's ridiculous to compare this to Tuchanka," writes political blogger Erlan Golta. "The krogan already had the capacity to use the weapons and starships we rained down on them. These insects don't even know how to work a coffee maker." Cydelle Fei, author and think-tank consultant, says it's already too late to worry about that. "Whether it's genetic research conglomerates or curious biotic tourists, we're not going to leave these Ekramite bugs alone," she writes. "At least bringing the colony fully into the fold of sentience will grant them rights and protections no dolphin or viyak ever had.""
11th - Citadel Representatives to Evaluate Kiriks' Intelligence
"The researchers studying Ekram's biotic insect colony became unexpectedly stranded today. "We told the kirik we'd have to leave if our swarm-queen -- that is, the Citadel -- pulled us off-planet," says head researcher Dr. Andile Ndiaye. "When we started back to base, the colony lifted our groundcar right off the road because it wanted to keep talking." Despite the power of the hive's biotics, Dr. Ndiaye says he never felt in danger and that the kirik immediately expressed concern that they'd damaged the team's "feelers". "Their curiosity is incredible," says Dr. Ndiaye. "Leaving them after first contact would be like abandoning a child." In response to this incident, the Citadel has sent several representatives to evaluate the kiriks' current level of intelligence and compare it to standard galactic sapience tests."
12th - Film Distributor Screening 342-Hour-Long Epic "Iota Horologii"
"Grab some pillows, snacks, and a comfortable outfit! Got Serbos' 342-hour-long epic, "Iota Horologii," will be playing at select theaters in Citadel space this weekend. Released a decade ago, the critically acclaimed box office bomb tracks the fortunes of twelve alien families as their empires clash in an unnamed galaxy inside the Horologium supercluster. Viewers who don't want to stay for the entire movie will be relieved to know they can come and go as they please. If the showing proves popular, the distributor is considering screening other lengthy cult classics such as the surreal 95-hour "Molt" or the 43-hour adaptation of the Earth classic "Gravity's Rainbow.""
"A team of reporters from Second Star Broadcasting has made a discovery that they claim puts the war on Garvug in an entirely new light. Working undercover for several months at Guanghui Solutions, the journalists uncovered evidence that the company, along with Sonax Industries, was concealing a cache of Prothean technology on Garvug for their own private financial gain. The reporters' painstaking documentation has garnered the attention of the Citadel Council's Committee on Paleotechnology, which demanded that the corporations allow their inspection team full access to the Garvug site in question or face reprisals to their offices in Citadel space. The investigation promises to delay Guanghui's release of a high-performance mass effect field generator scheduled to be on the market in just a few months."
7th - Biologists Document New Insectoid Species With Biotics
"Biologists on the arid world of Ekram were shocked when an insectoid colony shoved them back from its nest with a biotic field. "At first I thought it was our meteorologist, Darren, goofing around with his L1 implant," says Dr. Andile Ndiaye, who leads the team studying a beetle-like invertebrate called a kirik. While most animals can theoretically develop biotics if exposed to element zero at the earliest stage of their lifecycle, insects and similar arthropod-like species on other planets were previously thought to lack the complex neural pathways needed to develop control over biotic powers. "We're getting calls from all sorts of specialists," says Dr. Ndiaye. "Studying the kirik will be a treat if we can actually get near the little critters again.""
8th - Kirik More Intelligent than Earth Insects
"The insect-like kirik on Ekram are not only powerfully biotic, they could also be far more intelligent than Earth insects. Once the insect colony figured out the scientists studying it weren't predators, the kirik began sending out unified biotic pulses in different strengths and patterns. "When a biotic repeated these patterns back," says linguist Martha Cospiel, "the kiriks' broadcast patterns changed. If this is indicative of systematic learning, it could be the beginning of real communication between us. It also indicates total brain volume is not as important as we once thought. We're hoping they might be as clever as cats or even dogs.""
9th - Lead Biologist on Ekram Suggests Uplifting Kirik
"Dr. Andile Ndiaye released this controversial press statement earlier today about his work with the biotic and possibly intelligent kirik on Ekram: "At first our communication with the colony was basic -- me, you, food, not-food -- but the more our biotics 'talk' to them, the faster they learn. We suspect their complex social structure puts their learning ability on par with that of dolphins. 'Uplift' has become a dirty word, but the kirik are perfect candidates." Seconds after his speech, the extranet exploded in a furious debate over Dr. Ndiaye's proposal. The Citadel Council has sent several ships to monitor traffic to and from Ekram as it decides whether or not to permit the research team to remain on the planet."
