Editorial

January 2063 - This month sees the return of the Seattle Intelligencer to regular circulation. After a difficult months-long court battle with Lone Star Security over slander and deliberate misrepresentation resulting from the SI's coverage of the 2061 Seattle Halloween Riots, downscaling at INN which lead to the end of the SI distribution deal with the same and two changes of ownership, Seattle's staple newsfax has been banner has been bought up and taken over by an association of former staff members and leading community figures and organizations in Seattle who had no wish to see this venerable institution vanish into oblivion.

This association incorporated under the name Independent Press Association now owns the rights and titles to the Seattle Intelligencer Newsfax and Newsfeed distribution service. A Board of Trustees has been nominated by the shareholders and named former Editor-in-Chief Andrew Hawke (yours truly) as SI Director.

I am proud to announce that as of this month the SI will reactivate its regular pay-per-view Newsfeed through SeaSource and next month the SI will also be returning to its printout newsfax format (available through your usual vendors and most Seattle region MSPs).

The SI will see the return of all our regular news features: CrimeWatch, Local News, Corporate Life, MediaLine, International Front, Sports Desk and Special Reports as well as a number of new features.

In this issue of the Seattle Intelligencer we will feature a review of the game that broke the Montreal Assassins record run of Urban Brawl victories this season, a revealing exposé on European Organised Crime's connections to illegal toxic waste-dumping in the Maghreb and several newsitems on the important upcoming mayoral elections from our very own City on the Sound. Stand by for the return of our exclusive Special Reports and the hottest tips on what's cooking in the sim and music business by our industry insiders. Also check out our exclusive new restaurant, club and nightspot reviews.

welcome back,
Andrew Hawke

Go-Gangers cause pile up on Interstate 405
Ray Brannigan
Everett, Seattle (UCAS)

In the early hours of the morning the Snohomish/Everett stretch of I405 has become the unofficial grounds for the biggest new craze among Go-gangers, the imported 'combat-sport' of autobahn jousts. Originally a staple of German autobahn (highway) gang life, the 'sport' has picked up quite a few followers amongst the young and reckless of our cities bikers. So much so that certain illegal gambling establishments have taken to running odds on a week's tournments and bikers pour in from all over the Sprawl to test their skills.

According to rumors these events have begun drawing some "official" interest, namely visits from Combat Bike franchise scouts and 'unofficial' live coverage via at least a couple of pirate trid stations (Channel 405 and HardSports).

Though the tournments have been going on for at least a couple of months now and always draw a considerable crowd of participants, their crews, onlookers and aficionados, Lone Star has so far choosen not to get involved, probably on the premise that while ganger's are out maiming themselves they aren't causing trouble to for innocents elsewhere. But this is liable to change after this morning's events.

The tournments usually start at midnight and run into the early morning. The contestants use the cement wall between the central lanes as separator and drive in opposite directions towards their inevitable clash. Normally this means that on highways like the I405, at any time there are at least 3 other lanes open in either direction where normal traffic goes on unhindered.

At sometime around 3:00 AM this morning, the highlight of the night's tournment ended in tragedy when Jon 'Firestarter' Rumsfeld, a troll biker from the Spiked Wheels gang faced off against 'X-Cube' of the Artificial Kidz. The match favored the troll but X-Cube won the draw and chose weapons: whips.

It's worth noting the autobahn jousts strict protocol does not allow for ranged or powered weapons or hightech taser and monofilament weapons. Typical jousting gear is either swords, lances, whips or maces.

In what seems to have been a gamble X-Cube apparently jammed the whip into a crossbar on his bike to increase leverage against the troll's weight. When the two clashed the A-Kidz' whip got caught in one of Firestarter's wheels and pulled both bikes against the cement boundry wall. The crash sent the bikes and jousters sprawling into the 'open' lanes on opposite sides of the divide. Firestarter and his bike were thrown into the path of an oncoming Ingersoll &Berkley livestock truck which failed to dodge in time. Two more vehicles would end up crashing into the truck after it slipped sideways across the lanes. Onlookers and go-gangers converged on the accident and forgot X-Cube's bike in the opposite lane. Sources at the scene say the A-Kid apparently had managed to drag himself away from the wreck but mere minutes later the driver of a Nissan Classic, obviously distracted by the pile up in the opposite lane crashed into the abandoned Viking bike and caused the bike's ruptured fuel tank to exploded.

Final tally 5 dead, 3 wounded and I405 closed for 6 hours for 'maintenance work'

Production starts on “Babylon Crossing”
Jay Valens
Los Angeles (PCC)

For simfans and industry insiders the biggest buzz for the past few months has been the rumors and secrecy surrounding the new tinsletown blockbuster sim “Babylon Crossing”.

Based on the controversial and award-winning fantasy novel “Babylon Twine” by early 21st century author China Miéville (author of “Perdido Street Station” and “Rat King”), the story was adapted to the screen by Laurence Kadam (co-author of last year’s Academy Award winning epic “Trinity”) and has all the makings of a massive blockbuster.

While the production begins wrapped in secrecy the buzz on the Matrix and the PR suits at Amalgamated Studios (who have distribution rights) have already revealed some of the details surrounding the year’s most eagerly anticipated sim.
The production will be helmed by Paul Farrell (“Fast Track to Aztlan”, “Righteous Fire: The Dunklezahn Story”) and directing chores will be handled by independent sim-maker Aimee Fabian (infamous for “P-Deluxe” and “Cold Extremities”).

