Solar System Daily

[Smyg]

IKAPA FLOOD BARRIER ENGINEERS TO VISIT MARS


An CTAS project in the Pacific, on contract from the Great Barrier Reef Revivalist Society.

Cape Town Aquatic Solutions, the controversial ikapa-based company whose predecessor (the now-dissolved "Table Bay Corporation", declared bankrupt several decades ago) was generally held responsible for the Great Flood of 2310, has reportedly deployed a team of engineers to the planet of Mars, where they are due for arrival at the Mlima Wa Uhuru Colony in some time. Although no purpose has been stated, anonymous sources within the African Central Bank - who allege that the West African Coalition is none too pleased with the development, seen as a threat to AU military interests in the region - have indicated to us that they are headed for Lincoln City. This surprising development follows the arrival of House Zijin staff at the failing American colony, to discuss the topic of emergency terraforming.

Founded by the heirs of the TBC, which only escaped a forcible shut-down by the city government through declaring bankruptcy, Cape Town Aquatic Solutions is predominantly involved in oceanic engineering, construction and architecture. It regained its predecessor's financial position following several lucrative contracts with minor statelets in the Indian and Pacific Oceans to build underwater habitats, a come-back long seen as impossible by economic analysts given their de facto involvement in the complete and absolute failure of the flood barriers of ikapa/Kaapstad/Cape Town, contributing the large-scale and permanent flooding of the still politically prominent city.

[Master of Oblivion]

Zionist Republic of Europa

Albert Benjamin kicked a rock in front of him every couple steps. Its clang echoed in the narrow hall way of the passageway. As he passed a slumped over refugee he absentmindedly tossed some sheckles into the bowl in front of him. He knew the man would spend it on his chemical addiction, but if Albert was homeless he would also want someone to enable his escapism. Albert only spent a second on it, he had more pressing concerns. As a member of the popular assembly this could have been raising the cost of the export tax, or dealing with the Cartel War. Instead it was some way of escaping his Grandmother Agatha’s birthday. Perhaps he could feign illness. He was known to be sensitive to the nitrogen content. That wouldn’t work though, that issue ran rampant in his father’s side. He would just have to face the music. His people were good at facing hardship he assumed.

Several hours later, Albert was sitting in his chair at the table. His uncle was telling a bawdy mining tale, full of exaggerations and lies. No one called him out on that. They were just called this tale had only subtle racism. Albert clenched the edge of his seat. He wanted to go.
“And then she yelled, I haven’t seen the face of God, but I assume he doesn’t have your nose!”, his uncle screamed, and then let out a disgusting, throaty laugh. A few drunk relatives joined him in later.
“Speaking of Yahweh”, grandpa Arnold said as the table suddenly went silent at the stirring of the patriarch. Here it comes, thought Albert.
“Your generation, Albert. They don’t believe in him. Such a sad lost generation.” Arnold looked at Albert, but Albert did not return his gaze. Instead he fidgeted with his robe, wishing he could be debating the finer points of education budget, not this. He knew what was coming next.
Cousin Bernard shot up in his chair. He was always eager for a fight. “This is the 25th century, we have given up on your superstition.”
Arnold closed his eyes, taking the bait. “Spare us your Leninist philosophy, just this once. We don’t need those dark words in this house”
“Are you afraid God is going to punish us?” Bernard grinned. Everyone was growing uncomfortable.
“He won’t punish me, God only punishes the wicked.” Several relatives banged their silverware in agreement.
“Just like he punished the Arabs sitting in Jerusalem, this very moment? How many more Genocides until you admit he doesn’t exist? ” Bernad smiled in triumph.
Arnold responded, “ Of course he exists. How else can you explain why we keep getting punished? How else can you explain why the greatest massacres always befall us? Its because the evil of this world knows we are on the right path. And its because God put us through this suffering to keep us before? How else can you explain how something as absurd as the Sheols keep occurring?”
Albert darted out of the room. At least he could find solace on the toilet.

[BgKnight]

Quick post before the report.

