Thursday, November 29, 2007

Mon Calamari musician dies in Chalmun's

Date: 291107
Planet: Tatooine
Region: Mos Eisley

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

Mon Calamari are not too common sight on Tatooine, due to the dry air and heat. However, a number of the amphibians manage to visit, some even live on the planet, despite the - for them - unpleasant climate. One of the frequent visitors was Viktroo, an aspiring musician.

Last night he entered Chalmun's, ordered a drink, and then started to chat with a few of his friends and acquaintances when he suddenly collapsed. Despite the efforts of a nearby twi'lek entertainer who tried to adminster first aid, the mon calamari died on the floor of the cantina. Wuher vehemently denied having tampered with the drink, and an investigation found no poison or other harmful substance in the drink's remains - at least nothing more dangerous or harmful than cheap liquor.

As it turned out, fast growing algae had choked Viktroo by clogging his lungs. From what is known the musician had been suffering from this for a few days, and thought the hot, dry air of Tatooine would help. THe speed with which he died, and the resilence of the algae caused some suspicion among the witnesses, and speculation about a possible assassination by a bioweapon circulated. This would fit with the rumor that Viktroo had been hiding and on the run in the last few days, trying to contact Thaesus Andromeda, which he left his money too as well. The reasons for his trubles, as well as the role of Andromeda in this are as of this date still unknown.

Mon Calamari visiting Tatooine may be well-advised to be careful in case this algae prove to be contagious.

Footage from Viktroo's last moments:

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Azure Sands Cantina and Spa opens in Azure Hills

Date: 211107
Planet: Dantooine
Region: Azure Hills

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

Dantooine, mostly known for its agrarian economy, and the recent influx of hunters of all kinds in its northern regions, also has other attractions. One of the most recent is the Azure Sands cantina and Spa, in the aptly named Azure Hills.

The venue opened today with a party hosted by Tylera, life day themed - early by a month, but a good way to show that the clichee of "quiet, slightly behind the times" Dantooine may be passing. The cantina offers a luxurious spa, and a large dancing area, as well as tables to eat and VIP rooms.

The town itself has no official shuttleport yet, but a provisional landing was installed to allow easier access, which worked out well - apart from some unfortunate incident when a shuttle was mistaken by a marauding Graul for a food delivery.

As the small clip shows, the party went on though:




Here at Holonews, we'll be watching the location for more such events - it could turn out to be the next hotspot.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Pirate activity intensifies

Date: 211107
Planet: Tatooine/Karthakk System
Region: Farpoint Valley/Lok Space Station

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

After last week's pirate troubles, this week's convoy of the Intergalactic Mining Company from Farpoint Valley, Tatooine to Coronet, Corellia, received increased security. However, the convoy consisting of Captain Splenda Sugar's "Splenda's Pride" and the "Alarris Vengeance" of Captain Halcyon, both Nova Courier-class ships, was off to a bad start when a contracted Vaksai heavy fighter suffered engine troubles and had to drop out, reducing the number of escorts to one starfighter, a heavy Scyk.

The convoy continued the scheduled trip despite this, but was ambushed in the Karthakk system by two Incom T-65 X-Wing starfighters, one of which was destroyed by the escort, the other by the turret gunners of "Splenda's Pride", which suffered minor armor damage during the fight in an asteroid field. Another two pirates were dealt with at the Trade Federation Refueling station by the escort, before the convoy hypered out to Corellia.

Even there, another pirate attacked near Corellia's Orbit, damaging the escorting fighter as well as the "Alarris Vengeance". Both managed to make landfall safely however, and the cargo was delivered in its entirety.

IMC shares rose 6 % at the Coronet stock exchange. Analysts remain doubtful however, if the company found a remedy against the troubles with pirates.

Clash in Deep Space

Date: 211107
Planet: Deep Space

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

Today the sector command of the Imperial Fleet confirmed reports stating that four days ago there were extensive combat in Deep Space. While the statement did not go into details, it also named units involved - the 121st Onyx Squadron, Claw Squadron, and elements from RID.

Since the press release did not contain any information about the outcome of the fighting, and no claims of victory have come forth from the usual channels with ties to the Rebel Alliance, the consensus among experts is that the battles ended inconclusive. Some speculate that this may be the start of further, similar operations designed to bring the Rebel Alliance down through atrition, but so far there's nothing known to support this. Others point out that Deep Space remains one of the most contested sectors in space, where rebel and imperial ships clash daily, so the operation four days ago could have just been the result of unplanned escalation of a skirmish.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Miner camp destroyed on Mustafar

Date: 171107
Planet: Mustafar
Region: Eastern Mustafar

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

Last night a miner base near Berken's flow was found devastated, its buildings shot up and the bodies of the miners strewn accross the area. Many of the bodies has been mutilated by local animals, but the buildings showed clear blaster burns.



