// ARCHIVED NEWS REPORTS //

//Originally reported 6/14/3284//
​

// A news article is released by the CNS, making headlines. It is a rather short video, opening with the voice of a human female, and footage of Caliphate and NAUSCM soldiers standing around in a jungle, looking quite content with themselves. //

"As'salaam alaikum, today is a day for celebration. Today's conflict, already being dubbed as the Eleven Hour War, marks the final and stunning success of our people's combined armed forces against the supporters of our insurrection, the Sundew Tribe."

// It cuts to another, aerial shot, ICIF hovercraft zooming through the sky above the vast jungle, while a large, central tree burns and smokes in the center, clearly having been shelled and bombed. Large swathes of the jungle are also blown apart or exposed, making landings for the crafts. //

"Eleven hours ago, the Royal Court voted military action against the Sundew, based in the next system over from Manara. Though the insurrection has ended, the floran menace had never signed the peace deal, and so was still in a state of war. Their inaction in negotiating a lasting peace forced the hand of the Court into ensuring their future cooperation with the ummah and dhimmi."

// Another shot of tribal florans, males, females, and children, marching in a line, through the jungle, escorted by soldiers of both factions. Some of the florans are off to the side, kneeling before an apparent imam who is holding aloft a Qur'an, preaching to the new converts. The sky is a smoky haze, and while the scene is grim, despite there being no corpses in sight. //

"The Caliphate and its allies tally their total losses at around 368 soldiers, most lost in the initial landing before the aerial bombardments commenced. God bless these brave men, their slhms rest in Jannah now. General Idra Isa and General Ben Garrison were not expecting such a quick victory, but the sheer difference in technology, as well as air superiority, quickly ended the conflict. The fleet was meager, composed of robbed, jury-rigged civilian ships, which were broken through within the first three hours."

// Another shot to the large, main, burning tree, the base of which was entirely evacuated, though there were clear signs there was a village there amongst the fire and rubble. //

"Within the next nine hours, the jungle was cleared to allow transport to land, and boots were on the ground. When the enemy could not be broken through without suffering serious losses, it was opted to directly attack the home tree. Suffice to say, this strategy worked immensely. They surrendered within the next hour, being fully surrounded, and offered peace by Idra Isa."

// The footage then cuts to Caliphate soldiers leading florans to a makeshift stage, where conversions appear to be going on. NAUSCM soldiers are leading other groups of florans into hovercrafts, and taking them up into the sky, out of view. //

"Sarracenia, as they call it, will be renamed and rebuilt within due time, now a part of the ever eternal Caliphate. All natives are welcome to convert peacefully, and aid in the rebuilding efforts. Others will be tended to by the NAUSCM, for those who do not wish to integrate. The first plans for rebuilding are already being drafted, with schools, hospitals, roads and mosques being planned from the rubble, things which the planet entirely lacked before. A savage, primitive people, sadly needing to be broken by the fist of civilization so that they may heal into something far greater. Our prayers are with the good souls on Sarracenia that have joined us, and may their world be built into a paradise with our guiding hand. Peace be upon them, and peace be upon the ummah."

// The videos then cuts to a Caliphate soldier shaking the hand of a very recent floran convert, giving the camera a smile and a thumbs up as the news clip ends. Anonymous postings are disabled on the site. //

 

//Originally reported 5/31/3284//
​

// A news article is released from the Caliphate News Service, making the frontlines on several other, independent news sources as well. The article is about exactly what its titled, the new immigration policy for al-Dhaid. //

"In a rather surprising, and well-received, turn of events, the local Vali of the city of al-Dhaid, Aisha Hasan al-Saqqaf, has decided to open the city up to a wider array of foreign migrants than any other previous city on Maladh. Though immigration has always been legal, laws set up by the Royal Court have ensured a strict, screening process to ensure only those with noble intent can find citizenship and a permanent residence within the borders of the Caliphate."

"Aisha's reform was discussed with the ruling nobility, and was passed up to the Royal Court for higher evaluation, who eventually came to support the little experiment. Aisha cites her reasoning for the reform as a means to bolster the local trade of Dhaid, which has declined ever since most locals opted to move into larger, more metropolitan cities like Dimashq and Makkah. Aisha has also said she desires for the local ummah, and the galaxy of kuffar, to remain in more close, approximate contact, so that they may see our ways, how we remain so peaceful, and perhaps one day, adopt our lifestyles. She also cited the rampant violence in the Fringe, from things such a bombings, mass shootings, and even public suicides. The Caliphate suffers no such ills, and perhaps it is time she showed the Fringe what true peace, true community, looks like."