The Amir calls for Peace

In a grand political conference, Murad Basra, Murshid of al-Qamar and Amir-Potentate of the Faithful of Dar al-Maqamah has announced that the Serene Emirate of Dar al-Maqamah is willing to hold talks with the sides fighting in the Callistan War. Encouraging peace and supporting a resolution of the conflict as quickly as possible. The Titanite and Jovian states not involved in the war call for the same.

[BgKnight]

Mod Report


Parthenians reach Jupiter

The Small Parthenian fleet group that has left the Lunar orbit is now closing onto Jovian orbit, this has raised tensions all over the Jovian sector as the Freehold continues its operations against the Callistan cartel. The Freehold ships are tensely awaiting any signs of aggression from the Lunar ships so they can respond.

---

Massad Station Opens Fire

In the tense atmosphere of the Callistan Conflict, the charging of the rail gun owned by the Zionists on Europa has drawn attention as well, with well managed and coordinated actions being the only thing to stave off a Jovian-wide disaster with Freehold, Callistan and Parthenian ships present in the system. The Massad Station fires at a giant asteroid hurtling towards Europa, threatening the moon itself. The Asteroid is considered to have come from the far reaches of the outer system, but it was undetected until it appeared into the Jovian system. Scientists are speculating that it may have been a man-launched asteroid, which will explain why it wasn't detected sooner.

---

Ghana Producing Ships

Rumors are swirling in the solar system, that Ghana, one of the main supplier of High Quality African ships is now laying down another ship. The rumors came when the Ogyinae Station, one of the largest dry docks in space, actively building civilian ships, had one of its sections cordoned off by Ghana Space Marines and African Standby Forces, with access limited to it. Fierce activity on the station suggests something is being built. Following Jean-Baptiste Tshombe's visit to Accra, the Ghanan Space Committee has made several promises to roll out high-budget projects, leading many to speculate that Mr Tshombe's visit had something to do with the increase in space-born spending from the West African Coalition.

---

Private Assistance Arrives in Lincoln

The Lincoln Crisis develops in an interesting direction, as House Zijin Executives having arrived at Mars in an unmarked ship five months ago, now bring in engineers from their own house, dispatched more then six months ago to Lincoln. A few weeks later, representatives of Cape Town Aquatic Solutions, a very controversial company based in ikapa arrive in Lincoln as well, joining the trilateral talks.

It is unknown what the talks are going to produce, but given the dire situation the Lincoln Colony is in, the American government is likely to seek whatever means possible to calm the populace and stop the possibility of a flood. Engineers from the three sides are already drawing up plans for a project to dam key areas and stop the waters, but many fear that CTAS' reputation may make the project more expensive and ultimately nonviable for the struggling mother-country.

---

Refugees wave hits Ceres

The first refugee wave has finally hit Ceres, the civilian vessels that left the Jovian stations of the Cartel have arrived in Ceres. And while Ceres has prepared extensively thanks to private funding, the amount of refugees flowing into the Ceresian docks are quite a lot. The station administration, have been stockpiling food and water for over six months, but the war has made shipping from the Jovian moons and Titan sparse, meaning that Ceres had to divert ice-haulers destined to Earth and Luna to unload their cargo in Ceres. Not enough to cause shortages or anything major on Earth and Luna, but enough to cause minor losses to some companies and show the shape of things to come. The refugees have drawn in pirates as well, with so much of the traffic being diverted to Ceres, the Pirate captains in the area are drawn to hit the shipping lines around Ceres as well. They have faced opposition by the major companies in the area, the PMCs and more surprisingly, a few Unbound operatives who have found their way to the mouth of Ceres.

---

Hacker attack stopped

A massive hacker attack aimed at LuMiOp has been stopped dead in its tracks as corporate AIs uncovered an attempted infiltration by several military grade AIs. A tense electronic battle lasted for more then 13 minutes, in which the AIs battled each-other before the corporate security managed to corner one of the rival AIs and shut off connection to the node the AI found itself in, effectively killing it and all the information it held. The source of the attack is unknown, but LuMiOp has made it clear that they will re-examine protocols to make sure nothing was lost.


