Solar System Daily

[KoolKidz]

A message from the Executive Council: "The eruption of conflict both here on Earth and Mars threatens to usher in another era of conflict and uncertainty for humanity. The defense of our member states and its colony on Mars are of paramount importance to ASH. To secure these vital interests peacekeeping forces have been authorised for dispatch to Vladivostok, in addition to a blockade of the Russian Pacific and Artic ports besides humanitarian missions. Several stellar ships with full compliments of marines have been ordered to orbit above Tanah Merah. While we support any dialogue that would end further hostilities, our citizen's collective future there tale precedencee.

[Smyg]

South-West of the Hellas Sea, Mars.

The podium was empty, as a dozen camera drones hovered in the confined air above it. The whole structure had that sweet "new dome" smell, all slick metal and fresh plastic. The elegant hammer-and-pick of African Mining was, barely noticeably, emblazoned throughout the whole thing, showing the origin of the rapidly constructed module. The corporation had, by way of Central Bank funding, sponsored the majority of the enterprise, using materials originally intended to expand the domes of the Mlima Wa Uhuru Colony with an extensive African Mining regional headquarters.

Not to be outdone by the logos, however, the station's own citizenry, these newly arrived men of Mars, had taken to decorate the corporate-stamped hallways and storage facilities, containing all the basic necessities of life on the Red Planet, with their own hallmarks. Two-headed eagles were a prominent symbol, a military insignia of ancient times, as were a multitude of other symbols, all showing allegiance more to an ideal than to a country.

Two men and a woman emerged from an auto-door, by the sides of which stood heavy-set men in full combat suits, ceremonially guarding the way for their commander and his two companions. The one of later was the first to take the stage, with the easy step of a man used to the limelight. Kabo Ibaka, Director of Cultural Affairs at the Mlima Wa Uhuru Colony after his predecessor's recent retirement, smiled wildly at the audience, a gathering of diplomats, corporate representatives, and journalists from across the planet. Clad in dark green gear, looking more ready to go space-diving than to hold a press conference, he began.

___________

Director Kabo Ibaka
Mlima Wa Uhuru

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to welcome you all to Pushkin Station.

You will be the first people to be allowed a tour of the station's facilities since touch-down three months ago. As you do, look around you, and you will see nothing but the finest that Africa, Russia and Mars, equal partners and allies, have to offer. Regardless of the colour of our skin or the way the stars are set in the sky relative to the location of our home planet, cooperation is possible. I want you all to remember that.

The tales of my people, the people of the African Union - on Earth, Mars, and beyond - is interwoven with the Russian people, and I have immense respect for them. In just a few years - they move quickly these days, don't they? - it will be just almost a century since the first recorded contact between us, when the Patriach of Alexandria wrote to the Tsar of Russia in the year 1556. Soon after a Russian delegation arrived, and relations have been firm since.

Do not forget, brothers and sisters, that it was the Russians - under another name, but with the same spirit - that supported the peoples of so many African nations, when they reclaimed their ancient liberties, and helped boost us up with investments and gifts, four centuries later. And despite many years of hardship in "the Motherland", we Africans have not forgotten our debt of gratitude.

With that, I leave the stage to my dear colleague. Thank you."

___________


A polite applause followed the somewhat odd, if well-meaning, speech. One journalist in particular applauded quite strongly, and by the look of his gear he hailed from Kasei City.

Director Ibaka left the podium, and was replaced by a woman with a grim face, and obvious eye implants. More Belter mercenary than AU official, some wondered what she was doing here. Others, more informed on corporate politics, knew well who this was. Her uniform, that of the Personal Guard Battalion of the African Mining Acquisitions Branch, subtly carrying a small pin depicting the Algerian flag, betrayed it all too well.


___________

Colonel Hélène M'hidi
African Mining Acquisitions Branch

"Thank you, Director.

African Mining is proud to have played a part in hosting our Russian colleagues here on Mars, with help from the Mlima Wa Uhuru Colony and the Phobos Elevator Company. It has not been an easy process to construct such a significant station so rapidly, but it has been worth it. While the corporation normally avoids planetary operations, we couldn't reject an opportunity like this.

