HOLONET NEWS Volume 351. #49. 13:3:28

HOLONET NEWS Volume 351. #49. 13:3:28
Palpatine forms Loyalist Committee
Steering Committee to assist Negotiations
GALACTIC CITY, CORUSCANT – In anticipation of future negotiations with the Separatists as well as to assist in the general handling of the crisis, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine revealed the members of the newly formed Loyalist Committee today.
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“I turn to some of the most trusted, skilled and intelligent minds that the Republic has to offer,” Palpatine said after Senate session today. “This is the team that will help me forge a peaceful end to the current dispute.”
The committee of 10 Senators will serve in diplomatic and strategic capacity, developing a six-month action plan to engage Separatist elements, negotiate, and settle disputes.
The 10 Senators represent a wide range of worlds, from the Core Worlds to the distant Outer Rim, and regions in-between. Almost immediately after the announcement of the committee’s formation, vocally critical Senators in the assembly accused Palpatine of forming a partisan body to sway the upcoming Military Creation Act vote.
“When will the Supreme Chancellor drop the guise of unity and admit that he’s consolidating political allies in an attempt to water down the Military Creation Act or subvert the vote altogether?” shouted Senator Onaconda Farr (Rodia).
“The Military Creation Act is an entirely different issue, and has nothing to do with our unity efforts,” Loyalist Senator Padmé Amidala (Naboo) explained later at the media conference. “This committee clearly reflects that, what with disparate views on the army debate being well represented in our ranks.”
“The young Senator from Naboo is undoubtedly referencing me in that statement,” said Aks Moe (Malastare). “And yes, we aren’t all political allies. But we do have a love of the Republic in common, and I think that’s very symbolic of this committee’s goals. Putting aside our differences to work together is a microcosm of the greater whole.”
“Rather than sniff out conspiracy in every corner, I think this is just a political save-face maneuver,” said Senator Tashrikam (Grizmallt). “After the embarrassment of last week’s plea to Dooku, I think Palpatine’s finally getting some real direction by turning to those more proactive than he.”
“My colleagues have demonstrated a tireless devotion to the Republic and its virtues. They have given so much to the cause of unity, that together, in the union of this committee, I am confident that a solution will be found. I will not go down in history as the last Chancellor of the Republic,” said a determined Palpatine.
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The Loyalist Committee Senator Bail Organa (Alderaan, Core) Senator Orn Free Taa (Ryloth, Outer Rim) Senator Aks Moe (Malastare, Mid Rim) Senator Darsana (Glee Anselm, Mid Rim) Acting Senator Zo Howler (Gravlex Med, Outer Rim) Senator Ister Paddie (Sermeria. Expansion) Senator Padmé Amidala (Naboo, Mid Rim) Senator Ronet Coorr (Iseno, Inner Rim) Senator Lexi Dio (Uyter, Mid Rim) Senator Havriso Looruya (Yir Tangee, Colonies)
Alderaan Opens to Refugee Relief Movement
CHIANAR, ALDERAAN – Former Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum rolled up his shirt sleeves and grabbed a power-shovel, breaking soil and chipping in as the Refugee Relief Movement began transforming 100 hectares of donated Alderaanian plains into new homes.
“It’s the spirit of helping one another that has made this Republic great, and will see it through its darker hours,” said Valorum, who broke a sweat as he dug postholes for the pre-fab structure that would soon be installed.
Valorum was just one of the noteworthy names present. The cause attracted several Alderaanian celebrities, who worked side-by-side with refugees from Separatist worlds in building a new village.
Alderaan has recently opened up its borders, loosening its immigration laws to allow thousands of displaced citizenry to find a home. As more worlds secede, citizens who defy the will of their representatives and still wish to be part of the Republic are left with little alternative. Millions have arrived on Coruscant, creditless and with meager possessions.
“Coruscant’s getting even more crowded each day,” said Alderaanian RRM Chair Celly Organa, who was in charge of the day’s events. “There’s plenty of elbow room in the Republic, as long as worlds are willing to share.”
