Thursday, October 25, 2007

Engineer killed during pirate attack

Date: 251007
Planet: Tatooine/Karthakk system
Region: Farpoint Valley

Story: (Written by the Galactic News Agency, Ramona doesn't write IC).

Just when it seemed pirate activity in the Karthakk system had lessened another freighter was attacked by those criminals. The TTC-Sunbeam, a YT-2400 class ship, had been chartered two days ago by the Intergalactic Mining Company for their weekly ore transport to Corellia. Since the Imperial navy, citing two weeks of no incident as proof that the system was secure, had deployed their patrols elsewhere, IMC had hired three freelance pilots as escorts for the trip. Unfortunately, this proved not enough faced with skilled and determinded pirates.

On the way to the refueling station, the convoy was attacked by two Vaksai heavy fighters and one so-called „Ugly“ – a rebuilt TIE craft. The escort ships attacked, but were vanquished quickly, and the TTC-Sunbeam was disabled and forced to jettison the cargo. TTC-employee Ovaon was fatally wounded during the attack when the engine she was trying to repair fractured and she got hit with plasma. Despite assistance by the rest of the crew, the rodian engineer died within minutes from severe burns.

With cargo, ships and a life lost, the question of who was responsible for the desaster is being asked by numerous people. An IMC spokesman stated that the corporation had done all it was legally required to, hiring several escort craft to replace the Imperial TIE Fighters that had protected the last convois. TTC representatives stated that the ships used as escorts were all old designs, manufactured during the clone wars, and therefore not up to the mission. Faced with rumors that the weapons of the TTC-Sunbeam itself had failed during the engagement, the representative cited regulations that prohibited stronger blasters, yet also stated that the firm’s ships would receive weapons with more firepower in the near future. The Imperial Navy released a communique to the press in which it explained that due to pressure from rebel forces in the sector, patrols had to be scaled back. It is expected, according to the communique, that once the rebel forces are beaten and the sector pacified, "the full might of the Empire will be turned upon those wretched criminals". Ovaon’s relatives are said to be looking into suing IMC, TTC and the Empire.

IMC stock dropped 5%, but recovered some when the company announced it was investing into space mining.

Monday, October 22, 2007

Second swoop crash in a week kills pilot

Date: 221007
Planet: Tatooine
Region: Farpoint Valley

Story: (Written by the Galactic News Agency, Ramona doesn't write IC).

Ten days ago, Axov crashed his swoop in Farpoint Valley, suffering serious injuries. Just three days ago, he returned, and caused another accident, this time fatal.

Witnesses report that he lost control of his swoop near the shuttleport, crashing into a rock garden. Bystanders hastened to help him, but he died before medical help could arrive.

While his funeral and the damages done to the city structure were covered by a close friend of his, the authorities are investigatig the circumstances of his death. The second crash at nearly the same location within a week strongly suggest that this was no mere coincidence. So far, no further information has been released, but speculation ranges from sabotage to spice abuse as the cause of the accident.

IMC Victim of Embezzlement?

Date: 221007
Planet: Tatooine
Region: Farpoint Valley

Story: (Written by the Galactic News Agency, Ramona doesn't write IC).

Tthe Intergalactic Mining Company based in Farpoint Valley, Tatooine, has been in the news numerous times due to pirate attacks on its convoys. While those attacks have lessened due to direct CorSec involvement and increased patrols by the Imperial Navy, the company is now facing other troubles.

Persistent rumors claim that missing IMC manager Okowwi Emied, who hasn’t been seen in over a month, embezzled a large amount of money during his time in IMC. IMC itself did not comment on this, stating that this was a missing person case, which would be handled by the proper authorities.

Analysts are not yet sure what effect this will have on the stock of the company. While the latest convoy, headed by the „Corellia’s Sun“ captained by Jascyn Siltar, encountered no trouble whatsoever, losses due to embezzlement could be a sign of structural problems of the company, and reduce its profits significantly.

