JEDI HoloNet

The streets of Vohai run red with anarchy as word of Mother Mu’la’s death reaches far and wide. Chaos and confusion grips the ranks of the Revolutionary Guard, while Republic officers and soldiers alike share cheers and song, for they know the war is over. Earlier in the day, the fragments of the Revolutionary Council and Revolutionary military officers reached out to Republic officials and declared their unconditional surrender.

While information is still flooding into the holonews, it is known that the Mother was attending a series of Life Day celebrations in the new capital of Queenstown when a high-explosive device was planted under her seat, killing her and 32 other members of the Revolutionary Council instantly. The new Governor-General, Shaa’li Graamish, has denied all allegations of Republic sabotage and labelled the attack a “form of factional rivalry from within the Revolutionary Council due to weakening morale.”

The estimated casualties from both sides of the conflict range from 50,000 – 175,000 military and another 1.2 million – 7.8 million civilian casualties or deaths. With her death and the surrender of the Council, most commentators assume that the major conflict of the war will come to an end. However, the planet may continue to see severe unrest and tragic losses of life until order is restored across the planet.

After intense back and forth, all the hope built up around the fateful Vohai Peace Accords has plummeted back to the war-torn surface, both Jedi diplomats and Republic anti-war Senate leaders unable to bring both Governor-General Ruun or the People’s Will to a meaningful negotiation. Inside sources explain that the diplomatic room was ‘laced in tension’, with ‘insults hurled at every opportune moment.’ The magnanimity and grace that Governor-General Ruun showed in this occasion, according to the same inside sources, was ‘unprecedented. In the face of violent and murderous intent by the opposition [Mother Mu’la], completely overlooked by the Jedi present, he showed the same resilience and committment to unnecessary bloodshed through it all.’

Following a surprise statement by one of the speakers for the Governor-General, explaining the resignation of the Jedi Order from the command structure of the conflict, Governor-General Ruun later declared his hopeful candidacy for the open position of Chief of State:

“We are, of course, grateful for the involvement of the Jedi thus far in the conflict. With my strong relations with the Jedi Order, I suggested to their Masters that their spirits were perhaps not aligned with the goal of the Republic, and it was in their best interest to resign from the conflict. With their resignation, we will have better officers take their place. Victory for the people of the Republic is within our grasp.

I have no doubt that my good friend, Senator Shaa’li Gramish, will succeed myself as Governor of Vohai with the utmost of alacrity, strength and honour we expect of any delegate of the Republic. However, hearing the will of our Senate, I have resigned the Generalship and the Republic forces on the planet will return to the traditional military hierarchy. But Vohai will not end. The conflict and pain is not over. The pain our Galaxy feels not only for the Vohaians, but for all victims of corruption, will not end in a day. That is why, from the halls of this vessel, I formally declare my candidacy for the upcoming election as Chief of State of the Grand Republic.

My friends, we will, together, end the corruption in the Republic. We will, together, end the tyranny of Vohai. We will, together, make the Republic a prosperous and beautiful place, just like it was meant to be. Get out there, show your support, and I look forward to meeting every single one of you!”

Due to much misfortune, the war continues to drag on. However, much to the dismay of the hopeful Chief of State Ruun, the new Governor-General Shaa’li Graamish (a close friend of Governor Ruun, though briefly turned to the anti-war side) has shown a lack of initiative in the quick military successes that his predecessor achieved. Sluggish, brutal combat replaces the intensive artillery barrages that were favoured by Ruun, though commentators have suggested that this is to the significant reduction of civilian casualties.

Whatever the outcome, Holonews and the galaxy will certainly keep a keen eye on Lord and Senator Ruun in his new endeavours!

A ban on all non-essential travel has been placed on many major systems in the Arkanis sector and surrounding influential areas. The ban comes as a result of fuel shortages, catalyzed by the refinery explosion on Kemel Station several cycles ago. Though trade and public transport services remain unaffected, trips considered non-essential will be restricted until supplies stabilize.

The ban, exasperated by rising crude fuel prices, is expected to be temporary. Current stockpiles have been reserved and rationed. Several nearby refineries have promised to provide excess supplies to aid in the crisis, as promised by Senator Rovel.

If you live in the affected area and are worried about travel, consult your local government official for further details.

At approximately 1734GST, a catastrophic failure occurred at one of the largest fuelling plant and refinery, reports state. The explosion, caught on film, was the first of a series of fractures and fires that spread throughout the compound. As of yet, no injury or fatality count has been released.

The cause of the initial explosion remains unknown, though site officials claim that sabotage is not suspected.

The news comes with a heavy blow to businesses in the local sectors. Local systems, such as Arkanis and Rodia, have already been in a chokehold by a fuel shortage. Though authorities have assured that the situation on Kemel Station will not worsen shortages, the news caused a sharp rise in crude fuel stock prices on the overnight market, with further increases expected in the near future.