Arcturus Negron Trial Begins, Will be Continued

Sunday, May 4, the trial of alleged assassin Arcturus Negron commenced. Negron stands accused of a number of charges related to the shooting of Vice President Vicky Vielle, who survived the attack.

The trial was presided over by a tribunal made up of Quorum Representatives Dollwife Pink, Ronon Maximus, and Saamia Mahana. The prosecution was represented by Datan Lanzet and the defendant was represented by attorney Haki Tiqiri.

Proceedings today included testimony from prosecution witnesses Lieutenant Echos Lockjaw, Rear Admiral Darsh Lucero, and Gunnery Sergeant Demitri Congrejo.

The trial was not completed and will be resumed at a later date, yet to be determined. The prosecution has not completed the presentation of its witnesses or its case, and the defense has not presented its case yet.

Sable Babii – Fleet News Reporter

Ko-Ball Tournament Won by David / Skippy Team!!

Two Ko-Ball pods were built into the dome for the tournament Saturday, which was a lot of fun for everyone. Ko-ball is a lot like the football games we played in the colonies, except that there are only 1 to 3 players on a team.

In a dramatic, hard-fought competition lasting 7 rounds, winners David/Skippy were able to out-play second place finishers Dree/Jess.

Due to popular request, one Ko-Ball pod will be left in place int the dome for people to play pick-up games and practice!

Sable Babii – Fleet News Reporter

Secretary of Commerce – Owen Papp Resigns

Citing personal reasons, Owen Papp submitted his resignation today from his position as Secretary of Commerce on President Halberd’s Cabinet.

Mr. Papp was the first to hold this position in the fleet, and he accomplished a number of obectives related to fleet banking and commerce.

President Halberd said he will be missed and a replacement search will be initiated, but there is no need to rush into a replacement at the moment.

Sable Babii – Fleet News Reporter

Sports Tournament Scheduled for May 3

A sports tournament is scheduled for Saturday, May 3 in the dome on 7th Heaven, at 2pm SLT. The game is called “Ko-Ball” in honor of the Lords of Kobol. The game is like football games that were played on many of the colonies, except only 1 to 3 players can play on a team at a time. The tournament is being arranged by Antonia Waco. Please contact her by IM for details.

Sable Babii – Fleet News Reporter

Arrest Warrant Issued for Arcturus Negron

An arrest warrant was issued for  Arcturus Negron, who was wanted in connection with the attempted assassination and attempted murder of Vice President Vicky Vielle.

He was arrested Thursday night by OPSEC and locked up on Pacifica until extradition was requested by Fleet Security, and is awaiting trial on River Delta.

Sable Babii – Fleet News Reporter

Trial Date Set for Mason Bekkers

For Immediate Release
Office of the Attorney General
April 20, 2008

Saturday, April 26 there will be a trial held to ascertain the guilt or innocence of  Mason Bekkers. Mr. Bekkers is charged as follows:

COUNT 1 – Kidnapping of the Innis Child
COUNT 2 – Kidnapping of Yveka Law
COUNT 3 – Illegal discharge of a firearm
COUNT 4 – Illegal Possession of a firearm
COUNT 5 – Felony Child Endangerment
COUNT 6 – Battery and Felony Endangerment

The location of the trial will be in the new courtroom on Celestra.

Datan Lanzet – Assistant Attorney General

Source Identified – Quarantine Lifted!

News release – for immediate release:

Dr. Stacia Zabalata, Secretary of Health and Human Services, announced this evening the discovery of both the source and strain of the bacteria causing the outbreak on 7th Heaven and Pacifica. To date, there have been 643 confirmed cases on 7th Heaven, 134 on Pacifica and 57 cases on TQ and other inner ships.

Tech crews are busy synthesizing an effective combination of antibiotic that will cure those who are infected. Antibiotics will be administered to ill medical and military personnel first and then to those who have been infected the longest.  With in 24 hours, there will be enough medication for all who are ill.

Quarantine Update

At the urging of Dr. Whiteberry, President Halberd quarantined 7th Heaven. About 80% of the population is infected with the mysterious disease. The president called for all those who are symptomatic and are on other ships to go immediately to 7th.

