Sunday, October 26, 2008

Coronet Cantina Grand Reopening Party held by Caly

Date: 261008
Planet: Corellia
Region: Coronet

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

A few years ago, Coronet was the center of commerce and trade of the galaxy, and its cantina was packed with guests and entertainers to the point of driving some of the more sensitive visitors out by sheer volume of noise. Since then, both city and cantina quieted down some, but the memories of its glory days are held dear by many. And some even do something about it.

Last night, the cantina was reopened, under new management. Miss Caly, a dedicated entertainer, launched a big reopening party to celebrate the occasion. As a special treat, she had hired The Neutron Pixies, the well-known dance troupe from Tatooine, to hold a show in the cantina, and danced herself with Ramona, Mae'lyn and Mekidra. Music was provided by Hawk'.

The show was centered around a song specially written for the occasion, and performed by Ramona, which traced Coronet's rise, decline, and rebirth as a center of commerce and entertainment. Despite encountering some technical troubles, the show went on for over 30 minutes.

Here's a small clip from the show. Due to aforementioned technical difficulties, Hawk's original soundtrack got lost, and was replaced by a studio soundtrack.



Attendance was good even though the audience did not reach the numbers regular visitors to Chalmun's in Mos Eisley are used to. On the other hand, there were no serious fights reported, and even the infamous Zess behaved - more or less.

Droid attack on trade compound turns into ambush

Date: 261008
Planet: Lok
Region: Central Lok

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

Our readers may remember the threats by Kegana Rimos against the town of Farpoint Valley on Tatooine. After her latest attack, it seems she has moved her focus to Lok, where she is suspected to be hiding.

Two days ago, Farpoint Valley resident and businessman Ikoogy Retoodi lost contact to a compound of his on Lok. Visiting troopers and employees of the Talus Government led by Lord Marius Sanguine volunteered to guard him while he travelled to Lok to check on the compound.

At first it seemed as if a storm had been the reason for the loss of communication, but upon reaching the location, the small group saw the buildings were damaged and the antenna destroyed - and several batlte droids were attacking. Despite the presence of a giant kimogila, the compound was cleared of droids and animals. There was no sign of the staff of the compound, until the kimogila's carcass was cut open, revealing the remains of Mr. Retoodi's staff. How they ended up partially digested, if they were attacked by the kimogila, or killed and fed to the beast, or fed to the animals alive, is not clear at this point.

While the investigation of the compound was still going on, a transport landed suddenly, deploying a number of Droideka combat droids, which proceeded to attack the people present. In the following, desperate fighting, General Tierce was wounded, as were other people, neccessating an immediate evacuation. The following footage was released by the Talus Government:

Convoy escapes catastrophe by a hair

Date: 261008
Planet: Tatooine/Naboo System/Ord Mantell
Region: Farpoint Valley/Nova Orion Station

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

Six days ago, another IMC Convoy encountered massive pirate troubles. The two freighters carrying ore from Tatooine to Ord Mantell, Captain Ryian Coron's YT-1300 "Spinning Cloud", and Captain Auros Drayen's YT-2400 "Midnight Runner", both flying under the flag of Coron Enterprises, were attacked near Rori by four pirate ships, despite having an Imperial TIE Interceptor as escort.

The pirates - an A-Wing, a Y-Wing, an old ARC-170 and a TIE Advanced, most likely a deserter, managed to shoot down the escort, and then fell on the two freighters. In the following battle, the "Midnight Runner" suffered a disabled engine while the "Spinning Cloud" took serious damage to her weapon systems, losing armor plating and a turret and a missile tube each before managing to shoot down the last pirate.

Afterwards, emergency repairs were conducted on the "Midnight Runner", and both freighters reached the Nova Orion Shipyards in Ord Mantell without further trouble, delivering the cargo on time.

Local IMC manager Kimisei Bythmi was quoted that the company trusted that no matter the odds, Coron Enterprises would deliver the cargo in time.