For Fabian, who took over the project when Paul Madureira dropped out due to ‘creative differences’ between him and Farrell, this will be her major studio, high budget sim debut. Nevertheless for this outing she has managed to collect a star-spangled ensemble cast including some of the most sought after names in show biz: Lauren Reilly, Nicky Sitoah Tom Cavenaugh, Marie-Louise Breton, Bill Pfeiffer-Carrey and stage veteran Jake Mullins. We have also managed to dig up that principal recording will take place entirely on soundstage and that the sim will be special effects intensive (not entirely unexpected considering the original novel). The main recording should start in June at the classic A.A. Studio Lot 2 in Hollywood, LA.
Follow this space for more updates on the “Babylon Crossing” and other showbiz news.

SWAT intervention at high society party
Miles Fornier
Beleview, Seattle

Just a couple hours ago, Mr. Edward Cornheld gathered at his mansions for a private party with some of his friends. But, just as the dinner was coming to an end, a terrorist group entered and took them prisoner. They were quick to ask for a good ransom from their banks, but the events wouldn't unfold so easily. Mr. Edward wasn't in the room in the moment the terrorists entered, and was capable of calling Lone Star before they found him and pushed him with the rest.

Lone Star's troops arrived just moments after, and an ample group of agents sieged the house. Negotiation started as usual, but the ransom was high, and getting the money from the banks was a slow procedure.

We must note that the terrorists inside the house knew what they were doing. They negotiated effectively, escaping from Lone Star's traps and keeping out from sniper's firing range.

Finally, a SWAT team took positions around the house, and entered once the terrorist started executing some prisoners as they saw that their requirements weren't met.

The tenant in charge of the operation declared, once it was over "Lone Star did all that was humanly possible, and the three deaths were unavoidable. We must also say that we lost two agents during the operations, but all the terrorists have been brought to judgement... God's judgement."

New Wave of Mob Violence Sweeps Lakeland Area
Ray Brannigan
Bellevue, Seattle (UCAS)

During the early hours of the morning underworld violence returned to the streets of Bellevue. Three different establishments in the Lakeland commercial district were the target of arson. Fortunately due to the late hour at which the attacks took place (5:00 AM) damage was mostly material and no one was harmed.

The "Green Meadows" restaurant, the "Aristo" nightclub and the "Lakeland Social Club" all located in a 5 block area at the heart of the Lakeland district were victims of firebomb attacks by parties unknown. Preliminary investigations by Franklin Associates have ruled out insurance fraud as probable cause.

Meanwhile, the FBI Organized Crime Taskforce in Seattle has chosen to announce that all the targeted locations were under surveillance by the FBI due to suspected connections to the Bigio crime family. Apparently the FBI has footage of the incident which will be released, in the words of FBI spokesperson Agent Manuel Carr, "Only after the investigation into the firebombing is complete and the suspects have been apprehended".

Lone Star has already placed an formal request for the footage to be turned over to them, but the FBI has been reluctant to do so stating that, "This crime falls within the FBI-OCT jurisdiction. Collaboration with local authorities is inevitable but only after our own investigations have run their course. At this point we do not wish to compromise their integrity by handing over case-essential information."

Sources inside the Bureau have revealed that the criminals responsible are suspected to be members of another Mafia family and not the Yakuza as originally thought. Could this be the first external sign of a powerplay in the Seattle mafia? Many fear a resurgence of the infighting that resulted in dozens of innocent deaths during '56 and '57 and placed Bigio family at the helm of the Seattle Mob, but FBI-OCT analysts doubt that that level of violence will return soon to the Sprawl.

Agent Carr commented, "A renewed Mob War seems unlikely since other criminal interests seem to have settled their own internal problems temporarily and have returned to harassing traditional Mob strongholds. The Seattle Mob cannot afford to show cracks in its armor at this point so I personally doubt this will degenerate into further conflict. It is far more likely that this was a settling of older accounts by a few hotheads in the Finnegan or Chiarnello families."

Draco Foundation to Host HMHVV Lecture
Sara Bonde
Seattle (UCAS)

In a surprise move today, the normally secretive Draco Foundation has announced it will be opening its downtown Seattle auditorium to the public on Wednesday, the 28th of March. The occasion is a lecture given by Dr. Meier Atherton on the recent progress of HMHVV research.

Dr. Atherton, formerly an associate professor in the world-renowned Thaumaturgy department at MIT&T, has worked closely with Shiawase Biotech in pioneering several new treatments for the elusive viral disease. These include the so-called "Vampire Slayer" nanites employed by Crash-Cart during the Yokohama Incident just four months ago.

Asked about the public forum for the lecture, Emily Webber, Draco Foundation spokeswoman, had this to say: "We at the Foundation believe that Dr. Atherton's work shows true hope in the fight against this terrible and misunderstood virus. The Board of Trustees felt it would be a grave injustice to withhold this kind of information from the public, especially in light of Dr. Atherton's long history of humanitarian service."

In the past, the technical nature of these lectures has put a damper on attendance by the general public. Ms. Webber emphasized that the Foundation's medical staff will provide an easy to understand background packet for those lay personnel attending.

Tickets for the lecture go on sale Monday, the 19th of March, and are available from all Ticketmaster locations. For more information, contact the Draco Foundation's Public Relations department at LTG 206-74-7833.

Federated Boeing lays off 200 from Seattle facilities
Natasha Park
Bellevue, Seattle (UCAS)

After disappointing 1st Quarter results announced last week and the subsequent stock dip on the BSE, representatives of Fed-Boeing have announced that the company will be laying off 200 workers from its various Seattle facilities in order to cut overhead and downsize non-essential production lines.

At a press conference held this morning at the company's Bellevue office park, Fed-Boeing Public Relations officer Louise Saunders announced that the cutbacks will eventually affect 15% of its West Coast workforce but that the situation itself should be temporary since the company has plans for several joint-ventures and diversification into several high-tech fields.

