Far Frontiers Gateway sector

[Murph]

215-2510 Gateway News Service- Gateway

Oliver Unwin, the Chief Post Officer for the Gateway Mail Service said that at this time the service has 100% coverage of the sector to include Grande France and Broken Drive. The latest Pony Express class mail boats with the Jump 3 drives have finally reached areas in sufficient quantity that they can move across areas that formerly required a carrier to move them.

The new ships, which are 250 tons, with Jump 3 engines, and 6g’s of power are essentially just a crew cabin attached to engines and fuel tankage. Able to carry a maximum of 4 tons of cargo, the newest mailships are granted access to every world by treaty.

Mr. Unwin tells us that the mail service can now reach each planet at least on a bi-weekly basis, if not even sooner, with some worlds getting mail within a week of it leaving Gateway since the mail service uses the Pony Express fuel stations which are located at the jump points, transshipping mail and downloads to a Type S for transit into the system.

While package delivery is still unrealistically expensive, Mr. Unwin hopes to be able to drop costs within a decade, while still living up to the motto of the service: Mail, delivered fast, reliably, despite ion storms, black holes, pirates, and giant space amoebas! The mail must go through!

 

[Murph]

210-2510 Gateway News Service- Britomart

The government of Britomart, has voted to allow their planetary security to be handled by the Black Sun Group. The company Black Sun Security will be taking over the starport contract from Omega Tech in what some are describing as a hostile takeover where Omega Tech was given a mere 8 hours to vacate after being told that their contract to run the starport which includes both the downport and orbital port, the main Starport hospital, and the EMS service for the capital city of Stonerwood. There is an apparently great deal of confusion as to why the sudden change when Omega Tech had run their starport for the last 35 years with no issues.

But experts agree that New Drakkensburg and its associated companies is becoming much more aggressive in seeking contracts to run starports, customs services, provide private military contractors, mercenary services, and military advisors to balkanized worlds across the sector as a way to gain influence, flex their muscles, and also allow for New Drakkensburg companies to gain traction on those worlds.

Omega Tech has vowed to not let this stand since the reasoning behind the sudden dropping of their contract appears to be some not so very subtle influence on the rulers of Britomart. Rumors are flying that in exchange for allowing New Drakkensburg essentially a free hand, certain members of the government have been gifted “specially talented female assistants” or male assistants as requested. We are being told that the assistants are exceptionally attractive, eager to please, and generally skimpily dressed.

Also large sums of money have been found to have been spent on “greasing the skids” over the last six months. As recent as the new year, Britomart has directed that cargoes from New Drakkensburg get diplomatic protection, which had led to rumors that slaves are being shipped out via Britomart instead of New Drakkensburg to allow for some deniability if they are indeed shipping genetically modified humans as slaves. It is known that shiploads of the “special cargo” have been intercepted as far away as New Africa.

New Drakkensburg is also eagerly courting many of the governments on Shiva, which has caused a level of concern on New Paris, New Joseon, and Freedonia. Just why New Drakkensburg has undertaken this aggressive diplomacy is unclear, but has caused concern across the sector.

 

[Grav_Moped]

giant space amoebas!

Amoeba Wars shout-out!

 

[coliver988]

Amoeba Wars shout-out!

I actually have that game! though never played (like so many of my games)

 

[Murph]

218-2510 Gateway News Service- Gateway

System Defense Boat S-113 has been found drifting in space in the Gateway System. The vessel which vanished from the Dusk system, has been found in the Gateway Kuiper belt drifting, powerless, and apparently abandoned. All attempts to reactivate the computer system have been to no avail, and the S-113 has been towed to Red Dirt Station where it will be examined under strict Quarantine protocols.

There is no trace of the crew, and it appears that the vessel is otherwise undamaged, but the crews personal effects are in their staterooms, and a meal had been left in the warmer system, but all power was off on the ship, with the fusion reactor shut down. There was over 80% fuel left in the tanks, so there is no explanation on why the reactor was shut down, since there was no damage, or other evidence which would explain this.

The computer appears to have had all of its circuitry fused, and all backup storage has been fused as well. We at GNS are being told that there is no way to recover any data from the computer system. Also destroyed were all personal electronic devices which could be used to record data.

