JEDI HoloNet

GHN LiVE

A terrible devastation has been revealed at Bakura.

Following a recent invasion attempt by the Ascendancy against the Commonwealth world, Coalition forces found themselves surprised and bewildered, but soon fought back against enemy forces to regain a solid foothold. All signs pointed to an eventual success in driving away the Ascendancy yet again until word spread of a most unusual occurrence. Across the major cities and Coalition bases, tales of a widespread epidemic began to surface, as the affected began to display deep sores and lesions over their exposed skin, correlating with signs of vomiting and diarrhea.

Eventually, the observers and doctors working to identify the apparent disease began to contract it as well. After a period as short as a few days, millions of people civilian and military were infected, as the death tolls began to rise quickly into the hundreds, thousands, and millions. No members of the Ascendancy, Chiss or otherwise, were reported to have shown signs of contracting the disease.

Further details surrounding this mass death are unavailable, though it is heavily assumed that all Coalition forces on Bakura have surrendered with the sector effectively blocked off by defending fleets. With little doubt, it seems biological warfare has entered the arena, the potential effects of which need not be mentioned in this report. Galactic HoloNews will immediately report any developments as they arise.

Swoop Bike

In the context of this poor economy, galactic consumers have recently begun to invest their earnings (or handouts) in the newest trend of illegal swoop racing, placing uncertain bets on unknown thrill seekers in hopes of increasing their bullion by upwards of 300%. The result of riches comes at a price however, which include facing high odds of failure, a danger involved with frequent crashes, and of course the risk of getting booked by local authorities. Despite the odds, swoop racing of all kinds has been on the rise Galaxy-wide.

While popular in professional organizations and rogue operations along the Outer Rim, the popularity of swoop racing has risen amongst the amateur populations in the Core Worlds, with especially large frequencies lying unsurprisingly in the realms of Corellia and Coruscant. In many cases, teenage citizens as young as 15 have been documented as participating in the unsanctioned races, with some individuals even encountering some success. With an ever-increasing population of racers ready to skid above the streets for fame and possible fortune, gamblers have flocked to such sites ready to give all for the chance of fortune and the spectacle of astounding speed.

Authorities have said that while swoop racing is enjoyable and productive within the right hands and professional settings, the illegal practice of such races is extremely dangerous for all parties involved. While some racers may have proper training, others are far more inexperienced, which often results in multiple deaths due to the competitive atmosphere and high speeds involved. On the side of illegal gambling, the sometimes enormous odds of winning a bet, in addition to the possibility of not receiving house earnings at all, have caused poverty-stricken individuals to fall even further below the line. Nevertheless, there seems to be no stopping this trend as new racers and gamblers continue to tally by the minute.

From this journalist’s perspective, these illegal swoop operations are an understandable result of the poor handling of the economy by the current Chief of State and his administration. With no formal and civil areas of investment to look to, the have-nots will ultimately look for some means of amusement and a shot at more plentiful resources for their daily lives. Listen up, Chief, because we have a real problem on our hands.

283.16 – Carthago Delenda-Est // GHN

The Galactic Coalition Military

Commonwealth Front (South) – Progress goes well in the expulsion of the Ascendancy in the remaining Commonwealth territories. The counter-offensive berthed at Rattatak has resulted in the destruction of several Chiss fleets and the reconquest of the Zaadja system thus far. Coalition officials project that if all continues well the Ascendancy will fail for a second time in attempting to subjugate the Southern Commonwealth.

Chiss Front (North) – The recent reacquisition of Generis by the Coalition proves that liberty may not be so far-flung for civilizations that have suffered under the oppression of the Ascendancy for several years to date. According to several reports, most of the native population on Generis is battered but not defeated, as the hope of freedom always seemed to shine through in the hearts of these brave patriots. The GCM pledges a total commitment to world liberation, heroically stating that cases like Generis are just the beginning of a brighter future.