This news comes in the wake of recent rumors that Fed-Boeing was entering into a partership with euro-consortium Airbus to develop new robotic manufacturing systems for both their main production lines. Contrary to many high-tech industries the Aerospace sector remains employee-intensive, although manual manufacturing is rare stringent building security regulations demand human quality control and verification on all essential systems.

The trend to replace human labour for robotic systems so common in the early days of the century became unfashionable in the disasterous aftermath of the Crash, when many robotic systems were not fully purged and resulted in a number of catastrophic failures that cost the industry billions. FAA and CCAA requirements for human supervision stabilized the minimum human workforce and maintain stringent quality fiscalization regulations over production. Recently however, with the change in relevant regulations in both Japan and CAS, as well as similar developments expected in the UCAS and NEEC soon, the trend seems to be returning in force. In the UCAS however, both AreSpace and Novatech, both Triple A aerospace powerhouses have announced they will not be reducing effective workforce in the production sector even if local regulations do change and reaffirmed their commitment to minimize potential risks inherent to fully automatized systems.

Wild Animals Ravage Rural Community
Alicia Richards
Leaf Rapids, Northern Manitoba Province, Algonkian-Manitou Council

Leaf Rapids is a small community in the Manitoba Province of the Algonkian-Manitou Council, not far from the Churchill River, where borders have been drawn between the Algonkian government and the Manitou separatists. The town has a transient population, where the population dwindles to just over one hundred over the summer months, to a couple thousand through the winter. The people of Leaf Rapids are traditionalists that live off the lands and uphold the old ways of the various tribes that frequent this area, the majority of them Iroquois. The town center serves as a center for commerce, where hunters can trade and acquire goods, as well as picking up more modern goods that can’t be found in the wild. As the cold winters roll in, only the most devoted natives remain in the wild.
At least, that’s how the inhabitants of this small village would like things to be. Of late, the hunters are taking up refuge in the housing of this town.

“It’s too dangerous for hunters out there,” said John One-Eyed-Crow, an Algonkian hunter who calls Leaf Rapids his home. “We lost some great people out in the wilds of late and now it seems we can hunt from our homes.”

His story mirrors several others I’ve heard during my time here. The death toll stands at six, while at least ten others have been injured during wild animal attacks. During my time here, I have personally seen packs of wolves roaming the streets at night, stalking for prey.

The center of commerce in Leaf Rapids is undergoing repairs to their storefront, after a Horned Bear, normally a very territorial animal, charged through the downtown core and chased a scared woman through the front door of the store, smashing the door frame. It took two police officers and three hunters to bring the enormous animal down.

“What would drive that animal into the city like that?” Ben Cunning-Bear, the store owner asked.

Rumours circulate that the people of the town are over-hunting the area, forcing the animals to look for new sources of food. Other, more militant people in the AMC, accuse the Manitou separatists of somehow controlling the animals and trying to scare Algonkians away from border towns. Algonkian and Iroquois authorities are currently investigating the surrounding environment to ascertain whether the animal attacks are a result of a natural phenomenon and what can be done to stop this strange migration into the streets.

Karl Kombatmage has visited our city!
Erick Norridge
Seattle, UCAS

The famous german actor visited our city this last friday, to promote his new movie "Yo, chummer!". It all happened in a preview-sesion in the Novatech Arena Cinemas, in Seattle, appropriately decorated for a night of adrenaline and glamour.

The most glamurous, without any kind of doubt, was Kimberly Aurelia, with a much more femenine look than the one she shows in her short appearance in the movie. This young lady is proving to be a new value in the industry, which poses both a natural talent under the rig and the stylish figure that any real star must have. Her soft-red dress was really delightful, only matched by her exclusive pair of shoes, both sensual and fashionable.

But the star of the show was, without doubt, Karl himself. He appeared in a black limo, and a group of stunt men developed a short combat scene with him as the centre. And, we can now say, without doubt, that most of what he does in the film is possible in reality... only by him! What moves, God! Studied to the minimum, strong, masculine, and aggresive, the opposite to miss Aurelia.

Short after came the rest of the members of the shadowrunner team that centres the action. The five entered the red carpet with strength and self-secureness, but without the strong presence of his both comrades. Still, young Edward Landley, the dwarf rigger, did surprise us all with his attittude, the great feeling that he inspired in everybody, no match to Mr. Kombatmage, of course, but surprisingly high in a second-class character.

Finally, in came Muketai Wu-tsei, the man in charge of directing the movie, together with the different dignataries from Novatech and Bavaria SimSinn-studios. Short words to the press, maybe too short, and the doors of the room were opened to all of us.

And we must say it: GO SEE YO, CHUMMER! Great movie, the action will never be the same. Maybe the decker lacks a bit in acting skills, but the presence of both Karl and Edward (who's character is a great compendium of both style and humour) cover the spot and take him from the central light with great hability. Definitely, one of the "must sees" in this season.

35 Dead so far in Aztlan Border Skirmishes
Jay Valens
L.A. (Pueblo Corporate Council)

Though this newsitem falls outside the normal perview of this reporter's job description, coverage in the media outside the shatterered CFS has been so light I have chosen to report recent events which are foreboding to say the least.

During the last few weeks INN and other news services have been offering coverage on the increasing tensions on the Aztlan-CAS border. What the international media have failed to cover are the hostilities that have been registered on the Aztlan-Pueblo border. This can partially be attributed to the fact that continuing low-level rumbles of war felt across the CFS itself as the Protectorate expands and the Pueblo's problematic hold over parts of the Mojave dominate the news, but in my mind at least this alone cannot justify the silence surrounding the deaths in recent border clashes.

During the last two weeks there have been more than 5 separate skirmishes involving small unit and mortar fire that have resulted in the deaths of 35 among the Pueblo border forces and an undetermined number of Aztlan Defence Force ground-pounders. There have even been unconfirmed claims in the underground CFS media that larger engagements between mercenary units on both sides have gone unnoticed.

