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Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

*Pilots Federation ALERT*
Multi-billionaire Zachary Rackham's new orbital outpost at the galactic zenith is now operational.
Rackham's Peak is situated in the HIP 58832 system, one of the highest practical locations above the galactic plane. Its construction was funded by Rackham Capital Investments, in conjunction with Universal Cartographics and other scientific research companies.
Traders have been welcomed, although the increased distances between stars at the galaxy's fringes mean that vessels with a high jump range are recommended. Rackham's Peak is currently offering high prices for deliveries of beer, liquor, wine, Bast Snake Gin, Centauri Mega Gin, Chateau De Aegaeon, Eranin Pearl Whisky, Gerasian Gueuze Beer, Harma Silver Sea Rum, Indi Bourbon, Kongga Ale, Lavian Brandy, Leestian Evil Juice, Saxon Wine, Thrutis Cream and Wuthielo Ku Froth.
Mr Rackham officiated at the outpost's

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 Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

Zachary Rackham has officially ended his election campaign, following the discovery of evidence that supported claims of his criminal past.
Federal Times journalist Bryanna Blanco published the results of an investigation by the Wallglass Investigations Agency, which included a message archive found on Zeta Trianguli Australis A 7 a. These findings strongly support a long-standing rumour that the trillionaire operated as notorious pirate lord 'Calico Zack', prior to inheriting his family's wealth.
PR consultant Anya Blackriver delivered a statement, in her role as campaign manager:
"Mr Rackham has decided that these attempts at defamation are a regrettable distraction from his election campaign. His amused tolerance of the nickname 'Calico Zack' – a nickname assigned to him by the media, I should point out – is not an admission of any true link to that despicable outlaw. Rather than allow

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

The Federal Times has been asked to assist with a criminal investigation into Rackham Capital Investments.

Journalist Bryanna Blanco reported on the details:

"Operatives from the Federal Intelligence Agency have contacted our offices regarding the recent deaths at Zachary Rackham's company. We are cooperating with their inquiry and have agreed to share all relevant documentation."

"The Federal Times has been monitoring the suspicious activities of 'Calico Zack' for years, so we're relieved that the authorities are at last taking these allegations seriously. Our discoveries about Taja Gavaris – who seems to be clearing the path up the corporate ladder by any means necessary – are of particular concern."

"We expect Rackham, Gavaris and many other ex-pirates masquerading as businessmen to answer all charges brought against them."

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

Trillionaire entrepreneur Zachary Rackham has launched his campaign to be elected as Federal president in the forthcoming election.
He outlined several policies during a press event in the tropospheric suite of Rackham's Spire on the planet Homeland:
"As I see it, the job of president is to help ordinary, hard-working people from humble backgrounds – just like me. So I pledge to reduce all civil taxes and public service fees, and boost government funding for business grants and commercial opportunities. Let's make everyone rich and successful – just like me!"
Mr Rackham is running for the position of Federal president as an independent candidate and claims support from several corporate interests including Rackham Capital Investments. His manifesto has triggered a surge in popularity, with several high-profile celebrities promoting his campaign slogan: 'Just Like Me'.
However, economists have

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

Presidential candidate Zachary Rackham has denied allegations that he was a notorious pirate lord prior to becoming an entrepreneur.
Financial journalist Bryanna Blanco has long maintained that the business magnate gained his initial fortune by means of piracy. She recently announced that she was renewing efforts to prove his criminality, thereby invalidating him from holding the presidency under Federal electoral laws.
In an exclusive interview with Sol Today, Mr Rackham addressed the situation:
"I've always been highly amused by these stories, which make out that I was some kind of swashbuckling corsair in my youth. No doubt they've helped boost sales of The Federal Times."
"But in the Federation, we have laws to protect innocent people – just like me! – from libellous accusations. It's time for Ms Blanco to discard her poisonous obsession with me, or I'll be forced to defend my good

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

The Federal Intelligence Agency has denied that it is conducting a criminal investigation of Rackham Capital Investments.

A spokesperson for the FIA gave the following statement:

"Contrary to recent statements by the journalist Bryanna Blanco, we did not contact her seeking to obtain documentation, and are not running any investigation."

"There is no evidence of criminality within Rackham Capital Investments. Our agency has received charitable donations from that organisation in the past, and Mr Rackham himself is a long-standing member of the FIA Civilian Oversight Board. Such a relationship would not be possible if we had any doubts about the integrity of Mr Rackham's business dealings."

