HOLONET NEWS Volume 351. #47. 13:3:14

HOLONET NEWS Volume 351. #47. 13:3:14
Corellia Closes Borders
Bel Iblis Leaves Senate in Uproar Corellians Insist it is not Secession – Invoke Obscure Constitutional Provison
SENATE ROTUNDA, CORUSCANT – The Senate chambers filled with loud outcries of protest and dismay yesterday morning following Senator Garm Bel Iblis’ surprise announcement that Corellia would close its borders and pull out of the Military Creation Act vote.
“The Corellian sector, one of the founding fathers of the Republic, is not seceding,” stressed Bel Iblis. “However, Corellia will not participate in what it deems a profound error that threatens its sovereignty.”
After the announcement, Bel Iblis and his retinue left the Senate Hall under heavily armed CorSec escort who pushed aside journalists and critical Senators. Bel Iblis refused comment. The Senator left Coruscant, reportedly for Corellia.
As Bel Iblis said, no Articles of Secession were tendered. As the official record stands, the Corellian delegation enacted an obscure proviso called Contemplanys Hermi, an olys Corellisi phrase meaning “meditative solitude.”
It is an ancient Constitutional clause afforded Corellia, recognizing its distinct society and contributions to the founding of the Republic. In exchange for giving up veto power, Corellia and its constituencies can unilaterally withdraw from Senate duties for the duration of the contention. The clause has not been enacted in over 450 years, since Corellia’s ill-fated attempt at independence.
The decision comes after a week of closed-door meetings between Bel Iblis and Corellian Diktat Shyla Merricope. When
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the Military Creation Act vote was announced, Corellia was one of its most outspoken critics, both in the Senate and the planetary government offices in Corellia’s capital city of Coronet.
“CorSec’s men and women will not be drafted into Republic service, to die on a distant world outside of Corellia’s borders. Nor will armed forces from other worlds be billeted in our homes.” Merricope said in caucus, the day following the vote announcement. She later told the sector’s leading newsnet, Corellia Sector Newsfeed, that she would do “whatever possible to preserve the integrity of Corellia for Corellians.”
Palpatine, who to did not attend the eventful Senate session but was instead on Aargau at a finance conference, was brief in his statements to reporters. “I am disheartened to hear that one of our closest brothers lacks such faith in democracy.”
Others weren’t as measured with their statements. “This is an outrageous display of self-serving hypocrisy,” said Senator Orn Free Taa (Ryloth). “Two years ago, Bel Iblis stood before the Senate, arguing about the legality of secession, and now he goes and pulls a stunt like this? It’s a grievous blow to unity. My worlds, in the distant Outer Rim have stood by Coruscant through the most tumultuous of heat storms. That one so integral to the Core should lack a spine is shameful.”
Senator Ister Paddie (Sermeria) was also critical of Corellia’s move. “The selfishness is what astounds me. The Corellian sector is largely self-sufficient, wealthy, and with its own defense force. My sector hasn’t even a third of these riches, yet we are committed to support the Republic in the most trying of times.”
What This Means:
Native and naturalized citizens are allowed free transit to and from the Corellian sector; all others are denied access without special provision from CorSec.
Interstellar trade vessels must deposit cargoes on Outlier
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worlds, where they will be brought to inner world destinations via Corellian Merchant Guild transports.
All off-duty and reserve CorSec personnel are now activated.
Non-Corellian businesses based in the sector are allowed to continue operating, as long as the abide by the travel and shipping restrictions imposed; typically, this requires the business to purchase membership in the CMG.
Senate Approves Transit Tax Critics Protest “Refugee Exploitation”
SENATE ROTUNDA, CORUSCANT – By a narrow margin, the Senate has approved a surtax on passengers traveling via registered starliner, effective immediately. Those looking to travel can now add a 15 percent levy on all ticket prices.
Opponent Senators were vocal in their criticism towards this new source of revenue. “This is no better than predators picking off the weakest of the herd, or scavenging the remains,” said Senator Bail Organa (Alderaan). “So much of the traveling is now undertaken by refugees leaving the Republic or seceded worlds, people who have abandoned homes, families and careers. Do we need to burden them even further?”
Some independent traders and starship operators look forward to prospering from the new tax, as those heading in the right direction can offer transit at rates undercutting the passenger liners. “We may not offer much in terms of amenities,” says free trader Eridan Lanclo, “but at the rate that they’re packing them into the liners, neither can they. And I know better then to get my aft shot up by pirates.”
The passenger liner business is hesitant about the new tax, as expressed by Galaxy Tours Vice President Bronwynn Koft.
“The reports of starport crowds has everyone thinking that we’re making phenomenal money here, but keep in mind that many of those poor souls scraped together all they had in order to make a flight. This 15 percent may be the deciding factor in whether or not they travel, and that will affect our bottom line. We may have to have seat sales to see that we break even.”