After official complaints from the Pueblo government Aztlan officials only reported that such confrontations were accidental and caused by an augumented levels of surveillance and aggressiveness when dealing with illegal border crossings and smuggling runs across the former CFS-Aztlan border, apparently brought on by the CAS-Aztlan situation and the increase in smuggling activity spawned by the current situation in the CFS. No formal apologies were forthcoming from the Aztlan authorities.

Although it is true that confrontations between heavier units have yet to occur many now fear that with the Japanese forces settled and entrenched in the greater San Francisco area and the stabilization campaign ongoing within General Saito's protectorate the independence of what little remains of the former CFS is threaten and that it is quite possible Aztlan will make advances on the interior, possibly in an attempt to access the magic rich environment of the Mojave. We will keep you informed as the situation develops.

A Night On The Town
Ricky Bigelow
Auburn, Seattle Metroplex, UCAS

Hey folks, it's your favorite bon vivant and playboy, Ricky Bigelow! As January gets into full swing, it's a whole new year for fun and entertainment in The Emerald City. This month's review brings us to the Auburn district of the 'plex for a front room table at the swankiest new nightclub of the decade, 20th Century!

20th Century, co-owned by Bill Murphy and Damon Affleck, opened it's doors in mid-November to a warm Seattle welcome. Bill is a dwarf who wanted his own club since his days with Lone Star, Inc. Damon is a human who spent his youth attaining glory on the football field for the Huskies here in Seattle's branch of the University of Washington.

The club's mood can best be described as "The Good Old Days." The bar features 3 flatscreen TV's on the walls and 2 centrally-mounted trids. Sports memorabilia from all the various Seattle teams of today and yesteryear adorn this part of 20th Century. Two sets of indoor fire escapes and two matching fire poles provide access to and from the second floor of the establishment, where Bill's influence can be felt. Each of the medium-sized tables and booths has a mounted unit where electronic versions of perennial board games can be played while food is being prepared and entertainment is offered on stage. My favorites are checkers and chess, depending on my mood. The stage is easily seen from all areas of the restaurant, and regularly features local favorites for music and comedy. The themes of music follow an eclectic 10-day pattern, starting with 1960 and moving forward a decade every night, so there is something for everyone. And Peter Gorksy's One-Man Comedy Show must be seen to be believed.

20th Century has that old-time charm, bringing patrons back to an era of optimism and wonder of the times we currently live in. All of the furniture and decor has a feel of turn-of-the-century Americana. I fell in love with the 1990's section right near the stage and I refuse to sit anywhere else. They also have several tables in each section upstairs and down for metahumans of various sizes, so everyone is welcome. Bill and Damon can be seen greeting customers and supervising the waitstaff nightly; their energy seems to feed the atmosphere of the club, and vice versa. So, how does 20th Century measure up on Ricky's scale?

(On a scale of 1-5 NuYen, 1 being lousy and 5 being exceptional.)

Food = ¥¥¥1/2
Service = ¥¥¥¥
Atmosphere = ¥¥¥¥¥
Location = ¥¥1/2
Entertainment = ¥¥¥

Yeah, the location is a bit of a pain, being about 3 blocks from the monorail station and about 0.5km from the freeway exit for eastern Auburn. Still, the rest of teh experience makes it a trip worth your time. Guaranteed to warrant at least a second and third trip back. See you next time, when I venture to the darkest depths of Renton's night-life! Ciao, Seattle!

Ricky Bigelow is a Food and Culture critic for the United Print Syndicate. He's an Ork and has been in the Seattle area for 3 years.

Gates Road Fire believed to be caused by arsonist.
James Phillips
Tacoma, Seattle Metroplex, UCAS

Thursdays fire was horrific enough in that it claimed the life of firemen Paul Conrad and Wade Fobbs. Now evidence is pointing to arson as the cause, adding a whole new level of horror to the situation.

The fire was first spotted on Thursday around 9 Pm, in the 'Simple Times Apartment Complex' on Gates road, just outside of downtown proper. Firefighters rushed to the scene, and after a three hour fight with the flames, the fire was put out. In the end, the death toll was 8 residents and two firemen. The firemen were killed when a series of propane tanks they were watering down exploded. 7 other firemen were hurt.

Lone Star Officers recently told NSI that they have reason to believe that the fire was the work of an unknown arsonist. "The discovery yesterday of fragments of what seems to be a explosive device has definitely changed our view on the case," Thomas Owen, Detective, said. "Before we were looking at an tragic accident, in our eyes. Now, we're looking for a cold blooded killer, or worse, a freak out for some jollys."

When asked why someone might have burned the apartment complex, Detective Owens answered with a "We're still checking into the possibilities." Other officers said that there was evidence linking it to organized crime. They would not say if the residents had been killed on purpose, or if this might have any connection to the ongoing violence in the Lakeland Area.

Lone star has asked that anyone with any information regarding the case to please contact them immediately.

Stockmarket update for this January 1st
Mary Schoenerr
Downtown Sector, Seattle, UCAS

This week has been seeing quite little movement in the stock market world-wide. Due probably to vacations on some days, but mostly to the unstable situation in which we find ourselfs. Though we're waiting for the final semester profit breakdown, there are some things we can say already.

American corporations are faring well, especially in our continent. Novatech Incorporated is the one showing the highest growth rates in stock value this week, due to the appearance of their new Orbital Cyberdeck 2.0 next monday. But Ares is also growing seriously, benefiting from the conflictive situation all America (and most of the world) is living right now, with the increasing fear this produces. Also noticiable is Renraku's slow recovering after 59's serious problems. Not only have their products quality been a little higher recently, but also their public image is strengthening, and this has been easy to identify in the rates. We may also say that Universal Omnitech is rising seriously after their new breakthroughs in leg healing without re-implanting.

