MechWarrior (1989 Video Game)/NewsNet

The following NewsNet stories were transcribed from a YouTube "Let's Play" video. Locations, publication order and dates may vary from playthrough to playthrough, and this may not represent a complete list of possible NewsNet stories.

Heir Apparent on the Run

Ander’s Moon

Draconis March, Federated Suns

With funeral services for Duke Vandenburg barely over, an arrest warrant has been issued for his son, Gideon B. Vandenburg. Charges of conspiracy and crimes against the state have been brought against the young Vandenburg by clan leader Jarris McBrin. Vandenburg has not been seen since the senior council voted last month to postpone choosing a new Duke for five years. “If he was not guilty, he would not have run.” Jarris said. Jarris has recently been elected to an advisory position within the senior council.

Verthandi Revolt Spreads

Regis, Verthandi

Tamar Pact, Lyran Commonwealth

Local freedom fighters continue their resistance here against the Kurita troops commanded by Governor General Masayoshi Nagumo. Using sophisticated guerrilla tactics to harass the Kurita troops from the jungles, the fighters are making significant advances against their enemy. It is rumored the troops are supported by a mercenary unit known as the Gray Death.

Matabushi’s New Image

Corant City, Albiero

Pesht Military District, Draconis Combine

As part of a broad move to improve its product image and hopefully gain market share outside the Combine, Matabushi has established an elite team of specialists not confined to specific divisions. “Working outside the boundaries which surround most employees, these specialists will be able to move quickly and to spot problems within the organization,” said Matabushi CEO Duke Ishi Tahiro. “They are trained at all levels of management and production. When an opportunity presents itself, they are empowered to make any changes required to take advantage of it.” Tahiro’s plan is to bring Matabushi’s product line up to speed with the rest of the Sphere.

Senior Council Prepares for Fiscal Battle

Valentsia, Ander’s Moon

Draconis March, Federated Suns

As the Senior Council prepares to come back to work, there is much speculation about how they will handle the growing budget problems. The raid on the Vandenburg estate last year and the loss of focused leadership has brought a host of financial problems down on the heads of Ander’s Moon’s government. The McBrin clan has been hard at work lobbying the council for many changes in the budget, as well as changes in local laws. Easing the strict environmental rulings will open the moon to more opportunities, and so ease the growing financial burden.

New Alliances are Forming in Valensia

Valentsia, Ander’s Moon

Draconis March, Federated Suns

It was a clear sign of changing times. At a meeting held at the brand new central convention center, the universal language being spoken was money. Many groups who previously couldn’t even agree on the weather found themselves in agreement over new business policies being proposed by the Senior Council. Notably absent from the meeting were the strongest Vandenburg supporters. Declaring the meeting a rubberstamp committee for the organized takeover of the economy by Clan McBrin, many of the largest companies refused to attend.

Free Worlds League Terrorists Attack

Unknown assailants attacked members of the 5th Armored Rangers last night. Sentries on duty guarding the unit’s hover tanks reported being under heavy fire. Sources say the gunmen attacked using gyroslug carbines. A large section of the fence surrounding the compound was destroyed. The sentries managed to drive off the attackers. No injuries were reported.

Pilot, Hired Gun, Killed in Gangland War

An execution style murder of a JumpShip captain and the death of a known gangland assassin are part of recent power shifts within the local crime syndicate, authorities said today. Willard Theodore Puritan, locally known as Kangaroo Jack, was found murdered in the office of a local import/export company this morning. Puritan has had a long association with organized crime – mostly involving smuggling organizations, a police spokesperson said. The assassin, known only as Grim Jim, was also found murdered. It is obvious a third party was involved, police said. The owner of the import/export company has turned up missing, and police investigators currently consider him a prime suspect.

Financial Services Company Opening

Valensia, Ander’s Moon

Draconis March, Federated Suns

Clan McBrin has announced the opening of a new business here in Valentsia. Named “DW Financials,” it will provide a host of financial services to the community. “We are most concerned with the state of the local economy, and see this as a way to infuse the business community with some badly needed energy,” said founder Jarris McBrin.

Ander's Moon Economy Reeling

Valensia, Ander’s Moon

Draconis March, Federated Suns

Legal hassles surrounding the freezing of the Vandenburg assets still has many people out of work and much of the economy in distress, says a recent report to the senior council. "We expect food shortages and a loss of most basic services within the quarter." said the spokesperson for the report's study group. Meanwhile, a restless workforce and almost daily strikes continue to plague the business community. Advisor to the council, Jarris McBrin has volunteered to take temporary control of the Vandenburg business holdings in an effort to get things moving again.

Wanted - 50,000 C-Bill Reward

Ministry of Peaceful Order and Honor

Luthien, Draconis Combine

Be it known that a price of 50,000 C-Bills has been levied against the con artist and known criminal Wayland Smith for his involvement in the Styx Mining Corporation fraud. Interested parties can obtain information regarding the last known where-abouts of this criminal at the offices of the Luthien Bureau of Official Information. Payment of said reward will be tendered immediately upon proof of this individual's capture at any Draconis Combine Civilian Guidance Corps center.

AFFS Announces Massive Wargames

New Avalon

Crucis March, Federated Suns

9 August 3026

The military announced today that an undisclosed number of troops would be involved in a set of wargame exercises dubbed Operation Galahad. The operation is set to begin next month and will involve large numbers of troops in both the Draconis and Capellan marches.