Droid tracks and an abandonned repulsorlift, damaged, were found inside the base. The tracks led away from the camp, and nearby a search party discovered the remains of a sullustan that apparently had been killed by a Tulrus pack and whose description matched the one that had rented the repulsorlift earlier at the Mendrix Mining Facility. The whole incident remains a mystery, but early findings indicate combat droids as the most likely attackers based upon weapon signatures. There were also signs of missing crates, although no ore was found missing in the camp.

Today the dead sullustan was identified as Okowwi Emied, a manager of the Intergalactic Mining Company which had been missing for two months. He was under investigation concerning possible embezzlement. His role in this incident is not clear yet, but there are no records of him having any position in that camp.

The current manager of the Farpoint Valley office of IMC, Kimisei Bythmi, did not comment on the case, citing the need for further information before a statement could be released.

IMC stock fluctuated this week, but did not drop further.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

An interview with Zess

Date: 151107
Planet: Tatooine
Region: Mos Eisley

By Kereiu Blackduster, Galactic News Agency

GNA: So, Mister... Zess? Borombo? Accounts differ about your name. Nevertheless, GNA thanks you for giving us an interview…
Zess: It's just Zess man.....who told you to call me Borombo?
GNA: Just a rumor.
*Zess slouches back in the seat.*
Zess: Alright...well make with questions then.
GNA: In any case - you are quite famous, or infamous on Tatooine and even other planets on the Outer Rim. What exactly do you attribute this notority to?
Zess: I'd say it'd be my gang life....I've got a neck at bringin out the worst in people...
GNA: Would you care to elaborate?
Zess: Whats there to elaborate? I laugh at the expense of other people on a daily basis and I guess they never seem to forget.....would you forget the person who set your anger off like a time bomb?
GNA: I did not met many such. Why exactly do you set people off?
Zess: It's fun.
GNA: Isn't it dangerous?
Zess: I can take a punch, bro...see these scars?
*Zess points to his face.*
GNA: Yes.
Zess: People need to be reminded that they're not gods... thats where I come in.
GNA: By serving as a punching bag?
Zess: These bastards are built up so big...so huge that they think they're almost flawless and they can just stomp on anybody with a deformity. Small price to pay for the smiting of their egos.
GNA: What deformity?
Zess: Any deformity....I take care of my own...the homeless kids, the ragamuffins hangin on a limb around the streets of Eisley? Thats my posse. The only people worthy of my attention.
GNA: You seem to focus a lot of attention on those "high class" people though…
Zess: In my spare time, I give 'em shit...steal from them, then give it all back to the broken community. The more time I spend with the uppity folks, the more I have to bring back.
GNA: Isn't stealing wrong?
Zess: Stealing isn't wrong with the dick in possessions of all those worldly goods doesn't deserve 'em.
GNA: So, you'd consider yourself a social rebel?
Zess: I don't know, man.
GNA: You have been hurt often. Did you ever try to take a different approach to get to your goals than up in your face, punching?
Zess: When my bros were around it was easier. You may have heard of 'em? Tetka, Cirkof, Mallus....we always got what we want when we worked together. But now? It's just me...it's near impossible to intimidate a prick when you're one man.
GNA: An infamous if short-lived gang. Is that the sort of life you aspire to? To terrorize people?
Zess: I went through thirty eight years of terrorization, I think they can take some of the same poison ...would do 'em good.
GNA: Do you consider your own suffering as justification to visit the same sort of violence on others?
Zess: You got it.
GNA: Do you have any friends?
Zess: No.
GNA: Anyone that sympathises with you?
Zess: The hell I don't know man. You think I can somehow magically jump into someone's head??? I'm not a micro-organism that can just walk around in some bantha spit's mind… I don't want sympathy. I'm happy with myself.
GNA: What about Cpike Morningstar?
Zess: What about him? He chooses all those other uppity shmucks over this. I can't exist in his annoying world.
GNA: Did you ever try this?
Zess: What?
GNA: Live in his circles
Zess: Yes.
GNA: When and where?
Zess: I don't remember when....it all took place on Tatooine. When my gang dispersed I thought I needed somebody so I changed my hair, dressed up, turned into a dapper twit...even went into Imperial service work. But it was the same page...the same dry, snide looks...
GNA: How long did you try?
Zess: Three weeks at the least. Nobody's going to accept me no matter how I look, act, smell or whatever constitutes as a person of value. So why bother acting like they want me to when I can do the exact opposite?
GNA: Apart from your old friends?
Zess: Ya apart from them. But they're a dying breed...now everywhere I go it's the same tourists, the same high collar crime syndicates, the same cops and imperial zealots....
GNA: So, you and Cpike broke up?
Zess: The hell do you mean "Break up?! We weren't a god damned couple!
GNA: Well, there were rumors...
Zess: Well they're NOT true!
GNA: … and you seem quite agitated…
Zess: Oh really!? Quite perceptive we are! Next flippin question...
GNA: Do you have a girlfriend?
Zess: No...
GNA: Are you single by choice?
Zess: Ya. I don't need anybody...remember? They only hold me back.
GNA: A lone wolf then?
Zess: Right.
GNA: Yet you claim you work for others, ragamuffins and street urchins. Why?
Zess: They're seen as the biggest ass boils on the face of the cosmos...like I was when I was..---nevermind. The point is they deserve my help...and I'm the only one capable of getting them the tools they need for survival. I don't expect anyone to understand.
GNA: But do you push them away as well when they want to get close to you?
Zess: They don't know me by face.....I disguise myself.
GNA: Why? Are you afraid of people becoming your friends?
Zess: Because I want to be anonymous...what the hell? I don't have to answer those questions.
GNA: Are those too personal?
Zess: Ya ...too personal
GNA: You seem to be a lot like the stereotypical "hard shell, soft core" man.
Zess: Look bro..I didn't ask for your opinion about me..I came for the god damned questions and the questions alone... You keep mouthin off, that skid mark of a face goes smashing into that datapad screen got it?
GNA: So, you would disagree with that statement?
Zess: Just drop it, alright? Next question...
GNA: Do you have any plans when you "sting" "high society", or do you just act randomly?
Zess: When I'm stealin something heavy...I make a game plan....anything else? I improvise.
GNA: You are said to be a heavy substance abuser, of spice in particular. Ay truth to this?
Zess: A hundred percent truth.
GNA: Did it have any negative consequences for you so far?
Zess: Besides puking, which I can take? Nah.
GNA: No personality changes?
Zess: No..
*Zess arches his brow*
GNA: Do you have anything you'd like our readers to know?
Zess: Don't bring up this interview if you see me in person.
GNA: And as a final question: Do you expect to die every day you get up?
Zess: Death is a non-issue for me.
GNA: Not for many others though, I assume - your death, that is.
GNA thanks you for the interview, Mister Zess.
Zess: Ya whatever.
*A cleaning droid appears and starts working on the seat Zess sat in*

