Thunder Squadron Strikes Again!

Date: 130409
Planet: Tatooine/Naboo System/Ord Mantell
Region: Farpoint Valley/Nova Orion Station

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

A week ago, one week after the "Forlorn Hope" ended up heavily damaged on a cargo route, Intergalactic Mining Company sent another freighter on a cargo trip from Tatooine to Ord Mantell, the chartered YT-2400 ship "TTC-Errant Star". The ship had only a skeleton crew but it was escorted by a force of three X-Wings and one Vaksai, led by Racacowlur, in anticipation of another attack by the quickly becoming infamous "Thunder Squadron" pirate gang.



Despite a scout the pirates managed to ambush the freighter at the entry point at Penumbra Omen, where they were immediately engaged by the escorting fighters. One raider YT-1300 was shot down, but at the loss of all escorts, and a Vaksai - according to rumors piloted by a notorious ace pilot that has struck at several ships in the past - disabled the TTC-Errant Star.

Without any help on the way, the freighter was forced to pay a ransom of 100'000 credits to be allowed to repair and continue towards the Ord Mantell system, although the cargo was delivered at the Nova Orion Station with only a slight delay, since the jury-rigged repairs held.

IMC shares fell 3 % at the Coronet Stock Exchange following the news. IMC is offering a bounty of 50'000 credits on any pirates that is identified or caught in the act.