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[[File:Omega Grid 1.png|right|thumb|300px|An Omega Grid beacon orbiting HIP 209 B 2 c]] | [[File:Omega Grid 1.png|right|thumb|300px|An Omega Grid beacon orbiting HIP 209 B 2 c]] | ||
'''Omega Grid''' is an advanced communications system created and exclusively utilised by | '''Omega Grid''' is an advanced communications system created and exclusively utilised by [[Imperial Intelligence]] to coordinate its operations. It is a covert "dark-comms network" that is designed to prevent detection and interception by other parties. Until 3308, Omega Grid's existence was classified and officially known only to some members of Imperial Intelligence and the [[Imperial Internal Security Service]].<ref name="Whistleblower Link">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61bc637894472648ce1e0203 GalNet: Whistleblower Reveals Imperial Link to NMLA]</ref> | ||
Captain [[Saskia Landau]], a member of IISS and co-leader of the [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit]], revealed Omega Grid to the public on January 4, 3308 after recognizing certain similarities to the dark-comms network that had been used by the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army]] to carry out its terror attacks between 3306 and 3307. Landau asserted that a member of Imperial Intelligence may have given the NMLA access to Omega Grid.<ref name="Whistleblower Link" /> [[Senator]] [[Karl Nerva]] and several of his colleagues refuted Landau's claims on January 7. Nerva denied Omega Grid existed and insisted Imperial Intelligence could not be opened to an investigation due to the need for it to operate in strict secrecy.<ref name="Intelligence Denies">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61d87063b2c1d9324e172402 GalNet: Imperial Intelligence Denies NMLA Connection]</ref> ACT continued digging, and by February 1, 3308, it had become convinced that a modified version of Omega Grid software had been given to the NMLA. Inspector [[Mara Klatt]] revealed that ACT was developing a method of detecting the NMLA's dark-comms network based on Captain Landau's knowledge of Omega Grid.<ref name="ACT Defies">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61f92e4dfcc3f73bc25b59dc GalNet: ACT Defies Imperial Decree]</ref> ACT tested its method on February 3 and triangulated the first in a series of four Omega Grid [[Listening post|beacons]] in HIP 290.<ref name="Crack Network">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61fbf222bc946221076daa5b GalNet: Help Needed to Crack the NMLA's Network]</ref> Decrypted correspondence from the beacons exposed the existence of a conspiracy against the [[Imperial Family]] orchestrated by the [[Lords of Restoration]]. | Captain [[Saskia Landau]], a member of IISS and co-leader of the [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit]], revealed Omega Grid to the public on January 4, 3308 after recognizing certain similarities to the dark-comms network that had been used by the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army]] to carry out its terror attacks between 3306 and 3307. Landau asserted that a member of Imperial Intelligence may have given the NMLA access to Omega Grid.<ref name="Whistleblower Link" /> [[Senator]] [[Karl Nerva]] and several of his colleagues refuted Landau's claims on January 7. Nerva denied Omega Grid existed and insisted Imperial Intelligence could not be opened to an investigation due to the need for it to operate in strict secrecy.<ref name="Intelligence Denies">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61d87063b2c1d9324e172402 GalNet: Imperial Intelligence Denies NMLA Connection]</ref> ACT continued digging, and by February 1, 3308, it had become convinced that a modified version of Omega Grid software had been given to the NMLA. Inspector [[Mara Klatt]] revealed that ACT was developing a method of detecting the NMLA's dark-comms network based on Captain Landau's knowledge of Omega Grid.<ref name="ACT Defies">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61f92e4dfcc3f73bc25b59dc GalNet: ACT Defies Imperial Decree]</ref> ACT tested its method on February 3 and triangulated the first in a series of four Omega Grid [[Listening post|beacons]] in HIP 290.<ref name="Crack Network">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61fbf222bc946221076daa5b GalNet: Help Needed to Crack the NMLA's Network]</ref> Decrypted correspondence from the beacons exposed the existence of a conspiracy against the [[Imperial Family]] orchestrated by the [[Lords of Restoration]]. | ||
