Story #2445

All The Worlds A Stage
Trojan Warlord remembers when he had to stage the DDS Christmas Panto!

Story #2444

Star! Its What You Wanted!
The Dinos move in on the Vegan invaders.

Story #2443

This Is How We Run
Malanson and Krusty are sent in to repel Vegans from a Dino colony.

Could the Dinos enter the ship export market fully?

It has been announced that the Dinos are considering offering an export version of the new Dinomark AM for the Aritans who are seeking to replace their Kalahati Tuuls by the end of the decade. This would be the first time the Dinos modified one of their ships for export, with sales of Dinomark XTs being of surplus and similiar to Dino Army spec ships.

With NS the undoubted market leader in ship sales, and the Clones trailing a bad second could the Dinos be considering entering the market themselves? Chief Dino industrialist (and Minister of Business & Infrastructure) Kroc is said to be keen on the idea (and owns the shipyards which would get these orders).

Although NS has the bulk of the market the traditional second-hand Utrek and Bolitic source of ships has dried up which means there could be new market opportunities. Emperor MBH is said to be sceptical however.

Sea Urchin rules out radical changes

NS President-elect Sea Urchin will take over in a couple of weeks. In a wide ranging interview with the NS News Service he discussed his plans and priorities for the next two years and again confirmed he will only serve one term in office.

Sea Urchin ruled out any radical changes, New Sparta would remain the name of the organisation and GHQ would remain on Proxima 5 for example. However Sea Urchin said there would be changes in direction to make NS a more rounded miltary machine. Land and aerial units would be reorganised and strengthened.

Sea Urchin said priority number one was the Light Patrol Craft contest between the Protector and Mariner prototypes. He said that he was already reviewing the findings of the contest and having discussions with fleet and NS Engineering officials. "I aim to make the decision as to which will become our main patrol craft and enter series production within days of entering office." he said.

Priority number two, Sea Urchin said, was NS' relationship with the UNP. Sea Urchin said that it was time NS became the UNP military officially instead of being so de facto. This is a surprise as DDS and NS leaders have always avoided this topic though will pretty much all UNP military forces except local patrol troops now absorbed by NS maybe it is the time to have the debate.

Sea Urchin finished by saying the main aim of his term of office was to prepare and direct NS ready for the 2120s. He declined to answer who he would like as his successor though the new Director of Operations Caratore is the most likely person to continue the Knobhead-Sea Urchin project.

Aritans begin search for Kalahati Tuul replacement

Eleven Kalahati Tuuls are an important component of the New Aritan fleet but are ageing and come from a variety of sources with a number of different equipment fits and technology styles. The New Aritans have decided to replace the ships by "the early part of the 2120s".

The search has now begun for the replacement. Its thought the choice will be between more Shark SKH-EA frigates and a new type. Its not thought that Pentekonters are an option as Arit has operated them before.

Dinos to review fleet and Dinomark RS

Emperor MBH has said its time the fleet was reviewed and a decision was made as to how large the fleet needs to be and how best to reach that target. Up until now the Dinos have tended to have rather vague ideas about how many ships they should have in their fleet but MBH wants it to be much better planned.

Senator Zanus, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Defence Minister, has been directed to lead a review of the Dino Army fleet which will report back to the Senate next year.

Also to be reviewed is the small fleet of Dinomark RS, the only true battle cruisers in the Dino fleet. The ships are ageing and will require a major upgrade and refurbishment within the next few years however MBH is unsure if this should happen and maybe the ships could be withdrawn instead. Another option is to convert the RS to amphibious operations command ships. The Zanus led review will also consider these options.

Story #2442

Because Of All The Oil
Windy and Firefly penetrate a secret society.

Dinos crush Vegan pirates

Dino Army forces led by Senators Malanson and Krusty have defeated a band of Vegan pirates which attacked and occupied a small mining colony called Gar Greeca 6. The Vegans had installed heavy anti-aircraft defences around the colony's only town meaning an air-based attack was out of the question.

Instead elements of the 13th Legion and an SS-D unit were landed out of range of the AA defences and attacked the Vegans outside the town. The Vegans fought well but were crushed by the Dino forces which included the latest T-55ZDM2 tanks.

Many of the colonists are reported to have been killed though the majority were able to flee the Vegans.

NS begins New Year shut down and prepares for changeover

With the final exercise Winter Mists 2117 now over New Sparta has begun its traditional end of year shut down. Patrols will still go on as usual though most other operations will be curtailed for a two week period and shipyards and other facilities will also pause.

At NS GHQ however there will be more activity than usual due to the changeover of power from the last NS Commander Knobhead to the first NS President Sea Urchin. It is rumoured a ceremony will take place including all still-living former DDS and NS Commanders including the first of them all Ronald. Its unknown if he will attend though a Dino SS security team has been seen this week at NS GHQ.

Story #2441

Blind Faith In Superwar
Windy and company investigate the murder of an NS officer.

Proton e-Core engine cleared for operational service

After months of trials and several hundred light years the first engine in the new e-Core family, the Proton RM, has been cleared for operational service. Three Pentekonters have been using the engine for a number of months already as part of the development process and the rest of the fleet could receive the engine in an upgrade. The engine will also be part of the improved export Pentekonter Protector 2118.

Two versions of the engine have been produced, the RM-01 for export and the slightly uprated RM-02 for NS service.

Dr Forbidden gave a media briefing on Proton. The engine was very complicated and would generate some challenges for operational use. The target efficiency for Proton over the existing HS-760GX powerplant was to use "a third" less power. So far NS had managed to get it up to 28.6% but hoped that software refinement could improve that.

One interesting issue, Dr Forbidden said, was that Pentekonters with Proton now had a surplus of power, indeed one reactor too many. An NS Engineering chief said that a load balancing system was being developed to manage this and reduce wear and tear. This power surplus would not be so much of an issue on combat ships where the power could be used in weapons and other combat systems.

NS plan autonomous air fighter "better than K45C"

New Sparta has begun development of its replacement for the F-10S Shark 2100 fighter. The new warplane is expected to enter service by 2130 and will be a development of the Ferret UCV. President-elect Sea Urchin, in one of his final acts as Director of Technology, announced the project on Solaris earlier today.

"We have been playing catchup with the Clones for a long time. The F-10S is good but the Clones are far ahead with the K45C Falcon. We aim to jump ahead with the new fighter which will be a fully autonomous air fighter able to beat anything up there!" he said though he did not offer any further details or even what the new fighter will be called. A spokeswoman said that would be left to Sea Urchin's replacement as Director (Knobhead) to decide.

UV243 : New Regime

• Can't Afford The Space - A Dino patrol is sent to investigate a possible Terrasaur attack.
• Would Of Have - A Dino patrol encounters the Terrasaurs.
• So Many Bear Traps - Sea Urchin becomes the first NS President.
• Broader Incident - The NS come under attack from a Utrek faction.
• Academy Nites - Trojan remembers back to a horrific incident that happened at DDS Academy.
• I'm Shocked - Crickson has to break into a Clone prison camp.
• MR Patrol! - Can Crickson survive the Clone prison?

Vegan pirates attack, occupy Dino colony

The Dino Army is reporting that a strong force of Vegan pirates has attacked the obscure mining colony of Gar Garleena 6. The planet, which is outside DTA space though is claimed by the Dinos is home to a colony of around 5000. Its thought many of these have been butchered by the Vegans who are thought to belong to an exiled clan.

