Vol 877 Issue 75 75-1122

BLOODY DUEL IN Aguilon Park

Governor and Spymaster Fight to the Death

In a scene brutal even by Regina standards, Corina Ling-Raleigh, Imperial governor of Regina and Mercer Black, the shadowy director of Regina security fought a boody sword duel that left the Director wounded and the governor presumed dead.

The two combatants squared off in Aguilon Park, surrounded by a phalanx of Sengi warriors who prevented any interference.

Serveral witnesses indicated that Corina had challenged Black, and that Black attempted to avoid the engagement. However, Corina forced the issue, attacking the director with a machete like sword.

In an engagement lasting minutes, the former governor landed several blows, wounding Black, who none the less managed to couterattack using non-lethal bare handed blows in an attempt to subdue the crazed Ling-Raleigh.

After failing to render Corina harmless, Black was forced to blind his attacker, who maniacally continued to fight. Only after the director managed to hack off Corina's hand, did the former governor halt her attack, collapsing to the ground.

Moments later Regina Security officers whisked their chief to safety as an angry mob of Corinistas gathered around the bloody spectacle, kept back only by the fierce barbarian Sengi, who thrust their spears into the crowd, killing several demonstrators.

At the conclusion of the duel, the Sengi retired in good order, leaving the bloodied body of the governor sprawled on the lawn of the English Garden.

In a further bizzare twist, power to the main illumination for the park failed, and when the lights were restored, Corina's body was gone. Forensic examination of the scene indicated that the amount of Corina's blood left behind was more than any human could lose and remain alive.

The police have indicated that they believe one or more of Corina's fanatical followers spirited off the body. For what purpose is unknown.

The cause of the duel also remains unknown, although there has been a great deal of speculation. The governor had been acting irrationally after a rowe with companion Dirk Savage.

Aides have also indicated that there had been many clashes between Corina and Black over policy. Serveral suggested that there was also a great deal of personal animosity between the two.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident, but in cases of mutual combat, it is unlikely that any charges will be leveled, particularly against the powerful Director of Security.

(see Duel, page 2)


Senator Rutlege Sworn in as Governor

Following the bizarre battle in Aguilon Park, and the mysterious disappearance of Acting Governor Corina Ling-Raleigh, Theodore Rutledge, President of the Regina Senate, as the most senior planetary official, was sworn into the office of Acting Governor.

In a brief statement read by Rutledge at the end of the swearing in, he stated that he was deeply shocked and saddened by the days events.

Rutledge further stated he would "endeavor to rise to the challenge that this tragedy has forced upon him"; he called on all the other citizens of Regina to also act deliberately and in a dignified fashion during this time of grief and transition.

Said Rutledge: "Corina wouldn't want anyone else to be hurt today."


Martial Law Declared

Only minutes after being sworn in, Governor Rutledge declared martial law, ordering all Up Port residents to go immediately to their homes and stay there until the next day cycle.

The Governor is working closely with law enforcement and military officials. Citizens are assured that this is only

a temporary measure to ensure the safety of all Regina inhabitants. Once the curfew schedule is determined announcements will be made to the public.

Commissioner Seymore Globber of the Regina Police was seen consulting with Brigadier General Viktor Androchev shortly before the announcement of martial law.

Globber stated that the Imperial military contingent under the command of General Androchev, will be combined with Regina Police to maintain civil order.

General Androchev also said "Each of the military teams will be accompanied by a Regina law enforcement officer. The Imperial troops are present only as support for the local law officials."