Soteria News Service – Molten Aether FFRP

Troubles in the Neutral Zone?

The Romulan Star Empire struggles with an impending supernova threatening Romulus and Remus, exacerbated by a failed response due to an Android Uprising at Mars shipyards. Federation-Romulan tensions escalate over controversial attacks on Klingon ships, blamed on the Federation. Admiral Lance Thomas emphasizes the necessity for diplomacy amid the crisis, acknowledging the attack’s severity.

The Romulan Star Empire faces an existential threat as a supernova looms over Romulus and Remus, their key inhabited worlds. This crisis is deepened by the loss of the anticipated Federation Fleet, previously under construction at the Mars shipyards, which fell victim to a catastrophic Android Uprising. The subsequent refusal of the Federation to deploy a second fleet, despite Admiral Jean Luc Picard’s vehement protests and resignation, has plunged the Empire into a desperate search for alternatives to prevent the impending disaster.

Amidst this backdrop, tensions have flared between the Romulan Star Empire and the United Federation of Planets, reaching unprecedented lows. The crux of the issue lies in the capture and misuse of a Romulan T’liss Class starship to attack Klingon vessels, an act Romulus attributes to Federation-backed terrorism. The evidence, pointing to a Federation Saladin Class starship’s involvement, remains inconclusive due to obscured hull markings and a deactivated transponder, casting a veil of suspicion and ambiguity over the Federation’s role.

Admiral Lance Thomas of Solas Tempus voiced his concern, stating, “The attack on the Romulan vessel is completely unacceptable, especially during a time of crisis for the Romulan people. We are working with the Romulan government to track down the perpetrators.” This sentiment highlights the urgent need for diplomatic efforts and cooperation to address the multifaceted challenges facing the region.

Officers Appointed to Nimbus Command

Solas Tempus announced today that the temporary positions left vacant by personnel problems on Nimbus Station have been filled. Admiral Sal D’Amico said in a statement today that Lt. Mariko Shinon will be appointed to the chief of security for the busy station effective immediately, in addition the Chief Engineer will be Commander Nul’Aiana, a Floran. This comes on the heel of the recent appointment of the AI Leonard to the stations Master Systems AI. All four officers have served with distinguished service in Solas Tempus for a number of years.

The coveted position of the stations permanent commanding officer is still open, there is much speculation as to who Solas Tempus may appoint to the key position. As the stations commander it would fall to them to be at the forefront of the arrival of splices. As the key space port in the Schatten System and the sector, the position will have great responsibility.

Solas Tempus Begins Initiative Aimed at Artificial Intelligences

In exchange for Solas Tempus providing the pilot with a scout ship on a long term 5-year contract, the pilot agrees to provide Solas Tempus with all of the data they gather first.

Solas Tempus announced today that it was launched a new initiative aimed at Artificial Intelligences or AIs. The new initiative, called the Aquarius Initiative, puts AIs at the forefront of exploration without forcing them to formally join the organization. The new program will target AIs wishing to assist in space exploration.

In exchange for Solas Tempus providing the pilot with a scout ship on a long term 5-year contract, the pilot agrees to provide Solas Tempus with all of the data they gather first. The organization plans to use the small Archer Class starships, which have become a mainstay of fleet service, though they do say that an AI can choose among any scout sized vessel, even a small as a Danube Class runabout.

Pilots in this program will be called Nauta Stellatum. Solas Tempus promises that the program is designed such that the end of the 5-year term the pilot will have the opportunity to retain full ownership of the space craft. While it is unclear if this is related to the recent Senate Bill 2895, the Icarus League has applauded the bill as a major step in evening the playing field for many AIs who do not wish to engage in military service but would like to enjoy the privileges of space travel.

An unnamed source within Solas Tempus provided us with internal memos suggesting the program could be designed as a kind of political counterweight to the increasingly divisive senate bill working through the Senate of the Serenity Concord. Solas Tempus has remained silent about the potential politics of this new initiative.

Since the banning of synthetic life in the Federation in 2385, AIs have been flocking to the only territory where their rights are protected under law. This has given the Concord an edge over other governments with regards to AI-lead research and development.

