H-057: Passenger Liner Captree Traveller, Lia’s Cabin 902

“Prosperity Mers, I’m Madison Finchley and this is DNN’s Bulletin Round-up, coming to you across the Dominion from Settlement, Zargonia.”

The familiar and highly attractive face of Madison Finchley beaming out of the cabin’s large vid screen, an electronic marquee scrolling below her with the original broadcast date.

“In our top story, Overlordly Name Hier Paitch Marron has announced that he will be undertaking a series of regional visits across the Dominion to better prepare for a more active leadership role, following the Overlord’s recent announcement that he will be delegating some duties to the Name Heir in the coming hectoCycles.”

File video of the Name Heir pausing to give his usual unmoving-raised-hand wave before continuing on to enter some sort of ship airlock.  

“Speculation is rife over the Name Heir’s itinerary, with many expecting the first visit to be the military facilities in Octant 1.  However, not everyone, including noted Household watcher and commentator Michael Barking, agree.”

Cut to Michael Barking, a conservatively well-dressed man with an equally well-creased face and wispy hair.

“I think the Name Heir’s itinerary might have some unexpected surprises in it, I can’t reveal too much right now, but we should expect him to pop-up in different places that are not part of the usual Overlordly Household locales.

Back to Madison.

“We will all be sure to stay tuned for that one.”

Change camera angle and story graphic.

“In sobering news, The Legion’s 21st Fleet has released a statement that a Navy patrol vessel encountered a Naki spy ship at an undisclosed location at Octant 1.  Fire was exchanged and the Naki vessel escaped into hyperspace after taking what was described as ‘a number of significant hits’.  Our vessel has returned to port for repairs and debriefing after taking minor damage.”

Cut to a senior Legion figure, in full operations dress uniform. 

“The Naki have been quiet of late, but this incursion represents a significant threat and a possible indicator that they may be stepping up their activities again.  Rest assured the Legion Navy will be taking appropriate steps to ensure the protection and victory of the Dominion in the face of any aggression.” 

Madison:  “Fears are held for the safety of private mining exploration vessel Rock Rat which is now three dekaCycles overdue for its return.  Rock Rat was undertaking an authorised long-range mineral survey at the edge of Octant 5.  The Navy has advised that patrol ships have been despatched along Rock Rat’s planned route in response.”

Switch camera, graphic.

Madison:  “The Adjudicating Inquisitors have made a determination in the so-called ‘Harmony Rioters’ case in the joint trial of seven Enclaver Mers who have been found guilty of inciting a riot on Jensen that cost the lives of three Legion Public Safety Officers and four other Mers.  The Lead Inquisitor has deferred a decision on sentencing while the Violators’ Advocate has stated they will be seeking an Apellate Trial.”

File footage of masked figures in a wide corridor throwing bottles of some sort of flammable liquid that bursts into pools of flame on impact.  

“Enclaver Elder Florence Radewyns has called for calm and issued a strongly-worded statement that violence is not in accordance with the beliefs of the Enclaver Movement.”

Back to Madison.

“The Protector of Jensen, Operations Under Marshall Niklaes-Groot has announced that Public Safety Officers will be ‘on high alert’ and has not ruled out ‘calling in assistance from Jensen’s Planetary Defence Forces if required’.”

Switch camera.

“In economic news, the Planning Bureau has released its latest forecast, which its analysts are describing as ‘prosperously balanced’.  Representatives from Trade, Industry, Resources and the Dominion Bank endorsed the forecast.”

Switch camera.

“It was all smiles on Aaran’s Pride recently at the opening of a new museum to honour the efforts of the Loyalist Forces during the True Blood rebellion.  The grand opening included a parade, demonstration by the local Legion Marching band, and performances by children from several local educational centres.”

Montage of groups of children twirling batons and ribbons in synchronisation to stirring military music.

“In a rare public appearance, Under Vizier Winston Landmark of Octant 6 opened the new museum.”

Cut to a bald man with an impressive set of bushy eyebrows in a lush purple robe standing at a podium in the new facility.

“The victorious completion of this ambitious project, a joint one between the Vizierate as custodians of the Dominion’s knowledge, our counterparts in the Legion whose history contributes so much to the content within this magnificent structure, and our colleagues from the Cultural Bureau,  this stands as a testament, a landmark, to the people of those times and those that fought for what was right.  It is my hope, and my expectation, that this monument will be an edifice for understanding, and thus of healing any rifts that might still persist, even after this many Cycles, within our prosperous Dominion as a result of those times when Mer fought against Mer.”

Cut to a montage of external and internal shots of the impressive structure.

Madison, VO:  “The museum took nearly four kiloCycles to construct, is over ten million cubic meters in volume and includes within its walls the restored Navy starship Prosperous Repulse, which played an historic role at the Battle of Aden in 175.  Entrance to the museum is free for all Mers.”

Back to Madison.

“To sports news now and word is just in that the Four-Main Greens have scored an unexpected victory against the formidable Memoria Niccolo Screamers in a
closely contested final at the central Sportsball Centre in Octant 4.  We will cross to Jon Dagg-Enzo for a wrap up of the match.”

Cut to an intense man with an immaculate head of hair that might be constructed of nothing but lacquer staring down the vid camera   

“Thank you, Madison.  The ruthlessly professional Screamers began strongly and had the Greens reeling from a series of quite obvious and brutal personal fouls.  However the Greens sportsed back in defence and it became obvious that the continually impressive Greens Captain David Sorenson had weathered the assault and was prepared to sports the ball right up to the Screamers despite their comprehensive anti-sportsing tactics, dishing out a thorough sportsing with less than a moment on the clock.”

Cut to Madison, looking sideways across the studio.

“Thanks Jon, a close match.”

“Riveting sportsing, Madison, riveting.”

Madison, “And finally, the winners of the Dominion’s Traditional ‘Best Childrens’ Cake’ competition presented their creation to the Elderparent and the Overlord this Cycle in what has become a heart-warming kiloCyclic tradition for the Houseless-children of the Childrens’ Bureau.”  

Cut to Overlord Zarg and a middle-aged woman in Bureaucrat Blue being presented with slices of cake cut from an impressive-looking culinary creation by a group of children standing dutifully behind a rope barrier.

Madison, VO:  “The tradition began in response to an amusing off-the-cuff remark by the Overlord not long after the start of his reign that he, ‘liked cake’.  This competition round, thousands of separate Childrens’ Bureau care facilities submitted entries before the winners from Transit Ring Centre on Pyatt were chosen for their ‘Loyalty Lime Cake’.  The winners travelled all the way to the Black Palace for the presentation.”

Return to Madison, DNN News theme rising in background.

“That’s all for this bulletin, I am Madison Finchley, wishing all you Mers Prosperity, Protection and Victory.”   

Fade to DNN logo as studio lights dim.

 

 

The bath is, indeed, delightful…