TFNN

In a joint press conference in front of a veritable army of Trade Federation News Network and Avance News Network reporters, Avance Coalition First Seat Navik Ikron and Trade Federation Viceroy Jacob Jansen released a simple statement: "The Avance Coalition will merge with the Trade Federation."

After a moment of stunned silence from the assembled press corps, an unintelligible flurry of questions rained forth upon the two leaders. First Seat Ikron calmed the crowd, saying, "This is not being done out of whim or personal gain. I’m not receiving any service, technology, or monetary exchange for doing this. The Trade Federation is a group much like our own. We all are friends and work well together as leading bodies within the Galactic Concordiate. Our combined governments will form one super government capable of doing so much more than just either of us could accomplish ourselves."

Viceroy Jansen, nodding, added: "This is a huge move. No, it's a colossal move. When I was first approached by Navik, I was pleasantly surprised. The gravity of such a merger is overwhelming. But we have such a strong infrastructure in place, we are able to incorporate every department and member within our own with little trouble. This merger is a unique chance for all of us. A once-in-a-lifetime chance. Together we can accomplish great heights that before were never even imagined. To our allies and future allies: we look forward to working with you on our new joint endeavors."

Despite another barrage of questions, the lectern from which the two leaders were speaking was rolled off-camera and a table and two chairs were brought in. First Seat Ikron and Viceroy Jansen sat down and proceeded to use a huge varactyl quill and ink to sign their names to the treaty that would not only merge two governments, but also result in other changes in Avance space.

Rendili StarDrive, Centurion Arms, and Alpha Medical Corps will be joining the Trade Federation family. The Wraiths mercenary group, formerly owned by Soyak-Rainer Enterprises, have been given full control of the Trilon sector and will be an autonomous entity. The Cerean Quadrant, Sombure, Yushan, and Gendius sectors will be under control of King Arklari Clise and the newly-founded Kingdom of Elysia, reformed from the Harbingers and operating both Czerka Corporation and Golan Technologies. Both the Kingdom and The Wraiths will remain on friendly terms with the Federation, and will work closely together to defend the territories from threats to the safety of the citizens living there.

As for the reasons for the merge, political pundits across the galaxy have posited many theories. The one that fits best suggests that the Galactic Concordiate served as the backdrop providing a mutual political and cultural growth for both the Avance Coalition and the Trade Federation. Several members of the Federation government joined the House system and Avance got involved in the Federation Market, further bringing the two peoples together. Both sides were dedicated to the maintenance of peace through neutrality, supported by strong economic policies. Seeing the success of the GC, talks began to address how the cause for neutrality and prosperity might be furthered by working closer together and establishing a unified front to confront the encroaching tides of war, the increasing boldness of piracy galaxy-wide, and the galactic recession. After much discussion, a merge grew as a popular option and was soon taken to heart by the leadership to consider in greater detail.

TFNN economic analyst Moradin Kwyntehst pointed out that a key feature to watch is the availability of technology that was formerly restricted or exclusively offered by Avancian companies like Rendilli and Centurion Arms now is more readily available to be integrated in Federation defense fleets and has less obstruction to being more available to the public in the Federation market. This, of course, only increases the Federation's economic influence as more equipment will be sold exclusively through their markets, giving them complete control over the markets for those items or weapons. Additionally, an internal announcement released to Federation personnel obtained from unnamed sources shows that Federation salaries and fringe benefits will be increased to more closely match those enjoyed by those who served Avance before the merge.

Early congratulations on the merge came in from a close ally. Hapan King Zayth Kadrim sent the following by Holonet: "Avance Coalition became known for being an economic powerhouse, striving towards recognition as a mediator on the galactic stage, with its Houses forming the undercurrent of its distinct culture. Although it is regrettable to see its time coming to an end, without a doubt they have found the right partner in Trade Federation to entwine their futures with. As such Hapes welcomes the strengthened hand of the Trade Federation, and we wish them all the best with their efforts of bridging both the physical distance and the cultural dissimilarities between the two peoples. We will continue to follow with interest how the diverse possibilities offered by this merger become utilized by the parties involved."