Mandalorian Front (East) – Defenses in protection of Mon Calamari continue to hold despite an endless series of attacks launched by the Mandalorians. While this stalwart defiance is noted well by the Coalition, top generals assert that the defense of the critical system is “far from over”, furthermore stating the importance of the mission. Military analysts still unanimously claim Mon Calamari as the true bringer of fate, regardless of the current successes or failures of the Coalition and its enemies.

Typical Appearance of a Jedi Lightsaber

When average civilians are asked about the defining qualities of Jedi, most if not all make at least one mention in regard to their weapon. Commonly referred to as a “laser sword” or “lightsword” amongst the populace, the actual term for the object is lightsaber, a weapon that has been around for thousands and thousands of years. Though most would not know it, these weapons are exceptionally rare and extremely difficult to craft, adding to the mystique, as well as the monetary value, for these precious items.

According to surfacing reports, the great exposure that the Jedi Order has benefitted, or perhaps suffered from in recent times, has brought the demand for commercial entertainment for its brand to previously unseen levels– costumes depicting Jedi robes, films detailing their exploits, even the production of lightsaber-shaped snack foods have stocked the shelves of groceries Galaxy-wide. But even these items are not enough to satisfy the cravings of the upper class aficionados. The wealthy gentry has found a stronger taste for the more real and genuine, culminating in want of obtaining the greatest prize in the form of a Jedi’s prized lightsaber.

The methods of obtaining these sultry items have been nothing short imperceptibly difficult for many years. By first sense, one could attempt to steal the lightsaber from the Jedi, though most would place this task at the highest required effort and optimum likelihood to be incarcerated for their actions. Following, the obsessed connoisseur may try to buy the Jedi’s sidearm from them for an exorbitant amount of credits, though they would soon find that the Jedi most likely has no interest whatsoever in the field of monetary gain. Feeling disgruntled, the pomp man or woman may have in fact given up their dream if it were not for one detail– that the war has presented them with many new opportunities.

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Coalition Assault on an Ascendancy Warship

The attitude of Coalition High Command seems as elevated as ever.

If one were to gain unlimited access into the heart of the Allied Strategic Center on Coruscant, their eyes and ears would most likely perceive a buzzing optimism from the top Generals at work– at least, this is what the media has been lead to believe. With several statements like this coming from Lieutenant General Elika Beutel, we would find ourselves hard-pressed to offer any substantial counters to this convincing assurance:

Our morale on the battlefield is high… which reflects our recent string of successes in containing the Mandalorian and Chiss offensives in the Outer Rim. Finding themselves disgruntled at Mon Calamari (which itself remains strong), the Mandalorians have become dismayed and more inclined to more desperate tactics in attempting to encounter victory, serving our strategic officers well. … The Ascendancy presence in the Commonwealth is becoming more and more temporary following several successful counter-attacks, in addition to the alleviation of pressure in the former Northern Commonwealth territories. The enemy’s resources have been stretched thin– and we are taking the advantage.

If one were to avoid skepticism, this piece of news should be quite encouraging and tasteful to the senses. After all, a military upswing for the Coalition can only mean a closer upswing for the economy and going back to our normal ways of life? Unfortunately, that is probably not the case. Whether or not our military is gaining ground is perhaps irrelevant, as the economy continues to tank and millions of citizens lose their jobs by the day. Even if the war were to end today, which it will not, there would an unprecedented effort needed to reconstruct worlds, inspire confidence in a post-war economy, and re-establish lost political connections in what would be formerly-conquered worlds.

Another thought: could we expect the former territories to repatriate so easily to the Alliance and Commonwealth? Will we see many new nations spring up, taking advantage of the wearied Coalition? Would war then follow under the spear of Chief Aquitenne, who is beginning to appear more in-line with Feksk than Megana Tin? Also, would we be strong enough to subdue the current enemies of the established Galaxy and prevent a second devastation?

We must always keep a sane mind and a proper context, even when the going seemingly gets good. For now however, we must take the hope of this supposed turning of the tide and grant it the greatest support possible. It is better to face the problems of the future rather than suffering under a possible subjugation by those more cruel.

282.19 – Bak Sota // GHN