JEDI HoloNet

CORUSCANT, 473.14 – Protestors clashed with police overnight at the Galactic Republic’s Supreme Court after Yula Perun, commander of ‘Task Force Indigo’, was cleared of misconduct over the destruction of the RRS Stargazer.

Large crowds of protestors were seen gathering in the Republic’s government quarters throughout the day. Several protestors were identified as ex-military, wearing medals of service, insignias, and tattoos, of the Republic Navy and Marines. Protestors claimed that the death of the sailors aboard the RRS Stargazer was the responsibility of Perun’s poor leadership and Malvero’s “abandonment” of the Outer Rim. The RRS Stargazer was a part of ‘Task Force Indigo’, an anti-piracy task force located in the Outer Rim.

On 472.05 the task force was attacked by pirates, losing the RRS Stargazer in an ambush. Footage from the scene shows protestors attempting to overpower a police barricade outside the Supreme Court. Clashes subsequently broke out between officers and protestors, with the police deploying tear gas to disperse the crowds. Perun was brought into an inquiry led by the Galactic Senate’s Special Investigations Committee (SIC) set up by the government to “ascertain the truth” of the events at Rettna IV.

On her release, the SIC chair stated: “Yula Perun’s conduct did not lead to the tragic death of the sailors aboard the RRS Stargazer. Nor were her actions unlawful or in breach of the established chain of command, as she was placed in executive authority during an unfortunate period of communications loss.” According to Coruscant police, the protestors “endangered” the life of Yula Perun and several police personnel. Chancellor Malvero released a statement today strongly condemning the incident and calling for “an immediate calming of passions”.

[Imagery on the Holonet has shown RRS Indigo returning to the port of Drogheda in flames]

At least one Republic warship has been destroyed, and at least fifty Republic sailors are presumed dead, as a result of a surprise attack against an anti-piracy task force operating in the Outer Rim. Sources from within the Republic Navy indicate that a small Republic task force, made up of 3-4 warships, were attacked while operating near the planet of Rettna IV.

Holonews can reveal that this attack was likely conducted by a Hutt-backed piracy cell operating in uncharted space. Sources from within the military have stated that the attack was a response to “unexpected military activity” in a contested border region.

The anti-piracy task force was originally ordered to withdraw to the Core Worlds following Chancellor Malvero’s “mobilisation” directive several days ago. It is not currently known why the task force was continuing to operate in the Outer Rim, at least 2000 parsecs from the nearest support fleet.

The Republic Navy has not commented on this article, but has placed an embargo upon further comment by Holonews due to “ongoing operational sensitivities”.

While making no reference to the military activity, veteran “war-hawk” Senator Hammond Peramis of Duneeden has led public criticism against Chancellor Malvero for “abandoning the Republic’s borders in its time of need”.

After generations of relative peace and coexistence on the Outer Rim planet of Elom, agitators from both native species, the Elom and Elomin, managed to reopen old wounds and create bitter friction between the two species.

Elom is noted to be jointly inhabited by the two sentient species, each traditionally living in separate biomes on the planet. Historically, Eloman history has been plagued by instances of systemic exploitation by the Elmonin against their coinhabitants, though reconciliation was made possible thanks to the efforts of the New Republic shortly after its establishment. In the centuries since the two species have lived in relative harmony with one another, governing the planet with a joint government representing both groups. However, fringe groups threatened to tear the status quo apart and potentially reveal how fragile the two species’ state of peace truly is.

Radical elements of Elom society calling themselves “The Long Memory” launched terroristic attacks against bordering Elomin outposts, immediately creating a security crisis for the Elomin government and provoking contingency measures meant to protect against future incidents. Meanwhile, an Elomin-supremacist terror cell known as “The Guiding Hand of Elom” used the attacks as justification to launch their own anti-Elom assaults, creating pockets of discriminatory violence against both groups across the planet.

Seeing increased unrest and fearing a dissolution of friendly relations, the Elom Joint Magistrate placed an outgoing call for help to nearby systems. The planet of Draflago was quick to respond.

“With utmost concern, we were propelled to intervene to prevent what could have amounted to complete and total civil and interspecies war,” stated Professor Scent-of-Rain Upon Soft-Bed-of-Tallgrass, appointed emissary of the Draflagon state and coordinator of the peace conference. “To our relief the Vurks of Sembla shared our concerns and a plan was hatched to host representatives of each people on Sembla to bring forward a plan of action.”

Members of both sides of Elom’s joint government, as well as representatives of their respective communities were invited. time was allotted for misgivings and grievances to be aired before parties before solutions were devised as a joint panel. In the end, both sides agreed to issue a joint condemnation of both radicalist groups and coordinate measures to both promote unity and combat any pro-species aggrevation.

“Forgiveness is the only way forward for both of our people,” said Elom Magistrate Caarvor Opla during a prepared statement. “We forsake revenge for our ancestors in favor of a brighter future for our children. We seek to understand those who harmed us once rather than return the harm. I see no other alternative for a functioning society.”

Members of the New Republic and Jedi Order were reported to be present at the talks to oversee and assist in moderating, though their involvement was said by those who attended to be “minimal” and “both supportive and precautionary”.

Chancellor Ryn Malvero has ordered one of the largest military mobilisations in recent Republic history, re-assigning fleets from every sector to form a defensive ring around Coruscant and the Core’s most densely populated worlds. The move is perceived as a response to the recent attacks on Nouane and Rannon that left thousands dead and entire regions in ruin.

In a rapid series of executive orders, Malvero has pushed through a slate of defence‑spending bills—contracts critics say are rushed, overpriced and negotiated with little oversight. Several senators have already accused the Chancellor of allowing manufacturers to “name their price,” warning that the Republic is burning through credits while receiving low-quality product in return.

Experts and academic in military defense also argue that Malvero’s strategy leaves the Mid and Outer Rim dangerously exposed. With patrol routes thinned and hyperlane monitoring scaled back, many fear the mystery warships that have attacked the Jedi Order and Republic citizens are free to strike again.

Malvero, speaking from the Senate podium, dismissed the criticism, which he followed up with a thinly veiled rebuke of the Jedi. He described the recent assaults as “a tragic consequence of Jedi conflicts” and insisted that concentrating forces in the Core represents “the most efficient use of available resources.” Any deeper involvement in Jedi affairs, he warned, would “only place Republic citizens at further risk.”

As relief efforts continue on Nouane and Rannon, pressure mounts on the Chancellor to broaden the Republic’s defensive posture, or risk leaving entire worlds to fend for themselves should the unidentified warships return.