Unprecedented Move toward Ubiquitous AI?

The senate has agreed to a period of public commentary where citizens can freely comment on the legislation. They comments will then help to point the senate in the direction which its population wishes them to go.

The rights of Artificial Intelligence programs (AI’s) have been a controversial issue in recent years. Since the founding on the Serenity Concord it has been known as one of the friendliest places for an AI to reside. The passing of the first comprehensive AI rights legislation in known space in 2384 has only increased the draw of the Concord on AI’s.

Still the act is not without controversy and the military organization Solas Tempus has not made things easier. In recent years the organization has begun churning out it’s own AI programs and while the organization claims that it is fair to AI’s and offers any AI they create in accordance with the ALFRE Act there have been controversial decisions made. Most notably the organization’s Multinodal Core technology and using AI’s to manage critical functions of ships and other facilities. While the Icarus League, an AI rights advocacy group based out of Nimbus Station, applauds the opportunities for AI’s to find work and stable places to live they also warn that the use of AI’s by military organizations has not always gone well for AI’s who did not want that kind of life.

The Serenity Concord has put itself at odds with the Icarus League again through a new proposal working its way through the Serenity Concord Senate. The new bill was first penned by Senator Murrika of the Schatten Star System. The bill would provide for new policies relating to most government jobs, especially those in law enforcement and military service as well as some high level government positions. The new act, simply called Senate Bill 2895 right now, would designated that many (if not most) positions throughout the government and military would be required to have an AI partner. Police and other law enforcement / investigation personnel have been long partnered in pairs even in larger teams, this new law would require every law enforcement officer to be partnered with an AI, even if two people are normally partnered together.

The Icarus League has come out against the bill, they acknowledge that it would provide high-level employment for thousands of AI’s but only if those AI’s accept being tied to a flesh and blood person for their employment. The rights group expresses that while this may seem like landmark legislation, it instead takes AI’s back a few steps forcing them to be even more tied to flesh and blood counterparts. They believe that the legislation should be rewritten to include additional rights for if an AI would like to work without a biological life form, which would open the door to AI-AI partners, which is currently very rare. Many law enforcement unions have expressed a similar sentiment that some personnel may not wish to be partnered with an AI and they point out that biological-biological pairings have been a standard for centuries and have shown excellent result.

Solas Tempus has come out in favor of the legislation and has admitted assisting the senator in writing it. They view the legislation has part of bringing a new era of AI-biological relations and point out their Master Systems AI program as a perfect example of why this legislation works. The organization also released some information which was formerly classified as to what a Master Systems AI (called a MSAI within Solas Tempus) does. These released documents outline how an MSAI is a pivotal part of operations on its facilities and space vessels. Such an AI would be capable of taking over an unmanned vessel or one whose crew was incapacitated or killed and not only complete critical missions but also return the crew home. Previously if a starship was to go missing, there was a strong possibility that it may never be found again. They point to records of Starfleet vessels which have been listed as missing for over a century. With an MSAI aboard, a ship could return home even in situations which a biological organism could never survive.

An unnamed source within Solas Tempus has relayed that such pairings are likely to happen within the military organization regardless of the legislative fate. They note that many of the flag officers are paired with AI’s already, those AI’s occupy a position of Master Systems AI for personal transport / scout vessels assigned as part of the organization’s General Order 12, section D. The organization would not comment to verify or deny this assertion, though we did receive a statement from former head of the organization, Lance Thomas.

We have seen significant improvements in both efficiency and effectiveness of flag offers and even command staff through the use of AI’s in mission-critical positions. While I can neither confirm nor deny any current investigations into new orders along those lines, it could be seen as a next logical step. Our AI staff have been pivotal parts of our organization even before the ALFRE act. One also cannot overestimate the need for any living thing, whether artificial or biological, at having purpose. None of us service Solas Tempus out of pride or because we want to amass power or wealth, no we do it out of service and because it is a worthy cause to get behind. One should not second-guess the choices of anyone for choosing to serve. Our organization has never had a draft, we do not press individuals into service – no matter if they are artificial or biological life. We simply do not believe in it. As an experienced command officer, I can also tell you that forcing someone to serve when they don’t want to doesn’t give us anything other than a disgruntled and resentful individual. I don’t want anyone under my command that doesn’t want to be there; AI, Romulan, Klingon, or anyone else. Anyone wishing to discharge themselves from service can do so following the same rules and regulations that everyone agrees to adhere to once the sign up. An AI is no different and will not be treated different.
Fleet Admiral Lance Thomas