Emperor MBH has called up the 13th Legion and a strong space force to head to the colony within the next few days. Senator Malanson has been appointed commander of the task force.

Story #2437

MR Patrol!
Can Crickson survive the Clone prison?

Molab agree 5.1 billion zark deal with NS for ships, upgrades

Molab has signed a 5.1 billion zark contract with New Sparta for new ships and upgrades as they seek to strengthen their already potent fleet. Molab say these additions (detailed below) will be the final actions of the current "generation" of their fleet. Work will now begin on planning for the next generation of the fleet in the late 2120s and 2130s which will include replacements for the Kalahati Tuuls.

The new ships ordered are 3 Pentekonter Protector 259Ms, these will have e-Core engines. The existing fleet of E1M Pentekonters will also be refurbished and updated to a standard 259M standard.

In a change of policy Molab is to use the Depender as its mine sweeper director ship and have ordered 2 759Ms for the role. Their single Isometric ME mine sweeper director will be upgraded to EMM2 standard along with their 3 EMM Isometrics. The upgrade will include TPM-VLS and improved sensors. Delivery dates are still being negotiated though Molab say they hope the new ships and upgrades will be completed by 2120.

Operation Winter Mists 2117

Operation Winter Mists 2117 is the new December exercise and is a full-spectrum "mini war" involving space combat, strike, special forces and amphibious operations. The exercise has just begun and is being held on Mars and Alpha Centauri.

The ships involved are:

021-104 Grenadier (flag)
015-101 Quasar
015-106 Baryon
023-201 Anubis
035-204 Intrepid
035-301 Kinetic
036-102 Midas
041-113 Precambrian
043-110 Andaman Sea
051-108 Comet
062-103 Baltica
063-106 North America
131-101 Skytrain
076-102 Zebra

NS have also confirmed that next year's exercise schedule will be the same as 2117.

Olympus Mons Update 2118A (OM18A)

The first upgrade programme of 2118 will be of the Olympus Mons 23A support carrier fleet. The upgrade, Olympus Mons Update 2118A (given the code OM18A), will be fairly extensive including completely new propulsion as well as weapons and sensor upgrades. The main changes will be:

• Fitting with Electron W1A worm drive (planned speed of 4800ec)
• Conventional engine replaced with Proton RM-07A e-Core efficient engine
• TPM-VLS fitted increase of missile load to 48
• Z7 Zip cannon fitted
• Improved maintenance facilities for UCVs and small vessels
• New communications bus with much greater bandwidth for UCV operations

The upgrades will begin early next year.

Fleet News 04/12/17

051-107 Chrysalis is the latest Corkscrew 51A to enter service.

Extender 73A oiler 073-127 Ignition has also entered service.

Story #2436

I'm Shocked
Crickson has to break into a Clone prison camp.

Story #2435

Academy Nites
Trojan remembers back to a horrific incident that happened at DDS Academy.

Story #2434

Broader Incident
The NS come under attack from a Utrek faction.

Story #2433

So Many Bear Traps
Sea Urchin becomes the first NS President.

Feeder 82A leaves NS service

The Feeder 82A VIP shuttle fleet has formally left NS service after the final scheduled jobs were concluded. NS Commander Knobhead (who usually uses the NS flagship SS Cicero) used 082-101 Oscar for the final trip when he visited Solaris.

The ships will now be demilitarised and given a light overhaul before being handed over to their commercial buyer next year.

MBH promises a solid response to Terrasaur threat

In what is being seen as the first major test of the new MBH regime the Emperor has promised that the Dinos will give a solid response to the Terrasaur threat which has recently destroyed a Dinomark. "The Terrasaurs will not be permitted to operate in the space of the Dino Empire or that of its allies in the Dino Trade Association." MBH said in the Senate.

MBH has ordered a change to the rules of engagement. The Dinos will shoot first in any future encounter with the Terrasaurs. Patrols have also been increased.

Protector performing well in Light Patrol Craft contest

The Protector prototype (a modified Pentekonter) is reported to have performed well in the Light Patrol Craft contest against the Mariner prototype so far. The Protector is expected to win the contest which will be decided early next year. Series production of the winner will be the centrepiece of the next Ship Building Plan.

However the Mariner is also proving to be a good ship. President-elect Sea Urchin has mooted that both ships will eventually be built though Protector will be the priority.

Dinos report ship lost, Terrasaurs suspected

Contact with a Dinomark PT has been lost, the Dino Army has reported. The ship was on patrol at the far reach of Voth space off Apassara. Its thought the patrol was investigating the loss of contact with a remote Voth mining colony. Telemetry picked up before the loss of contact plus ultra long range scan data indicates the Dinomark was destroyed. Although no official word has been made as to the cause of the loss insiders say the Terrasaurs are suspected.

Its been thought the Terrasaurs have been probing the edge of Dino Trade Association space for a few months though this is the first hostile action. Six more Dinomarks are en route to Apassara to reinforce DTA defences there.

Story #2432

Would Of Have
A Dino patrol encounters the Terrasaurs.

Utrek successor state claims Remedian Belt!

One of the successor Utrek states now vying for dominance in the remains of the Utrek empire has claimed a chunk of UNP space! There was bemusement on Remedia Prime and NS GHQ after the Tenna Sucessor Republic claimed the Remedian Belt as its own territory!

Its not thought the Tenna possess much in the way of a fleet to enforce their claim though has restarted production of Reptoli Tuuls. The powerful 3rd Legion is on Tenna and is largely intact though the Utrek lack much in the way of power protection of their large army which survived the war with the Mantae largely unscathed.

An NS source says the Tenna claim is for domestic and inter-Utrek propaganda consumption only. The various successor states (which may number over 12) have skirmished over the last few months though a full on civil war has yet to occur. NS and the Remedians are, however, to strengthen their patrols along the border.

The Shiner eyes sale of part of DDS City

The new Vice-President of Infrastructure The Shiner has said his first priority will be to raise money from the sale of surplus parts of DDS City on Proxima 7. The former DDS GHQ is still the largest NS facility though around 30% of it is unoccupied due to previous reorganisations.

The Shiner wants to concentrate remaining staff so a surplus block of the huge sprawling site (around 20% of it) can be sold off. Its hoped the sale could raise over 1.5 billion zarks.

Shock as Torus becomes head of NS Intelligence & Internal Security

The former NS+ intelligence and internal security department of New Sparta is to be called NS Intelligence & Internal Security (NSIIS). The big surprise is who will lead this department: Torus! The former Deputy Commander was disgraced earlier in the year and demoted from her former role which was very much like her new one. She will report directly to Windscorpion the Vice-President of Intelligence.

Windscorpion is said to have personally assigned her to the role without consulting NS President-elect Sea Urchin. Sea Urchin is reported to be rather bemused by the appointment but will not veto it.

Torus was in need of a new job after Sea Urchin decided to finally abolish the old regional commands (she was Head of NS North). The Head of NS South The Chef has been appointed the new head of the Rapid Reaction Force after the resignation from the role of Rubick Cube Warrior who said he wanted to return to being a full-time ship commander.

Sea Urchin confirms he will retire after one term

NS President-elect Sea Urchin gave a speech to NS on NS News 24 where he thanked his supporters and colleagues for the "great honour of being the first New Sparta President". Sea Urchin also thanked Knobhead for his service as the last NS Commander and wished him luck for his new role as Vice-President of Technology.

