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Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

I woke up to a nice surprise from @XwingGameSeries: scans of ads for Super Wing Commander and Secret Missions SNES! I don’t think I’ve ever even seen a two page SM ad before. There’s some interesting stuff here...

Look at the SWC cockpit: it doesn't look anything like any of the five in the game! It also appears non-functional, missing standardized VDUs and other displays needed. It's also obviously a bullshot, the space section is a frame pasted from the rendered intro cutscene.

The final Super Wing Commander cockpits:

This cutscene of a Dralthi taking off from a Snakeir doesn't appear in the finished game (it was likely cut from the intro). But I believe it the clip is still on the disc!

If you're a PC veteran curious about this screenshot from the Secret Missions ad, it's from a new introduction cutscene Mindscape created especially for the port. You can watch it here.

Also "Enter the dark world of the

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

We always like looking at little Wing Commander ships, and we thought you do too! Here's a couple of newbies that L.I.F. recently printed from DefianceIndustries' digital archive. These are deep cuts and date back to 2015 and 2016. These weren't originally meant to be printed, but they appear to have held up extremely well through the process. Super slick!

Since I feel the need to print all the coolest models from the community, here's how DI's Banshee and Lance look like, with minimal work done to make them printer-compatible. Thanks again, mate, for all the help you offered during these years working together!

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

A dredger clan is continuing to examine the abandoned generation ship Golconda in the Upaniklis system.
The Golconda was placed in orbit around Upaniklis B 3 in 3305 when its inhabitants migrated to the nearby outpost Forester's Choice. Over the past week there have been reports of smaller craft travelling between the Artificers Clan dredger and the Golconda, but the nomadic tribe has not responded to attempts to communicate.
Commander Javi Alvarado, a regular visitor to the system, submitted his observations to Vox Galactica:
"I was convinced that these scavengers were breaking down the Golconda into scrap to feed to their dredger. Or maybe taking over the whole ship to use as a new home. But I haven't seen any signs of structural damage yet, and it doesn't look like the Artificers have accessed its habitation areas either. So what are they up to?"
"Things are a little weird in Forester's

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

The Wing Commander CIC Discord server has been a busy place lately! A lot of stories that end up here at WCNews.com start as discussions in our Discord channel #Wingnut. If you want to see how the sausage is made, this is the place to be! Of course, we don't just talk about the WC series, and most of the conversation is off topic or about other shows/movies/etc. There's also space to talk about WC mods, fan fiction and more. It's a happening place. Check it out via the invite link here!

Do you crave around-the-clock realtime Wing Commander chat? Sign up for the official WC:CIC Discord server where you’re welcome to join our chill squadron of wingmates!

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

*Pilots' Federation ALERT*
The Kumo Crew syndicate has engaged in open warfare on the pirate insurrectionists gathered in the HIP 10792 system.
A recent coup attempt led by Arch-Corsair Vidar Trask, formerly one of the senior members of the Kumo Council, has failed. His forces were unable to eliminate Delaine and take control of the criminal organisation.
The rebels' vessels have concentrated in HIP 10792. Trask is commanding a coalition of loyalists, independent pirate gangs and as-yet unidentified mercenaries, collectively calling themselves the Trask Death Corsairs.
Despite suffering from some visible wounds as a result of the assassination attempt, Archon Delaine broadcast this message:
"Trask has betrayed all of us, and for that I want him crushed! I will pay well to wipe out every single traitor who fights in his name."
The Kumo Council faction will reward all independent pilots

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

*Pilots' Federation ALERT*
A party held by newly confirmed trillionaire Zachary Rackham has concluded, with attendees claiming it was an 'incredible' event.
The week-long event took place in the upper storeys of the Rackham's Spire building on the planet Homeland. This required regular supplies of the luxury items Apa Vietii, Gerasian Gueuze Beer, Pantaa Prayer Sticks, Uszaian Tree Grubs and Anduliga Fire Works.
A spokesperson for Rackham Capital Investments thanked pilots for these deliveries, and confirmed that payment could be collected at Edmondson High in the Beta Hydri system. The spokesperson remarked that Mr Rackham himself was unable to make a personal appearance due to 'fatigue'.
The Federal Times published this piece by financial journalist Bryanna Blanco:
"First-hand accounts from some of the partygoers suggest this was more like a no-expense-spared holiday. Each attendee was