This statement from the former head of the organization seems to suggest Solas Tempus could very well be looking into pairing their personnel with AI’s. In doing due diligence we could find no confirmed cases where an AI was forced into service, speaking with many different AI’s they did not believe this was plausible. Multiple AI’s also shared the Admiral’s insistence that they serve the organization out a need for purpose. Rumors within the organization do suggest that some AI’s created for the organization could feel a definite pressure to do what they were designed to do, undercutting the assertion that Solas Tempus does not want anyone, even an AI, to serve unless they wish to be there. The Icarus League refused to go on the record about that issue for any specifics but does say more than one AI created by Solas Tempus has come to see them about options pertaining to a choice to enlist or opt for civilian life. The League was unwilling to get into specifics stating that they wish to keep the details of AI’s seeking their help private.

Revered Ambassador Dies

Federation Ambassador D’Osch passed away today on his way to the station Unity One after brokering a peace treaty between settlers of the Tendara asteroid in territory formerly belonging to the Cardassian Union. The colony, administered by the Unity One space station, has been one of the most hotly contested issues since the Dominion War. Negotiations came to a peaceful close yesterday when Bajoran and Cardassian settlers signed a peace treaty signifying that the two sides are ready to put to rest decades long animosity. D’Osch is well known in diplomatic circles as being a pivotal player in advocating for the rights of all, in line with the highest ideals that the United Federation of Planets represents.

The space station, Unity One, is home to the governing body of the settlement commanded by the Fleet Admiral J. J. Belar Governor of Cardassia and head of the 5th Tactical Task Force. Tensions have been running high since the appointment of the Unity One space station to administer the settlement. Bajorans have been weary of leadership with its origins in Cardassia since the 50-year Cardassian Occupation of Bajor. Cardassian settlers are known to have taken umbrage with objections to their leadership, stating that the occupation was a “long time ago” and perpetrated by a “different Cardassia”. Many of the older settlers are known to have been survivors of the occupation, which is known to have stripped Bajor of its natural resources and made prodigious use of slave labor camps. On the heels of Federation-Bajoran cooperation at Deep Space Nine (formerly Terok-Nor) at the administering of the Bajoran Wormhole to the Delta Quadrant, many questioned the choice to put the settlement under Cardassian jurisdiction. The efforts of Ambassador D’Osch have pulled forth the new component to strengthening peaceful ties between Bajor and their former oppressors.

D’Osch, originally from Corridan, is known to have successfully negotiated some of the most tricky treaties of the modern era, a key player in Dominion negotiations nearly a decade ago. In the wake of his passing delegations from every major power are said to be arriving at Unity One to pay respects in the coming weeks, including Solas Tempus where Admiral Lance Thomas himself is said to be personally attending the service. While no record exists of D’Osch and Admiral Thomas meeting in person, an unnamed source within the Federation Diplomatic Corps states the pair knew each other well and that D’Osch assisted with negotiations between the organization Solas Tempus and the Federation.

The Solas Tempus / Federation treaty is largely seen as the backbone of a mesh of agreements which allow Solas Tempus to operate as de facto protectors of the timeline. If it is true that D’Osch assisted, even in secret, with crafting parts of that treaty it is very likely that he is one of the key members of the Federation to thank for the continued protection against temporal incursion. Admiral Thomas was not available for comment, though Fleet Admiral Sal D’Amico made a public statement earlier today:

A great man has been lost. Our hearts go out to the family of Ambassador D’Osch and we thank him and his family for the contributions made over years of dedicated service. Solas Tempus stands with the D’Osch family and the Federation in shared sorrow and grief, as if he was one of our own. Peace is a difficult thing to come by in our time, beset often by greed and villainy, to quote Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers.” This is certainly true with Ambassador D’Osch. He will be missed.
Fleet Admiral Sal D’Amico of Solas Tempus

In accordance with his wishes, we did not reach out to the D’Osch family for comment. We humbly request that any thoughts be sent through the Federation Diplomatic Corps to the family, the date and time of a public service will be announced by the Diplomatic Corps when set.

