Federal News Network

January 9th, 3311

Commander Grincake showing solidarity for the Bus full of Nuns movement

In a dramatic turn of events, Federal authorities have forcibly removed Princess Aisling Duval's forces and organizations from the Barnard's Star system following the escalating fallout from the "Bus Full of Nuns" incident. The removal comes amid growing hostility from the system's populace, who have turned against the Imperial princess over her perceived failure to deliver meaningful aid and her forces’ alleged role in the passenger liner shootdown.

The Fallout in Barnard's Star

The tragic shootdown of a passenger liner carrying humanitarian workers, now known as the "Bus Full of Nuns" incident, has sparked unprecedented backlash against Aisling Duval and her organizations. Local citizens accused Duval's forces of complicity in the attack, a claim fueled by reports that Imperial-aligned mercenaries were present during the incident.

Widespread protests erupted across Barnard's Star, with enraged citizens demanding the removal of Imperial-affiliated entities. Riots targeted Duval’s local charity offices, and the system’s Federal governor issued an official mandate requiring her organizations to leave the system immediately.

"Aisling Duval's presence here has brought nothing but chaos and discontent," said Governor Irene Valthis of Barnard's Star. "Her so-called humanitarian efforts have been undermined by incompetence and the recklessness of her allies."

Bizarre Aid Packages Add Fuel to the Fire

Adding to the criticism are stories emerging from Barnard's Star citizens regarding the aid packages distributed by Duval's charities. Many have described the contents as "bizarre" and "insulting," including items such as blue-tinted bath salts, ornamental crystals, and luxury grooming kits—items widely viewed as frivolous and inappropriate for those in need.

"I opened an aid package expecting food or medicine," said Joran Malik, a local miner displaced by recent conflicts. "Instead, I found a box of scented candles and bath salts. What am I supposed to do with that? It’s like they think we’re all living in luxury spas."

Others reported receiving items like branded holo-posters of the princess herself and "self-care guides" printed on premium parchment, which further fueled accusations of vanity and out-of-touch priorities.

Critics within Barnard's Star have accused Duval of using her charities as a vehicle for self-promotion rather than meaningful relief efforts.

Sanctions Extend to Minmar, LHS 531, and Sosolingati

Federal sanctions imposed in the wake of the incident have dealt a severe blow to Duval’s broader efforts. Minmar, LHS 531, and Sosolingati have all enforced these measures, effectively shutting down her charity initiatives within their jurisdictions.

Federal officials cited concerns over the misuse of humanitarian missions for Imperial propaganda and the potential for further destabilization.

Uncertain Future

As Barnard's Star begins to rebuild after weeks of unrest, questions remain about the long-term impact of the "Bus Full of Nuns" incident. For the people of the system, the expulsion of Duval's forces may bring a sense of closure, but the scars left by the tragedy and the subsequent upheaval will take far longer to heal.

For Aisling Duval, the incident represents a significant blow to her ambitions of presenting herself as a progressive and compassionate leader. With her presence now banned in Barnard's Star and other Federal systems, the princess faces a critical challenge in reclaiming her credibility on the galactic stage.

The galaxy watches as this latest chapter in Federal-Imperial tensions unfolds, with the "Bus Full of Nuns" incident serving as a sobering reminder of the stakes involved in interstellar politics.

Federal News Network ~ Fair and Balanced

I know there is th fuc channel, but is it possible to make a Jerome Archer specific channel?

“Citizens of the Federation, allies, and the brave independent commanders of the galaxy,

Today, we celebrate a victory of unparalleled significance. Against overwhelming odds, together we have reclaimed the Federation’s most sacred systems—Sol, Tau Ceti, LHS 220, WISE 0855-0714, Groombridge 34, and Duamta. These systems, rich in history, culture, and resilience, now shine once more under the banner of freedom.

This victory was not achieved by governments or fleets alone. It was the independent commanders—the daring pilots who answered the call—who turned the tide. To every one of you who fought in the void, ferried supplies, or provided critical support: your courage and dedication have proven that the Federation is not defined by borders or bureaucracies, but by the collective strength of its people.

In Sol, the birthplace of humanity, we have restored hope and dignity. In Tau Ceti and LHS 220, we have ensured stability and security for millions. In WISE 0855-0714, Groombridge 34, and Duamta, we have struck a decisive blow against those who seek to undermine our way of life.

But make no mistake—our work is far from over. The enemies of the Federation will not rest. They will regroup, rearm, and strike again. We must remain vigilant, united, and ready to defend our hard-won freedom.

This is a call to all independent commanders: your efforts have been the backbone of this campaign, and they are needed now more than ever. Coordination is key to ensuring our continued success. Join us in the Federation’s command discord, where goals are set, strategies are shared, and victories are forged. Together, we can amplify our strength and secure the future for generations to come.

Let these victories inspire us, not to complacency, but to action. Alpha Centauri, Sol, and every system we have liberated stand as monuments to what we can achieve when we stand together. The Federation is strong, but it is strongest when its people are united.

To those who would challenge us, take this as a warning: the Federation does not yield. It does not break. It rises, stronger with each battle, more determined with each sacrifice.

For the Federation. For freedom. For the future. Thank you, and may the stars guide us all.”

—Shadow President Jerome Archer

https://discord.gg/fuc

“Citizens of the Federation,

Today, we stand victorious. The Alpha Centauri system, a beacon of our heritage and resilience, has been wrested from imperial control and returned to the Federation. This victory, forged in the fires of battle, is a testament to our strength and unity. But as we celebrate, we must not lose sight of the challenges ahead.

