Sector News - 3199 December

Inheritors Open Enrollment

  The Inheritors of Thought will be opening enrollment to the general public, as is tradition, on the first of the year. The academy on Thorgun normally reserves ten percent of its openings for individuals not connected to governments or corporations who display psionic abilities. The Office of Financial Aid stated that, due to the success of recent work-study programs, there will be an increase of 400 full scholarships available in the 3200 school year.

Naval Exercises in Ibex

News sources report that the Omega Union, governing polity of Alcinor, has begun fleet training exercises in the Ibex Reach. Sources say that fleets are conducting specialized training near KAD15839, a navigationally-significant black hole in the Reach. The OU has a history of moving warships through this region, leading experts to say this is little more than their usual saber-rattling.

Varou Homeworld Investing in Infrastructure

Economic analysts are divided on recent moves by the Varou Triumvirate to tap the resources of their homeworld, Shani. Lacking extensive asteroid deposits of critical metals, the Varou System has lagged behind the rest of the sector in industrial pursuits. A spokesman for the Triumvirate spoke at a press conference to announce the new planetary mining efforts and promote the decision as an opportunity for Varou across the sector to bring home valuable skills and knowledge to aid their clans.

Astynar Shipyards Financials Released

Astynar Shipyards have released financial projections which indicate a respectable ending to the 3199 fiscal year. This turnaround is due in large part to their investments in other tech subsidiaries. Astynar's decision to partner with several little-known research and tech firms earlier this year caused strain in the markets, but the big risk has produced a big payout. The dip in stock prices has more than bounced back, and their year-end "Look to the Stars" conference (and the big product reveals we've come to expect from Astynar) sent stock prices back into positive territory.

Tech Component Shortage Fuels Buying Frenzy

The corporations of the Atlas Combine have reported a stellar quarter as recent events have pushed consumers to stock up on products which may not be available in the coming year. This recent shortage of robotics and automated systems that has plagued the sector for the past months comes in the wake of the OKONKWO situation on Sushi Neena. Shipments of high tech components continue to be delayed, and anyone with a large inventory is set to make a killing. The shortage is less likely to be felt in systems with a highly-developed manufacturing sector, but even such worlds as Annias will soon be feeling the pinch. Less-developed worlds like Hasim are already starting to place restrictions on shipping such products off-world.