Capellans Begin Counteroffensive

Larsha, Sian Commonality, Capellan Confederation

Capellan forces landed yesterday on Larsha and the four other worlds occupied by the Taurian Concordant. The Chancellor's own Red Lancers lead the forces sent to liberate Larsha. Losses are heavy as the unexpectedly large Concordant aerospace forces have contested the relief forces all the way to the landing zones.

Colonel Judith Abermarle, commander of the Red Lancers and also overall commander of the relief forces on Larsha, is confident on the success of the operation. "If that's the best they can throw at us then we have nothing to worry about," she said to our news team. "They are the invaders. The people will rise up and assist us."

Duke Saber Restin Commits Suicide

New Roland, Sian Commonality, Capellan Confederation

Duke Saber Restin of New Roland commited suicide last week at his estate near the capital. The Duke is responsible for the New Roland duchy which is currently mostly occupied by the Taurian Concordant. His failure to adequately defend his duchy was a cause of grave concern for Chancellor Liao.

In a letter he left behind, Duke Restin apologized to his subjects for his failures. He blamed himself for not properly preparing the duchy for the Concordant invasion. He also hoped this act would expunge his guilt and asked for leniency for his family.

On hearing the news, Chancellor Liao appointed Major Mao Fu-shon regent of the duchy until the Duke's son Errold gains his majority. Major Mao is also the commander of the 2nd Battalion of the 5th Confederation Reserve Calvary, which is currently stationed on New Roland.

Strike Force Hits New Vandenberg

New Vandenberg, Taurian Concordant, Rimward Periphery

An elite strike force led by the Death Commandos struck at New Vandenberg two days ago. The strike force is led by Major Icarra Sung who commands the Death Commandos. Their mission is to destroy any forces on New Vandenberg and to cut off the supply line of the Taurian invasion force.

In a Confederation-wide broadcast, the Chancellor announced the presence of the strike force in Taurian space. He said that this strike is aimed at instilling the fear of the Capellan military prowess into the minds of the leaders of the Taurian Concordant. The mission is the first full-scale assault conducted by the Death Commandos.

An Audience with the Governor

At the appointed time, Governor Liao kept the Terran Ambassador cooling his heels for over an hour. When at last the Ambassador was admitted, both men were obviously in a dark humor. Seeing the crowd of armed guards drawn up within the audience chamber, the Ambassador demanded of Liao whether these were members of the planetary levies he had come for or present solely as a personal insult to himself.

To this Victor Liao answered not a word and continued his methodical polishing of his katana as if the Ambassador had not spoken a word. This deliberate snub infuriated the Ambassador, as it was intended to. Repeating the inquiry once, twice, and yet a third time caused only continued silence, and the Governor refused to acknowledge the Ambassador's presence. All the while, the Ambassador advanced closer and closer to the dais on which the Governor reclined; the rest of us waited, knowing something was about to go down.

When the Ambassador, at last, was reduced to shrill shrieks of protest barely a foot from the Governor's face, Victor Liao made as if to notice the red-and-gold-clad Terran for the first time. I was in the best position to notice what happened next. The Governor shook his head, almost imperceptibly, as if to answer negatively to the Terran's repeated outburts. Next I saw the Governor smile, and that simple act must have been enough to undermine the Ambassador's already shaken composure. In any case, it was the last thing the Terran ever saw. As the Ambassador moved to draw his dagger, I saw the governor's right hand holding his katana blade twitch ever so slightly. The Ambassador's head parted from his shoulders scant seconds after.

We made it a point to have the Ambassador pickled and sent home by first- class carrier. After all, father always said one should remember to act properly in such matters.

-- Irenna Liao, My Father, Capellan Institute Press, 2255.