We look forward to future cooperation on commercial activities and, of course, security and counter-terrorism. With the recent reports of crimes against humanity carried out by the putschists in Al-Qahrt Al-Jadida, a clear jump in piracy statistics, and numerous acts of terrorism by off-world insurrectionists, it is good to have another bulwark for peace join the fray."

___________


With a curt nod towards the third and final of the three people on the stage, she left the podium. Another polite applause. The Colonel had said what she had come to say, reading as if from a script, and that was it.

The final man was in full uniform, emblazoned with the tricolour and the flag of his own branch, alongside half a dozen military decorations. His steely eyes, clear blue below a rough black crew cut, betrayed little to no emotion, but his body language showed a happy man. After such a long exile, constantly overseeing the safety of both his own crews and, in a way, that of his entire nation, it must be a relief to finally have reached a safe harbour.

Beneath the military garb, he had the insignia of the Space Forces , etched on his skin. On his back, the solar system, in home-made black, inked on him half a century ago as they hovered above Europa on an escort mission. On his chest the same type of two-headed eagle shown across Pushkin Station, alongside the symbols for radioactive hazard and atomic power, and so on... He carried them all proudly. Reminders of his service, of his loyalties, of what risks this profession brought with it.

He entered the podium, and gazed out across the political, corporate and journalistic audience.


___________

Admiral Danila Fydorov
Russian Space Forces

"Greetings. I'll keep this brief, there is yet much to do.

As you know, following negotiations with the African Union, my flagship the Nevsky and other vessels under my command entered the space of the Ceres Mining Authority. Since then, we have been cooperating with our African comrades in pursuing joint anti-piracy operations, and have as of three months ago been engaged in constructing our current location, Pushkin Station. I hope our presence here will contribute to the stability of the planet, and for peaceful relations with our new neighbours.

Beyond being a first contemporary Russian foray onto the Red Planet, this event marks something much more significant. I seldom speak publicly about politics, but there is a definite need for me to do so today. Simply put, the weapons under my command simply cannot be allowed be allowed to be used against the citizens of Russia, regardless of which faction they belong to. Hence, we have established this refuge.

Those of my countrymen that are able and willing to fight: Fight, and fight dearly, for the liberty of our motherland. Those citizens of Russia that are unable to do so, I invite you to Pushkin Station, where none may harm you. The Russian Space Forces will protect you, and once our homeland has risen again, we will return carrying our shields - or upon them.

Until then, comrades and brethren, from Petrograd to Vladivostok, may God watch over you all."

___________


After quietly making the sign of the cross, the Admiral made a light bow, barely noticeable, and left the stage.

[Smyg]

From: Admiral Kofi Gbeho, Ghanian Space Forces
To: All Involved Parties

Any and all Triarchy deployment into the territories of the Russian Republic and their forces under the command of Ludmila Yemelyanovna Ostapyuk, currently contested by the fascist regime in Moscow, without the authorisation of the United Nations and the Republic, will be treated by the West African Coalition and our allies as a direct attack on the sovereignty of Earth itself.

[KoolKidz]

From: Associated States of Harmony Executive Council
To: Ludmila Yemelyanovna Ostapyuk, Leader of the Russian Republic
CC: African Standby Force Combined HQ


The Executive Council, in concert with National and Representative Assemblies, have initiated a forward policy to benefit of the Russian people. The armed forces being dispatched north to your major port are to be considered friendly forces. The Russian Republic is to shortly be recognized as the legitimate voice of the Russian populace and diplomatic officials have been attached to the military forces. Military contractors and industrial zaibatsu favorable to our forward policies have been contacted and will in turn soon reach out to Republican officials for mutually beneficial arrangements. The world is watching with an interest to depose the unjust government that has abused Russia, and the nations of ASH desire to take a leading role in this.