Authorities are tell us that it is a complete mystery how a non-jump capable vessel managed to cross two parsecs and end up derelict in the Gateway System. The authorities have released the names of the missing crew, and are officially calling them missing presumed dead.

The whereabouts of the Green Vale are still a mystery since that vessel has not yet been found, but based on the location of the S-113, additional search vessels are being sent to the outer portion of the Gateway System. All vessels have been alerted to not board, but to call the Gateway Quarantine Service to handle the vessel if discovered due to fears of some sort of contamination.

 

[Murph]

219-2510 Gateway News Service- Xin Zhongguo

The Galaxy Metals saga seems to have finally been settled as the Imperial Administrator for the company has made his report to the Emperor, that all of the “bad actors” have suffered such punishments as appropriate for bringing disgrace and calumny upon the Empire, and the interstellar loss of face that entailed.

We are told that over three dozen executives and managers have been sentenced to terms ranging from five to fifty years at hard labor in the Imperial Penal System. Also the Imperial Administrator has addressed the vast majority of the major grievances by the miners, and employees of Galaxy Metals.

The cost of station upgrades, and facility safety improvements has been borne by the Imperial government, but Galaxy Metals has agreed to a 100 year pay back plan to cover the exceptionally large cost of bringing stations and facilities up to just the bare minimum of safety standards. The striking workers have agreed to return to work and to attempt to increase production as long as there are continued efforts to improve the standard of living among those working in the Serenity Belt.

The Emperor is planning on visiting the belt sometime next year to meet with the citizens and give them his personal assurance that things will not be allowed to regress to pre Imperial intervention levels. The former Governor was executed and his family forced to pay back to the Imperial Government all of the money he had extorted or been paid in bribes from Galaxy Metals, and the inhabitants of the system. But he ensured that the family was not made destitute by the fines, although they were quite severe.

 

[Murph]

223-2510 Gateway News Service- Xanadu BREAKING NEWS

We are being told that the government of Xanadu is in an uproar after several events which occurred that have caused massive fear and loathing across this planet. GNS has been told by sources inside of the planetary police that Senator Leong’s body was found hanging from a tree in the Wu Li nature preserve. His body had been found by a hiking club as they were preparing to stop at the break area.

Senator Leong’s body, according to police had been there for no more than six hours. His body was facing the rising sun, and we are told that this morning there had been a spectacular sunrise which at this location, which is a prime viewing area for such would have been a wonderful last view. We are being told that the police forensic unit is on scene, and they have identified from footprints an estimated five other people who were present, or which all have been determined to be male.

Senator Leong has been missing for several days, having not shown up for a vote in the Senate, and he was last seen at his residence three days prior. The police found a note at the location stuffed in his suit pocket where he said that he could no longer live with the “sins” he has committed, and he admits that he had committed crimes against Xanadu, and his fellow Senators. No evidence of foul play has been found by the police.

Word has finally been released by JSS security that Senator Pham and her husband were in the lower level of the building when the blast occurred, with her husband bringing the explosive device inside of the reinforced room where Dreamland was located. We are told that she had been shot in the stomach before the blast.

Lawyers for JSS Security, Cho and Win Industries, and the Choi Foundation are telling GNS that Anna Kim, the stepdaughter of Senator Pham is the legal heir to all three, and that a will has been released stating that Ms. Kim is the sole heir, which makes this enigmatic young woman suddenly ascend to being one the wealthiest women on Xanadu. Ms. Kim’s location is unknown at this time, but we are told that she is being guarded by some of the most elite forces JSS can provide.

Additionally news has broken that the half brother of Senator Pham, who was the only one who might have contested the succession of Anna Kim was found dead in his grav limousine with a single gunshot to the head, and three to the chest. Security cameras were not working at the time, but it did not appear that he had been forced into the vehicle, it appears he might have been surprised.

Chen Yu-Chan of the Red Phoenix has been released from the Central Jail after questions have arisen over the police investigation. However, we have been told that Chen was not supposed to have been released, only taken to the Central Police station where he could meet with special investigators. After he walked out the gates, police swarmed the area, but Chen had made good his getaway. He was greeted by several of his underlings with the traditional get out of jail offering of a block of tofu. Police are attempting to locate Chen, and determine who or how this mistake was made to allow the most dangerous criminal gang leader back out on the street.