IMC stock dropped 1% this week.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Imperial Navy drives Rebels out of the Kashyyyk system

Date: 141007
Planet: Kashyyyk System

Story: (Written by the Galactic News Agency, Ramona doesn't write IC).

The Kashyyyk system is rife with military and para-military outposts in addition to the civilian orbital station controlling traffic to and from the planet. Next to the Empire, the rebel alliance as well as various organisations have a presence in the system, and space travel outside the heavily patrolled neutral sector is dangerous for just about every faction.

With commitments all over the sector, the Imperial Navy had not been able to muster enough forces in the Kashyyyk system to pacify it for some time, but yesterday, a combined task force of Claw Squadron and RID, together with elements from Dark Flight, conducted extensive operations in the entire system, hunting down rebel forces and securing various outposts.

In an early phase, the Imperial ships took control of a rodian station, then, after a short rally at the Imperial Outpost, moved on to secure the Avatar station, an operation foiled by a rebel strike with a single, almost suicidal vessel right before the task force could land a marine detachment on the station.

Despite this setback, and despite the loss of a command ship afterwards, the Imperial forces rallied, and denied the rebels control of three independent outposts as well as striking repeatedly at the rebel outpost until, after more than one hour of intense fighting, a crucial rebel scout ship was hunted down, crippling rebel command structure, and allowing the Navy to quickly secure the independent outposts, followed by the Avatar station.

Independent experts are a of yet unsure how long the Navy will remain in control of those areas, but for the immediate future, rebel presence in the Kashyyyk system has been decimated.

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Swoop crashes into building in Farpoint Valley

Date: 131007
Planet: Tatooine
Region: Farpoint Valley

Story: (Written by the Galactic News Agency, Ramona doesn't write IC).

Last night, residents of Farpoint Valley were shaken up when a swoop crashed into a building near Jailbirds. The swoop was piloted by a patron just leaving Jailbirds, and the vehicle was seen to swerve wildly before the collision, leading to the assumption that the pilot lost control of it right after starting it. The building suffered only superficial damage, but the swoop was seriously damaged and the pilot injured.

The reason for the accident are not yet known. Neither a technical malfunction nor driving under the influence of mind-altering substances can be discarded as the cause of the accident as of yet. From what is known, the pilot lost consciousness twice while visiting the club, and the staff was in the process of calling in medical assistance when the pilot left.

Soon afterwards, a shuttle landed on site and took the injured and bleeding driver away while a medic treated his wounds. City officials did not comment on the incident yet, citing that an investigation was under way.

Technical problems do not stop convoy

Date: 131007
Planet: Tatooine/Corellia System
Region: Farpoint Valley

Story: (Written by the Galactic News Agency, Ramona doesn't write IC).

The weekly convoys of the Intergalactic Mining Company from Farpoint Valley, Tatooine to Coronet, Corellia, saw a lot of pirate attacks in the past. As a reaction, IMC has stepped up security. This week’s convoy was escorted by two ships from the Imperial Navy as well as a freelancer in an Incom T-65 “X-Wing”.

Under their cover, the freighter in the convoy - the YT-1300 class freighter "Corellia's Sun", a CorSec ship captained by Jascyn Siltar, together with the YT-1300 class "Exodus", flown by Wint Risden – made the trip through the pirate-infested Karthakk system without any trouble.

However, upon reaching the Corellia system, the “Exodus” suffered a communication failure, caused as far as is known by a collision with a smaller asteroid. Fearing a possible hijack, the “Corellia’s Sun” was sent ahead while the “Exodus” was guarded. The “Corellia’s Sun” landed safely at Coronet Starport, shortly afterwards followed by the “Exodus” after the problem was solved

IMC rose 7 % at the Coronet stock exchange.

Third Karaoke Night won by Syrehna Armmi

Date: 131007
Planet: Tatooine
Region: Farpoint Valley

Story: (Written by the Galactic News Agency, Ramona doesn't write IC).

