Inter-Galactic News

March/April/May/June (oops) 1998 Issue 37

Anything for inclusion for future issues of the IGN should be sent direct to me at the following address:
Graham Orford, 1 Chapel Row, Hartley Wintney, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 8NJ.

Otherwise you can include your articles with your BSE turn cards making sure that they are clearly marked FOR THE ATTENTION OF THE IGN EDITOR.

For a quicker turn-around, and perhaps even a response you can contact me at the following Email address: geldon.zorn@moon-stone.demon.co.uk or if you want to publicise something straight away to a number of BSE players with Email access you could leave a message on the BSE forum:
uk-bse@pvv.ntnu.no

To subscribe to the BSE Forum, send a message to uk-bse-request@pvv.unit.no with the following text in the body of the message (NOT the header): subscribe

Outer-Comm.

To: All
From: The Editor

First off folks I would like to make a public apology about the delay of this issue of the IGN. I could come up with lots of excuses but the main one is that I've just moved house and haven't been able to do much else other than pack boxes and such like, even turns have been put on hold for the last six weeks or so. Any how I'm back now and there are lots of exciting things going on in BSE which I'll tell you more about when the time is right. So on with the show...

To: All
From: Ensign Zaphod Robotnik, Robotnik's Revenge

$ Scanning available channels
$ Activating communications unit channel 7
$ Transmission from Yank SS 1050
$ Ship registration 3366 (Robotnik's Revenge)
Hello? Can anyone hear me, this is Zaphod Robotnik. I'm back and boy, is somebody going to pay, you hear me? You're going to pay!

Zaphod was greeted with static on his comm unit. Turning away in disgust he recalled how he came to be here.

It was week 23 year 197 and Zaphod Thrashbarg was piloting his CIA Surveyor Stealth towards the shipyards in Darkfold to be upgraded. He leaned back in his command chair to watch his newly trained crew go about their work. "I really ought to give them a bit of R&R after this upcoming mission", he thought to himself. Suddenly, the light on the bridge went red and klaxons sounded. [[RED ALERT]] screamed the battle computers, [[IMMINENT COLLISION WITH UNKNOWN ENEMY, EVASIVE ACTION RECOMMENDED]]. Just then the bridge was enveloped in a blinding white light. First Mate Alexis Grath turned to the captain to receive his orders then noticed that he was no longer there.
Zaphod awoke on a bar stool in the middle of some grimy bar. Staggering to his feet he lurched over to an information point. Wiping the screen with his sleeve he called up a map. He stood there for almost a TU before he rechecked his location. He was in the exact centre of the Inner Empire - the Sol System. Falling to his knees, Zaphod clutched his head as a bright light engulfed him. The drunk on the corner just stared blindly as Zaphod was incinerated.

Waking up, a bedraggled man staggered over to his cabins porthole. Looking out he saw the streaks of light that signified movement. Falling back on the bed, he tried to remember who he was and how he got there. More to the point he wanted to know where he came from. He couldn't remember, just something about a ship - perhaps this one?

It took the man several 140TU cycles before remembering his name was Zaphod something. It took another couple of months to remember he was a starship captain. After that it became easy. He was Beyond the Stellar Empire when he was inexplicably stopped by something beyond his control, dumping him in the Inner Empire for a time before moving him to a freighter he was now residing on. Zap soon started building a plan, a plan to get back to the Peripheries and to wreak revenge on those who did this to him - whoever they were. Hijacking the freighter was much easier than Zap thought it would be - he just strolled onto the bridge and disconnected the auto-pilot. Setting a new course on the navigation console proved to be more difficult as it turned out that the Jump Engines were running on a Pulac derivative which made jumps slower. After setting the course Zap retired to the cryo-tubes provided.

