JEDI HoloNet

“It has been over four decades since the Imperium War ended and yet its echoes affect the Republic, Fel Empire and the rest of the galaxy still. At the heart of the conflict, the Jedi. What else is new?”

This is the beginning of the now bestselling book, “The Jedi – Friend or Foe?”, written by Dr. Del Mund, former candidate for the office of senator on the planet of Corellia. The book was published last cycle and already it has received popularity in the mid and outer rim. However, it has not reached much critical or political acclaim due to its anti-Jedi sentiments. Many senators and politicians are speaking out against the book, and here to speak about that is the man himself, Dr. Mund.

“Hello, Dr. Mund!”

“Hi, Ray. Thanks for having me.”

“Thanks for agreeing to this interview. Now, Dr. Mund, your novel has achieved the Republic’s bestseller list quicker than most novels in the last several decades. Why do you think that is?”

“I think it’s because it’s a conversation worth having. If you look at history, the Jedi are at the core of it. Who are their wars against? Other Jedi. And the rest of us are along for the ride. People forget that the Sith came from the Jedi. Why should we have to deal with the Jedi Order’s failures? Failures, if I might add, which have cost countless lives over the centuries.“

“Anti-Jedi sentiment is nothing new, but what makes your book or movement different?”
“Come now, Ray, I’d hardly label it as a movement. And I resent it being called anti-Jedi. More so… anti-war.”

“How can you call this novel not anti-Jedi when you suggested or implied in many of its chapters that it would be better if the Jedi didn’t exist at all?”

“Listen, I respect the Jedi immensely. The story of the Republic and Jedi is an old one. An abusive story at that but a story nonetheless. And they have saved the galaxy more than enough times. The question I’m proposing in my novel is, why was it necessary in the first place? Are or were we better off without them? In my novel you will find historical evidence that gives weight to both sides of the argument. And I’ll leave it to the reader to decide.”

“Many politicians including the Chief of State have spoken out against your novel and have advised Republic citizens not to purchase it. Do you have anything to say about that?”

“Of course they have. They need the Jedi. Why would they say anything different? If I were in their position, I would be saying the same thing. While we’re speaking about the Republic government, why would the leadership allow the Jedi to police our systems when they are no longer sworn to us? Why do they have that authority, and where does that authority end? Where are the checks and balances? These are questions that need answers.”

“You certainly have a lot of ideas, Dr. Mund. But my question to you is, what’s in it for you?”

“Nothing but the debate. Popularity has its setbacks. I have received many death threats since the book’s publication and I am not backing down. Every citizen of the Republic needs to have this conversation to prevent another Jedi war.”

“I am extremely sorry to hear that. Thank you for your time, Dr. Mund.”

“Thank you, Ray.”

Good day my fellow truth seekers. I told you I’d keep you up to date on this whole crystal conundrum, and true to my word I have just gathered even more of a scoop while simultaneously doing the job of the Jedi and the ASF!

Some of you super fans might have seen my latest episode of “Ultra Undercover Utilitress”, in which I made my foray into the local Jedi Temple here on Alzoc III and gave you all a candid look at how the temple operates behind closed doors.

You can remember with fondness and dismay at my detention at the hands of these Jedi when they aptly discovered I was under cover and how they failed to even check basic credentials for validity before locking up innocent civilians doing their civic duty! One of the Masters there even ordered one of the young Jedi to destroy my camera! It made it perfectly clear that these are not people we want protecting us. If you remember the rumors surrounding their leaving of this facility some decades past, you’ll know that I long have believed the people at the capital rose up and together ousted the lot of them with our cries of anger! Speak to them with the money, I say! Not allowing them to renew their lease was, in my opinion, the greatest act of service the ASF had done to date, or since.

But, Orleana Gorgin isn’t all talk, sentiment, auspicious beauty and intelligence, she’s also built to work, and she works for YOU, the deserving citizens of Alzoc III who deserve to know they are safe!

When last we left off on this story we had discovered little to nothing other than that lightsaber crystals of some kind were circulating the black market. Since then, the ever competent Jedi have been taking over the case. Particularly, two young Jedi that you may recognize – I snapped this photo just moments before they began threatening innocent Ugnaughts on the street.

That’s right – it’s the same duo who we encountered on “Ultimate Undercover Utilitress”! You can tell the Jedi sent its very best to investigate this, right?

Not even five minutes after this point the duo came after me, but I wasn’t afraid, because of that beauty, charm and wit I told you about earlier. I actually managed to pry some information out of them, cobbled together with what I had previously learned through my own investigation.

As you may or may not be aware, there was a sizable explosion just the other day on the east side of the capital where…the less than savory congregate. Allegedly, a small explosion set off other explosives from this weapons dealer, causing the damage to the building.

This has put the Rising Sun and Dewback groups on extremely tense terms, as people start pointing fingers. Other smaller gangs are smelling the blood in the water too, such as the Fletchers. Alzoc III’s capital is set for an all out gang war with us innocent, beautiful and incredibly intelligent citizens caught in the crossfire!

This reporter has located a few items from the police report that the ASF DOES NOT WANT you to see. Allegedly there were plasma emissions detected at the scene, as well as bizarre shrapnel embedded into the walls with the plasma emissions. After questioning the Jedi, I think that maybe one of the gangs has set up ELABORATE TRAPS to cause EXPLOSIONS to happen when testing out these crystals. Are they actually crystals? Are they just BOMBS?!

