3202 Press Releases

A digest of recent official government press releases, by reporting period.

T28

Ministry of War, New Mars;
The Ministry of War announces the following:
a) As part of the process of replacement of vessels lost during the Exterminator War, Mars has commissioned a new interstellar carrier today.
CVI MSS Juggernaut
Mars has also commissioned two new interstellar Heavy Cruisers.
CAI MSS Fury
CAI MSS Firebreather
All three vessels are currently moving within the NEW MARS system to join the Home Fleet. All bear the names of vessels lost recently in humanity's battle against the robotic Exterminator menace

b) Mars also announces the formation of a 2nd Strategic Fleet at NEW BERLIN and committed to the CHF. The 2nd Strategic Fleet consists of:
CVI MSS Commissar (transferred from Home Fleet)
CVI MSS Defiant (transferred from Home Fleet)
CAI MSS Blusterer (transferred from Home Fleet)
CAI MSS Advesary (transferred from Home Fleet)
CAI MSS Quarrel (transferred from Logistics Fleet)
LSSI MSS Big Rig (transferred from Logistics Fleet)
LSSI MSS Carrier (transferred from Logistics Fleet)

c) The Logistics Fleet, which remains committed to CHF and is at NEW BERLIN

d) Notice to Editors: The Ministry confirms that the Ministry is considering further naval construction. Announcements will be made in due course. The Ministry wish to clear up some confusion in some reports over construction work. There are currently 6 vessels on the slipways, these being 3SCI, 1CVI and 2BBI.

Ministry of War, New Mars: Binni
Dateline 3202.351
The 1st Internal Security Division left NEW MARS today for BINNI aboard the TPTI MSS Shaka. It is also confirmed that, as expected, control of the 1st Internal Security Division has been handed over to the Ministry for Home Affairs. Planetfall at BINNI is expected around 3203.040.

Ministry of Domestic Affairs, New Mars.
Yendor, Q5.
Today the notorious outlaw Jack Duggan was finally apprehended on Yendor by a small detachment of Martian Rangers. Duggan, who had been operating a campaign of robbery and terror in the area close to Great Sulphur City was ambushed by three Rangers and a brief exchange of fire ensued during which Ranger Kelly was wounded, but Ranger Fitzroy felled Duggan with a fatal shot to the chest. Kelly is expected to make a full recovery, Rangers Davy and Fitzroy are already on new assignment.

Ministry of Domestic Affairs, New Mars; Binni
The MoDA confirms that control of the 1st Internal Security Division has been transferred and looks forward to this new and peaceful phase of Binnian history. A detachment of Martian Rangers will also be transferring to Binni in the near future to facilitate the creation of a central law enforcement agency and integration into the structure of the MAFC.

T27

Ministry of War, New Mars; Command of MAFC military forces in Q6

The Ministry announces that following the appointment of Thai-sho Aiashi Hojo MSN to be Supreme Commander of Combined Human Forces, the Ministry has decided to appoint Chu-Sho O'Hare to fill the position of Commander MAFC military forces in Q6. Chu-Sho O'Hare has already arrived in the quadrant and takes up his appointment immediately.

Supreme Councillor Roger Zelazy, MAFC Q6; Military assistance to the independent colony of TRIO
Date: 3202.350
Friends,
today we hand over the EVI Heart of Darkness to the government of the people of TRIO. The Trionians have had a unit of naval personnel training with the MSN for the last 300 days. The Trionians have been found to be examplary spacemen and the MAFC is pleased to be able to make this contribution to their fledgling colony. We believe that assistance such has this benefits both the recipients and the donors. TRIO is in the front line of the war against the Exterminators, a war that we cannot assume has ended. By strengthening our friends we benefit all.
Thank you.
Roger

Senator Drakkir Hands, MAFC Foreign Ministry; Re: Mars-Venus Entente
Fellow humans,
It has been drawn to the attention of the Entente powers that the wording of Clause 2 of the Entente could, by stretching the interpretation of the words, be interpreted to mean that Mars and Venus can jointly declare war upon even the slightest pretext.
This is in fact a wholly unfounded interpretation of what is and remains a purely defensive treaty. However, since it appears to have caused some misgivings in some quarters, the Entente powers have decided to forestall any such concerns by agreeing a revised wording that it is felt is closer to the spirit of the Entente as it was originally conceived.
Clause 2 of the Entente originally read:
"Provision 2: Defensive Alliance
"If either Entente Polity is attacked and declares war upon the attacker, the other, upon request by the attacked party, will also declare war upon said attacker and engage them with a proportion of their forces not less than the proportion of the attacked polities forces engaging said attacker.
"Once at war with the same enemy, the Entente Polities shall not conclude peace separately with said enemy."

