A.S.V.S Headline News 
A.S.V.S Headline News
10/08/00
The long awaited return of Mark Sheppard has not come without a high price. Grossly dissatisfied with the current state of affairs in ASVS and most notably the current ruling tribunal, he has called for open revolt to restore the "free-wheeling attitude" that once was the hallmark of the newsgroup.
Mr. Sheppard announced his Declaration of Independence and immediately began his attacks on those he deemed unworthy, specifically Chuck Sonnenburg, C.S. Strowbridge, and L. Kynes; the guardians of the FAQ.
Most interesting is the coalition that has formed around him. Groups that has previously sworn death to each other now joined together under the banner of Sheppard. First supported only by the Boyd collective, which has recently failed in its insidious plot to assimilate Kynes and other pro-FAQ forces, Sheppard has managed to gain a foothold in strategic locations in ASVS. The next to join his crusade were the Disciples of Wong; led by the scantily leather clad priestess Thelea who could smell blood from ten miles away. Some have speculated that the DoW's joined in order to dissuade scrutiny that "Fist of the Empire" is indeed the largest fanfic yet posted in ASVS. Then the Southern Ireland Brigade commanded by John Hamill, himself a former soldier for Spacebattles against ASVS joined the alliance
Clearly shaken by this unforeseen development, the ASVS ruling council was quick to issue it's own statement and called upon loyal citizens to defend the FAQ and quell this "insignificant" rebellion. The Anti-Troll Jihad, under the auspices of WeeMadAndo, were swift to heed that call. They were then joined by a previously unknown faction of New Zealanders who unveiled the NINZ Orbital Platform under the command of Spyda. Other volunteers, such as Rog, Transcend, and Raven "Namaah" Ford, also responded (it is expected that she will be followed close behind by sycophant Ryan Spikard).
Rob Dalton declared neutrality and promptly moved to Switzerland. He has not yet abdicated his position as Fanfic maintainer despite biting criticism of the site's status by Sheppard.
The conflict is likely to grow in the coming weeks. Many experts expect the coalition to fray and begin turning on one another like frenzied sharks. In the meantime all of ASVS is in disarray as the streets run red with blood and various body parts.
The ASVS-HN building was bombed early Sunday morning and is currently publishing from the storage room of Baron Von Lowe's Sheep Dip Emporium. Likely suspects are too numerous to mention.
Lt. Hit-Man has been reported to be happier than anyone can ever recall.
Further updates as events warrant.......