The events of recent months have tested us like never before. When the Thargoids descended upon Sol and the surrounding systems, they sought to obliterate the birthplace of humanity and extinguish the heart of our Federation. We fought valiantly, enduring unspeakable losses, and when the smoke finally cleared, we faced another betrayal.

Imperial forces, led by Aisling Duval, saw our moment of vulnerability and chose to exploit it. In a cowardly and calculated move, they attacked us in our weakened state, seeking to strike a fatal blow to the Federation. But they underestimated our resolve.

The battle for Alpha Centauri was immense. Pilots from every corner of the galaxy, united under the banner of freedom, fought with unparalleled courage and determination. To those who answered the call, who risked everything to reclaim this system for the Federation—you have my deepest gratitude. You are the reason we prevail.

But this victory is only the beginning. Even now, Duval’s forces are advancing on Sol. The birthplace of humanity, the very heart of our Federation, is under siege. We cannot—and we will not—allow her to desecrate what billions have died to protect.

I call upon every independent pilot, every citizen of the Federation, and every ally who values freedom and justice: the fight for Sol is the fight for humanity itself. Alpha Centauri has shown us what we can achieve together. Now, we must marshal that same strength, that same determination, and rise once more.

This is not just about territory. It is about survival. It is about legacy. It is about ensuring that the Federation continues to shine as a beacon of hope in the galaxy.

To the imperials, let this victory in Alpha Centauri serve as your warning: the Federation is not defeated. We are not broken. We are united, and we will not stop until Sol is free, and every imperial banner is torn down.

Let us rebuild Alpha Centauri as the staging ground for the campaign to defend Sol. Let us remember the sacrifices made here and honor them by carrying the fight forward. The work begins now, and the road ahead will be difficult—but we will prevail, just as we have here today.

For Alpha Centauri. For Sol. For the Federation. For humanity.

Thank you, and may the stars guide us to victory.”

—Shadow President Jerome Archer

It's hard to overstate how insanely bad the Thargoid invasion was, or, rather, could be, for Jerome Archer. For 2 weeks I wondered if invasion systems would revert back to Archer control or remain unoccupied and now we know. And it ain’t good. This is legitimately rough, and without a concerted effort, we are going to lose several of these systems. LYR pounced on Sirius and, it's probably already a lost cause. Alpha Centauri is in an extremely close fight with Aisling Duval for crying out loud. Imperial powers... threatening systems 4 Ly from Sol! Unfathomable 3 weeks ago. Multiple other systems, both invasion systems and not, are contested or on their way to contested THIS WEEK. This has put Archer's control around Sol on the back foot and without a serious attempt at countering these extremely advantageous incursions into Archer territory, we will likely see what strength we have, had, seriously diminished in the next few weeks. Once Sol is out of recovery, multiple powers will likely be in a position to make actual plays for it. Get out there and do what you can, because if we don't, it's a fast trip straight down. Fight if you can fight. Haul supplies if you can haul supplies. Do whatever you can, because it's going to be a lot easier to reacquire or hold these systems than it will be to take them back once we've lost them.

EDIT: Play your game, have fun, but try to go after targets of opportunity. Try to do what will have the largest impact. Hauling supplies to Alpha Centauri right now will do a lot more in the grand scheme of things than one person fighting one CZ in Sirius. Losing 4 systems by a couple thousand control points each is infinitely worse than losing 1 by 200,000 and keeping the other 3.

The Thargoid invasion of Sol has been defeated, a great threat kept at bay, and humanity kept safe. But in the wake of this conflict emerges a new threat to Sol and the systems that surround it: the Empire, predictably without a care for political borders or simple human decency in the aftermath of a war, is trying to seize control of the core federal systems that just a week ago were recovering from Thargoid control. To all loyal Federal pilots, we ask you to help defend the Federation against the cold opportunism of a superpower that would sell the most vulnerable of our citizens into slavery.

Let me level with you: the Thargoid assault on Sol has wiped out millions of merits that Archer pilots had sunk into strongholds and fortified systems across the Sol bubble. As a result, key Federal systems are now vulnerable and unoccupied where once they were unassailable. We had no illusions as to our enemies' lust for power, even in the context of an alien threat, and as it stands Archer is already locked in a tight race with Aisling Duval for Alpha Centauri, home of Hutton Orbital and the closest system to Sol itself.

We expect the battle for Sol and its neighboring systems to hard-fought, as Aisling has in practice the largest Powerplay player base by far. And yet, with the help of willing commanders like you, we can hold our ground. We ask all Archer pilots to help us acquire Alpha Centauri. Fight for Archer in Powerplay conflict zones, redeem bounty vouchers while pledged, or mine and trade your way to merits.

Adversity is not all that you’ll find; expect to find wing after wing of like-minded pilots, and have fun flying alongside us. We encourage you all to join coordinated Federal powerplay over on our official discord.

Fly safe; with your help, we can all make a difference. o7

Archer Operations

Acquisition

"Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together."

― James Cash Penney

Acquire Alpha Centauri.

Diplomatic Overview

“Diplomacy and Defence are not substitutes for one another. Either alone would fail.”

― John F. Kennedy, Address at the University of Washington, 1961

President Felicia Winters is our closest ally. We are hostile to all Imperial powers, but maintain our neutrality towards the Alliance and all Independent powers with the exception of Yuri Grom, with whom we remain hostile. Aisling Duval and Yuri Grom are currently the most pressing threats to Federal interests.

Communications

The FUC discord is our main communication tool and gathering place. It is used 24/7 and we strongly recommend Archer pilots to join us there. Discord allows text, picture, video and voice communication, and is far better suited to the rapidly changing picture of the PowerPlay universe. Join thousands of other Federal pilots on the FUC discord today!

For the Federation! o7