"Her plan is not without its critics, Abdul al-Dajani, an advisor for the reigning royal family of New Dubai, cited the idea as reckless, and endangering both the spiritual and physical safety of the Islamic community by exposing them to the influence of infidel outsiders. The Khalifa, Syed al-Quiche, known for his staunch position on tight immigration laws, also expressed concern, but was willing to allow the plan to carry through, as long as Dhaid followed through with a safety precaution."

"All foreigners beaming down to Dhaid will only arrive to the al-Dhaidi Immigration Checkpoint, where they will wait until a government official can process their paperwork, procure them a proper ID, and get them registered in the books. Only then can they board a skiff to the main city of Dhaid. The Mutaween of the city have undergone several sensitivity and training courses concerning the behavior and mannerisms of the average Fringe-dweller, and with the checkpoint, it is hoped the truly bad apples can be weeded out from those who simply desire a place to stay in peace."

"Only God knows how the immigration reform will work out, and perhaps it is fated to be doomed. No matter what it could be, the people of Dhaid are looking forward, and with open arms, towards the potential visitors from the stars."

"Those arriving via ship and not the teleporter grid will still need to have it be searched and scanned by customs before entering atmosphere. Peace be upon the Ummah, and peace be upon the Fringe."

(( OOC: So there's finally an ICIF hub haha. Like it says, your character will beam down at the checkpoint, not at the main hub. This is to ensure that everyone who does arrive is both properly ID'd by the administration, and also that visitors are obeying the dress laws. That means female characters are required to be wearing a hijab, niqab, or burqa, before they could theoretically board the skiff and reach the rest of the hub. Free IC hijabs are by the doors in marked containers. You will need to no-clip from the entry skiff directly to the right to reach Dhaid until the teleporter prompts can be fixed, which will happen shortly, apologies for that. Property cannot be bought on Dhaid, rather, since the city is mostly comprised of multiple, hovering skiffs, you'll be able to purchase one for an eventual skiffworld, which can be converted into anything from a mobile home, to business, to luxury sand-yacht. That'll all be detailed further in the future. ))

 

//Originally reported 5/4/3284//
​

// A short article is released by the New Makkan Times, detailing the opening of a new Islamic school of thought. //

"Grand news from the Royal Court. Another Madhhab has been officially recognized and legalized by the Caliphate, granted the same privileges and rights as all other current, recognized sects. Occasism is a growing portion of the Ummah, deriving its nomenclature from the previous Occasus cult, which was recognized as a Dhimma faith in the year 2735 AH under the rule of Caliph Dhakir al-Quichei, peace be upon him."

"Occasism venerates the Ruin, the beast which destroyed Earth, as a symbol of divinity from Heaven itself, claiming it as one of the preludes to Yawm-al Qiyamah, when God will judge all souls in this universe, and those who are just may enter Paradise. Though the Ruin itself is already viewed as a positive force with the Caliphate, the being which punished a world of atheists and kuffar, sending them rightly into the pits of Jahannam, the Occasists believe the Ruin to be from the Fourth Sky, a fragment of Heaven, which when exposed to the unfaithful, slays them."

"Several scholars, such as Rehman al-Sayyid and Uthman al-Ayyubi, have criticized the movement, citing it as shirk and sharing faith reserved only for God. However, after lengthy debate within the confines of the Court, and with several written guidelines presented by the established head of the Occasism Madhhab, Siraaj al-Abdelrahman, the rightly-guided nobles and valis came to an agreement to formerly recognize the school, as well as establish mosques built within their jurisprudence."

"Plans for the first Occasus mosque are to be built in the Nahr district of New Makkah within the coming months, the site already being chosen by the adherents, and officially approved by the Khalifa, Syed al-Quichei. The Ummah of the Caliphate welcome these new believers with open arms, and we welcome those who would come to embrace the true faith, the faith of God. Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim, salaam alaykum."

