Crossbell Times (Zero)/Issue 2


 * -|English= Crossbell Times - Issue 2
 * [Featured Story] Guardian Force Public Drills


 * ◆CGF Shows Its Might◆

Knox Forest, due west of Crossbell City, was the site of the CGF's recent training drills. We were on the scene to report:

Drills began at 10 AM and were very intense. They practiced vehicular combat, stun halberd combat, hand-to-hand combat, and more. 'Exercises like these are held regularly to sustain these important skills,' stated the leading sergeant major.


 * ◆New Equipment Rumored?◆

We had the opportunity to interview Deputy Commander Baelz after the drills. We asked about the new model of armored vehicle that has been rumored to be in development since last year.

The deputy commander tells us that the new model is a ways off. Presently, they are in the fine-tuning stage, and it will be deployed once complete. Logistical issues such as negotiation with the neighboring powers about specifications has been 'thoroughly taken care of.' As it stands, their firepower is comparable to an average tank. Accurate data and deployment numbers will be disclosed to the superpowers as required.

'For the sake of stability, the CGF will not neglect the borders of Crossbell,' commented the deputy commander, faithfully answering every difficult question.


 * [Society] A Respite in the Downtown District

There are signs the gangs downtown have ceased fighting temporarily. The noisy confrontations, which used to be a daily occurrence, have been replaced by silence. Most citizens breathe sighs of relief. On the contrary, a 24-year-old man living on East Street voiced his fears, 'As long as delinquents are there, the fights will return! I wish someone would do something about them.'


 * ◆Incident Leaves Behind Mystery◆

A confrontation occurred due to a surprise attack on their comrades. However, many things are yet unexplained about the dispute. Before a clash, rumor has it that the CPD's Special Support Section had a hand in resolving the dispute. However, further investigation suggests that they may have been more lucky than skilled. I expect bracers to intervene next time.


 * [Technology] A New Tactical Orbment

The Epstein Foundation has developed a new tactical orbment, and it is now available on the market. We finally enter the fifth generation. 'The greatest part of the Enigma is the introduction of the orbal communication circuit,' said Mr. Roberts of the foundation. This newly-developed micro-quartz allowed for the creation of a small portable communication device. He continued that this innovative technology in the Enigma can exchange information instantly, regardless of location.

At present, the communication function can only be used in the vicinity of a dedicated orbal wave relay (such as within Crossbell State). New relays are expected to be erected for organizations such as the Bracer Guild and government agencies.


 * [Culture] Arc en Ciel's Upcoming Performance

The famous troupe is going to be announcing their highly-anticipated next performance soon. Tickets will be available for sale next month. Many fans from inside and outside the state have been eagerly awaiting their next show and will flood in to watch. You don't want to miss it!


 * [Finance] IBC's New Service

The International Bank of Crossbell, the largest financial institution on the continent, will be starting a new service in a few days for members to exchange sepith at a better rate than other shops. The starting date will be announced soon.


 * [Leisure] Crossbell's Gourmet Experience

Come by the Armorica Village's Ash Tree Inn. Indulge in the amazing tastes of their omurice made by the friendly owner from the countryside. Made from the plentiful ingredients freshly grown in the village, this is to die for. Catch the next orbal bus if you're in the mood for a picnic.
 * -|Japanese= クロスベルタイムズ②


 * 【特集】警備隊公開演習


 * ◆変わらぬ実力を見せる警備隊◆

自治州西部のノックス森林地帯にて警備隊による公開演習が実施された. 本誌記者も参加してみたのでその模様をお伝えしよう.

午前１０時から始まった演習は中々の迫力. 走行射撃訓練、スタンハルバードによる白兵戦訓練などが繰り広げられた. 担当の曹長によると「こうした演習は定期的に行っている. 錬度には自信がある」との事.


 * ◆噂の新装備は……？◆

公開演習後に取材をする機会を得たため、昨年より噂されている警備隊の新型装甲車についてソーニャ副司令に聞いてみた.

副司令によると、新型装甲車の実装はまだしばらく先になるとのこと. 現在は装備の調整に時間を掛けており、確認が取れ次第、配備となるようだ. また戦車並みの火力を持つとして外交的な問題が心配されていた件も「課題はクリア済み」とのこと. 近隣国には正確な性能と配備数を公表するという.

難しい質問にも的確に答えてくれた副司令. 最後に 「クロスベル警備隊は、周辺地域の安定のため今後も 尽力を怠りません」とのコメントを頂いた.


 * 【社会】旧市街の“抗争”に一段落

旧市街で抗争を続けていた不良少年グループのにら み合いが一段落した模様. 以前は連日響いていた怒声 もパタリと止んだという. 付近の住民が安堵のため息 をつく一方、「不良たちが存在する限り抗争は続く. 何とかして欲しい」（東通りに住む２４歳の男性）などの意見も聞かれる.


 * ◆謎を残す事件の経緯◆

仲間が闇討ちにあった、との理由から発展した今回の抗争. しかし全面衝突直前に終結するなど不可解な点も多い. なお抗争終結にはあの警察・特務支援課が貢献したとの情報もあるが、偶然に助けられた面も否定できないという. 次回は遊撃士張りの活躍を期待したい.


 * 【技術】新型戦術オーブメント現る

エプスタイン財団によって開発が進められている戦術オーブメントに、この度新型が登場. ついに第５世代へと突入することになる.

通称『ＥＮＩＧＭＡ』と呼称されるこの端末の最大の特徴は、「導力通信回路を搭載した事です」（財団のロバーツ氏）. 新開発の超小型結晶回路によって導力波を増幅し、携帯できるほど小型の通信装置を実現したのだという. 場所を選ばず瞬時に情報をやりとりできるエニグマは通信技術のイノベーション、と同氏は強調する.

現在通信機能が利用できるのは、専用の導力波中継ターミナルが設置された地域（自治州）のみとなるが遊撃士や行政機関を中心に導入が進みそうだ.


 * 【文化】アルカンシェル新作公演近づく

あの劇団アルカンシェルが、期待の新作をまもなく発表. 来月にはチケット販売も開始されるという. 誰もが待ちわびた新作公演だけに、国内外からファンが殺到しそうだ. 市民の皆様もお見逃し無く！


 * 【経済】ＩＢＣ新サービススタート

大陸一の金融機関である《クロスベル国際銀行》（ＩＢＣ）が、近日中に新サービスを実施する. 幾つかの条件を満たした会員を対象としたもので、一般的な店舗で行われているセピス交換の換金率を上げるものだという. サービス開始時期はおって発表される.


 * 【レジャー】クロスベル美食探訪

アルモリカ村の宿酒場《トネリコ亭》. 田舎ならではの気さくなマスターによる手作りオムライスには、同アルモリカ村産の新鮮な食材がふんだんに使われ、味、量ともに大満足まちがいなし. 導力バスを使ってピクニック気分で出かけたいところだ.