IMC stock rose 2 % at the Coronet Stock Exhange.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Battle Droids attack Farpoint Valley!

Date: 211008
Planet: Tatooine
Region: Farpoint Valley

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

Our readers may be familiar with a mad twi'lek named Kegana Rimos, who has threatened not just Holonews itself, but also the entire town of Farpoint Valley a week ago. While some may consider her a crazy nutcase, her ability to avoid the hunters seeking the bounty of 5 million credits on her head proved that she is not to be taken lightly. Even so, her threat of a droid army seemed more boast than substance - until last night.

Shortly before the regular IMC Convoy set off from the town, several shuttles landed, disgorging waves of battle droids of clone wars vintage - supported by Droidekas and even super battle droids!

The following footage was taken by a surveillance droid we placed in town as part of our increased security measures following last week's threats:



Fortunately, the citizens and visitors that had gathered in Jailbirds had their weapons and hand, and managed to defeat the attacking droids - although not without losses. Lord Marius Sanguine, governor of Talus, was wounded in the attack, as was captain Drake of the "Crimson Eclipse", veteran pilot. Both survived their injuries - and treatment - and are expected to be recovering fully.

Several employes of Coron Enterprises, a business new in town, were crucial in destroying the droids and the company's CEO, captain Ryian Coron, famous for piloting the "Spinning Cloud", was overheard planning to personally hunt down the mad twi'lek behind this.

Imperial Navy routs rebel space forces

Date: 211008
Planet: Tatoo System/Deep Space

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

Three days ago, the Imperial Navy struck a heavy blow against the Rebel Alliance. In a roving operation, rebel forces including several gunboats were decimated in the Tatoo system. The task force commanded by Wezz Jansonn - including the restored BSL squadron led by veteran Commanders Bain in his Decimator and Pace - then moved to Deep Space, where it engaged rebel starfighters in a battle over control of key points of the sector.

Despite courageous efforts on their part the rebel forces ended up routed and driven from the sector after a lengthy battle, leaving the Empire in control of Deep Space.

The following footage was released by the Imperial Navy, showing fighting in Deep space:



As of now it's unclear whether or not this resurging might of the Imperial Navy is a lasting change of the power balance of the sector, or if the Rebel Alliance will shift more ships back to the sector and regain the upper hand.

Two Imperial Freighters lost - Coincidence?

Date: 201008
Planet: Tatooine
Region: Farpoint Valley

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

Sources usually in the know leaked today that two weeks ago, an imperial freighter nicknamed "Torrent" dissappeared in the Kessel system after departing an Imperial Star Destroyer referred to as "Tormentor", and stationed in the Dathomir system. The cargo was not known, but rumored to be "experimental".

From what was leaked, the probable reason for the disappearance is an internal mechanical failure that occured while passing through the Corellian system en route to the core worlds. All crew are assumed to be lost. So far an investigation turned up nothing.

Then, a week ago, an imperial freighter being used as a scientific vessel was lost in the Endor system. All hands on board are assumed to have perished in an explosion, likely burned alive and incinerated.

While there are no links between those incidents - although the last freighter's flight computer and onboard database was lost, either in the explosion or later by illegal scavenging, which means any proof for a link may have disappeared - it seems quite the coincidence that in that short a time two vessels involved in experiments are lost.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Freighter transporting Rancors crashes west of Farpoint Valley

Date: 201008
Planet: Tatooine
Region: Farpoint Valley

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

Three days ago, a YT-2400 class freighter later identified as the "Serpent Strike" crashlanded west of Farpoint Valley. As it turned out the freighter carried several live rancors from Dathomir, one of which wandered into the town threatening the population until he was shot by an ad-hoc posse made up of visitors of Jailbirds, the local night club.



The people present - many of them members of the Talus garrison on leave, with the governor, Lord Sanguine himself present - quickly investigated the strange occurance, and following the tracks of the dead animal they arrived at the site of the crash landing, where they found more of the ferocious beasts. They attacked the large animals before they could threaten more civilians.