The revised version of the treaty, approved by both nations, now reads as follows:
"Provision 2: Defensive Alliance
"If a major attack occurs upon either Entente polity resulting in significant harm, such as to effectively constitute a declaration of war upon the injured party, the other, upon request by the attacked party, will also declare war upon said attacker and engage them with a proportion of their forces not less than the proportion of the attacked polities forces engaging said attacker.
"Once at war with the same enemy, the Entente Polities shall not conclude peace separately with said enemy."

The remainder of the Entente treaty is unchanged.
We trust that this serves to allay any unjustified fears that may have arisen. I am of course at the disposal of the international community to answer any questions which may flow from this.
Senator Hands.

MAFC Foreign Office Statement on Old Mars, T27

The Martian Association of Free Colonies wishes to express its support for the moves currently being undertaken by the Earth Empire on Old Mars. We believe that there is a historic opportunity is presented by the closer cooperation between all powers that has been brought about by the Exterminator War to attempt to find a lasting and peaceful solution to a problem that has dogged Earth-Mars relations for three hundred years.
Replacement of Ground Force Divisions with Internal Policing forces, and the removal of the First Division are both positive steps, and still more so the discussions which may bring about a more inclusive security apparatus on the planet which is sensitive to all of the world's disparate traditions. We further hope that the improving security situation can see the current restrictions on trade and travel eased.
The MAFC, while affirming its commitment to the Treaty of Phobos, nevertheless retains a keen interest in affairs on Old Mars, and stands ready to play whatever role it can in bringing together all sides to join in a lasting political solution for the planet which recognises the unique position of Old Mars within the Earth Empire. We urge that those on all sides who may have advocated violence in the past not to let this opportunity slip by, but to work with us in helping to achieve this.

The Domestic Affairs Ministry added:

The Domestic Affairs Ministry and hence the populace of New Mars welcome the magnanimous and humanitarian statement emanating from the Office of Old Mars. The privations of the population will be considerably diminished by the cessation of sanctions and I join with the fine gentleman of Earth in anticipating a considerable economic upturn in the affairs of Old Mars. The relaxation of travel restrictions are also to be applauded as Mars both Old and New may resume their historical interchange of humanity. Rest assured that the Domestic Affairs Ministry will be screening carefully all traffic to bar the progress of agitators and miscreants, but we will of course not hinder any passage on account of the political views of the traveller.
With this statement, Earth has done much to heal old wounds and rekindle the links between New Mars and their historical homeland.
--
Senator Philip Dermond, Domestic Affairs Ministry, New Mars

