JEDI HoloNet

GRANDMASTER OF THE JEDI IN INTENSIVE CARE

Galactic Holonews has just received word from an inside source that Grandmaster of the Jedi Order, Don’roq, has been admitted to intensive care under the Circle of Healers of Ossus. Though we are not in possession of all of the facts as of yet, we can confirm that he has fallen unconscious and is being transported into an intensive care facility within the temple as we speak. The overwhelming speculation is that this condition has followed cycles of failing to heal from wounds he sustained during the strike team operation he led into the heart of the Spectral Force.

The 150-year-old Whiphid has had a long history of serving the galaxy; from his time as a member of the Galactic Alliance’s division of Jedi healers during The Attrition Wars, to being elected to the position of Grandmaster of the Jedi Order in 361 ABY. His almost fourty year tenure has overseen the growth of the Jedi Order back into its former glory as the guardians of justice and peace from the disastrous ashes of the Imperium Wars. The Jedi, the Republic and the whole Galaxy has been shaped by his guidance.

All the staff at Holonews will pray for a speedy recovery of the Grandmaster, and we are sure that the entire galaxy is with us in that prayer.

And now, a message from the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order, Don’roq.

For those unaware, our Order has gone through a most tumultuous time. We, as have the galaxy, been engaged with a threat the likes of which has not been seen before. Nevertheless, we Jedi have prevailed and brought this galaxy to a much safer place.

Our Jedi researchers, led by our strongest divisions that for security reasons will remain anonymous, uncovered the nature of an alien element, only recently discovered to exist in the galaxy. We have thus described it as the ‘Spectral Force’. This element, otherwise more commonly referred to as ‘the Void’, is a substance that feeds off the life energies of the Force – that which gives a Jedi their power – and disturbs its very essence to a point unrecognizable.

This element metastasized and, eventually, took hold of a force-sensitive individual. It is at this point that the threat I speak of began, as the notorious ‘Lost Star Children’, who were led astray by this unknown and unregistered force user. This individual, financed through personal connections, sought to use the Lost Star children to create his own dangerous cult. However, before this could reach fruition, myself and a strike team of Jedi took out this individual before he could be a greater harm to the galaxy. The only two Lost Star children to not be returned to their families are Esta Bowing and Koyso Chewai’in, who have tragically lost their lives in the fight against this evil.

As far as we are aware, those areas affected by this malignant taint will slowly heal back to life, but we have no way of telling how long this will take – or if they will ever truly be as they once were.

Let it be known that this could not have been completed if not for the valiant efforts by other factions of the Force. The Imperial Knights, Zeison Sha, Iron Knights, Matukai, Baran Do and others were instrumental in their support, many of which lost their lives – just as we have, during this painful process. Through it all, we have forged a new path of unity and strength – but let us not forget all that we have lost. Myself and the Order would ask the brave members of the galaxy to a one minute silence for those the galaxy has lost tomorrow morning at 11:00 Galactic Time, so that we may reflect and meditate on all that we hold sacred.

“It has been over four decades since the Imperium War ended and yet its echoes affect the Republic, Fel Empire and the rest of the galaxy still. At the heart of the conflict, the Jedi. What else is new?”

This is the beginning of the now bestselling book, “The Jedi – Friend or Foe?”, written by Dr. Del Mund, former candidate for the office of senator on the planet of Corellia. The book was published last cycle and already it has received popularity in the mid and outer rim. However, it has not reached much critical or political acclaim due to its anti-Jedi sentiments. Many senators and politicians are speaking out against the book, and here to speak about that is the man himself, Dr. Mund.

“Hello, Dr. Mund!”

“Hi, Ray. Thanks for having me.”

“Thanks for agreeing to this interview. Now, Dr. Mund, your novel has achieved the Republic’s bestseller list quicker than most novels in the last several decades. Why do you think that is?”

“I think it’s because it’s a conversation worth having. If you look at history, the Jedi are at the core of it. Who are their wars against? Other Jedi. And the rest of us are along for the ride. People forget that the Sith came from the Jedi. Why should we have to deal with the Jedi Order’s failures? Failures, if I might add, which have cost countless lives over the centuries.“

“Anti-Jedi sentiment is nothing new, but what makes your book or movement different?”
“Come now, Ray, I’d hardly label it as a movement. And I resent it being called anti-Jedi. More so… anti-war.”

“How can you call this novel not anti-Jedi when you suggested or implied in many of its chapters that it would be better if the Jedi didn’t exist at all?”

