Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Deserters going pirate?

Date: 260808
Planet: Tatooine/Naboo System/Ord Mantell
Region: Farpoint Valley/Nova Orion Station

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

With the galactic civil war dragging on for years, morale is becoming a problem for both sides and both forces are losing men to desertion. In the case of pilots, they often seem to take their ships with them - from starfighter to corvettes.

In a galaxy torn apart by war, what will those deserters do? Some may change sides, and re-enter the war. Others however will most likely fend for themselves any way they can - and in the case of soldiers, this is usually a violent way. And among those kind of deserters, old hostility often is dropped together with the old rank.

This might explain the odd case of an A-Wing and a TIE Bomber attacking the last IMC Convoy one week ago in the Naboo system. The IMC Convoy consisting of Captain Ryian Coron's YT-1300 "Spinning Cloud" and Captain Aenius Bosk's Vigo-class freighter "Vengeance" had already met with problems when engine troubles on the "Vengeance" had delayed it. Then a scouting escort had been engaged upon entering the system at Penumbra Omen, and had been disabled after taking out the TIE Bomber. And when the Convoy arrived in the Naboo system at Kylanthia's whim, the A-Wing attacked them damaging the "Vengeance" before it was taken out.

The following footage was taken from a civilian craft which witnessed this attack:



After conducting emergency repairs the convoy continued to Ord Mantell, arriving safely and with the cargo intact.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Korris Sprint attacked!

Date: 210808
Planet: Tatooine
Region: Mos Entha

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

Two days ago, Blackwater employee Korris Sprint and five of his co-workers were attacked by a man in a black cloak, with googles masking his upper face. From what witnesses told, the fight started after Sprint pushed the cloaked man away, and there may have been an exchange of words prior to that.

The fight itself lasted no longer than 2 minutes, and saw Sprint and his co-workers knocked out in short order. Unconfirmed reports speak of lightsabers and force powers being used during the fight.

Once the group was unconscious, another man in a dark cloak placed a figurine of a dragon on the chest of Korris Sprint and the two men disappeared. There is speculation that this was a warning or retaliation related to Blackwater's mercenary work.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

