Dispatch - Issue No. 16: Carlyle Rausgeber, Concordias Omega Lessons, Refugee Influx

Picture going to work one day, feeling as normal as ever, and after a stressful encounter at work, you explode in a rage, then collapse. What sounds like a terrifying nightmare actually occurred during a routine military exercise to Carlyle Rausgeber, Captain in the First Order Navy. During recently de-classified operations in the Dead Nebula, Captain Rausgeber found himself in a stressful situation -- a viral infestation on his ship, taking his crew by surprise with debilitating illness -- which turned out to be a readiness test ordered by the Ministry of Defense. Captain Rausgeber had an episode which probably saved his life when he screamed at a superior officer before collapsing. He was later diagnosed with stress tumors in the brain.
Usually a non-lethal condition, stress tumors are typically contracted by TIE fighter pilots, naval officers and hangar engineers. First Order scientists posit that certain chemicals found in TIE fighter fuel and space decontaminates used by the First Order Navy. The chemical compounds can be inhaled into the respiratory system, where they can enter the bloodstream and cause growths, particularly in the brain. "Our use of these brands of decontaminates is current under review," said Gunter Brindorf, Senior Undersecretary of Defense for the Navy. "If we can accomplish the same results with a safer chemical compound, of course we will look into replacing our stores."
Officers are advised to perform regular checks and see medical staff if they experience increased anger and irritibility, stress or anxiety, fatigue or headaches.
The Ministry of Foreign & Colonization Affairs today announced a surge in emigration over the First Order's northern and eastern borders, with most refugees coming from planets in the Furia system. The refugees bring along with them tales of a brutal alien invasion, striking in the dead of night. Through the chaos and flames of burning cities, the refugees painted a grim picture: hundreds -- possibly thousands -- of people abducted or missing during the invasion, with an overwhelming enemy vanguard crushing any resistance. First Order military and intelligence services are currently debriefing refugees, seeking a clearer picture, and the First Order Security Bureau has confirmed the dispatch of a reconnaissance mission to the Furia sector to investigate the claims of the refugees.
The Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign & Colonization Affairs have issued a joint bulletin, warning citizens and defense outposts on the northern and eastern borders of the empire to be on guard, and the First Order's defense condition has been raised to level 3, indicating a heightened level of awareness for foreign threats. Civilian defense operations are ongoing in the region; interested citizens may check with their local Civilian Auxiliary Defense boards for how to contribute.