Sea Urchin said that a full review of the NS military would be undertook next year, it would examine everything from rifles to the largest warships and help direct NS in the next decade. However that decade will not be one where Sea Urchin has an active role in NS. He confirmed that he will not stand for re-election in 2120 and will retire.

Sea Urchin's first decision, when he formally takes over in January, will be the winner of the Light Patrol Ship contest between the Mariner and the Protector. Sea Urchin said that in the next ship building plan 8 new patrol ships will be built, a decision will need to made as to what these ships will be as early as possible next year to allow time for component production and planning.

Sea Urchin elected NS President

To everyone's surprise the Central Committee, chaired by Witchdoctor, made its first act the election of Sea Urchin to be the first NS President. The vote was supposed to have been held tomorrow but Witchdoctor said as it was such a formality he saw no need in waiting. The decision did catch Sea Urchin on the hop though as he didn't even know he had been already elected until reporters called him at his home on Proxima 5!

President-elect Sea Urchin will officially take over from NS Commander Knobhead at the start of 2118 but wasted no time in making his first appointments in a new look NS heirarchy including Knobhead to replace him as head of Technology - a decision already known about. Under Sea Urchin will be four vice-presidents. One noticable aspect being that three of the four are ex-DDS/NS Commanders.

• Vice-President (Operations) Caratore (and overall deputy)
• Vice-President (Intelligence) Windscorpion
• Vice-President (Technology) Knobhead
• Vice-President (Infrastructure) The Shiner

The Shiner will head the new Infrastructure Department which will include NS Building Services, NS Estate Services, NS Financial Services and NS Development as well as the new exports agency.

More appointments will be made in the coming days.

Light Patrol Ship fleet will probably include Protector and Mariner

The Mariner and Protector prototypes are currently competing in an evaluation test to see which type will be chosen to become NS' Light Patrol Ship to replace the legacy UNSP fleet. It is widely expected that the Protector, a version of the Pentekonter, will win as it is Sea Urchin's favoured option.

However Dr Forbidden has said that it is likely both types will enter series production. If Protector is chosen, he said, there will still be a need for a smaller fleet of Mariners as Protector is not suitable for all light patrol roles where the smaller Mariner would be a better fit. He thinks the eventual light patrol fleet will be 49 Protectors and 12 Mariners though Sea Urchin will be the one to decide.

NS prepares for Sea Urchin's ascension

The Central Committee will meet in a few days, its first duty will be to elect the NS President. There is only one candidate of course though Sea Urchin will still require a majority of the electors.

Barring any catastrophe over the next few days Sea Urchin's election as President is pretty much a foregone conclusion and it is thought (though not confirmed) that preparations have already been made in some quarters for the transfer of power (though this will not happen officially until the end of the year).

At a media briefing Sea Urchin said the priority for the NS fleet would be to enhance what it already had. Its thought Sea Urchin will not order that many new ships (apart from the light patrol fleet replacement) but will be putting zarks into upgrades and improvements of what already is in service.

Story #2431

Can't Afford The Space
A Dino patrol is sent to investigate a possible Terrasaur attack.

Sale of Feeder shuttle agreed

NS has agreed the sale of its fleet of 9 Feeder 82A VIP shuttles to Solaris Space Lines in a 200 million zark deal. The shuttles will be demilitarised and given a light refurbishment before being handed over to the commercial carrier next year. The type will be withdrawn from NS service at the end of the month following existing timetabled programmes.

NS will not replace the type, as they already use Rome 46As for much of the VIP and general transport duty roles.

Nano Fighting Ship to be upgraded

The Alpha 121A Nano Fighting Ship, a small optionally manned scout, is to receive an upgrade NS have confirmed. Alpha 2117 Upgrade A will include the fitting of a special mini Zip cannon, improved sensors and autonomous systems. The crew facilities (2 can be carried) will also see some improvements thanks to some interior rearrangement.

The work will be carried out over the next few months. NS said that no more Alpha 121As on top of the 9 already built will be ordered.

NS discuss Lavender 105A

Director of Technology Sea Urchin has discussed the Lavender 105A unmanned patrol ship project which has just received step 2 funding which means final specification and design can now proceed. Sea Urchin did not commit to a firm date, "late 2110s" is still the published introduction date though its thought 2120-2 is a more realistic timetable.

Lavender will be a Medium Combat Ship class warship with provision for manning though will be able to operate for long periods autonomously. Five have been ordered though more may follow if the concept works.

Fleet News 07/11/17

044-120 Educate is the latest Pentekonter 44T training ship. It has also been fitted with an e-Core engine to assist with development of the new technology.

042-104 Piscis Australis is the latest Proxima Centauri 42A rebuild of a Starsystem 91X.

086-201 Navelwort and 086-202 Nectarine are the first 2 Coril 86M special forces transports (officially "special transport").

Raegris planning fleet upgrade

The Raegris parliament has agreed a multi-billion zark expansion and upgrade for its space fleet, already one of the most powerful second-tier fleets but facing new threats due to the Raegris location between the Utrek, IKA and Bolitic.

The Raegris upgrade plan has yet to be finalised but will include Corkscrew 51A warships, which are likely to be bought in and localised. More Pentekonters and Cosmos and upgrades for the Isometric fleet are also planned. The Raegris also want to be a launch site for the NS interstellar missile LRM-20.

Operation Material Asset 2117

Operation Material Asset 2117 is this month's NS exercise and is another new type of exercise being run for the first time. Material Asset is an exercise in strategic lift, rapid deployment and logistics under fire. The aim of the exercise will be for troops and material to be picked up from Solaris and then transported to Liberation. A group of "enemy" ships (which will include 2 Raegris and 1 Porquatian ship) will try and prevent the deployment.

The ships involved are:

015-108 Tachyon (flagship)
035-306 Kale
041-207 Faithful
051-102 Centurion
063-101 Oceania
063-106 North America
071-120 North Star
073-101 Extender

036-107 Magnolia (opposing force flagship)
+ 2 Raegris DF-1 Isometric
+ 1 Porquatian Quagan

Caratore and Anderson meet to try and repair NS/CSE relations

Deputy Commander Caratore has met with the head of the Clone Defence Forces Admiral Anderson at a secret summit on Mars. The recent security breaches on Cloneworld were discussed which have sparked recent Clone Star Empire anger and a deterioration of relations.

Caratore did not apologise for the incursion (or even acknowledge anything happened other than a "navigational error") however said that he wanted NS/CSE relations to be restored to how they were before. Anderson meanwhile has kept to the hard line though CDF readiness has been stepped down, mainly because of the expense of keeping the military on full alert. Caratore said that NS would avoid any further "errors" which may be enough to placate the Clones.

Clones begin testing hybrid engine in K40

The Clone Aircraft Corporation has begun testing a hybrid engine in a retired K40 fighter. The engine is bi-mode, able to be used as a normal turbine but also with an electrically powered fan for low but high efficiency thrust. The test K40 will test cruising in "electric mode", the K40 has a number of fuel cells fitted though also can generate electric from the other engine in turbine mode to power the other.

The CAF has no plans as yet to field this kind of engine in one of their fighters (though a similar engine is used in the K3 trainer and K58 COIN aircraft). However it is rumoured the technology may be included in a future version or upgrade of the K45.