T26

(c) Martian Press Syndicate, 3202

Wolfcastle takes Q5

Actor Rainier Wolfcastle, of the highly successful 'McBain' series of action films ('Today We Kill, Tomorrow We Die'; 'Fatal Discharge'; 'License to Detonate' etc) as well as other blockbusters like 'Radioactive Man', has been elected as Q5 Regional High Council representative for Marti in a landslide planet-wide vote. In spite of some subsequent controversy in the Regional High Council, and the threat of walk-outs by some delegates, he was later confirmed as MAFC Supreme Councillor for Quadrant 5.
The positions of High Council Representative for Marti and Supreme Councillor for Q5 became vacant following the successful campaign of swashbuckling local politician Antoinette Banderas for the Martian Senate. Rainier Wolfcastle has been politically close to Banderas during her career, and, it is rumoured, not just politically close. She even had a minor starring role in one of his films (as the female cyborg assassin in 'You Have The Right To Remain DEAD!').
Although Wolfcastle was dogged by the usual allegations of sexual impropriety, as is common on Marti these have merely increased his share of the vote. Supreme Councillor Wolfcastle said in his acceptance speech that he hoped to be "even tougher than McBain", and that he would bring the same level of seriousness to Martian politics that Supreme Councillor Banderas had.
An immigrant to the MAFC from the Venerian Republic, Wolfcastle has been active in Martian politics since his marriage to Maria Quimby, daughter of the Mayor of New Jack City (a position also formerly held by Councillor Banderas).
Although the Supreme Councillor position for Quadrant 3 also remains open, the election there has been deferred by the Ultron crisis. That crisis recently claimed its first senior scalp as Senator Percival Lowell, the former Supreme Councillor for Q3 who had authorised the installation of the Ultron system into MSN ships, and who had won election to the senate largely on the back of his alleged success against pirates due to the Ultron system, resigned his seat on the senate amid rumours of threatened impeachment. Possible criminal charges for Lowell are still pending the outcome of a government inquiry into the matter.

Supreme Councillor to tour Martian colonies
It is announced today that Supreme Councillor Charles L. Harness is to undertake an extended tour of Martian worlds in Q0. This is expected to take approximately 200 days, during which the government will be in the day to day charge of the senior cabinet at NEW MARS. A spokesman for the Supreme Councillor announced that it was felt that in the past, particularly under the discredited Pickles Administration, politicians at the centre were becoming particularly detached from their constituents.
The route of this tour has not been made public.

Ministry of War, New Mars; Ship reallocations

The Ministry announces today that the new CLI MSS Gallant entered final working-up exercises in the New Mars system prior to joining the Home Fleet. The previous MSS Gallant was lost at Zha'a'dum fighting bravely in defence of humanity.
The DDI MSS Galatea is ordered to transfer from Home Fleet to Logistics Fleet an New Berlin. This brings the Logistics Fleet, dedicated to the CHF, to 9LSSI with an escort of 1CLI and 1DDI.

T25

Ministry of War, New Mars; Logistics Fleet

Mars confirms that the Logistics Fleet, consisting of 10 LSSI and 1 DDI escort, will be assigned to the Combined Human Forces Intervention Front as of 3202.250.
The Ministry of War re-affirms the total commitment of the MAFC to the continuing campaign against the Exterminator menace.
The Ministry further announces that by 3202.250, the Martian Logistics Fleet will reach 9 LSSI. In addition, MSS Yeoman (CLI) will be joining the Logs fleet within 100 days. MSS Yeoman is currently in the BINNI system but the improving security situation there has allowed the MSN re-allocate the Yeoman to provide escort for the Logistics Fleet.

Supreme Councillor Zelazny, Q5; Aid to Trio

I am pleased to announce that through the offices of the Foreign Affairs department, the MAFC is transferring an EVI to the people of Trio. Already members of the Trio defence force are training at Adobe (Q6) in preparation for the receipt of this vessel. This act of generosity demonstrates the Martian commitment to self-defence amongst human-occupied worlds.

T24

Ministry of War, New Mars; Combined Services College

In response to press queries, the Ministry of War of the Martian Association of Free Colonies today confirms that the MAFC Combined Services College at ODIN is back in operation. The Ministry is pleased to confirm that the interlude between 3196 and 3200, during which the Pickles administration reduced funding for the central military apparatus, has ended. Indeed over the last year and a half the MSN has spent considerable energies in rebuilding and reconstituting the College. The first intake of students entered the college at the start of this year on a 300 day "fast track" course. The unusually large intake reflected the fact that for the last three years no courses had been run. The syllabus has been modified to reflect the nature of the grave threat facing humanity.
The Ministry of War has no comment in response to any questions of a political nature.

Ministry of War, New Mars, 3202.199; Shipbuilding
The Ministry of War today announces that the three recently freed-up slipways within the Naval bases in Q0 will be used to build three members of the new Scout (Interstellar) class (SCI).
The Minister for War himself, Senator Minos Cornelius, stated that vessels such as these are vital if Humanity is to track down and eliminate the source of the Exterminator menace. The Senator stated that the MAFC categorically will not abandon this objective, and he poured scorn on certain polities, which he did not name, that have announced reductions in their commitment to what the Senator described as the only pressing military matter in known space.