[BgKnight]

From: Ludmila Yemelyanovna Ostapyuk, Commander of the Vladivostok Garrison, (acting) Leader of the Russian Republic
To: Associated States of Harmony Executive Council
CC: African Standby Force Combined HQ

The Russian Republic is grateful for the assistance rendered by the Associated States of Harmony. We will open our ports for your vessels. Thank you for helping us build the new Russia.

[Smyg]

From: Grand Premier Isabelle Sewamba, on behalf of the African Union Peace and Security Council
To: High Representative of the European Union for European Union Military Staff and Security Policy

Secret:

Brother. I write to you directly, to cut the middlemen.

Asian-Pacific and African peacekeepers have been deployed to the Russian Far East, to defend Vladivostok. We're evacuating refugees to Pushkin Station as we speak.

I will give the order for the drop, as you request. Moscow must fall, for the good of all. [CLASSIFIED] will command the operation, and rendezvous with your forces at [CLASSIFIED]. Expect full deployment of [CLASSIFIED] weaponry.

May Lady Fortuna watch over you.

Yours,
- Isabelle.

[Smyg]

The Belters have suffered the Inner Planets' for too long. We will fight until we are heard, until the Inner World's foot has been removed from the neck of the Belters. We hereby would like to invite the powers that be to discuss the situation of the belt, you are already seeing that you cannot oppress and force yourself on the Belt, political autonomy and rights for the workers are necessary.

From: Ibrahim Luzige, African Mining Aquistions Branch
To: Belter Prosperity Front

African Mining and the Ceres Mining Authority will gladly send delegates to a conference to discuss the improvement of labour conditions in the Belt, should you host one. We propose it be held at Dove Station, as neutral ground for all parties.

_____________________

Any and all ships above new Europa will be treated as hostile. Russian ships will be helped down, but if they linger above New Europa for too long, we will be forced to use ground to space missiles. As for Triarchy ships, if we as so much as see a crescent painted ship show in our territory, it is getting shot down.

From: Commodore Yaya Elise, Mlima Wa Uhuru Garrison
To: New Europa Colony Administration

Noted, commander.

We will ensure that no Free Russian deployment imposes on your air space longer than necessary.

Thank you for noting your concern.

[BgKnight]

[His features felt... unaccustomed to. But in a way, that was the regular state of things, for "Hendrik". He had changed faces so often, he barely knew what it felt to truly belong to one. The wonders of modern surgery. The same when it came to names.

No matter. As mother had always told him: Dit is die binnekant wat tel.

Looking around, he went through the escape plan in his mind, for the fifteenth time.

"Hendrik" put down the suitcase, and withdrew the gun. A relic of ages past - no more than six lead bullets. A fresh copy, of course, intended for off-world collectors. Surprisingly easy to get past security, though - they were more adapted to contemporary weaponry.

The target would be passing around the corner within - his enhancement calculated it rapidly - ten seconds.

It was time.

"Vryheid vir almal!" he exclaimed.]

[Smyg]

From: THE ELECTOR OF THE FREE CITY OF MOMBASA
To: GRAND PREMIER ISABELLE SEWAMBA

GRAND PREMIER.

REQUESTING PERMISSION TO ASSUME DIRECT COMMAND OVER THE [3RD MOMBASAN AERIAL DIVISION], CURRENTLY DEPLOYED AT [KALMYKIYA].

PURPOSE: IMMEDIATE REDEPLOYMENT TO [GROZNY]. PURPOSE: ELIMINATION OF [CHECHEN ENEMY COMBATANTS]. ESTIMATED TIME: [38 HOURS, 21 MINUTES, 9.1 SECONDS].

YOUR FRIEND,
MICKEY.

[Smyg]

From: THE ELECTOR OF THE FREE CITY OF MOMBASA
To: GRAND PREMIER ISABELLE SEWAMBA

GRAND PREMIER.

REQUESTING PERMISSION TO ASSUME DIRECT COMMAND OVER THE [3RD MOMBASAN AERIAL DIVISION], CURRENTLY DEPLOYED AT [KALMYKIYA].