10th - Pundits Weigh In On Kirik Uplift Debate
"Whether or not to uplift the biotic kirik colony of Ekram continues to be a popular and often contentious point of debate. "It's ridiculous to compare this to Tuchanka," writes political blogger Erlan Golta. "The krogan already had the capacity to use the weapons and starships we rained down on them. These insects don't even know how to work a coffee maker." Cydelle Fei, author and think-tank consultant, says it's already too late to worry about that. "Whether it's genetic research conglomerates or curious biotic tourists, we're not going to leave these Ekramite bugs alone," she writes. "At least bringing the colony fully into the fold of sentience will grant them rights and protections no dolphin or viyak ever had.""
11th - Citadel Representatives to Evaluate Kiriks' Intelligence
"The researchers studying Ekram's biotic insect colony became unexpectedly stranded today. "We told the kirik we'd have to leave if our swarm-queen -- that is, the Citadel -- pulled us off-planet," says head researcher Dr. Andile Ndiaye. "When we started back to base, the colony lifted our groundcar right off the road because it wanted to keep talking." Despite the power of the hive's biotics, Dr. Ndiaye says he never felt in danger and that the kirik immediately expressed concern that they'd damaged the team's "feelers". "Their curiosity is incredible," says Dr. Ndiaye. "Leaving them after first contact would be like abandoning a child." In response to this incident, the Citadel has sent several representatives to evaluate the kiriks' current level of intelligence and compare it to standard galactic sapience tests."
12th - Film Distributor Screening 342-Hour-Long Epic "Iota Horologii"
"Grab some pillows, snacks, and a comfortable outfit! Got Serbos' 342-hour-long epic, "Iota Horologii," will be playing at select theaters in Citadel space this weekend. Released a decade ago, the critically acclaimed box office bomb tracks the fortunes of twelve alien families as their empires clash in an unnamed galaxy inside the Horologium supercluster. Viewers who don't want to stay for the entire movie will be relieved to know they can come and go as they please. If the showing proves popular, the distributor is considering screening other lengthy cult classics such as the surreal 95-hour "Molt" or the 43-hour adaptation of the Earth classic "Gravity's Rainbow.""
December, week 3:
13th - "Off Stage" and "Blasto Saves
Christmas" Top Weekend Box Office
"The weekend box office is in, and holiday fare is being passed over like bad fruitcake. The dance flick "Off Stage" opened at number one, raking in a tidy 2.73 billion credits. Loosely based on the true story of a paraplegic asari dancer who learns how to move almost entirely through biotics, the movie was a hit with critics who lauded newcomer Shai L'Tanas' performance. Holding steady at number two, "Blasto Saves Christmas" absconded with 1.9 billion credits from audiences who can't get enough of the hanar-exploitation hero. Sharpstickintheeye.com calls the sequel "wince-worthy." Coming in at number three was "This One's Hanukkah Cheer" with 955 million, followed by "With Genericized Holiday Spirit" at 673 million. "Teenage Ninja Kwanzaa Force" scraped up 448 million worth of laughs, landing last on the top-earner list."
14th - Hospitals Caution Public About Medi-Gel Overreliance
"Hospitals are once again cautioning people about overreliance on medi-gel. "It's a lifesaver, but it can't perform miracles," says registered nurse Rutos Kar. "Emergency rooms are filled with people who think applying medi-gel on a fracture instantly heals it. Then they stand on the break and worsen the injury." Kar advises people to go to a hospital in the event of major trauma but does recommend keeping your medi-gel supply topped up. "It's excellent for first aid and preventing infections," he says. "Medi-gel is handy when diseases from across the galaxy are getting dropped off at your local spaceport three times a day.""
15th - Hearstfield Intercontinental Resort Opens Microgravity Water Park
"The Hearstfield Intercontinental Resort has made swimming a breeze, or at least breezy, with the opening of its microgravity water park on the moon of Voya. The park features a tidal pool with floating 20-foot waves, a miniature "mountain" of water, and a terrace composed of dozens of hot tubs suspended in midair. This three-story complex may seem overwhelming, but owner and manager Jacqueline Birchmen says the Hearstfield has constantly pushed the bar of extravagance by never thinking small. "Everyone called the engineering and building challenges monumental," Birchman says, "but we saw the opportunity to make every visit to the Hearstfield a galaxy-class event. Our suites are booked for up to a year, so our guests obviously agree.""