---

Attack on Parthenian base

In the early hours of an earth-day, an explosion shook the domes of Kinshasa-on-the-Moon, as EMP weapon was unleashed on Parthenian forces in one of their bases, crippling the implants on their heavily augmented bodies. Fortunately for the Parthenians, they had been prepared and trained to fight without the implants as well, so they were able to gain a semblance of unity rather quickly and killed almost all of the attackers. Several were captured, but they killed themselves with hidden cyanide capsules before the Parthenians could get to them, one however, knocked unconscious from the fighting has been captured successfully. But doctors worry that being in a coma means that the fighter will have severe brain-damage upon waking up.

---

Callistan War Part 2

The Fleets of the Freehold, focus on keeping Cartel forces from returning to the surface of Callisto, spread out above the moon in an attempt of denying them space in the moon's orbit. Meanwhile, Freehold ground forces occupying the former cartel station are reported to be digging through old papers and data, anything they can acquire. Most of the information was spaced as the station was being invaded, but some bits and peaces are captured by a Freehodler AI digging through scraps of deleted information. The Cartel on the other hand, continues to evacuate its stations and massing forces on its stations, in preparation for either a massive attack or a defensive action. The Parthenian forces in the system are an additional threat. And with the Titanite States mobilizing their forces and evacuating some of their stations to space freighters, has made some more of the houses wary, applying pressure on the Gethsemane of houses Zhijin and Soros to negotiate with the Cartel, before this war escalates into a system wide war. The Stations near to the Titan republics are already preparing their defenses in fear that no fleet can get there fast enough if the Titanites invade, considering the vast distances involved.

[Snacks]

Association Chairman Issues Statement Following Ultimatum by Ansoft, Titan Republics

Addressing the nation and the wider system from his office via video feed this morning, Chairman Soros reiterated the longstanding position of the Association that the most recent takeovers of Freeholder assets by the Callisto Cartel constituted hostile actions, and that the Cartel's hostility to friendly talks with the Association has pushed the Freeholds into establishing an active defense of their territories. Further stating that intervention on the part of Ansoft or Titan Republics would be unjustified in light of no acknowledged agreements or relationship between the states, he did, however, add that in the interest of limiting bloodshed and restoring the full flow of trade to the inner systems, that the Association has been working to open talks with the remaining cartel leadership and that ceasefire terms have been discussed, but that the process is still ongoing due to the senior leadership being in Freeholder custody and the necessity of getting in touch with middle managers. A spokesman later clarified that the Chairman and Central Commission had expressed a willingness to accept the Dar's offer of hosting peace talks.

It remains uncertain how these negotiations will proceed, and how the Republics and Ansoft will react to whatever results.

The political consequences at home, however, are less in doubt: sources in a number of houses have suggested that while their leaders voiced their commitment to the Cartel War, they're unhappy with having been 'dragged' into it, and that assuming the Central Commission themselves don't accomplish it, the full Board may convene to debate the Chairman's future in that position once the conflict has ended.

Leaked Documents Rock Cartel War
Discussion is still raging about a massive data leak from servers belonging to the now-captured Cartel senior leadership on Callisto. Containing transaction records, emails, and private memos, a number of documents in the archive reveal that certain leaders and members of middle management exchanged favors and payments outside the Cartel structure between one another and third parties. This has led to some amount of speculation whether the rapid capture of the station in Calypso's northern hemisphere was due to the presence of a traitor among the Cartel. At least one anonymous party has alleged that a traitorous element still exists within the Cartel and has offered a reward for their destruction. Associaton spokesmen have refused so far to confirm or deny questions about whether they have spies or agents among the Callistans.

Cartel War Has Direct Influence on Yuan Problem, Economists Warn.
Economists and bankers from a number of houses critical of a war submitted a report to the Central Commission today, discussing their findings that the disruption of trade due to the Callisto Conflict had caused a drop in the value of the Jovian Juan, which is partly based on gas output, due to mining operations tempering extraction in light of shipping difficulties. This fluctuation will have an effect on House Yuan, too, and while some Houses are already taking internal action to stabilize the value of their scrip, the group has argued that this is only the most recent evidence that the Board needs to find a permanent solution to the Two-Yuan issue.

