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Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

Princess Aisling Duval has publicly asked Emperor Arissa Lavigny-Duval to reconsider pledging Imperial resources to a cross-superpower anti-xeno initiative.
Her message was shared on all Imperial newsfeeds:
"The Empire's capability to defend itself is not in question. But neither is there any doubt that we are facing a protracted war. The ferocity and scale of the Thargoid onslaught on human space is unprecedented. Of course the Empire will survive, as it has for over a millennium… but at what cost? How many systems must fall? How many citizens will grieve for lost loved ones?"
"Emperor Arissa, I implore you: work with the Alliance and Federation to reform Aegis. Our combined resources are needed to develop new technologies to overcome the alien armadas. Corporate interests must not dictate this path. Let Imperial ingenuity and courage light the way to victory over a common enemy."
A handful

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

Princess Aisling Duval has assumed oversight of the Empire's contributions to the tri-superpower agency Aegis.
She discussed her new role during an interview with The Imperial Herald:
"Loathe though I was to defy the Emperor's decree, every instinct told me that the Aegis initiative can develop methods of protecting the Empire from enormous losses in this war. I'm grateful that Arissa recognised the value of my plea."
"I've been liaising with Professor Alba Tesreau, as well as Dr Fonseca, Vice Admiral Anderson and the rest of my team. Our challenge is to make the most of the Imperial resources allocated to Aegis."
"It's true that I was critical of Aegis's effectiveness in the past, but I've always believed that cooperation with other superpowers can bring mutual benefits. The mass slaughter inflicted by the Thargoids eclipses the NMLA's atrocities – a challenge we faced together. We must

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

Prince Harold Duval is dead after a targeted assassination attempt by the Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army.
The Empire has imposed a media blackout on these events, and no official statement has been made. However, independent journalist Gwendolyn Nash published this on-the-scene report for Vox Galactica:
"From interviewing multiple sources, we gather that a single assassin managed to infiltrate Harold Duval's personal transport. He was killed by shipboard guards but not before shooting the Prince at close range."
"The NMLA claimed responsibility for this attack in its latest propaganda broadcast, which referred to the Duval family as 'imperialist parasites'. The extremist group also demanded that 'Marlinists everywhere must rise up and demand a democratic Republic'."
"Harold Duval was famously declared unfit for the throne by Emperor Hengist, and has been out of the public eye ever since. He

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

Edmund Mahon has launched a political campaign to be elected as the Alliance's leader for a second term.
The incumbent prime minister is undertaking a whistle-stop tour across Alliance space to rouse support. Only members of the Assembly can cast votes in this election, but they will be heavily influenced by public opinion within their systems.
Mahon's campaign has focused on the Alliance's huge expansion during his six-year premiership, with reminders of triumphs such as the Alliance Festival of Culture. His ability to handle a crisis has also been highlighted, including President Kincaid's attempted coup and the League of Reparation's crusade.
More recent examples of his leadership are welcoming Marlinist refugees from the Empire and exploiting the Coalsack Nebula to boost economic prosperity. However, Mahon's critics have pointed out that both strategies increased the risk of attack from

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

There's a lot of things on sale today at Amazon.com, but our pick of the day is the Wing Commander Academy television show on DVD. It's $10.99, which isn't a special sale price just for today, but it does match the lowest it's been at for the past year. Academy is a spectacular story that follows our favorite pilots across thirteen episodes at the academy and aboard the Tiger's Claw. Since it was delisted from Peacock last year, the DVD remains the top way to pick it up today. And for folks looking for the absolute best deal, Academy is on sale at Deep Discount as well. It starts at $9.62 and then coupon code "SUMMER" knocks it down to an impressive $8.18. However, shipping adds a couple bucks back and takes a bit longer than Amazon, so pick the best option for your situation!

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

FEEDBACK NEEDED! The reason we've been looking at Privateer 2 the past few days is that we're using the Privateer 2 intro cutscenes as the demo for a totally overhauled Holovids section at the CIC!

These new pages will collect all kinds of interesting supporting material with each cutsscene: storyboards, alternate versions, artwork, etc. You can find the first one here. Before we move on to the cinematics for rest of Privateer 2, WC3 through Prophecy and beyond we'd love to know what else you'd like to see in these spaces! What would help organize it, make it usable/less confusing, etc.

And special thanks to AD who has been taking charge of the video section of the project, aka the hard part that requires actual talent. And if you'd like to sign on and help, stop by my office anytime!

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

The Origin history book Through the Moongate, from Wing Commander and Ultima VII to Portalarium now has a back cover! In his December update, author Andrea Contato shared an initial preview of artist Manda's conceptual draft. This will also be featured on the project's awesome cloth art piece. The cloth was included at the €110 tier, but may be available as a €30 extra as inventory allows by contacting Mr. Contato. There's still a lot of work to go, but it prominently features a Kilrathi warrior looking down on a couple of Ultima characters. There's also a Dralthi in the corner, which happens to be the movie's distinct KF-100 variant. I was sold by Denis Loubet's bookmark, but this WC art on the cover will be a nice bonus!