Operation Galahad Off and Running

New Avalon

Crucis March, Federated Suns

1 September 3026

The AFFS announced today that its wargame exercises had officially begun. Ten Mech regiments and 100 infantry and armored regiments are said to be participating. The AFFS said the purpose of the exercise is to increase our vigilance by rehearsing defensive troop movements so that if one of our enemies dares attack us, we can make a devastating retaliation. ' This news service has learned that both Houses Kurita and Liao have put their militaries on alert.

Winemakers Make Dramatic Comeback

Valensia, Ander's Moon

Draconis March, Federated Suns

McBrin Wine Cellars (previously Vandenburg Wine Cellars) has made a remarkable comeback in the last year. The vineyards were in serious trouble not so long ago. Having been hit hard by the Vandenburg freeze, the companies were teetering on the brink of extinction. McBrin gained control after a council decree gave him temporary stewardship over the company, along with several other Vandenburg holdings. McBrin, with approval from the council, later sold the company to himself (thus changing the name). After an infusion of cash from DW Finance the winery was back on track and back in the black.

Galahad 3027 and Operation Thor End

New Avalon

Crucis March, Federated Suns

6 November 3027

The AFFS and LCAF announced today in a joint release that both wargame exercises were coming to an end on schedule. Archon Katrina Steiner has called Operation Thor a complete success. One highlight she mentioned was the defeat of the Third Ceti Hussars (Davion) by the 2nd Royal Guards Mech regiment (Steiner) on the Lyran world of Thorin. The AFFS also stated they were pleased with the results.

Rioting Shakes Capital of An Ting

Cerant, An Ting

Galedon Military District, Draconis Combine

2 January 3028

Widespread rioting broke out today in many parts of the city. The crisis is reported to be due to tension between local residents and mercenary troops employed by the Combine. Relations came to a head with the death of three civilians last night in a local brawl involving members of the mercenary unit Wolf's Dragoons. In a related story, an independent group claiming to be Kurita patriots have captured the Hephaestus, the famous orbital station belonging to Wolf's Dragoons. The hijacker's are demanding that all Dragoon's lay down their weapons and surrender themselves to justice.

ComStar Facility Attacked! Hephaestus Destroyed!

Cerant, An Ting

Galedon Military District, Draconis Combine

3 January 3028

In an unprecedented move commandos believed to be part of the mercenary unit Wolf's Dragoons attacked the ComStar compound on An Ting. Several Acolytes and the local Precentor were killed. The purpose of their raid is as yet unknown.

Hijackers holding the Dragoon's orbital facility claimed the attack killed hundreds of innocents. This report was not confirmed. The hijackers went on to say the move proved the outlaw nature of the Dragoon's. With cries of 'Heed the call to justice', and 'Glory to Warlord Samsonov' the unknown band set off explosives killing all aboard.

Wolf's Dragoons Defeat Kurita Ryuken

Cerant, An Ting

Galedon Military District, Draconis Combine

January 14, 3028

Heavy fighting between Kurita house troops and the mercenary unit Wolf's Dragoons has left the city of Cerant in ruin. Reports indicate An Ting is under Dragoon control. Treachery and breach of contract on the part of Kurita are claimed by the Dragoon's. Officials for House Kurita are making similar accusations against the mercenary group. In a message directed at the Kurita high command, Dragoon leader Jaime Wolf has called for a challenge of honor on the ice world of Misery. Who the infamous Wolf's Dragoons will work for now has not been announced at this time, but sources indicate that Hanse Davion has extended an invitation to the mercenary unit.

Alleged McBrin Crimes Fall on Deaf Ears

Valensia, Ander's Moon

Draconis March, Federated Suns

A large contingent of Vandenburg supporters presented evidence in court today of alleged wrong-doings by councilman and local businessman Jarris McBrin. Among the crimes listed were usury, extortion, money laundering, bribery of local government officials, fraud, embezzlement of public funds, bearing false wittness, and tax evasion. No action was taken by the court and no warrant has been issued. Judge Terrance Brinens said the allegations were poorly presented and lacked evidence strong enough to take action against McBrin. "The man is a local hero. It is of no surprise to me that these malcontents would want to attack him." said Brinens.

Brief Headlines

20 Jan 3027 - New Avalon, Crucis March, FS - Justin Allard, son of MIIO Director Quintus Allard and decorated officer goes on trial for treason.

30 Jan 3027 - New Avalon, Crucis March, FS - Allard trial ends in confusion Prince banishes Justin Allard from Fed Suns

20 Mar 3027 - Solaris VII, Rahneshire, LC - Justin Allard now Justin Xiang seeks vengence - kills Davion pilot in games

20 Apr 3027 - Solaris VII, Rahneshire, LC - Xiang continues meteoric rise, slays Billy Wolfson, noted Fed MechWarrior

Oct 3027 - New Avalon, Crucis March, FS - Hanse Davion and Melissa Steiner to wed! Morgan Hasek-Davion to serve as best man Tharkad, District of Donegal, LC - After 11 years Morgan Kell, leader of famed Kell Hounds comes out of retirement!

20 Nov 3027 - Kittery, Capellan March, FS - Captain A. Redburn and other members of decorated First Training Battalion attacked in local restaurant.