Thunder Pirates hunted down!

Date: 250509
Planet: Naboo System

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

Two weeks ago the infamous Thunder Pirates hijacked and stole the TTC-Starchaser, a light freighter operated by the Tatooine Trading Corporation, right under the noses of the RSF in the Naboo system. Since then the ship, which had suffered extensive damage, had been hiding, presumably while the pirates gathered spare parts to repair it. In response to the piracy, both TTC and IMC put out bounties on the culprits, and a reward for the safe return of the stolen freighter.

One week ago, following a failed raid on another freighter, the Thunder Pirates, having lost a YT-1300, tried to escape Naboo with the TTC-Starchaser. Emphasis on "tried" since several bounty hunters gave chase as soon as they were sighted, and despite escorting pirate fighters, the stolen freighter, which had received significant weapon upgrades while in the possession of the pirates, was ultimately hunted down.



Unfortunately the freighter, like its three escorts, was destroyed during the following fight instead of secured and boarded. The exact circumstances are not yet known and TTC has so far not released a statement, citing the need for further investigations before deciding whether or not they would consider a law suit.

Among the destroyed pirate fighters was a N-1 starfighter, which the RSF claimed was stolen some time ago. Neither the RSF nor IMC or TTC commented on speculation that the presence of the N-1 indicated corruption in the ranks of the RSF, which would also explain how the pirates managed to operate successfully inside the Naboo system for so long.

It is unclear whether or not the Thunder Pirates are finished or not - according to unconfirmed rumors the pirate gang has not met its end and has sworn vengeance on whoever they blame for their disaster.

IMC shares rose 2 % at the Coronet Stock Exchange following the news, TTC shares 0,5 %.