On the other side of the coin is Mitsuhama herself, which is still suffering seriously from the problems the Year of the Comet brought to Japan, with the destruction of some of their installations in the island and the loss of their properties in the Phlipines. Also Lone Star is falling, probably due to the rumours of a high amount of nuyen that Ares would feed in February into Knight Errant Security Services. The setbacks of some of Crashcart's operations in both Denver and the rest of North America is not only damaging it's stock rate, but also that of Aztechnology Corporation; rumours point out that there's someone sabotaging their actions.

And that's about it for now. We'll keep you updated tomorrow with new info on the stock exchange market. Have a nice day, and invest wisely but with might.

Gun running trial continues
Richard Sharpe
Washington, UCAS.

The trial of 3-star General William Hanks reached a high point today when Hanks company clerk was called to the stand.
Hanks is accused of secretly selling off military hardware from his command to various groups. The testimony of Hanks company clerk brought to light the tremendous range and quantity of equipment stolen and shipped on by Hanks and a handful of insiders. Sergeant Colin Lieferton also gave evidence on the nature of the generals buyers, saying he believed that many of them were representatives of foreign powers, paramilitary organisations and paramilitary groups, including the infamous Alamos 2000 organisation.

Lieferton's testimony has brought damning evidence before the judge, swiftly changing the direction of a trial wich has up until now been dominated by Hanks lawyer, Gerald Baines. Baines ruthless cross-examinations have torn down previous witnesses testimony, but the quiet clerk proved a capable match for the lawyer. He presented his evidence calmly and succinctly, and refused to be drawn by Baines. Baines and Hanks both appeared unhappy at the end of the session at their failure to discredit lieferton's testimony.

Todays session may have marked the beginning of the end for General Hanks, and in the wider world may be the first signs of a serious government crackdown on the black market arms trade which has become prevalent in the last 30 years.

The trial continues.

Shedim Spirit Inhabits Mummy at Seattle Museum of Natural History!
Kyle Malone
Seattle UCAS

Yesterday afternoon several visitors to the Seattle Museum of Natural History were startled when a several thousand year dead mummified corpse left it's sarcophagus and began to shamble around inside it's large glass display case.

"It was terrible," said Mrs. Evelyn Thompson, who was observing the mummy display when the incident occurred. "I was leaning close to the glass to get a look at the interesting display when the mummy just lurched out and tried to grab me through the glass. It frightened me so badly that I fainted."

The newly re-animated mummy made several attempts to break out of the case, but the spirit picked a poor host body, too weak to do much more than shamble around inside of it's glass prison. It was banished back to it's resident plane by Mr. Mike Spitzer, an off-duty Lone Star Shaman who was visiting the museum with his children.

In a news conference earlier this morning representatives of the Museum have assured the public that they have no idea how the spirit made it's way through their astral defences and are working to uncover the mystery. Until then, they are working to reinforce those defences and assure their patrons that the Museum is indeed safe for visitors.

Screamers' hopes frustrated by star arrest
Marco Teller
Seattle, UCAS

The Seattle Screamers franchise received a crippling blow today with the unexpected arrest of Frankie Killjoy - formerly of the Montreal Assassins and future Heavy of the Screamers – as he stepped of his plane on arrival at Sea-Tac International Airport during the early morning hours.

Lone Star officers escorted the would-be Screamers star quietly out of the airport with no apparent hostility or incidents.

A Lone Star spokesperson later announce that Mr. Killjoy was being held on charges of assault and battery while under the influence of controlled substances. She added that Mr. Killjoy has called for and received legal representation from Bailey and Norton Associates – a Bellevue law practice which also represented Screamers' stars Larry 'Brass' Muñoz and Glen 'Vindicator' Talbot, during last year's high-profile lawsuit from the representatives of disgruntled fans injured by the Brawlers after their return from the 5-2 defeat by the Predators in Atlanta.

Although further information was withheld pending an announcement by Mr. Killjoy's managers and publicity staff, it's suspected that these charges stem from the last Brawl between the Screamers and Assassins when, during the post-game party at Auburn nightclub "Puck", Frankie Killjoy assaulted a fan. The fan's name was not released at the time.

The arrest has caused quite a stir in the Brawling fan community and set the rumourmill afire. Mr. Killjoy was suppose to be play a fundamental role in the Screamers new offensive line-up for this Season. Many fans wonder if the promise of a new season is already stained as Killjoy faces up to a year incarceration if the charges hold out. Many are wondering what franchise officials are going to do about this incident, but no public announcement has been made by Screamer management at the present time.

Seattle Band Floors Boston Crowd
Mariah Findley
Boston (UCAS)

New Seattle band 'Ragged Glory' wows Boston audience openning for Maria Mercurial's soldout concert at the Boston RockaDome.

The band that made their American debut last year with the grungy, harmonic tinged "Rail against the Man", were only recently announced as the openning act for Maria Mercurial's 'Omega Tour', and as anyone present at the RockaDome will atest 'Electric Fire' lived up to their edgy reputation with a fabulous show.

The Seattlites started out with "Another Shot at Life" and quickly segued into "Dawn of Time" with the audience feeding from the intoxicating energy that permeated the room. By the time the growling bassline of the hot single "Vanity's Wake" crept across the thick air in the concert hall the crowd was at feverpitch. 10,000 voices sang along to the chorus, while the crowd jumped up and down to the sound of Dram's and Rock's rhythm line shaking the venue to its foundations. An impressive first major gig for the Seattle band.