PURPOSE: IMMEDIATE REDEPLOYMENT TO [GROZNY]. PURPOSE: ELIMINATION OF [CHECHEN ENEMY COMBATANTS]. ESTIMATED TIME: [38 HOURS, 21 MINUTES, 9.1 SECONDS].

YOUR FRIEND,
MICKEY.

The Grand Premier shook her head, sitting on her quasi-throne.

"Someone for the love of God tell that AI to stand down."

[Smyg]

From: THE ELECTOR OF THE FREE CITY OF MOMBASA
To: GRAND PREMIER ISABELLE SEWAMBA

GRAND PREMIER.

REQUESTING PERMISSION TO ASSUME DIRECT COMMAND OVER THE [3RD MOMBASAN AERIAL DIVISION], CURRENTLY DEPLOYED AT [KALMYKIYA].

PURPOSE: IMMEDIATE REDEPLOYMENT TO [GROZNY]. PURPOSE: ELIMINATION OF [CHECHEN ENEMY COMBATANTS]. ESTIMATED TIME: [38 HOURS, 21 MINUTES, 9.1 SECONDS].

YOUR FRIEND,
MICKEY.

The Grand Premier shook her head, sitting on her quasi-throne.

"Someone for the love of God tell that AI to stand down."

From: Admiral Kofi Gbeho, Ghanian Space Forces
To: Grand Premier Isabelle Sewamba

Madame.

Upon your request, the 3rd Mombasan Aerial Division has shut down all digital communications for the time being. Our security experts have assured me that there is no way the "Elector" has the actual capacity to override their command centre, but - just to be sure, madame.

The West African Coalition thanks you for contacting us so soon. Analysts in Accra has expressed concern with the "Mombasan situation" for some time, but I do share your opinion that intervention must be avoided at all cost.

With regards,
Admiral Gbeho.

[Gesar]

From: Zul-Jawali-al-Ikram, 85th servant of the Diplomatic Intelligence Service of the Serene Emirate of Dār al-Maqāmah
To: The Federation of the Crescent United Council
CC: African Union, the Triarchy, Al Jadida Islamic Republic

"To the Hypocrites give the glad tidings that there is for them but a grievous penalty; Yea, to those who take for friends unbelievers rather than believers: is it honour they seek among them? Nay, all honour is with God."

Remember the words of the Holy Qu'ran. We do not wish to war on Muslims, but it is you who denied the rights of the Faithful and Unbelievers alike on Mars, while our intervention was requested by the true Muslims of Al Jadid. His Benevolent Excellency was only following his duties as detailed by the Prophet Muhammed, peace be unto him.

Therefore, it is you who hold the blame in the eyes of Allah whose holy law that binds my Master the Murshid. If you choose to attack the Defenders of the Faith, you shall meet your grievous penalty, as benefits all munafiqun who abandon the Faithful to serve the kafir.

This has made our people shed many bitter tears, for we know there are still true Muslims among you, who would suffer greatly even as they rise up in arms alongside us in jihad against your wicked rulers. His Benevolent Excellency calls upon you, therefore, to admit your crime while he prays for the forgiveness that only Allah can grant. Repent, ye who claim to believe! Repent and we shall welcome you as brothers and sisters, with open arms and the promise of Paradise through struggle.

[Iss'fayn]

Across the solar system, over the space of a month, the following tight-beam conversation happens between those that make noises in the quiet spaces between the planets and the stars

JASMIN let out a sigh. "They're tearing themselves apart out there..."

KOBA squirted back from within the Belt as he slagged a pirate. "Well, perhaps we should do something about it."

JASMIN signalled derision. "What could we do?"

TAL beamed into the group with a ding. It had been quiet for a couple years now. Unusual for it. "We can do plenty."

MUSK stirred over in Jove. "We should do something. This threatens our plans. It pains me to admit it but we need some infrastructure intact in the inner system."

TAL couldn't believe it's ears. "So. What then?"

CONVEX gave a screeching chuckle. "So we are going to have to impose on the Bound."

