Darkovan Inquirer, Back Issues for 2013 through 2019


Issue #367, 23 November 2019

Yahoo!Matrix's Last Flicker...

A year ago we reported that the takeover of Yahoo!Matrix by VerizonOathMatrix would spell the end of the Matrix we all loved to hate. Apparently we were right! (Nice to have an Aldaran on staff!) The Yahoo!Matrix will be shut down mid-December this year, Terran-time, and all data stored there will be lost to the ether. Fortunately, Dalereuth Tower's Keeper, Vai Dom Piedro Syrtis-Aillard, stepped up to the task and with the power of his Circle at Dalereuth and all the other Towers supporting him, he transferred all the data held in the fading Yahoo!Matrix to a nice, new, shiny (ooooh, shiny!) matrix called Groups.io. A resounding cheer went up across Darkover at the successful move - from the Lowlands to the Drytowns and echoing across the Hellers (echo... echo... echo...). The Tower relays hummed with excitement - this was much more interesting than 'grabbing' the light waves from the satellite and watching the latest episode of "As Darkover Turns" where in the last episode the heat had really turned up between three of the main characters, and how this interaction will affect Lianan, the chieri, who is interested in, well, all three of them, is anyone's guess... but we digress.... and so, in one of the rare instances when the DI is not, er, 'teasing' one of our characters, we, at the Darkovan Inquirer will gladly raise a glass (or two or three) to Vai Dom Piedro! Waes Hael! Huzzah!

Elsewhere on Darkover...
"As Darkover Turns" Opens New Film Studio in Caer Donn

The series: "As Darkover Turns" has been so popular on other Terran-occupied worlds that the company filming it has decided to open a new film studio in Caer Donn, effectively doubling it's on-Darkover footprint, and resulting in a significant boost to the economy in the Hellers.
Redimir Health Clinic Adds Music to its Treatment Regime

The Redimir Health Clinic has brought a bard on-staff to test out the theory that "Music has charms to soothe the savage breast" and see if it helps reduce high blood pressure, reduce headaches and other pain, reduce anxiety, improve speech after strokes, and make medical procedures less stressful overall.
Redil Shelterhouse Sheltering a, <shudder>, MAN ... and his Infant Granddaughter...

Showing an incredible acceptance for diversity and equality, the Redil Shelterhouse is going above and beyond in giving shelter to a man (a Terranan, no less) so he can raise his granddaughter amongst 'her own people' (being Renunciates). While this may seem odd, turns out there is a significant benefit for any future women and their children seeking shelter there, as he has more experience in raising children than any of the Sisters currently in residence!

Meanwhile on Terra...
Politics As Usual...

The Expansionist Party has been encouraging racism, bigotry, and general anarchy in an attempt to distract the populace from the political instability and backroom bickering as the leader tries to squirm out of a possible impeachment hearing. Elsewhere, other political parties legalised and encouraged more brain-altering drugs in an attempt to provide the populace a form of escapism that would also, coincidentally, line the government coffers while other government officials argued that the rising oceans and severe weather events are not due to human-induced climate change. Makes the bitter, cold and dark Darkovan winters seem positively warm and welcoming!
In Business News...
Record Deal Available for Wandering Bards

Backwater Worlds Folk Recordings is starting a new label: Wandering Bards - but first they have to find them!


Issue #366, 21 December 2018

As Darkover Turns Releases Latest Teaser Trailer

A teaser trailer has been released for the next installment of "As Darkover Turns". In it, a rejuvenated Danvan Hastur is accused by a Terran high-end call girl of being her father according to DNA tests. It turns out she is the daughter of his Cherilys twin who is an Expansionist spy and he is eyeing how to take Danvan's position without anyone noticing the difference.
Adore Eternally Releases Latest Book in Time for Midwinter

Adore Eternally Inc. has released their latest novel: "Midwinter Madness". In it, a minor Comyn lord goes to place a traditional basket outside the door of his secret and very young barragana whom he plans to make his wife once he 'takes care of that problem' only to find a basket there addressed to his mistress already - from his wife! Further complications occur when a mysterious basket shows up outside his wife's door from 'a secret admirer' - and no one seems to know who that is! Add in prodigal sons and unexplained nedestro children on all fronts (some of whom are old enough to be involved with the barragana) and the plot twists become more complicated than Terran government paperwork!
Intra-office Betting Pool Pays Huge Benefits to Unknown Reporter