The group's lead singer Buzz, a dwarf from the Puyallup Barrens, nailed the crowd from the first word of "Another Shot" and kept them enthralled during the entire 15-song set. His grungy voice kept harmony with band members Tony Glitz (synth-guitarist), Alicia Dream (bass), and Rock Man (the Troll whose talent for music worked magic with every percussion instrument he touched). After they finished their second call back song, Buzz handed over the show to Mercurial who rocked the night away to a spectacular finale to the screaming crowd's delight.

Boston Exchange closes on 14-month high
James Lyman
Boston (UCAS)

The BSE closed this evening at its highest point since the Probe Race-related peaks in March '62. In fact after today's trading M10Q closed at 18-month highs while overall trading figures were only 10% below May '61 records. Movement in the high-end tech stocks notably Transys and Seattle-based VisionCrafters showing the biggest upswings after Monday's announcement of a joint-venture to develop next generation holographic storage systems.

Likewise Renraku America's public stock saw an upswing, following rumors out of Seattle of upcoming negotiations with the Metroplex government and the Corporate Council regarding the final fate of the financial sinkhole which has been the Arcology situation. Also showing a surprising rise on the BSE have been the Cross and Novatech stocks after exceptional Fourth Quarter earnings announcements last week, despite fears that both corps may figures might be significantly inflated by investor overconfidence resulting from three years of continuous expansion.

Wuxing continues to be buoyed by PPG success despite a drop-off in recent forecasts, which seem to be finally plateaued after 5 years of record growth, in fact in many analysts minds its results now seem to bear a striking parallel to fellow PPG and CC member Yamatetsu's forecasts for the First Quarter.

Generally all M10Q stocks continue to ride high, Ares value continues a steady streak upwards with strong overseas results bolstering the usual Fourth Quarter slump in arms sales (sure to look up in February when the newly-syndicated Desert Wars 2 hits it's stride), and Shiawase's new forecasts for its Japanese divisions have left many investors with a smile on their faces and even S-K's high-profile participation in the EuroCorp Summit at which the NEEC project was announced has increased investor confidence in M10Q stocks.

Our own market analysts tell us to keep and eye out for high-tech stocks on the rise including the CATco-owned Xerxes group and Pueblo-based Virtual Horizons, following industry rumors of significant R&D breakthroughs.

On the bottom end of the market we have to note the huge drop by HKB's North American branch, First National, which bottomed out in mid-session today after an impressive 20 point drop following news of further hostilities between the mothercorp and Transys in Europe. Also continuing in freefall, having already lost 72% of its highest stock value (23 May 2060 following announcements that the Draco Foundation was considering it for the Aquacology prize in late President Dunklezahn's will) struggling Gunderson corporation is currently in negotiations with various extraterritorials over possible leveraged buyouts. Prime candidates at this point include Maersk Incorporated Assets (owner of Kvaener-Maersk), Tan Tien and Ukraine Biotechnica, although it is assumed these latter two are interested only in the Miami corp's aquatech divisions while the former may be angling for a complete buyout.

Another possible candidate for a Gunderson takeover, the German FBV (Franfurt Bank Association) has apparently dropped out of negotiations citing internal problems. European markets corroborate the news indicating the Frankfurt corp might be the target of a hostile takeover by Proteus AG.

Well, that's it for our biweekly market update, our next round up of financial updates will in two weeks time make sure you drop in for the latest news on market trends.

Hundreds die in Tsimshian after battle ravages the frontier
James Red Fox
Vancouver (Salish-Shidhe)

Reports from the frontlines confirm that hundreds of Haida refugees were killed during the latest battle between Salish-Shidhe troops and the Tsimshian military, which completely leveled the rural town of Kirpatrick.

A Red Cross spokesman has condemned both sides for their blatant disregard of the refugees' lives. Most of the casualties happened after the Tsimshian artillery used the refugee camp as hideout for their mortars. The Salish retaliated with a chopper airstrike and light infantry columns, which engaged the Tsimshian forces in a house-to-house struggle.

"It is completely unacceptable that the Tsimshian government used its own citizens as metahuman shields, and the Salish are no better for their answer."

Salish Colonel Jeremy Two-Paws said he regreted the collateral damage, but that it should be Tsimshian the one to be blamed.

"Those mortars were a clear and present danger to our forces and were dealt with professionalism. The enemy was cold-blooded enough to hide their positions among civilians, as expected from people who use WMDs without remorse".

Tsimshian spokesman Lisa Greenberg gave a press conference shortly after, sharply answering Colonel Two-Paws.

"This criminal onslaught of our civilian populaiton is the direct consequence of Sioux involvement in this war of aggression against our sovereign nation. Their SpecOps led the attack that burned Kirpatrick to the ground."

Meanwhile, Mitsuhama's representative Saburo Onoda denounced that a agricultural research station had been attacked during the battle.

"We are still evaluating the damage, but it looks like the entire farm was destroyed. This is a multimillion nuyen investment and somebody has to pay for it!"

Both Tsimshian and Salish-Shidhe officers denied any involvement in the incident, blaming each other for their sloppiness.


James Red Fox is an international freelancer journalist. Look for his award-winning, pay-per-view "Burning Crosses, Burning DNA: Face to face with Karl Brackhaven".

California approves militia
Zambiza Madrid
Sacramento (California Protectorate)

Standing outside the legislature building, Protectorate Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced that the measure proposed to Congress by General Saito was unanimously approved. The bill grants the Protectorate the rights to form a militia force called The California Self-Defense Corps, or Cal Corps. It also gives them the authority to recruit, equip, and train the militia –a duty it has been performing for over a year prior to this bill.

“This piece of law will allow us to better defend California from hostile aggressors,” Ishiba said. “It will free up Protectorate forces for border patrols and allow us to make Pacific travel safe again. The Protectorate will take full responsibility for the actions of Cal Corps forces, and taxes will pay their salaries.”