During the attack on the animals, however, they were attacked themselves by unidentified force users - presumed to be witches of Dathomir. Despite the surprise attack, the animals and their probable handlers were dealt with - permanently.

Then the freighter was searched, and the crew was found dead inside - electrocuted according to the first results from the coroner of the town. Investigations are continuing, even though the freighter was towed off the are soon after being secured. So far, the destiantion of the freighter was not released yet, nor the circumstances behind the strange cargo.

More pirate attacks than ever!

Date: 201008
Planet: Tatooine/Naboo System/Ord Mantell
Region: Farpoint Valley/Nova Orion Station

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

Last week's IMC Convoy, consisting of Captian Ryian Coron's "Spinning Cloud", Captain Drake's "Crimson Eclipse", recently repaired from damage taken the week before, and the "TTC-Shining Nebula", a chartered ship piloted by Jamayle, encountered more pirates than ever. Three pirate ships attacked the convoy in the Naboo system, disabling the "Shining Nebula" before being driven off or shot down by the other two convoy vessels.

After emergency repairs had been conducted, the convoy continued to the Ord Mantell system, where three more pirates ambushed it - an X-Wing, a Y-Wing and an older ARC-170. In a furious fight, all three pirates were destroyed, allowing the freighters to safely land on the station.

IMC stock fell 2 % at the Coronet Stock Exhange.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Holonews threatened!

Date: 131008
Planet: Tatooine
Region: Farpoint Valley

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

It is not often that we report news concerning ourselves, but sometimes, even the news agencies make news. This one of those occasions. A few days ago, we reported a droid attack on Farpoint Valley, carried on the orders of one Kegana Rimos. Business as usual, or so we thought.

This is a letter we recieved three days ago:

I see from the holonews that you got my little show the other day. Rejoice in your little victory while you can, because there's a lot more where that came from - this was just a small demonstration. There's no need for things to get ugly though. If you hand over the rodian along with my father's equipment and withdraw the bounty on me within a week, considerable property damage and causulties can be avoided. It's your choice, but don't underestimate me.

On another note: While the reporter that did the story seems a bit confused (those were not "several" droids, just a small handfull), I don't quite appreciate seeing my name in the news. So if you could direct me to the local news office, I'll show them just how many droids "several" is unless they stop printing my name in their stories.

/ Kegana Rimos


Following a long tradition of delivering news without giving in to pressure, the holonews will not be pressured into suppressing information by criminals. So, whatever crimes this woman commits, we will continue to report them.

However, out of concern for our reporters, and innocent bystanders that could be hurt in those mad attacks we are threatened with, we'll be revising our security procedures and are looking to expand our security division. Interested persons please contact our office.

Talus government sponsors party in Dearic

Date: 131008
Planet: Talus
Region: Dearic

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

Lord Marius Sanguine, Acting Governor of Talus and CEO of Shadow Blade Enterprises, dispelled any myth about his government facing serious troubles due to sabotage, rebel attacks and terrorist activities by throwing a party in the cantina in Dearic three days ago. Only days after his kidnapping, the acting governor was showing up in public without any sign of his ordeal, chatting with several businessmen and other important people.

Hightlight of the party was a performance of the Neutron Pixies, Tatooine's famous dancing troupe. Ramona, Mae'lyn, Ki'iana and the new recruit Mekidra presented an impressive display of synchronised dancing interspersed with solo acts to the music of famous artist Shakir.

Contrary to some expectations, no disturbances were reported during the party - a tribute to the security provided by the authorities, as well as the privately hired bodyguards.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Lord Marius Sanguine rescued from kidnapping!