16th - Taetrian Civilians Released from Safe Camps
"After months of living in squalor at government-mandated safe camps, civilians in the Diluvian Wildlands of planet Taetrus are finally going home. Lana Ixiri, a banker who left for the camps early, had no idea what to expect. "All anyone knew was that there were bombings and lootings, so I thought I'd be coming back to a gutted house or a pile of rubble," she says. Lana was one of the lucky ones. Some windows in her prefab house were shot out, but moisture damage to the wood-framed house was limited. Older neighboring houses have rotted and become unsafe. Lana is just one among thousands trying to reconstruct their lives now that the resistance has been quashed. "It's been so long," she says. "It's hard to remember what normal is.""
17th - Colonialist Forces Begin Reconstruction Effort on Taetrus
"Once feared by the population, colonialist forces on Taetrus now face the daunting task of reconstruction and reuniting family members. The turian charity Orphans of War estimates that the Taetrus conflict now includes casualties of more than 75,000 missing persons and 16,000 children who have lost both parents. "The hastatim are supposed to get everyone," says Corporal Vitola Raedun, "but at least half of the ones I know won't shoot a kid even if he's looting, so they end up in these holding pens that are practically halfway houses." Raedun says the easiest way to reunite is to get on the extranet, but if the children are too young to use a computer, then relatives must go to the camps and the orphanages in person. "That's just a nightmare," Raedun says."
18th - Aish Ashland Selling Her Heart for Charity
"If you ever wanted a piece of the galaxy's ditziest socialite, now's your chance. Aish Ashland is selling her heart online. It's not the one currently in her chest, but one of two spares she had grown from cloned tissue at a lab in the Earth town of Pacific Palisades. "Originally it was there in case something awful happened," she said, "but after my recent marital difficulties, I've decided that it's time for the world to know that my heart has moved on." Bidding starts at 50 million credits for the organ, which doctors say is in excellent shape. All proceeds from the sale of the heart will go to Aish's self-founded charity, the Aishwarya Ashland Center for Rehabilitation Medicine."
19th - Ailing Multimillionaire's Daughter Places Winning Bid in Heart Auction
"It's a dream come true for 64-year-old multimillionaire Rakesh Dutta, whose daughter Kanta made the winning bid for Aish Ashland's cloned heart last night. "Appa's a total celebrity addict, and he loves his present!" Kanta raved to FirehoseofFame.com minutes after the final bid closed at 115.6 million credits. "He knew I was searching for a donor, but he had no idea he was getting Aish's heart." Ashland herself said in press release, "I'm so glad I could help someone who's obviously one of those suffering people. I think suffering is a terrible thing and we should all try to avoid it as part of the Christmas season." Dutta will be flown from his native Sri Lanka to Los Angeles, where he will undergo surgery to replace his heart with the 24-year-old socialite's spare. Dutta's heart was failing after a bout with diabetic cardiomyopathy."
"The weekend box office is in, and holiday fare is being passed over like bad fruitcake. The dance flick "Off Stage" opened at number one, raking in a tidy 2.73 billion credits. Loosely based on the true story of a paraplegic asari dancer who learns how to move almost entirely through biotics, the movie was a hit with critics who lauded newcomer Shai L'Tanas' performance. Holding steady at number two, "Blasto Saves Christmas" absconded with 1.9 billion credits from audiences who can't get enough of the hanar-exploitation hero. Sharpstickintheeye.com calls the sequel "wince-worthy." Coming in at number three was "This One's Hanukkah Cheer" with 955 million, followed by "With Genericized Holiday Spirit" at 673 million. "Teenage Ninja Kwanzaa Force" scraped up 448 million worth of laughs, landing last on the top-earner list."