The militia’s exact duties were intentionally left vague to allow further expansion of their role as needed, but their primary function will be guarding remote government installations and utility buildings. Once training of the first Cal Corps Regiment is complete they will serve their first duty as additional guards for the Protectorate’s Criminal Processing Center. Corporations will have the ability to request militia protection for a nominal fee and will likely receive it if the Protectorate feels the facilities are legitimate terrorist targets.

It remains undecided on who will oversee the Cal Corps duties and operations to prevent abuse, but Congress has assured some control with several amendments to the bill despite Protectorate protests that such controls would limit the groups’ functionality. The militia will be divided into regional regiments with local commanders at the helm.

When asked if metahumans would be able to join the force, the Minister replied, “Anyone who can prove California citizenship and has no criminal history can apply at the Recruitment Offices. Provided they meet the requirements and have no links to terrorists, we will hire applicants in order based on placement test scoring.”

Other than metahumanitarian right groups voicing concern over “allowing paramilitary groups to run rampant over throughout the State,” only the CFS Rangers expressed discontent over the militia’s formation saying that, “It doesn’t sound like a very sound plan to give Saito a free hand over this.”

“We have a lot of people unemployed in my neck of the woods, we have a bunch of red skins beating war drums to the south, and we have terrorists running rampant in the cities. I don’t think having some good ole Californians out there is going to hurt any,” Congressperson Racket Wilson said, replying to the criticism.

The press has been invited to the Sunnyvale training camp when Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and a Congressional Panel inspect it later this week.

Van packed with explosives abandonned
Josie Curina
Tacoma, Seattle(UCAS)

Tonight Tacoma felt the ugly threat of terrorism when two unidentified individuals left an unmarked delivery van sitting outside of De Cleary’s restaurant. No injuries were reported and only minor damage was done to the facility. Police are wondering if the assailants really didn’t know how to use the explosives.

The charred remains of the vehicle have been taken to a secure lot and are being examined by Lone Star forensics experts, while street officers are interviewing local residents and regular clients of the restaurant

“It looks like we have a couple street thugs who are trying to make their mark on civilized people rather than true terrorists or mobsters,” Lone Star spokesman Ronald Green announced at an impromptu press conference on the steps of Precinct 13. “With the amount of explosives evident it should have been much more lethal blast. Forensics are now going over the area with a fine comb and we are optimistic that there will be a breakthrough in this investigation soon.”

This is the third violent act in the area of the bombing in the past month. On January 3rd, a body was found in a dumpster in the alley behind the restaurant during the early morning hours, after an anonymous tip-off was phoned in to the local Lone Star precinct. In what may have been a related incident, a car exploded after being shot during a drive by incident in the neighboring parking lot killing 3 people just two weeks ago. Police remain skeptical that these are related incidents and claim that driveby was targeting one of the restaurant's patrons, a known chip dealer in the Langdon area.

If you have any relevant information pertaining to tonight's events, contact LTG# LS-911-768234 free of charge. Lone Star's Citizen Incentive Program guarantees pay-offs between 500 and 1000Y in the eventuality that an arrest is made based on your information.

Tir blocks soybean imports from Amazonian producers
Static ke'Raeint
Cara'sir (Tir Tairngire)

In a move labeled protectionist by most analysts, the Tir Import Authority has blocked a shipment of soybean products from Amazonia. The Wuxing vessel was quarantined at sea yesterday after a random Customs search concluded that the transgenic soybeans were contaminated with the Awakened fungus Phakopsora zacharias in levels beyond Tir's strict phytosanitary regulations. Amazonian officials claim that extensive magical testing and treatment should have prevented any of the lung-rust fungus from escaping the nation. The Import Authority claims that their Inspector suffered an immediate allergic reaction upon opening the cargo section, and that further tests have revealed levels nearly triple the allowable.

A spokesperson for Tir's Import Authority said that further imports from all nations would be subject to a full search and report until foreign officials can prove their willingness "to protect those they would call consumers."

The nation's strict regulations have hampered efforts to open its industries and borders to trade, and this move has only raised the tone of Tir's opponents. Officials from most North American nations have called on Tir to reconsider its mass quarantine, which would slow the import cycle. Many goods cannot wait for Tir's understaffed agencies because the nation also limits the use of preservatives.

"This can only hurt everybody and all the progress made," said Senator Vanessa Carlino of the UCAS New Century Party.

The news also injured Amazonian efforts to export more of their fledgling agriculture production. The nation desperately needs extra funding to pay for the skyrocketing cost of pharmaceutical drugs and microwave power delivery. A spokesperson for the government has said that Tir notified them immediately after blocking the shipment, and that her government would move swiftly to rectify the problem.

Terrorists strike landmark, Troll
Joe Brody
Seattle - Freemont (UCAS)

The Freemont Troll, a landmark predating the awakening, came under vicious attack last night by a group calling themselves Freedom for Humanity. The 20 member group planted a series of C-12 charges around the Troll. The group planned on broadcasting the detonation live at midnight. LoneStar was notified at 11:30 pm and arrived on scene a few minutes later. The ensuing fire fight lasted a little over 5 minutes. The terrorist group were unprepared for the LS response according to detective-sergeant Terry Jackson, "LoneStar uniformed officers arrived on scene. When they identified themselves the kids opened fire. One of the officers was struck in the chest the other was unwounded. Luckily the one struck in the chest was a troll," the detective said.

Of the twenty members 12 were killed, 6 wounded and 2 are reported missing. LS bomb squad responded immediately and was able to deactivate the device. It was set on a timer and would have detonated at midnight regardless. "The thing about the Freemont Troll is that it predates the awakening, it shows our human fascination with magic and history," said University of Washington Professor of Magic and History Thorm Jurgesson. "Perhaps the artist who created it goblinized into a troll, it would make sense."