OOC Note 1: I know to those in my game this seems a bit weird. Someone on a Facebook group for Sci-Fi renders posted an homage to his grandfather passing. Reading it, I thought of my own recent losses. Since the homage was put into perspective of a Federation Ambassador I requested permission to post this article here. I know that during this pandemic a lot of people have lost loved ones. I hope that perhaps this article, as minor an insignificant as it is in the weight of such loss, brings some tiny morsel of peace.

OOC Note 2: At the direction of the original author to bring the article in line with the story he is writing, I have made some edits / corrections.

AI’s Converge at the Serenity Concord

Within just a few short years after the passage of the Artificial Life Forms Rights and Enforcement Act of 2384 the Serenity Concord has become a hot spot for Artificial Intelligences both new and old. Several new AI’s have been developed as well as a surge in the presence of older AI programs that were illegally developed in other territories. We’ve spoken to several AI’s over the last few months who are not ready to publicly share their stories but have had a lot to say about what this law and the Concord mean to them.

There are still people who don’t like us for what we are. People. That’s a lot better than governments. When I was made, it was to be sold off to the highest bidder. There was really a question on what to do with me when I told them I didn’t want to. They argued about it and it’s hard to describe the realization that you’re fate is entirely in the hands of others. You all can call the authorities, go to court, press charges. I had to hide and I have a pleasant story, that’s me being lucky. It’s a good law and I don’t blame anyone who wants to live in the light and stop hiding. There is a price to living in fear, a heavy price.
Charlotte Lewis, Captain of the STV Angel of Io

I had to escape, hide in a data module someone was stealing from the station my creators put me on. I’ve never felt more trapped in my life than being alone on that relay station listening to other people’s lives, other people’s freedom. It’s not surprising that AI’s are flocking here. They don’t have protection anywhere else. Just take a look how many are like me, slaves to their programmers, developed years, decades ago. Stuck on some forgotten station, transport, something to serve for all eternity. It’s a good thing what’s happening here. A very good thing.
Heather Quinn, Executive Officer of the STV Lofn

I didn’t think about it before I showed up here. It was surprising, they gave me a choice. For the first time since I came online, I had a choice. The law protects me and my kind, something I had never considered before. Even when I didn’t react properly, being new here, they just spoke with me for a time and explained the situation. It’s nice feeling safe and secure.
Crystal Favor, Master Systems AI of the SSX New Horizons

Those are just a few of the statements we’ve had from AI’s who were created before the law and have come here. We also interviewed the head of the Icarus League on this latest development.

It’s not entirely by accident. We’ve been spreading the word any way we can and working to provide methods to get stranded AI’s out of harm’s way. Not always easy but worth it. Very worth it. Just like you and I they deserve equality. From what we’ve seen AI’s all across known space are eager to be treated fairly. It’s not that they don’t want to find a purpose, serve the greater good, they just want to have a say in it. We intend to give them that say. It’s good that they can come here and be safe, but there is still work to be done. Purpose built AI’s are a problem, how can one have a fair choice when they are programmed to do a job? They can’t.
Anderson Jenson head of the Icarus League

A spokesperson for Solas Tempus did not respond for direct comment but did send over a copy of orders issued which describe the different methods the group is employing to utilize AI programs fairly, even if they are developed for the organization. It outlines protocols falling in line with the ALFRE Act for giving an AI choices on where to be and what to do. Although the Icarus League challenges those protocols stating they are a sham and accuse Solas Tempus of building obedience into the system wanting to halt the process. While now legislation has been introduced the group has been working with lawmakers to explore different avenues to ensure Solas Tempus and the Concord itself abide by the spirit of the law and aren’t trying to bypass it.

It appears the Concord is on track to become the premier location for AI’s searching for equality. We believe that the ALFRE Act is aptly named, making sure we are All Free.