An Interview with Korris Sprint

Date: 130808
Planet: Tatooine
Region: Farpoint Valley

By Sila Synergy, Galactic News Agency

GNA: "Greetings, Mister Sprint."
Korris Sprint: "Evening, Ma'am."
Korris Sprint smiles at you.
GNA: "Thank you for this interview"
Korris Sprint: "My pleasure. Always happy to answer questions for the media."
GNA: "Now, you've led a very interesting life so far. A military career, and some turbulent civilian enterprises. What made you enter the military?"
Korris Sprint smirks at that as he sits back. He rubs at his jaw a moment, looking slightly amused.
Korris Sprint: "Um, well I was about sixteen when I did so. My father served in the Republic Navy... and I had a wife that was killed in a Rebel attack. So, as you can imagine I was highly motivated."
GNA: "And you rose through the ranks."
Korris Sprint nods at you.
GNA: "You led the sector fleet in a few battles, if our information is correct."
Korris Sprint: "That's correct, while in command of the I.A.S Event Horizon."
GNA: "What made you resign from service?"
Korris Sprint clears his throat slightly and quirks his lips in thought.
Korris Sprint: "Well, I had a couple of them. Primarily though, I had a family, settling down and what not. Adopted son and all. Didn't think it was appropriate anymore."
GNA: "Was it a big change, going from the military to the civilian life?"
Korris Sprint chuckles softly and nods.
Korris Sprint: "Yeah, you could say that."
GNA: "What was the biggest change?"
Korris Sprint: "Hrmmm. The loss of the steady paycheck and some misunderstandings with the Imperial goverment, I think. Actually, I ended up being wanted. But, that's all been cleared up."
GNA: "Which brings us to our next question. Those misunderstandings. What exactly happened?"
Korris Sprint smiles every so softly.
Korris Sprint: "Actually, it was a bit of a mess with an ex girlfriend...."
Korris Sprint chuckles.
Korris Sprint: "They actually took a simple tailor, for a slicer."
GNA: "Who?"
Korris Sprint: "Toshiko Western. Most knew her as Treble, from Vagabond's Rest, and Soul's Peace."
GNA: "And what happened with her?"
Korris Sprint: "Oh, her and I have long sense parted ways. last I heard, she'd setup a little shop somewhere near the core worlds."
GNA: "I mean, what happened to lead to this misunderstanding which did keep a number of people busy tracking you?"
Korris Sprint: "You know, I'm not really sure. I wasn't told. On-going investigation and what not."
GNA: "So, what about the rumors of your involvement with organised crime?"
Korris Sprint blinks in disbelief at you.
Korris Sprint chuckles.
Korris Sprint: "Just that, I'm afraid. Rumors. I worked for a group of moisture farmers on Tatooine for awhile. But, no, organized crime?" *chuckles* "No."
GNA: "After this misunderstanding was cleared, what business did you enter?"
Korris Sprint: "Well, for the last couple of years I worked as a Private Investigator, with some cargo transport on the side. Completely above the bar, so to speak."
GNA: "This sounds rather exotic, in wartime. What are the kind of jobs you did?"
Korris Sprint chuckles softely in response.
Korris Sprint: "Um, as a P.I I did the usual. Tracking suspect unfaithful spouses, run away children. Helped the Telos Security Forces with a kidnapping once... Anyway, couple months back, was hired on by a Private Security Firm, Blackwater Galactic."
GNA: "Mercenaries?"
Korris Sprint: "I suppose you could call them that, sure."
GNA: "Isn't this a big change again?"
Korris Sprint smiles slightly.
Korris Sprint: "Not so much as going from Naval service to Civilian life, no. It's mostly the same sort of work I did solo, but I get a regular paycheck again"
Korris Sprint chuckles softly, smiling politely.
GNA: "So, you're not entering many combat situations?"
Korris Sprint smirks.
Korris Sprint: "Oh, hells no. I try and avoid it at all costs if I can.But, sometimes, y'know? Violence erupts. I'm Corellian, I can't exactly run from it. I'm sure you understand"
Korris Sprint smiles slightly.
GNA: "Yes. So, you were hired by Blackwater Galactic. Who is your boss?"
Korris Sprint smirks slightly and clears his throat.
Korris Sprint: "A young man by the name of Tamman Machman is the local corporate rep. he signs the checks and makes sure all of the paperwork is in order. I just make sure the jobs get done."
GNA: "This sounds like a clerk."
Korris Sprint chuckles politely at you.
Korris Sprint: "We have other nic-names for him, but sure. I'm the one with the military experiance. But he's a fairly sharp cookie. He's got a business mind and what all"
GNA: "So, do you work well together?"
Korris Sprint quirks a small grin.
Korris Sprint: "We have our moments, let's put it that way."
GNA: "Do you like your work?"
Korris Sprint: "Love it to death, actually. I get most of the same perks as I did in uniform, and the hours are better. But, I think the major bonus for me, is that I get to help people."
GNA: "And your family?"
Korris Sprint: "Uhh, well, my son is on Leave from the Navy himself, so I've been spending more time with him as of late. My recent girlfriend and I just decided to go our own ways as well. So it's just Jaeden and I. Work keeps me plenty busy."
GNA: "You have a rather striking record as a leader. Do you plan to form your own company in the future?"
Korris Sprint clears his throat a moment and shakes his head.
Korris Sprint: "Not really, no. I'm fairly happy with the way Blackwater is treating the crew and I, so for the forseeable future I'll likely stick with them. But honestly, I can't say for sure what the future holds."
GNA: "What are you most proud of among your achievements?"
Korris Sprint considers a moment, eyes narrowing.
Korris Sprint: "Y'know, I could say it was the time with the Navy, and all of the criminals, pirates and so forth I helped weed out. But I'd have to say it's raising my son. He's a good young man, in my opinion. I can't think of anything, or anyone that means more to me than he does."
GNA: "If you could do one thing undone that you did, change one action or decision you took, what would it be?"
Korris Sprint blinks at that a moment.
Korris Sprint: "if I could go back and undo something? Oyi, just one?"
GNA: "Yes."
Korris Sprint chuckles slightly.
Korris Sprint: "Hrmm. Damn, y'know, I'd have to say it would be the spice addiction. The poo-doo ruins your life. I was lucky that Treble and Jaeden were there to help pull me out of it."
GNA: "To conclude this interview, Mister Sprint, is there anything you'd like to tell our readers?"
Korris Sprint considers that a moment.
Korris Sprint: "Sure, don't harass the Storm Troopers. Poor men and women of this mighty Empire are just trying to do their jobs, and they have it tough as it is. Shame the way some folks treat them."
GNA: "Mr. Sprint, we thank you for this interview."
Korris Sprint: "Quite welcome Ma'am. Always happy to speak with the media."