Upon the inital quarantine order, a group of uninfected individiuals on 7th tried to get off and were spoke to by  Dr. Whiteberry, with help of several armed security agents. Calm was restored.

Afterwards, a heavy raider landed  on Pacifica and she was boarded. Cylons made their way to sick bay where Dr. Stacia Zabaleta was wounded. Uninfected, she was at Pacifica working with Dr. Schridde  to identify the infectious agent. She is in guarded condition.

A number of military personnel were wounded in this action.

Submitted by:

Leandrah Whiteberry-Schridde, MD

7th Heaven Quarantined

The luxury ship 7th Heaven is under quarantine orders after a mysterious outbreak of some agent believed to be bacterial. The first symptom is the onset of a fever of approximately 101 – 103 degrees. The malady has affected approximately 80% of those on board.

The text of the quaranteen notice, issued by Dr. Leandrah Whiteberry, reads as follows:

===================================================

A mysterious bacterial infection has swept rapidly through the population of 7th Heaven over the last week to 10 days.

The medical staff are doing all they can to treat those who are infected, but are as yet unable to determine the source of the infection or the method of transmission.

With the health and safety of the entire fleet in mind, we are quarantining 7th Heaven immediately.  Everyone who is on 7th at this time MUST remain on board. Those who may have the illness and who are on other ships must immediately make their way to 7th for treatment and observation.

Symptoms include: fever, sore throat, swollen glands followed by a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet the rash progresses to a fully body rash and is extremely itchy and uncomfortable. It does not appear to progress to a life-threatening illness.

The medical team is working around the clock to find the correct agent to eliminate the infection. Until then, they can only treat the symptoms.

Your cooperation and prayers are requested.

The Fleet Medical Team
===================================================

Sable Babii – Fleet News Reporter

Presidential Press Release

For Immediate Release
Office of the President
April 13, 2008

I will begin by saying a most unpopular thing. We are not quite united. We have among us people who realize that this is a time when it is equally good to live or die, because we are at war. We also have among us a group of intellectuals who have no idea a fighting force is made up of people who are ready and able to fight for our survival. We are no longer fighting for our freedoms, we are fighting for our very lives.

Commander Syakumi has my full support. Her efforts to make Pacifica battle-ready come at a time when it is sorely needed. We must have discipline at a time when we are fighting a very capable enemy.

It may not be apparent to those among us who believe Pacifica is a resort ship or an art commune, but we sustained a total and unmitigated defeat when we lost the colonies. We were guilty of gross neglect and deficiency of our defenses. By the Gods, that will never happen again on my watch.

Insurrection and sedition have severe consequences. Direct orders cannot be disobeyed. Perpetrators can and will be shot, court martialled, or ejected permanently from military duty.

The orders Commander Syakumi gave are to keep us battle ready. There may be more such orders in the future. If you are unwilling or unable to comply with the military needs of readiness, perhaps civilian life would suit you better.

Here follows the full text of the regulation. Military personnel should read it carefully, since it contains a variety of options.

Tanya Halberd

Colonial President

(Click below to read the full, extended document)

President Halberd Addresses the Fleet

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 2, 2008

To All Fleet Citizens,

As you may know, I offered to meet with representatives of the terrorist group “The Hand of Apollo,” and publicly guaranteed their safety. I sincerely wished to discuss their position.

Since that offer was extended, they have attempted an assassination and have murdered a Quorum Representative.

Tonight, they asked to meet, and when the effort was made to ensure their safety, they responded by murdering Liana Inshan and by issuing a list of ridiculous demands.

I said that the offer would only be extended once, and I meant it. Their chance to be treated as legitimate is gone forever. From this point forward, members of this terrorist cult will be dealt with as barbarians. Anyone associating with them will be tried. If found guilty they will spaced in the slow airlock #3 on 7th Heaven. They will have several hours to think about their lives as the air slowly leaves the chamber.

If you are a member of the fleet and you have any contact with these people, you should be afraid. They are murderers. You should think very carefully what you are risking, and what it is worth for you to help them. If you want any chance of surviving this, you should contact Detective Byrna Frostbite” Pikajuna before she finds you, because if she finds you first, there will be no mercy.