14th - Hospitals Caution Public About Medi-Gel Overreliance
"Hospitals are once again cautioning people about overreliance on medi-gel. "It's a lifesaver, but it can't perform miracles," says registered nurse Rutos Kar. "Emergency rooms are filled with people who think applying medi-gel on a fracture instantly heals it. Then they stand on the break and worsen the injury." Kar advises people to go to a hospital in the event of major trauma but does recommend keeping your medi-gel supply topped up. "It's excellent for first aid and preventing infections," he says. "Medi-gel is handy when diseases from across the galaxy are getting dropped off at your local spaceport three times a day.""
15th - Hearstfield Intercontinental Resort Opens Microgravity Water Park
"The Hearstfield Intercontinental Resort has made swimming a breeze, or at least breezy, with the opening of its microgravity water park on the moon of Voya. The park features a tidal pool with floating 20-foot waves, a miniature "mountain" of water, and a terrace composed of dozens of hot tubs suspended in midair. This three-story complex may seem overwhelming, but owner and manager Jacqueline Birchmen says the Hearstfield has constantly pushed the bar of extravagance by never thinking small. "Everyone called the engineering and building challenges monumental," Birchman says, "but we saw the opportunity to make every visit to the Hearstfield a galaxy-class event. Our suites are booked for up to a year, so our guests obviously agree.""
16th - Taetrian Civilians Released from Safe Camps
"After months of living in squalor at government-mandated safe camps, civilians in the Diluvian Wildlands of planet Taetrus are finally going home. Lana Ixiri, a banker who left for the camps early, had no idea what to expect. "All anyone knew was that there were bombings and lootings, so I thought I'd be coming back to a gutted house or a pile of rubble," she says. Lana was one of the lucky ones. Some windows in her prefab house were shot out, but moisture damage to the wood-framed house was limited. Older neighboring houses have rotted and become unsafe. Lana is just one among thousands trying to reconstruct their lives now that the resistance has been quashed. "It's been so long," she says. "It's hard to remember what normal is.""
17th - Colonialist Forces Begin Reconstruction Effort on Taetrus
"Once feared by the population, colonialist forces on Taetrus now face the daunting task of reconstruction and reuniting family members. The turian charity Orphans of War estimates that the Taetrus conflict now includes casualties of more than 75,000 missing persons and 16,000 children who have lost both parents. "The hastatim are supposed to get everyone," says Corporal Vitola Raedun, "but at least half of the ones I know won't shoot a kid even if he's looting, so they end up in these holding pens that are practically halfway houses." Raedun says the easiest way to reunite is to get on the extranet, but if the children are too young to use a computer, then relatives must go to the camps and the orphanages in person. "That's just a nightmare," Raedun says."
18th - Aish Ashland Selling Her Heart for Charity
"If you ever wanted a piece of the galaxy's ditziest socialite, now's your chance. Aish Ashland is selling her heart online. It's not the one currently in her chest, but one of two spares she had grown from cloned tissue at a lab in the Earth town of Pacific Palisades. "Originally it was there in case something awful happened," she said, "but after my recent marital difficulties, I've decided that it's time for the world to know that my heart has moved on." Bidding starts at 50 million credits for the organ, which doctors say is in excellent shape. All proceeds from the sale of the heart will go to Aish's self-founded charity, the Aishwarya Ashland Center for Rehabilitation Medicine."
19th - Ailing Multimillionaire's Daughter Places Winning Bid in Heart Auction
"It's a dream come true for 64-year-old multimillionaire Rakesh Dutta, whose daughter Kanta made the winning bid for Aish Ashland's cloned heart last night. "Appa's a total celebrity addict, and he loves his present!" Kanta raved to FirehoseofFame.com minutes after the final bid closed at 115.6 million credits. "He knew I was searching for a donor, but he had no idea he was getting Aish's heart." Ashland herself said in press release, "I'm so glad I could help someone who's obviously one of those suffering people. I think suffering is a terrible thing and we should all try to avoid it as part of the Christmas season." Dutta will be flown from his native Sri Lanka to Los Angeles, where he will undergo surgery to replace his heart with the 24-year-old socialite's spare. Dutta's heart was failing after a bout with diabetic cardiomyopathy."
