3215 Press Releases

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

T132

Ministry of Science and Technology, New Mars
The MAFC announces the arrival of a Field Investigation Team at SUBROSA to support ongoing comparative Forerunner investigations on the main planet. This team contains a high proportion of alternative-discipline experts in line with Minister of Science and Technology Senator Frink's belief that a broad multi-disciplinary approach is the best way to speed up research and make break-throughs.
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T130

Martian AI Detection Service, New Mars
I have been directed by the Foreign Ministry to release our recordings of the interrogation of Professor Ghandi by MAIDS. Please note that this was conducted under truth drug, but that the subject clearly reveals at one point that he is under a form of (presumably AI-generated) conditioning ("brainwashing"). We were unable to break this conditioning in subsequent interrogations, indeed it seems to work to selectively remove memories. Consequently the first interrogation is the only one that yielded useful information, and the fact that the subject has been brainwashed make his denials about AI work difficult to take at face value. Our researches into Professor Ghandi's prior movements and contacts, and when he might have come into contact with BRAINIAC continue.
Carver Mishtak, Director, MAIDS.

T127

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Mars
Statement by Senator Banderas, Liner MSS Hephaestus, in transit Asteel-New Mars:
Having had time to consult with the Martian Senate in the wake of the recent Asteel Summit, I would like to confirm Mars' stance on the Wolfer revelations about their attack on Zubat.
To begin with, let me say that I stand by the joint communique issued at the close of the Summit; that if the attack proceeds as described by the Wolfer Ambassador, Mars will regard this as a breach of the Geneva Treaty on Mass Driving. As people are I hope aware, Mars takes its rights and responsibilities under international treaties to which we are signatories seriously. However, while we were forced to take rapid, pre-emptive action at Sirius and Mystery to prevent the activation in the one case or connection to a communications grid in the second of an artificial intelligence, timings are such that it is impossible for us to prevent whatever has happened at Zubat from happening. While this is regrettable, it does also afford us all an opportunity, by removing the need for rapid action and allowing a collective pause to take stock.
Let me also say that, as a government, we are dismayed by the Wolfer stance on this issue. Not only - as Mars knows all too well - is mass driving against an inhabited world so devastating and so indiscriminate that it is one of the few actions serious enough that we have collectively chosen to designate it a 'crime against humanity', but to use such an attack on a sentient population which has surrendered - whoever they may be - also violates the norms and conventions of warfare, evolved over thousands of years of conflict. Furthermore, it is counterproductive, in that it would remove a valuable resource for study which can help us better prosecute the war against the Roaches, and it will no doubt act to stiffen the resistance of those who are still fighting, as they calculate that there is no point in their own surrender if this is how they will be treated, reducing our chances of bringing this long and terrible war to a successful conclusion, and potentially costing the lives of millions or even billions of humans in years to come.
For all of these reasons, we share the determination of the international community to make sure that those responsible for this act face consequences for their actions. However, because we are dealing with something that has already happened, as I said earlier, we do not believe that there is a tight deadline on achieving this. Therefore, at this stage, we are not ordering any fleet movements by the Martian Star Navy in response to this act until there is greater clarity about exactly what has happened at Zubat. It remains my hope that it is possible for there to be a diplomatic solution to this mess which will avoid any further sheding of human blood, and I and my government will be working to try and achieve that end.
My own feeling is that, if a mass driving attack has indeed taken place, we need to constitute an international tribunal to investigate the attack, and - if neccessary - serve indictments on those responsible so that they can be brought to trial. The nature of such a body and the rationale and legalisms of such a trial can be discussed, but the Wolfer government would, in my view, strengthen its position immeasurably if they would agree to cooperate fully with such an investigation and prosecution, allowing tempers to cool and decisions to be made on the basis of facts and evidence, rather than anger and emotion.
Thank you.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Mars
The following statement has been issued by the office of Senator Banderas:
I was saddened to hear of the death of First Citizen Henry Rathbone. On behalf of the Mars Association of Free Colonies, may I express my condolences to the people of the Solar Republic and Empire, who have lost a leading light of their nation, and my deepest sympathies to the First Minister and First Family, who have lost a father. Drakkir Hands, MAFC Ambassador to Earth and former Foreign Minister, and a close acquaintance of the family, will be travelling to Vegas to pay his personal respects, and will officially represent the Association at the funeral, following the conclusion of the Imperial Conclave.

T125

Ministry of War, New Mars
To: All Quadrant Naval Commands, MSN;
MAFC Starguard stations in all Quadrants
Levels of piracy in MSN space have increased. MSN and SG commanders are instructed to increase anti-piracy operations. This may include operations within neutral systems and those of major polities in co-operation with those authorities. Suggested patrolling changes are:
- Forces assigned to scouting Sectors for alien incursion during changeover journeys to/from station may be able to stop off in suitable systems for short examinations
- Vessels exercising as part of normal operations may visit suitable systems not otherwise visited on a regular basis.
Co-operation should be encourage within MAFC organisations and with other polities. It is expected that in the next octant or two dedicated anti-piracy intelligence networks will be established with certain powers.
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