S101 gets a new job

Former Starbotian Commander S101 has been a thorn in the side of the current incumbent K-2 for awhile now and in recent months has stepped up his political attacks. A few days ago he was subject to an attack by alien mercenaries, who was behind the attack is unknown though K-2 is suspected.

K-2 has found a way to silence S101 for the moment at least by having him appointed the Starbotian ambassador to the Dino Trade Association. As he will be based on Dino-Land he will be dozens of light years away from K-2!

Central Committee to meet mid-month to vote for NS President

The Central Committee will meet mid-November and vote for the first NS President. Sea Urchin is the only candidate though will still need a majority of the Central Committee to be elected (if he shouldn't get the required votes then the election would be voided and would be re-run - though this is highly unlikely).

NS Commander Knobhead said that the rest of 2117 after the election would be a transitional period and all command decisions would be taken in conjunction with the President who would then officially take over on January 1st 2118.

UV242: Target: Windy

• He's Dominated - Windy and Witchdoctor begin their secret mission.
• Hawkeye - Windy's mission runs into trouble.
• On Da Run - The Clones have killed Windy... or have they?
• Art Is Defined - Windy and Witchdoctor fight back.
• All Arguing - Can Windy be saved?
• Starbot Belongs To Me! - K-2 is under pressure to deal with S101.
• Where Are You Going? - S101 unveils a new ally.

Sea Urchin plans to form NS commercial arm

Nominations close in a few hours for the NS Presidency, it seems unlikely anyone will now stand against Sea Urchin who therefore will be elected as president by the Central Committee next month barring any disasters. Sea Urchin gave a speech at DDS City where he outlined his plans for NS commercial activities.

Raising money from commercial activities such as arms sales has become very important for NS with a target of raising 10 billion zarks a year in this way set a few years ago (NS will fall well short this year after a disappointing sales campaign). Sea Urchin said that a spin-off company called NS Investments will be created if he becomes President.

NS Investments will bring together the NS Exports Agency and other commercial off-shoots under one umbrella. There will be increased tie-ups with third parties though Sea Urchin ruled out a rumoured purchase of Consolidated Spacecraft by NS. Instead NS would increase its partnership with the spaceship maker.

Consolidated Spacecraft build the basis of the Friendship/Olympus/Defender family for NS under their Avery-Dunlop subsidery as the Star Rider. Sea Urchin said that a next generation Star Rider would be developed using NS improvements and an e-Core based engine. NS taking royalties from each sale. Sea Urchin said such partnerships would feature more in future.

Story #2427

Where Are You Going?
S101 unveils a new ally.

Oojok orders Clone Defence Forces to prepare for war with NS

The Clone Star Empire has accused New Sparta of operating in its territory and violating its sovereignty. NS has confirmed that a warship (a Panther class ship according to the Clones) did stray into CSE space due to a "navigation error". The head of the CDF Admiral Anderson said the NS warship was in Cloneworld orbit, "Quite an error."

WIndscorpion himself is claimed to have been on Cloneworld, the Clone Air Force bombing an area North of Beyond Micom, six Clone Army troops are reported to have been killed and a Z26 helicopter destroyed. The Clones claim this was done by Windscorpion. NS are denying any personnel were on the planet. Privately the Clones are admitting that the damage caused by bombing of the area means that any way of truly knowing what happened to the troops will remain unknown.

Oojok has ordered the Clone Space Navy to prepare for war with NS, however NS consider this to be simply rhetoric. NS is maintaining a high alert along the border however.

Story #2426

Starbot Belongs To Me!
K-2 is under pressure to deal with S101.

Story #2425

All Arguing
Can Windy be saved?

Explosions reported on Cloneworld

Cloneworld is on full-alert and the rest of the Clone Star Empire also on the highest non-war alert status. NS monitors have reported explosions in the Micom province of the planet. There are no military exercises scheduled and the explosions were reported in the countryside North of the provincial capital Beyond Micom (and Cloneworld's second city).

There have been no official word as to what is behind these explosions (or even that they happened) but the CDF have rushed 3 Red Lizard special force regiments to Micom.

Sea Urchin will restore the Army and Air Force names to NS

Sea Urchin said, on a visit to Terrestrial Forces HQ, that he would restore the names Army and Air Force to the land and aerial components of Terrestrial Forces if he becomes the first NS President. Sea Urchin said that the current names Land Corps and Air Corps were confusing and implied they were small supporting units (though one newspaper critic did later say that Sea Urchin had been the main architect behind the decision several years ago to use these names!)

Sea Urchin said that Terrestrial Forces would remain as an umbrella organisation over the NS Army and NS Air Force. Both are expected to get a budget increase if Sea Urchin takes over.

Story #2424

Art Is Defined
Windy and Witchdoctor fight back.

Sea Urchin discusses his plans for NS President

Sea Urchin, the likely first NS President, has outlined some of his plans for New Sparta for 2118-20 which would be his term of office. Sea Urchin said that he wanted NS to have a more efficient backbone and to strengthen in a number of areas. Key points of his manifesto included:

• New post of Director of Estate to look after NS infrastructure and finance (it is expected The Shiner will be appointed to this role)
• Efforts to raise 9 billion zarks through surplus land sales
• Funding for initial gate next general air combat system to replace F-10S in late 2120s
• Strengthening of Land Corps with 3rd combat ready brigade by 2120
• Deployment of LRM-20 interstellar missile to 3 sites across NS space
• Funding for Type 35 unification and enhancement
• Decision on Light Patrol Craft and series production by mid-2118

Operation Long Patrol 2117

This month's NS exercise is another new one being run for the first time. Long Patrol 2117 will train for deep space operations. Unlike other operations which are set up and run for a week at the moment Long Patrol (due to the nature of the exercise) began being set up in August! A small group of ships (detachment LP2117A) headed off to unclaimed space near the 7 Sa Sao (the exact location is secret). There they conducted surveys and reconnaissance.

As part of the exercise they will be resupplied and rendezvous with a second group of ships which set out a few weeks later (detachment LP2117B) and also test ultra long range communications. After about a week of exercises the ships will then all return in a single fleet.

The ships involved:

Detachment LP2117A

023-201 Anubis (flag)
043-113 Sea of Fertility
073-116 Methane

Detachment LP2117B

036-102 Midas (flag)
041-209 Fierce
076-101 Zephyr

Oxsaxa receive first Pentekonters

Free Eritran State member Oxsaxa has received the first 2 of 4 Pentekonter Protector 255OX they have on order. They also received the Provider 116 they ordered previously. It had been scheduled for delivery in 2116 but Oxsaxa asked for it to be deferred until this year because of delays in building necessary orbital infrastructure.

Oxsaxa are said to be also interested in the Depender 750 and have asked for more information on the type.

Story #2423

On Da Run
The Clones have killed Windy... or have they?

NS looking to sell Feeder fleet

NS is looking to sell the 9 Feeder 82A VIP shuttles it has as they are now surplus to requirements after the Rome 46K VIP fleet has come on stream. The Feeders were designed for longer trips with a greater capacity than the Coril fleet and are approaching 10 years in service. However over the last year they have seen a decline in usage.

NS hope they can be sold to commercial customers as they are in a good condition and have a competitive performance.

Clones developing space combat Tapir?

It is thought the Clones are developing a space combat version of its iconic Tapir infantry fighting vehicle. The project, known as TRV-5X, is developing a combat vehicle that can be used in low gravity and low or no atmosphere environments such as on a small moon or asteroid. Changes to the Tapir are extensive. The engine has been replaced by an electric motor, the entry doors at the rear of the Tapir have been enlarged due to the bulky suits personnel would be wearing.