December, week 4:
20th - Hierarchy Forces Clearing Taetrian Cities of Feral
Animals
"It's a dirty job, but someone must do it. Lieutenant Astrae Rubicum of the occupying Hierarchy forces on Taetrus is responsible for culling the feral animals filling the cities. "It's nearly impossible take care of pets at a safe camp," he says, "so people just left them outside when they fled their houses." Rubicum estimates over 50,000 pets were abandoned in Spaedar alone, and his animal corps has euthanized at least 10,000, not counting the ferals that don't fit into the trucks and are immediately destroyed. "On the good days, it's sad," he says. "On the bad days, it's gut-wrenching." People are camping out at the crematostation every morning, waiting to see if the animal corps brings in their pets. If no one picks up the animals between intake and processing, they are euthanized. Rubicum hopes that families now returning to their homes will be able to reunite with their pets in time."
21st - Usaru Maestros Triumph 79-77 in Record-Breaking Biotiball Game
"It was grueling, it was frustrating, and it had us on the edges of our seats. Last night's game between the Washington Hackers and the Usaru Maestros broke the record for the longest game in biotiball history. In the ninth overtime period after a whopping 91 minutes [Citadel Standard] of game time, the Maestros finally put away the winning basket to end it 79-77. Said Maestros forward Tyra T'Sanis, "Both sides were exhausted, and that's when you let the fresh girls play defense. It was all we could do to keep that ball afloat." Hackers coach Jerome Manning still thinks his team came out winners. "We took it to the Maestros on their home ground and we had them tied," he said proudly. "Our players are 20, 30-years-old, up against players who've been in biotiball since the sport was founded, and we still gave the fans a show to remember." The Hackers go on to play the New Orleans Loa next week, while the Maestros face the Seattle Sorcerers in the semifinals."
22nd - Council Investigators Indict Sonax and Guanghui Executives
"Citadel Council investigators have announced formal charges against 14 of 24 board members of Sonax Industries and Guanghui Solutions. The move follows an investigation that confirmed those companies withheld Prothean technology from the galactic community for personal gain and instigated an interplanetary war to that end. The investigation credited unnamed Spectres who secured what they say was "irrefutable evidence" of the corporations' complicity. Included in those indicted is Sonax supreme commander Lira Speight. High Commissioner of Galactic Rights Yrania Asula said, "The acts of these corporations went beyond mere illegality and into crimes against the galactic populace. We invoke the right of the Council to admit evidence garnered by Council representatives to prosecute the parties involved for their misdeeds." Lira Speight's office reportedly responded with the following statement: "Try.""
23rd - Alleged Spectre Plot Against Lira Speight Foiled
"The death of a salarian enforcement agent on planet Garvug is causing a stir among Council watchers and Sonax stockholders alike. Sources close to Sonax commander Lira Speight allege that Spectre Lonar Maerun made an attempt on Speight's life and was wounded by her security. Maerun's assistant died, shot after a weapon malfunction left him vulnerable. Sonax officials allowed journalists to view but not photograph a charred salarian body they claim is Urjon Taltz, Maerun's companion. Speight herself did not appear at the press conference, and spokesperson Victor Cohen attempted to assuage reporters, saying the Sonax board was "looking into" complying with the Citadel Council, but added that, "the law clearly states that we are in the Terminus Systems, and their act of aggression goes beyond any legal attempt to solve this matter.""
24th - Sonax Industries Reorganized Amid Council Investigation
"Umsung Holdings, Sonax Industries' parent company, has announced sweeping changes to upper management in light of new evidence that has caused significant damage to their brand. The Sonax Industries division will now be known as Kore, and each board member currently under Council investigation for war crimes will be given a retirement package for services rendered. Said Umsung representative Areum Khan, "It is a new day at Umsung, and we are grateful to the Citadel Council for shining the harsh light of truth on the missteps taken by our employees." Admiral Lira Speight's replacement, Vice Admiral Sanele Mabuza, is expected to take command of the armed forces on and orbiting Garvug in three [Citadel Standard] hours when the sun rises over its capital of Dhazil."
25th - Humans Celebrate the Holiday of Christmas
"Today marks the human holiday of Christmas, celebrating the birth of the semi-divine teacher-prophet Jesus in Earth's Christian tradition. The holiday is commemorated through omnipresent music in public areas, lavish gift-giving to relatives and loved ones, the cutting and decorating of trees placed indoors, and the hanging of flexible footgear near fire pits. While all of the above practices are secular, more religious humans attend a prayer service either on the night before or during this day. The holiday spirit is traditionally shared with others by wishing for "peace on Earth and good will towards men." Once considered universal, that greeting has since been replaced by "peace and good will towards all creation.""