Tanya Halberd
President

Civilian Pilot Earns Her Wings

In a moment of celebration untempered by recent events, civilian pilot Moonbeam Messmer graduated training and received her wings last night in a ceremony on 7th Heaven. Starbuckk Serapis, Civilian Shuttle Flight Instructor and captain of Colonial One presided over the event, giving an inspiring speech about the courage and bravery required to become a civilian pilot in these dangerous times. Attending the ceremony, held in the luxury liner’s shuttle bay, were many of the most prominent members of the fleet including President Tanya Halberd, Admiral Angelica Nephilim, and Oracle Eyea Aya.

Brian Weston – Fleet News Service

Kidnapping on TQ Ends Quickly

A kidnapping on the Tylium Queen involved the taking of Lieutenant Yevka Laws and the Innis-Barbosa child. The kidnapper demanded that current investigations of him be stopped and the he be absolved of any wrongdoing.

A civilian, Quorum of 12 Representative Cathiee McMillan was wounded in the leg, and was the only casualty. She was treated in Sick Bay on Pacifica.

The perpetrator was quickly captured and the hostages were released unharmed. He is now in custody awaiting charges.

Sable Babii – Fleet News Reporter

Representative Inshan Found Dead, Hand Of Apollo Issues Demands

A mysterious box was found on Celestra which purported to be from the Hand of Apollo. It suggested that the President check the Quorum Chamber for a list of demands.

A number of security personnel were subsequently summoned to the Quorum Room on 7th Heaven. Upon arriving, the body of Quorum of 12 Representative Liana Inshan was found with a note pinned to her body.

The note  was seemingly from the terrorist group calling itself “The Hand of Apollo.” The note listed a number of demands listed below exactly as received:

1. The Imediate “spacing” of all known Cylon humanoids in the the fleet.
2. The Quarantine of all Hybrid children.
3. The Imediate resignation of the Admiral.
4. More Food for the civilians.
5. Immunity from any prosecution for any past crimes.

Representative Inshan’s body was taken to Pacifica for a forensic autopsy.

President Halberd declined to comment but said she would be issuing a statement very soon.

Sable Babii – Fleet News Reporter

Cylon Abduction

Reliable sources have informed FNS of a disturbing set of events taking place earlier today. Hours ago, Presidential Aide Antonia Waco and Viper pilot Skippy Contepomi were found unconscious aboard a Raptor and were admitted into medical facilities aboard the Pacifica. Details thus far are vague, however the source reveals the Raptor, with another as yet unidentified passenger on board, departed the Pacifica for destinations unknown shortly before returning with the two unconscious passengers. The source also revealed that a chip of “definite” Cylon origin was removed from Contepomi shortly after his return. The source did not comment further on a possible Cylon link but suggested in this case the facts speak for themselves.

The News-Review will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information comes in.

Brian Weston – Fleet News Service

Fashion Show a Big Hit in Afterburners

A fashion show organized by Captain Windy Weiland and hosted by President Halberd was well attended. A group of guests showed up dressed as impeccably dressed #6’s and surprised everyone!

Modeling outfits from their colonies were Captain Weiland (Picon), Rae Larkham, Antonia Waco, and Oracle Eyea Aya. Everyone had a good time, in spite of threats from Apollos’ Hand and from Cylons.

Sable Babii – Fleet News Reporter

Quorum of 12 Representative Liana Inshan Missing

The following report was turned into authorities today, and this reporter was able to see a copy of it.

I was scheduled to meet with Representative Inshan in her quarters on the Virgon Rising to discuss her proposals related to food distributions on 03292008 at 0900SLT. When I went to her room, the door was unlocked. I went in and found the room was in disarray and Liana was not there. Her identity cards and personal items were still in the room.

Contact was made with the Captain who checked the ship log and told me that there was no departure record. She should still have been aboard. The Captain asked the crew members to look for her but were unable to locate her anywhere on the ship.

I thought maybe she had just been called away until I heard of the attack on Vice President Vielle. When I heard of this I realized there could be more to it and that this needed to be reported.

Casiopeia Catteneo
Representative of Canceron

If anyone knows the whereabouts of Representative Inshan, please contact Captain Serapis immediately.

Sable Babii – Fleet News Reporter

President Offers to Meet Hand of Apollo

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 30, 2008

In a move shunned by advisors, President Halberd has penned an open letter to so-called “Hand of Apollo” members, offering to meet them and hear their demands while assuring their safety.