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Politician cheating on his wife?

Date: 130808
Planet: Corellia
Region: Coronet

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

Viraep Cog, an upcoming politician from Coruscant, is currently on a trip to the Outer Rim "for personal reasons". Just how personal those reasons are is a question many of his peers on Coruscant are asking themselves when news reached them of the esteemed gentleman being seen with a female twi'lek in the Coronet Starport Bar. According to rumors, there even was a transaction of credits involved.

The Cog family's reputation suffered during the Clone Wars, when Viraep Cog's father, Dan Cog went missing under suspicious circumstances. No charges were made, but according to isndiers, treason was mentioned. Viraep Cog has struggled for a long time to restore his familiy's reputation, and his friends stated that it was inconceivable that he'd cheat on his wife, Marella D'Abo. They could not give a reason for his trip or clandestine meeting, however. Marella D'Abo did not comment, but has been talking with her laywer from what we hear from Coruscant.

Visitor dies to allergic shock

Date: 130808
Planet: Naboo
Region: Moenia

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

Travelling, especially in those trying times of the Galactic Civil War, is dangerous. Pirates, marauding insurgents, misguided patrols, faulty maps, and failing equipment all pose dangers to travellers in the Outer Rim. However, in this age of galaxy-wide travel, there are more subtle dangers as well, as a corellian traveller found out last night in Moenia's cantina.

Afebrie Bron, 60 years old, was on a short trip to Naboo "for personal reasons", as his family stated, and meeting a pair of acquaintances in Moenia while sampling the local specialities when he suddenly started to cough, lose his breath, and then died shortly afterwards, causing a short panic and rumors about poisoning.

As the autopsy revealed the cause of death was not poison, but an allergic shock to a local fruit used in his drink. Born and living on Tralus, Bron was not familiar with it, and didn't know he was allergic, much less with this severity.

The Moenia tourist office announced that they will update their visitor's guide to include a new warning, but also stated that this was the first such case in decades. Nevertheless, travellers are advised to always read up on guides before exploring new planets, and to be careful when sampling local cuisine.

Both the Bron family as well as the Moenia cantina, who suffered a loss of income and reputation, have announced lawsuits against each other.

"TTC Nova Sun" lost in Naboo system

Date: 130808
Planet: Naboo system

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

The Tatooine Trading Company, commonly known as TTC, announced today that last night, they lost their new YT-2400 class freighter "TTC Nova Sun" to a pirate attack in the Naboo system. The ship, chartered by Dr. Votin Serkual of the Theed University for an extended archeological expedition, arrived at the hyperspace jumppoint "Royal Way" on schedule, but then was waylaid by a pirate ship. According to the last comm transcriptions of the "Nova Sun", the attacker was a Nova Courier using Corellian Beamrail cannons. Despite resistance, the freighter was disabled and boarded. A patrolling TIE Oppressor reacted to the distress call, but arrived too late to stop the pirates from getting away.

The YT-2400 was damaged beyond repair during the attack. The bodies of three of the four crew members - captain Dal Sunstar, burned to death due to a plasma leak in the cockpit with crewman Leli Fiore, and crewman J'zk Fren, suffocated in the dorsal turret after a hull breach, were recovered - but the fourth crewmember, Klus Egata, as well as the passenger, Dr. Votin Serkual, are still missing, their fates unknown.

Dr. Votin Serkual, a historian, recently published his latest work, "Memories of a spacer in the war", based on the diary of Jun Helok from the Clone Wars, and is poised to get a tenure as professor after his next research project. The Theed University announced the hope of the entire faculty that Dr. Serkual will be found alive and unhurt, but fears the worst.

Lucky at the gambling table, unlucky in life

Date: 130808
Planet: Tatooine
Region: Mos Eisley

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

Gamblers often risk more than they can afford to lose when caught in a game, and people addicted to gambling are a common sight in many casinos. However, most gamblers adhere to the myth that luck comes in streaks - at some evenings, some lucky man cannot lose, and seems to be on a run. Many gamblers hope for such a lucky streak, even if they lose most of the time.

Last night, one gambler seemed to have hit on such a streak when he started to win several times in a row at the Jubilee table in Mos Eisley's Lucky Despot. However, his jubilant yells were suddenly interrupted when a figure in mandalorian armor approached him from behind, held a blaster to his head and, after a short exchange of words, shot the gambler, later identified as Kim Nova, 25 years old, dead.

