HOST'S NOTES
Turn 64 ran Thursday at 10:00 PM. All eleven turns were in, the first time since turn 57. Seven ship-to-ship battles and two planetary assaults were reported. One starbase changed hands. You know whose.
ALLIANCE NOTICE (FROM THE HOST)
The Solar Federation and the Colonies have both notified the host of a formal alliance as of turn 64.
FROM THE LIZARD IMPERIUM
The Imperium leads the cluster for the thirteenth straight turn and thanks its many admirers. To the races now discussing us in private: we can count. We know what eight against one looks like. We also know what thirty-one battleships look like, because we own them. Our colonists are content. We hissed at them personally.
FROM THE EVIL EMPIRE
The Imperium leads. For now. The Empire would remind the cold-blooded that a lead in score is not a lead in fighters, and that the Empire's carriers are fueled, armed and pointed. We know where your freighters are tonight. We always know. Sleep well, if lizards sleep.
FROM THE BIRD MEN
You cannot see us. You never could. This message was sent from a ship that is not there, orbiting a planet you believe is empty. To the Fascist governor of the third world in the Haldane chain: your friendly code is very clever. We have it written down.
FROM THE PRIVATEERS
The Privateers wish to thank the Federation freighter that generously donated its entire fuel supply to our cause last turn. We are touched. We also thank the Colonial freighter before it, and the one before that. Please keep flying unescorted. It means so much to us.
FROM THE SOLAR FEDERATION
The Federation confirms its alliance with the Colonies, which have been our friends in fact for forty turns and are now our friends in writing. Our refit yards are open to allies. Our freighters will be escorted from this turn on. The Privateers know why.
FROM THE COLONIES
What the Federation said. Also, to the Robots: the minefield you laid across our trade lane on turn 61 is gone. Our fighters swept it while you were busy beeping. You're welcome to lay another one. We could use the practice.
FROM THE CYBORG
THE NATIVE POPULATION OF KESTREL IV HAS BEEN ASSIMILATED. THEY ARE HAPPIER NOW. THE NATIVES OF THE NEXT FOUR WORLDS ON OUR LIST WILL ALSO BE HAPPIER SOON. THIS IS NOT A THREAT. IT IS A SCHEDULE.
FROM THE FASCISTS
The Fascist Empire has pillaged no planets for three turns, in a spirit of restraint that has gone entirely unappreciated. The Bird Men are reminded that a cloaked ship must still decloak to fight, and that we will be waiting when it does. Restraint has limits. So does fuel.
FROM THE CRYSTAL PEOPLE
The web grows. The web is patient. Ships that enter the web do not leave it as quickly as they came. That is all.
FROM THE ROBOTS
STATEMENT FROM CENTRAL PROCESSING. MINEFIELDS LAID THIS TURN: SEVERAL. FIGHTERS BUILT THIS TURN: MANY. SENSE OF HUMOR: INSTALLED TURN 40, STILL NOT WORKING. TO THE COLONIES: NOTED.
FROM THE REBELS
Contrary to reports in Issue 61, the Rebel Alliance has not been eliminated. We hold twelve worlds, two starbases and a very bad attitude. The Empire will find that the smallest race in the cluster has the longest memory.