Hui 'Princess' returns from Hajj
Having arrived in Jovian space earlier this week, just ahead of the Cartel War, the personal transport of Dr. Hong Fang- protege to Madame Hu Xifeng and president of Hong Cybernetic Engineering Solutions -docked at the Gateway of the Faithful station today, bringing a conclusion to the months-long sabbatical taken so that she could carry out the Pilgrimage to Islam's most holy site and further served as something of a grand tour of the Association's allies as a representative of the Hu Clique: in addition to her participation in the Hajj, Dr. Hong visited a number of other Islamic holy sites and cultural landmarks across Earth, met with business and government figures in a number of countries, and both attended and gave lectures at Earth universities.

Giving a short statement upon her arrival, briefly discussing her tour of Earth and thanking the citizens of Gateway for receiving her back, Dr. Hong left to preside over a ceremony honoring those deceased Muslims about to be shipped from the station to receive burial in accordance with Islamic burial customs. It is assumed that her next official appearance will be on behalf of Madame Hu- as she often serves as a spokesperson for the enigmatic and sometimes reclusive head of the Hu Clique -and it has already been reported that the two are likely to meet later today. With her House Fleet and Marines on the front lines of a war, the Association's factions bickering more than ever, and one of her closest subordinates back at her side, there is little doubt that Madame Hu will have something to say soon enough.

[BgKnight]

From: Cairo Kumar Bonaccorso, Acting CEO of the Callisto Grouping of Companies [Called the Callistan Cartel]
To: The Leadership of the Freehold
CC: League of Ansoft Leadership, Heads of the Titan Republics

We would like to open negotiations with the Leadership of the Freehold, the Freehold has already made it clear that they are willing to do so. We would like to coordinate a cease-fire so that we can dispatch ships to the Dar on Luna to discuss an end to this conflict.

[Smyg]

From: Ibrahim Luzige, African Mining Aquistions Branch
To: Cairo Kumar Bonaccorso, Acting CEO of the Callisto Grouping of Companies
CC: Leadership of the Freehold, League of Ansoft Leadership, Heads of the Titan Republics

Mr. Bonaccorso.

I have been appointed interim representative of African Mining, and - by proxy - of the Grand Premier, in the ongoing matters.

Conflict in the outer planets has decidedly negative economic effects for my company, and for the wider interests and needs of the AU. The ongoing refugee situation in Ceres is of concern as well. As such, we encourage you to declare an immediate ceasire, and follow the Murshid of al-Qamar's advice regarding negotiations. We will happily provide mediator to aid in such proceedings. With recent aggressive stances by the Parthenian Collective, we fear for the safety of any diplomats assembling on Luna, however, as the political sovereignty and security arrangements of the Serene Emirate remains in question.

Should the League of Ansoft, the Titan Republics, or - Heavan forbid - other outside forces intervene militarily in the ongoing internal corporate dispute between the Callisto Grouping and the Freeholders’ Association, African Mining and associated forces will see this as an direct act of escalation of the conflict, and thus the imposition of economic warfare against the AU. In the case of such unprecedented aggression, measures will be taken to protect the interests of Earth.

Sincerely yours,
I. Luzige.

[BgKnight]

From: Cairo Kumar Bonaccorso, Acting CEO of the Callisto Grouping of Companies [Called the Callistan Cartel]
To: Ibrahim Luzige, African Mining Aquistions Branch
CC: League of Ansoft Leadership, Heads of the Titan Republics, The Leadership of the Freehold

May we remind the illustrious Monsieur Luzige that it is not the Callisto Grouping of Companies that is slowing down the negotiations, it is the Leadership of the Freehold who have made it clear that they want to seek a cease-fire and peace talks but continue combat operations around our stations. Our ships are maintaining a defensive posture and will continue to do so, while the Freehold continues combat operations.

[Gesar]

To all parties in conflict [CALLISTO]: message incoming. AI detected: moodstate [DIPLOMATIC], origin [DAR]. Accept transmission?

[Transmission accepted.]

Most AI from the Serene Emirate refrain from adopting humanoid forms, but this one is a particularly strange case. Your ears are treated with the sound of a light breeze and lighter, childlike laughter, and a strange fractal appears before your eyes, morphing into and away from a thousand shapes before forming a pulsating outline of a young boy.