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

Geraldo Rivera Rivera sent in this snippet of a wonderful OK PC magazine review for Wing Commander Academy. There's a lot to like in this article. First off, it's a Spanish magazine, so we get a slightly different take on early '90s Wing Commander compared to the standard fare. We got a peek at this version of Academy via DROSoft translation earlier this year. Secondly, it's a full four-page spread dedicated just to Academy. Without context, people today might blow WCA off as a simple mission builder, but at the time, this was a revolutionary way for fans to create their own missions. It was something fans were clamoring for and absolutely warranted being a standalone boxed product that people would run out and buy. At twelve years old, I put a lot of hours into mission building and loved the flexibility to pick ships and wingmen at will. Finally, from a magazine layout point of view, I like

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Part 3 of Scribbler's ambiance video series is here! This one, unsurprisingly, comes from the briefing room aboard the Tiger's Claw. While the bar has a bright fun tone and the barracks is calm and relaxing, this sequence is a bit more technically oriented. You can hear computers chirping, people typing, doors opening and occasional scribbling on a white board. It's not quite the aggressive stance that we're used to in this place, but that's not quite the intent - these are full of background white noise to help you pass the time with fewer distractions. I wouldn't mind an option to hear the original music though!

In this file we stay in the ambiance of the TCS Tigers Claw Briefing Room. Intended for radio plays or play in the background while working or falling asleep or even barbecue party. Where you want to let your imagination run wild.

Time to work Early in the morning and off to the briefing

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

An insurrection led by Arch-Corsair Vidar Trask has failed to gain control of the Kumo Crew syndicate.
Vox Galactica featured a report by freelance correspondent Karleen Troy:
"As might be expected, it's hard to obtain official data when conflict breaks out within a criminal organisation. But all the information I've gathered points to the same conclusion: Vidar Trask's coup attempt has failed."
"What is surprising, however, is how close he initially came to dethroning Archon Delaine. The Kumo Crew were almost overwhelmed by the sheer number of fighters following Trask's banner. I'm told that nearly half of the rebelling forces have yet to be identified, and are suspected to be mercenaries."
"A second mystery is that Arch-Corsair Kay Volantyne, another senior member of the Kumo Council, has been declared missing. The Pegasi Sentinel newsfeed believes that she was killed by Trask personally.

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

Today we've got a unique Wing Commander YouTube video. Pinoy Video Gamer titles this one as a WC3 unboxing, but it goes into much more. His copy of The Heart of the Tiger is obviously well loved, and he takes time to go through its contents. There's also a good discussion about the other major Wing Commander games as well. Even Wing Commander Arena gets a brief segment!

I like to occasionally highlight videos like this from other languages to share what WC appreciation is like around the world, but I've never personally run across one in Filipino Tagalog before. Even more, this one is narrated in a hybrid of both English and Tagalog so that speakers of either should be able to easily follow along. I would struggle to make this in just one language, so it's very impressive to see something like this presented bilingually!

I unbox my old copy of Wing Commander 3: Heart of the Tiger. And I talk about

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

Symphonic Remakes has made a new set of digital reorchestrations for Wing Commander 2. Today's lineup is the brief scramble clip followed by longer tracks for Prince Thrakhath's Theme and the Victory tune. WC2 has some fabulous music, so it's nice to see another fresh take on it. If you like these, check out their earlier remixes for WC1/2 here!

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

So we all know the story of the little fuel truck that was cut from the Oxford landing screen in Privateer…

… but now look at this two-page UK advertisement. What’s that there in the New Constantinople screenshot…

IT’S THE TRUCK!

Also having now noticed the truck there you will immediately see it… on the back of the box! The box has TWO MISSING TRUCKS!

All hail the truck.

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Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

The Artificers Clan dredger has entered the Upaniklis system, where the generation ship Golconda currently resides.
The Golconda, when it was discovered in 3305, was still inhabited with the descendants of its original crew who left Sol in the 22nd century. They accepted the Federation's help to abandon the ancient generation ship and resettle on the Forester's Choice outpost, where their unique culture would remain undisturbed.
The Artificers Clan is a nomadic community living aboard a Dredger-class bulk cruiser, an old design that refuels by scooping raw materials and salvage. Little is known about this particular tribe, which rarely enters inhabited systems.
The dredger's arrival was initially reported by independent pilots. Commander Javi Alvarado gave a statement to Vox Galactica:
"I regularly make trade runs to Forester's Choice. I've made a few friends there, but the Golcondans are

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

Here's an unusual oddity. AD found an emulation cabinet that purports to play the Sega CD version of Wing Commander. Upon further investigation, it's not really clear if Wing Commander is actually included. Due to the dubious legality of these types of setups, the mix of games is always a little questionable. Nevertheless, the visual of WC in an arcade type box is pretty cool. The variable title header that displays the Wing Commander name is also a wonderful touch!