"Space Tapir", as one publication has called it, would not have its own life support equipment installed due to size and power constraints. Personnel such as Red Lizard Space Corps would wear their space suits. The turret has been changed, the hatch being removed and the gun replaced by a laser. The interior of the Space Tapir is said to have an absorbent anti-shatter layer to prevent shrapnel in the event of a hull penetration (which in space could be from enemy action or a meteorite).

Two prototypes are under test according to reports. If the Clones decide to go ahead with Space Tapir then its likely older Tapirs will be rebuilt and modified instead of new build.

Clones go to second highest alert status

The Clone Defence Forces have been placed on Red 2 status, the Clone equivalent of the New Sparta ORANGE status, the next step down in their alert scheme from actual war. The decision is said to have been made by Deputy Emperor Sleeze and all Clone space and land forces are now on full readiness.

Oojok and Admiral Anderson were returning from a meeting with Terin on Austini 55. As per the protocol for Red 2 status Oojok's ship was diverted to another planet in the CSE (judging by the most usual flight path probably Petric) where he will be guarded at a secret location before being collected by an elite Red Lizard unit to be taken to Cloneworld.

New Sparta are said to be a bit bemused as to the Clone alert status as no apparent threats are known. NS Commander Knobhead has ordered the NS alert status increased to AMBER as a precaution though units near the Clone border will be on a localised ORANGE.

Story #2422

Hawkeye
Windy's mission runs into trouble.

Windscorpion monitor will receive new engine and worm drive

The first Windscorpion 18A monitor ship entered service a few days ago. At the moment it is only conventionally powered, using an engine developed from the Neptune powerplant used in the Quasar 15A. NS have revealed that the engine is only a stop-gap due to delays in developing a new engine based on the Hitachi HS-740 used in the Missileer 21B.

The new engine is expected to be fitted next year, it will include the more efficient Proton e-Core technology being developed by NS as well as provide more power. The Windscorpion 18A can reach higher speeds and the new engine will enable it.

The ship will also be fitted with worm drive. It had been expected to have been fitted already but low yields in producing the heavy duty Electron W1AA meant that the ship had to be released for service without it. NS said the geometry and testing of the power grid has been done. The worm drive will be fitted either later this year or early next.

Light Patrol Ship contest to begin next week

A contest between the Mariner 56A prototype and a modified Pentekonter in a form similar to the proposed Protector 57A is to begin next week. The winner of the contest will receive series production to replace the legacy fleet of light patrol vessels which are fast coming to their end of life.

SS Paris is still being modified to Protector standard (it is expected to be completed by the end of October) so Mariner will be evaluated first. The ships will be used in a number of patrol and combat simulations. As the need to begin series production is urgent the winner will be decided by the end of the year and series production will begin in the next Ship Building Plan starting next April.

Director of Technology Sea Urchin said that both ships had a chance though its known that he prefers the Protector (and will most likely be leading NS by the time the decision needs to be made).

Windscorpion 18A enters service

The first of 2 Windscorpion 18A monitors, 018-101 Windscorpion, has entered service. The ship is basically a gigantic gun, the ZMax, with a basic ship built around it. The ZMax is said to be as powerful as every Z cannon in the rest of the fleet put together. One shot from the ZMax could devastate enemy ground bases and orbital facilities.

The Windscorpion 18A is an "options ship", it is a luxury admitted Director of Operations Caratore at a media briefing aboard the ship. "Its the most specialised warship we have, maybe we will never have the right circumstance with which to use it. But it gives us another option. Obviously we could only consider such a weapon with a powerful full spectrum fleet."

The ship will be based with the fleet reserve at Proxima 5 though will be deployed on an exercise to test combat readiness soon.

NS / UNP consider economic sanctions against Clones

The UNP, at the request of New Sparta, have begun considering whether to place economic sanctions on the Clone Star Empire after the sale of Clone Space Missiles to the Dinos. Trade between the UNP and CSE is worth around 27 billion zarks a year - though sanctions would affect both sides equally. It is thought unlikely there would be sanctions though NS are keen for the Clones to know of their displeasure at the CSM deal.

Relations between NS and the Clones are at their lowest for a number of years. NS Commander Knobhead has said that the proliferation of CSM is a serious security problem for New Sparta. The NS equivalent system LRM-20 is now in limited operational status.

UV241 : Back 2 The Clone Wars

• Pit Stop Strategy - Cruggson and GBH continue their memories of the Ottoman incident.
• Figured It All Out - How Ronald got his mystic sword Nebuchadnezzar.
• All Our Yesterdays - Windy remembers an old battle.
• Shop Floor - Windy learns of a possible fortune.
• Ridicule To Really - El Diablo has to investigate the murder of an SS officer.
• Ultimate Protection - El Diablo and Razorback delve deeper into the dark world of the SS.
• When I'm Cleaning... - The net closes on the murderers of SS-Tribune Varta.

Fleet News (05/10/17)

A bumper start to October with no less than 5 ships entering service (1 delayed from last month).

016-114 Wildebeest
018-101 Windscorpion
035-308 Krafty
046-111 Constantine
071-121 Supplier

The most notable new arrival is the first of 2 planned Windscorpion 018A monitor ships.

Story #2421

He's Dominated
Windy and Witchdoctor begin their secret mission.

Clones withdraw from military co-operation with NS

The Clones have withdrawn their personnel from a joint military co-operation team with New Sparta. The team had been set up 3 years ago to discuss and evaluate joint operations and shared best practice. It was always a small scale operation (at most 5 Clones were involved) but it had been hoped the team would be the start of a greater friendship between the CDF and NS.

However Admiral Anderson has ordered the withdrawal after criticism from NS to the Clones after the sale of Clone Space Missiles to the Dinos.

Sea Urchin nominated for NS Presidency

Nominations for the first election of the New Sparta Presidency opened on Sunday. Sea Urchin today received his nomination, seconded by Caratore and Zeppelin. Sea Urchin did not say anything afterwards though Caratore said he would be Sea Urchin's election chief. Campaigning would be mostly in the latter half of October ahead of the vote in early November.

There have been no other nominees so far.

Story #2417

When I'm Cleaning...
The net closes on the murderers of SS-Tribune Varta.

Story #2416

Ultimate Protection
El Diablo and Razorback delve deeper into the dark world of the SS.

Possible Terrasaur warship detected near Voth

A Voth Space Navy Kalahati Tuul has had an encounter with a strange ship near Pinkax 807. The ship shadowed the Voth ship for several hours using a mixture of cloaking technology and sensor spoofing. The Voth were unable to assertain much about the ship. After several hours the ship then fired an energy shot at the Voth ship (which missed - though it is thought intentionally) and disappeared into a full cloak.

Later analysis by the Dinos indicates the ship may have been Terrasaur as the energy signature is similar to that detected on Terrasaur ships before. Emperor MBH has ordered 4 more Dinomarks to go to Voth.

Former HCS general says 4th Clone War is coming!

General Gouy-Biut is well known for controversy, often appearing on Clone TV to make inflammatory statements. His recent appearance on a Proxima TV channel sparked a sensation across the UNP as he said the 4th Clone War would begin within the next 10 years. "There is no doubt in my mind that the Clone Defence Forces are preparing for a 4th Clone War with the DDS, or whatever they are called these days." he said.