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*[[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit|ACT]] has released details about a plan by the [[Lords of Restoration]] to frame [[Hadrian Augustus Duval]] as the leader of the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA]]. The information was extracted from the NMLA's Omega Grid network and published by Captain [[Saskia Landau]]: "It was [[Senator]] [[Ursula Torquatus]] who devised a scheme to undermine the [[Imperial Family]] and turn citizens against them by 'exposing' a Duval as the NMLA mastermind. Hadrian Duval was seen as the logical choice since many viewed him as an extremist through his prior association with [[Nova Paresa|Nova Imperium]], though [[Emperor]] [[Arissa Lavigny-Duval]] officially pardoned him in 3306. The Lords of Restoration used a virtual doppelganger of the Emperor, indistinguishable from authentic transmissions, to convince the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] that she was communicating from a safe location. A similar doppelganger was developed to replicate Hadrian and was used to send orders to NMLA allies such as the [[Arastin Delacroix|Landgrave of Mudhrid]]. This is how they planted evidence, discovered in April 3307, that Hadrian had converted to Neo-Marlinism and was determined to wipe out all other Duvals. Yet, despite triggering an unsuccessful [[Federation|Federal]] attack in the [[Paresa]] system, the accusation was not verified or widely believed. Months later, the Lords of Restoration tried to kill Hadrian and [[Astrid Minerva-Duval|Lady Astrid]] before their son [[Hector Mordanticus Duval|Hector]] could be born, fearing the continuation of the Duval dynasty. But other senators moved the family to a secure location, beyond the reach of their agents." Hadrian Duval has publicly thanked ACT for uncovering this information and officially absolving him of all suspicion in this matter.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/62138ad4d83a154b750c5986 GalNet: Further Omega Grid Secrets Revealed]</ref> | *[[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit|ACT]] has released details about a plan by the [[Lords of Restoration]] to frame [[Hadrian Augustus Duval]] as the leader of the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA]]. The information was extracted from the NMLA's Omega Grid network and published by Captain [[Saskia Landau]]: "It was [[Senator]] [[Ursula Torquatus]] who devised a scheme to undermine the [[Imperial Family]] and turn citizens against them by 'exposing' a Duval as the NMLA mastermind. Hadrian Duval was seen as the logical choice since many viewed him as an extremist through his prior association with [[Nova Paresa|Nova Imperium]], though [[Emperor]] [[Arissa Lavigny-Duval]] officially pardoned him in 3306. The Lords of Restoration used a virtual doppelganger of the Emperor, indistinguishable from authentic transmissions, to convince the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] that she was communicating from a safe location. A similar doppelganger was developed to replicate Hadrian and was used to send orders to NMLA allies such as the [[Arastin Delacroix|Landgrave of Mudhrid]]. This is how they planted evidence, discovered in April 3307, that Hadrian had converted to Neo-Marlinism and was determined to wipe out all other Duvals. Yet, despite triggering an unsuccessful [[Federation|Federal]] attack in the [[Paresa]] system, the accusation was not verified or widely believed. Months later, the Lords of Restoration tried to kill Hadrian and [[Astrid Minerva-Duval|Lady Astrid]] before their son [[Hector Mordanticus Duval|Hector]] could be born, fearing the continuation of the Duval dynasty. But other senators moved the family to a secure location, beyond the reach of their agents." Hadrian Duval has publicly thanked ACT for uncovering this information and officially absolving him of all suspicion in this matter.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/62138ad4d83a154b750c5986 GalNet: Further Omega Grid Secrets Revealed]</ref> | ||
14 FEB 3308 | 14 FEB 3308 | ||
*The [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit]] has unveiled a secret cabal of [[Empire|Imperial]] [[senator]]s who masterminded the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA's]] terrorist activity. The information was obtained after ACT successfully penetrated the NMLA's dark-comms network. Captain [[Saskia Landau]] provided this summary to the media: "Senators [[Alberto Gereon|Gereon]], [[Jourdain]], [[Karl Nerva|Nerva]], [[Lorcan Scordato|Scordato]] and [[Ursula Torquatus|Torquatus]] were at the heart of a powerful conspiracy to permanently remove the position of [[Emperor]]. They called themselves the [[Lords of Restoration]], based on their aim to restore executive power to the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]]. The NMLA became their terroristic agents, weaponised to assassinate the [[Imperial Family|Duvals]] and other obstacles. Its members were militarised at [[Darkwater Inc|Darkwater]] training camps and provided with sophisticated equipment by corrupt [[ | *The [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit]] has unveiled a secret cabal of [[Empire|Imperial]] [[senator]]s who masterminded the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA's]] terrorist activity. The information was obtained after ACT successfully penetrated the NMLA's dark-comms network. Captain [[Saskia Landau]] provided this summary to the media: "Senators [[Alberto Gereon|Gereon]], [[Jourdain]], [[Karl Nerva|Nerva]], [[Lorcan Scordato|Scordato]] and [[Ursula Torquatus|Torquatus]] were at the heart of a powerful conspiracy to permanently remove the position of [[Emperor]]. They