// As with most news sources, there is a comments section, though the site does not allow anonymous users to post. //

 

//Originally reported 2/28/3284//
​

// A video is released by the CNS, opening with clips taken from multiple PDA's of Rebyan civilians. They would depict multiple instances of civilians attacking Republic soldiers. One video would depict a man in uniform being torn from his vehicle before being pelted with stones. Another would depict several masked men throwing molotovs into a group of soldiers from a rooftop. There were also videos of more peaceful protests, of workers refusing to do their duties, and some citizens barricading themselves in their homes, refusing to leave under occupation. The video would eventually transition to a woman in a red hijab sitting at a news table, clearing her throat before speaking. She spoke in Arabic, but it was subtitled in Galactic Common. //

"As'salaam alaikum, brothers and sisters of the Caliphate. I am your usual hostess, Huda al-Ghazali, and behold the justice our oppressed brethren are inflicting. The people of Rebye are rising up to strike at the enemy from all fronts. The armed forces continue to await in orbit, allowing the invaders to sit in the mire they have formed for themselves. Martyrdom is assured to any civilian who loses their life in the liberation of Rebye, and many are taking up this noble cause. Wallah, the people of the Caliphate know this is not a rebellion, this is an invasion, led by foreigners, and establishing their foreign doctrine on us. They do not realize that it was the people of Maladh who threw off the mantle of the old republic, and established the Caliphate in its place, for they are not of our land. They are despoilers, and as the Caliph said, vultures. The citizens of Rebye, and should it come to worse terms, Alamut and, God forbid, Maladh, will never accept your democracy. You will be butchered by us, the military will not need to lift a single finger. You are not Maladhi, nor Alamutian, nor Rebyan, nor Islamic. We do not desire your liberation, and your blood will continue to be painted upon the streets of Rebye by our hand, so much so that our soldiers will be envious of the prowess of our operations. You claim to have taken Rebye, but you have not. You stepped into one city, one building, and claimed it a victory because our soldiers knew it was better to allow you to try and hold the territory. You will see that the population will not cooperate with you, no, it will lay you bare on the ground, bleeding and panting, until you are either driven from our land, or you are cast into Jahanam. Our forefathers threw off the shackles of Democracy so that we may better embrace the faith, and the Caliphate as a whole, from the Caliph himself to the lowliest of street beggars, will throw you foreigner pigs off too."

// It would cut from Huda delivering a speech, to even more personal videos of civilians resisting rebels, from vehicles being hijacked, to simply blocking streets, crowding all government buildings, and refusing to work. The entire city of New Alexandria is forcibly shutting itself down to drive out the foreign occupants. The video would end with the emblem of the Quiche family, then a fade into the Caliphate's flag, before ending and leaving a link to the daily weather for New Dimashq and New Makkah. There are spaces for comments, but anonymous users are not allowed to post. //

 

//Originally reported 6/25/3283//
​

// A video would be released by all official news outlets in the ICIF and Purgatory, labeled as Breaking and Urgent. The video would open with a view of the plaza outside of the Palace of the Khalifa, located in the heart of the city of New Makkah, the capital of the Caliphate. The plaza was packed to the brim with a myriad of races, though mostly human, clad in traditional Islamic garments. Some of them had large Purgatorian or ICIF flags, and were waving them high as a great cacophony of voices rose through the air. They were clearly waiting for something, and that something would soon arrive, as the camera would begin to focus to the balcony that jutted out from the palace over the plaza. Syed al-Quiche, the Khalifa himself, would step out from the black entryway, accompanied by several other men in white robes and keffiyehs, the other royal sultans in his demesne. The crowd would begin to fall silent as he and the other royalty arrived, and once the yelling had ceased, and only the sounds of the city around them lightly carried through the air, he would speak, leaning in to several microphones that were attached to the railing before him. He spoke in Arabic, but there were options to subtitle him in Galactic Common, Low and High Purgatorian, and most core languages. //

"We have been betrayed. Betrayed by the so called "free denizens" of the Fringe. Today, on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, 2743 years after the Hijrah, we must stand firm against the lawless, morally bankrupt savages and false, bureaucratic nation-states that have so foolishly decided to declare their vain wars upon us. We are the people of hardship and endurance. Our faith has survived nearly three-thousand years, and endured even the fall of our original home-world. We will overcome even these petty threats, for what power can stand against the nation chosen by God Himself to lead the Universe to Paradise. With the approval of all the Royal Families of Maladh, as well as the Senate of Purgatory. I, Syed al-Quichei ibn Dhakir al-Emir Mumanin ya-Waarith, declare open war and Jihad against the Undying Army, the UACC, and all of those who consider themselves allies of these treacherous, unsavory kuffar!"