Ministry of War, New Mars, 3202.189; New vessels for the MSN
Today Mars announces the commissioning of three new vessels for the Martian Navy.
Two new BBI have been given the names of vessels of the same class lost in heroic action against the Exterminator Menace. These are MSS ODIN and MSS THOR. The new DDI is similarly named, being MSS GALATEA. MSS Galatea will join the scouting efforts to the east of human space, reiterating Mars' commitment to finding and destroying the home of the Exterminators.

MAFC Official Governmen Spokesperson, New Mars, 3202.191; Binni

"Ladies and Gentlemen,
We got him.
Former Free Republic of Binni President Ancongo is now in the custody of MAFC forces, following a prolonged firefight at the cave complex in which he was hiding. Mr Ancongo is alive and unharmed, but seventeen of his personal bodyguard were killed and another thirteen captured. At this time I would like to once again pay tribute to the skill and professionalism of the MAFC forces on Binni, and to express to the family of Trooper Al Madinah on behalf of the MAFC government our deep regret at their loss. In view of the several unsuccessful assassination attempts that have been made on Mr Ancongo since his capture, he has been moved to an unspecified secure location on Martian territory on the continent of Cromwellsland.
Owing to the continuing security problems within the former FRB, it is believed that the logistical, security and legal problems of holding a trial within the former FRB will most likely be so great as to effectively preclude the possibility of a fair trial by his own people. The legal framework simply does not exist there yet, and memories are still very raw: we have no desire to preside over a lynching.
"As a result, it has been decided by the MAFC Special Representative to Binni Ms Tall to grant the request of the MAFC colony of Binni for Mr Ancongo's release from MAFC to local custody. Mr Ancongo will therefore be tried within the Martian Binni colony according to MAFC law, for war crimes - 'allegedly' - committed on his instructions within those territories during his recent war of aggression. Given that the trial will be under Martian law, Mr Ancongo will therefore receive the full protection afforded to him by Association statutes, and he will of course have leave to appeal any judgement through the usual chain of Association courts, potentially as far as the MAFC Senate itself.
"A preliminary hearing and formal posting of charges should already have been held on Binni by now, and the trial itself is expected to begin in the next few weeks.
"Thank you, there will be no questions at this time."

Ministry of War, New Mars, Commander, Martian Forces Q0
Following a review of responsibilities in Quadrant Zero, it has been determined that in the present climate, it is not sustainable for the Commander in Chief to also command MAFC in Quadrant Zero. As a result Cho-Sho Umeda, currently Commanding Q2, has been named as Commander Q0 and is promoted Thai-Sho. In his place in Q2 is appointed Cho-Sho Nialus, previously on staff duties at the Ministry.

T23

Martian Press Syndicate, New Mars;

FIVE SYSTEMS "NO LONGER ADMINISTRATIVELY PART OF MAFC"

The MAFC Senate yesterday invoked the 'Major World' clause of the Association Constitution to remove Association Representation from five systems which no longer meet the population criteria to be considered a separate world for administrative purposes. The five systems: Slitch in Q5, Dhu l'Qada in Q6, and Sil, Kormanshar and Baldar in Q7, will no longer be represented at Regional High Councils or the MAFC Grand Council, and will no longer be able to take part in elections to the Martian Senate. Under such circumstances, the worlds were effectively "no longer administratively part of the MAFC" said Foreign Affairs Senator Drakkir Hands, although he added that the MAFC would "still take a close interest" in matters on those worlds, and would be prepared to readmit them should circumstances change.

All five systems have suffered from collapsing economies and mass emigration since the start of the Exterminator War. Baldar in particular endured millions of casualties from Exterminator attack, the remaining colonists there only being saved by the self-sacrificing bravery of Admiral Kim Stanley-Robinson and her 7th (Red Banner) Fleet. Baldar, Sil and Kormanshar colonists, together with those from Pindar and Meo, which remain within the MAFC, have also complained about alleged 'forced labour' to dig huge underground bunker complexes, part of Supreme Councillor Bradbury's controversial 3198 Civil Defence Initiative. The Regional Association Court is examining complaints relating to the Initiative, but a preliminary finding found that the Regional High Council had been entitled to mandate such activity under the War Powers Act of 3124 (amended 3170), which was invoked on 3198:255.

