JEDI HoloNet

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.

Despite strong, positive turns in the war effort by the superior quality of the troops under Governor-General Ruun’s command, what some have described as a ‘Senatorial Coup’ has taken place as mass opposition groups were organised into one vote of no confidence, only narrowly won by the Chief of State. This, compiled with unending protests, has prompted Chief of State Grallig to resign, provoking a leadership election and throwing the continuation of the Vohai conflict up in the air. Compiled with this, leading anti-war Senators compiled an official denunciation of the war, formalising a clear public mandate for peace processions to take place led by Jedi peacekeepers.

The Jedi Order has also received a strong level of criticism by the inner-core populations due to their role in the conflict as military leaders. One Senator, who wished to stay anonymous, described them as the “angelic architects of death and destruction.” Governor-General Ruun has chosen to not comment on the current proceedings, but a leak has told Holonews that he is “absolutely livid”, recorded as raging through his chambers aboard the RSN Firefly. Many pro-war protestors have found support in populist leaders, their rhetoric calling this act by the Senate a “betrayal of democracy” and a “victory for tyranny, with the power swept from [our] feet”.

Due to the complicated nature of the civil war, it is unclear what kind of peace can be achieved, if any. The main settlement will have to be between the Revolutionary Council and the Republic, as both of them now control vast swathes of the planet, but there are several factions in between that are not only demanding some form of recognition in any new government, but fundamental changes to the laws that once presided over the planet.

Despite the controversy, Holonews wants to wish the best to the diplomats, and hope that the conflict soon comes to a resolute end!