News Update

The theatrical release of the newest Star Wars movie is upon us all, whether we like it or not.  With the movie being featured in many news broadcasts and being mentioned on many networks, why not mention other science fiction franchises as well.  For today's post, I bring you an average news broadcast complete with anchors, sports, and traffic.  Just like you would see on any day from your local station, almost.

Thank you for tuning into IGIN, your Intergalactic Information Network. This is Colickner Smith with your headlines for this cycle. Tonight I am assisted by the lovely and tentacled Chrissy Frageelei. We have Then'teknor Beckham with sports and Major Captain Major reporting on the traffic throughout the interstellar routes.

Our first headline comes from the United Federation of Planets. It appears a temporary alliance between the Federation and two of their neighboring empires has become an extended cease fire and a longing peace. The final details of the treaty will be negotiated at an assembly on the Babylon 5 station in orbit around Epsilon III in the Epsilon Eridani system. All of us here at IGIN wish these three interstellar organizations the best of luck with their future endeavors.

Now we go to Then'teknor for a story from the world of sports. What do you have for us Then'teknor?

Thank you Colickner. This planetary cycle I have a story of controversy from the directors of the Kessel Run Racing League. The pilot of a light freighter is claiming to have made the Kessel Run in only twelve parsecs. The KRRL is looking into these claims and the possibility of the folding of space while traveling in hyperspace. Investigators are trying to determine whether or not the pilot managed to manipulate conditions and complete a run shorter than is allowed by League rules and regulations.

A final report of the investigation is expected later this cycle. We will have that report and the scores from the finals of the latest Blitzball tournament in a later broadcast. Back to you Colickner and Chrissy.

Thank you Then'teknor. I'm sure many of our viewers are looking forward to those Blitzball scores, especially all the Aurochs fans out there. In a little bit we will hear from our interstellar traffic and navigation expert Major Captain Major. Following that will be a special report from Chrissy Frageelei. First, a quick report on the loss of one of our fellow broadcasters.

It appears much of the signals from the broadcaster known only as Mr. Universe have all but ceased. His systems are still relaying signals, but there are no more of his original shows being broadcast. Many fans have stated their disappointment at the loss of any more future demonstrations of his skills in realistic humanoid robot construction and programming. The signal was interrupted briefly after a large battle between a number of Alliance battleships and a fleet of Reaver craft. The exact involvement of a single Firefly-class cargo ship is unknown at this point.

Now we come to our traffic and navigation update from Major Captain Major.

The completion of a hyperspatial expressway through sector ZZ-ZZZ-Alpha. The construction contractor states that a planet in the path of the expressway has been more difficult to remove than initially estimated. Further bureaucratic red tape has been blamed for delays in the new expressway.

On another note, an update to standard navigation systems is being made. A large debris field now orbits where the planet Alderaan was once located. Navigators are discouraged from using a large moon-like object that has been spotted in the system as a reference point for their flight plans. A full release of updated star charts is expected momentarily.

Thank you Major. Finally we look to Chrissy Frageelei for a public interest story.

Thank you Colickner, and thank you to all you viewers tuning in this planetary cycle. My story touches on something that many peoples consider just an urban legend and myth to be dismissed.

Almost every intelligent species, race, and civilization discovered has one item in common. An encounter with something described as only a rectangular blue box. Encounters range from ancient references to modern sightings and recordings. Descriptions of the occupants of the blue box always include bipedal humanoids, but the details vary widely. The supposed leader of the crew of the box has been described as both young and old. Different witnesses have given widely different estimates of his age throughout history. His lack of a consistent appearance is one of the reasons many consider him a figment of the imagination despite the reliability of those making claims of encounters.

Adding to the story is the recent addition of another mysterious structure. While sightings are still limited, some speculate that this new building with the word “DINER” above the entrance may become nearly as popular a legend as the blue box. Anyone seeing either object is encouraged to contact your local law enforcement department. The producers of this show and IGIN executives also request witnesses also contact them on a frequency of 867/5309 with their story.

Thank you Chrissy. We will all be a look out for these legendary figures. That concludes our broadcast at this time. On behalf of Chrissy Frageelei, sportsman Then'teknor Beckham, and navigation expert Major Captain Major, this is Colickner Smith wishing all of you peace and long life.

Did you recognize all of the franchises mentioned?  Are there more you would like to see included in a future news broadcast?