// The crowd would erupt into yelling and cheering, waving their flags proudly for about a minute before Syed would raise a hand, giving the crowd a few more moments to notice the cue and die down to their previous silence. //

"They claim that I, and my family, are monsters, because in accordance with the divine will of God, all praises and prayers be upon Him and Him alone, I was given a gift few will ever truly understand. Yet I still have led this nation into prosperity as the same man I once was when I first departed this world for the Fringe as a whole. Let us not forget that the Prophet, peace be upon him, made many sacrifices on his holy duty to spread God's work and convert the kuffar of Arabia to the true faith. Though I am no where near the same man he was, understand that I too, have made many sacrifices to ensure your lives, and mine, remain comfortable and happy, and that I too strive for Jannah to be the final destination of my life. Our allies are noble, and have seen the good that lies in this holy nation, let us treat them all as brothers in these coming times. I cannot say this war will be done swiftly, or that we shall emerge unscathed, but we shall emerge victorious, and ever greater in God's eyes. Those that perish in this war will be martyrs, entering Paradise as heroes, and consecrated in this life inside the Hall of the Martyr. Let their examples of selflessness and diligence to the Caliphate serve as inspiration for you all. Prosperity and peace in the Fringe is within our grasp, and this will mark the first stepping stone on our mission to finally bring this dark galaxy into God's glorious light. For our brothers, for your Caliph, for God Almighty! Takbir!"

// Upon shouting Takbir, he would raise his fist, and the crowd would explode out with the phrase, "Allahu Akbar!", raising their own fists in the same way. He would repeat Takbir again and again, working the crowd up into a zealous frenzy as many large ICIF and Purgatorian flags unfurled from the edges of the palace, showering the crowd in an unseen wave of nationalism and pride. The video would slowly fade to black as the crowd chanted louder and louder, first the Seal of the Quiche family, two scimitars crossed over a purple flower, would appear, then transition to the flag of the Caliphate before ending. //

 

//Originally reported 9/1/3283//
​

// A video is posted by the Caliphate News Service, depicting the New Miskatonic University against a snowy sky. ICIF soldiers, clad in heavy, winter gear, would be gathering a large pile of books and tomes from the building, throwing them all into a large pile near the entrance. They would force the yelling, furious students off to the side, forcefully, but not lethally. Some of them could be seen behind the lines of soldiers, such as a white avian flipping off the camera, a girl with two teal-pigtails glaring with pure malice at the soldiers, and a man in the far-background watching all the commotion with a look of amusement. The camera would then turn, panning over the pile of literature, and stopping to face Syed al-Quiche, who was sitting atop a floating carpet surrounded by men in luxurious, veiled, golden armor, resembling Mamluks. Unlike the other men, was not wearing clothing meant for the cold weather, in fact, he seemed unaffected by it. He would look to the camera, and then slowly begin to stand up, the floating carpet supporting him easily as he spoke out, his voice traveling over all the yelling and commotion, causing a sudden silence. //

"Kuffar of the Miskatonic University. Today, I, Syed al-Quichei ibn Dhakir al-Emir Mumanin, Caliph of Islam, Director of Purgatory, have freed you all from the vices of unholy knowledge, of sinful beliefs, and ungodly science. The University has long stood as an affront to God, and all that is Good. By opening their doors to the public, they have allowed the Fringe to poison themselves on haram teachings and knowledge that directly defies the word of the true faith. The ICIF once enjoined this place, but now I have seen through their deceit. God has opened my eyes, and now I will act as His instrument, and cleanse the Fringe of this den of Shirk."

// He would then point to the pile of books, and the men carrying them in from the structure would hurry their pace, while the crowd of students only yelled and jeered more in frustration, though it was to no avail. Syed would begin chanting, and some of the soldiers would join in promptly, repeating the same phrase and drowning out the student's protests as the camera panned back to face the building and the ever growing pile. //

"Hisbah, enjoining good and forbidding wrong! Hisbah, enjoining good and forbidding wrong! Hisbah, enjoining good and forbidding wrong!"

// After a minute of solid chanting, the stream of men from the building would begin to wane, and finally the last of them would walk out, throwing the black-bound books onto the pile and taking their positions at the edge of the crowd. Syed would halt the chanting with a motion of his hand, and look straight at the now enormous pile, the entire wealth of the University's knowledge collected into one spot. He would then look to one of the men in golden armor beside them, and nod his head forward to silently urge them to proceed before speaking out again. //

"The lies of Iblis end today. This haram knowledge was forged in the fires of Jahannam, and now it shall be returned, all of it. God is great!"