26th - Disgraced Sonax Commander Lira Speight on the Run
"Former Sonax (now Kore) employee Lira Speight has reportedly fled the planet Garvug. Citadel investigators, allowed access to her personal quarters by Kore Admiral Sanele Mabuza, were able to determine that she took steps to alter her appearance before departing with a flight bag full of negotiable bearer bonds and platinum. She is believed to be traveling with up to five trusted bodyguards. Investigators have released no details about the make or model of the ship she used, nor have they speculated on her likely location. Asked if she would likely remain in the Terminus Systems to stay outside the Council's reach, spokesperson Dixali Arborandum replied, "If she wants to stay out of our reach, she'd better find another galaxy.""
"It's a dirty job, but someone must do it. Lieutenant Astrae Rubicum of the occupying Hierarchy forces on Taetrus is responsible for culling the feral animals filling the cities. "It's nearly impossible take care of pets at a safe camp," he says, "so people just left them outside when they fled their houses." Rubicum estimates over 50,000 pets were abandoned in Spaedar alone, and his animal corps has euthanized at least 10,000, not counting the ferals that don't fit into the trucks and are immediately destroyed. "On the good days, it's sad," he says. "On the bad days, it's gut-wrenching." People are camping out at the crematostation every morning, waiting to see if the animal corps brings in their pets. If no one picks up the animals between intake and processing, they are euthanized. Rubicum hopes that families now returning to their homes will be able to reunite with their pets in time."
21st - Usaru Maestros Triumph 79-77 in Record-Breaking Biotiball Game
"It was grueling, it was frustrating, and it had us on the edges of our seats. Last night's game between the Washington Hackers and the Usaru Maestros broke the record for the longest game in biotiball history. In the ninth overtime period after a whopping 91 minutes [Citadel Standard] of game time, the Maestros finally put away the winning basket to end it 79-77. Said Maestros forward Tyra T'Sanis, "Both sides were exhausted, and that's when you let the fresh girls play defense. It was all we could do to keep that ball afloat." Hackers coach Jerome Manning still thinks his team came out winners. "We took it to the Maestros on their home ground and we had them tied," he said proudly. "Our players are 20, 30-years-old, up against players who've been in biotiball since the sport was founded, and we still gave the fans a show to remember." The Hackers go on to play the New Orleans Loa next week, while the Maestros face the Seattle Sorcerers in the semifinals."
22nd - Council Investigators Indict Sonax and Guanghui Executives
"Citadel Council investigators have announced formal charges against 14 of 24 board members of Sonax Industries and Guanghui Solutions. The move follows an investigation that confirmed those companies withheld Prothean technology from the galactic community for personal gain and instigated an interplanetary war to that end. The investigation credited unnamed Spectres who secured what they say was "irrefutable evidence" of the corporations' complicity. Included in those indicted is Sonax supreme commander Lira Speight. High Commissioner of Galactic Rights Yrania Asula said, "The acts of these corporations went beyond mere illegality and into crimes against the galactic populace. We invoke the right of the Council to admit evidence garnered by Council representatives to prosecute the parties involved for their misdeeds." Lira Speight's office reportedly responded with the following statement: "Try.""
23rd - Alleged Spectre Plot Against Lira Speight Foiled
"The death of a salarian enforcement agent on planet Garvug is causing a stir among Council watchers and Sonax stockholders alike. Sources close to Sonax commander Lira Speight allege that Spectre Lonar Maerun made an attempt on Speight's life and was wounded by her security. Maerun's assistant died, shot after a weapon malfunction left him vulnerable. Sonax officials allowed journalists to view but not photograph a charred salarian body they claim is Urjon Taltz, Maerun's companion. Speight herself did not appear at the press conference, and spokesperson Victor Cohen attempted to assuage reporters, saying the Sonax board was "looking into" complying with the Citadel Council, but added that, "the law clearly states that we are in the Terminus Systems, and their act of aggression goes beyond any legal attempt to solve this matter.""
