iP Services buy former USN base

iP Services have chosen Terra as the home for their new base, with a former US Navy base from the 21st century bought off the coast of the Mexican Alliance. The base has a small footprint above ground with an airstrip (though this will need renewing) but most of the base is underground including an underwater entrance. This part of the base is said to be in very good condition.

SFX said that work will begin at once on bringing the new base, to be known as Despair City, up to operational standard. Installation of specialist equipment for the handling of prisoners will also be carried out. The base will have automated defence systems above ground and underwater though SFX did not elaborate.

• Benito, commander of CSE-E has blasted the HCS after plans to cut the army by 3 legions were leaked. Benito is incensed because 2 of the legions are in his part of the empire, which already has less military material than it should. Benito went on to accuse Oojok of trying to weaken the CSE-E in order to force Benito from office. The HCS and Oojok made no comment.

Provider ILU announced

The Provider transport fleet is the literal backbone of the DDS and has been since 2104, the oldest ships are now approaching 10 years hard service (and the Providers and Extenders do work hard, typically over 300 days a year away from port). The DDS have decided to bring forward the ILU for the fleet a little early because of a number of important updates.

• As announced previously the Providers will be the first ships fitted with the TPM-VLS system. To support the new system the Providers will receive an update to their tactical suite and a new databus as well as external power points on the ship (its thought up to 4 VLS will be possible though usually just the 1 cell will be carried). The tactical console and display on the bridge will also be upgraded.
• Recently the UNP and major shipping lines have finally agreed on a new standard shipping container. The Providers cannot yet easily handle the new larger container so will receive modifications to the main cargo doors as well as a new container handling crane. The ships will also be able to carry up to 12 containers externally.
• The engine will be replaced with a new unit, the HS-740B-JX has a more efficient core and improved maintenance access. It is also more powerful. The Providers have been found capable of 575c without risk of overloading the structure though the ships will be restricted to 550c, the excess power will mean full speed is still possible even with external cargo.
• Many other minor updates will also be carried out. All ships will also be refurbished (the amount needed depending on the age of the ship, some are fairly old and some are brand new so this will vary a lot).

The first ship to receive its ILU has not yet been revealed, though the process will begin soon.

182/6

Back In The Past
Megara and Dick-Nose are sent into the past (Irregular P1)

182/5

Dead-End
SFX closed in on the Hoods (Hunted P2)

Helnikan Island linked up to DDS network

The first step in Helnikan Island becoming the DDS' new GHQ has been achieved with the island being linked to the DDS' network via a microwave link to DDS Communications HQ. Two buried fibre-optic links will also be completed by the end of the year and a satellite link will also be established.

Work is progressing well on a 150m deep excavation at the site of the new GHQ, work is also proceeding on a new port at Ren's Bay. Finishing touches are being made to the first runway at the air base on the island. This runway will be a temporary surfaced one though will enable a greater flow of personnel and materials to the island. Work on the permanent runways and air base infrastructure will begin soon.

Dino View : The race to join Ronald's quest

Legate Dralson, ex-Dino Army and Security Council

As is generally well known by now Ronald is to head off (with GBH) on an extended exploratory voyage of space beyond the IKA Federation and Tarbot Empire after he retires from front line politics at the end of the year.

He will take his personal ship, the flagship Dinomark, and thus is now looking on building a crew. Ronald says that would prefer for younger Dinos to join him and GBH as the voyage would be a "great opportunity" to gain experience and promotion. Because of this many young Dinos have applied to join the crew.

Its thought Ronald has already chosen some crew members though there are still vacancies. He says he will take a crew of 10 Dinos on the trip with him and GBH though one is likely to be reserved for an SS bodyguard. Ronald will announce his crew in a month or so so training can begin once Dinomark completed its current overhaul.