Authorities investigating the death stated that there had been a bounty put on Nova, who had been wanted for running out on his gambling debts in several systems. The case is considered closed.

Ord Mantell becoming even more dangerous

Date: 130808
Planet: Tatooine/Naboo System/Ord Mantell
Region: Farpoint Valley/Nova Orion Station

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

The weekly IMC convoy has been getting better at evading pirate attacks in the Naboo system, but this seems to have driven the pirates to operate in less patrolled systems - such as the Ord Mantell system, the usual destination of the cargo IMC is shipping. Yesterday, Captain Ryian Coron's YT-1300 "Spinning Cloud" and Captain Ahi's Vigo-class freighter "Kom'rk", without a fighter escort, passed through the Naboo system without incident, but then were ambushed at the Nova Orion Station in Ord Mantell by an ARC-170 recon craft and a ship identified as a stolen TIE Bomber.

The following footage was taken from the flight recorder of the ARC-170, which was recovered after the attack:



The "Kom'rk" took armor damage, but no internal damage despite several torpedo and space bomb attacks, and the "Spinning Cloud" took no damage at all, and the cargo was delivered without significant delay.

A representative of the Nova Orion Station declined to comment on the questions why pirate ships could hide inside the station's hangar, referring to "ongoing investigations".

IMC stock was a bit volatile at the Coronet stock exchange, but closed with a slight plus.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Another rebel base falls

Date: 120808
Planet: Karthakk and Tatoo systems

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

The Imperial Fleet in the sector is using the momentum of their last string of successful offensives, and struck another blow at the rebels three days ago. After they had secured the Karthakk system and destroyed a rebel base there, the Imperial Task force under Commander Wezz Janson installed a supply base of their own in the Karthakk system and prepared to conduct search and destroy operations in the Tatoo systne, another known pirate and rebel haven.

The rebel alliance was not willing to sit and wait for the imperial starfighters to arrive, however, and struck at their base first, sending in several heavy fighters and a flight of Y-Wing bombers. Eyewitnesses reported heavy fighting near the hyperspace jumppoint "Voria's Ember". The imperial forces managed to fend off any attack and then went on the offensive, launching twostrikes at the rebel base in the Tatoo system.

Despite spirited defense by the rebel fighters and gunners on the station, the imperial bombers destroyed the base in the second attack wave before returning to the Karthakk system, where another rebel assault was taking place. The defense held though, and the last rebel attacks of the day were driven off.

According to several experts, the rebel alliance is expected to focus less on static bases as a response to the recent defeats, and switch to a more mobile mode of operations.

Kayet wins the sixth Karaoke Night in Farpoint Valley

Date: 120808
Planet: Tatooine
Region: Farpoint Valley

Four days ago, another Karaoke Night was held in the Grindhouse Bar in Farpoint Valley, the sixth in total. Again, a diverse crowd was drawn in to compete for the surprise prize, and as last time not just the winner received a prize, but also a random contestant - which had, together with the free drinks for any singer, a noticable effect on the willingness of the guests to step up on the stage. As the management of the bar was quoted "No threats or other similar means were used."

After a couple of fanfar songs by rodian businessman and musician Ikoogy Retoodi, and an introduction song by Ramona "There's a rebel in my life", the Karaoke night was officially opened by Kixx
(who also startled some of the audience by dancing topless during the event) with "Stop crying your heart out", followed by "Miss Starr and I". This performance was followed by "Corellian Whiskey in tha' jar-o" by Hannah. Coming up next was Neutron Pixie Kayet with "I kissed a Sith and liked it." The Korby took the stage with, in his own words, "a song for Nar'yk", "Tiny bubbles... in my ale". A newcomer, Gesoti Voslad, then entertained the crowd with a song from his home, "Everybody wants to got to heaven". Hannah then sang another song, "Fear of the Darth", until finally Nar'yk himself, after much cajouling, sang "It's been a while", before Korby brought the night to a close with "Rebellion Rap".

Kayet won the Karaoke Night, and her surprise prize turned out to be a cu pa egg that soon hatched. Kixx won the random drawing, which was revelaed to be a baz nitch. He donated the animal to the audience, and the bird was then served in an impromptu barbecue.

