VAXAL SYSTEM — Dread has secured the Zann Consortium shell and proclaimed itself the legacy of Zann. They have become hostile toward the Eternal Empire and have looted some items. They overexaggerate the level of this loot, inflating its worth to fuel their narrative. But one thing is certain. The Hewett Sector has just become more volatile with the Neo Zann now being hostile. Vectinia has become a target for the Eternal Empire, and the Drup system is now on high alert as well.

In a related development, a Defiler known only as "Ninny" has been apprehended by the Horizon Guard while attempting to access the Eternal Empire's main warehouse armory on behalf of Lazarus Grimm, the new leader of Zann. Ninny, a well-trained Defiler, gave a ferocious fight before she was finally stunned and captured. Her capture came as part of the heightened security protocols being implemented across Imperial facilities following the recent Zann raids. According to the High Justice, allowing Zann to loot this warehouse would have crippled the growth of the Eternal Legions, as most of the Empire's valuable gear is stored there. Ninny will receive fair treatment. There is a chance she was being used by the Dread pirates and simply got caught in the recent rift. However, the Empire will get to the bottom of this and conduct the usual interrogation.

Defiler Ninny apprehended by the Horizon Guard while attempting to breach the main armory

The recent Zann looting has also claimed an unexpected casualty. Bork Shalas's personal Selee art collection was stolen during the raid. Fortunately, his Sevala collection remains intact. The Empire's art historians are reportedly more concerned about the Selee pieces than the military hardware. Priorities, apparently. One official was overheard muttering that the Selee collection was "priceless, and also insured, but mostly priceless."

Horizon Guard supervising the Sevala collection after the Selee pieces were stolen

Bork Shalas has responded to Zann. "A last stand? You mistake me for a man who has already fallen. I do not stand at the end. I stand at the beginning. Our empire is built on the bones of those who thought they had seen the last of us. You claim the Zann legacy, but you do not understand it. We continue to fight the same enemies, those who refuse to make peace with us. I am not making my last stand. I have only just begun."

The Eternal Empire does not need to justify its existence to anyone. If Dread refused to walk with us on this new path of building a nation, that is on them. We regret the decision taken by the new Zann leadership. We hope that one day they realize there is a bigger picture than chaos and destruction.

As the Eternal Empire looks to the future, Zann remains stuck in the past. "We will defend ourselves. This will not go unpunished," a high-ranking Imperial official expressed. "We are thriving, and our enemies are taking advantage of the new changes." Desperation makes for strange alliances, and the Empire remains vigilant against all who would threaten its existence.

The recent rift between the Eternal Empire and Zann marks another chapter in the Eternal Wars. While some neutral blocks, Imperial Union powers, and rebel factions refuse to acknowledge the Eternal Empire's sovereignty, the Empire continues to prepare for every scenario and fight each enemy based on their characteristics. The Neo Zann will be treated no differently. The coming months will tell whether Dread understands the gravity of their decision. The Empire is prepared for whatever comes. The Hewett Sector and Drup will be defended. The Neo Zann will learn that claiming a legacy of chaos does not grant immunity from consequence.

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