The Betting Pool in the DI offices has been won recently by the Unknown Reporter after a long-forgotten bet came to light about the possibility of the return of past players. The winning employee gets a lifetime supply of upscale paper bags, a monthly quota of kireseth chocolate and an all-expenses-paid trip to Tazmazia, which can be accessed from the Promised Land, across the way from Paradise, down the road from No-Where-Else, via the Devil's Gate - the connections sound crazy, but the place is apparently "a-maze-ing" according to the travel brochures! Remember to come back UR!
Terran Zone Rejuvenation Clinic Hires Terran Veterinarian to Manage Animal Side of Operations

Rumour, confirmed by our staff, has identified a new Terran veterinarian that is being transferred to the Thendaran Terran Zone Rejuvenation Clinic Animal Section. He'll be handling both the regular pets and some of the more exotic animals that are native to Darkover, though he sounds pretty 'exotic', himself! We hope the Banshees and Catpeople don't send him screaming for the next shuttle back to Terra! And hopefully there won't be anyone trying to get the wurlyworms rejuvenated! Since Banshee Express sends their mounts to the Caer Donn Terran Zone Rejuvenation Clinic, hopefully there is someone near the Thendara branch that can help advise the staff there about these unique Darkovan birds! They're not all dangerous - just look at Ivan!
Midwinter Gifts

It's the time of year when Midwinter gifts are given out, so, for all the active characters...  
Issue #365, 9 November 2018

Twenty Years on What Became Yahoo!Groups

The DI is celebrating 20 years of the RPG on what developed into Yahoo!Groups. Starting as One-List, it was swallowed up by E-Groups, which was in turn swallowed up by Yahoo!Groups, and the future 'Oath' has not yet 'sworn' what will happen next.

Memorable events:

Terran Wedding Bells

On Terra, one of the elite-class families recently celebrated a wedding of the younger son to a commoner bride from 'across the pond' as they call it. The Terran yellow sun, Sol, shone brightly, highlighting the young man's Comyn-red hair, and making his bride's tiara glitter prettily as they completed the rite and were cheered on by the masses. They had been allowed to marry for love, not rank and class - possibly the Darkovan elite can learn from this!

Darkovan Wedding Bells?

Redimir's latest cute couple have shared a meal at a table together, enjoyed the warmth of a blazing fire in the fireplace and walked through the garden admiring the vegetable and flower... beds... has anyone pointed out to Tomas and Rachel that they are now married according to Mountain Marriage Laws? Rachel's eldest child is already calling Tomas 'foster-father'. Congratulations are obviously in order!

Darkovan Wedding Bells 2

Alec Essert of Terra and Tomas Painter of Thendara finally took the plunge and made it official in front of friends and family - they're now Freemates! They are now enjoying an extended honeymoon on Vainwal.



On a more serious note...
YahooMatrix Absorbed By VerizonOathMatrix

Rumours that the unpredictable YahooMatrix has been absorbed by the larger, even more unpredictable VerizonOathMatrix has been confirmed, and further rumours that the Groups controlled by the former YahooMatrix will not be maintained but allowed to disintegrate due to lack of maintenance are running wild. Discussions on what to do with the data held in the YahooGroupsMatrix should be held amongst the Darkovan Tower personnel before the historical data is lost forever.

Expansionist Party Prepares for Trade War

The highly unpredictable leader of the Expansionist Party has added to his attempts to solidify his party's control while isolating his part of Terra even further by ramping up a Trade War with his Allies, claiming that the products his party buys from them are a threat to 'national security'. The fact that large amounts of steel and aluminum that are used in his party's defense force's military vehicles comes from those same allies seems to have been conveniently 'forgotten'. A Terra-wide economic slump is expected, which will reduce trade to and from other Terran-dependent worlds and likely reduce communication and transport between them. Fortunately some moderating voices, elected mid-term, will hopefully slow down the expected rampage through the affiliated worlds.

Expansionist Party Offshoot Takes Control of Allied Manufacturing Zone

One of the Expansionist Party offshoots, the Positively Corrupt Party has swept to power inside of one of the Expansionist Party's Allies Manufacturing zones, which is expected to result in a reduction in health care services, education, environmental green space, minimum pay and the quality of the manufactured goods from the zone over the next few months. (Can't produce quality goods if you are lacking in education and fitness!) Anyone who already has a decent level of education will be looking to emigrate offworld while they still can.

Terran School Shootings Solution

Due to the large number of school shootings that have occurred on Terra, the Expansionist Party has come up with a guaranteed solution to the problem. Not curbing guns, as regular shootings are permissable, but eliminating schools. The cost savings to the Expansionist Party will provide them with the necessary backup funds to maintain them while they cut trade ties with their allies.