“Listen, I respect the Jedi immensely. The story of the Republic and Jedi is an old one. An abusive story at that but a story nonetheless. And they have saved the galaxy more than enough times. The question I’m proposing in my novel is, why was it necessary in the first place? Are or were we better off without them? In my novel you will find historical evidence that gives weight to both sides of the argument. And I’ll leave it to the reader to decide.”

“Many politicians including the Chief of State have spoken out against your novel and have advised Republic citizens not to purchase it. Do you have anything to say about that?”

“Of course they have. They need the Jedi. Why would they say anything different? If I were in their position, I would be saying the same thing. While we’re speaking about the Republic government, why would the leadership allow the Jedi to police our systems when they are no longer sworn to us? Why do they have that authority, and where does that authority end? Where are the checks and balances? These are questions that need answers.”

“You certainly have a lot of ideas, Dr. Mund. But my question to you is, what’s in it for you?”

“Nothing but the debate. Popularity has its setbacks. I have received many death threats since the book’s publication and I am not backing down. Every citizen of the Republic needs to have this conversation to prevent another Jedi war.”

“I am extremely sorry to hear that. Thank you for your time, Dr. Mund.”

“Thank you, Ray.”

Breaking news, now, from the system of Ord Biniir in Imperial Space. With the backdrop of civil insecurities with the succession of the Fel line, pockets of opportunistic radicals are sparking conflict.

On Ord Biniir the fringe group calling themselves “The Alliance for Democracy” has been operating for decades, advocating for a secessionist movement to leave the Empire and join the Republic as an independent system. While never taken seriously, this group turned militant just three days ago, gaining weapons and vehicles from an unknown source and starting an insurrectionist campaign to, in their words, “Liberate Ord Biniir from the autocratic dynasties who have subjugated the good citizens of this planet for too long.”

Using an armored walker, along with military-grade ordinance, they began their rebellion in the heart of the capital city Soontir. After sustained fighting, the AFD have managed to push loyalist forces outside of the capital city, closing the shield gates, and have set up martial law inside the city center.

Negotiations with the AFD have ground to a halt, with the AFD saying there is no negotiation that will succeed unless full succession is granted to the system. Republic senators and the Chancellor have denounced the movement of the AFD, stating that organization is nothing but a terrorist group.

“We have no relationship with, nor share any values with, the so-called Alliance for Democracy terrorizing the good people of Ord Biniir. We believe they should throw down their arms and surrender to Imperial authorities, for this will not go the way they think it will.”

Stated Senator Yalook P’oolel from the nearby Er’Kit system.

Despite these Republic assurances, many moffs in the Empire remain skeptical.

“The Republic, while long an ally of our Empire, has always been expansionist in nature. It would surprise no one if this was not the work of some group of senators instigating an insurrection in our space for a land-grab during a delicate transition of power.” Said one moff, requesting to stay anonymous.

The local authorities on Ord Biniir have been petitioning the Imperial military for assistance, but no comment was given from Imperial High Command as to their future involvement with the situation.

More on this story as it develops,

On location, this is Andee N’evaro.

As we venture closer, and closer towards the Empresse’s verdict we have begun to see a division of people grow within Imperial Space. On most key planetary systems protestors litter the streets holding up banners and chants in an attempt to display their discontent. The Pro loyalists on Bastion have marched through most of the capital completely impeding transportation throughout the city. At a press briefing, the commissioner of Imperial Security on Bastion, Klor Mendrin said the force was so stretched officers have not seen their families for cycles. Plus, approximately 65,000 officers have been placed on 1-rotation shifts.

A spokesman for the loyalist group, Arix Nesda said:  “We stand by the Fel bloodline. It’d feel wrong, untrue to traditions for someone not of the family to take up the throne. Especially the likes of those without a spine such as Nemora Torysk. Only a dog of the Republic. I only hope that the High Moff Council and the Empress herself see eye-to-eye and elect Julianus to be the true emperor. As he is truly deserving. ”

The loyalist group has committed to continuing the protests on for the remaining cycles of the year. Imperial Security has said it needs to balance the right to protest in a democracy. During the current campaign, the ISF has made 3,458 arrests and 1364 charges have been laid so far by the Imperial Courts.

The commissioner said that of those convicted after the group’s protests in through 394.15-395.20, so far over 2000 had paid costs and got a conditional discharge. It left them with a criminal record, but some critics question if the penalties are enough of a deterrent, particularly for activists who may regard criminal convictions in the furtherance of their cause as a badge of honor.

Commissioner Mendrin confirmed ISF and Imperial officials were discussing changes to public order laws to deal with protests such as those of The Loyalist cause, including ways to deter repeat offenders and disruption.

That’ll be all with the Bastion Newscast!