News Director of Trade

Director of Trade Appointed! Welcome everybody to a very important announcement from the Cabinet and Ministry of Production. Today we shall be making an appointment to an equally important department within the Federation and I'm sure the candidate the Cabinet has chosen fit to set to the role is no less qualified or experienced in such matters than her predecessor. As you are all no doubt aware, at the end of this summer, our esteemed Director of Trade, Tanez Kalrade, was forced to resign from his position as Director due to diverting circumstances which required(OOC needs) his attention elsewhere. In line with those realities Tanez elected that it would be far more prudent resign his commission than hang on without much assurance of a timely return, and as such I stood in in the interim in order to get the faction back on it's feet and see to the business of a competent enough successor, capable of commanding for the needs of such a department. Before we announce his replacement, the Cabinet would like to thank Tanez for his service to the Federation and wish him good luck in all future endeavours! Now we arrive at the single most important element of the ceremony, un-veiling the new Director of Federation Holdings Group, and Director of Trade. It is with great pleasure that I announce for the Cabinet Lilith Delcroix as successor to both of Tanez's posts; Lilith Delcroix has immense experience in the field of trading and management and is the obvious successor to Tanez in my eyes, and that of the Cabinet. Congratulations Lilith and the Cabinet has full confidence in you to see out this post! Chief Justice Appointed Chief Justice Appointed I am pleased to finally have the chance to promote this individual. A long overdue and well deserved promotion. Because of a conflict of interest with his previous position as Federation Security Service commanding officer, the Cabinet had no choice but to hold back. However, with his recent promotion out of FSS and into Ministry Command, the Cabinet was quick to approve. Therefore I am proud to promote Justice Carmen Sundane of the Department of Justice to the rank and position of Chief Justice of the Trade Federation! One of the highest and most respected positions within the Trade Federation, The Chief Justice is responsible for the upholding of order and justice within both tiers of the Federation Courts, a role answerable only to the Viceroy. Although we do not have a lot of incidents that require the Department of Justice, Chief Justice Sundane is well qualified and able to uphold Federation law in a professional and unbiased manner. Congratulations Mr Chief Justice! New DMC Director Ministry of Production: CEO Promotion' Welcome Trade Federation members to an announcement from the Trade Federation Cabinet, and Ministry of Production. With this ceremony we'll be welcoming back a long-time faithful to the ranks of the weary and thanking a dedicated member for their service. Tarc Drathul has been unable to perform his duties as the Director of Robotics lately due to a dramatic upsurge in his RL work activity. Following this, Tarc came to me with the news that he would have to retire from the position of CEO. He has nevertheless agreed to stay on as he can, logging in weekly to keep the membercount up, and sends us his best wishes until he can be here in a more corporeal form. The Cabinet would like to thank Tarc for the good work he has done in leading DMC! Though initially Robert Thorp was more than willing to take up the role of CEO once more, and has been acting as support for Tarc in his lessened activity; the recent return of former Minister Vas Felix(Who I'm sure the perspicacious among you will have seen about) to the scene has meant that another choice candidate has emerged, and Robert was only too willing to remain as COO, when the former Minister offered his services and was offered the role of leading DMC through it's interim. So with that, the Cabinet has successfully agreed upon Vas Felix as replacement CEO for the Dorinian Military Corps! Vas Felix has a wealth of experience in the production sphere, going back six years(perhaps more, the cave drawings from this period are not explicit) to the Starsign Shipyards and later Techno Union, and of course, Minister. He was forced to take a hiatus last year due to RL, but recently informed us he'd be capable of making a return to SWC, and with that in mind the Cabinet has no doubt he'll perform to the utmost level expected. Congratulations Vas, welcome back! ;) Hapan King On State Visit To Trade Federation Capital TFNN - Geosynchronous Orbit Around Taanab, Taanab System, Zeemacht Cluster King Zayth Kadrim, leader of the Hapes Consortium, is in the Taanab system on an official state visit to the Trade Federation. The King and his entourage arrived on Day 243 of Year 15 aboard the Hapan Pulsar Battle Cruiser, HRS Pride, and were greeted at the airlock of TFSS Taanab Defender by Viceroy Jacob Jansen, Duceroy Nohv Schiller, Ambassador Tovakinpi