He added, "We [the Clones] have developed strategic weapons and are now closing the space fleet gap. By the late 2120s we will be ready to fight Sparta again and finally defeat them!"

New Sparta did not get involved in the controversy though another former HCS officer, General Yuek said that Gouy-Biut is always spouting nonsense and reminded people that he had been kicked out of the Clone Army for ordering the execution of DDS prisoners during the 1st Clone War when he had commanded the 35th Infantry Division. "Gouy-Biut is well known for his hatred of humans, i would not take much notice of what the old fool says." Yuek said.

However some in NS and the UNP will know that there is a kernel of truth in what the general said. The Clones have finally got over their financial problems that stalled their development for over a decade and are now improving their armed forces.

Operation Civilian Partnership 2117

The annual disaster relief exercise began on Monday, this year it is based on Mars and Terra and involves recovery from massive loss of computer systems after an EMP attack. NS and UNP personnel will practice in a low-tech scenario co-ordinating the delivery of relief supplies and the evacuation of "injured" civilians.

An abandoned mining settlement on Mars will be used for most of the exercises. It will be subjected to a real EMP attack using an NS pulse weapon (fired by the deployment flagship SS Weasel, a Warrior 16A bomber). NS and UNP personnel will then have to see how they cope without most of their tech toys! The ships involved will be:

016-110 Weasel (flagship)
051-102 Centurion
047-101 Fighting Falcon
047-202 Penguin
063-103 South East Asia
073-112 Butane
075-109 Group

Story #2415

Ridicule To Really
El Diablo has to investigate the murder of an SS officer.

Torus criticises lack of opponent for Sea Urchin

Torus has criticised the likely no-contest in the first election for NS President to take place in November. So far Sea Urchin is the only likely candidate (nominations will take place in early October), no on else from the higher ranks of New Sparta looks set to stand. There are rumours of a couple of middle ranking officers considering a run but they would have almost zero chance of success.

"If Sea Urchin is elected unopposed, or against a joke candidate, then i feel it will tarnish his authority." the former Deputy Commander said at a media briefing at her office. "We need a proper contest so the future of New Sparta can be debated. Sea Urchin has outlined some good ideas and he probably has my vote but i'd like him to face a proper challenge."

Three more planets devolve CDF forces

Three more planets in the Clone Star Empire have successfully "devolved" CDF Army and Air Force units into new National armies and air forces. Taragargi, Petric and Miliaris have completed the process joining Daggaddon which was completed last year as a trial. There were problems in transferring personnel to the new National forces though the process has been a success the CDF has claimed. Critics point out, however, that only minor planets in the empire with relatively small garrison forces have been converted so far.

Admiral Anderson said that a next tranche of conversions would be made over the next 12 months and would include major planets in the empire though did not specify which. One major obstacle was CDF personnel who did not want to remain on planets as "settlers" though the CDF was building a database of personnel who would wish to transfer to help fill gaps.

Anderson announced the new formation of forces on Taragargi as an example of the devolution process:

Clone Army - Taragargi Division
190 Mechanised Infantry Regiment
8719 Panzer Company (T-55Z)
6125 Artillery Battery
340 Red Lizard Squadron

Clone Air Force - Taragargi Command
807 Air Defence Regiment (K40)
1209 Combat Support Regiment (K85 + K44)
7782 Army Co-operation Regiment (Z26)

Taragargi Army
34(A) Panzer Regiment (T-89)
79(B) Panzer Regiment (T-55Z)
110 Mechanised Infantry Regiment
111 Mechanised Infantry Regiment
458 Infantry Regiment
507 Infantry Regiment
606 Infantry Regiment
769 Infantry Regiment (Reserve)
801 Infantry Regiment (Reserve)
955 Infantry Regiment (Reserve)
1210 Transport Regiment
1309 Transport Regiment
1350 Transport Regiment (Reserve)
5117 Artillery Regiment
450 Engineering Regiment

Taragargi Air Force
503 Air Defence Regiment (K47)
679 Air Defence Regiment (K40)
411 Ground Attack Regiment (K84)
126 COIN Regiment (K85)
144 COIN Regiment (K85)
153 COIN Regiment - Reserve (K85)
172 COIN Regiment - Reserve (K85)
278 Observation Regiment (K85+K85O)
557 Electronic Warfare Regiment (K72+K85O)
912 Transport Regiment (K44+K48)
967 Transport Regiment (K39)
998 Transport Regiment - Reserve (K48+K39)
1209 Army Co-operation Regiment (Z26)
1560 Army Co-operation Regiment (Z26)
1787 Army Co-operation Regiment - Reserve (Z26)

NS looking into "common core" for future warships

New Sparta has begun early development work on the future generation of warships for the NS Space Fleet - though any entry into service is still decades away. Dr Forbidden gave a briefing yesterday where he discussed the latest NS ideas including the "common core". This is the base spine of a spaceship - power and control systems - with mission dependent modules and facilities added depending on the ship's role.

For example future Fleet Combat Ships and Medium Combat Ships could have the same common core but have different modules added. This, it is thought, would reduce costs and increase reliability. While no new NS types are planned in these areas for some time the common core ideas may be used in future export orientated types.

Sea Urchin will not be the "continuity candidate"

Sea Urchin, who looks increasingly likely to be the only candidate in the first election for New Sparta President, has said he will not be the continuity candidate some expect. Sea Urchin said he will not continue along the same general trajectory as Knobhead but will instead instigate some major changes.

It is thought NS Terrestrial Forces could be the early focus of his attention with Sea Urchin questioning whether NS' land force component is what NS needs in this sphere. Sea Urchin is thought to also want to reorganise the space fleet.

Uniforms to be updated to Combat Wear 5.0

Service clothing and personal protection for NS personnel is to be updated to Combat Wear 5.0 standard over the next 2 years. The biggest change will be the merging of Integrated Force Goggles - the eyewear worn for protection in combat situations with augmented reality features including targeting with the Darli laser rifle - with the standard NS headwear. NS personnel won't need to carry IFGs with them, the new goggles will pop down from the headwear automatically.

Prowler troops will also have a chameleon layer on their uniforms with active visual stealth. Blast protection and bio-monitoring systems will also be improved.

Second generation Darli enters service

The "Darli" laser rifle now in use by NS special forces and a growing number of Terrestrial Force personnel has received its first major update. The rifle is officially the DAR-L2 though will retain the "Darli" (derived from DAR-L1) nickname. Interestingly NS have chosen not to change the official name to NAR as the D in DAR stands for DDS!

DAR-L2 has an improved battery pack with better charge retention, faster charging and higher output. The Augmented Reality targeting system has also been enhanced following feedback from experience in the field.

Story #2414

Shop Floor
Windy learns of a possible fortune.

Story #2413

All Our Yesterdays
Windy remembers an old battle.

Utrek split into rival factions

The Utrek Federation has totally collapsed according to Raegris intelligence officers who have been examining the Utrek since its defeat at the hands of the Mantae. At least 5 successor states have formed based around major planets in the former Utrek Federation and there have already been skirmishes between these new powers as they jockey for position and seek to add unaligned planets.

Central authority has gone, the vacuum caused by the utter destruction of the Utrek homeworld and the state apparatus. The Raegris said that the Utrek were very centralised, maybe more so than previously thought and therefore the loss of the central authority has thrown the whole system into chaos.