The question other than who has removed all of these players from the board is where is the Guillotine file? The search for the file has turned Xanadu upside down as players from all factions look for the file since we are being told that the file could turn the power structure of Xanadu upside down as all of the illegal acts and questionable dealings are released. The potential for blackmail has never been higher.

 

[Murph]

226-2510 Gateway News Service- Dustball

Dakaar Minerals has been fined 50,000 stellars for violation of the claim belonging to the Dustball Speculative Mining company run by Bill Matoshi and his family. GNS has been told that the Dakaar Minerals team had moved their mining crawler up into the Matoshi claim and was removing valuable minerals in the Chagas Canyon area when a Matoshi crewed crawler showed up. The Dakaar Minerals crew attempted to flee, but was chased across the erg by the Matoshi crew who had called the Constabulary who were able to catch up with the crawlers, and arrest the Dakaar Minerals crew.

The cargo of platinum ore was impounded by the magistrates court in Low Wall, with the ore eventually being given to the Dustball Speculative Mining company after protests by Dakaar Minerals. Dakaar was claiming to the judge that even though they were claim jumping, and illegally mining on Matoshi’s lease, they should be allowed to keep the ore since they had “worked hard for that rock”.

The judge was unpersuaded as to this line of argument, and in the end decided that the ore would be given to Matoshi. He also imposed a total of 50,000 stellars in fines for claim jumping, illegal mining, disabling the locator beacon in the mining crawler, and firing a mining laser at the Matoshi crawler. Mr. and Mrs Matoshi were in the courtroom, and while Mr. Matoshi took the judgment like a gentleman, his wife Lishar R’Karnish kint Tolmarish mep Matoshi was less restrained, and told the Dakaar minerals crew that “her people would stake them out for the sand crawlers to eat if she ever saw them again on their lease”.

Like most K’Grech women, she can be a little forceful in defending what is hers and her families. Lishar is known to be one fiery spark plug to quote Hammerhead. After the verdict, he and his crew headed to the assay office to claim the ore. The Dakaar Minerals crew had no comment, but they were overheard stating that “this is not over, that Matoshi has foiled us for the very last time”.

In other Dustball news, the Grand Poobah and the New Texas ambassador have signed a trade agreement between the two worlds, which give products from Dustball tariff free access to New Texas markets, with reciprocal terms for New Texas products sold on Dustball. Also the New Texas government has obtained permission to increase the number of troops on Dustball at their deep desert training facility. The New Texas Army is also very involved in training the native forces. A sale of a dozen system defense boats to Dustball has been finalized, with the crews composed of humans and specially trained K’Grech. This will allow New Texas to slowly draw down its system defense units in system over the next decade.

 

[Murph]

227-2510 Gateway News Service- Xin Zhongguo

The Imperial Colonial Ministry reports that there has been some minor success in controlling the fungus on Huang Di, which prevents the fungus from being taken off planet. However biologists are telling GNS that the fungus is a normal part of the ecosphere, and they have concerns if the fungus is eradicated.

Their recommendation is that plants be genetically modified for the conditions on Huang Di which would prevent their loss to the fungus. Already a strain of grapes has shown promise, and a variety of quadrotriticale grain is also showing signs of resistance to the fungus while maintaining the nutrition that humans require.

The new Fungus-B-Gone system eliminates the ability for the fungus to adhere to ships hulls, and also acts as a biocide in cargo holds. While too toxic to use in the open on plants and animals, it has shown a 100% rate of decontamination on clothing, furnishings, ships fittings, and hulls.

What is not being widely discussed is the part that GeneCo has played in this discovery, since they offered their expertise in genetic engineering and modification. So in conjunction with Imperial Pesticides, GeneCo has been involved in the discovery as well as the genetic modification of the plants for life on Huang Di.

GeneCo’s involvement in the project has been intentionally kept quiet since with most people, the mere mention of their name is enough to derail projects due to the prejudice they have engendered over the decades. But as the sector’s premier genetic development and modification specialists, they have talents that few others have. Even Biogen has had difficulties with controlling the fungus and its appetite for Terran plant life.

We asked the Imperial government about GeneCo’s involvement, and were greeted with a categorical No Comment. Without GeneCos assistance, the project would have taken years longer, and success might have eluded the Imperial Colonial Ministry. Using GeneCo talent has shaved years off of the project. Could this be an attempt at image rehabilitation by GeneCo, to do good instead of evil? Only time will tell.