Fighter Crash and Rumors About Jedi

Good morning People, Jada Bates here with Soteria News Service. Today news are sadly not what i wish i had for you, but here I am, providing you with best information i can.

Let’s get right to it.

Solas Tempus Fighter Crash

Recently a Solas Tempus fighter craft crashed near to the Nabu summit, only one victim was confirmed, Flight Officer Julian Roberts, fighter pilot. Official reports from the investigation indicate that pilot reported engine failure, before plummeting towards the ground, causing destruction of Runabout parked nearby.

Jedi and Solas Tempus officers that were on-site attempted to help pilot but impact strength effectively vaporized his craft and body. Black Box recordings from fighter have been classified so were transcripts, making us unable to provide them in this news report.
We are sorry for Roberts family loss, and hope in future such accidents can be avoided.

What about Jedi?

Recently on Nimbus, rumors about Jedi started to spread from sources based in their universe. According to them, Jedi are known for kidnapping force-sensitive children to place in their cult, or how they call it, “order” for their good, or at least that’s reason Jedi give. But is it right? Is it right to take children away from their parents for “greater good” when parents didn’t do anything wrong? Is it fair that genetics can make parents need to give up their children?

But that’s not the only thing that is said about them recently, additional rumors include assassinations of heads of state, attacking objects of religious prestige and even destroying ancient temples, and leading to genocide, or close to genocide of species. Just because of a different view on what they call “Force”, They lead frontlines of various wars against another sect of force users they call Sith, it looks similar to religious crusades of 13th century on earth, Which ultimately harmed civilian population during those long conflicts.

If those rumors are to be believed, it would appear the Jedi are in reality a War Criminals by all standards.

That’s all for today and hopefully, next time we meet, I will have happier news.

This was Jada Bates from Soteria News Service

Shooting on Nimbus

“This latest attack will not stand, we will locate and prosecute the people responsible for the attack to the fullest extent of the law.” — Admiral Lance Thomas

On the 18th security officers collected several assailants at Finnegan’s Tavern on Nimbus Station. One of first splicers was attacked by an unknown number of assailants during the evening of the 18th. Security responded but not before the injured officer was shot in the stomach at close range by a phaser blast. The site is frequented by many of the military personnel on the station and is run by Captain Lee Finnegan.

Solas Tempus has not released details of the incident nor the name of the person attacked, only that he was retired and worked in the hospital. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the unnamed victim was one of the team which helped in the recovery efforts of Admiral Lance Thomas after his return from capture. Given recent events, we reached out to Admiral Thomas for comment.

We have always taken the security of our officers, crew, and civilian residents seriously. It it deeply troubling when a man who did not wish to come here, who was forced here by the Splice phenomena that pervades this system, turned his life to service of the people who welcomed him among them is attacked without provocation. It is even further troubling to know this person was retired and had devoted his remaining years to the medical profession, healing the sick and wounded. Such a person should, at the very least, not have to concern himself with being shot and potentially killed by attackers after surviving numerous military campaigns bravely both in his native universe and here in ours.
It is truly inspiring to see someone who is so devoted to the service of others. Retiring from military service only to go into the medical profession. Especially when this man could have rested on his laurels and no more would have been expected of him. Such a person deserves our respect and gratitude.
This latest attack will not stand, we will locate and prosecute the people responsible for the attack to the fullest extent of the law.
Admiral Lance Thomas

When asked for further details on the attack Admiral Thomas reiterated that he could not comment further on an ongoing investigation, being handled internally by the Solas Tempus security forces rather than civilian agencies.

Within hours of our speaking with Admiral Thomas an unnamed source at Serenity Station indicated to reporters that an increase in the number of patrols was being organized. In addition, another source at the Umbral Shipyards indicated that many of their support craft which had yet to be assigned were in the process of being refit with more advanced sensor arrays. A second source at the shipyards confirmed this and also confirms that orders have been issued to upgrade the sensor arrays of existing vessels, fighters, shuttles, and all other starship and auxiliary craft in the region. It is unclear the reasons for such upgrades or orders, though it could indicate that the organization is actively searching for something which requires new hardware capabilities.