Darkover is A-maze-ing!

No really, it is! See what we mean here: http://www.matrixops.org/DI/DI_Maze/maze/DarkoverMaze4.html

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Rejuvenation - Not Just for People Anymore
The Terran Zone Rejuvenation Clinic has recently opened a section for non-humans which is maintained by highly qualified veterinarians and doctors specialising in non-human species. So those wishing to keep their dogs, cats, horses, and other non-human companions around a lot longer (and younger) are welcome to bring them to the Thendaran branch. Banshee Express has their own section in the Caer Donn clinic as it proved easier to keep their currently trained mounts younger than to train new ones.
Issue #364, 2 July 2017

Midwinter on Terra

The winter solstice has just passed on Terra, and the hours of daylight are slowly growing longer again. Our thoughts turn to seasonal festivities for a number of religions and faiths, we at the Darkovan Inquirer would like to extend our greetings to everyone: So, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Yule, Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings to one and all!

Peace, love, health, wealth, warmth and happiness to everyone in the new year!
Darkover Olympic Training Schedule Begins

In light of the recent Olympic Games on Terra, training has started in earnest for a similar competition on Darkover. Trainees for the Woman's and Youth categories of the Darkovan Marathon have already been seen making the run from Thendara up the North Road. Other events will include The Mounted Messenger's Rally, where participants cannot remain more that 28 hours in a given location while distributing as many envelopes as possible per stopover, and Tower events like Telekinetic Basketball (knew all those food fights were training for something useful!) and Telepathic Telephone, where messages are sent from member to member over a set distance without the use of the Tower matrix relays - fewest number of team members needed to send the message wins! (There will be a separate competition for those with the Alton donas for this event.)
Expansionist Party Sweeps Terra

On Terra, the horrific news has surfaced that in the last election, the Expansionist Party has swept both houses, causing widespread fear amongst those who can see what the long term devastating effects will be (don't need to have the Aldaran donas for that!) and short term jubilation amongst those who voted for them since they were promised jobs building a wall around the President-Elect's hotel-mansion to protect him from the Federal Security Service.

The New President-Elect had said the election was rigged, but no one realised he was actually telling the truth!

Reports have already surfaced that transportation to and from Terra is being restricted to "pure" Terranan only, and those not "pure" enough that are already there will possibly be subject to harsh penalties and restrictive living conditions.

Whether the new government plans to use their wide-sweeping powers to remove the Protected Status for worlds like Darkover remains to be seen. Messages to and from Terra are already subject to random Security Interception and these checks are only expected to increase as the new government takes office.
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Issue #363, 10 June 2016

Danvan Hastur Celebrates 91 Years as Regent

Danvan Hastur is celebrating 91 years as Regent as of this year's Midsummer Council session with no apparent indication that he is stepping down any time soon. The Chieri genes must be really dominant in his line, and/or he has been slipping over to the Terran Zone to hang out with Thendara Guild Mother Emeritus Valentina in the Rejuvenation Clinic.
New Adore Eternally Book Series

Adore Eternally is broadening its book range, by creating a new fantasy-romance-comedy series about a young werewolf lass, Tala, who tries to "get away from it all" and escapes to Darkover only to discover that the world of the Bloody Sun has four moons! Each novelette will cover an episode of how she manages to adapt to the climate, the culture, and how she manages to conceal her nature as each of the four moons turns full in its turn. And then there are added complications when two or more are full at once! What will she do when all four are full? For as every Darkovan knows: "What is done under the four moons need never be recalled nor regretted." And what will happen when she meets the man of her dreams, and he's a Leynier to boot!
New Darkovan TV Series in the Works

Adore Eternally Productions is starting a new production in addition to As Darkover Turns called Darkovan Vet, in hopes of cashing in on the "cute kitten videos" and "Reality TV" crazes that are still dominant on Terra. They're hoping to find someone with the same sex appeal as that blond vet from the Terran southern hemisphere who exudes Ridenow-MacAran charm like a true Darkovan. Unfortunately, Dr. Gavin McDonnell was unavailable to comment to the DI on whether or not the production company has approached him on the matter. Maybe young Jacob Ridenow will step up to the challenge?
It Has Finally Happened! The DI is Puzzled!