// With that, more men would approach from behind the wall of golden-clad men, carrying canisters of gasoline. Quickly dousing the pile and leading a trail towards the University, the man who had stepped forth earlier would pull out a small matchbox from his satchel, and light one before flicking it into the mass of books. The entire pile would immediately go up in a mass of fire and paper, and a trail of flame would lead towards the main University, which would soon catch ablaze itself, the sky quickly turning black churning with thick smoke. If one payed attention at the moment the flames sparked, Syed could be seen recoiling back, as if out of a sudden fear, but his brief fear would quickly fade as he began yelling fervently, his men yelling along with him as the students screamed and flailed against the soldiers in vain protest. //

"Allahu Akbar! Enjoin good, forbid wrong!"

// The footage of the burning would continue on for about 2 minutes before fading to the CNS logo, with a small disclaimer at the bottom, stating that "No students were harmed at the cleansing, all were allowed to return to their homes and families. God smiles upon their souls.". After the disclaimer faded, the CNS logo would switch to the Quiche seal, with the statement "May Allah and Caliph safely guide us all to an age of peace." before ending, leaving links to other, related videos released by the CNS. //

 

//Posted 5.6.84//​

// A new article is posted by an independent Haven cryptid newsletter.//​

A creature has spotted within the forests of Haven. Two anonymous witnesses say they assumed the creature to be a naked human from a distance. One says was taller than the average person, at least 7 feet in height. Both agree that the creature had no distinguishing facial features. The creature did not harm either hiker, yet they were worried because the creature did not seem pleased at their presence. The below recording is an interview conducted with one of the hikers in question. They have asked to remain anonymous for the sake of preserving their reputation.

//Below is an audio recording. The voice is modulated in order to protect the voice of the witness.//

[*]Witness: "It was tall, like 7 feet tall. We thought it was a person at first, but when we got closer.."
[*]Interviewer: "What did you see when you got closer?"
[*]Witness: "It... It didn't have a face."
[*]Interviewer: "Did the creature attempt to harm either of you?"
[*]Witness: "No, but it didn't seem to like us being there. We ran and beamed out as soon as we could."
[*]Interviewer: "Do you think this creature could harm people if it were to attack?"
[*]Witness: "Possibly, its fingers were like.. pointed, like they had claws."
[*]Interviewer: "Would you be concerned about other people being harmed if they wandered into these areas?"
[*]Witness: "Definitely. We have no clue what that thing could do. I mean.. it didn't have a face, but you still don't know what things like that are capable of. I would urge anyone who goes to these places to please be cautious. There's no telling what you could stumble upon."

We urge the populous to be wary of the forests, and even when you are walking some place. There is no indication of this creature's habitual boundaries and it could be some kind of loose captive animal. No matter the case, if you have any further information you'd like to report about creature sightings, please, contact us.

 

//Posted 5.8.84//

//An article is posted to a reputed news website of the Fringe.//
​

Following the bombings of the Haven forest, many inhabitants of the Fringe find themselves saddened and outraged over the death of their favorite author, Kevin.

Kevin was born without a face. Only through the miracle of modern medicine was Kevin able to live his life without a face. His parents decided early on to not make Kevin undergo cosmetic surgery to have a face, and let him chose on his own. Kevin, as he matured, decided he would not go through surgery to be a symbol of triumph in the face of adversity.

Kevin slowly grew in fame from his ability to live without a face. The scientific community considered him a modern marvel. To the religious community, a miracle. He began giving motivational speeches, and writing his experiences down in a biography and several self-love books, including titles such as How to Survive High School When Everyone Calls You 'Dickhead'. and How to Love Your Lumpy Bald Head. He is regarded as one of the greatest modern self-help authors.

Kevin was reportedly working on writing a book on self-love through nature. He had decided to spend the night in the forests of Haven without any technology. He was completely unaware of High Commander Centam Halcard's airstrikes on the forest, as we're most of Haven's Senate and Grand Protector Von Quinn. The strike seems to have been completely unauthorized, and based off of a lone report from a newsletter known to publish possibly fake creature sightings.

The public of Haven, as well as the rest of the Fringe, are deeply saddened at the death of Kevin. Many memorial services are already underway. Even other famous authors, notably I.M. Gay, are paying their respects.
His legacy is potent; Kevin was a true hero to many. Others are enraged at the actions of High Commander Halcard. Already, there are various bounties on Halcard's head and protests calling for his life in exchange for Kevin's. Halcard is now highly regarded as a murderer.