called themselves the [[Lords of Restoration]], based on their aim to restore executive power to the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]]. The NMLA became their terroristic agents, weaponised to assassinate the [[Imperial Family|Duvals]] and other obstacles. Its members were militarised at [[Darkwater Inc|Darkwater]] training camps and provided with sophisticated equipment by corrupt [[Imperial Intelligence]] agents. But the Lords could never fully control the terrorist figurehead [[John Tyburn|Theta Seven]], whose attacks against non-Imperial starports were not part of their original plan. [[Marlin Duval|Marlinism]] was also exploited as a political lever. The hope was that, compared to this democratic ideology, citizens would view a senator-led Empire as a moderate compromise once the Imperial Family was gone. While this led to the establishment of the [[Marlinist Colonies]], the Lords' later attempts to influence those systems via puppet politicians did not succeed. Following the assassinations of [[Harold Duval|Prince Harold]] and other Duvals, the Lords abducted Emperor [[Arissa Lavigny-Duval]] in January 3307. She was kidnapped en route to a secure location, with Senator Nerva falsifying confirmation of her safe arrival. This allowed the Lords to engineer communications with the Senate via a virtual doppelganger, which were accepted as genuine since they were verified by Imperial Intelligence agents." ACT is working closely with Imperial security agencies to identify all those who collaborated with the Lords of Restoration.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/620a5094eb024118526134da GalNet: ACT Exposes the Lords of Restoration]</ref> | ||
09 FEB 3308 | 09 FEB 3308 | ||
*[[Emperor]] [[Arissa Lavigny-Duval]] has been found alive after being secretly imprisoned by the private military firm [[Darkwater Inc]]. The [[Imperial Herald]] published a special report on recent events: "The absence of the Emperor from public life for over a year has prompted much speculation. The [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] claimed that she was being kept safe from assassination attempts by the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA]], and that they remained in contact with her. In truth, she was being held captive by the NMLA's secret benefactors. This group of [[Empire|Imperial]] [[senator]]s referred to themselves as the [[Lords of Restoration]]. They were revealed only after [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit|ACT]] recruited independent pilots to help decipher the terrorists' dark-comms network. [[Anders Blaine|Chancellor Blaine]] immediately ordered the [[Imperial Guard]] into battle against Darkwater soldiers. A ship fleeing from the [[Summerland]] system was intercepted, aboard which was a cryogenic pod containing the Emperor herself. She was swiftly returned to [[Capitol]], and is currently under the care of the [[Imperial Palace]] medical team. The [[Imperial Internal Security Service|IISS]] has launched a security operation based on ACT's information. This reveals that groups within the Senate, Darkwater and [[ | *[[Emperor]] [[Arissa Lavigny-Duval]] has been found alive after being secretly imprisoned by the private military firm [[Darkwater Inc]]. The [[Imperial Herald]] published a special report on recent events: "The absence of the Emperor from public life for over a year has prompted much speculation. The [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] claimed that she was being kept safe from assassination attempts by the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA]], and that they remained in contact with her. In truth, she was being held captive by the NMLA's secret benefactors. This group of [[Empire|Imperial]] [[senator]]s referred to themselves as the [[Lords of Restoration]]. They were revealed only after [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit|ACT]] recruited independent pilots to help decipher the terrorists' dark-comms network. [[Anders Blaine|Chancellor Blaine]] immediately ordered the [[Imperial Guard]] into battle against Darkwater soldiers. A ship fleeing from the [[Summerland]] system was intercepted, aboard which was a cryogenic pod containing the Emperor herself. She was swiftly returned to [[Capitol]], and is currently under the care of the [[Imperial Palace]] medical team. The [[Imperial Internal Security Service|IISS]] has launched a security operation based on ACT's information. This reveals that groups within the Senate, Darkwater and [[Imperial Intelligence]] formed a long-running conspiracy to fund and empower the NMLA. Senators [[Alberto Gereon]], [[Karl Nerva]], [[Ursula Torquatus]] and several others have been placed under arrest. ACT has stated that it will provide additional information soon."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6203a754f628791f254db8d8 GalNet: Arissa Rescued from Year-Long Captivity]</ref> | ||
03 FEB 3308 | 03 FEB 3308 | ||
