21.1.25

Dinos unveil Eritran peace plan including semi-independent planets in CSE-E

The Dinos have unveiled a peace plan which has already been presented to the Clones and Eritrans. The plan is hoped to solve the problems which have led to the Clone-FES war. The Eritran majority planets in the CSE-E (Miliaris, Laalande 21649 and Rendrial 4) would become self-governing though remain part of the Clone Star Empire. The planets would have their own territorial air and land forces with a minimal CDF presence. Orbital defence would remain part of the Clone Space Navy's domain.

As a sweetener, the Dinos say they would donate 5 billion zarks for the setting up of the territorial forces and other infrastructure. This would help save the Clones the set-up costs. The Dinos will also pay several billion each to the Clones and FES to help with reconstruction. The Dinos will also offer DTA tariff free trade to the Clones which would be very valuable to the struggling Clone economy. The FES now look likely to join the DTA.

Admiral Anderson is said to be largely in agreement with the peace plan. Some senior CSE figures have warned against the CSE becoming a client state of the DTA.

20.1.25

Dinomark squadron arrives at Starbot to police Clone-FES ceasefire

Twelve Dinomarks have arrived at Starbot. They will police a Clone-FES ceasefire alongside other DTA member ships including Starbot. Two Sirikwanese ships are understood to also be en route, the Bolitic (not DTA members but aligned to the Dinos) may also send a detechment.

As per the peace proposals being sponsored by the DTA, a neutral zone between the Clone Star Empire and Free Eritran States will be established, about three light years wide. It will be monitored by DTA ships, CSE and FES warships will not be permitted to enter it. The FES also want all planets in the CSE-E except Austini 55 to be "de-nuclearised" (no CSM batteries installed). The Clones have not yet agreed to this, CSM on Austini 55 will not be able to reach the FES, though as proved in the war their bomber launched CSM-S cruise missiles will still be in range.

A second relief convoy has also reached both Molab and Helinox, including Starbotian crews to assist with reconstruction. An NS convoy is still a couple of weeks away though a ship despatched from Aldebra has reached Molab with anti-nuclear medication.

19.1.25

K58AD Raptor enters field testing

The K58AD Raptor is a light fighter version of the K58 COIN aircraft, itself a version of the K3 advanced trainer. The aircraft has a hybrid engine combining a turbofan with an electrically operated ducted fan. This allows the aircraft to loiter and cruise at low speed for extended periods. This capability has proven highly effective with the COIN version in training, though the type has not been used in combat.

The K58AD will replace the K47 as the light fighter for second line squadrons and territorial air forces in the Clone Star Empire. Although the type is subsonic it is highly agile (the K3 prepares pilots for the K45 after all).

If field tests this year are successful it is expected that up to five hundred will be built.

18.1.25

FES apply to join DTA

Following a meeting of the Free Eritran States on Sear N7, the FES have said they wish to join the Dino Trade Association. Senator Krusty is due to meet with the FES in a few days and is likely to be presented with the official application.

It is likely the application will be successful. In a debate in the Dino Assembly, Censor Ronald said that the DTA should expand to include the FES if they wanted to join. He also said that the DTA should consider changing it's name to reflect that more non-Saurian nations want to join. He suggested the new name Commonwealth of Interstellar Nations.

15.1.25

Krusty meets Anderson on Cloneworld

Senator Krusty, the Dino Minister of the Intelligence Services and a key ally of Censor Ronald, has met with Admiral Anderson, the leader of the Clone Star Empire. They discussed the terms of a ceasefire between the CSE and Free Eritran States.

Krusty said that the FES wanted cast iron guarantees they would not be attacked as the Clones did during earlier "peace" talks. Krusty said the DTA would guarantee the safety of both sides by monitoring and patrolling a neutral zone between the CSE and FES. Anderson is said to have agreed in principle to this. The FES also want nuclear weapons withdrawn from border worlds in the CSE, Anderson said this could happen if the FES also gave up theirs.

Krusty will travel to Sear N7 next to consult with the FES.

13.1.25

NS scrambling to catch up DTA in fear they may lose FES as allies

Viceroy Caratore has ordered a relief convoy to depart for the Free Eritran States as soon as possible. Yesterday, the DTA (Dinos and Starbot) reached Helinox and Molab and are assisting after the nuclear attacks on the two planets. It is rumoured the FES are considering requesting the DTA to join it as part of it's security guarantee in return for ending the war with the Clones.

The FES are officially allies of NS though this relationship has cooled on both sides after the MBO take over of NS. Caratore is concerned that NS has dragged it's heels too much when the Eritrans needed assistance.

The problem is, even if the convoy left tomorrow (and it is unlikely to be ready to leave until next week), the ships would take a couple of weeks to reach the FES. A second and larger DTA relief fleet is due to arrive in the FES within the next few days.