He was awoken by the proximity alarm and reached the bridge, still groggy to see a meteorite heading towards the port bow. Evasive manoeuvres were not enough and the ship exploded in a blinding white light, throwing Zap clear in the only escape module. It took him two weeks to reach the nearest EEM office who promptly gave him a loan to purchase a Surveyor. Doing so, he set out for Rubis in Yank. After leaving the busy spaceport, he for some unknown reason, decided to head out to SS 1050 in the same system. Just before he arrived he realised he still didn't know his surname. Searching through a subspace database he found one that was suitable, the same as a vengeful engineer from 2000 years ago on a ship called the Defender. He, too, was seeking revenge. Now all he had to do was decide who he was going to punish...

To: All
From: Ensign Fax, IND Heartbreaker (4318)

As we approach the new century, myself and others believe that some effort should be made to mark this momentous occasion. To this end we have devised plans for a giant centennial "dome". It would be filled with attractions and exhibits from all corners of the peripheries. All suggestions sent to this publication will be considered. To get started here are a few of our ideas:-

A giant model of a FET captain (entered through the rear, of course), next to a smaller statue of the equally memorable President for Life Squiddy.

A politically correct aliens corner, run by the RIP.

Examples of IMP paint jobs through the years, with examples (presented by CNF).

"Give it a chance" style sermon from BHD.

The DTR Donkey Ride!!

"Treasure from every corner of the mighty Falconian Empire" (on table by door).

The impressive GTT collection of position numbers (collected by sitting in HQ starport with a pen, notepad and thermos of weak lemon drink).

Finally, the Hexamon have agreed to contribute a work of art in the form of a Dewiek cut in half and preserved in Formaldehyde.

CNN Confederate News Network - the Voice of Freedom !

Dateline- Week 11/198 Mattalot System deep in Imperial Space
In the last few minutes Fleet Ops have released details of the Confederacy's latest action against the corrupt forces of the Tyrant Jasil - CNF CinC Admiral Curtis E. Le May may have carried out one of his boldest plans to date - the Blockade and Interdiction of the Imperial Stellar Patrols largest and most important naval facility, outside of Cappella !
Early in week 11 a courageous Ranger crew entered SS 2438 of the Mattalot system, location of Stork and the site of two of the largest IMP colonies Sevastopol and Leeward, on arrival the Ranger flight interdicted the Space Square, detaining vessels on the CNF Posted List, effectively blockading the ISP in its own Port !!
Fleet Ops despatched elements of the "White Lightning" strike Force to Mattalot, on what sources are calling a "Block and Chop mission" - the end result the swift destruction of three IMP ships -
IMP SHIP SWORD OF TYR (4892) - PATROL CRUISER
IMP SHIP ALMERA NYNAEVE (647) - DEEP EXPLORER
IMP SHIP URAGUDUN (3867) - SUPRA FREIGHTER
It would seem that nowhere in IMP space is safe from Confederate raids, not even the location of the ISPs major naval ports !

To: All TRN Star Captains
From: CNF Kommisar (2137)

Got some Guts?
Think you can handle combat?
Not afraid to take some risks, put it all on the line?
Recon you can Command the biggest Human Warship in the galaxy?
Then join the CNF!

Confederate Services -BSE's premiere military affiliation.

The CNF is the leader of the fight against the corrupt Imperial lackeys of the Tyrant and Usurper Jasil, who stole the Stellar Throne from our leader High Lord Samuel. We are the rebellion against the Imperials and Chartered Companies.

So you've just left the academy, completed your Training Missions, what are you going to do with that shiny new Surveyor? Start hauling junk around on poorly paid trading runs ? Wander around getting lost in space ?
Become an Imperial crony? Might be your ideal career.... But - if you want action and excitement then haul ass to the Darkfold Periphery join the CNF, upgrade to a Battleship (28-80-30) and get involved some serious combat!

For more details contact-
CNF Kommisar (2137)
Steve Jackman, 10 The Mixies, Stotfold, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 4LF, UK
E-mail: - CNFKomOff@aol.com

GM's Resolution of CNF's Attempt to Post SQM Position In Yank

This is a copy of the letter sent to the CNF and SQM for inclusion in the IGN [ed].

