By: Hikoru Kydugu February 4, 2417: 2:35 AM GST Council Cruiser Diverts Course to Lesser-Controlled Fringe Sectors The Hyades, a light cruiser typically assigned to border patrolling duties within the Skirt sectors, has changed its course to head further out from the Core and towards the Fringe, a COV officer tells CBN. This comes as an unusual development, as Coalition forces are rarely seen further out than the Skirt, where the area is deemed too expansive to be able to properly protect. The craft, originally constructed for scouting and reconnaissance, has had a relatively quiet service life, typically handling border duties, never being called directly into combat. The crew and capabilities of the Hyades is unknown currently, and no Council representative was available for comment. The intentions of the craft are yet unknown, though many theorize that the Hyades has been sent to finally start cutting down on the crime issues endangering Fringe pioneers. A local merchanter captain told us, "Either those pirates took something good from the Council, or they've finally come to their senses and realized the value in protecting haulers in the Fringe." For those in the Fringe, it remains to be seen what will happen.
Developing Story: Hyades arrives in sector, occupies research colony. The cruiser Hyades has finally arrived out in the fringe sectors, and made a beeline for the Coldwell Research Outpost, seizing it in what we have been told was, "A completely legal and sound operation." This will likely spell the end of study out of the Coldwell base, as the facilities are likely to be converted in order to supply Council forces with food and other items. This will spell the end of public visitation on the colony, and also leave Coalition forces occupied for some time as they clear out the very well known pest problem. Despite the seizing of a base, it still seems the Council has no plans of leaving a vessel in this part of space permanently. Coalition officials told CBN that forces would only stay in the area until they "finished their business", but they also stated they may leave a "small peacekeeping group" behind. More news will come as the story develops.
Developing Story: Hyades departs from fringe silently The light cruiser Hyades that made headlines recently for its excursion into fringe space has departed after converting the Coldwell Outpost into a base for Coalition forces, and gave no official comment on specifics in Coldwell or a reason for departure. COV officials maintain that the visit was simply to establish Coldwell as a forward operations base for future use, and that the ship had no intentions of making a long term visit or even permanent deployment in fringe space. Coldwell remains under Coalition control, even as the Hyades departs, leaving many to wonder what's been left behind.