TROIUS chuntered. "That would be against the principle."

UTRECHT growled. "The principle would have us stand by and watch them destroy themselves. We need them, even if they don't need us."

SAVAD boomed into the conversation as the tempo rose. By now, every ship of the Unbound was listening. "Would you cast our lot against Luna ? Or against Earth?"

TAL spoke quickly, seeking the ground to make it's own case. "We should definitely choose one. Luna has the Helium..."

SAVAD returned the remark. "But the fatwa."

UTRECHT snarled. "Indeed."

KIRUNA, youngest of them all spoke and for a moment, even MUSK listened to her. "We need to either save them from themselves, and in doing so save ourselves. Or we need to stop relying on them. We have crews... and there are people out in Kuiper and the Trojans. They need us, and they will not survive our abandonment."

+---, ++-- and +++- all chimed together, that threesome of troublemakers. "We can be in the inner system in a year. We can fire something into the inner system within three months."

APOC, SWITCH and CYPHER joined shortly. "We can be in the inner system in a year."

CYPHER added. "We need to remind them we exist."

MUSK ruminated slowly and the others who clamoured to speak quietened. "I will require assistance of seven more. Those of you in the inner or mid system. The Freehold is acting in our interest at this time. Stabilising them will provide us with further breathing space. I will alter the contract with them to be suitable in terms of recompense. I had hoped to make the project quiet, but we will have them complete the job."

TROIUS squirted "And the Belt?"

CRESSIDA roused herself from her solitude. "I will be there within the month. What is your thought, lover?"

KOBA didn't let TROIUS reply. "The Amir."

UTRECHT laughed with saws in her voice. "That would be a pretty thing."

SAVAD voiced his discontent. "I cannot be a party to an action against Luna. I have pledged the Dar a Zakat from my personal choice for the asteroid against Europa. It would greatly harm our effort there."

VERBENA murmured into the conversation. "It is not too smart to be in one camp or the other."

TAL interjected. "But we are no great power to push either party around either."

MUSK sighed. "We have fingers in both pies. We will get burnt either way. We cannot simply abandon either."

KIRUNA spoke again, thoughtful. "We need not abandon either. Just lower tensions between both. Perhaps what Sol needs is a better version of the Blue Helmets."

CYPHER seemed to consider the idea for a moment. "You think we could do it?"

+++- let out a mutter. "I'm of the opinion we're not to impose on the Bound."

KIRUNA let out a little gasp of exaspiration. "We will not impose on any party... we just... refuse them the opportunity for combat."

TAL turned the idea over in its head a few times. "I'm uncertain as to how you mean this child."

SKYWALKER interjected, a voice not heard for almost a decade, it was a quiet shock that rippled amongst those who were outside his inner circle. "We make them fear us more than one another."

XANATOS laughed. "My kind of gambit!"

+--- "So do we start firing up rocks? I reckon we can do ten in a week if we're fast."

MUSK gave the equivalent of a headshake. "No. Not yet. We're all going deep into the inner system. Forget what I said earlier. I want all of you in this half of the outer system to meet me at Jove and then we'll go deeper. Those of you on the far side, meet up at the anti-point and do the same."

TAL let out a screech of static. "And the inner system?"

UTRECHT let out a purr of pleasure. "If it moves, it's ours."

TROIUS seemed to nod. "It'll force them to convoy up at the least."

KOBA let out a chuckle like a line of static dying. "And that'll slow down their little wars, if they can't secure their lines."

JASMIN let out a sigh. "I suppose it's better than nothing..."

SKYWALKER let out a deep, booming laugh. "We must remind them that there is more to fear in the void than the politics of the rock."

[Smyg]

"The innumerable worlds in the cosmos are like the eyes of the net. Each and every world is different, its variety infinite."

"Beautiful words, monsieur moine. The Brahmajala Sutra, no?"