Hand of Apollo Members,

In the interests of compromise and mutual understanding, I am willing to meet with you or your representatives to hear what your issues are. Your safety will be guaranteed by me.

You may respond with comments in the news, if you wish.

This offer will only be extended once.

Tanya Halberd
President

Assassination Attempt on Vice Presidents Life!

Saturday, a day of mourning for our recently lost Pacifica hero, Heidi Stiglitz, was marred by violence by a lone assassin against the the Vice President of the Colonial Fleet, Vicky Vielle.

What started out as a fitting time of tribute and  heartfelt words about the recently lost pillar of the fleet, turned into violence and mayhem.
As the last few eulogizers were speaking, shots rang out and the Vice President dropped. On lookers were confused as to what had just occurred, looking at each other in silence momentarily until  the realization set in. Weapons we drawn by all the warriors in attendance. Quick orders to seal the Dome were to late, as it appeared that the perpetrator was later reported as being observed running from the scene.

All fleet officers were quickly surround by body guards and sequestered. Many individuals were rounded up and questioned. At this time, an individual is in custody. The suspect’s name has not been released.

The group calling themselves the Hand of Apollo has taken responsiblity. Before the shots were fired, someone yelled, “You have broken and betrayed the Truce and the Covenent now you have been Judged now feel the wrath of the Hand of Apollo”.

This reporter is still shaken by the events. I will follow with more updates as the investigation continues.

Sable Babii – Fleet News Reporter

Wake for Major Stiglitz Planned, Saturday, 3/29 at 2pm SLT

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 28, 2008

Please join us as we honor our fallen CAG, Major Heidi Stiglitz, who died as she lived, in honor and dignity in the battle against our enemies.

We will gather at 2pm, SLT Saturday, March 29, 2008 in the dome in 7th Heaven.

Please attend if you can. Please bring pictures of the Major if you can.

Thanks.

Poseidon Abandoned, CAG Stiglitz is MIA

This is without a doubt the saddest report I have ever written for the News.

In a surprisingly vicious attack that included at least 3 basestars, Cylons returned to retake the planet Poseidon with a vengeance. Pilots and Marines fought valiantly to hold our position, but the planet was not worth additional casualties and Admiral Nephilim ordered an FTL to remove the fleet from danger.

A tragic loss was revealed by President Halberd, who told me haltingly, with tears rolling down her face, that Major Heidi Stiglitz is missing in action. The President explained that the CAG was engaged by Cylons while flying the Stealth Star and went down over the planet. Rescuers determined that her beacon was not active or had been destroyed in the crash, and orders were given from Pacifica to abandon the search. “I consider her one of my dearest friends. We will do everything we can to go back and find her,” President Halberd said. “I cannot accept that one of the most heroic women who ever lived is missing.”

Admiral Nephilim, who is also one of Major Stiglitz’ closest friends, was forced to order the FTL jump away from the area. She is in seclusion and has issued no statements.

Major Stiglitz is a proud citizen of Aerelon. She lost her husband Hannes and daughters Thea and Tessa in a vicious slaughter of their family farm just days before a mission from Pacifica arrived to retrieve them.

Sable Babii – Fleet News Reporter

Fleet Military Defends Poseidon, Tylium Flows

The fierce defense of the planet called Poseidon continues. The Cylons have fought bitterly to retake the planet, but brave pilots and marines have held the planet in spite of fiersome odds.

There have been some setbacks and some tense moments, and several times the Cylons have forced retreats back to the fleet. Under the command of Major Onyx Syakumi, Colonials have retaken the planet several times. There have been many casualties, but the need for tylium is worth the risk, Admiral Nephilim is reported as saying.

Meanwhile, no word yet on the on-going investigation into the gruesome murder of the Jonah Whelan family. Authorities thus far are refusing to comment.

Sable Babii – Fleet News Reporter

Probable Assassination of Miners on Poseidon

The tragic murders of the Whelans appears to have been an assassination and a powerplay by a new power broker who has made their move within the Syndicate.  We expect more on this developing story soon.

She’s our new President – ‘So Say We All’

It’s official – Tanya Halberd is President and her running partner Vicky Vielle is Vice-President.