I have looked at the deal as the Kastorians would view it. These are a deal has been arranged between the SQM and the KAS. The place of exchange was to be Yank. The deal was: 2000mu of basic goods for 10 Warp Generators. No Warp Generators are present in Windhook's. 10,000 Stellars and 10 Cryogenic units were delivered instead.

The CNF have threatened SQM Windhook's in Yank without a by-your-leave from the Kastorians on the assumption that they would not harbour thieves and that they must respect CNF interests etc.

The Kastorians have never allowed the posting of a colony within KAS space, not a RIP colony or even another colony despite the theft of an outpost. Posting of a colony within this system is clearly not possible, not now, not ever. The KAS will not allow it. It is a basic tenet of the game.

The CNF are accusing the SQM of theft. This cannot be true as the CNF have delivered the items of their own free will and the items are still within the Yank system.

Unlike the AFT, the SQM are not bound by contracts. They have certainly delivered quite a considerable amount of goods. As far as the KAS are concerned, while the CNF accept these goods, then it is square. Should the CNF return the 10K and Cryo's, then they will have to ensure that the SQM return the goods that the CNF have delivered to them. If the CNF still have a grievance with the SQM, then it is up to them to follow it up outside KAS space.

As far as the KAS are concerned this was a private deal, the KAS were not involved and as such there will never be an exact hearing hence the KAS cannot be truly neutral if they are to find in favour of one side or the other. Should there have been any distrust, then the parties should have dealt through a third party and should further deals be undertaken, this is advised.

As this matter has dragged out, the KAS further fine the SQM the sum of 3 cryo units and 10,000 Stellars for the inconvenience.

Cheers
Mica (on behalf of the KAS).

What do people think about this sort of inclusion in the IGN. Players often consult with the GM regarding complaints made about other affiliations and one side (often both) ends up feeling that they have been "done over" by the GM because they are only able to see things from one viewpoint. Mica is sitting in the middle and has to make decisions that often end up haunting him from that day onwards. If people are in favour of Mica explaining some of the finer points about his decisions then please let me know and I'll pass on your thought to him. Perhaps if Mica could spend less time being flamed via phone, post and fax he could spare us some time to make in-regular inclusions to the IGN in this way. Hot topics currently of interest (to me at least) are:
1. Alliances. Should they be made and broken by players or could this lead to affiliations banding together that doesn't keep the game balanced. (e.g. FGZ/CNF v IMP).
2. Claiming Systems. Should we keep system claims in BSE? What alternatives could be used of they were no longer an option.
3. New Rule Book. Will we ever see it?
4. Role of the RIP. Will they be destroyed when Solo opens? Until the time that the RIP become IND with cool abilities will anyone ever deal with them? How about "Families" rather than just one Pirate King, similar to the KRL set-up.
5. New system. Is space big enough already. Can we expect to see more systems in the game or would it lead to there being so few players and so many systems that we would never meet one another.
6. New affiliations. There seems to be a constant flow of new "one-man" affiliation starting up in BSE. Is this is a good thing and what is the role of these affiliations?
7. New Combat System. How are things going at the KJC Offices regarding these changes? Are they still happening? Can we expect them soon?
These are just a few that I can think of off the top of my head, I'm sure you can come up with some more interesting topics [ed].

To: All INDependants
From: Ensign Fax, C/O IND Black Dog 4701

I know that being an IND in a galaxy dominated by affiliations can be difficult. If you'd like it to be a bit easier, and make Stellars at the same time contact me at Fax@ibarber.globalnet.co.uk or care of:
Ian Barber, 48 Geers Wood, Heathfield, East Sussex, TN21 OAR.
IND Only, and please include your ship name and number.

SMS Press Release - Moria, Capellan, 198.21

In week 20 of this year, Ian Cunningham was promoted to Company Commander of the Stellar Mining and Smelting Company. Mr Cunningham has served as Deputy Company Commander for the last several years and was the natural candidate for the job when the Company Commander retired from the position. The former CC will now return to the Inner Empire where he will enjoy his retirement. He brings with him the love and thanks of the entire SMS when he leaves, having brought the company through turbulent years to the position it enjoys today.