Suspected spice smuggler shot down

Date: 141107
Planet: Tatooine
Region: Western Dune Sea

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

Tonight, a YT-2400 class freighter was intercepted while nearing Tatooine by an Imperial Patrol. When told to stop and prepare to be searched, the freighter tried to run, but was pursued and critically damaged by the TIE Interceptor above Tatooine, crashing on the planet as a result. According to the authorities, the freighter was probably carrying contraband, spice by the lack of energy signatures on a preliminary sensor scan. In order to warn off others, footage of the incident has been released:




The vessel crashed in the Western Dune Sea area on Tatooine. When a recovery team arrived at the site, they found only a burning wreck however - and burn marks of a small shuttle that took off from the site. The cargo of the ship - food crates - was found strewn and partially burned outside the ship, as well as several armored bodies.

Footage from the crash site:



The incident is still under investigation, but scavenger activity supposedly has ruined a lot of the evidence - at least if one believes official sources.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Medical emergency leads to fighting

Date: 141107
Planet: Tatooine/Karthakk System
Region: Farpoint Valley/Lok Space Station

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, encountered more troubles last night when a medical emergency forced the YT-1300 class freighter "Daughter's Promise" to enter an orbit around Lok waiting to dock to deliver a collapsed crew member to a med center on the station.

The convoy, consisting of the "Daughter's Promise" and three escorting ships, was then attacked by two pirate ships, from reports a dunelizard and an Incom T-65 X-Wing. Following a swift dogfight, all escorts as well as the freighter were left drifting with shot engines. While the freighter crew stalled for time, one escorting fighter managed to jury-rig repairs, and re-engage the pirates. However, even after emergency repairs, the freighter was shot up another time, and ended up drifting again, the snubfighter of the brave pilot getting blown up as a demonstration. The Dunelizard, which had required assistance from the X-Wing to become mobile earlier, ended up disabled however.

A patrolling TIE Interceptor intervenend at this point, but was dispatched by the pirate X-Wing while the crew of the "Daughter's Promise" tried desperately to get it moving again. Despite their struggles, the recently commisioned freighter could no be repaired by them, and jettisoned the cargo - asteroid ore - after more pressure from the pirates.

However, the cargo had been mixed with detonators, and while the X-Wing, warned by droids, managed to escape, the Dunelizard was blown up while the "Daughter's Promise" ended up towed to the orbital station together with the surviving escorts.