Resurgence of Piracy in Naboo

Date: 120808
Planet: Tatooine/Naboo System/Ord Mantell
Region: Farpoint Valley/Nova Orion Station

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

After several weeks of relative quiet, there's bee another attack on civilian shipping in the Naboo system. One week ago, an IMC convoy consisting of Captain Ryian Coron's YT-1300 "Spinning Cloud" and Captain Aenius Bosk's Vigo-class freighter "Vengeance", escorted by an X-Wing, was attacked during their stopover in the Naboo system on the way to Ord Mantell when two raiders surprised the "Vengeance".

Fortunately the attackers - an old ARC-170 recon fighter and a relatively new A-Wing interceptor - were destroyed without losses when the rest of the convoy arrived. The rest of the trip saw no further complications.

IMC stock dropped some at the Coronet stock exchange when the first news about the attack arrived, but recovered when it was announced that no damage was taken and no freight was lost. It remains to be seen if the recent operations by the Imperial Navy in the Karthakk system, a notorious pirate haven, will have any effect upon the pirate threat.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Rebel Base in Lok destroyed

Date: 030808
Planet: Lok and Yavin systems

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

Following their successful attack on a rebel supply base in Deep Space, the Imperial Fleet in the sector continues its offensive. In a search and destroy operation last night, a task force led by Commander Wezz hunted down another rebel supply station, this time in the notorious Lok system.

The task force was operating out of a temporary base in the Yavin system, for secrecy purposes. However, the base - a converted YE-4 gunboat - was compromised shortly after the operation was launched when a rebel A-Wing scout managed to find it and send its location to the waiting rebel fleet elements before getting dispatched by the task force.

In response to this, multiple rebel attacks by A-Wings, Vaksai fighters and Y-Wing bombers struck at the station, forcing the Imperial task force on the defensive. Despite the pressure, the imperials' own scouting elements managed to track down the rebel base, allowing the Imperial commander to send a strike unit at it.

Despite heavy rebel resistance by about a dozen X-Wings, the bombers got through and managed to destroy the rebel base. Meanwhile, a massive rebel attack at the imperial base was repulsed with severe losses for both sides.

Here is footage from the flight computer on board the YE-4 serving as base for the Imperial forces:

Ambush at Ord Mantell


Date: 030808
Planet: Tatooine/Naboo System/Ord Mantell
Region: Farpoint Valley/Nova Orion Station

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

It appears as if the security measures taken by the RSF are having an effect on piracy. Five days ago, the IMC Convoy Convoy from Farpoint Valley, Tatooine, to Nova Orion Station, Ord Mantell, did not encounter any pirate in the Naboo system during its stay there.



However, the pirates may just have changed their hunting grounds. Captain Ryian Coron's YT-1300 "Spinning Cloud" and Captain Euuko's Y-8 "Lost and Found", escorted by pilot Jatsin in his X-Wing, were attacked by a pirate raider in an unidentified Nova Courier and a starfighter or two shortly after reaching the Ord Mantell system. The two freighters broke through to the safety of the Nova Orion station while exchanging blaster fire with the attackers. The "Lost and Found" took some armor damage to the rear while the "Spinning Cloud" remained undamaged. In exchange, the Nova's front armor was nearly blown off. Jatsin engaged an attacking starfighter and managed to down it before his starfighter was disabled. He was towed to the station for repairs.

While the convoy itself went well, tragedy struck during the repairs. A new crew member of the "Lost and Found" was accidentally spaced while attempting to repair a damaged air lock. It is thought he misconnected the opening controls and opened the outer door instead of the inner.

IMC Stock rose 2% at the Coronet stock exchange.

Imperial counter offensive in Deep Space a success

Date: 030808
Planet: Deep Space

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

Recently, the Imperial Navy released to the press that one week ago, another Star Destroyer, the ISS "Punisher" was brought to Deep Space as flag ship of a counter offensive in response to the loss of the ISD "Vindicator" two weeks ago. Since then, skirmishing has gone on daily in the sector, and therefore most pilots taking part in the operation were well acquainted with the system.

The objective of the counter offensive was the destruction of the rebel supply station in Deep Space, with the goal of crippling rebel operations. As expected, the rebel fleet, morale high with their recent victory, started an attack on the Punisher, trying to cripple or destroy it. The rebel attackers - bombers and gunboats - were confronted with a solid defense, however, and the escorting fighters and patrol craft kept them from doing the Punisher serious harm.

Meanwhile, attack units led by Onyx Squadron's flagship struck repeated severe blows at the rebel station, finally destroying it despite heavy resistance from defenders.