*<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pilots' Federation ALERT*<br/>The [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit]] has launched an effort to locate and decipher the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA's]] dark-comms network. The request was sent by Captain [[Saskia Landau]], one of ACT's co-leaders: "ACT is working to gain access to the Omega Grid version that was provided to the NMLA by its mysterious benefactors. Most of our agents seconded from the [[Imperial Internal Security Service|IISS]] have been recalled, and some [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] leaders are blocking our progress. Therefore, we urgently need support from independent pilots, which will contribute to our wider efforts to decrypt the network. To begin with, we have triangulated the possible location of an Omega Grid [[Listening post|beacon]] somewhere within the HIP 290 system. If it can be found, this will validate our strategy and quickly lead to further discoveries. Messages relayed across this network are likely to be encrypted. Our analysts have put together a partial cipher key from other data. Any files recovered from the beacon may help with deducing the rest of the cipher. If the beacon in the HIP 290 system is found, any pilot who scans it can expect further instruction on subsequent days."<br/>The partial cipher key is as follows:<br/>A = H<br/>B = G<br/>C = J<br/>E = L<br/>F = K<br/>L = Q<br/>M = T<br/>O = V<br/>P = U<br/>Q = X<br/>S = Z<br/>T = Y<br/>U = B<br/>V = A<br/>W = D<ref name="Crack Network" /> | *<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pilots' Federation ALERT*<br/>The [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit]] has launched an effort to locate and decipher the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA's]] dark-comms network. The request was sent by Captain [[Saskia Landau]], one of ACT's co-leaders: "ACT is working to gain access to the Omega Grid version that was provided to the NMLA by its mysterious benefactors. Most of our agents seconded from the [[Imperial Internal Security Service|IISS]] have been recalled, and some [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] leaders are blocking our progress. Therefore, we urgently need support from independent pilots, which will contribute to our wider efforts to decrypt the network. To begin with, we have triangulated the possible location of an Omega Grid [[Listening post|beacon]] somewhere within the HIP 290 system. If it can be found, this will validate our strategy and quickly lead to further discoveries. Messages relayed across this network are likely to be encrypted. Our analysts have put together a partial cipher key from other data. Any files recovered from the beacon may help with deducing the rest of the cipher. If the beacon in the HIP 290 system is found, any pilot who scans it can expect further instruction on subsequent days."<br/>The partial cipher key is as follows:<br/>A = H<br/>B = G<br/>C = J<br/>E = L<br/>F = K<br/>L = Q<br/>M = T<br/>O = V<br/>P = U<br/>Q = X<br/>S = Z<br/>T = Y<br/>U = B<br/>V = A<br/>W = D<ref name="Crack Network" /> | ||
01 FEB 3308 | 01 FEB 3308 | ||
*The [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit]] is actively investigating [[ | *The [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit]] is actively investigating [[Imperial Intelligence]], despite the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] ordering it to cease operations. Inspector [[Mara Klatt]], one of ACT's co-leaders, told the media: "We are convinced that elements within Imperial Intelligence provided support to the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA]]. Our view is that a modified version of the Omega Grid software was supplied to the terrorists, allowing them to build their own dark-comms network. Thanks to Captain [[Saskia Landau]]'s inside knowledge, we are learning how to detect a unique identifier associated with the network employed by the NMLA. Our actions may have political repercussions, but this taskforce is dedicated to finding and destroying the NMLA. We must follow the trail wherever it leads." Civil and military leaders in the [[Empire]] have reacted with outrage, including [[Senator]] [[Zemina Torval]]: "Are we expected to risk our citizens' lives by letting our security services be compromised? How might the [[Alliance]] or [[Federation]] respond if we attempted to hack into [[Alliance Interpol|Interpol]] or the [[Federal Intelligence Agency|FIA]]?" However, a plea for cooperation was made by Princess [[Aisling Duval]]: "If nefarious groups within our Empire have helped the NMLA, we must uncover the truth. I firmly believe that the [[Arissa Lavigny-Duval|Emperor]] herself remains in danger, and ACT might help us to learn her fate."<ref name="ACT Defies" /> | ||
17 JAN 3308 | 17 JAN 3308 | ||