Regardless of this, we wish to extend out condolences to those close to Kevin, and we miss you, Kevin. <3

 

//Originally reported on 12/10/3284//

//An article is spread through the Nexus, originating on a Rantori-Civspace news network//

// Breaking News! - Existence of life outside the Milky Way confirmed! //

Earlier today, the CCXR (Collective Center for Xenology Research - Rantori Collective) of Kamdor released what they call 'infallible proof' of life in the nearby galaxy of Triangulum.​

Researchers of the CCXR Wide-Beam radio satellite facility 'Zen', currently orbiting Kamdor, reportedly intercepted an extreme long-range signal three galactic-standard years ago that has been traced to the Triangulum galaxy, also classified as 'Messier 33'. Packets of information were beamed across some 3 million light years using a yet-unclassified Tachyonic method, including both a largely-uncorrupted cipher for the unknown aliens' language, as well as a disturbing message, among other things.

Through the past three years of keeping the packet of information secret, the CCXR worked on translating and archiving a percentage of the Triangulum beings' language, meeting success in completely translating a series of messages that were beamed along with their cipher. One such message is as follows, and included a single largely-intact picture of a world in this faraway place.

​

However, this image is not something of pure wonder, but also something of horror, especially when paired with the message that was included with it. What is shown seems to be a ruined city, destroyed by a force referenced in the message.

What follows is translated text taken directly from the CCXR's translation file into Common. A 'portrait' is included alongside the text, apparently of who sent the packet, possibly an Avian-like being.

​

--------------------------------------​

Spoiler: //MESSAGE TRANSCRIPT//

(-note, this seems to be recorded using a speech-to-text program?)
Hello, friends... I must ad*** (*admit) we made a good go of it. Faced with absolute *******(*destruction), we did not fall so easily. We fought against the darkness, and preserved our dignity, at least in a... Posthumous manner. Despite the overwhelming force the invaders clutch in their claws, we will die as a mark on the cosmos. Noble.
**** least, *** ** * *
^Corrupted^
(*'At least, that is what')

I would have recorded here if I were someone more 'important'. The Councilors and all of their lackeys have let go. A few have offed themselves, while the rest go to sleep in stasis. To await a 'better future'? I don't ******(*general expletive, fucking) know. If it was one of them writing this, I'm sure it'd be a novel's worth of garbage detailing how valiant we were, coming together, the Council Races *******(*Shoulder-to-Shoulder) with each other as we defended our home. But they're asleep, and I am a mere pawn in their incredibly-stupid decisions. Likely one of the last 'fighters' this galaxy's 'Navy' can offer to those hungry maws. And I've seen it all.

It started only a few hundred Heidran(?) Star Cycles ago, and I count myself lucky to still be alive today after seeing all of this bloodshed... But like our races at large, it is not due to strength or skill, but cowardice. This all started like a bad story-move (*Movie?). We received signals from one of our outer-rim drones that a large ship had just exited hyperspace in an impossible place, far too far away from any relay, and in a rather large form. The readings sent back to us detailed... Well, something massive. Fearing monsters from the abyss, the Councilors convened and sent a scout ship.

The scouts reported a single vessel, if one could call it that. It was an enormous capital ship, nearly ten times the size of our Councillate's flagship. Along with readings, the scouts sent back intercepted radio chatter and *****(*Extra-net?) information that suggested whatever the hell(s?) controlled the vessel was warlike, aggressive. Following their perfect decision-making skills, the Councilors dictated that we send our ENTIRE fleet out to meet this moon of a ******(*general expletive, fucking) ship as to 'defend our homeland by showing them unstoppable force'. Yes. They tried to intimidate these things. Of course, this backfired, and I got to watch remotely from our FOB in the Hiskana(?) system as our fleet entered attack range, then panicked as they found themselves in a FTL-tether. Their connection to the nearby ******(*Hyperlane Relay) scrambled, as well as being caught in the gravity well of the massive juggernaut, 'Grand' Admiral Vistos ordered all ships to fire. The ship was huge, yes, but it was also alone. We might've been able to disable it.

If it weren't for the fact that it was all a trap. As soon as we started firing on the thing, thousands, tens of thousands of ships exited Hyperspace around us, encircling us in nearly every direction. These ships shrugged off everything we threw at them. The Juggernaut itself took our Flagship's main cannon and laughed at it. Nukes did nothing. Not like our ranged weaponry had any use in less than an hour after the swarm of ships surrounded us. These ships were built for war, but carried no torpedo tubes. No cannons. No guns, no missiles, no nothing. Just paint, armor, and a ******(general expletive, fucking) attitude. The invaders' ships were built for ramming. Crazy, right? But since Vistos cocked it up completely, he was forced to order everyone on EVERY ship in our entire Councillate Navy to prepare for boarding. We numbered four thousand ships. Only one at the end of the battle would be spared, quite literally.