The Bolitic are getting involved in this new reality. They had already been involved with the Utrek in the war against the Mantae (dozens of houses fighting as mercenaries). Now it has been recorded various Bolitic ships visiting the successor state based around Molentic and they may have even joined the Molentic Utrek in skirmishes against other successor factions.

Story #2412

Figured It All Out
How Ronald got his mystic sword Nebuchadnezzar.

Protector 57A prototype to be rebuilt from existing Pentekonter

Departmental Fleet Pentekonter 044-113 Paris has begun a conversion to what could be a major new type of light patrol ship. The ship will be rebuilt as the prototype Protector 57A. This is expected to be ready by the end of the year then will take part in a contest with the Mariner 56A prototype. The winner of the contest (expected to be decided next Summer) will then be built in large numbers to replace the ex-UNP SP fleet.

The specification of the Protector is still being developed but will include a Proton RM-01 e-Core engine. Two 8-cell VLS batteries with a mix of TPM and other missiles carried and a Z6m cannon. The Protector will also have improved docking facilities though the prototype is not expected to have as extensive a docking bay as any production examples.

As for the first (and so far only) Mariner it has begun a series of evaluation trials. Impressions so far are good though the ship is much smaller and more limited than the Protector (which is expected to win).

Fleet News 07/09/17

036-107 Magnolia is the latest Mulberry 36A to join the fleet. It has been joined by 046-110 Brutus, the latest Rome 46A.

The other new ship is the second Emerald 116A unmanned transport 116-102 Ephedra.

Story #2411

Pit Stop Strategy
Cruggson and GBH continue their memories of the Ottoman incident.

Monday Interview : Terin

The Deputy Emperor of the Clone Star Empire and heir of Oojok Terin recently gave a short interview to the Daily Dino.

Daily Dino : Deputy Emperor Terin, soon you will welcome MBH [this interview took place just before the summit], have you met our Emperor before?

Terin : Only briefly at an embassy event a few years ago, before i had a senior role in my father's empire. I am looking forward to meeting Emperor MBH, he is... interesting.

DD : Relations between our two empires are improving, do you see this continuing.

TR : Oh yes, its in our mutual interest. There are some big challenges on the horizon.

DD : Such as?

TR : The break-up of the Utrek. It affects us much more than you i know but i am sure it is also a concern to the Dinos. For us its a big deal, especially as civil war has begun between the various successor states. Then there is the Mantae of course. Will they come to fight us too?

DD : Would you say this is the greatest issue for the CSE now?

TR : Yes, especially us in the East as we are really on the front line. 

DD : Also you are on the front line against the Free Eritran States, do you see any more trouble from that quarter?

TR : Not really, war between us and the Eritrans will mean war against us and New Sparta and no one wants that. I know my father certainly doesn't want another Clone War.

DD : Finally, do you ever think about one day succeeding Oojok?

TR : Of course, once i became the designated heir it became possible. But father is in no mood to stand down any time soon. He is in his prime, hundreds of years younger than Ronald of course and Ronald only recently decided to cool it. I don't see myself being Emperor for centuries yet. And who knows what the galaxy will be like by then! Maybe the CSE will span galaxies!

TPM-3B enters production

The latest version of the prime NS space weapon the TPM-3B has entered production and will replace the A3 at all production sites by the end of the year. 3B has a new cluster warhead with a variety of kinetic and penetration aiding elements designed to overcome some of the latest shield advancements such as the Tarbotian cellular shield.

3B also has a modified motor which has the same thrust but 40% reduced IR emissions which, added to sensor spoofing and other ECM technologies will make it harder for an enemy to defend against a TPM attack. 3B also has a number of updates to its guidance and communication systems.

Knobhead reads riot act on LRM

With the Clones having fielded CSM for years and now the Dinos buying the technology New Sparta has still yet to make its own interstellar missile the LRM operational. LRM-20 has successfully passed pre-deployment tests but now there are delays with building silos for it on Proxima 7 which means a planned entry into service in late 2117 (i.e. about now) has slipped to mid-2118.

NS Commander Knobhead said it was simply not acceptable that LRM is still not operational. He called the LRM programme a complete nightmare (in less polite language to be honest) as years have been wasted with "trying to run marathons before we can crawl". The problem with LRM is that the DDS (as it was at the time) tried to leapfrog over CSM by several generations and go straight to a much longer ranged missile. This has cost years in delays. Since DDS Commander Firefly refocussed the programme around the much more modest LRM-20 in 2114 finally has there been progress.

Knobhead said that LRM-20 would be operational next year and that a mobile launcher would be developed for 2119. The longer-ranged and worm-drive equipped LRM-100 and LRM-W projects are said to have been "shelved" for the time being.

Dinos to buy Clone Space Missile!

The Dinos are buying the Clone Space Missile interstellar weapon in a huge deal which will see them receive full technology transfer and jointly develop future versions with the Clones. The deal will have serious astralpolitical repercussions for sure, especially with New Sparta. CSM based on the Dino planet of Jeloka will be able to target all of the core UNP worlds.

MBH and Oojok have signed off on the deal which is for 7 billion zarks plus 30 worm drives. For this the Dinos will receive 180 of the latest CSM model plus 20 inert training rounds (some launchable). The warheads will be of Dino design. The Dinos are going straight to land mobile launching and will receive 100 mobile launcher systems. They will also receive full technological transfer plus the right to start building their own CSMs. They will also jointly work with the Clones on at least 2 future models.

Emperor MBH said that purchasing CSM (which is likely to be known as the Dino Interstellar Missile) will greatly boost Dino defence. He said that 3 new brigades will be formed to operate the new weapon plus a 4th training brigade. MBH said that deployment would vary depending on the strategic position at the time. He said the new weapons could be operational by 2120.

Thirty worm drives is a huge boost to Clone efforts to improve its space fleet. Its thought the drives will be used on the new Molentic Tuul MTM2 cruiser now being built.

MBH arrives on Cloneworld for state visit

Dino Emperor MBH has arrived on Cloneworld for a 3 day state visit which will culminate with a summit with Oojok as well as meetings with Ayatollah Clone XE and Terin, Oojok's son and heir. Details of any treaties which may be discussed at the summit have been kept secret though it is speculated the Dino Trade Association and Clone Star Empire may agree closer military ties.

It is thought that the relationship between the Dino and Clone empires may be friendlier with MBH now the Emperor instead of Ronald.

UV240 : A New Day Has Come

• Butcher Bird - The pirates have been defeated, Akorion killed or has he?
• Lelic Op - Cruggson and GBH reminisce about a time when Ronald was kidnapped.
• Ottoman - Ronald comes face to helmet with the mysterious Ottoman.
• Angry Man - GBH and company have to battle Ottoman's drone swarm.
• Partner In Crime - Redjec plans to return... Rathun!
• Finally Its - Windy figures out Redjec's twisted plan.
• Need A Soul - Redjec achieves his dream, but...

Full scale production of T-62Y underway

The NS in-house armament manufacturer SMA has begun full scale production of the T-62Y tank. About 2000 will be built over the next 5 years to equip 5 armoured regiments. The 220 T-55Zs and a few score of older Avenger tanks will be withdrawn in the early 2120s as NS Terrestrial Forces standardises on the T-62Y.