"As-salamu alaykum. This one is named Al Musawwir, 13th of the Serene Emirate's Diplomatic Intelligence Corps. I bring a message of peace from my master, the Most Gracious and Benevolent Murad Basra, Murshid of Luna. He urges all involved -and non-involved, in the case of the African Union- parties to the present conflict to remember the example of the Prophet Muhammed, peace be unto him, in fighting only just wars, and then only when there was no other recourse.

That is why this one has been sent to you, and why it believes hosting the negotiations in His Benevolent Excellency's domains is most fitting. This one's home has no desire for conflict that would impede the trade and prosperity of the solar system, and leave only the mad and cruel satisfied. The security of Luna depends on this as much as the Outer Regions do, and so we will maintain the sanctuary of the Domed Gardens of Salah as a suitable place for negotiations. Should the African Union object further, this one would advise first requesting an observer status at any talks.

Furthermore, this one is pained to say that while we will maintain military neutrality until assets of ours or the Triarchy are under assault, the Murshid will endeavor to use any non-violent means at his disposal if any involved parties, including the Callistans, attempt to violate a ceasefire. This includes but is not limited to a total freezing of assets within Triarchy influence, an embargo on the import and export of helium-3, software, and machinery within the solar system, and the withdrawal of the ambassadors of Dar al-Maqamah from otherwise recognized entities. Lunar commerce is the lifeblood of the solar system, and diplomacy is the vein that pushes it onward, but this one's Master is unafraid to sever a limb to save the body.

Alhamdullilah, this will not come to pass."

[Coin]

INCOMING TRANSMISSION
Origin: Parthenian Collective Taskforce, Jovian Sector

Statement: Taskforce keyship and escort clarify presence in Jupiter, but state on predetermined route via Jupiter orbital catchment; destination classified. Parthenian taskforce shall remain in Jovian Sector only to resupply, provide humanitarian assistance, and analyse situation; before commencing on next stage of voyage.

[BgKnight]

Mod Report

The Green Bomb

An emergency meeting has been held between Brazil and Chile, on the Argentinian usage of a neutron bomb. The fear this has caused in major Brazilian and Chilean cities has drawn the attention of the international community. Diplomatic channels all over the world are condemning the reckless threats and disregard for humanity displayed by Argentina. The Deep Green state, responded in kind that until the threat of force is applied to humanity, those that destroy nature will not stop. This coming after an Argentinian agent is captured in Brazil attempting to plant a bomb close to a local plant producing bots for domestic consumption. Tensions continue to rise in South America.

The Free Mars Essays

A series of essays has been circulating the Martian colonies, especially the African ones, talking about a separate martian identity, independent of earth. This has been deemed dangerous rhetoric by the Earther Colonial administrators who have been in charge of Mars ever since the failed insurrection, so any circulation of such material is quickly shut down. But the popularity of the message continues to resonate even half a century since the failed insurrection. Europol authorities in the area claim to have captured one of the distributors with a chip of Nachis Stitk, the currency used in the Lunar aligned Res Publica Nachis. But that alone serves no proof, as distributors that were captured have come from all corners of Mars. Rumors continue to swirl about a series of Secret Colonies hidden in the Martian Outback, but these rumors are dismissed as conspiracy nuts.

Refugees in Ceres; Part 2

The Refugee situation in Ceres continues to worsen, as the Ceres mining authority is forced to pay overtime to its police force to enforce order. With PMCs being dragged into the giant asteroid station to beat back any protests. The prepared food and water is starting to slowly run out and the native population, already egged on by the conflicts, has had several protests that were forcefully broken down. Money continues to stream into the colony from earth crowdfunding sources and government grants, but there are just too many people coming in.

The Opening Shots in Russia

The Russian Space Forces that disappeared six months ago continue to exist in illegality, rumors palace them anywhere form the inner solar system on Mercury and Venus to the Asteroid Belt, to even Titan and the far reaches of the Outer Solar System. Attempts to contact them have gone in vain, as nobody knows their exact location. Meanwhile on the ground, the military in the area of Vladivostok, one of the richest cities in Russia, having previously turned their flags upside down, despite orders from high command, have gathered a sizable defense of the city, declaring that the government of Russia is illegally suppressing the people. Military units in the area have either joined them or scattered. The Internal Ministry Forces in the area have been scattered after several firefights. The FSB regime is now forced to draw forces from the Far Eastern Military region, and shipping them towards Vladivostok. As the international community's eyes remain averted, Russia is collapsing and a civil war looks to be in the works. Both sides have reached out to foreign forces, but so far have received no support from anyone.