You can find the product listing here. At $1400, it may be cheaper (and more legit) to build you own! AD looked up the base cabinet hardware here and digital display upgrade here.

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

Today we've got Scribbler's second ambiance video. This one takes place in the Tiger's Claw's barracks. As such, it's a little more peaceful than the bar scene. There's a more calming engine hum and an occasional water bucket drip. What do you think? You can help provide feedback at the CIC Forums and influence Scribbler's future projects here.

In this file we enjoy the ambiance of the TCS Tiger's Claw bunkroom.

A long flight? Rest yourselves. It's not a five-star hotel. A water pipe has been dripping for ages, and announcements from the bridge can still be heard in the corridors. Don't be disturbed that a comrade has just come out of the bar and is now going to bed. After all, you are on a carrier ship that has seen its best days and has no single berths. Enjoy your sleep.

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

*Pilots' Federation ALERT*
The entrepreneur Zachary Rackham has asked for deliveries of rare items to Edmondson High in the Beta Hydri system.
At a press conference on the planet Homeland, Mr Rackham announced:
"It's not every day that a humble businessman like me celebrates becoming a trillionaire! So I'm holding a week-long party in the upper floors of Rackham's Spire. To make sure my guests are entertained, I'll need to keep my stocks of Apa Vietii from Upaniklis, Gerasian Gueuze Beer from Geras, Pantaa Prayer Sticks from George Pantazis, Uszaian Tree Grubs from Uszaa and Anduliga Fire Works from Anduliga high throughout the entire week."
"I've also arranged for pilots to receive temporary permits to the Beta Hydri system, which will last until the 2nd of June. Anything to make life easier for my trader friends!"
Mr Rackham faced criticism for hosting a celebration at a time when so many

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

*Pilots' Federation ALERT*
Professor Ishmael Palin has received multiple shipments of Thargoid meta-alloys for xenological study.
From Abel Laboratory, his workshop in the Arque system, Professor Palin made the following announcement:
"I am deeply grateful to all those who collected meta-alloys from barnacle sites. Analysing these samples will help us learn more about the biomechanical technology currently employed by the Thargoid fleets."
"I am planning the second phase of this project, which has the combined assistance of the Alliance, Empire and Federation. Despite the horror of the recent attacks, we must seize every chance to increase our scientific knowledge."
Professor Palin has authorised payment for all pilots who took part in the initiative. This includes awarding class 4A, 5A and 6A corrosion resistant cargo racks to those who made the greatest contributions.
The rewards can be

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

*Pilots' Federation ALERT*
The invading Thargoid forces in the Didio, Novas and Sosong systems have been completely repelled by Salvation.
Vox Galactica journalist Jade Sanderlyn published this account:
"We've received confirmation from Commodore Morag Halloran that three anti-xeno superweapons were activated in Didio, Novas and Sosong. This caused the Thargoid fleets in all three systems to immediately withdraw into hyperspace."
"It seems that the Thargoids have no defence against the Guardian-derived superweapon, which generates an electromagnetic pulse to disrupt their biomechanical technology."
"Allied, Federal and Imperial taskforces have been keeping the Thargoids at bay for the last two weeks. Admirals Ziegler, Price and Atherton sent messages of congratulation to Salvation, who seems set to receive additional resources to improve superweapon production. For better or worse, it appears

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

Today we've got some new 3D print examples from L.I.F.. He's moved on from the Excalibur and is now testing out a Morningstar. There's some plastic scuzz that needs to be shaved down, but the spaceframe is one of Klavs' gorgeous designs. Here it is presented next to the universal unit of scale, a Nintendo Switch (non-OLED):

Still some issues getting the Rapier to work in the slicer, but in the meantime, here's a print of Klavs' gorgeous Morningstar (although nowhere even close from LYP's print of it), with a Switch for scale.

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

A power struggle is raging within the Kumo Crew following a coordinated effort to overthrow the syndicate's leader, Archon Delaine.
The Pegasi Sentinel newsfeed delivered this exclusive report:
"What at first seemed to be merely another attempt to assassinate Delaine turned out to be a far greater threat. Simultaneous attacks across the organisation revealed that this was actually the first strike in a full-blown coup."
"The rebellion is being led by Arch-Corsair Vidar Trask, a senior member of the Kumo Council. He has declared that the syndicate is stagnating under Delaine's 'tired brand of barbarism', and that new leadership will bring greater glories and riches."
"Fierce combat has ignited in the Kumo Crew's key areas as both sides battle for resources. Trask's loyalists are being aided by a motley collection of pirate gangs as well as thousands of unidentified fighters, suggesting that he