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New Jedi Starfighter Unveiled
KUAT NODE – In a closed testing range at the Kuat Drive Yards, Jedi and Republic officials were on hand to inspect the performance of the newly modified Delta-7 Aethersprite light interceptor, the latest instrument of peace in the Jedi arsenal.
Project Engineer Lead Walex Blissex, Kuati Senator Risi Lenoan, and Jedi representatives Adi Gallia and Aayla Secura lauded the small interceptor’s performance under controlled conditions.
“Kuat Drive Yards has a proud heritage of serving the Republic, and the new Delta-7s we have specifically prepared for the Jedi order will continue that tradition,” said Senator Lenoan. Performing an ancient Kuati nautical tradition, Senator Lenoan used a gilded blade to cut a symbolic tether attached to the prototype’s landing gear. In a similar show of protocol, Gallia and Secura extended lit lightsabers in salute to the Kuati dignitaries.
“She is a remarkable vessel,” said Blissex. “With the engineering breakthroughs we tackled developing her, she’s just the start. She’s a real sign of things to come.”
At eight meters in length, with a cross-span of under four meters, the Delta-7 would ordinarily be too small to support hyperspace travel. The Jedi starfighter now features a built-in astromech to provide damage control, power regulation, and nav-computer capability. The standard upgrade includes docking clamps and data-feeds to a separate hyperdrive booster ring, subcontracted to TransGalMeg Industries, Inc. of the Rayter sector.
A Delta-7 advanced model, whose specifications remain classified, has been confirmed to carry an onboard hyperdrive and does not require the booster ring. It is unknown what percentage of the Jedi starfighter fleet will consist of Delta-7 advanced.
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Following the successful test, the starfighter is now operational, and shipments of the craft are being delivered to the Jedi Temple at Coruscant, and the Jedi Training Center on Kamparas.
Specifications Kuat Systems Engineering Delta-7 Aethersprite Dimensions: 8 meters x 3.92 meters x 1.44 meters Maximum Atmospheric Speed: 12,000 kph Maximum Linear Acceleration: 5,000 G Cargo Capacity: 60 kg or 0.03 m3 Crew: 1 pilot; 1 astromech Armament: 2 dual laser cannons (standard)
Currency Upheavals Deliver Profits to IBC
MUNN CITY, MUUNILINST – The InterGalactic Banking Clan’s timely leadership in currency exchange technology and infrastructure is among the factors contributing to the organization’s 18th straight quarter of increasing profits.
“For our customers choosing to strike out on their own, continuing to trade in Republic credits is not in line with their independent spirit,” said Lo Vapeet, the IBC’s Vice-Chair of Communication, in a written statement. “It used to take two years and 14 filings to register a new currency. We’re pleased to have reduced the process to under 30 minutes, with a basic threshold and exclusivity agreement.”
Such easy access to currency may be perilous, says economist Argee Beck. “These systems leave the Republic and are out on their own in the galaxy for the first time. They get seduced by an introductory one-to-one exchange rate and the chance to put their own names on money.”
“They forget the economic basics that a credit is only worth what someone else will give you for it,” Beck continues. “Look at the Toong’L system. After only eight months, one Republic Credit will buy you 15 million King Kikipi credits. The Kikipi reserve is actually just a room full of Wocket Festival
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ornaments.”
With new currencies being registered at a rate of 20 per day, businesses have been quick to license the IBC’s InterGalactic Currency Exchange System that makes complicated conversions transparent for a modest transaction fee.
“The InterGalactic Banking Clan doesn’t care if these credits go up or down. If enough systems leave the Republic, they’ll be getting a percentage of every transaction in the galaxy,” warns Beck.
“The registrants for the next 500 approved currencies will receive a deluxe six-slot therma-slice, compliments of the InterGalactic Banking Clan,” replied Vapeet.
Point / Counterpoint: Military Creation Act
A Protected Republic is Long Overdue By Republic Judicial Terrinald Screed
The basic reality we must all face is simple: the Jedi cannot be everywhere. I say this with all due respect to the august order that has staved off warfare for a millennium. But the rules have change. Warfare has moved beyond the scope of a small number of protectors armed with energy blades.
Warships can deliver explosive payloads from beyond the horizon, payloads not even the most skilled Jedi could hope to deflect. The Republic’s climate and lenient laws have fomented private armies of prodigious size. Droid armies are now cheaper, quicker and easier to maintain than Sector Forces. Furthermore, Sector Forces can now be turned against us, with more and more seceding from the Republic.
If the Separatists consolidate their military might, then what would we have to protect us? It takes an army to fight an army. When serene Naboo fell to a rogue Trade Federation venture a decade ago, how was the otherwise defenseless planet able to repulse the invasion? By turning to the amassed army of the indigents. Even such a primitive culture recognized the need to maintain a standing military in the times of peace.
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To the peacemakers, I extend my respect. I do not want my child to grow up knowing war. But I do want my child to know the Republic, and I fear that our current course will not allow for it. We cannot rely on our enemies to be enlightened as we are. If warfare is inevitable, it is the Separatists who will fire the first shot. Should we not have the means to deflect that fire?