CEO of the The Complex of Luna visits Tycho city

The CEO of Lunar Complex, Yosif Kallis, has made a surprise visit to the gleaming capital of the Tycho Republic and perhaps the whole of Luna, Tycho City. Under the massive dome of Tycho, Mr Kallis met with representatives of the Res Public and its Security Services. Under closed doors the Tychans and the Complex discussed the Lunar Security situation and the threat of foreign actors. Upon exiting the meeting, Mr Kallis has declared his undying support for the Lunar cause and made it clear that as long as he is alive, the Complex will be an ally of Luna.

Callistan War; Part 3

As the Callistan war enters into its third half-year, the manouvers over Callistan space continue to be slow and calculated, with the conflict being almost frozen. Parthenean ships in the region have made it clear that their forces will continue on their trek into the outer system once they have refueled and replenished their reserves over Callisto, but only if the ceasefire is enacted. Callisto has slowed the process of evacuations, in preparation of negotiations and the various houses within the Freehold and on Titan await with bated breath the beginning of negotiations. The situation is teetering in the balance, and with African Mining's threat of open combat, LuMiOp has made it clear that their board of directors will not stand for this and will be forced to act upon any aggressive act by the African Mining corporation, with or without Luna's assistance. The Callistan Crisis as it is becoming more widely known, is one wrong move away from triggering a stellar war.


Preachers return from Luna to Mercury

Wanderer preachers return to Mercury from Luna, bringing news of local acceptance of the cult of Inti. The wanderers who have been on Luna talk about the connection between the Sun and Moon and their situation as counterparts and partners in celestial, cosmological and religious context. These preachers, a small group on Mercury, seek closer relations with Luna.

Gser Khang Bank freezes ICRS assets

ICRS assets have been frozen on Luna by the largest Tibetian bank, Gser Khang, while they place the ICRS under investigation. The Tibetian Bank alegates that the finantial assets by ICRS have been acquired illegal, specifically from receiving funding by shady Earther corporations. They have promised to release the fund upon conclusion of the investigation. But many see more to this, then a simple investigation, Earther analysts speculate that this is a move to strong-arm the ICRS into denying Earther support for their endeavors and from shying away from bringing Earthers to Luna. There have been many people on Luna calling the ICRS Earther collaborators for a while, this is yet a display of that.

Closer association between Universities in India and East Africa

Several academics in East Africa have released papers that suggest a closer cooperation between Indian and East African institutions, especially the re-start of the Indian-African Scholarships, who have previously brought thousands of Africans and Indians together in a massive exchange program. The program was later shut down due to allegations of the being used by the Indian Secret Services to recruit agents in Africa.

[Smyg]

Elector Henry Odhiambo II (2371-2400).

BREAKING NEWS: EAST AFRICAN ELECTOR DEAD AT 29

Although shocking no one, the announcement of the passing of Elector Henry Odhiambo II, the youngest-ever East African to reach such a high position within the African Union, has been felt across the region. The Elector largely inherited the position from his father at 25, the venerable Elector Victor Odhiambo I. Although faced by the weight of nepotism accusations from outsiders, Mombasans largely embraced their Elector, who had served with distinction on the Free City's small merchant marine during most of his youth.

Tragically, it was that very early part of his career that resulted in his death at only age 29, with metastases weighing him down for his last year in office. Although unknown to the public until two years ago, Elector Odhiambo II sustained serious radioactive exposure while an ensign aboard the Zanj, a city-owned escort ship operating at the time out of Europa, guarding Africa-bound water haulers. Although his exposure was brief, it was the actions he took to close down the ship's core during a reactor meltdown that not only saved the rest of the crew, but also took his life in the end.