The first transport to Alderaan brought 500 new settlers, who helped in erecting pre-fab constructs in the Alderaanian grasslands. Many were visibly moved by the cooperation of so many to aid them.
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“This is amazing,” said Sandi Maba, an Aqualish mother of two, left homeless since Ando seceded. “There’s so much open space. We were staying in a cubicle apartment with another family on Coruscant. This, this is so different and perfect. I’m never going to move from Alderaan. This is now my new home.”
Despite the feeling of rejuvenation shared by many, there were still those who scanned the skies, looking to their home sectors, hoping to return. “What everyone’s doing here is just fantastic,” said Orogor Binn, another Aqualish expatriate.”I can’t tell you how appreciative our family is. But as beautiful as it is here, it’s not home, and I hope that I can return to the seas of Ando someday and find the rest of my family.”
The Refugee Relief Movement is now looking to the Mid Rim to help with the ever-growing number of expatriates.
Jedi Smash Iridium Pirates; 3 Knights Killed
ATRIVIS SECTOR NODE – Sensor reports from the Atrivis sector issued by the Judicial Department confirm that a Jedi task force has thrashed the space pirates of Iridium, bringing an end to their year-long raids along the Atrivis sector routes.
The pirates had been raiding Republic grain and spice convoys, apparently as privateers for nearby Separatist forces. The Jedi were dispatched from Coruscant to begin what was hoped to be peaceful negotiations, but the pirates instead opened fire.
The Jedi taskforce, led by Belsed-Qan Idan and Kit Fisto, consisted of an armed Republic cruiser, the Monitor III, supplemented by six new Jedi Delta-7 starfighters. Idan attempted to parley with the pirates, but the raiding group, which consisted of three warpod pinnaces, two Longprow attack cruisers and five Z-95 Headhunter starfighters, moved to attack.
During the skirmish, the Iridium pirates were able to employ their infamous power gem weaponry to strip the taskforce of their shields. This resulted in heavy damage to the Monitor III, killing four Republic Judiciaries and two Jedi, Dovish Hokken and Yrada Soludisan. The Monitor III was spared destruction by the cover fire provided by the speedy Jedi starfighters.
The Delta-7s quickly disabled the warpods, and the moved in to target the
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larger Longprows. Concentrated laser and concussion missile volleys dropped the Longprow shields, allowing the Jedi to target the drive systems of the craft. One Longprow was taken intact, but the second was destroyed in an apparent reactor overload. At least 12 escape pods were seen to leave the craft.
During the attack runs on the Longprows, the Jedi fighters were repeatedly harassed by the less-maneuverable Headhunters. One Jedi starfighter was destroyed in the dogfighting, killing its pilot Jedi Knight Aruden Kej. Four of the Z-95s were destroyed with no survivors, though one Headhunter is unaccounted for, but is believed to have succumbed to the gravity well of nearby Vuchelle and burned up on reentry.
The number of pirates taken captive is unknown, though the Monitor III successfully collected all launched escape pods. It is also not known if the Jedi were able to capture a power gem for study.
Sluis Sector Secedes; Seswenna Restates Loyalty
OUTER RIM NODE – With the transmission of Articles of Secession to the Senate, Senator Corlissi Ludar made formal the withdrawal of the Sluis sector from the Republic. Neighboring Seswenna sector representative Senator Shayla Paige-Tarkin responded with an adamant assertion of her sector’s loyalty to Supreme Chancellor Palpatine.
The withdrawal of Sluis was largely expected, having been preceded by the extended absence of Senator Ludar from general sessions. Even his secondary functionaries were recalled, leaving the Sluissi Senatorial pod empty for over a month.
Sluis is the latest in a tide of Outer Rim secession traveling Coreward up the Rimma Trade Route. Believed to have been fomented by an appearance by Count Dooku in the Metharian Nebula Territories, the spreading wave has claimed Elrood, Danjar and Tantra sectors.