The third Karaoke Night in Farpoint Valley’s Grindhouse Bar saw a wide range of performance six days ago. Jeric sang a rather unconventional song centered on pants – which he was wearing, for those wondering if he was performing in hot pants. Dayla made a lasting impression with „Zabrak Bomb“, a song fitting the wild woman and was received with enthusiasm, followed by Mul-Bi with a spontaneous love song. Kayet, in her first performance in Farpoint Valley, sang „Dancing Queen“, to the enjoyment of the audience. Syrehna Armii, the final performer of the night, won the Karaoke Night with her „Smuggler’s Blues“.

The young entertainer received a surprize prize, which turned out to be an egg that hatched a red-skinned Baby Tulrus. To the disappointement of at least one among the people present, the animal was not turned into a protein drink, but adopted as a pet by Syrehna.

Space Battle in the Naboo System

Date: 121007
Planet: Naboo System

Story: (Written by the Galactic News Agency, Ramona doesn't write IC).

After on going battles in the Corellia system, another trade hub, the Naboo system, saw intense fighting a week ago. From what is known, the focus of the battle was Rori’s orbit.

This is not surprising. Rori, more quite, more rural than sophisticated Naboo, has been rumored to be a hotbed of rebel activity even before the city of Restuss was reduced to rubble following a week-long battle between rebel and imperial forces, and while the exact location of suspected rebel bases may not have been known, their existence was not doubted in many circles – especially not seeing that even after the destruction of the city, ground forces kept clashing there.

So, in order to cut off the rebel supplies, the Imperial Navy was sent ahead to take control of the orbit of Rori. As was to be expected, strong rebel forces opposed them. A first clash occured when the two forces met halfway between Naboo and Rori, during which the rebel attackers were wiped. A second group of rebels, massing near an asteroid for a flank attack, was spotted later and dealt with, before a straight high-speed attack caught and destroyed rebel forces in the process of fleeing from Rori.

The Imperial Navy declared the system secure „for the moment“ in the aftermath of this battle.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Another convoy lost!

Date: 031007
Planet: Tatooine/Karthakk System
Region: Farpoint Valley/Voria's Ember

Story: (Written by the Galactic News Agency, Ramona doesn't write IC).

The weekly convoy of the Intergalactic Mining Company from Farpoint Valley, Tatooine to Coronet, Corellia, remains one of the more dangerous contracts for spacers in the Outer Rim. The YT-1300 class freighter "Corellia's Sun", together with the YT-2400 class "TTC-Racing Sky", lifted off Tatooine last night. While the refueling operation in the Karthakk system - apparently the YT-2400 was acting as a tanker - was completed without trouble, the small convoy was jumped by several pirates on the way out of system.

In the following fight, both ships were disabled, with the crew of the "TTC-Racing Sky" abandonning the ship after attempts to repair the reactor failed. The "Corellia's Sun", according to reports suffering from an electronic malfunction, was disabled and her cargo destroyed, but was towed to Lok.

While the fate of the TTC-Racing Sky is not known, it is assumed the ship was destroyed, since its structural integrity had been suffering from several crashes and damage taken in the past. The Tatooine Trading Corporation did not comment on it other than announcing that there were more, newer ships at their disposal.

The Intergalactic Mining Company did not comment on rumors that insufficient escort numbers were the cause of the recent loss.

IMC shares fell 5 % at the Coronet stock exchange.

Winterfest Party in Outpost Epsilon Under Attack

Date: 031007
Planet: Lok
Region: Outpost Epsilon

Story: (Written by the Galactic News Agency, Ramona doesn't write IC).

The relatively new Outpost Epsilon on Lok, guarded by the 121st Imperial Task Force Aurek, is not just an Imperial base, but also a trade outpost with a substantial number of civlian settlers. Three days ago, troopers and civilians together celebrated the Winterfest, a traditional holiday in the Outer Rim. Unfortunately, another tradition was held on too - an attack during the celebration.