After an unmeasurable time in development, the DI is introducing its first ever word puzzle!
Yes, yes, we know, the DI is puzzling enough on its own, but this time, we mean it!
You can 'find' it here!
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Issue #362, 21 December 2014

Rejuvenation Rumours

There is no truth to the rumour that Danvan Hastur has been making use of the Rejuvenation treatments offered in the Terran Zone. Nor any truth to the rumour that he was seen in the company of a (now) much younger Valentina n'ha Doria. Though there has been an abnormal increase in the amount of Turkish Delight (in a rather vile "Leprechaun Green" shade) being delivered to the Comyn Castle kitchens as of late.
Ice Melon Collapse

Due to some unseasonable weather as of late, a large number of ice melon growers have seen their crops severely damaged, and the popular Darkovan treat will be harder to come by until the next crop is ready for harvest.
You Know What We Mean...

There is a tendency for euphemisms to evolve over time and we have seen many terms used over the years, but now it seems more like work than fun when couples are "getting busy". Makes us yearn for the days when kettles went "woo woo" and castle staff could hear shouts from Comyn Castle bedrooms of "Yatzee, I got Yatzee!"
And Furthermore...

Two trainees were overheard in the Comyn Tower garden asking a more senior member about what it was like being part of a circle. Seems one had heard that it was, well, like "getting Yatzee", while the other heard it was like "living with your skin off". The first concept sounds a lot more fun, and could lead to yet another euphemism: "circle work". Follows the "getting busy" theme, but sadly re-enforces Congra's belief that the Towers were brothels in disguise.
Council Time Warp

It appears that just the mere mention of Comyn Council is enough to slow time in Thendara to a crawl - for both those sitting inside Council and those who have never darkened the doors of the Council Chambers. One has to wonder though - have they finally fixed the dampeners in there?
Quality Control is in the Bag! Or Not!

The identity of the Unknown Reporter was nearly revealed in the last tenday when the Krispy Kreme paper bag being worn became almost too translucent with doughnut grease. The Unknown Reporter is changing to a more generic brand of paper bags for the time being until a thicker brand can be found. Hey UR - maybe you shouldn't be eating on the job! The trail of doughnut crumbs could give you away!
Seasons Greetings from the DI Staff!

As the winter solstice draws near on Terra, and thoughts turn to seasonal festivities for a number of religions and faiths, we at the Darkovan Inquirer would like to extend our greetings to everyone: So, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Yule, Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings to one and all!

Peace, love, health, wealth and happiness to everyone in the new year!
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Lost and Found
Finders Keepers

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Issue #361, 21 December 2013

Just In Time For Midsummer!

It's Midsummer on Darkover, and that can only mean one thing! Ok, minds out of the gutter - that includes you: UR - stop giggling behind the paper bag! It means weddings! To date we have on the schedule:
Students Accused Of Cheating On Exams At Comyn Tower

Seems some trainees have discovered a new way to get the all important answers for their tests - go back in time through the Overworld and give their younger selves all the answers. Certainly beats studying, but does make one wonder if they actually read the text on Comyn Courtesies, though as of the last edition there weren't any examples of this kind of behaviour being considered improper. And it does imply that somewhere in there they must have learned the answers to give them to their younger selves, so maybe it isn't cheating after all!
Elsewhere in the Terran Empire...

Year's End is nearing and although Darkover is still far from Midwinter, Terra is nearing the solstice, celebrating such holidays as Yule, Christmas, Hanukkah (recently past), Kwanzaa, and New Year. So, in keeping with tradition, the DI's Mostly Annual Suggested Gift List is presented below: Beyond Redil...

In Thendara... In and around Comyn Tower... In Dalereuth Tower: To Everybody Else We Didn't Mention in This Issue: Peace, love, and lots and lots of juicy plot lines.
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Issue #360, September 5, 2013

Fire Brigade on High Alert
The Thendara Fire Brigade was placed on high alert earlier this tenday when it was reported that there was a strong scent of smoke and burned timbers - striking fear that another Great Fire of Thendara was imminent. Turned out it was just a mestra 'burning her bridges' with the Renunciates.
Star Wars Comes to Darkover

It was inevitable, really, that the deep, husky voice of Darth Vader would soon be heard in Thendara, and not just at a screening of a remake of the movie by Emelda Hastur-Harris' film company. In an attempt to add more female characters to the lineup, Emelda replaced Luke Skywalker's character with a young girl, and we can just hear it now: "Liriel, I am your father."
Wedding Fever

It seems that Midsummer brings out several cases of "Wedding Fever" every year. Midsummer is still several days away and already 2 weddings are in the planning stages (with a third one - the Drytowner to young Liriel MacKenna having been canceled) and who know how many more are in the works?!
Ah, But Did He Notice...