Bryanna Blanco published a response in The Federal Times:

"If this is true, then who were the FIA agents that visited our offices? I spoke to them personally and asked to see their credentials. Who has

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

Billionaire businessman Zachary Rackham has been targeted by a highly sophisticated hack that successfully withdrew 1 billion credits from his personal account.

A spokesperson for Rackham Capital Investments informed shareholders:

"We have reported the theft to the authorities, and are reviewing our computer security systems. The only clue as to the criminals' identity is a message they left encoded in Mr Rackham's account: 'The Collective plays to win.'"

Financial journalist Bryanna Blanco commented in The Federal Times:

"The purpose of the hack was evidently to reclaim the billion-credit prize that Rackham 'won' in the Federal Grand Lottery. What Rackham Capital Investments didn't reveal was that the money was redistributed equally among several hundred of the company's former employees, who were denied their company pensions years ago."

"There is a sweet irony to the old pirate Calico Zack

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

Independent presidential candidate Zachary Rackham held a gala ball for some of the Federation's wealthy and influential elite.
The Federal Times published a report from political correspondent Sofia Trevino:
"The extravagant gathering at Fort Rackham (formerly Fort Falkenrath) on Taylor Colony felt more like a party than a fundraiser, but its ambitions were clear. Campaign finance laws forbid Zachary Rackham from using his own wealth to pay for his presidential bid, and so connections are being forged to entice donations and other types of support."
"Mr Rackham's campaign manager – and the originator of his 'Just Like Me' slogan – was revealed to be celebrity PR consultant Anya Blackriver. She organised many famous attendees including media barons Elias Metaxas and Neive McFarlane, the youthful but popular ICE-caster Sura Oyekan, and flamboyant business magnate 'Sir' Randolph Plaskett of

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

Multi-billionaire Zachary Rackham has discussed standing as an independent candidate for the Federal presidency in 3309.
The issue was raised during the opening of a new superstructure named Rackham's Spire on Homeland in the Beta Hydri system. At a press conference in the tropospheric suite, Mr Rackham was asked for his views on the proposed Hudson Contravention.
He replied by light-heartedly hinting that he might run for office himself: "With two Zacharys on the ballot, I'm guaranteed to get some votes by mistake!"
Financial journalist Bryanna Blanco wrote an opinion piece for The Federal Times:
"Rackham's Spire literally stabs the sky above Los Pioneros, rising so high that during the day its shadow moves across the city like a colossal sundial. Extravagant, expensive and impossible to ignore, it's practically an altar to the man who built it."
"I've spent half of my career investigating

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

Rackham Capital Investments has appointed a new CFO following the death of its former financial officer.

Business analyst Marlon Royce reported on the situation:

"Aaron Salazar was CFO at Rackham Capital Investments from its inception. After a sudden cardiac arrest at the Ivystone Spa proved terminal, the board of directors voted to install Taja Gavaris as his replacement. Little is known of Gavaris outside of her meteoric rise up the corporate ladder."

"CEO Zachary Rackham was not present at the vote, the CEO has taken a leave of absence to cope with his grief. "The multi-billionaire businessman, also known as 'Calico Zack', established the company following a lucrative career as an independent trader, although rumours persist that he actually operated as a pirate."

"Insiders have speculated that Gavaris's appointment may be part of a scheme to oust Rackham from the top spot."

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

The Beta Hydri system has become the commercial and political headquarters of wealthy entrepreneur Zachary Rackham.
The Tau Ceti Journal reported that Rackham Capital Investments owns a majority of shares in the Beta Hydri Corporation, the system's controlling faction. As a member of its board of directors, Rackham has had a role in governing the system for many months.
At a press conference, a spokesperson for Rackham Capital Investments said:
"Mr Rackham was born on the planet Homeland, so he is enthusiastic about giving back to his former community. For example, building Rackham's Spire helped revive the construction industry in Los Pioneros. We have also invested in several local companies, such as the Luxe Somptueux hotel chain – now rebranded as Rackham's Rooms – and MacArthur Mining Ltd."
Several newsfeeds asked if Rackham's political position in Beta Hydri paved the way for running as

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

The trillionaire entrepreneur Zachary Rackham has officially confirmed that he will stand as a candidate in the 3309 Federal election.
Mr Rackham finally stated his intentions following several weeks of speculation. At a press conference, he said:
"I know what you're all thinking. That guy as president? Isn't he just a common businessman, who used to survive on scraps by trading trinkets in a rusty old Sidewinder?"
"But despite my humble origins, many good people have convinced me that my experience with running corporations would prove useful to the Federation. I feel like everyone's tired of the same empty words from the two big political parties. It's time to hear from the little guy!"
Mr Rackham added that it will take several weeks to prepare his manifesto and campaign team. It is unknown whether he intends to form a new political party or stand as an independent candidate.
There has been

