Canberra News Agency

[Capt. Henry Morgan]

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12 DEC 825

1 Credit

Shining a Light in the Darkness

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Crisis in Omega-49


Grand Vista Orbital over Gran Canaria

By Jamie Olsen

GRAN CANARIA - The Omega-49 system, normally a peaceful place were people from all over can find neutral ground, has been in an uproar in recent weeks. The Bretonian Armed Forces recently relocated the aging HMS Stirling away from the Gallic lines and into Omega-49. Opinions are divided on what this move, ostensibly in violation of treaty, will mean for the future of the system.

The HMS Stirling in its new position in Omega-49

Many are convinced that the Stirling's presence is the herald of a full-scale Bretonian invasion and annexation of the system. Others feel that the ship might be there to put pressure on the Zoners in advance of next year's scheduled renewal of the Port Jackson Accords.

The Bretonian Government insists that the ship is there merely to secure Bretonian citizens against Corsair attacks, alleging that local Zoners are not doing enough to maintain the system's neutrality. Frederick Stewart, Bretonia's Minister of Foreign Affairs explained "It is the Government's intention to ensure the safety of Bretonian Citizens within Omega-49 and to ensure the system is adequately guarded from Corsair forces who frequent the system." Admiral Dagon of the Stirling was unavailable for comment.

I had an opportunity to speak with Premier Selim of the Coalition People's Republic, who would only go on the record to state "The People's Republic will be securing its interests."

High officials and Heads of State weren't the only people I had opportunity to speak with. I met a Zoner pilot in command of OSI-Rob's.Repairship, who asked to be called Von. He shared his thoughts with me, though made it clear that he was not speaking officially on behalf of Omicron Supply Industries. When asked his opinion on the situation, he said "not much of a situation to speak of, lots of posturing, not a whole lot of action." I then asked him if he was at all concerned. He told me "Of the Brits? Not really, if anything I'm worried about elements within our own groups going off the deep end and doing something drastic."

Of course, not everyone agrees with him. Many civilians are convinced an invasion is coming and are looking to get off world before it does. Organizations and nations from all over Sirius, including Natio Octavarium, have pledged their assistance.

Taskmaster Harold Kane of the Ministry of Relations went on the record to state, "The Natio expresses its deepest sympathies to the people of Omega-49 who are evacuating the system, as the situation mirrors that which we ourselves faced some four years ago. The Natio is prepared at this time to take in and give citizenship to ten thousand refugees from Omega-49, with potentially more on the horizon as we continue to assess the situation and our capacity for further expansion of the population."

Though there seem to be as many opinions as there are people involved, one thing is certain. This is a tense situation that will not be over quickly. We will continue to follow this story as it develops.