Of all the Lazloi craft known to the Autocracy, it is their merchant cruiser that strikes the greatest fear in the ruling elite. While certainly not the largest craft fielded by the white haired matriarchy, it is the only one whose fearsome fire power is documented. Ostensibly an exploration and trading vessel, the vast gulf in technological capability means this modest craft is easily the match of our navy ships many times its size. Gravimetric readings hint at armour thicknesses of over a metre, fashioned out of the sculptured and seamless blue metal unique to the Lazloi. If the preternatural material was not enough, the ship can surround itself with force fields, a technology far beyond our own. Imagine then the institutional chaos when one such vessel, known as The Silver Wheel decided to land without warning in the centre of Capital. Ignoring all requests, warnings and threats, the Lazloi come and go as they please. They are observed to consult with free traders and mercenaries of ill repute, paying for information with blocks of solid gold, platinum and other precious metals. In less than a week, a small community of travellers and hippies have formed around the craft to worship and revere the elusive humanoid race. The sick and infirm are presented to the Lazloi, where it is alleged they are cured in return for blood and tissue samples. The Treem are also much in evidence, eager to seek guidance and deliverance from their wretched existence. Since the Lazloi have ignored all forms of communication from official channels, their purpose here is not known, the company they choose to keep and their undoubted superiority to any outside threat will be keeping many government officials awake. -- Jai Houdri – Correspondent for the Candor Intersolar News Service V4 figure with Kybele Hair by Mairy and Essence dress by Mada, both from DAZ. Spacecraft is an original model created in Cinema 4D R16