Writers Note: This entry is a long time coming. I have spent the entire year researching to piece everything together. This was a conflict that was never covered by mainstream holonews at the time. Over three decades years later and I have decided to unearth it to preserve what happened and as a reminder of how vast this galaxy is. Many things occur that fall under the radar and it would be a disservice to those involved for it to be forgotten to the sands of time.
The following information was gathered from a series of articles on this war by acclaimed journalist Dem Styron as well as various veterans who had served in the war. He has been my primary source on information on this war as he was there when he covered it. All of the images used in here are from him.
The Kwymar Defensive
Started: 414 ABY
Ended: 432 ABY
The Kwymar Defensive was a series of conflicts in the Kwymar Sector of the Outer Rim. The time this war was happening was also around the time of the Wyld Empire conflict. The Defensive was between the inhabitants and a short-lived conglomerate called Bvarzentte Enterprises. Bvarzentte was a company that specialized in all sorts of businesses: trading, gambling, weapons, ships, goods (legal and illegal), as well as more shady criminal works that they would deny until their shut down. Bvarzentte was owned by a Falleen named Xillax Drollique, who prior to starting his business was a member of Black Sun before deciding to branch off on his own. Bvarzentte would become a rapid success that in retrospect was a star that burned out quickly from overextension and hubris, only being around for over a decade.
An old image of Xillax Drollique with Phalanx soldiers. This was used for Bvarzentte Promotion. Specifically, for people to join the Phalanx. Original photographer is unknown.
It was Bvarzentte that were responsible for the war, thinking they could expand their business by either buying out smaller worlds and moons or by simply taking over worlds if rejected. The latter is what started the war when Kwymars then Ambassador, Jachen Musn, refused to negotiate with them. Bvarzentte Enterprises had their own private military known as the Phalanx, who were big enough to have their own tanks and ships. The attacks were swift and brutal with Kwymar systems not being prepared for certain attacks and others preparing in advanced after initial reports. They were outnumbered, having to rely on outsmarting the Phalanx forces, guerilla tactics, generally planning intelligently. A smaller organized force against a larger force. Reports and pictures showed that there were some assistance from the Republic and the Jedi Order but they were not involved for most of the war.
There were a few people who were credited for leading the defense effort against Bvarzentte. The two most recognized were an Etti military commander from Telos named Steo Aldrich and the late Advozse captain Vogran from the Rya System. There were others who also shared in ensuring the safety of Kwymars worlds but these two were considered the faces of it.
The following are some of the notable battles that occurred during the conflict:
The Battle of Tantive (415 ABY) Led by Captain Vogran. According to reports, the battle on Tantive was very short as the Phalanx barely got established on the planet when the Defenders arrived to liberate the planet. Reports claim that there were very low casualties. Additional reports of and documented proof show that there was Jedi Intervention during this battle.
A photo from the aftermath of the battle of Tantive. The figures in the foreground are Governer Adandra and Jedi Knight Zah’irak Zahra.
The Battle Over Telos (416 ABY) A space battle over Telos IV, led by Admiral Hedaesh Cede and Captain Alder Onasi. Telos is no stranger to being attacked or invaded so they were prepared for the Phalanx attack. The planet was surrounded by Telosian Defense Fleet ships. According to Dem Styron, Telosian capital ships stayed on position while fighter squads and a few frigates were went out to combat the Phalanx fighters and while other fighters and bombers focused on the Phalanx’s capital ships. About two Telosian capital ships and few fighter squadrons were destroyed from the battle, leaving an opening for troop transports to slip past the Telosian fleet and land on the planet, specifically the forest region.
A photo of Captain Alder Onasi in front of his starfighter before the Phalanx fleet attack.
On the ground were Steo Aldrich and Vogran with a platoon of soldiers in a nearby outpost, waiting for the stragglers to arrive. Once they arrived, a fire fight ensued with no survivors from the Phalanx and light casualties from Steo’s and Vograns forces.
A photo of Steo Aldrich rallying his men before the skirmish.
A photo Vogran in the aftermath of the battle.
The Battle of Artus Prime (421 ABY) A battle that required more tactical espionage in order to defeat the enemy forces on the mine world of Artus Prime. The operation was led by Commander Dasi Kislo from the Teagan System, she went with a team of infiltrators and saboteurs to take back the facilities from the Bvarzentte Phalanx forces. Shutting down internal systems, hacking security droids to turn against their Phalanx captors, using all assorted tactics to fight their way into enemy territory. Reports from the aftermath recall there were prison cells filled with live prisoners and corpses. The former being fewer in numbers as they overheard that anyone who wasn’t considered value or compliant were swiftly executed. Kislo and her forces were able to take the planet back with little difficulty.
The Battle of Haaridin (422 – 424 ABY)
The planning phase before the battle onboard Commander Alrich’s flagship, the Telosian Pride. Many Jedi and soldiers were in attendence. From Left to Right: Captain Vogran, Commander Steo Aldrich, Jedi Knight Atlo Ormund, Jedi Knight Qirk Peetunn.
