THE ZENITH
The Voice of the Free Thinker

Every community needs an venue to deliver its news and current events, and Nadiria had the Zenith, a weekly newspaper. Describing itself as the Voice of Informed Independence, it often went out of its way to take the contrarian position against the Council of Elders. The minutes from Council meeting were always printed here, as well as articles written by a wide cross-section of colonists. It took advertisement for a variety of enterprises, most often for art openings, readings, and concerts. The editor of the Zenith was the noted publisher F. Jesse Herman, founder of the publishing firm bearing his name. It was Herman who provided the several printing presses in the colony, as well as making sure that Nadiria had a constant supply of paper and ink.

Herman thrived on the concept of Free Thinking, printing any opinion as long as it was well argued. He gathered a loyal group of writers around him, who met regularly in a pub called "The Institute" to discuss and debate. Often, Herman was seen writing peacefully on a table surrounded by shouting and wildly gesticulating people in a crowded and noisy tavern. More often than not, the argument would reach a climax, and they all would turn to Herman and ask his

opinion. Without even looking up from his work, he would say just the right thing to resolve the debate, restoring peace for a short while.

The Zenith provided a valuable service to the colony, providing a trusted source of news. During the Great Divide, the Zenith was used by the Provisional Authority to make important announcements, as well as publish crucial information about the reallocation of property and assets. Pages of the Zenith were posted on walls and public spaces as reference for fast changing decisions by the Authority. After the Divide was settled, Herman decided to remain independent, despite being a loyal Church member. He even located his offices on the border between the two Provinces with entrances on both sides in an attempt to be both totally independent -- physically, morally, and philosophically.