*There are claims that the [[Imperial Senate]] is preventing efforts to examine a potential link between the [[Empire]]'s security services and the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA]]. Captain [[Saskia Landau]] has publicly stated that the terrorists' dark-comms network is closely related to the Omega Grid system used exclusively by [[ | *There are claims that the [[Imperial Senate]] is preventing efforts to examine a potential link between the [[Empire]]'s security services and the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA]]. Captain [[Saskia Landau]] has publicly stated that the terrorists' dark-comms network is closely related to the Omega Grid system used exclusively by [[Imperial Intelligence]]. She expanded on her theory in a statement to [[Vox Galactica]]: "Based on evidence and interrogation transcripts obtained by [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit|ACT]], I believe that rogue elements within Imperial Intelligence were training and providing equipment to the NMLA. This would help explain the level of sophistication they achieved in coordinating their starport attacks and communicating without detection. There is certainly enough circumstantial proof to warrant a dedicated investigation. But the Senate is refusing to authorise this, which makes me wonder what they are trying to hide." [[Senator]] [[Karl Nerva]] reiterated: "It is time for ACT to devolve and return much-needed resources to the Empire where they belong." However, Senator [[Caspian Leopold]] responded: "To alleviate any lack of confidence in our security services, we should examine Captain Landau's allegation rigorously. Our citizens must be reassured that Imperial Intelligence exists solely for their protection."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/61e5692c15fb8b7d00110b43 GalNet: Senate Blocks ACT Investigation]</ref> | ||
07 JAN 3308 | 07 JAN 3308 | ||
*[[Senator]]s have refuted [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit|ACT's]] claim that the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA]] made use of official but highly secret [[Empire|Imperial]] communications devices. Captain [[Saskia Landau]] maintains that the terrorist group's dark-comms network was very similar to the Omega Grid, an undetectable messaging system used exclusively by [[ | *[[Senator]]s have refuted [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit|ACT's]] claim that the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA]] made use of official but highly secret [[Empire|Imperial]] communications devices. Captain [[Saskia Landau]] maintains that the terrorist group's dark-comms network was very similar to the Omega Grid, an undetectable messaging system used exclusively by [[Imperial Intelligence]]. Senator [[Karl Nerva]] told the media: "In her desperation to seek out the NMLA, Captain Landau is chasing shadows. Imperial Intelligence must operate under total secrecy, but I assure you that this 'Omega Grid' is just as much of an invention to discredit the Empire as [[Serene Harbour]] was. Landau has overstepped her authority with these outlandish accusations. I once again propose that ACT be disbanded and its operatives returned to normal duties." The [[Imperial Herald]] reported that other senators are calling for [[Emperor]] [[Arissa Lavigny-Duval]] to overrule those who are blocking ACT's investigation. The [[newsfeed]] highlighted that she did not attend any functions in person during the past year, and has not broadcast any public messages. In response, [[Chancellor]] [[Anders Blaine]] gave this statement: "Her Majesty was placed under secure protection in early 3307 after several failed assassination attempts by the NMLA. She has been communicating remotely with the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] on all official business, but does plan to return to [[Capitol]] very soon."<ref name="Intelligence Denies" /> | ||
04 JAN 3308 | 04 JAN 3308 | ||
*A potential connection between the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA's]] dark-comms network and [[ | *A potential connection between the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA's]] dark-comms network and [[Imperial Intelligence]] has been made public by one of [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit|ACT's]] co-leaders. Captain [[Saskia Landau]] sent a personal statement to all major media outlets: "The majority of my career has been with the [[Imperial Internal Security Service]], but I was seconded for a year to a classified project run by Imperial Intelligence. To coordinate their operations, they use a sophisticated communications system known as the Omega Grid. This is designed to avoid detection or interception by enemies of the [[Empire]]. I have reviewed ACT's research into the NMLA's dark-comms network and can verify its similarity to Omega Grid technology. Since this is exclusively under Imperial Intelligence's control, it suggests that an individual or group within the organisation was making it available to the NMLA. I'm aware that revealing this information publicly may end my career or even endanger my life. Nevertheless, I have shared my findings with ACT's leadership, and call upon the [[Imperial Senate]] to open an independent investigation into this evidence." As yet there has been no response from Imperial Intelligence or the Senate. However, several agents of the IISS have anonymously spoken to reporters from The [[Imperial Herald]], verifying that the Omega Grid system does exist and has been in use for many years.<ref name="Whistleblower Link" /> | ||
{{Div-end}} | {{Div-end}} | ||