You see, these ships would ram into our vessels, or through them in the case of our smaller ships, and go for a boarding. I watched the cameras between a few different ships before I looked away that day. It was... Horrific. The Invaders smashed into our ships wearing hard suits, blades that could cut and smash through anything and everything that stood in their way wielded like toys. Giant beasts, some nearing eight and a half feet tall, and that's not counting their horns... Shooting them, blowing them up, it just seemed to piss them off. The marines and crewmen aboard those vessels fought as they could, but even our largest ship, crewed and protected by the galaxy's finest, fell in a mere two hours of 'combat' in its corridors, atriums, and hangars. I say combat, but it was a slaughter. There was no cover against them. It took so much ******(general expletive, fucking) firepower to bring just ONE of them down, and there must have been half a million of them throughout our ships. Didn't matter if a marine took cover and hid, the beasts hunted them down. They could smell them. We tried everything we could- scuttling parts of the ships, turning off Artificial Gravity... Their suits had thrusters and mag boots... We fought... But at the end of it, we were fighting tooth and nail for survival, and they were fighting claw and fang to destroy us. Hours of brutality, sadism, and a complete lack of mercy...

They painted the corridors with entrails and meat on their ways to their destinations, even covering a few of my cameras. The engines, and the bridge... Anyone who tried to surrender was executed. Slowly if the lizard had the time to do so. I just thank Ankala(?) that the cameras had no audio. It didn't matter what we threw at them. Our ships were emptied of their crew, some messily devoured on the spot... Those that were not scuttled by the beasts were captured and probed for information. Whether it was the incompetence of the poor dead bastard Grand Admiral Vistos, or the simple fact that the boarding and butchering happened far too quickly, the invaders had their prize- The local intel files aboard the flagship were not deleted. Star maps. Co-ordinates. Logistics. With a single move, the beasts had all they needed to start this 'war' on top.

Even this far into a war, and we still don't even know the name of those who would devour our existence... The Councilors showed no mercy to these newcomers, intending to cut them down while they were still but a sapling... But they were a jungle, and they brought it to our homes. They were 'Yissk'. Beasts from the ether. They showed us no mercy, no respite in turn. To date, the only mercy they have shown besides the rare quick and painless death has been allowing a single vessel from our original fleet to escape and spread the word of their arrival. It didn't matter... None of it mattered. We built defenses, went into hiding, but we simply couldn't fight back. They had numbers. They had technology. Ferocity. Hunger. We weren't even left with hope. They attacked our Home Worlds, crushed them. Over the past three hundred cycles, we've been driven from the warmth of the planets that once cradled our forming civilizations... All the way out to the deepest, darkest reaches of the galaxy, just hoping that we do not one day wake up to see the skies full of stark-crimson ships.

The... Councilors are going to sleep. Like I said earlier- I think they're hoping to wake up one day in a brighter future, where these things have killed themselves off or left for the next galaxy... But they're not going to get far, I'm afraid. They've put me in charge of safeguarding the facility in case the Yissk find us... Over the years of fighting, running, hiding... Just watching the bloodshed from the sidelines, I haven't had the chance to defend my home or my people. I could only watch as world after world was swept clean of intelligent life. Any planet we lived on, any planet we were in communication with. The Yissk spent the time and resources to directly attack each and every one of them. I've seen one such raid in person, actually, before I was ordered to slip away. They would ram city buildings and towers, even military bases with their ships, then hop out and get 'busy'... But I digress. In these centuries of WATCHING my culture being torn asunder, consumed by those ******(general expletive, fucking) lizards... I haven't been able to wring a single ounce of revenge for our fallen. I haven't shot a single round at one of these things, but I'm a Commander in the Navy... I just watch. But enough ******(general expletive, fucking) watching. ENOUGH ******(general expletive, fucking) WATCHING. I'll have my ******(general expletive, fucking) revenge here and now, on the people who caused all of this suffering, this loneliness only I have inherited on this desolate ******(general expletive, fucking) ball of ice...

They're asleep right now, the Councilors. And all the bureaucrats, politicians, and scientists that watched right along with me... The 'best and brightest' making the decisions that would kill trillions... No, all of us. They did it. They brought the wrath of those ******(general expletive, fucking) monsters upon us. They killed our future. And I'll make damn sure they don't ever wake up again. I'm afraid, even with our level of technological prowess... Those Stasis pod life-supports do have a rather high failure rate when the power is accidentally turned off...

