sn has a directory metadata conflict. Therefore, directory metadata depends on the unpack order. The file /etc/news is contained in the packages * slrn/1.0.3+dfsg-10 as present in forky|unstable * sn * 0.3.8-12 as present in unstable * 0.3.8-12+b1 as present in unstable These packages can be unpacked concurrently, because there is no relevant Replaces or Conflicts relation. When unpacking these packages concurrently, directory metadata depends on the unpack order. Kind regards Helmut Grohne