One thing is for certain. This reporter is on the case and will find out more for you soon. Until next time, this has been Orleana Gorgin.

Breaking news, now, from the system of Ord Biniir in Imperial Space. With the backdrop of civil insecurities with the succession of the Fel line, pockets of opportunistic radicals are sparking conflict.

On Ord Biniir the fringe group calling themselves “The Alliance for Democracy” has been operating for decades, advocating for a secessionist movement to leave the Empire and join the Republic as an independent system. While never taken seriously, this group turned militant just three days ago, gaining weapons and vehicles from an unknown source and starting an insurrectionist campaign to, in their words, “Liberate Ord Biniir from the autocratic dynasties who have subjugated the good citizens of this planet for too long.”

Using an armored walker, along with military-grade ordinance, they began their rebellion in the heart of the capital city Soontir. After sustained fighting, the AFD have managed to push loyalist forces outside of the capital city, closing the shield gates, and have set up martial law inside the city center.

Negotiations with the AFD have ground to a halt, with the AFD saying there is no negotiation that will succeed unless full succession is granted to the system. Republic senators and the Chancellor have denounced the movement of the AFD, stating that organization is nothing but a terrorist group.

“We have no relationship with, nor share any values with, the so-called Alliance for Democracy terrorizing the good people of Ord Biniir. We believe they should throw down their arms and surrender to Imperial authorities, for this will not go the way they think it will.”

Stated Senator Yalook P’oolel from the nearby Er’Kit system.

Despite these Republic assurances, many moffs in the Empire remain skeptical.

“The Republic, while long an ally of our Empire, has always been expansionist in nature. It would surprise no one if this was not the work of some group of senators instigating an insurrection in our space for a land-grab during a delicate transition of power.” Said one moff, requesting to stay anonymous.

The local authorities on Ord Biniir have been petitioning the Imperial military for assistance, but no comment was given from Imperial High Command as to their future involvement with the situation.

More on this story as it develops,

On location, this is Andee N’evaro.

Good afternoon readers! Do I have a scoop for you! After scavenging through the scraps of information from various sources, this reporter has found some interesting tidbits that the goons at the ASF would sooner see die in pre-production before sent out to you seekers of the truth.

In the ever growing dystopia that is Alzoc III, everyone knows the heart of which lies the corrupt and toothless Alzoc Security Force, there lurks gang violence and petty crime like a film of oil adhering to every surface. Each attempt to wipe it away just smears it further, and only stains your own hands in the process.

That’s why it is no surprise to find that Alzoc Security Forces are once again withholding information from us, the people! Thankfully, with people like yours truly on the case, you can be sure you have an advocate for your interests in the thick of it on the streets of Alzoc III. Galactic Breaking News Alzoc is proud to be the first to report that black market crystals, of the make that powers the Jedi’s legendary weapons, have been confiscated and rumored to be distributed to local gangs.

This wouldn’t be the first time the ASF has held dangerous information from the public. I’m sure we all remember the incident back in 390 surrounding the neo-spice trafficking through hospitals. Luckily I was there then, and I’m here now to give you all of the facts as they come in.

I have since reached out to the ASF for comment, here’s what they had to say:

“Get that thing out of my face Gorgin or I’ll have you thrown in a cell!” – Commander Dorian Vector, ASF

As you can see, they continue to try to silence the truth! But do not worry. As more information comes out I will be reporting them immediately!

This has been Orleana Gorgin, and I’ll see you next time!

As we venture closer, and closer towards the Empresse’s verdict we have begun to see a division of people grow within Imperial Space. On most key planetary systems protestors litter the streets holding up banners and chants in an attempt to display their discontent. The Pro loyalists on Bastion have marched through most of the capital completely impeding transportation throughout the city. At a press briefing, the commissioner of Imperial Security on Bastion, Klor Mendrin said the force was so stretched officers have not seen their families for cycles. Plus, approximately 65,000 officers have been placed on 1-rotation shifts.

A spokesman for the loyalist group, Arix Nesda said:  “We stand by the Fel bloodline. It’d feel wrong, untrue to traditions for someone not of the family to take up the throne. Especially the likes of those without a spine such as Nemora Torysk. Only a dog of the Republic. I only hope that the High Moff Council and the Empress herself see eye-to-eye and elect Julianus to be the true emperor. As he is truly deserving. ”

The loyalist group has committed to continuing the protests on for the remaining cycles of the year. Imperial Security has said it needs to balance the right to protest in a democracy. During the current campaign, the ISF has made 3,458 arrests and 1364 charges have been laid so far by the Imperial Courts.

The commissioner said that of those convicted after the group’s protests in through 394.15-395.20, so far over 2000 had paid costs and got a conditional discharge. It left them with a criminal record, but some critics question if the penalties are enough of a deterrent, particularly for activists who may regard criminal convictions in the furtherance of their cause as a badge of honor.

Commissioner Mendrin confirmed ISF and Imperial officials were discussing changes to public order laws to deal with protests such as those of The Loyalist cause, including ways to deter repeat offenders and disruption.

That’ll be all with the Bastion Newscast!