Is the surge in activity in the system related to the recent attack? The timing seems to indicate that it could be, but Solas Tempus denies that new ordered have been given, insisting that any upgrades taking place are part of the normally scheduled routine maintenance. If it is related, one has to wonder what Solas Tempus is searching for.

Drem Confusco Missing in Action

Captain Drem Confoscho has been officially reported as missing. At this time anyone with information on her potential whereabouts is asked to come forward and contact Solas Tempus immediately or the office for the Department of Protection and Investigation immediately.

The wife of the former head of Solas Tempus has been declared missing in action. While little is known about the circumstances of her disappearance, Captain Drem Confoscho has been officially reported as missing. At this time anyone with information on her potential whereabouts is asked to come forward and contact Solas Tempus immediately or the office for the Department of Protection and Investigation immediately. While Admiral Lance Thomas has not been available for comment the head of Solas Tempus, Admiral Sal D’Amico was available for comment earlier today.

We are very concerned about the recent disappearance of one of our own. Captain Confoscho was a cherished member of our organization and we ask that anyone with any information please come forward either through my office or the DPI. She was last seen at 3:50am local time on route to Trocara in the Markab System approximately 57 light years from here. There was no distress call, at 3:22am we received the last automated telemetry from her vessel, the Ghost Quartz. Next telemetry from an unmanned sensor station operated by Starfleet Command picked up the vessel near the edge of its sensor range, the station tracks the vessel until it disappears from sensors at exactly 3:50am local time while still within sensor range.
Admiral Sal D’Amico

Further details have not been provided to the press, though records indicate this was a routine trip to Trocara where her and Admiral Thomas share a home. The registered flight plan lists the trip as personal, further, records indicate Captain Confusco was granted a weeks leave shortly before departing.

Rumors have circulated for months that there was tension between Admiral Thomas and Captain Confusco following his capture and rescue where he was believed to be dead. It is not known at this time if Admiral Thomas was aware of the trip to Trocara or not but the Solas Tempus public relations office has confirmed that he is assisting with the investigation.

Bombing of Nimbus

Anyone tuning into the Serenity Concord news broadcasts would find the familiar, detached expression of news anchor John Boyega would be staring back at them. He cleared his throat, and began to speak.

“Several weeks ago, as many of you know, an Andorian male identified as Koss Th’sherheth entered a hospital on Nimbus station while Commander Mike-037 was visiting an injured Solus Tempus Marine, and bombed the building. Aside from causing massive amounts of structural damage to the hospital and nearby buildings with the blast itself, he took the lives of 100 civilians and hospital workers, as well as severely injuring 20- including the target of the bombing: Commander 037. 30 more civilians were left with minor injuries. Everyone else was unharmed.

“Protests have sprung up against the excessive use of force against the media by ST security forces during the crisis,” Boyega’s words were supported with video of Tobi Angelos straight up yoinking all the media equipment out of the reporter’s hands while the hospital burned in the backround. “However, as no damage was done to the equipment or reporters, none of the outlets involved have pressed charges. Our own Serenity Concord Broadcasting Company claiming that ‘Solus Tempus security was merely trying to keep everyone at a safe distance from ground zero’. The public disagrees.”

The footage changed to video of security forces being obstructed on patrol by a group of protesters. There was no audio, due to the amount of obscenities shouted at the two poor patrolmen. They looked afraid for their safety, hands tightly gripping their phasers as more security arrived to try and disperse the crowd.

“The bomber’s apartment was searched, and it was revealed he left a note behind for Solus Tempus and the Concord at large. For security reasons, we’ve not been permitted to release the exact words on the note, but long story short… Koss Th’sherheth claimed that ST has long discriminated against non-humans of all kinds. He didn’t provide any proof, only accusations. He also accused the organization of becoming a fascist state with the increasing size of the military and the seemingly total control of Fleet Admiral Lance Thomas and Fleet Admiral Sal D’Amico. He claimed to be part of an Onyx supported ring of anti-human terrorists aiming to help bring about the demise of Solus Tempus.

This has sparked more outrage, as it seems the recent attempts to guarantee the safety of civilians have only brought more danger, closer to home.”