The Intergalactic Mining Company did not comment on the affair yet, and no information concerning the collapsed crew member was released.

IMC shares fell 5,5 % at the Coronet stock exchange.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Talus Space Station under attack

Date: 121107
Planet: Corellia System

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

About a week after rebel forces attacked a prisoner transport in the Corellia system, more fighting erupted in the system. According to first reports, Imperial forces consisting of Claw, Onyx, Crimson and RID squadrons swept through the system, searching and destroying rebel units in the vicinity of Talus before focussing their attention on two space stations.

At first, the CorSec station near Secure Route ID-5N was in the midst of the fighting, its crew observing the destruction of multple rebel fighters and one rebel Nova Courier. Soon afterwards, the Imperial task force set course for Talus, taking control of the orbital station after fending off a last-ditch rebel assault.

Fed-Dub declined to comment on the affair, citing regulations that prohibited commenting on cases under investigation. Independent strategy experts took note that by all accounts, rebel forces were greatly outnumbered during the battle, and took this as a sign that the Empire may have achieved a successful concentration of forces in the area after several unsuccessful attempts to overwhelm the opposition in the past. How long this advantage would last was in dispute, since in the past, the Imperial Navy usually re-allocated ressources after such a victory, leading to rebel units managing to rebuild their bases and fleet units in the sector. Short-term, mercenaries may be used to fill the gaps. Unscrupulous freighter captains might also find business opportunities in supplying the reeling rebels.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Asteroid Ore business boosts IMC stock

Date: 071107
Planet: Tatooine
Region: Farpoint Valley

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

The Intergalactic Mining Company delivered the first cargo of asteroid ore last night to their partners on Corellia. IMC, which has had experienced troubles in the past due to pirate attacks, has recently started up an asteroid mining branch as well, to compensate for flagging planetary ore sales as well.

A large quantity of asteroid iron – over 5000 units – was transported to Corellia on board the TTC-Sunbeam, a YT-2400 class ship chartered from the Tatooine Trading Corporation. The TTC-Sunbeam had been damaged two weeks ago in the Karthakk system by pirates, but has been repaired and upgraded since. The new weapons that TTC had installed, Null-Bolts, proved their worth last night, driving off a number of uncoordinated pirate attacks around the Trade Federation Refueling Station in the Karthakk system with ease.

While the stock market reacted favorably to this, some analysts remarked that IMC’s profits may suffer once the sectors more organised pirate groups become more active again – the recent lull in pirate activity, which IMC used to transport ore without escorting ships, is not expected to endure for long, and the highly profitable asteroid ore might draw more attention to the convoys than IMC could handle.

IMC shares rose 5% at the Coronet Stock Exchange.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Prisoner Transport Attacked

Date: 061107
Planet: Corellia and Dathomir System

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

An Imperial prisoner transport was attacked two days ago in the Corellia system by strong rebel forces. According to eye witnesses, rebel starfighters jumped a convoy gathered at the talus orbital station. Despite the escorting TIE fighters decimating the attackers, the transport was disabled by fast rebel strike craft carrying anti-capital ship ordnance. However, the following attempts by rebel transports to board the craft failed when the rebels were repulsed and the prisoner – thought to be a high ranking rebel officer – was transferred to a Decimator-class patrol ship under fire, which managed to jump out of the system.

A last ditch effort in the Dathomir system by another rebel task force was foiled when the main part of the escorting interceptors engaged the rebels while the transport and a smaller group of escorts took a different route, reaching the planet unopposed.

It is assumed that the Empire will gain crucial information about the rebel forces in the sector from the interrogation of the prisoner, whose identity is not yet known, but who was supposedly captured following the battle in the Corellia system over a week ago.

Friday, November 2, 2007

„Secure Route“ becomes deathtrap

Date: 021107
Planet: Corellia System

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

Five days ago, the Corellia system saw once again massive fighting when rebel forces tried to take control of the Route ID-5N by stationing several NOVa-class patrol ships and converted YT-class freighters there, supported by snubfighters.

The Imperial Navy scrambled fighters in response, and drove the rebel ships off, starting a series of engagements that took part all over the system. From what witnesses report, there was a veritable manhunt for a few ships that led to long chases.

During 90 minutes, several more attempts to control both Route ID-5N and the nearby CorSec Outpost happened, but neither the Empire nor the Rebel Alliance succeeded in securing a distinct advantage. Combattant losses are classified, and civilian losses are still under investigation, but with a main space lane becoming a battlefield and both sides using converted freighters in their fleet for transport and other missions, chances are that a number civilian freighters were mistaken for combat ships by intercepting snubfighters.

The Diktat released a statement to stress that the politics of Corellia did not undergo any change as a reaction to this battle, and that any adjustment would only be made after careful consideration.