Mr. Cunningham's replacement as Deputy Company Commander is not, as many initially thought, the current Data Acquisition Director, rather, it is an official from the Inner Empire parent company. His identity has not yet been made public, a press release will be issued when this information is available to the public.

When Mr Cunningham took over the leading chair on the Board, his first action was to order the relocation of the SMS peripheral headquarters. He also offered some visions on the future of the Company. Excerpts from his speech held at the former headquarters at Moria are given below.

SMS Public Relations Office, SMS Moria, Capellan system (new address from 198.25: SMS Farcry, Audrey system)

" (...) My very first action as Commander of our great company is to order the relocation of our headquarters. Obviously, many of you are aware that the plans have been underway for months now, but for others it may come as a surprise. I see it such, and I have the Board behind me, that the Capellan system is becoming a backwater area and that is not where we would like to be. We are a dynamic Company, always on the border of explored space, ever seeking new challenges. Therefore, to better facilitate our activities and as a symbol of our dedication to the Periphery, all headquarters functions will be moved to our colony Farcry in the Audrey system.

"I know what many of you are thinking. Isn't that dangerous? Aren't there risks? Are we not perfectly safe where we are now? And you are right. That is exactly it. We shall not let ourselves grow complacent and decadent, confident of our safety and that we are untouchable. For us to really be out there, on the frontier, we have to feel a bit of fear, we need the excitement, small though it may be, that comes from living in a frontier system. Only then can we truly be part of the Periphery, and only then will SMS leaders truly understand the real nature of our field operatives, only then will the Company be a united whole, in mind as well as in purpose.

"All of you are aware that I started my career in the Periphery as an officer aboard the vessel of the late Commander Bender. I learned much from this, and when I took up office at Moria, I was struck by the lack of understanding that existed between our crews on one side and our leaders, diplomats and administrators on the other. I have always seen this as damaging to our Company and this is one of the shortcomings that will be remedied in this move. Farcry is no stranger to conflict and disaster and the atmosphere there is much different from that on Moria - it is the true SMS atmosphere, it is the atmosphere that all our top officials should have the privilege to live and breathe.

"These are some of the reasons, and we believe them to be good ones, good enough that the move is already underway and as we speak, the central administrative functions are being transferred out to Farcry. Obviously, this is a big move and many functions will remain at Moria or be split between the two colonies for a time to come. It is our hope that this interim period will be over by the end of the year. From day one, however, Farcry is our official headquarters. (...)"

"(...) We see today that limits we thought were set in stone only a year ago are being broken down, and the future of our Company holds great potential, opportunities we shall not let get away. SMS ships will brave new frontiers, they will explore new areas and they will be our ambassadors to more foreign powers than we ever thought possible. This has come by only through the hard work of our employees and the skilled effort of our diplomats. Not least of all, this is the result of years of uncompromising loyalty to our base principles, principles that we shall never betray. It is my belief that within too long, almost wherever you go, you shall never be more than a jump away from an SMS outpost. (...)"

"(...) Ours is a peaceful company, and that it shall remain. A lot, however, has changed since we first set foot in the Periphery. Now, we see that our assets are spread throughout areas under differing political rule, not all of these governments can be expected to come to our aid if needed. Further, not all areas have local rulers at all that we could call upon. Add to this the increasing tendency by various military powers of trying to push the more peaceful affiliations around, and the need for a military capability is readily seen. We may be peaceful, we may be friendly, but we shall never be weak. It is therefore I have initiated a program that will see us with military and naval power to be reckoned with, it is expected that the program will be complete by the end of this year. In the future, it shall be clear to all that we are not at the mercy of anyone, and we shall be fully capable of defending our hard-earned assets, be they outposts, colonies, or other, from any one aggressor. This does not mark a change in our policy or in our relations with other affiliations, but it will significantly increase our capability of defence and retaliation, something that is, I am sad to say, necessary in this age (...)"