With the funeral of Elector Odhiambo II planed to take place shortly, campaigning for the now-open position of Elector of Mombasa has begun, with citizen groups and corporations all vying for it. Although the title's actual influence and executive powers vary across the continent, with most polities making it largely symbolic, Mombasa - with its limited size and overgrown pride - has seen fit to put the Elector in charge of all pan-African, foreign, military and commercial affairs, while the offices of President and Prime Minister are ceremonial and domestic, respectively. Unusually for the AU, the city-state chooses its representative through a direct vote, albeit one seriously affected by the reigning political and economic factions.


_____________________________________________________


The Mombasa Docklands at dusk.

MICKEY FOR ELECTOR

Across the dirty walls of the Mombasa Docklands, just below the crowded skyscraper that constitutes the entirety of the city's "Little Luna" - essentially one big shantytown for the descendants of once moon-living refugees who fled the great turmoils of the past, when Africa still had sizeable holdings on the great white satellite in the sky - graffiti has been scrawled in just about every open space. "Mickey for Elector! about half of it exclaims, over an over again.

A man passing by scratches his head. With the recent death of Odhiambo II, a new Elector was needed. But Mickey? Allah protect us all, he thought to himself, and sighed. "Mickey" wasn't even a person, damn it!

Far up above him, in the seldom cleaned Little Luna, and in many other of the massive population centres of central Mombasa, surprisingly few people cared about such thing. Hell, if he isn't a person, at least he couldn't be corrupt like one.

_____________________________________________________


A woodcut from the Civitates orbis terrarum (1572), an ancient, eight centuries old codex.

The Free City of Mombasa

The Free City of Mombasa, once part of the Federation of Kenyan States (a tribe-based polity, one the cosmopolitan and coastal Mombasans found themselves uncomfortable in, brought down by the actions of the last King of the Wanga tribe), a lively yet often bleak hub of commerce in the Indian Ocean. With a significant portion of the city owned directly or indirectly by the African Central Bank and Congolese mining interests, it retains its sovereignty primarily due to its wealth, which affords it significantly more influence than its size mandates. None the less, it is more of an economic power than political, and remains largely neutral in African Union affairs. As of yet, the most significant political backers have stayed out of the ongoing election, seeing neither of the primary alternatives as viable.



CANDIDATES FOR ELECTOR OF MOMBASA 2400

• "MICKEY" - An early experimental AI, designed ca 2313. Won popularity when assuming direct control of the Mombasan Security Forces when the Pwani Ecological Front launched a surprise insurgency, taking out the city's military leadership in a well-placed bomb. Immediately reprogrammed into administrative services after his swift victory, languishing in the Mombasa Docklands quietly yet effectively overseeing cargo routes for almost a century, the now-outdated yet still vibrant AI returned to fame thanks to a 2398 documentary film. As of yet unknown if "Mickey" can legally run for Elector.
  
  • Endorsed by no major factions or significant individuals, but has an avid following among certain pro-robotics groups, supporters of AI rights, AU war hawks, youthful jokesters online, and others on the political fringe.
• Jacques Clairy - Franco-Kenyan owner of numerous media companies including News Out Of This World, a somewhat cliched network that dominates the city's digital scene, although seen as increasingly outdated by most below the age of 40. At age 89, the cyber-augmented media mogul, despite his strikingly youthful appearances (with the exception of his hair, according to some less polite commentators) is the oldest human candidate. Married thrice, each time to a more youthful version of himself. Alleged ties to investment firms in the Indian subcontinent, controversially.
  
  • Endorsed by his own media empire, and by several associated enterprises. Popular among some in the lower classes for his aggressive style and flair for theatrical performances.
• Rebecca wa Goro - Poet turned politician, and a close associate of Elector Odhiambo II's office. A second generation Mombasan, the daughter of immigrants from Central Kenya, she won the Sankara Award for Musical and Poetic Excellence at age 23 for her work. Although her writings once concerned social injustices, a job for the recently deceased Elector's father as the city's Deputy Secretary of Arts turned into a lifetime of government service, and some have accused the politics of going to her head. Although charismatic, there are worries she will be less than stellar as a foreign representative.
  