Working with Illustrator allows me to form a composition from the elements that I want. This painting combines elements from two key Origin "franchises": the Ultima series,

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

Mark Gabby-Li has a great physical Banshee model to share today. It might look like it came out of a bespoke kit, but this is actually made just from Snapships parts! Last year we highlighted how these new space toys could be tweaked to build some more familiar designs, and it's wonderful to see fans taking up the challenge. And that papercraft Banshee on the side is pretty slick too!

My first attempt at a remix of a spaceship from (relatively) popular culture: Wing Commander IV's Banshee!

You know, making fan models of spaceships with Lego or Snapships feels a little like a sort of poetry.You are trying to capture the essence, as the pieces you have limit your ability to perfectly replicate it.

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

The three candidates in the Federal presidential election have taken part in a second live debate to discuss policies.
The event was more closely moderated than the first debate in June. The candidates discussed their campaigns in detail, with minimal interruption from their rivals.
Republican Party candidate Jerome Archer is the current vice president and a former director of the Federal Intelligence Agency. He explained his intentions to tighten security and increase military spending:
"Shielding citizens from external threats, whether human or alien, is always my top priority. Ms Winters lacks any significant achievements in her political career, if we're honest. Whereas I can refer to many successes – such as the Proactive Detection Bureau – which prove I am a man of my word."
Shadow President Felicia Winters, leader of the Liberal Party, was previously the secretary of state in Jasmina

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

The three candidates for the Alliance presidency have spent much of the past week delivering their campaign messages.

Incumbent president Gibson Kincaid, who seeks re-election, has demanded radical change to the constitution:

"To occupy the same league as the other superpowers, we need a single ruler with overall control. I ask that you empower me to lead the Alliance into a new era of strength and unity. That is my vision."

An increase in commerce is the focus for entrepreneur Fazia Silva:

"The current president is driven entirely by ego, as are all career politicians, but it's money that makes the galaxy go round. Only by investing in trade and industry can the Alliance truly grow."

Councillor Elijah Beck has been critical of his rivals' approach:

"President Kincaid has little respect for our values, and Ms Silva wants to make it easier for her companies to increase profits. The Alliance

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

The two remaining candidates in the Alliance presidential race have returned to the Alioth system to make their final campaign vows.

In the parliamentary chamber of the Assembly, Elijah Beck addressed his fellow council members:

"The Alliance occupies a unique position, and as such must remain true to its principles. My focus as president will be on attracting more independent systems to our interstellar family."

He was followed by the current incumbent, President Gibson Kincaid:

"Fazia Silva's assassination was an assault on our democracy. The Alliance's enemies are growing bold, and we must do the same. I beseech the Assembly to imbue the presidential role with executive powers, to transform our Alliance into a true superpower capable of challenging its adversaries."

Prime Minister Edmund Mahon thanked both candidates and wished them good luck in the election.

The public vote will take place

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

Vice President Jerome Archer, Shadow President Felicia Winters, and entrepreneur Zachary Rackham have exchanged political views in a live debate.
The Republican, Liberal and independent candidates came together for an event that was broadcast across all Federal media networks. The event provided a platform to outline each candidate's manifestos for voters, and engage in discourse on key issues.
The debate began smoothly, but did not continue in that vein as the three strong personalities clashed just a few questions in. Shortly after the broadcast, ICE channels began circulating a particularly popular segment in response to a question about Federal policy on public safety:
Archer: "Vigilance will be our watchword, and I aim to continue President Hudson's excellent record on security."
Rackham: "Oh, is that a fact? Lost any megaships recently, Jerome?"
Archer: "It's hardly appropriate for me

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

Fazia Silva, one of the three candidates in the Alliance presidential race, has been found dead. She is believed to have been murdered.

Inspector Erin Sangster of Alliance Interpol informed the media:

"Ms Silva's body was found in a room at Hume Orbital, where she was staying during her presidential campaign. Medical teams detected traces of poison, making this a suspected homicide."

There has already been speculation that this was a political killing, motivated by Silva's proposed changes to Alliance financial policy. The entrepreneur also had fierce rivals in the business world.

Her sister Tashmira Silva, who has been overseeing the Silva corporate empire, stated:

"Our family is devastated – we can't believe that Fazia has been taken from us. I will honour her by continuing to run the companies that she made so successful."

