NATION. 

A DETECTIVE AT WIT'S END ................. 2 Two months after their disappearance was discovered, the whereabouts of the Altlandic crown jewels still remains as much a mystery as ever. Now, with Chief Investigator Gomchou finally back from his rest cure, the Chancellery expects results -- and soon!

NO BUSINESS LIKE SLOW BUSINESS... 3 The Great Council continues to sit in closed session, plodding dutifully through its old agenda. Is anything being accomplished? Or have swiftly moving events at home and abroad made this session pointless?

THE VEX 

COVER: THE END OF THE VEX? ............ 4 With the excitement of an old-fashioned overseas land-rush subsiding, some statesmen and savants wonder what could possibly happen next, leading them to speculate that maybe the planet is reaching the point of exhaustion and will "dry up." Others, however, aren't so sure. We report the discussion.

THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES .......... 5 Shorn now of his old power, Mounir II of the former Africablue sports dull mufti in his comfortable confinement as he awaits the outcome of an investigation into alleged abuses during his reign. We wonder whether he misses his gold braid and feathers.

 BUSINESS

PUTTING THE PHUN INTO PHUNIXIA.... 6 Recovering from political and economic collapse, the old tourist trap is once again making a pitch for visitors to come and spend their holidays and their money. The story of two men with a mission.

SPORTS

VEXGAMES: A ROARING START .......... 7 Even as we go to press, the roar of the crowd can be heard echoing in Morania City, proud host of the first VexGames. Will the little countries like San Patricio end up the big winners?

NOW GOLF -- NEXT SUFFLEBOARD? ... 8 The planet, led by Westria, is into a sports boom: first soccer, then baseball, then auto racing, and now golf. Our sports editors are working overtime and wondering which sports, if any, are left to be introduced.

CULTURE

AND THEN THERE WERE 39................... 9 In the literary world of Phenixia, a mysterious death, which went unnoticed for several weeks, creates a sudden vacancy among the forty Immobiles. The controversy over who should fill it has just begun. At stake may be the fate of the accent grave.