473.21 // Chalacta “Volunteer Front” pledges to protect the Mid Rim, denouncing Republic’s government
CHALACTA, 473.21 – An armed group calling itself the ‘Anti-Piracy Volunteer Front‘ has declared the formation of a citizens militia and warfleet at Chalacta, seizing decommissioned warships and refitting civilian freighters to protect Chalactan airspace against further pirate incursions.
The group made a video announcement from a Holonet broadcast centre which was seized by the group. The capital of Chalacta, Terriktar, remains gridlocked by protests against the Republic’s governance. Many protestors have expressed support for the activities of the Volunteer Front.
The group’s leader – a masked human calling himself as ‘Hatsa‘ – was identified as a former member of the Republic’s 10th Fleet due to tattoos seen on his left arm. Another member of the group’s leadership is believed to have ties to the illegal podracing circuit, codenamed ‘Urrsala’ after the podracing champion.
The Front has set out two aims. It has said it will resist the armed attacks of pirates across the Rim and “restore military honour” to the Republic in the face of defeat. However, the group also expressed its fear that it had been abandoned by the Republic’s leadership.
“Chancellor Malvero has shown his hand.” Hatsa told the camera. “The Republic will not save us, and so we must save ourselves. It us up to us to defend our own homes, and maybe soon, to set our own destinies.”
The Front has called retired officers, ratings, marines, and army personnel to service, and is offering mercenaries and other citizen recruits a monthly wage. At least two decommissioned military vessels have ended up in Chalacta’s space, according to local officials.
The Republic’s government has made no statement regarding the events on Chalacta, however an anonymous source from within the Galactic Senate has suggested that the government is viewing the events with increased concern.
Chalacta borders Hutt space.