Toshikhan, and various attendants, security droids, and hangers-on. After a short welcome ceremony, with the offering of gifts of fine wines, cheeses, and tapestries made by artisans throughout the Federation to the Hapan delegation, the group boarded the Hapan flagship for a quick tour of the artfully-decorated and highly-deadly vessel. With the tour concluded, the assembled diplomats boarded shuttles and traveled to a feast held at the Viceroyal Palace in Forsetti. The celebratory feast featured the finest delicacies from both Hapan and Federation space, chamber music played by the Forsetti Symphonic Orchestra, and was concluded with speeches from both Viceroy Jansen and King Kadrim. The feast concluded with a special ballet performance by the Asrat School of Dance, consisting of segments from a variety of cherished Hapan works of dance throughout history. After the performance, which received a full seven-minute standing ovation, the Hapan delegation retired to apartments provided for them in the Viceroyal Palace. The second day of the state visit consisted of an early breakfast followed by a political summit behind closed doors. While no sources were forthcoming with details, analysts expect that the topics discussed included trade missions between Federation and Hapan space, security protocols in the Neshig sector, and political matters involving the Galactic Concordiate. Unsubstantiated rumors from support staff that facilitated a working lunch suggest that Hapan involvement in the Federation's burgeoning trade empire was a hot topic of discussion in between courses. Upon the conclusion of a full day of talks, a light supper was served on the Grand Balcony of Viceroyal Palace, overlooking the city of Forsetti. Viceroy Jansen spared some moments before the King departed, saying that "the bonds between the Hapan people and those of the Federation grow stronger and the King will always be welcome in Federation space." Minister of Defense Retires Minister of Defense, Master Alan Arcane Hello my fellow citizens of the Trade Federation. Today I am saddened to announce the resignation of our long standing Minister of Defense, Master Alan Arcane. Master Arcane has served the MoD and the Trade Federation for over 6 years. Serving in many departments and positions including my apprentice. Now a Master in his own right, Alan will take this time off from the Ministry of Defense to tour Trade Federation space and experience all that our wonderful planets have to offer. Master Arcane will still serve as an active member in the Evocati Order. I would personally like to thank Master Arcane for all he has done while Minister of Defense. We are in a better position now after your tender than we were before. With that said, the position of Minister of Defense is left empty. After unanimous approval from the Cabinet, I herby promote Deputy Minister Otto Kipler to the rank of Minister and the title of Minister of Defense. I grant Minister Kipler command of all our military forces to protect, defend and preserve our way of life and ensure our Empire of Trade can continue to operate safely. Minister Otto has served in the MoD for over a year and currently was Master Arcane right hand man. There is no better qualified to replace him. congregations to Minister Otto Kipler! Furthermore to keep the chain of command functioning and operational The Cabinet and Minister Kipler have unanimously approved FSS CO FSS-General Carmen Sundane as Deputy Minister of Defense. Deputy Sundane has served a very successful and for lack of a better word, flawless term as Commander of Federation Security Service. With a solid working relationship with Minister Kipler, I am happy to leave the MoD in their hands. Congratulations to both Minster Otto Kipler and Deputy Minister Carmen Sundane on their promotions and a special thanks to Master Alan Arcane for his long service to the MoD and the Trade Federation! Federation Holdings Group Opens! Tanaab, Zeemacht Cluster (TFNN) ..::The logo of Trade Federation News Network manifests, representing the scheduled conference broadcast via the GNS-TFNN link is about to commence. After a few seconds, it dissolves into the familiar logo of the Viceroy's Office. After a few seconds the logo is replaced by a live broadcast from the press room of the Trade Federation Capital Building in the city of Forssetti, Taanab. Standing at a podium is the Viceroy himself, Jacob Jansen along with Director of Trade Tanez Kalrade..:: "Greetings to all citizens and members of the Trade Federation. It is with great pride that I am privileged to announce the creation of our own Holdings Group. Hereby known as Federation Holdings Group, this nationalized group will exclusively handle all of the equipment and products of the Department of Trade, allowing quicker response times for all of our Trade transactions. Run by Director Kalrade, all transactions should be processed through this Holdings Group. I thank you all for your time, and hope to see increasing activity with the Market Network!"