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

The personal fortune of entrepreneur Zachary Rackham has now surpassed one trillion credits, due to a new corporate acquisition.
A report in The Tau Ceti Journal highlighted the achievement:
"Rackham Capital Investments now officially owns the company Kavanagh Spaceframes Ltd, which constructs Orbis starports. The business deal had been in the pipeline for years with little sign of progress, but was unexpectedly agreed by both parties in the last few days."
"Susannah Haynes, CEO of the now-renamed Rackham Spaceframes, welcomed the arrangement. She remarked that 'improved financial stability can only benefit our efficiency at manufacturing orbital habitats'."
"Analysts estimate that the total value of Mr Rackham's estate is now approximately 1,012,000,000,000 credits. This makes him one of a handful of private citizens in the Federation who can claim to be trillionaires."
The Federal Times

Quote from Star Trek Online News-Bot

Temporal Anomalies have opened a hole to an alternate universe, one with a fantastic sale, Captains. But this Flash Sale will only be available for a limited time – from 12pm – 12am PT, today, 8/9. Hurry and grab yourself some items at a one of our largest discounts ever, before the portal shuts and it’s all lost. Today’s Flash Sale is: 25% off R&D Packs, which can open into a T6 Starship! Don’t wait! The Flash Sale Anomaly can be gone before you know it! .share-footer a { margin: 20px 10px 10px 0; background: url(d7afaaa14e96d0d973f76157ae31ec5b1466398539.png) no-repeat 0 0; opacity: .5; display: inline-block; height: 60px; width: 60px; padding: 0; border: 1px solid transparent; -webkit-transition: opacity .3s; transition: opacity .3s; } .share-footer .TI { background-position: 0 20%; } .share-footer .YT { background-position: 0 40%; } .share-footer

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

Found an ancient bug in Armada! The source for the credits reads "Music & Digital FX" but the actual game doesn't display the ampersand. (But I think we can give the team that was QAing this and Wing Commander III at the same time a pass...)

Also never noticed this cool footer on the credits! JEMM was the DOS extender and RealSpace was the 3D engine, both first developed for Strike Commander.

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

Here, have a YouTube short of Happy Gaming House settling down to a nice game of Wing Commander 3 on the 3DO! It's a vertical vid, so you might want to go full screen for the complete effect!

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

Shout out to the wonderful fan ship illustrations in Secrets of the Wing Commander Universe! They're credited to Elizabeth Creegan. You can access a full collection of Ms. Creegan's ship sketches here.

Secrets of the Wing Commander Universe is the master pilot's guide to all eight Wing Commander games. Every ship and weapon is discussed; every mission is explained; every winning strategy and tactic is detailed; every undocumented feature is laid bare. You get years of Wing Commander experience - without giving up your day job. It's the Bible of the Wing Commander Universe!

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

We've got a couple of very nice new updates to a pair of Klavs' WC2-era models. The Sabre that he's been working on this year has gotten a revamped TCS Tarawa texture with nods to the events of End Run. There's also an all new take on the Ferret, which you can tell is the P-64D Super Ferret variant thanks to the pair of heat seeking missiles. It gets a similar new livery to the Sabre based around the In-System Security paint scheme. The Sabre may win out on specs, but the Ferret sure is powerful for its size!

New livery for the Sabre! And some work on a reduxx'd Ferret!

Quote from Star Trek Online News-Bot

The Infinity Lock Box, containing prizes from nearly all previously-retired Lock Boxes, will be available again for an appearance on PC. During this time, enemies defeated on both Ground and Space maps will have a small chance of dropping one of these prize-filled packages. This run of the Infinity Lock Box will feature the addition of the Ferengi Quark Marauder [T6] and the Kelvin Divergence Lockbox contents! Continue reading further on for the full details on these new offerings. Updated Prize Lists! Along with the Ferengi Quark Marauder and all of the prizes offered in previous appearances of the Infinity Lock Box, additional prizes originally seen in the Kelvin Divergence Lock Box have been added to the rewards! They now include all of the following: Kelvin Heavy Destroyer [T6] (FED only) Kelvin Timeline D7 Heavy Destroyer [T6] (KDF only) Console - Universal - Hull Image