Date: 091008
Planet: Lok
Region: Eastern Lok

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

Lord Marius Sanguine, Acting Governor of Talus and CEO of Shadow Blade Enterprises after Lord Blade's death, was reported to have fallen victim to a kidnapping by unknown assailants a day or two ago. The imperial forces at the service of of the government of Talus reacted swiftly though and managed to track the kidnapped politician, with the help of civilians. The lord was being held captive in an underground complex on Lok, east of the infamous slaver camp "New Dosha".

While the rescuers, dropped on location by a shuttle and a YT-1300, worked on cracking the heavily fortified complex, other troops secured the area. This was needed, as was shown when they were attacked by several people and droids just as Lord Marius was led out of the installation. It is not sure if those attackers were the original kidnappers, or just one of the numerous mercenary bands of Lok, but they were no match for the rescue forces, which held them off until Lord Marius had been carried to safety.

Here's footage of the rescue operation taken from the helmet camera of a trooper:

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Rebels escape imperial attack

Date: 071008
Planet: Lok
Region: Central Lok

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

Two days ago, an imperial strike force conducted an attack on a suspected rebel base on Lok. The ISD "Victory Assured" under Rear Admiral Marcus Rot, together with four Carrack-class cruisers and three Dreadnaught-class cruisers, was called in after the local garrison had detected a suspicious outpost.

After arriving in the Karthakk system, a dozen Sentinel-class transports and Theta-class transports dropped two companies of troops on Lok, east of the unidentified but heavily fortified base, and started moving towards their objective.

Automated defenses in a canyon did not manage to stop the advance for more than a short time, and soon the 200 imperial troopers were within range of the objective. The outpost confirmed its allegiance to the rebel alliance by opening fire on the storm troopers with turbolaser turrets supported by battle droids and droidekas as well as a number of armored soldiers sniping from covered positions.

Despite heavy losses, the storm troopers pressed on, supported by TIE Bombers, but their attack was stopped by the massive firepower and good defensinve tactics of the defenders for more than 10 minutes, until the defenders finally were pushed back and forced to retreat.

The surviving rebels evacuated their base in a stolen Lambda class shuttle and a YT-2400 freighter, covered by a Vaksai, a Dunelizard and an Incom-made X-wing as well as an older model Z-95.

When orbitting TIE fighters moved in to cut the fleeing rebels off the YT-2400 sacrificed itself on a suicide run towards the "Victory Assured", allowing the rest of the rebel forces to escape.

The identity of the rebel group that had been occupying the base has not yet been released by the imperial authorities.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

IMC Convoy ambushed at Ord Mantell

Date: 061008
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 pirate activity in the Naboo system might have tapered off, but the pirates did not vanish - they just moved their hunting grounds. Today's IMC convoy, ferrying steel from Tatooine to Ord Mantell, encountered no pirates in the Naboo system.

But when the three ships - captain Ryian Coron's X-4 "Defiance", captain Drake's "Crimson Eclipse", escorted by pilot Motoko Isawa - arrived in the Ord Mantell system, four pirates jumped them. The "Defiance" boosted straight at the station upon contact, and made a rushed but successful landing under fire. The "Crimson Eclipse" did not fare as well, depsite the help from hte escort, and came under heavy fire, After the escort was taken out, the vigo-class freighter crashed into the station, losing her cargo to the raiders. Fortunately no crew member died during the crash, and the ship was deemed repairable by the experts of the Nova Orion shipyard.

The escort pilot, Isawa, was in more dire straits though - disabled, and without communication, drifting in hostile space. So the "Defiance" launched from the station in order to recover the fighter - or what was left of it. The ship came under attack soon, and had to fight off several pirates, shooting down an ARC-170, before the escort pilot was saved and delivered to the med bay of the station. Her injuries were deemed serious, but not life threatening.



IMC stock fell 2 % at the Coronet Stock Exhange.