The Senate Meeting also ratified the decision of Cordilia (Q6) to declare itself an independent world. The MAFC colony there was wiped out by Exterminator attack during the early phases of the war. Some hardy souls have since moved back there, but say that the Exterminator attack effectively ended MAFC presence there. The decision of the Cordilia colonists to declare UDI was not contested by the MAFC Supreme Court.

STORMY PASSAGE FOR BUDGET AFTER DEFENCE REVIEW ARGUES FOR SPACE-BASED POSTURE ON FRONTIER

The 3202 Budget suffered a stormy ride in the Senate due to provisions relating to frontier defence in the Quadrants which had suffered Exterminator attack. The recommendations of the Comprehensive Defence Review, which have been incorporated into the current budget proposal, argues that the changed nature of the threat in Quadrants 5-7 requires a corresponding change in defence posture, with greater emphasis on space-based defences. Accordingly, instead of original proposals to recruit a further 5 Ground Force Divisions, the MSN now plans to disband 18 GFDs in Quadrants 5-7 in order to support a corresponding increase in starship presence. Planetary defence on the affected systems will be taken over by armed volunteer citizen formations under the little-known 2883 Martian Militia Act, a piece of old Maritan Helix legislation which was incorporated into the 2943 Articles of Association that formed the MAFC. One provision of the Militia Act, that "a well regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed", was infamously invoked by Senator Banderas during her term as Mayor of New Jack City, Marti (Q5), and became known as the Banderas Act.

The Militia formations will replace Ground Force Divisions for civil defence of:
Dilgar, Sh'lass, Streib and Zhalan (Q5),
Bodika, Crystall, Douglas, Froglish, Mannor, Myter and Phil (Q6),
and Frunze, Heim, Loki, Meo, Midgard, Pindar, Sheorb, Stown, Thor and Valhal (Q7).
Quadrant capitals in Q5-7 will maintain 2 GFDs on a rapid deployment basis for transfer to these worlds as and when required. Militia training will begin immediately. The changeover process is expected to be complete within 100 days.

The cuts represent almost one fifth of the MSN's overall Ground Force capability, and there have been rumours of threatened resignations among GF chiefs of staff. However, while some have called this "a shameful betrayal of the Frontier Quadrants", the move unusually received support from Senator Banderas, who said that the move to militia-based planetary defence was "in the finest tradtions of the Association" and who commented that "once an ESB starts firing at ya, havin' a few tin cans planetside don't mean zip. Ya need the ships out there, and if this helps resource them, then I'm all for it."

It is not known at this stage whether this is merely an emergency measure for the duration of the Exterminator War, or a historic longer-term change in MAFC defence strategy, but there are rumours that a similar proposal has been floated for other outer Quadrants should this prove successful. In the meantime, the market for GF mercenaries is braced for a flood of new competition.

BINNI TO RECEIVE MASSIVE INVESTMENT BOOST

The newest member of the MAFC is to receive a joining gift of 20SV as part of its accession, 3202 budget figures reveal. This ups Mars' net investment in the world more than sixfold, and should go a long way towards rebuilding the war-ravaged system. Neither foreign mininster Senator Drakkir Hands nor finance minister Senator Greta Bjarnsdottir would comment on whether the massive cash boost for Binni had formed part of MAFC accession talks.

On Binni, several Ground Troopers were badly injured recently and one killed when their hovertank touched off a proximity mine near Cromwell, but overall the security situation within the former FRB seems to be improving. MAFC foreign ministry sources were however touchy when press reports referred to the eastern continent as "a de facto Martian protectorate", and said that it "remains a sovereign nation that will be granted a free vote on its future when the situation on the ground permits. In the meantime Venerian troopers are also patrolling in the former FRB as part of the international stabilisation force".