Next will be to decide on a new infantry fighting vehicle. NS and SMA have so far been unable to decide on a standard design. NS Commander Knobhead has told Terrestrial Forces they need to decide by early 2119.

Story #2407

Need A Soul
Redjec achieves his dream, but...

Story #2406

Finally Its
Windy figures out Redjec's twisted plan.

Monday Interview : Lord Argrox

The head of the Remedian military Lord Argrox has also been an NS Politburo member for years. When visiting NS GHQ he gave this short interview to NS News 24.

NS News 24 : Lord Argrox, we understand you have been discussing Remedian fleet plans with New Sparta?

Lord Argrox : Yes that is so. Since we decoupled our fleet from the DDS a few years ago we have been slowly rebuilding our fleet so it can be a fully independent and balance force, yet still part of the overall NS.

NS24 : Your combat fleet will by 2120 consist of a Mulberry, 6 Corkscrew and 3 Pentekonters. Or are there plans for more?

LA : Obviously budgets are not limitless. We want to have sufficient ships to maintain a ready battlegroup of 4 to 5 front line ships. At the moment we do not have enough cover.

NS24 : Yes you would need at least 8 or 9 ships to be able to maintain such a ready fleet. So do the Remedians plan to buy more ships?

LA : We need at least 2 Mulberrys and 8 Corkscrews. The Pentekonters, of which we also want more, would be a reserve and patrol fleet. At the moment we are still paying for our current order but soon i hope we can explore future options.

NS24 : You are not beholden to buy NS ships of course anymore, could you look elsewhere such as the Clones too?

LA : You are correct but buying a fractured fleet because of cheaper available ships is a short term gain but in the medium term costs you more in extra maintenance and training. We will have 3 combat ships and this will be the basis of our fleet for the next 3 to 4 decades.

NS24 : You also have a Depender on order. Do you envisage more in future?

LA : The Depender will be an EW ship, our equivalent of the Marconi. I can see us buying more for other roles in future but the priority will be combat ships. I want the Remedians to be able to field a battle group to join with NS operations as well as operate on our own. The Remedians are Tier 1 allies and we will continue to be so.

Story #2405

Partner In Crime
Redjec plans to return... Rathun!

Story #2404

Angry Man
GBH and company have to battle Ottoman's drone swarm.

Story #2403

Ottoman
Ronald comes face to helmet with the mysterious Ottoman.

Story #2402

Lelic Op
Cruggson and GBH reminisce about a time when Ronald was kidnapped.

Sea Urchin finally confirms he will stand for President

Ever since NS Commander Knobhead announced he was standing down and there would be an elected NS President Director of Technology Sea Urchin has been spoken of as the most likely, if not only, candidate. However until now Sea Urchin himself has not said anything on the matter, until now. He announced that he will be standing in November's election.

Sea Urchin said that, if he won, he would prioritise the replacement of the light patrol fleet, which is in danger of running dangerously behind schedule. He also would look to create a new command for the Rim Worlds sector due to the growing Tarbotian threat.

Charlotte to join NS next year

Charlotte, a human colony in the Rim Worlds, voted to join the UNP last year. Work has been ongoing ever since to integrate Charlotte into the system. Part of that work has also been New Sparta's presence on the planet.

Charlotte will officially become a full UNP member next year and also be part of NS. An orbital station is already being built and a barracks for an NS Terrestrial Force detachment is being planned. Given Charlotte's strategic position in the Rim Worlds it is likely a permanent ship detachment will be stationed there.

Melaris 12 requests help after natural disaster

Recent addition to the UNP Melaris 12 has a fairly narrow band of easily habitable land and part of this is now at risk after a volcanic eruption. A nearby town to the volcano has been evacuated and three more are at risk of the eruption continues. Melaris 12's small humanitarian disaster response force has been overwhelmed.

NS Terrestrial Force personnel on the planet have already been drafted in but more help has been requested. A team is due to depart from Proxima 7 tomorrow to assess the situation. Humanitarian relief will be sent next week.

Porquatians build final Quagan?

Porquat 640 have accepted 2 more Quagan 665 frigates to their fleet, the final ships on an order of 19. It is not known if the Porquatians will build anymore of the type as the next programme will be to update the 5 older Quagan 658s to 665 standard. This was due to run concurrently with new build but the Porquatians were unable to fund it as well as other ongoing procurements.

As part of a new 5 year fleet plan the older Quagans will be updated and a 5th Xian 508 cruiser will be built before the end of the decade. Porquat will also accept its second Olympus 884 carrier next year.

Molab to replace Kalahati Tuuls in next decade

The Molab fleet includes 20 refurbished and updated Kalahati Tuuls. However they are ageing, though should be ok for about another 10 years. The Molab have been debating whether to perform another update and life extension on the fleet in the 2120s or to replace them.

They have decided on the latter. It is likely a version of the Pentekonter Protector will be used as they already have 18 of them (including ME/105M minesweepers). It is thought new Pentekonters will be bought in the early 2120s and the existing ships updated to form a unified fleet.

Monday Interview : Caratore

The new Director of Operations Caratore gave this short interview to the Daily Solaris, on a visit to NS facilities on the planet.

Daily Solaris : Director Caratore, welcome to Solaris. How is your new role?

Caratore : Very busy! As you can imagine i have a lot to do, overseeing all NS military operations. I have good people underneath me and great support from the commander and Director Sea Urchin.

DS : Your rise to this position has been welcomed by many. In the past some have considered you overlooked in favour of others for the top positions.

CA : Well i don't get into that kind of thing. Obviously events have helped me rise to Director but i thought i would do it one day anyway.

DS : And maybe further? NS President Caratore?

CA : Lets not jump too far ahead! I've always had a steady approach to my career. I like to be able to master my current role before moving on.

DS : But you wouldn't rule it out?

CA : Naturally, there is now a clear path in future. However i'm not looking to that in the short term. Maybe in the next decade.

DS : What are you greatest challenges in the near term as Director of Operations?

CA : The pirate war revealed a number of deficiencies in the NS system. Witchdoctor has helped alert us to some of these and a working party i have set up is looking at the command and communication systems of New Sparta in greater detail. We want to avoid the mistakes that occurred earlier in the year.

DS : How much blame do you put on Torus?

CA : The system messed up, not Torus. However she had a role in setting up that system so cannot avoid some blame. Mostly she was punished as the buck had to stop somewhere. As it would with me if i had been in that role then. I'm sure she'll be back to the top rank one day anyway.

DS : Do you thinking splitting NS+ is a good idea and taking its internal security and espionage roles away from your department to the intelligence department is a good move?

CA : The department had become too large, of course we still have a say in internal security. We'll just have to see how it works.

DS : It sounds like you arn't sure?

CA : Personally i think internal security should have remained under me as it fits with the rest of the armed forces but the change has been made. We'll make it work.

Operation Top Performance 2117

This new exercise tests the combat performance of non-warship NS assets in a series of mock combats taking place in the Terran system. Minesweeping, amphibious, transport and patrol assets will be involved in combat situations against an Isometric and an Alpha Centauri (Helwin) acting as the "enemy". The ships involved are:

023-109 Tharsis Tholus (flag)
041-108 Holocene ("enemy" flag)
044-107M Orpheus
044-112M Xerxes
045-104 Marius
047-201 Pelican
053-105P Harrogate
053-118P Wrexham
063-102 Asia
093-101 Alpha Centauri ("enemy")
071-105 Flying Boxcar
076-103 Zenith