Talus government announces decisive strike on terrorist group

Date: 061008
Planet: Yavin IV/Talus
Region: Central Yavin IV/Central Talus

Story: Talus News Agency

Live from Talus reporting on the situation in Nashal. This press conference recorded earlier today at the office of Governor Marius Sanguine*

People of Talus, and the Galaxy at large. It is with esteemed joy that I report to you today that the final nail in the coffin of the terrorist resistance forces that murdered Lord Blade's daughter, Gabbana Blade and are responsible for unleashing countless horrors on the citizens of Talus is laid.

We will be striking at this terrorist group in their last base located in Nashal. At present, Nashal is officially declared under a state of Martial Law. To the residents of Nashal Please cooperate with our forces there this is for your protection.

As many of you know this coalition several months ago were responsible for assaulting the ship carrying young Gabbana Blade to her party on Naboo, which resulted in her untimely, and mournful death.

It was this intolerable action of sadition that inspired Lord Blade to declare full war with this group, and during the investigation of such uncovered the Federation of Double Worlds involvement. This war was hard fought, and without any outside aid it has been draining on the corporate funds of Shadow Blade Enterprises.

But this war is to end. We have run them to their last safe haven, and it is my promise to all of you that we will end their reign of terror, and insure the absolute peace, and prosperity of Talus, and all citizens thereof.



*The holocast fades from view*

Droid Attack on Farpoint Valley

Date: 061008
Planet: Tatooine
Region: Farpoint Valley

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

There have been rumors about a twi'lek woman named Kegana Rimos threatening Farpoint Valley after her attack on merchant Ikoogy Retoodi failed. In response, mayor Clarissa Wrenchturner put a bounty of 5'000'000 on the head of Rimos.

The twi'lek, rumored to be part of a powerful criminal organisation, retaliated today, and tried to follow through with her threats. The usual gathering at Jailbirds prior to the IMC convoy was interrupted when a shuttle landed in the middle of the town and deployed several battledroids.

Fortunately, the crowd at Jailbirds was as skilled in self-defense as their manners and boasts promised, and the droids were dispatched in a short but furnious battle. Afterwards, Tao volunteered to inspect the remote-controlled shuttle for hidden traps or explosives, and deemed it safe.



As it turned out, this was not all that was to this attack. When Ikoogy Retoodi returned to his home after the attack he was beset by several thugs. Fortunately for him, he was in the company of several employees of Coron Enterprises, which managed to kill the thugs before the alerted help from the town arrived.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Governor of Talus killed!

Date: 061008
Planet: Yavin IV/Talus
Region: Central Yavin IV/Central Talus

Story: Talus News Agency

*Incoming live news feed from the Talus Governors Office.*

*Marius Sanguine stands with the Talus Military, Domestic, and Economic advisors behind him. His face is solemn as he reads from a prepared statement*

Hello to you all, I am Marius Sanguine. It is my unfortunate duty to report to everyone that last night, the Governor of Talus, Lord Revenant Blade was killed.

He was lured into a trap striving to insure the defense of Talus by a cult of Dark Force users. And was reported deceased due to a structural collapse caused by an explosion inside a grouping of ruins on Yavin IV.

This Dark Side terrorist group has been identified as a cult calling themselves simply, "Dread". And it is uncertain their exact plans in all of this, but I am sure of one thing...

I have been appointed via, Lord Blade's will and testament to assume command over all he held. And with the Empires approval I am now the acting Governor of Talus as well. And I can promise all Talus Citizens, as well as the Galaxy at large one thing...

Lord Blade Will Be Avenged. I am calling to all bounty hunters, and all of our allies to ready yourselves to be mobilized. This Dark Side threat which has recently emerged must be hunted down, and destroyed.

This is not only an act against us, the Talus Government. But against the Empire, and all peaceful citizens of the Galaxy. And this will not go unpunished.

I will be meeting with several of our allies, and supporters over the coming week to discuss a strategy, and for now I ask for the support of everyone. This is a dark time that has befallen us, but a bright dawn comes. That I promise.