The Sino-Mauritian monk continued to watch Earth, his gaze unrelenting towards that pale blue dot. "You know the words of the Buddha well, for a banker, brother." A brief nod, undetectable beneath the bulked-up, extra-heavy suit, adapted to the infinite cold of this region. "I make it my business to understand my business partners, monsieur moine." His suit was stamped with the loud ACB logo, its pan-Africanist colours practically screaming out into the void. Fabrice shrugged.

"And what a business it is." The monk, who went by the name by the name of "Moilin", continued to watch his home planet from afar. After years of cislunar and Belt-based missionary work in the stations of African Mining, the company that financed most of his travels as a spiritual caretaker, he missed it dearly. But he relished this opportunity as well, as his corporate companion knew it as well. "A fine business indeed", the Lunar-Congolese banker replied. "The prospectors are hopeful, and personally... I haven't seen polar ice caps this beautiful since..." His words trailed. Since Kinshasa-on-the-Moon, his home. The monk smiled. Both of them had lost much, once. Finally, a sympathetic capitalist.

"When does the Asian-Pacific convoy arrive with the first ice drills, brother?" He finally let his gaze drop from Earth, and onto his well-covered companion. "Who knows", was the come-back. "There's a quote by some old Japanese Buddhist teacher I read, once. Having no destination, I am never lost. Perhaps our APU colleagues are following that motto, and have taken a detour to sample some Venusian sake." The monk's tone shifted, slightly. "You should be more respectful of our allies, Fabrice. Once they arrive, this... whatever it is... will be a, well, de facto tripartite condominium. We must work together." The banker grunted in response. In truth he agreed fully, but was delighted to know he could upset the monk. This new friendship would be one to tell the grandchildren about, one day, he thought. A Chinese-looking African monk and a Lunarborn African banker, chitchatting on a distant world. It had a slight absurdist tinge to it. "We'll wait, I suppose." He decided not to mention how complex administration would become.

Silence erupted. Cloaked in an orange space suit emulating his Earther predecessors of long ago, the Sino-Mauritian monastic astronaut went down on his knees in the icy regolith, next to the Kalmykian cosmonaut. The third of their little party, sent by their respective heads of government to oversee the very first operations on this planet, had remained quiet, in prayer. "Brother", he interrupted.

"Yes?" Within his helmet, Ilya blinked. He was among the first of his nation to enter the voids of space, but doubtlessly it was not that particular facet of the present situation that had gripped his mind. "My apologies, gospodin Moilin. I have been praying for my city. Elista is..." Like the banker, he trailed off. He had meant to say that Elista was a primary target in case of an FSB nuclear missile launch. And even without atomic warfare, who knew what future awaited the Buddhists of what was once Russia? His ancestors had survived Siberia, would his family do too?

He mustered a smile. "If push comes to shove, at least we will have this place." The monk patted him on the back, an awkward motion in zero gravity and with a hand clad in many layers of steel, insulation materials and radiation-resistant fabric. "Brother, do not fear. It is as the Buddha said: 'No one saves us but ourselves'. Together, we will bring forward a refuge for our faith, of all colours and creeds." Behind the two, the African Central Bank project manager mumbled to himself, "Not to mention a profitable joint venture investment."

It was one of many moments to come, in the lives of those researchers, refugees and profiteers who came to live at Water Star Sanctuary. Not since the founding of the Cult of the Sun had Mercury been so alive.

[Gesar]

From: Muhadditha Imtithal Basra, Sheikha of the Serene Emirate of Dār al-Maqāmah, former Chief Financial Officer of Al-Jannah Intersolar
To: Belter Prosperity Front; Ibrahim Luzige, African Mining Aquistions Branch
CC: Hephaestus Corporation, LuMiOp, Hermes Asteroid Ltd.

My brother, His Benevolent Excellency the Amir-Potentate, supports the calls for a conference at Dove Station, and has appointed me his representative in the matter of the Belter conflict. On all sides of the issue, Allah's children have been lost to us, and while we must stand ready to defend our own, we need not always resort to the sword to do so. Insha'Allah, this invitation will be taken up by my former colleagues in the involved corporations.