24th - Sonax Industries Reorganized Amid Council Investigation
"Umsung Holdings, Sonax Industries' parent company, has announced sweeping changes to upper management in light of new evidence that has caused significant damage to their brand. The Sonax Industries division will now be known as Kore, and each board member currently under Council investigation for war crimes will be given a retirement package for services rendered. Said Umsung representative Areum Khan, "It is a new day at Umsung, and we are grateful to the Citadel Council for shining the harsh light of truth on the missteps taken by our employees." Admiral Lira Speight's replacement, Vice Admiral Sanele Mabuza, is expected to take command of the armed forces on and orbiting Garvug in three [Citadel Standard] hours when the sun rises over its capital of Dhazil."
25th - Humans Celebrate the Holiday of Christmas
"Today marks the human holiday of Christmas, celebrating the birth of the semi-divine teacher-prophet Jesus in Earth's Christian tradition. The holiday is commemorated through omnipresent music in public areas, lavish gift-giving to relatives and loved ones, the cutting and decorating of trees placed indoors, and the hanging of flexible footgear near fire pits. While all of the above practices are secular, more religious humans attend a prayer service either on the night before or during this day. The holiday spirit is traditionally shared with others by wishing for "peace on Earth and good will towards men." Once considered universal, that greeting has since been replaced by "peace and good will towards all creation.""
26th - Disgraced Sonax Commander Lira Speight on the Run
"Former Sonax (now Kore) employee Lira Speight has reportedly fled the planet Garvug. Citadel investigators, allowed access to her personal quarters by Kore Admiral Sanele Mabuza, were able to determine that she took steps to alter her appearance before departing with a flight bag full of negotiable bearer bonds and platinum. She is believed to be traveling with up to five trusted bodyguards. Investigators have released no details about the make or model of the ship she used, nor have they speculated on her likely location. Asked if she would likely remain in the Terminus Systems to stay outside the Council's reach, spokesperson Dixali Arborandum replied, "If she wants to stay out of our reach, she'd better find another galaxy.""
December, week 5:
27th - Omega Medical Examiner Confirms Death of Fugitive
Admiral
"The saga of former Kore employee Lira Speight has apparently come to an end. A body with a geneprint matching that of her medicard to 99.998% accuracy was presented to a regional medical examiner on the Omega space station. Her bodyguards explained to officials that she was in a hotel and complained of headaches shortly before collapsing and could not be revived. The medical examiner, Ur'shok Aranhur, declared her death a result of a massive stroke and concluded there were no signs of foul play. Lonar Maerun, one of several Citadel Spectres assigned to bring in the fugitive admiral, says the evidence satisfies him. "She was under considerable stress," he said. "I guess it got to her more than she let on." Speight is survived by one brother. She was 47 Earth standard years old."
28th - Galaxy's Longest-Running Chess Game Concludes
"The galaxy's longest-running game of chess finally came to a close as Dowumon Thunloon of Dekuuna checkmated Victor Kovisk of Luna. A board game of skill developed on 11th-century Earth, chess became popular on the elcor homeworld a few years after humanity was granted an embassy on the Citadel. Both players have competed professionally, but Thunloon and Kovisk's legendary 12-year game was "a friendly match" that its extranet followers are sad to see end. "A flower of moves blooming over a decade," wrote one fan. "I remember the first check better than I remember my kid being born," admitted another. They may not have to wait long for a rematch: Kovisk warmly congratulated Thunloon on his win, to which the elcor replied, "Pleased acceptance: Thank you very much. Tentative excitement: New game?""
29th - New York City's Times Square Ball Moved to Presidium
"The Earth city of New York is breaking with a centuries-long tradition this year to inaugurate a new one. The Times Square New Year's Eve ball, a crystal globe festooned in lights that descends in the last moments of the old Earth standard year, will be moved to the Presidium on the Citadel, where it will descend at precisely one minute before midnight, Eastern Standard [Earth] Time. In the ball's place on Earth will be a volumetric display of the Citadel ball, and giant monitors up and down Broadway will display the crowds on the Presidium. "We feel this is our year," said New York mayor Trudi Raspallo. "Humans are on the galactic stage now in a big way, and we invite the galaxy to celebrate with us.""
30th - Times Square Ball Believed Stolen by Turian Con Man
"The manhunt is on once again for Rolan Quarn. The turian con man and thief is believed to have stolen the Times Square New Year's Eve ball, sending event organizers on the Citadel and in New York into a panic. The time ball, which is four meters in diameter and weighs 5,185 kilograms in Earth gravity, disappeared sometime in the station's last night-cycle just two standard days before the New Year's Eve festivities. While it is possible Quarn did not steal the ball, a paper note claiming responsibility and signed with his handprint was left at the scene of the ball's disappearance. "At this point we don't know if it's still on the station," said a source in C-SEC who asked not to be named. "Frankly, we don't even know how he got the thing into an elevator. It was fully assembled.""