We would like to wish, Aymeh'lee Blade our sincerest condolences on the loss of her father, and Lady Ski'bo Dosni on the loss of her fiancee. This affects all of us here, as it is something I know none of us ever expected.

For now, this is Marius Sanguine, Acting Governor of Talus, and CEO of Shadow Blade Enterprises thanking everyone in advance for their support.



*The view fades as the cameras turn off.*

Pirates try to rob liquor transport!

Date: 061008
Planet: Tatooine/Karthakk System
Region: Farpoint Valley

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

The weekly ore convoys from Tatooine to Ord Mantell are known to attract pirates, and are armed and escorted as a result of this. The publicity those attacks receive might have cuased other ships to assume a relative safety - despite pirates being known to go after such unlikely cargo as panties and cement. As the TTC-Shinging Nebula, a YT-2400, found out three days ago, booze is also sought by pirates - which is no surprise to those with knowledge of certain pirate bands...

The TTC-Shining Nebula had been chartered by the management of Jailbirds, Farpoint Valley, to deliver a cargo of various liquors and other drinks from Keren to Tatooine. With an ad-hoc crew and no escort, the ship obviously expected no danger even while travelling through the Karthakk system.

However, near Lok the freighter was attacked by two pirates, first by a KSE Firespray, and then by an older Y-Wing. Fortunately, the crew had no sampled the cargo, and was on the ball, shooting down both attackers without taking more than some armor damage, and the ship made it to Tatooine without further troubles.



The customers of Jailbirds can rest assured that the club's bar remains well-stocked.

IMC Convoy reaches Nova Orion Station without losses

Date: 061008
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 Naboo system remains a hotbed of piracy attacks, but their intensitiy is lessening greatly. A week ago, the regular IMC convoy encountered just a lone pirate raider in an outdated ship that tried to attack the ore freighters.

The convoy, led by captain Ryian Corons X-4 "Defiance" and composed of captain Aenius Bosk's vigo-class "Vengeance" as well as captain Qel-Gin's YT-1300 "Pure Pazaak", had no difficulties dispatching the pirate. The lead ship even ran the pirate down when he tried to flee with engine damage, and brought it to explosive justice near the Naboo station:



The convoy encountered minimal troubles in the Ord Mantell system, and delivered the ore shippment on time and without losses to the Nova Orion Station.

IMC shares rose 2% at the Coronet Stock Exchange.

Mysterious Incidents on Talus

Date: 061008
Planet: Talus
Region: Central Talus

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

Talus, usually a quiet planet, has been getting more attention lately, namely with the recent change in government - a transition that happened without troubles, as far as it is known - or the upcoming tournament in Dearic.

Recently however, more sinister things are rumored to have taken place on Talus. There are reports of mysterious attacks on several cities under direct control of Lord Blade. So far nothing more is known about those raiders, but some sources claim they call themselves "sith".

In other news, unrelated as far as we know, the entire computer network of Talus' government was said to have suffered blackouts and malfunctions, leading to violent attacks by droids in half a dozen cities: Shadow Blade Central, Vvardenfell, Talus Government Office, Shadow Blade Retreat, And Ravenwind and Fort Shadows Wake all were reported to have suffered from droid violence breaking out. If this was the result of a computer virus, sabotage, or both is not yet known. Some travellers claimed that they encountered similar droid attacks on Mustafar.

The Talus Government stated that the situation was under control and that there was no cause for alarm.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Cult Leader murdered?

Date: 011008
Planet: Corellia
Region: Coronet

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

The body of Malachae Solace, the leader of the fringe cult Temple of Adonae was found in a ditch just outside Coronet. According to CorSec, the decomposing body was barely recognizable and was only able to be identified by a tatoo on the forearm. The spokesman refused to validate reports the religious leader had been tortured and dismembered.

Malachae Solace leaves an estranged daughter, Senyka, whose whereabouts are unknown. CorSec did not comment on specualtions whether the woman was involved in this incident, or already a victim.