 

[Murph]

229-2510 Gateway News Service- New Canberra

An attempted bank robbery was foiled at the Portston Credit Union in the Mayfair Building in downtown Portston. Three robbers entered the credit union with the intention of robbing the bank. However, to their extreme dismay, they happened to come into the credit union right after the Portston Night Owls cricket team.

The team had its bats with them, and made short work of the robbers who were armed with knives and clubs made of old pipes. As the lead batsman for the Night Owls was told to put his hands up, he swung around, and with the skill which has made him famous for his batting in the local leagues, hit one of the robbers for a googly, with another using a cricket ball, and delivering a vicious pitch which rendered another robber hors de combat.

The final blackguard attempted to run, but a well delivered run from the team dropped him like a drop bear on a wooly platypus, and no mistake! The three would be bank robbers were then collected by the local constabulary, and taken down to the hoosegow. The team however was 15 minutes late to the start of the game, and so was fined six runs for late showing, much to the disgust of the players.

 

[Murph]

231-2510 Gateway News Service- Marduk BREAKING NEWS!

While ambassadors were leaving the cease fire talks at the Dirty Duck in Outer Slobbovia, armed gunmen appeared and gunned down the Amaterasu negotiation team which included the Ambassador, and several members of his staff, the Grand High Dude of Iaavs, and both the foreign ministers of Outer Slobbovia, and New Podunk.

The attackers were dressed as security forces, and upon the exit of the negotiators, opened a heavy fusillade of gunfire which took out the bodyguards of the various members, then grenades were thrown which caused yet further casualties. The Black Sun security was nowhere to be found at the time of the attack, but were later found tied up in a warehouse in the industrial district, claiming they were sleep gassed by unknown persons.

At this time, all the governments are in a state of shock, but taking advantage of this incident, Outer Slobbovian, and New Podunk forces, attacked all along the valley, and have driven the Iaavs forces back 10 kilometers, almost ejecting them from the valley. Amaterasu has sent a Marine battle force to recover the bodies of its diplomatic personnel, and has officially requested that its forensic teams be allowed to be part of the investigation, which has been denied by Outer Slobbovia.

The Slobbovian government has said that it can handle an investigation, and does not need the “rapacious fingers of an Imperialist government coming in to discover what it can gobble up next!” The Governor General of the Amaterasu colony has sent off to Amaterasu for instructions, and so the world is holding its breath to see what happens next.

Iaavs, has appointed the next High Grand Dude, who after a small smoke to calm down over his elevation to the Grand High Dudeship, said this to GNS: “Like this is, like you know, a total bummer, that we are not going to let stand, since we have to like respect the sanctity of our property, and we have to, you know, do that revenge thing, because they like just hit us with a major downer, which is such a bummer. I really hate funerals, except for the party afterwards which is just like completely green, you dig me?”

New Podunk has demanded that Iaavs admit that it was behind the killings, and has told its troops to offer no quarter to the “Foul beasts of Iaavs”. New Podunk is standing firmly behind its brothers in Outer Slobbovia. The New Drakkensburg advisors were instrumental in the recent victories over Iaavs forces in the valley. Deploying their latest combat walker units, they managed to crush the Iaavs and French Foreign Legion units in the valley which were not equipped to deal with combat walkers.

GNS is being told that police sources have determined that Iaavs had kidnapped the Black Sun mercenaries which were providing security, and it was their intent to kill all of the ambassadors so that they could start an attack on the valley, which was preempted by the freedom loving forces of Outer Slobbovia. The case is being closed since “everyone knows that Iaavs is the villian”.

 

[Murph]

235-2510 Gateway News Service- Gateway

The Nakatomi Corporation has announced that it has gotten a contract for the construction of three mining stations in orbit around Cabell to mine the ice in the ring system, and to act as processing nodes for the octant of the system around Cabell.

The contract is the latest that the Nakatomi Corporation has gotten since they have opened their latest space construction facility in the Gateway System. Based on Amaterasu, the Nakatomi Corporation is known as a competitor with the Thevins Corporation, and others for space infrastructure projects.

Also their headquarters building on Gateway has been completely repaired after the unfortunately McClane-Gruber incident which left several floors engulfed in flames, and extensive damage to the building.