"(...) The conclusion is that the Company, as it stands today, has been very successful at its pursuits, and we have gained much. We shall not be pacified by this fact, however, we shall ever strive for new successes and we shall always embrace challenges in whatever form they may take. I pledge that I shall lead our Company in a dynamic and ambitious fashion while remaining true to our goals and philosophies."

The new PD is Bent Dalager, Gamlesvej 24, N-7018 Trondheim, Norway.

Priority Markets

Capellan Periphery

Colony	Sys.	S.S.	Item	Buying	Selling	Price
IMP Jax (2990)	1	349	Alien Pets		520	35
IMP Jax (2990)	1	349	Thorlium Ore	1400		45
SMS Moria (1565)	1	349	Luxury Foodstuffs		9880	25
FET Tortuga (4734)	1	349	Colonists		10000	20
SMS Little Italy (1264)	1	1440	Grass Juice		14954	10
EEM Hypso (4802)	1	1939	Ambrosia	500		200
EEM Hypso (4802)	1	1939	Luxury Goods	1000		70
RIP Terminus(2802)	121	847	Mines	10		6000
RIP Terminus(2802)	121	847	Processed Thorlium		750	180
AFT Ariel (4444)	121	2049	Colonists		18000	1
CIA Sin City (209)	146	631	Planet Probes		30	10
CIA Sin City (209)	146	631	Veterans	85		200
SQM Windhook's (2071)	146	1947	Luxury Foodstuffs		3580	7
SQM Windhook's (2071)	146	1947	Untooled Factories	3		2000
EEM Balmoral (4100)	146	2857	Condensed Metals	1000		35
EEM Balmoral (4100)	146	2857	Untooled Factories	10@8000	5@10000
KAS Rubis (4063)	146	2951	Chemicals	10000		100
KAS Rubis (4063)	146	2951	Jacium	10000		300
FET Alliance Station (604)	146	2951	Jac/Thor Alloy	100		50
FET Alliance Station (604)	146	2951	Processed Thorlium	50		205
AFT New Aurora (4428)	146	2951	Food		5000	3
AFT New Aurora (4428)	146	2951	Hermadite	300		300
DTR Babylon (2350)	146	2951	Small Arms	1800@10	5400@12
DTR Babylon (2350)	146	2951	Veterans	580		1000
FET Hilton (2217)	148	1440	Untooled Factories		74	6000
FET Hilton (2217)	148	1440	Metals/Non-Metals	10000		10
FET Port Goodwill (4153)	148	1440	Luxury Foodstuffs		8000	10
FET Port Goodwill (4153)	148	1440	Metals/Non-Metals	5000		10
IND Freedom City (2653)	149	2150	LBCM	1000		600
IND Freedom City (2653)	149	2150	Photon Guns	1000@200	2000@360
AFT Eclypse (1124)	150	2232	Photon Guns	100@250	1000@180
AFT Eclypse (1124)	150	2232	Waste	1000		150
FGZ New Athens (4606)	151	457	Metals/Non-Metals		1000	1
FGZ New Athens (4606)	151	457	Colonists	250		40
SMS Whitegold (4478)	158	1936	LBCM		100	800
IMP Sevastopol (4997)	159	2438	Medical Supplies		7324	50
IMP Leeward (4871)	159	2438	Clothing		4000	5
IMP Leeward (4871)	159	2438	Pulac Crystals	1000		40
FET Port Royal (1571)	160	740	Luxury Foodstuffs		4000	45
CLN Outreach (1758)	160	740	Pulac Crystals	500		40
SMS Ironhold (1512)	160	2557	Processed Thorlium		5000	100
FET Silhouette (1651)	160	1841	Colonists	9694		30
FET Silhouette (1651)	160	1841	Luxury Foodstuffs		2190	20
DEN Aslan (1665)	163	2856	Market Receiver		94	120
IND Amity (1831)	166	1745	Metals/Non-Metals		6180	5
IND Amity (1831)	166	1745	Processed Thorlium		100	170
FET New Hope (951)	166	1745	Fissionables		1000	15
FET New Hope (951)	166	1745	Strion		6688	160
AFT Mare's Nest (848)	167	647	Luxury Goods		168	10
AFT Mare's Nest (848)	167	647	Luxury Foodstuffs		148	10
CIA Atlantis (3315)	171	1433	Colonists	20000		25
CIA Atlantis (3315)	171	1433	Condensed Metals	5000		15
AFT Amythest (282)	173	532	Life Supports		90	20
IMP Cezta (2625)	173	532	Colonists	2000		30
IMP Cezta (2625)	173	532	Fissionables		3870	20
FET Oasis (3173)	175	2150	Colonists	2000		40
FET Oasis (3173)	175	2150	Pulsar Tanks		196	1400