By Geranna Aeon

In the wake of a no-holds-barred campaign, Tanya Halbert, the pollsters’ favourite, has emerged victorious as President of the 12 Colonies.

In the end, the result was an easy endorsement of the Halberd/Vielle team with 38votes to 13 votes.

A jubilant President Halberd said, I want to thank all of my supporters, and promise that all people in the fleet will be represented well by our administration.

“I never thought that when I worked as a room maid 14 years ago that it would come to this. I’m so happy. The really winners will be the citizens of the fleet. I will serve them to the best of my ability.

“I have accepted Zarta’s congratulations, and I hope that we can put this campaign behind us and all work for the good of the fleet”.

Conceding defeat, the rival, former President Vargas had the following to say: “Now that the election has ended, my time to assist the fleet has also ended. Many of you may not know that my husband who was lost during the attack on Caprica made his way to New Aerelon and rejoined me afterward. Since we have no place in the fleet any longer, we have contracted with a rogue TQ pilot to take us to a nearby uninhabited planet, where we will live out our days–hopefully without Cylon attack. I wish you all well in your journey to your destination, and I thank you, once again. It has been wonderful working with all of you”.

That missive seeingly signals an end to Zarta Vargas’ involvement in Fleet politics.

Colonial Freedom Party Chairman and vice-presidential candidate Gerome Aeon said he was pleased that the people had had their say. “I wanted to be one of the first to congratulate President Halberd on her win. She has been elected by the people and in my view, in all fairness”.

Now the leader of a party in Opposition, he said his party’s role now is to watch the Government and keep it accountable. “Colonial Freedom will encourage the Government at all times to do a good job. I expect the CFP to serve as Opposition – the alternative government – so that the people will always know that if they do not like what the Government does, they can replace it at the next election.”

The Geminese refugee did not comment on some of the campaign tactics of the Halberd campaign but said he hoped it would not become any more personal. “This first election has been a learning curve for all of us … none of us have campaigned before. Now it’s over, I feel sure we will all regain our perspective. I look forward to good working relations with President Halberd’s team”.

Colonial Freedom’s campaign style was laclustre compared to the strident advance of the Halberd team. “They were far more aggressive than us and we sought not to dignify some of their tactics with a response, preferring to let people vent their anger for themselves,” said Aeon. “In retrospect, had I known what they were capable of doing and saying, I might have been tempted to adopt some of their tactics, but I would have been very uncomfortable doing so”.

Aeon would not speculate on future roles for Zarta Vargas or himself in the Colonial Freedom Party, saying that the party membership will be asked to vote on the leadership next week.

Election result countdown

T minus 7 hours and counting – Time is running out to cast your vote in the first free elections since the Fleet began its odessy to Earth.

By Geranna Aeon

Since the automated voting station was set up by Election Ombudsman Captain Starbuck Serapis in the arrivals/security area of the 7th Heaven yesterday, the turn-out has been steady with a large number of the registered electors having already voted. If you have not voted yet, you have until midnight tonight (Sunday).

Here’s how it will play out:

The moment the polls close , the Ombudsman will count the vote. There are only two candidates and this is a first-past-the-post contest. There are no preferences in this election. There is an odd number of registered voters so there cannot be a tie. Even a majority of one is enough to elect either woman.

Captain Serapis will announce the result to the Fleet and the winner will formally accept the appointment.

What’s not so clear is when the newly elected President officially takes over the post. How long with Acting President Vielle remain in place?

Other questions include, how long will this President’s term of office be? (We seem to have over-looked that detail). Both sides have described a cabinet of officials to manage health, defence, education etc. How soon before those jobs are filled and will they be filled by party faithful or the person considered best suited to the job?

Then there’s the question of who swears in the new President? Should it be a priest, oracle, judge, government official, the Interim President (that might be embarrassing, swearing in your partner – or worse, swearing in the woman who beat you). A favourite for that particular ceremonial role is the Election Ombudsman and architect of the voting system, Starbuckk Serapis, who was unavailable for comment when we went to print. Who will make that decision, nobody yet knows.

Both parties are planning an election get-together in their respective venues but given the hour of the night, it remains to be seen how many will turn out to cheer or commiserate with their candidates.