 

[coliver988]

I like the Star Trek callout: quadrotriticale grain. Are there Tribbles on Huang Di?

 

[Murph]

Nope, but I did need a name for a grain. And my wife has been on a Star Trek binge watch over the holidays.

 

[Murph]

Just FYI here are the Shanghai Times, notice some of the people, companies, etc are in the Far Frontiers as well.

 

[coliver988]

Just FYI here are the Shanghai Times, notice some of the people, companies, etc are in the Far Frontiers as well.

cool that you used these as inspiration. Years ago on this forum (I think) someone started something like that: take today's headline stories and "Travellerize" them. Instant background material, potential adventure material.

edit: if this inappropriate or anything - feel free to delete! I thought it interesting

Hmm, and asked AI to do that (and maybe should not have picked real world headlines today; posted verbatum):
Absolutely, Craig — let’s take one of today’s major headlines and translate it into a fully‑Travellerized 1105 Third Imperium scenario.


From the search results, one of the clearest headline stories is:

• China launches major military drills around Taiwan as a warning to separatist forces Google News.

Let’s recast that into the Traveller universe.

---

“The Drills Around Tizon Belt”​

A Third Imperium Political–Military Scenario (Year 1105)​

Real‑World Headline Inspiration​

China conducted large‑scale military drills around Taiwan as a “serious warning” to pro‑independence factions Google News.

---

Traveller Conversion: The Zhodani “Readiness Demonstration” in the Tizon Belt​

Sector: Spinward Marches​

Subsector: Querion​

Year: 1105​

Imperial News Service (INS) Bulletin​

“Zhodani Consulate Naval Forces have initiated a massive ‘readiness demonstration’ throughout the Tizon Belt, a loosely aligned cluster of semi‑autonomous worlds near the Imperial border. Imperial analysts warn the drills may be intended as a political message to pro‑Imperial factions within the region.”

---

What’s Actually Happening​

The Zhodani 3rd Frontier Fleet has deployed:

• Multiple cruiser squadrons
• Psionic commando detachments aboard fast couriers
• Long‑range sensor pickets
• Drone swarms simulating blockade operations

These forces are maneuvering in a ring around Tizon (B5847A9‑8) — a world with a strong anti‑Zhodani independence movement and a quiet but growing pro‑Imperial faction.


Imperial observers note that the drills mirror full encirclement and interdiction patterns, not simple training.

---

​

The Imperial Ministry of Foreign Affairs states:

“The Consulate’s actions appear intended to intimidate local governments and discourage any movement toward Imperial alignment.”

This parallels the real‑world framing of China’s drills as a warning to separatist forces Google News.

---

​

1. “The Courier Run”
The PCs are hired to deliver encrypted diplomatic packets to Tizon before the Zhodani blockade net fully tightens.
Expect psionic interference, drone harassment, and tense naval encounters.

2. “The Psion’s Gambit”​

A Zhodani noble secretly wants to defect. The drills provide cover for their extraction — if the PCs can get them out without triggering a shooting war.

3. “The Belt Awakens”​

Local asteroid clans in the Tizon Belt see the drills as a threat to their autonomy. They hire the PCs to help coordinate resistance, smuggling, or intelligence gathering.

4. “False Flag”​

Imperial Intelligence suspects the drills hide preparations for a covert strike on a nearby Imperial listening post. The PCs must uncover the truth before the frontier ignites.

---

​

• The Zhodani–Imperium cold war is a perfect analogue for modern geopolitical tension.
• The Tizon Belt stands in for Taiwan: strategically vital, culturally distinct, and caught between great powers.
• The military drills map cleanly to Traveller naval maneuvers, interdiction patterns, and psionic operations.

---

If you want, I can also:

• Recast a different headline
• Expand this into a full adventure
• Create NPCs, starship stats, or political briefings
• Integrate it into your Far Frontiers/Gateway sector work

Just tell me where you want to take it next.

 

[Murph]

EXACTLY! And it works well.

 

[Murph]

247-2510 Gateway News Service- Marduk

Very heavy fighting is occurring all along the borders of Iaavs and New Podunk between the various forces, and we are told that the Legion has deployed all of its units against the New Podunk forces, and have managed to stop their advance, with the New Drakkensburg combat walker units suffering heavy losses.

