Episode 329 - I Died Plantgunning

It’s #329st for 23eeth April, 2026 or 3312! (33-Oh twelven) - Bloom 4/23Squadron Briefing:  BGS highlightsThe Loose Screws are in 413 star systems, controlling 123!We expanded to nowhere out of IC 2602 SSector Zu-Y d103 (Bloominwind’s Folly) - and are expansion again from thereStates of interest - Outbreaks in MedzistiBoom - QamaInfrastructure Failure - AlexandrinusPublic Holiday - Piscium Sector ZK-X B1-3Election in Alexandrinus 2-second with  - Day 3 (1:19PM Central)Several wars and an election we’re not worried aboutThe only old system overheating is NLTT 2969, a mining stronghold for LYR. Short PP Report:  K5 Report pending -Cycle 77:Yong-Rui tops both the charts this cycle with 9 new systems including a new stronghold and 3 fortifieds.Winters has a solid 2nd place adding 2 new strongholds.Looks like Archer is back with another solid cycle adding 9 new systemsTough week for the imperials!! that don't have blue hair.At the bottom, Emperor Arissa loses 6 systems this weekPrincess Aisling loses 2 strongholdsPatreus AND Torval both with 0 gainI often ignore the midpack for brevity, but the tightest race right now is between Antal, Archer, and Kaine. All within one KrugerFive point of each other.Interestingly, Antal who generally doesn't appear to get much undermining may have gotten some attention the past few weeks, losing a fortified this week.https://www.k5elite.com/Dev News: -Operations is postponed to June, that being said they gave us a bit of a preview: Two modes - mercenary and powerplayMultiple scenarios at launch - Counter Attack, Burning Rescue, Megaship Massacre Reclaim, Megaship Massacre Strike, Surface Rescue, Pirate Hunt‘Operations Runner Ship’ is the Hub/Entry Point for OperationsSeems like a lobby, does it count as a ‘vessel?’Rewards - Credits, Mats, Merits (PP mode), Merc CoinMerc Coin can be used to purchase ship modules and engineering blueprintsNew Ship - Lynx Highliner (Heighliner?)Medium Passenger LinerHas an Adder cockpit - so technically it’s the Adder Mk2 ?225 passengersEconomy, Business and Mk II Cabins (sardine cans?)Multiple boarding ramps and front and rear entrancesHardpoints - 1 Large 4 MediumCore InternalsPP 5Thrusters 6FSD 5Life Support 6!Distributor 5Sensors 3Fuel Tank 5Optional1 Size 11 Size 21 Size 32 Size 42 Size 53 Size 6Utility Slots - No mentionArrives 4/28https://www.elitedangerous.com/news/update-operationsGalnet News: Galnet News | Elite Dangerous Community Site  4/23 - Coordinated Raids hit Outposts Across Core Systems4/21 - Competing Claims Emerge Over Wellness SurgeDiscussion :Inside the Blue CircleCommunity Corner : Bloom 4/23  Distant Worlds 3 waypoint is Phrua Flyuae ZE-A e7on 4/19Stellar Screen Shots happened Store Sale - Expressway Paint Jobs