Darkfold Periphery

Colony	Sys.	S.S.	Item	Buying	Selling	Price
CIA Serpent's Hold (4341)	4	251	Colonists	10564		30
CIA Serpent's Hold (4341)	4	251	Mines		17	3000
CIA Langley (2301)	17	1636	Fissionables		8282	15
CIA Langley (2301)	17	1636	Untooled Factories		4	5000
IND Thorn (140)	17	2258	Ambrosia	500		200
CNF Kapitol (1491)	17	2258	Colonists	940		22
CNF Kapitol (1491)	17	2258	Fissionables		7540	25
CIA Armoury (179)	17	2456	Biochemists	50		750
CIA Armoury (179)	17	2456	Untooled Factories	100		5000
BHD Osgiliath (1440)	17	3047	Fissionables		10000	40
BHD Opacus Custos (3012)	18	2352	Luxury Foodstuffs		7220	35
BHD Opacus Custos (3012)	18	2352	Condensed Metals	8000		15
CIA Entropy (488)	24	2342	Colonists	5000		15
CIA Entropy (488)	24	2342	Luxury Foodstuffs		2000	60
AFT Return (4313)	41	1850	Heaven Herb		10000	15
AFT Return (4313)	41	1850	Mines		20	3250

Cluster Periphery

Colony	Sys.	S.S.	Item	Buying	Selling	Price
CLN Antioch (4822)	25	839	Alien Pets		990	50
CLN Antioch (4822)	25	839	Jewellery		990	50
CLN Skypoint (1824)	38	3032	Untooled Factories	50		9000
CLN Gomorrah (3170)	98	1555	Fissionables	2000		20
CLN Gomorrah (3170)	98	1555	Pulac Crystals	5000		30
IND High Star (1971)	103	1841	Condensed Metals	3000		60
IND High Star (1971)	103	1841	Metals/Non-Metals	30000		20
IND Kabul (4931)	138	638	Fissionables	1000		30
DEN Nazgul (3259)	186	941	Mines	100		6000
DEN Nazgul (3259)	186	941	Untooled Factories	18		10000

Space Academy XIII

This months new arrivals to BSE are as follows:

Ship Name	Ship Number	Address
Robotnik's Revenge	3366	Andrew Barber, 29 Rossington Drive, Littleover, Heatherton Village, Derby, DE23 7UP.
Big Red One	4069	Brian Gibson, 269 Rosemount Place, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshie, AB25 2YB.
Alexandra	1976	Karl Allmark, 24 Eastfield Cresent, Yardley Gobion, Towcester, Northants, NN12 7TT
ISS JTK's Revenge	2129	Ian Vernon, 25 Kinsdale Drive, Leicester, Leics, LE5 2PR.
Avalons Hope	2428	Nick Thompson, 99 Westville Road, Cardiff, S Glam, CF2 5DF.
Vertis	2030	Wayne Morris, 10 Green Lane, Worcester, WR3 8NY.
USS Pathfinder	3120	Kieth Collard NX0086, C Wing HMP Full Sutton, York, YO14 1PS.
Space Assassin	1959	David Lerwill, 57 Luxor Street, Leeds, W Yorkshire, LS8 5LA.
Columbia	1513	Andrew Adams KB2093, C Wing HMP Full Sutton, York, YO14 1PS.
Valkyrie	3833	Jason Dewhurst, Hughes Parry Hall, 19-26 Cartwright Gardens, London, WC1H 9EF.