Condolences have been delivered by Prime Minister Edmund Mahon and

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

Jerome Archer, Felicia Winters and Zachary Rackham are lobbying for public support as the Federation prepares to elect a new president in August.
Political correspondent Sofia Trevino covered the race for The Federal Times:
"With Zachary Hudson's eight-year term approaching its end, citizens must decide who will be the president of the Federation by the year's end. The electoral machines for all three candidates are in full swing, with campaign slogans appearing at all Federal starports."
"The Republican Party has pinned its hopes on current Vice President Jerome Archer, who hopes to reassure Hudson loyalists with his similar leadership style and focus on interstellar security. Shadow President Felicia Winters, head of the Liberal Party, is promising a more humanitarian approach to government policy. And the wild card is independent candidate Zachary Rackham, whose wealth and notoriety afford

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

The Alliance Tribune has revealed that Admiral Frederick Yamamoto has committed multiple crimes at the behest of Alliance president Gibson Kincaid.

In a detailed report, journalist Vanya Driscoll said:

"As part of a plea bargain to avoid life imprisonment, Yamamoto has provided Alliance Interpol with data regarding actions carried out on the direct orders of President Kincaid."

"Along with the assassination of presidential candidate Fazia Silva, Yamamoto arranged to murder, injure and intimidate many others to facilitate Kincaid's rise to power."

"The admiral coordinated his efforts with a number of influential corporate, military and political figures, who allied themselves with Kincaid in exchange for certain advantages. This included a Bank of Zaonce senior director, who illegally redirected funds to bankroll Kincaid's re-election campaign."

"Kincaid's ultimate aim was to transfer executive

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

President Gibson Kincaid has been removed from office after a majority vote in the Alliance Assembly, following charges of treason, murder and corruption. The date of his trial is expected to be confirmed soon.

Alliance Interpol confirmed that Kincaid was detained while attempting to flee his personal estate on Zaonce. A firefight broke out between Interpol agents and emissaries from the Office of the Alliance President, acting as Kincaid's personal bodyguards. Several fatalities were later confirmed.

A number of influential corporate and political figures who supported Kincaid's conspiracy to gain executive control of the Alliance have also been arrested, including a senior director at the Bank of Zaonce.

Prosecutions are expected to rely heavily on the recent testimony of Admiral Frederick Yamamoto and a detailed report provided by the Wallglass Investigations Agency.

Tashmira Silva, who

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

President Gibson Kincaid has refuted allegations of illegal campaign funding and is refusing to cooperate with the official inquiry.

He gave this statement to The Alliance Tribune:

"The claims are nothing more than an attempt to besmirch my reputation. Councillor Elijah Beck has fabricated this wild mudlark chase as revenge for his loss to me in the presidential vote last year."

"If the Assembly wants to entertain conspiracies, they could review the assassination of Fazia Silva, the third presidential candidate. It's interesting that Beck's own campaign gained a lot of support after Silva was murdered."

The Bank of Zaonce has also declined the inquiry's requests for information. A spokesperson insisted that all campaign funds it handles adhere to strict financial guidelines. They added that Beck's evidence was deemed insufficient until a verified source could be provided.

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

Origin composer George Oldziey is now counting down the hours to the launch of his second album of live Wing Commander music! What makes now the right time for a sequel? Check out the update below for some of the motivation behind the project.

So, this is a big year for me for round numbers. I turned 70, and 30 years ago I scored my very first video game, Wing Commander 3. And 10 years ago I had the privilege of running a successful Kickstarter campaign, funded by the greatest video game fans in the world, that resulted in the first orchestral recording of 40 minutes of my original music from the three Wing Commander games that I scored for Electronic Arts/Origin (see the link to a video about those sessions 10 years ago).

This Sunday I'm going to launch another KS campaign to record another 40 minutes of music from those games with a large orchestra!

I've been blessed to have had MANY musical

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

Episode 5 of

All Wings Considered

is less than two days away! This will be the team's most challenging episode to date as they take on the Special Operations 1 Finale. NINE Gothris escorting a Fralthra! LOAF is the ace pilot that

beat Kurasawa 2 live

on the air in his first try, so if anyone can do it, he can!

Join us Thursday, March 21 on or about 7 PM Eastern for another thrilling episode of All Wings Considered! We're taking on the end of Special Operations 1... and be sure to bring your copy of End Run to finish off our Book Club!

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

The WC Toolbox has grown once again, and the latest expansion adds the very first preliminary support for Wing Commander 3! WC3 is a drastically different animal than the earlier WC games, which presents some major challenges. As a hardcore dedicated Wingnut, UnnamedCharacter is of course excited by these challenges and jumped right in despite also recently introducing support for Wing Commander Armada. There's still tons to learn about Heart of the Tiger, which will be gradually discovered and dissected in the months and years to come. The first feature now available is a tree archive extractor for the game. This is an early step to make manipulation of the complex data files more accessible. You can read up on exactly what this means and how to go about tinkering yourself here. You can grab the new WC3ToolsCmd package here.

Although there is still work to be done for Armada, I have decided to