When the guests and residents, escorted by imperial stormtroopers, arrived at the "Dusty Pauldron", a new cantina in the Outpost, they found it occupied by a lrage number of so-called nightsisters - force wielding, rancor riding savages native to Dathomir. The raiders quickly attacked, and the guests - with a few exceptions - scattered, seeking refuge in a nearby theatre while brave troopers held the attackers and their huge beasts at bay.

After a few tense minutes, enough troopers were rallied to counter attack, and in a lengthy battle the attackers were driven back, routed and decimated, although not without losses among troopers and civilians alike. Fortunately, several medics and doctors were at hand, to save a number of the casualties.

Footage from the attack:



But despite the violent start, the festivities continued, and soon the celebration was in full swing, helped along by free drinks and the entertainment. The Neutron Pixies started on stage, followed by a surprise performance of Myxie and Ronin'Jekknai' dancing underwater on stage, and a costume contest. First prize, 3'000'000 credits, was won by Iwoci in her stormtrooper dancer costume.

So while the attack remains mysterious - how exactly those Nightsisters arrived on Lok is not known, nor the reason for the attack - the party itself was a clear success.

Monday, October 1, 2007

More Fighting in the Corellia System

Date: 011007
Planet: Corellia System

Story: (Written by the Galactic News Agency, Ramona doesn't write IC).

The battles in the Corellia System do not seem to end. A major engagement between a task force of the Imperial Navy and elements from the Rebel Alliance happened in the system two days ago, the third within a month.

From what is known, the battle centered around a Decimator from the Onyx Squadron and three strike groups from the Claw and Crimson Squadron, first engaging in a hunt for a rebel traitor, then focussing on driving out rebel forces from the system and taking control of the not-so-secure Route ID-5N. Despite being outnumbered, the insurgents held their ground, launching several almost suicidal attacks on the imperial forces and foiling the imperial units deployments repeatedly. The core of the rebel forces was an armed Nova Courier and a converted YT-1300 class freighter, supported by several heavy strike fighters of the Vaksai class.

While the outcome was not decisisive, atrition was visible among rebel forces in the final phases of the fighting, and the Imperial Navy claimed to have completed two of their core objectives during the battle. They did not comment on how many objectives they had in total, citing security reasons.

The effects of such prolonged fighting on the trade lanes are still in dispute. While the Empire maintains that only the presence of experienced Imperial pilots keeps pirates and insurgents at bay and provides safety for legitimate trade, there are reports of pirates attacking a Decimator in Corellia’s orbit only hours before the last battle. While the Decimator managed to shoot down one attacker before breaking contact, it is a sure sign that the system is not as secure as the Empire claims.

Swoop gang race sees surprise winner

Date: 011007
Planet: Tatooine
Region: Mos Eisley

Story: (Written by the Galactic News Agency, Ramona doesn't write IC).

While not an occasion that was well-advertised in the Royal Times of Naboo, or the Coruscant Times, most residents of Tatooine were aware of the swoop race and up and coming swoop gang held near Mos Eisley two days ago. Not only is swoop racing a popular activity both among the law-abiding and less law-abiding sentients in the area, but it was part of a bigger party, and as anyone knows, drinks draw crowds, no matter the host.

That said, the swoop race saw a surprise winner: Not a swooper or veteran swoop racer, but a newcomer to the racing scene, a lady named Alico, won the competition. It remains to be seen if she will continue to leave her mark on the legal and illegal racing scene, but from what is known, she was a refreshing change from the usual rough and tough racers.

Og course, on Tatooine, a certain toughness is required, as was evident when two bounty hunters crashed the party to capture a mark, succeeding by what was reported. Given the nature of many of the people present at the party, it is not surprising that there are few details known about this incident, but anyone attending the next such race would be well advised to take some precautions.