JEDI HoloNet

Everyone loves a good rags to riches story, and no one has had a more meteoric rise to fame in the last couple of years than musician Hela Amarggill. The Zeltron who grew up in the slums of Anthan Prime in the outer rim has taken the galaxy by storm. The out-spoken, unapologetic rockstar known best for his songs ‘Half the Galaxy Away’, ‘Love in a Hydrolift’ and ‘While my Vibrano Gently Weeps’ was the headline act at the ‘Victims of Vohai’ festival this weekend.

The benefit concert was created to raise money to support those killed and injured at the hands of the Revolutionary Council. However, after only 3 songs, Hela went on an expletive filled tirade attacking the Republic, Governor-General Ruun and Mother Mu’la accusing the war of being a mass conspiracy aimed to make the rich richer and the poor poorer.

His comments divided the crowd, and incited a riot. The remainder of his set was pulled, and Hela was taken into protective custody for his own safety immediately.

As of this point, there has been no further comment from concert organisers, Hela’s management or Hela himself.

Recently, Hela Amarggill sold out a cycle long string of dates at the Galactic Concert Hall on Coruscant for next year in a record time.

As the conflict broils on the planet’s surface of Vohai, Mother Mu’la, the leader of the Revolutionary Council speaks to the Galaxy and her “children” in a plea for help and statement of resilience.

“In this grave hour, perhaps the most fateful in our new history, I send to every household, trench and crater of my peoples, both at home and overseas, this message, spoken
with the same depth of feeling for each one of you as if I were able to cross your threshold and speak to you myself.For the second time in the lives of most of us we are at war. First, in the halls of riotous streets, and now again whence the enemy comes to our shores. Over and over again we have tried to find a peaceful way out of the differences between ourselves and those who are now our enemies. But it has been in vain. We have been forced into a conflict. For we are called, with our principles of freedom to what may feel to be alone. But our freedom is not so lonely, for each of us feels it burn within our hearts, and occupy our minds in the darkest of days. The principle of freedom that lives within all of us, all of us together, we will unite to fight for this fundamental right of being, belonging each and only to every single one of us.

It is the negligence of this principle which permits a state, in the selfish pursuit of power, to disregard its solemn pledges to those that they would call their people. An institution we would long call home exists no longer, and the foul creation that has taken its name is no friend of ours. If this loss of principle were established throughout the world, not only would the freedom of our own land echo its last breath throughout the Galaxy, but so too would the life of all free peoples. Under the servitude of such corrupt, negligent creations, there is no life. Not here, and not for this Galaxy. A poor, grim existence, where one does not know their place as little as they know themselves.

So let it be said, if even we should lose our last beach and burn our last blaster, the Galaxy will know that this was our finest hour. Let it be etched by each of our hands into the annuls of history, forever more, an independent Vohai. This is the ultimate issue which confronts us. For the sake of all that we ourselves hold dear, and of the world’s order and peace, it is unthinkable that we should refuse to meet the challenge. It is to this high purpose that I now call my people at home and my peoples across the seas, who will make our cause their own. I ask them to stand calm, firm, and united in this time of trial. The task will be hard. There may be dark days ahead, and war can no longer be confined to only the battlefield. But we can only do the right as we see the right, and reverently commit our cause to freedom. If one and all we keep resolutely faithful to it, ready for whatever service or sacrifice it may demand, then, in good time, we shall prevail.”

The industrial centres of major Core planets, mainly Coruscant and Corellia, have been gripped by a slew of riots and anti-War protests, largely led by students and activists spurred on by a Senatorial clique known as the ‘No War Group’.

While most areas of protest consist of marching and ‘sit-ins’ of Government offices, water cannons were deployed to District 13 of Coruscant after a Representative of the Hapan Consortium was bombarded with eggs and blue milk for expressing their support of ‘crushing sedition’, to which the Chief of State has yet to officially comment on. On Corellia, Governor-General Ruun ‘loyalists’ were out in groves and engaged in some brief street brawls against the anti-war protestors, but both groups were dispersed by Planetary Authorities.

Will the Chief of State be able to control public opinion?

According to a recent study published by the Institute of Galactic Trends, on average it takes anywhere between 3 to 4 years for a trend in the Core to reach the Outer Rim.

It’s no surprise that with the booming popularity of the Galactic Fighting League in the core, it appears that the mixed martial arts craze has finally reached Rannon.

Avid fans who have followed the tournament since its inception 4 years ago would’ve been surprised and perhaps disappointed to see that local Rannonite and three time champion Oaley Mulato failed to retain the belt..

The final was a tense affair between Nidus Tal’vo of Shanti Reef, Karkaris and Comir Sevenitah of Ithaqua, Toola, with the young Karkarodon just doing enough to win at the end.

He has this to say about his victory

“I owe it all to Master O, he taught me everything I know, when it comes to Teras Kasi. Thank you, I’ll be back next year although for now I’m going to enjoy a nice cold freshing can of Wizzos fruit Soda.”*

It’ll be interesting to see what the next trend will be to hit Rannon from the core, one can only hope it’s one a little less gory.

* Please note quotes may have been amended for ease of use
and may not fully represent actual comments made.

In a rare public appearance, Empress Bellitria Fel spoke to members of the media this morning, addressing a number of social and political issues that have been sweeping the Empire in recent months. Of particular note is comments she made regarding the ongoing crisis on Vohai..

“We of course wish a fast resolution to the crisis on Vohai with as little loss of life as possible. The Republic and the Senate are of course in every right to protect the lives of its citizens on Vohai in this conflict, although the people of Vohai We would argue should also be allowed to determine their own fate. It’s ironic that a galactic government that is supposed to be founded on the principles of ‘democracy and freedom’ appears to have forgotten this, while worlds are free to join and leave the Empire as they please.
In any case, we hope the situation is resolved quickly.”

The Empress’ comments quickly drew sharp criticism from people within the Republic Senate.