Martian police are currently in training for deployment to Binni later in 3203 to provide law enforcement assistance to the new FRB government once security is restored.

Ministry of War, New Mars; Logistics train

From 3202.100, Mars is making available to the Intervention Front a logistics support fleet of 5 LSSI. This will be increased to 10 LSSI by 3202.250. This further demonstrates the MAFC's determination to prosecute the war against the Exterminator menace to the utmost.

Ministry of War, New Mars; Binni reinforcements

Mars today announces the arrival of a third Ground Force Division at BINNI. Again, these reinforcements landed on the planet as part of an exercise, this one OPERATION RESTORE HOPE III. Mars is again demonstrating both its commitment to keep the armed forces at peak operating effectiveness and its intention to restore peace to the whole of BINNI. This third division was brought in from Quadrant 8. The fleet involved in the delivery has already departed back to its home station.
The MoW does not want to comment on reports that one Special Forces Regiment has been withdrawn from BINNI but a spokesman said that if such a report were to be true then it could be interpreted as a sign that the situation on the planet is much improved.

T22

MAFC Official Government Press Briefing, Crater City, New Mars, 3202:060
Given by: Official Spokesperson CJ Cregg

CJ: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I have one brief announcement today, and I'll take a few questions afterwards. We'd like to announce the results of the Binnian plebiscite on MAFC membership. As you will be aware, we set up a vote across four of the five continents. The Former Free Republic of Binni (FFRB) did not participate, for what are probably fairly obvious reasons. The result has been an endorsement by the public of membership of the MAFC, by a majority of 59% to 41%. That result varies across the continents but was carried by majority vote in all cases. A full breakdown on the voting figures is given in your press packs. The results have been monitored and affirmed by two internationally recognised independent monitoring groups.
Consequently 80% of Binni will hopefully be joining the MAFC this year. Discussions are continuing about the composition of a planetary council and how Binni will choose its representatives to the Q0 Regional Council and Regional High Council, and the MAFC Grand Council. We are facilitating but not interfering with those discussions. The FFRB situation remains too chaotic for a meaningful vote to be held there, but we intend to give them the option as soon as the security situation has calmed to the point where it would be feasible.
Claire Tall will remain as MAFC liaison to Binni, but full sovereignty in the non-FFRB areas will revert to the Binnian Planetary Council as soon as its form is agreed by all parties, and MAFC accession formalities have been completed. Sovereignty of federal Martian forces in-system of course remains with the Martian Star Navy as per normal practise. Questions? Yes, Jim.

JB: James Beam, Radio Free Mars. If we're not interfering, how can we be sure that the planetary council will represent all interest groups on the Martian parts of the planet? And what would happen if the FFRB did join later?

CJ: Our policy is that we expect there to be an agreement that all parties are happy with and that all are willing to take joint ownership of. How they arrive at that agreement is up to them. We will help the process along where we can - that's what 'facilitating' means - but we won't be setting out our own blueprint - that's not how MAFC accession works, as you well know. We are Free Colonies, and each joins the Association freely and on its own terms. Provided that the usual minimum standards are met, of course, and that they agree to be bound by the terms of the Accession Agreement. But we believe that this is something that the Binnians have to work out for themselves. As to the prospect of future FFRB membership, we will of course cross bridges when we come to them. We would however expect the FFRB to come to an agreement with the Binnian planetary council in such a case, which would probably involve some change to reflect the new situation.
Next question. Johnny.

JW: John Walker, Channel 9. If this is a humanitarian intervention, how come we're getting a new colony out of it?

CJ: The Binnians have taken the view that the best way they can guarantee that their freedoms will not be infringed in future by someone like the Ancongo government is to be a part of a larger whole. Many nations gave assistance, I agree, but they saw the effort the MAFC was willing to expend in liberating them, and the freedoms that we could guarantee them, and they decided to ask if they could join us. There was and is no coercion - it is precisely _because_ they value their liberty that they have joined Mars. They have made a balanced judgement about the best way ahead for their plannet, and we accept that decision. Our mission on most of Binni has moved from humanitarian to helping with reconstruction. In the FFRB of course our humanitarian intervention continues - made all the more urgent now that Earth has toppled Ancongo and the rest of the universe has - sadly - decided to wash its hands of the place. One more. Jack.