  • Endorsed by many in the political establishment and several key voices in the government, but largely unpopular among the city inhabitants due to the perception of corruption.
• Yakov al-Furtado - Prominent Islamic preacher and fringe candidate, known for his alleged ties to certain Lunar factions. Scholar of the city's history. A self-proclaimed voice of the oppressed, he and his husband, a fellow preacher, have successfully turned much of the Muslim-majority and mostly religiously tolerant population against him through inflammatory remarks directed at the significant Christian and Hindu populations.
  
  • Endorsed by a few mosques, and accused of receiving donations from private indiviuals off-world, although such claims have never been substantiated.

[Smyg]

THIS JUST IN: SIT-IN STRIKES ACROSS EAST AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES

A minor political movement has been spreading across universities and academies in the eastern region of the African Union, after allegations regarding Indian involvement in the education system. While most likely largely unfounded the allegations have received no comment from the African Educational Federation or the African Intelligence Coordinating Committee, it has sparked a long-seated distaste for foreign espionage against the AU among many youths.

Cities where small groups of students have taken political action, mainly through sit-in strikes and other peaceful means of protest, include Addis Ababa, Asmara, Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Port Louis, New Kampala, and Juba-across-the-Waters. At the Academy of Mombasa, home to over five thousand navy cadets, scuffles emerged when five students supporting the inflammatory Elector candidate Jacques Clairy - a media mogul often accused to Indian ties - clashed with several other students of anti-ROI sentiment, including some of Afro-Indian origin.

[Gesar]

Human Rights League of Luna: Missionaries within the Dar Lack Free Practice

As-Salah: Representatives of the Human Rights League of Luna have spoken out in light of recent events within the Serene Emirate of Dar al-Maqamah, including the alleged lynching of Mercurian missionary Wolfgang Ammer and the refusal of the Amir-Potentate's Council to address United Nations concerns as to the freedom of religion within the wealthiest nation of the Triarchy. Some analysts, many of which are pro-Earth in their sympathies, have agreed with the HRL analysis, one further stating that: "The Qur'an says there is no compulsion in Islam. The Murshid has solved this problem by letting the mob of his faithful remove any who might need that compulsion."

One Lunar analyst by the name of Cesar Ortiz, however, has different take, claiming that the law in 'the Dar' has always been based on the precedent established by the Lunar Revolution and the Basra Amirs, and that accordingly "only spies and the foolish brave the popular forces of the Home" and further allege that the radical elements of the Dar exist "only as a reaction to the stifling of the Murshid's reforms."

Opposition sources claim that protests have been stifled by the dervishes and the robotic servitor "Takwin", but that they havee found an unlikely ally in the most conservative mullahs, long a foe of the Murshid. This comes at a time of great upheaval for the Serene Emirate, whose present "Green and White Revolution" has seen an increase in power for the workers' "futuwwa", a Sufi term for the devout guild system of the Dar- and a proportional decrease for the once enfranchised class of Pashtun and Punjabi administrators with the rise of AI-dominant bureaucracy enforced by the devishes.

[Snacks]

From: Admiral Park Kwang-su, Jupiter Unified Command of the Freeholders' Association
To: Cairo Kumar Bonaccorso, Acting CEO of the Callisto Grouping of Companies
CC: Leadership of the Freehold, League of Ansoft Leadership, Heads of the Titan Republics, Ibrahim Luzige(African Mining Aquistions Branch), Al Musawwir

On behalf of the Freeholder's Association, I have been authorized to present the following proposal, formulated with the aid of JUCOM Space Traffic Controllers, in the interests of ensuring the terms of ceasefire are viable for both parties.

Both Parties will:

-Order military ships in Callistan orbit to disengage and/or remain as such, and maintain a holding pattern at [standard ceasefire distance] while they remain in Callistan orbit.

-Refrain from bringing more of their nation's ships into the contested regions of space, with the exception of ships carrying medical supplies/personnel, or any transports evacuating civilians.

-Respect the delineation of a temporary demilitarized corridor through which Freeholder and Callisto Grouping negotiators can quickly enter and leave Jupiter space towards Luna.

The Freeholders will:

-Order ships near Chandra station to maintain a distance of [standard ceasefire distance], and to allow medical transports and evacuations to access the station unimpeded.