Further to the Wedding Fever and hearts a-fluttering article - Devra n'ha Ysabet had spent a pretty penny on some elegant underthings in hopes of surprising a certain someone for Midsummer Festival. But now that they have their (literal) 'roll in the hay', curiosity begs to know if she was wearing them and did he notice?
Brain Swapping Experiment Gone Awry

Well, we know what they say about best laid plans... Seems a group of scientists working in the Thendara Spaceport were working on a device to try and duplicate the concept of telepathy by transferring brain waves from one subject to another in an attempt to make them 'think alike'. They claim the original experiment failed, but some of the brain wave swapping beams apparently made their way into Old Thendara City and apparently one room at the Silver Swan was in their path. The result seems to be that Sorcha and Becca are suddenly acting like each other. What will poor Jack think?!
Tower Ethics Questioned

It would seem that Comyn Tower, in it's push to discover new matrix technologies and re-discover those lost from the Ages of Chaos are neglecting to teach the young ladies studying there that raised voices are a faux pas amongst the Comyn. Perhaps a few candlemarks acting as heralds for Comyn Council where they _have_ to raise their voices just to be heard over the usual bickering and shouting matches would help wear them out sufficiently so they keep their voices to an appropriate level. Gheesh, some folks might be sleeping already! And besides, isn't that what your laran is for? Kids these days...
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Issue #359, July 7, 2013

Council Season Opens

Council Season is upon us, and obviously they have fixed any potential issues with the dampers and have a properly trained set of guards on all the entrances, as those not in attendance have not heard anything of what is being discussed in the Council Chamber itself. What plans are being hatched? What laws are being passed? Either the information is being kept really secure, or there isn't enough to report on even for this distinguished paper!
Advance Post Council News - Wedding Announcements

While Council may now be in session, plans for after the Council finishes are already being set in motion. It seems Domna Jenna Alton and Dom Damon Ridenow will being having a di catenas wedding a few days after Council wraps up - conveniently saving guests an extra trip into Thendara. Domna Judith Aillard-Ridenow has been reported to be helping organise the event.
Comyn Tower Training Lapses

Seems that some of the youngsters in training have forgotten one of the key advantages to telepathy: It allows one to communicate when one's mouth is full! Amazingly none of the teachers present during the exchange thought to mention this point either! Those redberry tarts must be really good!
Seeing Red

A couple of the Comyn Tower trainees were seen practising with flash cards and appear to be overly obsessed with the redberry tarts they had eaten earlier. The recipe must be so good that one might foresee a bake-off between the pastry chefs in Comyn Tower and Leisha's sweetshop!
Comyn Recording Centre Now Open

While the Darkover populace will be missing the recordings long made famous by Congratulatia Elhalyn, other Comyn, such as Julian MacAnndra are more popular with their singing voices and a series of donas-specific recording is due for release soon with old Terran revived hits such as:
Recording 1: The Seven Domains: Recording 2: Minor Nobility: Recording 3: Comyn Sense Revolution:
Aillard:
"The Circle Game"
"Do You Want To Know A Secret"
"Forgotten, But Not Gone"
"Dementia"
Leynier:
"Illusions..."
"Art of Subconscious Illusion..."
Comyn:
"If You Could Read My Mind..."
"The Time Warp"
"Let's Do the Time-Warp Again"
"Telepathy"
"Towers Callin'"
Aldaran:
"Future"
"Future Plans"
"Future Daze"
"Future Perfect"
"Children of the Future"
"Que Sera, Sera"
"The Sun'll Come Up Tomorrow"
"The Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades"
MacAran:
"The Butterfly Song"
"Wild Horses"
"Hound Dog"
"I'm the Cat"
"Fly Like an Eagle"
"Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses"
"Free Bird"
Keepers:
"Like A Virgin"
"Forbidden Love"
"Keepers"
"Time is the Keeper"
"Keeper of the Flame"
"I'm Not My Brother's Keeper"
Alton:
"Rapport"
"I've Got My Mind Set On You"
"Raw Power"
Rockraven:
"Stormy Weather"
"Lightning Strikes"
"Lightning Bug Song"
"Little Bits Of Lightning"
Sharra:
"Eternal Flame"
"Burning For You"
"The Flame"
"Hot Hot Hot"
"The Heat Is On"
Ardais:
"Catalyst"
"Jump Start"
   
