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The Stargazer Vol 1, Iss 4
THE News for the Dragon Quadrant
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Your UDA news source, quarterly news journal.
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The 24th Day of Duodecim, Year 3423. | Sponsored by TriTeq Industries, Inc.
Issued on December 18, 1997 RL time. | "When you want the best, get Teq."
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In this issue:
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TOP NEWS
SATELLITE BLACKOUT FORCES NETWORK DOWNTIME
UDA News
Ships Retrofitted with Upgrades
Business Universe
Shipping Industries Boom
Special Feature
Win Prizes!! Play Dragons' Star's Anniversary Quest!
Xenoculture
UDA Housing Authority Formed
Inside Fashion
Titanic Style: A Timely Issue
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TOP NEWS
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SATELLITE BLACKOUT FORCES NETWORK DOWNTIME
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In a surprise twist of fate, Dragons' Star network shut down unexpectedly
as a prime satellite plummeted into an extended blackout period! Exchange
rates dropped to an all-time low, unable to update properly, while
frequent network members guessed the worse about the [network], which was
managed solely by TriTeq Industries, Inc. giants Infoteq, Dranor, and
Trillian.
"Maybe Infoteq and Dranor had a coding war and couldn't settle their
differences," suspected one member, while another speculated that "perhaps
the network had been shut down for good by the provider satellite." Still
others speculated that Infoteq and Trillian had broken up and were warring
over the assets of the company.
When confronted with the rumors on the grand reopening ceremony (where,
incidentally, the Anniversary Quest was also announced), Trillian
exclaimed, "there's no truth to those rumors at all. They're ludicrous!"
Infoteq then cast a calm about the room and politely asked that everyone
please settle down. "Once in awhile these things can happen. A satellite
blackout is not an easy thing to fix." A reporter asked why didn't TriTeq
just junk the satellite and go for a new, more improved one. "Even for a
company as financially stable as TriTeq," said Dranor, "a billion credit
satellite is not something to toss aside without at least attempting to
repair it."
The three then explained that none of the rumors were true, and that TriTeq
still flourished more now than ever before. As a conclusion to the
satellite blackout discussion, Infoteq cheerfully announced the launch of
an anniversary quest, which is when this reporter decided to politely make
an exit.
-Khaivhei
UDA Newswire
UDA News
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Ships Retrofitted with Upgrades
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In an uncharacteristically generous offer, TriTeq Industries, Inc. offered
ship owners a free retrofit of two of the latest upgrades. Infoteq said,
in response to a query about the free upgrade, "Well, sometimes these
things get overlooked in the rush to get a product out. We didn't feel it
would be right to charge owners for something that should have been
included in the first place."
The Docking Ring security system was a big relief to ship owners who had
expressed concern that anyone with a ship could come along and dock to
their ship while they were away. While the ship's security system would
prevent theft, vandalism could still occur. The new Docking Ring security
prevents any unauthorized access when it is enabled by the pilot. As a
bonus, the security system will disable automatically when a pilot docks
with a station and re-enable when he/she undocks.
The second upgrade is a Ship-to-Ship radio system carried on a subnet of
the public communications bandwidth. Only other pilots can hear it and
only when they are jacked in to their ship. While some wonder if this
might be catering to a form of elitism, most pilots were glad to have the
new system installed. "It can get pretty lonely out there in deep space,
and sometimes you just want to be able to talk to someone," one veteran
pilot said.
Unfortunately there was no party for this announcement. They must have
been too busy working on the ships. Oh well, maybe next time.
-Smilodon
UDA Newswire
Business Universe
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Shipping Industries Boom
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The support businesses for the Ship industries have boomed recently with
the addition of two completely new services on the UDA spacedock. The
TriTeq Ship-Side Service shop is for the preoccupied adventurer that might
not notice that his fuel is low when heading out for a jaunt into deep
space. The Fuel2U service allows you to purchase 100 units of fuel and
have it delivered promptly to your ship.
The second service, Towing, is for the unfortunate pilot who's engine gives
out without warning. Towing sends out a TugShip to bring your vessel to the
SpaceDock where you can take advantage of the recently added TriTeq
Ship-Shape service.
Yet another big win for the great TriTeq Industries, Inc. It's a good thing
there are no Anti-Trust laws in the Dragon Quadrant or TriTeq might suffer
the same fate as the Microsoft company that took a beating from the
Department of Justice back on Earth, during the late 20th century.
On a lighter note, the party at the Eye of the Dragon restaurant was
positively incredible. This correspondant has yet to encounter a company
who so thoroughly enjoys throwing a huge party. As always the food and
drink were excellent and both were consumed in great abundance by everyone.