The 1st Frei Jaeger Regiment has started landing in Iaavs, and units are being rushed to the front as quickly as possible to stop the New Podunk alliance forces from penetrating any further into Iaavs territory. The jaegers have suffered serious losses, but Iaavs is paying for them to fight hard. Iaavs, has called up all of its reserves, and its first combat Bong battalion has reached the front where it is spreading gas against the oncoming New Podunk forces forcing them back where we are told they are requesting extra rations for some reason.

The use of Chemical weapons is banned, but neither side seems willing to obey the Articles of War and so this promises to become an even more brutal fight. Both sides are starting to run out of munitions at this point, with buyers looking for suppliers of arms and ammunition.

 

[Murph]

248-2510 Gateway News Service- Dustball

Three mining camps have been attacked by Dustari tribes in the last two weeks in the Erg. The Dustari are fighting encroachment on their traditional areas where they have lived for centuries by mining companies who are looking for deposits of valuable ores. The Dustari had signed a treaty with the Poobah two years ago where they agreed to stop raiding in exchange for guarantees of no incursion on their lands without their consent. However it appears that the Minister for Resources has been allowing mining companies to enter the Dustari lands for the last six months.

Also a Dustball Constabulary post was attacked, but the raiders were driven off, albeit with heavy casualties on the part of the Constabulary at the post, which was then abandoned for the time being since there are no troops to reinforce it. The Dustari have been getting off world arms from an unknown source recently, with ACRs showing up in native hands.

In other news, a New Drakkensburg Peace and Cooperation mission has arrived and is in negotiation with the Grand Poobah to “foster better relations between Dustball and New Drakkensburg”, as well as allow a military training mission to come to Dustball to assist in training the forces of the Poobah.

The New Texas Ambassador has expressed his concern over this surprise move on the part of New Drakkensburg and the Black Sun group to attempt to get a foothold on Dustball, a planet that New Texas considers inside of its “Sphere of Influence” since a large number of New Texas companies have interests on Dustball, and see New Drakkensburg’s move as rather ominous.

The New Texas Government is holding meetings to discuss this gambit by New Drakkensburg since no one can really explain why they have suddenly opened up this diplomatic offensive across the sector, and have started offering military training, and advisors, as well as commercial operatives.

 

[Murph]

254-2510 Gateway News Service- Sutekh BREAKING NEWS

An attempt was made on the prison station where Elaine Cheval, aka prisoner SPS-1479-Gamma is located. The attempt was made by a very heavily armed 1,000 ton ship, which landed commandos on the station, after detonating several small nuclear devices to interrupt communications via EMP.

The battledress equipped forces hit the surface lock, and were able to use command codes obtained from some source to put in the proper sequence to gain entry to the facility. After battling through the facility, they came to the cell where SPS-1479-Gamma was located. They opened the cell using the proper codes, and whisking her to their shuttle, fled the station, and after docking with their ship, began to flee the Sutekh System.

But Prince Roger and a small task force had apparently been waiting on the rescue attempt to be made, and in a short, sharp, and very lethal space battle, left the rescuers ship drifting, open to space. Marine commandos jumped across to the now dead vessel, and confirmed that there were only three survivors, who were taken into custody for interrogation.

The hulk was towed further out in the system, and a larger weapon of 100 megatons was used to dispose of it after intelligence specialists, had completed a search of the vessel, and then proceeded to interrogate the survivors which leads to an odd rumor that Princess Juliet was one of the Intelligence specialists involved in the interrogation. But we cannot confirm this, and it would not make sense after all the Princess is a noted admirer of floral arrangements, and has no intelligence or special operations training per the Palace biography released on the Princess Juliet. Also during the time of this operation, the Princess was spotted walking in the palace gardens by several people.

We are being told by Sutekh Authorities that Prisoner SPS-1479-Gamma’s cabin was directly struck by a detonation x-ray laser burst, and what was left of the body was too radioactive to recover, but a DNA sample was taken, and placed in a lead box which was later determined to be that of Elaine Cheval.

The Seneshal for the palace gave a short statement that the Royal Family is sad that it had to end this way, but it looks like someone paid a lot of money to get Elaine out of prison, but sadly the survivors need to be asked for a refund. We are told that Royal Intelligence has issued order to track down who ordered the rescue and who paid for it. Hades Station is the most likely place to start looking he said.