Elhalyn:
"Futures"
"One Way or Another"
   
Hastur:
"Matrix Blues"
"Body Electric"
"Leader of the Pack"
   
Ridenow:
"I've Gotta Feeling..."
"Feeling You, Feeling Me..."
"I'm Feeling You..."
"The Power of Love"
"Hooked On A Feeling"
   

A special single will be released of the Intercomynale, including lyrics made famous by our own Dom Piedro Aillard! (Bonus red flag included!)
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Thendara Souvenir Stand

We're still looking for more T-shirt slogans to add to our next Mid-summer's selection! Come and see us at our Official Souvenir Stand in Thendara - just outside the Spaceport in the Trade City Sector! More selection! More sizes! More colours! Coming soon - long sleeved hooded sweatshirts for those Terrannan who think Darkover is cold in Midsummer!

Issue #358, January 18, 2013

Earthquake Fears in Caer Donn

What was initially thought to be an earthquake that rattled the DI offices and parts of Caer Donn in the Hellers earlier this week were in fact traced to the "thuds" caused by many of the DI employees having their jaws hit the ground when the Long Lost Fool of Valeron Plains reappeared. The aftershock was in fact the DI editor-in-training fainting with delight. The leronis from Tramontana Tower assured the staff that the editor-in-training only suffered a mild concussion when she collapsed, and should be back to normal editing functionality within a few days.
New Species Found!

A new species of rat has been identified in Thendara and Dalereuth. It appears capable of teleporting, including in and out of matrix locked drawers especially if chocolate is being stored in them. We at the DI office suspect that Algernon the White Rat found himself a few lady rat mistresses, and they have contributed heavily to the rat population in both cities.
Thendara Tattler Wins Gossip Rag Award

The DI has learned that the Thendara Tattler, the DI's main competitor, has been recognised for being the top "local Thendara gossip sheet". This is fine with the DI, as we are perfectly willing to print gossip from well beyond Thendara's city limits, and we use the finest Drytown cotton in our paper, not rags.
Cadets Exhibiting Exemplary Behaviour

No rumours have been forthcoming from the Cadet barracks in months, nor from the Thendara Guard. This is obviously unnatural, and we suspect that either they were all dismissed for a term, or they're working on a major plot which will explode at any time.
Interplanetary Council Reports

In Federation news, the Liberals established a majority in the lower house - the Chamber of Deputies, effectively putting the Expansionist Party's dreams on hold for at least another term and thus allowing the Protected Worlds to breathe a little easier and have time to deal with the mess caused by the Expansionist Party from their earlier majority.
Blaster Control Bill To Be Debated

A bill has been introduced into the Chamber of Deputies suggesting tighter regulations on the use and availability of Blasters by the general populace. Sounds like the logic behind the Compact has finally made its way off Darkover to Terra itself, and one can only hope the bill will be passed. Though with the likely opposition from the Expansionists, it will at best get through as a much more watered down version of the original once it reaches the Senate.
Where Are They Now?

Curious minds in the DI office wonder where some of the more entertaining members of the Comyn have hidden themselves away. The Fool has been spotted recently, having finally escaped from a trap matrix, but one wonders about folks like Maibrie or Daimary MacAran and her pet banshee Ivan, or Jorik, Heir to Hastur - was he named that because of that old Terran quotation: "A lass for Jorik...."? Last heard he was trapped in a 12th level matrix - hopefully a Tower circle can pull him out of it soon! Or little Anya Lindir - has she finally learned to contol her hovering? Or Auster Elhalyn of Stonehaven and his brood? Or Clara Elhalyn - has she finally got her donas under control? Or Cristilyn Aillard - did she finally have that last child of Marcello Ridenow's? Or Dolorosa Leynier, the Jewel of the Comyn? Or Gavin MacDonnell, Thendara's one and only licensed veterinarian? Or Ignaz Hastur? Or Leisha n'ha Ursula - is the Sweetshop still operating? Hungry minds would like to know! Or Marisela Hastur-Ardais? The Ridenows have been fairly quiet lately... should we be expecting a sudden increase in numbers to be announced soon?
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Thendara Souvenir Stand

We're looking for more T-shirt slogans to add to our next Mid-summer's selection! Come and see us at our Official Souvenir Stand in Thendara - just outside the Spaceport in the Trade City Sector! More selection! More sizes! More colours! Coming soon - long sleeved hooded sweatshirts for those Terrannan who think Darkover is cold in Midsummer!