Relying on Planetary Security or Sector Forces is a stop-gap solution, as the inefficiencies of the Stark Hyperspace War so painfully demonstrated. The solution is obvious — a unified military coordinated from Coruscant. Our ancient history has proven this has time and again — the Great Sith War, the Kanz Disorders, the Virujansi Uprising — times when a unified Republic Navy and Army were strong. And now, as then, there is still a role for the Jedi in today’s galaxy: leading an army to victory.
We Are Inviting This War By Caamasi Senator Eeshrin Ot’Hyne
We, the Republic, stand at a crossroads, and the lessons of the past risk being forgotten to appease anxious constituents. The Senators are gathering the opinions of their sectors and worlds, to find that reason and forethought have been replaced with fear.
The panacea for that fear, the militarists would have you believe, is an army. But that promise is hollow. Violence begets violence, and equipping ourselves for violence will lead to an inevitable and bloody course.
Throughout the galaxy examples of this cycle are plainly evident. Arms races have destroyed nations and sundered planets. Do we need entire sectors — entire regions — the entire Republic — set ablaze before we recognize the danger?
There has not been a full-scale war in the Republic for a thousand years, as our instruments of diplomacy and defense have sufficed until now. Their effectiveness have faltered not
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because they are flawed in premise, but rather in implementation.
What Finis Valorum said on the eve of the Stark Hyperspace War holds true to this day. “We must address the underlying causes that would lead us to war — and then there would be no war.” He never had the chance as the militarists tainted the proceedings, resulting in death and injury. Let us not repeat that mistake.
The militarists are inviting this war for their own ends. Public funds better spent on the Diplomatic Corps or the Refugee Relief Movement will be redirected to their pockets. They will no doubt need to be bolstered with corporate subsidies. The Republic will be indebted to the engines of commerce for its protection.
And a generation or more will forever be scarred by war.
Squibs Announce They’re “Going Nowhere.”
METROBIG CITY, SKOR II – In a planetwide statement to the Squib citizenry of Skor II, the ruling monarch emphatically proclaimed that the Squibs, as a people, are “going nowhere.” Presumably referring to the current secessionist crisis, King Ebareebaveebeedee emphasized his loyalty to the Senate, and that Squib allegiance to the Republic could not be swayed. “Our ultrastrong loyalties and royalties to Republicness and whatever it may stand for will not let splitty-types coax-haggle Squibbish into leaving, no matter the size of the haggleprize,” said the King in his 20-minute address. After bargaining for another six minutes of screen-time, the King then added,”You bet.” This marks the third Grand Proclamation by the ruler of the Squib Polyanarchy in as many days, following yesterday’s declaration of the Jedi order as “koovy.”
Dean of Aldera Suspended
ALDERA, ALDERAAN – Putting an end to a three-month scandal in the halls of higher learning on Alderaan, Provost Dalus Othona formally censured and suspended Dean Halcor Raystel. The investigation into the Dean’s improprieties began after numerous student complaints that his frequent lectures were increasingly offtopic and erratic. The charges compounded when it was revealed that Raystel propositioned two female students, offering course credits in exchange for personal relations. Drug
.
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tests further proved Raystel to be a ryll abuser. Raystel, staying at his Delaya-based cottage, refused comment. Raystel had long been a controversial thorn in the University’s side, ever since his appointment drew accusations of nepotism given Raystel’s lackluster credentials.
Baby Ludi Holos Flood UoC Datanet
UNI-COR CAMPUS 12, CORUSCANT – Student activists have overloaded two University of Coruscant datanet hubs with trillions upon trillions of holographic pictures of Baby Ludi, the infant that is the subject of a custody dispute involving the Jedi Temple. Around 0215 this morning, an automated slicer program began duplicating and propagating the holo images at an exponential rate. The images began to fill the public data-space of the University network, overwriting any files students had stored there. By 1330 this afternoon, both public hubs were completely filled. The images, captured from a HoloNet News report, were doctored to include the caption, “I’d rather be with Mom than Mace,” in reference to senior Jedi Council member, Mace Windu. The Campus Information Office has no leads but is investigating the matter.
Valorum & Gunray Bracket Ends of Book Sales
MID-RIM NODE – TriPlanetary Press has a hit and a bomb on their hands this season. Published on the same date two months ago, the separate biographies of Trade Federation Viceroy Nute Gunray and former Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum have met with wild reader enthusiasm and resounding disinterest, respectively. The unauthorized and provocative Gunray tell-all, Gunray On Top, written by his alleged mistress Lora Besh, has been in the top ten bestsellers for 14 weeks. Conversely, Valorum’s staid autobiography, Holding Back the Tide, has yet to break into the top 100. “I don’t know — I guess I’m just not that interested in Valorum right now,” says a self-described avid reader on TriPlanetary’s review list. “Maybe, like, after he dies?”