This is Xidix Narveer(?), Commander of the JCNF. Whoever is out there, I am sorry. I can't share my culture with you. Our creations, our art. I don't have time. I'm going to beam this out, and I'm going to give the Councillate the end it has earned. Then... Then maybe I'll announce the location, this tomb-to-be for a hundred thousand souls... To those ******(general expletive, fucking) Yissk. Then I'll finally shoot at them... Then I'll join my love, and the rest of us.

If there are any of my kinsmen still out there. Hells, any member of our former Council. If you're still alive, may the gods watch over you. Good night. Good luck. ***(general expletive, fuck.)

--------------------------------------​

It is unknown how long ago this was recorded, but what is clear from the message, as well as several other files in the packet, is that in the Triangulum Galaxy was a Galactic Council whose power spread across their known space, apparently wiped out due to a single bad decision. Whether this is a warning for the future, or a relic of the past, it still proves that in the end, like the question asked by all of us when we first looked up into the night sky, we are not alone in this vast universe. For better or for worse, we won't know until we meet those from across the emptiness of space.

The head of CCXR, Vinni'Ichin, was available to give our correspondent Aina'Lennvo'Anbas a single comment-

-Article source: KKNN, Kalus-Kamdori News Network, 12/10/3283

-Written by Tijah'Ruanta'Maeor

~Kalus Junrai.​

((Yes this is about the Ravir))

 

// Originally Reported on 1/24/3283 //​

//From a highly encrypted source, a page and attached video appears on the nexus. The site is well made and flashy, a sleek design that one would expect to find on a business page, not a call to arms. A slideshow on the page front contains pictures of well-equipped soldiers marching on a parade ground, holding a new battle standard. A slogan hovers at the top of the page in bold letters, with the star and crescent symbol of a nation calling itself the New Republic of Maladh.//​

//FIGHTING FOR A PURE AND DEMOCRATIC MALADH!//​

ABOUT OUR CAUSE:
As many of you know, the Islamic Caliphate in the Fringe has long since been ruled by Syed Al-Quiche, of whom through tyrannous rule has caused destabilization and sown fear in the populace. This reason alone would be grounds for rebellion, were it not so that the Caliph has also become controlled by the swarming race of parasites currently on a warpath through the Fringe! We, the many citizens of Caliphate space have come together to resist the influence of the parasite Zel'nara, and her puppet Syed through the force of armed rebellion! We wish to institute a democratic republic in the place of tyranny based on the foundations of liberty and purity.

//HOW CAN I FIGHT?//

Our war begins on the ICIF worlds of Rebyeh and Maladh, but soon this conflict will need to expand to defeat the parasites infesting the Fringe. All creeds and species are welcome to join the fight against the tyrannous caliphate and the parasitic abominations. Through overwhelming will and popular support, the innocents of the Fringe will be saved the fate of being consumed. If you wish to support the rebellion, contact the recruitment division at the bottom of this page.

//WHO ARE YOUR LEADERS?//

The First Alliance Congress consists of numerous high-profile Senators dedicated to the liberation of ICIF territory and its return to the people of Maladh, Rebyeh and Alamut. The current Cabinet Council consists of Senator Al-Almas, Senator Cirillo de Guanciale, Senator Shay Wyman and Senator Mujahid Malak, of whom are tirelessly working to create a democratic system that will bring peace and prosperity to the people afflicted by the dark tyranny of the parasites and the Caliphate.

//A DECLARATION OF WAR//

In a released video, Numerous ICIF officers are seen sitting at a round table. Shay Wyman, and numerous Caliphate Nobles can be seen at the meeting. A speaker stands to face the group and begins a speech, of which is translated into both Sol Common and Arabic.

"It is a joint resolution of the First Alliance Congress that a state of war has been declared between the Islamic Caliphate in the Fringe, and her successor state of the New Republic of Maladh. The council has hereby authorized the employment of the military forces of the New Republic of Maladh and the resources of her holdings to bring the conflict to a successful termination. A unanimous agreement has been passed by the council, let it be known to all that on an oath of allegiance, an official declaration of war is signed."

//A contact for recruitment services sits at the bottom of the page.//

OOC: The rebellion has begun! The fate of the ICIF rests in the hands of you, and the public support received from each side. My good friend Hastur has given me the reigns of the rebellion and I'd like to listen to you guys on your IC and OOC opinions on how these fun little events will play out! So pledge support to a side, if you're interested. Any questions, PM me on the forums!