Steo Aldrich and Atlo Ormund discussing the battle plan on the bridge of the Steos flagship, the Telosian Pride.
What is considered the longest and most bloody battle of the entire war was the attempt to recapture the factory world of Haaridin. The Phalanx had access to various assortments of weapons and assault mechs which led a shift in strategy for Captain Vogran. For this operation, once again, the Jedi were requested to help and many volunteered, being led by Jedi Knights Atlo Ormund and Qirk Peetunn. High casualties were reported on both sides during this battle. Air Support was used sparsely due to anti-aircraft weapons being used until they were disabled.
A photo of Phalanx soldiers guarding the exterior of a factor around 423 ABY. According to Dem Styron, the fire that in the foreground was a waste pit that was filled with corpses of militia and rogue factory workers that the Phalanx killed. What was once a means to get rid of waste and garbage was turned into an ossuary.
From Styron’s recollection, it was a very stressful time for everyone during this time as they weren’t sure if they would be able to penetrate the defenses of the factories. It was the Jedi and Captain Vogran who were able to maintain trooper morale. They were able to be careful, coordinate attacks and commandeer the captured assault mechs to use against the Phalanx. They would be able to recapture enough assault mechs in order storm several factories and would come out victorious. Tragically, this was the last battle that Vogran would participate in as he was killed in the final assault against the captured fortress that the Bvarzentte Phalanx were holding out in. One of the pivotal figures of the Defensive was gone. He never got to see the victory that his sector would achieve. His sacrifice would be honored.
A photo taken of Defender forces outside of a factory in 424 ABY.
Captain Vogran with then-Jedi Padawan Shanar Djen in 424 ABY. This photo was taken two days before Vograns death.
The Battle of Kestos Minor (428 ABY) Another bloody battle during the war. The Bvarzentte Phalanx had taken hostages on this largely suburban world. Admiral Cede was originally going to leading the orbital attack but was occupied in another system. In his place, Captain Onasi was given charge of leading the space battle. On the ground, Commander Aldrich led the ground forces. While not as gruesome as Haaridin, there was reports of casualties on both sides but fortunately Steo and his forces has less casualties compared to Bvarzentte but there were reports during evacuations of several citizens being injured or killed, because of the Phalanx captors. In retrospect, it is believed that the cracks in Bvarzentte’s resolve was starting to form.
Something that was notable about this battle was that Commander Aldrich received his now recognizable facial injury. The story goes that during one of the evacuation efforts, the Phalanx in a last resort effort, bombed the building. The building was burning and due to the blast, threw Steo into a patch of fire, burning the right side of his face. The photos shown were taken after his recovery after the battle.
The Battle of Picutorion (431 ABY)
Commander Steo Aldrich and his forces in the recaptured tracking station.
What is considered the a turning point for the war, this battle was quick and and brutal. The target of the battle was to recapture an old tracking station on the planet. Commander Aldrich led the attack and were able to quickly take it back from Bvarzentte. It is noted that the Phalanx forces were starting to break and weaken. Reports tell that some would retreat, others would continue to fight until they were captured or killed, and some defected over to the Defenders side. The defectors would provide Steo and co. with crucial information for what would become the final battle.
A photo of the aftermath of the battle of Picutorion.
The Battle of Notak (432 ABY)
A photo of Bvarzentte’s estate headquarters early in the invasion.
The final battle of the war, taking place in Xillax’s home territory on the city world of Notak in the Doldur Sector. Led by Commander Steo Aldrich with a bulk of the Kwymar forces to invade the planet with the sole objective of eliminating Xillax. The place was well defended against the Kwymar forces but they were able to take what they learned in the past and used it against the Bvarzentte forces at their estate HQ. Several Phalanx soldiers were captured or killed. Xillax Drollique himself was also killed in the final battle by Commander Aldrich himself. The man who started the war was finally dead.
Aftermath
Steo Aldrich with Alder Onasi and Amoco Habat during the victory celebration in Thani.
The Kwymar Defensive ended in victory for its inhabitants and defeat in Bvarzentte. With the advent of Xillax Drolliques death, the people who took over Bvarzentte was in financial peril which resulted in the conglomerate shutting down and selling their assets to the highest bidder with many of their scandals exposed. Many of the Bvarzentte staff and Phalanx forces were either arrested, discharged and pursued mercenary life, defected to the winning side, or fought until the very end.
The Kwymar Sector was left struggling due to the war. Many places were destroyed or drained of resources due to the Bvarzentte Phalanx using them against the Defenders. Several relief efforts would be made to try and help the struggling worlds that were badly affected from the war.
The leaders of the defense effort were awarded for the bravery and valor on the battlefront. Steo Aldrich would be promoted to Colonel but would retire from the military and pursue a career in politics. He would run for Telos’ senator which he would win, following Jachen Musn’s retirement after the war. He is now Kwymars Ambassador. Alder Onasi would be promoted to Admiral and Hedaesh Cede would retire from the navy. A memorial was erected to honor the memory of those who were lost in the battle, including Captain Vogran. A new era for the Kwymar Sector would begin under Senator Aldrich.