Location: California Sector HR-W d1-28 / The Mictlan | Contributors: 1 008 | End: 9.2.2023

The Kumo Crew is marshalling the defence of the California Nebula by offering rewards for eliminating Thargoid vessels.

The Kumo Council, the syndicate's ruling body, assumed control of several systems that were recently invaded by Thargoid fleets. Independent pilots have been asked to take part in anti-xeno initiatives within the region, which are being coordinated from The Mictlan megaship.

Harrison Gladstone of the Turner Research Group, which represents the Alliance in the California Nebula, made a formal protest:

"We are not happy about defence initiatives being funded by a ruthless criminal gang. These pirates are using the Thargoid attacks to expand their illegal activity, thus jeopardising our faction's scientific and commercial interests. Several of our ports in the area are now under Kumo Crew 'emergency protections', as they've termed it. This is an illegal occupation of Allied territory!"

In response, Archon Delaine claimed:

"Taking charge of local security forces is necessary to form an effective anti-xeno militia. If the Alliance cares so much about this region, where are their warships? We're doing Mahon's job for him. The colonists here will soon understand our decision is the correct one."

The Kumo Council has agreed to reimburse all Thargoid combat bonds handed in at The Mictlan in California Sector HR-W d1-28.

As an additional incentive, the Kumo Council is offering paintjob rewards to participating pilots.

The top 75% of participants will receive a Pirate Faction - Green paintjob for the Asp Scout
The top 50% of participants will also receive a Pirate Faction - Purple paintjob for the Alliance Chieftain
The top 25% of participants will also receive a Pirate Faction - Rose paintjob for the Krait Phantom

The campaign begins on the 2nd Feb 3309 and will run for one week. If the final target is met earlier than planned, the campaign will end immediately.

Location: LHS 1163 / Glorious Prospect | Contributors: 3 708 | End: 26.1.2023

Azimuth Biotech has requested deliveries to LHS 1163 to manufacture a module that increases AX weapons capacity.

A press release from the corporation's PR division stated:

"Azimuth's dedication to defeating the Thargoids, which stretches back more than a century, has reached a new milestone with the development of our experimental weapons stabiliser."

"This proprietary invention redistributes the physical stresses that AX weapons place upon a ship's infrastructure. The class 3 and class 5 variants allow ships to be outfitted with one or two additional AX weapons respectively."

"Supplies of meta-alloys, insulating membranes, HN shock mounts and beryllium are required to begin mass production of our successful prototypes. All shipments should be delivered to the Glorious Prospect megaship in the LHS 1163 system. Sufficient resources will allow the Class 3 variant of the experimental weapons stabiliser to become available immediately, with the Class 5 variant reaching the market a short time later."

As an additional incentive, the new modules are being offered as rewards to participating pilots.

If Tier 1 is reached:

The Class 3 Experimental Weapons Stabiliser will be made available at rescue megaships on the 26th January. The Class 5 Experimental Weapons Stabiliser will be made available at rescue megaships on the 2nd February.

If Tier 2 is reached:

The top 25% of participants will receive one Class 3 Experimental Weapons Stabiliser on the 26th January.

If Tier 3 is reached:

The top 50% of participants will receive one Class 3 Experimental Weapons Stabiliser on the 26th January. The top 25% of participants will also receive one Class 5 Experimental Weapons Stabiliser on the 2nd February.

All participant module rewards will be placed in storage at the Glorious Prospect.

The campaign begins on the 19th January 3309 and will run for one week. If the final target is met earlier than planned, the campaign will end immediately.

Location: LHS 1163 / Glorious Prospect | Contributors: 2 180 | End: 26.1.2023

Azimuth Biotech has requested deliveries to LHS 1163 to manufacture a module that increases AX weapons capacity.

A press release from the corporation's PR division stated:

"Azimuth's dedication to defeating the Thargoids, which stretches back more than a century, has reached a new milestone with the development of our experimental weapons stabiliser."

"This proprietary invention redistributes the physical stresses that AX weapons place upon a ship's infrastructure. The class 3 and class 5 variants allow ships to be outfitted with one or two additional AX weapons respectively."

Azimuth Biotech is also overseeing a bounty hunting initiative in LHS 1163 to protect trade ships bringing shipments of goods to the Glorious Prospect. Bounty vouchers can be handed in at the megaship for additional credit rewards based on contribution levels.

The campaign begins on the 19th January 3309 and will run for one week. If the final target is met earlier than planned, the campaign will end immediately.

Location: Apala / Wilson City | Contributors: 3 871 | End: 2.2.2023

Two leading engineers have revealed designs to improve the stock anti-xeno weaponry available to pilots.

Liz Ryder and Zacariah Nemo have provided module modifications for many years, specialising in explosive and kinetic weapons respectively. Over the past year they have collaborated privately on the AX weapon designs introduce by Aegis in 3303, seeking to improve the efficiency of delivering a compound, hazardous to Thargoid vessels, which tips AX ammunition.

Ryder explained to The Imperial Herald:

"Zack and I share a passion for weapon upgrades, and have often used this project as a way to unwind after a long week's work. But when the Taranis signal arrived and the Thargoid forces started taking control of systems, we knew we had to reveal the designs to the public. We're going to need help from independent pilots to finish off the prototypes and get a manufacturing base set up."

This campaign is for a gimbal-mounted version of the enhanced AX multi-cannon, to be made available in both Medium and Large sizes. Alliance Democratic Network has agreed to process deliveries. Additional resources are requested to ensure that the new gimbal-mounting system can withstand the same combat usage as other enhanced AX weapons.

The project will run for eight weeks. If the final target is met earlier than planned, the campaign will end immediately and the gimbal-mount enhanced AX multi-cannon will be made available at all rescue megaships the following Thursday.

Location: Kappa Reticuli / Schirra Dock | Contributors: 3 102 | End: 2.2.2023

Two leading engineers have revealed designs to improve the stock anti-xeno weaponry available to pilots.

Liz Ryder and Zacariah Nemo have provided module modifications for many years, specialising in explosive and kinetic weapons respectively. Over the past year they have collaborated privately on the AX weapon designs introduce by Aegis in 3303, seeking to improve the efficiency of delivering a compound, hazardous to Thargoid vessels, which tips AX ammunition.

Ryder explained to The Imperial Herald:

"Zack and I share a passion for weapon upgrades, and have often used this project as a way to unwind after a long week's work. But when the Taranis signal arrived and the Thargoid forces started taking control of systems, we knew we had to reveal the designs to the public. We're going to need help from independent pilots to finish off the prototypes and get a manufacturing base set up."

This campaign is for a fixed-mount enhanced AX Missile Rack, to be made available in both Medium and Large sizes. Liberals of Kappa Reticuli has agreed to process deliveries, with Liz Ryder vouching for the faction's commitment to the anti-xeno project despite concerns over their reputation.

The project will run for eight weeks. If the final target is met earlier than planned, the campaign will end immediately and the fixed-mount enhanced AX Missile Rack will be made available at all rescue megaships shortly afterwards.