HNN - Lorell Rejuvenated
Category: HNN Broadcasted on 04. January 2011 - 00:32:47hrs Author HNN News Reporter Comments: 0
The emblem of the Hapan News Network appears on screen accompanied with the cheerful introductory melody, as scenes from the Consortium's vast array of beautiful planets shift across the screen. As the introduction comes to a halt, Anacia Chalcedon appears before the familiar backdrop of the Castle of Per'Agthra on the bluffs above Chume'Dan.
"Good evening, Hapes! Here is the latest news from the Hapes Cluster.
Inhabitants of the ecumenopolis Lorell rejoiced this week as portions of the planet's northern hemisphere were finally restored from damage it was dealt, and cleared of the debris that remained, nine years ago during the event known as the Black Sun Crisis.
The amicable relationship between Black Sun and the Consortium, initiated by Princess Gabriella and King Andrew respectively, broke down following leadership transition within both powers. In the hostilities that followed, Black Sun attempted to seize control of the planet with their unauthorized construction projects initiated by its satellite corporations in 4028, rendering much of Lorell's northern ocean and surrounding areas slums and industrial wasteland at the expense of the environment and the local populace. Following a propaganda war broadcast for the Galaxy to see, the Royal Hapan Armed Forces moved in, systematically taking over strategically located city districts, and obliterating the rest with orbital bombardment. The Black Sun Crisis has been described by political commentators as the event that defined Hapan foreign policy in the decade that has since passed, and established the Consortium as a galactic power not to be trifled with.
Taking great care not to cause further damage to the planet's environment, the clean up process has been arduous and time consuming, with the former floating platforms and oceanic city pillars removed entirely. Some ruins were sunk to the ocean's bottom and seeded with coral to form artificial reefs for the enjoyment of local fauna and sport divers. Major wildlife preserves also adorn the northern hemisphere, developed as a temporary sanctuary for local endangered species. This week, the sites of the former foreign city districts, which were heavily polluted, were marked as environmentally safe with non-hazardous levels of radiation detected. As the beaches reopened, locals flocked to the community areas to once again enjoy the fresh air, newly planted forests and clean water once again.
Veterans of the campaigns of the Black Sun Crisis were present as the area reopened, among them Rai`ix Chume Alexander Tylger, Fel`da Regalix Andrew Starfyre and Fel`da Gane Tarix Lant. The dignitaries participated in the unveiling of a monument commemorating the lives of the Hapan troops who died during the crisis, as they were the senior-most military commanders at the time, directing various aspects of the military operations. When asked for a comment, His Majesty stated:
'For Hapes, the event that occurred on Lorell nine years ago was a brutal wakeup call, where the exploitative and sinister nature of the Galaxy outside the Cluster was exposed after millennia of seemingly justified isolation. As durasteel melted and the oceans boiled from turbolaser fire over a three month period, we experienced victory, but a bittersweet one. It made us stronger and wiser, but it tormented our soul and struck deep in to our hearts as we watched our ambassadorial and economic nexus burn. We must never forget what occurred here, nor the one hundred and forty men who lost their lives while protecting their home.'
In space above the planet, numerous ships that participated in the campaign were present. Among them were the HRS Andrew and HRS Threestars, two of the Consortium's oldest Nova Battle Cruisers, as well as the TFS Dweium Darkness, a modified Tabder Heavy Hauler owned by House Tylger. The latter functioned as a command ship of the Royal Hapan Navy during the operation, and its armaments later influenced and inspired the development of the Battle Dragon. The three ships carried out a gun salute, honoring the fallen.
The Hapan government has stated that the rejuvenation of Lorell's northern hemisphere is simply the first step in a total modernization of the planet that will continue in the coming years. Many of the planet's major city districts have been tagged for recycling and reconstruction as some of the developed areas no longer meet the needs of the planet's populace, nor the standards required for a planet serving as the ambassadorial world to foreign powers. Plans include a new planetary shield array, modern commercial districts, as well as luxurious resorts and embassy complexes. Inhabitants of the planets welcome the propositions and local property owners are involved in negotiations to relinquish possession of their holdings in exchange for ideal new land ownership in the future modernized cityscape.
When we come back, we'll have an interview with retired Grand Marshal Vali Trini'qar, one of the senior-most veterans of the Hapan Civil War. Stay tuned!"
The screen fades before a commercial break begins.
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