EuroCorp links to Camorra under investigation
Madeleine Muller
Brussels E.C.

Just last week the European corporate community was shaken by acusations of gross misconduct and corruption leveled against it by a coalition of Green activist groups led the World Wildlife Fund. The acusations stem from suspected toxic waste dumping by one of Europe's major crime syndicates, the Camorra, in North Africa on behalf of at least two major EuroCorps - AG Chemie and Zeta-ImpChem.

The Green movements announced they were placing a class action against both the aforementioned corps with the NEEC's newly established Supreme Court. WWF European legal council and spokesperson Marie Beauchamp announced that the Green Coalition was in possession of damning evidence tying high-ranking Z-IC and AG Chemie officials to shady dealings with the Camorra, foremost amongst them the traffic and illegal waste dumping of tons of toxic waste out of NEEC territory and into the west Libyan wastelands.

Beauchamp claims that amongst the most damning pieces of evidence is a trid recording of one such operation in its entirety, filmed by undisclosed sources. It accompanies a caravan of toxic waste trucks from a Z-IC compound on the outskirts of Vienna to the hand-off to Camorra operatives in Trieste, the corruption of Trieste Port officials to facilitate embarcation, the same in Tunis upon arrival and finally a 500 km trek into the Saharan wilderness to dump the highly toxic materials.

Z-IC and AG Chemie spokespersons have already denied involvement of the corporations in such illegal activities and have in fact asserted they are eager to face the charges in a court of law and reveal them for the elaborate hoax that they are - a hoax the corporations attribute not to the Green coalition, but rather to corporate powers with vested interests in compromising the two companies' claims to seats on the NEEC's newly formed Corporate Policy Commission.

NEEC officials and EuroPol have also announced the beginning of a joint investigation into the events to determine the true extent of the scandal and its repercussions as part of an ongoing crackdown on European organized crime and its ties to the corporate sector. EuroPol Chief Investigator James Gallows has been assigned to head the Taskforce assigned to the matter and preliminary reports are supposed to be made public within the first fortnight.

Beauchamp has since announced that the WWF will not be disclosing the sources for the trideo recording but that it is willing to have the original recording handed over to relevant authorities for specialist confirmation that it hasn't been tampered with or modified in any way.

More news as it develops.

Ms. Muller is a 2052 Pultizer Prize-winning international journalist whose current work can be seen weekly on Sol Media's "No Comment" newscast. Ms. Muller also remains an independent correspondent for several major newsfaxes, a role which brought her international celebrity for her exposés on the Marseille Scandals of '51 and Axa-Berlusconni Corruption Scandal of '54.

Assassins 4 Screamers 6
Joe Brody
Seattle AP


The Assassins 8-0 record came to a screaming halt last week as the last place Seattle Screamers etched out a tight win. The game started easily enough with the Assassins nailing down several scores in the first period. They looked confident and ready to play. However late in the second period Screamers rookie returner, Jake Alger, was able to run the entire zone for a score. At that point, Assassins 4, Screamers 0. From there it was all down hill for the Montreal team, up until now considered the best team in the league and a favorite for the first ever perfect season. The Seattle Screamers cast of relatively unknown players have taken Seattle to a 2-6 season so far. They were not the favored team this past week. Despite not having a single star player the team clicked this weekend and really turned it on.

"I couldn't belive the luck they were having," coach Dillingham of Montreal said. "One perfect play after another." In fact it seemed as if Seattles team somehow knew exactly what Montreal was doing before they did it. They were able to counter plays and cause turn over and score points. "Something just came together tonight, I've never seen the like in 45 years of broadcasting," said Robert Egbert, the Screamers team announcer. By the end of the 3rd period it was 4-5 Montreal with 12 minutes left in the game. No matter what they did the Canadians just couldn't get it done. Seattle on the other hand sailed to one more perfect score and held Montreal pointless in the last period, something no team has been able to do all year.

"When I was a kid my grandfather told me about a perfect baseball game he saw once, I imagine it felt like this, what a game!" Said a Seattle fan who made the drive up to see the game, he was unwilling to be identified. Fallout from this game could affect the league in weeks to come, statistically first place teams beaten by the last place teams go on a losing streak. Montreal had no comment as to the possibility. "It was a fluke I tell you," complained Lead Blocker Mark "Crusher" Creel, "no way that sack of slag play that well, no way." Rumors are flying of possible illegal cyber or magical intervention, the league had no comment.

Next week the Seattle team faces off against long time rival New York. Thanks to Seattle they are now tied for first place in the league at 7-1.

Watch the skies! Partial Lunar eclipse excites magic researchers
Brenden Jordan
NewsNet

March 14 marks the passing of a partial lunar eclipse in 2063, but this time, it's not just astronomers who are excited about it. Magic researchers from the universities of MIT&M, Berkeley, and Texas Tech are gathering to the West Coast, and many of them are coming to Seattle, as the eclipse will be best viewed from the Pacific Ocean.

A partial Lunar Eclipse may seem tame by recent standards, with all of the hysteria of Halley's Comet a couple years back. But Robert Fretter, a Th.D. says "Magic often has unpredictable effects when coinciding with astronomical events... just look at Halley's Comet and SURGE for the most striking examples. In fact, Halley's Comet opened our eyes to the influence of space upon the manasphere of our planet. If we can measure the effect of even a minor event such as the upcoming eclipse, our overall understanding of magic will benefit."

Academic researchers aren't the only ones anticipating the lunar eclipse. Various magical groups and religions are hailing the coming of the eclipse as a holiday and a day of spiritual significance. Wanda Teller, a local shaman and member of the New Reformed Church of Spiritual Enlightenment, says "Look, I'm not saying this is going to be like all the craziness when the Comet came around. But I'm ready to party like it's 2061 all over again! Those were some good times."