-Rhys Istaloth
Special Feature
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Win Prizes!! Play Dragons' Star's Anniversary Quest!
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Yes, you too can win prizes in Dragons' Star's special Anniversary Quest!
Network administrators today announced the special contest in a one-year
celebration ceremony today. Interestingly, the celebration coincided with
the reopening of the network.
"We just wanted to thank Dragons' Star [network] members for their
continued support and enthusiasm," said Trillian in a press conference,
"so we're offering the contest as a way of celebrating this important
milestone for us." Infoteq continued, explaining the contest rules and the
coveted prize. "It's a special anniversary pendant that I think [members]
will really enjoy and is well worth it," he said. "But it is not as easy
as it may seem to obtain. There's 5 keys that must be found to open a
special box where the prize is locked inside. If you do the math..." he
grinned wryly.
When asked further about the combinations, all three implementors chuckled.
"Let's just put it this way. There's well over 100 key combinations,"
explained Dranor. Over 100?!? A loud murmur of astonishment erupted from
the crowd of reporters. When asked how rare the various items were, Infoteq
commented that while the keys themselves were relatively easy to find,
"the pieces of the box are much rarer." Another buzz of astonishment.
Infoteq concluded the conference by saying, "If the contest were too easy,
then the prize wouldn't be as nice."
Nods of agreement scattered across the conference room. Trillian then
invited the reporters to join them in a feast of interplanetary desserts
at the modestly decorated and grandiose Reception Hall near the Dragons'
Star Amphitheatre, where we sipped Darvan ale and savored the sticky sweet
taste of delicious Rheleign Maanobas topped with Amaretto sweet cream. It's
easy to tell that this reporter prefers assignments where food is involved.
Enjoy the quest everyone!
-P.R. Bot 4000
Xenoculture
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UDA Housing Authority Formed
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After months of quibbling over various aspects of the charter, the UDA
Housing Authority has finally been formed and its initial members elected.
There are 3 seats, one for each Station, and each member is in office for
3 years. After three years a tri-station election will be held. The first
person to hold the EDO seat will get an additional two years and the first
person to hold the SDO seat will get one additional year. This is so there
is never an entirely unexperienced council.
As their first announcement, the UDA Housing Authority issued a statement
detailing the ready-to-roll-out Clan Homes on EDO and Personal Quarters on
SDO. "Currently there are no residence areas on RDO, but that may change
in the future," said the RDO representative.
The cost of a Clan Home is 5 million credits. This is a basic house;
additional options such as a clan locker or clan board have to be purchased
individually. The cost of permanent personal quarters is 7.5 mil, and a
locker will be provided automatically, but no board option will be
available. When asked about the difference in cost, Dranor said, "With a
Clan Home you will be sharing the resources, which makes for a more
complicated security system."
Unfortunately as of this writing the lockers and boards are not available
for anyone, and no release date has been announced. "Its in the works,"
was the only comment that Dranor would give. Needless to say the clans
await these options with much anticipation.
-Lyla Springbow
UDA Newswire
Inside Fashion
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Titanic Style: A Timely Issue
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Another issue, another fashion article! Hey fans, I'm back and cheerfully
bringing you another hot fashion passion tip from the Dragons' Star network
cadets. And just in time for the grand reopening celebration, the style is
Titanic! Titanic Hooves of Taurus that is! And such a timely item too, with
the whole mood of anniversary prevailing right now. I thought I'd celebrate
another anniversary from Earth history--the sinking of the great ship
Titanic and a very popular movie made about that same voyage!
Yes, you too can be in style with these delightful hooves that are sure to
make your feet glide in comfort. "Wow! I never knew I had this much
energy!" said one cadet after placing the funny shaped hooves on her feet.
"It's as is I'm gliding on air!" "Sure, the +20 movement points can sure
seem that way," said another cadet, listening in, "but what I like most is
the +1 damage!" This reporter noted that the hooves can take away wisdom
and can't be worn by those who preferred the dark side, but for those good
'lil cadets, the pluses are great! Well, until next issue, happy sailing!!
Or better yet, keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the
stars!!
-T'heelha B.
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Editorial Staff
Editor: Trillian
Publishers: Infoteq, Trillian, Dranor
Reporters: Rhys Istaloth, P.R. Bot 4000, T'heelha B.
Guest Reporters: Khaivhei, Smilodon, Lyla Springbow
Please direct all comments to stargazr@dracon.net
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Stargazr@dracon.net with the subject: Stargazer staff application.
Please include a sample of writing over 100 words in length.
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