Seswenna and Mayagil, the next sectors in line, have thus far remained in the Republic. “The disaffected worlds of the Outer Rim have in no way swayed Eriadu and Seswenna’s loyalty to the Republic,” said Paige-Tarkin. “We stand by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. Should it even come to war, we will take up arms if Seswenna’s worlds become the front line. We are proof that not all worlds in the Outer Rim have a lawless disregard for the heart of the Republic.”
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Mayagil’s Senator Dodra F’ass (Clak’dor VII) has been noncommittal in his loyalties, refusing comment. He is reportedly rushing back to Mayagil to convene with the Bith Ruling Program to discuss his sector’s security.
The Sluis sector is a large expanse of sparsely populated space, renowned for its mineral resources and processing facilities. Its primary system, Sluis Van, maintains a formidable shipyard for construction and maintenance. The Praesitlyn system is home to a major HoloNet and subspace communications hub, and the Jedi order maintains a training enclave on Bpfassh.
Senator Dod in Five-Speeder Skylane Accident
FOBOSI DISTRICT, CORUSCANT – After an early morning skyway traffic accident, six injured commuters were rushed to medcenter today, including Trade Federation Senate Representative, Lott Dod. The cause of the accident has been identified as a malfunctioning automated pubtrans flitter that went the wrong direction down skylane T-534D. Commuters rushing to get out of the way collided with an unmanned water silo. Though no one died, six drivers needed to be hospitalized and the silo was breached, flooding the apartment towers beneath it. Dod is listed in stable condition, and will undergo continued bacta therapy and reconstructive surgery later in the week. His lawyers intend to sue the Skyways Flyer pubtrans line.
House of Tagge Sides with Loyalists
UNLOS TAGGE, TEPASI – Baroness Sanya Tagge, leader of the House of Tagge family of nobles, reaffirmed her family’s loyalty to the Republic in an address to the people of Tepasi, the Tagge throneworld.
“For generations, the name Tagge has been synonymous with that of the Republic, as the blood of one of the original Founders continues to flow through our veins. We would be remiss not to broadcast to the galaxy at large our undying devotion to the union, our faith in the Supreme Chancellor, and our dedication to serving the people of the Republic,” she said.
The House of Tagge is the owner of The Tagge Company (TaggeCo), a leading mining and heavy manufacturing concern with extremely diversified assets. TaggeCo is the owner of Bonadan Heavy Industries, Tagge Mining Company, GalResource Industries, Mobquet Swoops and Speeders, Gowix Computers and the Tagge Restaurant Association.
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This pledge of allegiance is an unusual move for so large a corporate body, given that ruling commerce entities such as the Trade Federation, the Commerce Guild and the Techno Union have attempted to remain neutral during the Separatist crisis.
Baroness Tagge kept the platitudes vague, confirming her family’s loyalty but not specifying anything in the form of resource donation to the ailing Republic. The House of Tagge maintains a private fleet of over 5,000 armed scout starships and a private army of over one million troops.
Weequay/Houk Arraignment End in Violence
JUDICIAL ARCOLOGY, CORUSCANT – The first in a series of arraignments for offenders arrested in this month’s Eastport gang brawl between Houks and Weequay immigrants ended in violence. At a Judicial Hearing Chamber Y-76 the accused, 22-year old Ker-Zakk and 23-year old Egome Fass overpowered bailiffs and began fighting. After security stunned the two combatants into unconsciousness, presiding Judicial Official Warren Sloat called for an extended recess. Hearings will resume tomorrow. The cases are expected to go to trial sometime in the next two years.
Sepan Civil War Escalates
SEPAN SECTOR NODE – Despite the best efforts of Jedi negotiators, the hostilities between the worlds of Dimok and Ripoblus have resumed. The decades-long civil war came to a month-long standstill during negotiations headed by Jedi Knights Empatojayos Brand, Bultar Swan and Chellemi Chuovvick. Upon the Jedi’s return to Coruscant, the conflict flared up again, this time over whether Sepan should secede or not. This was the third mission dispatched by Jedi to the Sepan sector in the past five years. A fourth one is expected.