31st - C-Sec Continues Search for Stolen Time Ball
"Citadel security continues the search for the stolen time ball meant to mark the passing of the human New Year. Captain Armando-Owen Bailey, whose men have searched countless docking bays for signs of the device, says there is evidence that the perpetrator used a mass reducer to get the ball off the Presidium. "We can't shut down all traffic without piling up half a million partygoers," says Bailey, "and we're certain that was part of the plan." Event coordinator Nyala Alaynas says the theft will not stop the festivities. "We've still got spotlights and fireworks and lots of that fizzy gold drink," she says. "Like the humans say, the show must go off.""
"The saga of former Kore employee Lira Speight has apparently come to an end. A body with a geneprint matching that of her medicard to 99.998% accuracy was presented to a regional medical examiner on the Omega space station. Her bodyguards explained to officials that she was in a hotel and complained of headaches shortly before collapsing and could not be revived. The medical examiner, Ur'shok Aranhur, declared her death a result of a massive stroke and concluded there were no signs of foul play. Lonar Maerun, one of several Citadel Spectres assigned to bring in the fugitive admiral, says the evidence satisfies him. "She was under considerable stress," he said. "I guess it got to her more than she let on." Speight is survived by one brother. She was 47 Earth standard years old."
28th - Galaxy's Longest-Running Chess Game Concludes
"The galaxy's longest-running game of chess finally came to a close as Dowumon Thunloon of Dekuuna checkmated Victor Kovisk of Luna. A board game of skill developed on 11th-century Earth, chess became popular on the elcor homeworld a few years after humanity was granted an embassy on the Citadel. Both players have competed professionally, but Thunloon and Kovisk's legendary 12-year game was "a friendly match" that its extranet followers are sad to see end. "A flower of moves blooming over a decade," wrote one fan. "I remember the first check better than I remember my kid being born," admitted another. They may not have to wait long for a rematch: Kovisk warmly congratulated Thunloon on his win, to which the elcor replied, "Pleased acceptance: Thank you very much. Tentative excitement: New game?""
29th - New York City's Times Square Ball Moved to Presidium
"The Earth city of New York is breaking with a centuries-long tradition this year to inaugurate a new one. The Times Square New Year's Eve ball, a crystal globe festooned in lights that descends in the last moments of the old Earth standard year, will be moved to the Presidium on the Citadel, where it will descend at precisely one minute before midnight, Eastern Standard [Earth] Time. In the ball's place on Earth will be a volumetric display of the Citadel ball, and giant monitors up and down Broadway will display the crowds on the Presidium. "We feel this is our year," said New York mayor Trudi Raspallo. "Humans are on the galactic stage now in a big way, and we invite the galaxy to celebrate with us.""
30th - Times Square Ball Believed Stolen by Turian Con Man
"The manhunt is on once again for Rolan Quarn. The turian con man and thief is believed to have stolen the Times Square New Year's Eve ball, sending event organizers on the Citadel and in New York into a panic. The time ball, which is four meters in diameter and weighs 5,185 kilograms in Earth gravity, disappeared sometime in the station's last night-cycle just two standard days before the New Year's Eve festivities. While it is possible Quarn did not steal the ball, a paper note claiming responsibility and signed with his handprint was left at the scene of the ball's disappearance. "At this point we don't know if it's still on the station," said a source in C-SEC who asked not to be named. "Frankly, we don't even know how he got the thing into an elevator. It was fully assembled.""
31st - C-Sec Continues Search for Stolen Time Ball
"Citadel security continues the search for the stolen time ball meant to mark the passing of the human New Year. Captain Armando-Owen Bailey, whose men have searched countless docking bays for signs of the device, says there is evidence that the perpetrator used a mass reducer to get the ball off the Presidium. "We can't shut down all traffic without piling up half a million partygoers," says Bailey, "and we're certain that was part of the plan." Event coordinator Nyala Alaynas says the theft will not stop the festivities. "We've still got spotlights and fireworks and lots of that fizzy gold drink," she says. "Like the humans say, the show must go off.""
