"We will have 2 production jigs for Corkscrew." Sea Urchin, who is Director of Technology, told reporters. "Jig A will be at Solaris and will begin production in 2114 with Jig B in Raegris space beginning in 2115. Each jig can produce around 3 ships a year so we have planning on at least 6 a year which may give us scope for some export orders."
Sea Urchin said the specification was now locked down and designs would be finalised early next year. "Building the prototype will commence in Half 2 2113, it will be the first ship of the DDS fleet (and will likely be SS Corkscrew but that will not be confirmed yet). The first ship will likely enter service early in 2114 though will be mostly involved with training and proving trials in 2114. The next 5 ships will be for the Remedians. Then from mid-2115 it should be full scale ahead for the DDS."
- Ronald has stepped down as leader of Imperial Order and Cruggson has been named the new leader. Cruggson said that he was going to "reinvigorate" the party which looks set to be spending some years away from the Consulship.
- Ahead of Thursday's vote in the Consul election the candidates have begun a final series of rallies and campaigning. El Diablo maintains a healthy lead though it has now dropped to 51.6% though this would still give him an outright victory. MBH has now risen to 40.8%. Malanson's vote has collapsed to 3.1% as voters move to the 2 main candidates.