JD: Jack Daniels, Martian Press Syndicate. Haven't we used the chaos in the FFRB as an excuse not to run a vote there, because we know at the moment we'd lose it?

CJ: No. It's simply that things are too chaotic there. You've seen your own channel's reports, right? One of your own reporters was murdered just the other day. If they kill reporters, what do you think will happen to pollsters?

RB: Ron Bacardi, Voice of Mars - surely that's because the people there are resisting what they see as an unjust Martian occupation? Surely we are the problem there, not the solution, and the sooner we get out the sooner things will calm down?

CJ: Ron, if you'll forgive me that's just plain naive. The collapse of central authority means that the only power in the FFRB comes from guns, and authority won't be restored until we have more guns there than the warlords do. These aren't some idealistic freedom fighters - that's how they'd like to characterise themselves, I'm sure - but in essence they're just bandits with lots of guns who've taken the opportunity of Ancongo's emise to set up their own little bandit kingdoms, and who have consequently refused to take part in the FRB Authority that we've been trying to set up, because they know it will try to stop them from robbing, murdering, raping and pillaging to their heart's content. Right now, for the ordinary people of the FFRB in areas outside Martian control, the only freedom is to look the other way as these abuses go on, or be killed for trying to stand up to them. We believe that it's right to stop that, so that's what we're doing. And like I say, anyone who wants to help us with that is most welcome.
Okay, that's all for today, thanks for being here boys and girls...

MARTIAN PRESS SYNDICATE, Marti, Q5, 3202:050. End of State of War
The following press release was issued by the outgoing Quadrant 5 Supreme Councillor Antoinette Banderas, on her last day of office (3202:050);

Yo!

A big thank you to everyone who elected me to the Senate. You can bet I'm gonna be carrying the torch of the Outer Quadrants among the Q0-centred bigwigs there. And I know that the dudes here on Marti are gonna elect someone just as keen to uphold Martian values to replace me. Hey, you'd better, or there's gonna be trouble!

Now hear this - I just wanted to say before I get on that ship to New Mars, that as far as I'm concerned, the State of War I declared a year and a half ago is now Officially Ended in Q5. When I declared that, there were an unknown number of ESBs unaccounted for and maybe about to start hitting worlds across the Quadrant again. Of course, the Combined Fleet finally found em and nuked em, and apart from one Viking found silent running at Belle, there hasn't been an attack on a Q5 world for over two years. I think that that is long enough. The State of Emergency will remain, at least for the time being, but most of the travel restrictions are gonna be lifted. I wanna thank the Martian people for gettin through a difficult time with that kind of practical can do spirit. Not that I'd have let you settle for any less, you slugs!

So, go ahead, party, enjoy yourselves, and I'll go to New Mars and kick some Harness butt!

Oh, and hey - Quivver-guy. What's the deal with Senta? Don't think we're gonna ignore it, y'know? Kasei - I know you're gonna send a ship to investigate, right buddy?

Anyway, gotta run. Hasta luego - a manana! I'll see y'all in the Senate.

Later,

'Toinette.

Ministry of War, New Mars; Command Structures

The MSN today confirms that the experiemental military command structure in the outer colonies for the past 2 years has been made permanent. Whereas before the Exterminator War, the commander of the primary local fleet was also commander for the whole Quadrant, with the onset of extended operations the two roles have been separated. The Quadrant commander will have two local commanders ("Admirals") to command formations, usually one the primary fleet and one the light (scouting) forces.

T21

Ministry of War, New Mars; New Builds
The ministry this afternoon announces that to replace combat losses the following vessels have been authorised:
1 CAI
2 BBI
2 CVI - to be built at the new shipyard at FREDERICK
Senator Cornelius, Minister for War, stated "Mars continues to build warships in the belief that the Exterminator War is not over. This AI menace is still out there. Some commentators, in other polities, suggest that the war is over. This is not the case. We are sure there is more of this evil in the galaxy and it must be eliminated."