The Chancellor Speaks Out

The Imperial Palace has issued a statement saying that while the Emperor is unwell, it is not as serious as many commentators are suggesting. Nevertheless speculation is rife. The Chancellor, Senator Anders Blaine, has tried to quell the speculation.

“The great Emperor Hengist has not involved himself in the detail of politics for a long time. It is a terrible loss for us all that he is unwell, but even if the worst does come and our beloved Emperor passes away, we will have a coronation, we will have a spectacular ceremony and some great parties, but nothing will really change. The Senate and I will continue to run the Empire.”

It is said that actions speak louder than words, and it has been noted that many shipyards throughout Imperial space appear to be concentrating on bringing numerous Imperial Interdictors run by key Senators to battle readiness with full squadrons of fighters. This is highlighted by the reduced number of new ships they are completing on the open market.

All five of the slaver Senator Torval’s ‘enforcers’ – giant battle-hardened Interdictors – have left port, and her luxuriously equipped Majestic Class yacht “Xanadu”, which still packs a punch, is ready to travel at a moment’s notice. Senator Patreus’s fleet is also mobilised, though this is not so unusual, but we expect some fireworks in the next few weeks.

Meanwhile in the Federation, another vote in Congress has gone against besieged President Halsey. She has been forced to remove her block on the Navy’s latest budget. Shadow President Hudson declared this a major victory.

“Finally our once great Navy can operate again. Belatedly our heroes can return to full pay, and we can start to bring our fleet out of mothballs. Our Frontier States can once again see the justification for their taxes, and the powerful support we can bring to them.”

We couldn’t get a comment from the Alliance leadership, but we did manage to speak to a junior aide who wanted to remain unnamed.

“It’s depressing they’re at it again. I thought Halsey was better than that. Doubtless millions will die, and there’s not much the Alliance can do except broker the odd meaningless set of peace talks after they’ve had at each other.”