Redshift Chronicles News Brief #10: CEO's Son Found

Stardate: Forday, 068-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Taurus Bureau

Subsector:  Shannekam

"All the news that's fit to transmit."

TAg Market Heir Found on Zenya

Damathon Cohain, son of TAg Market CEO Thasallah Cohain, was found several days ago, on the planet Zenya--five parsecs coreward from Tarsus.  He is seen in the image above, taken at Pierson Station, being assisted off of a shuttle by an unidentified Durosian of the Tarsan Diplomatic Security Force and a Tau Tau (Gunganoid) warrior. 

As a company vice president in charge of operations, Damathon was scheduled to visit TAg (Tarsan Agricultural) Market's seafood processing facilities in the Tau Tau Archipelago.  However, his ship, the Ivory Bantha, was listed as overdue, two weeks ago.

The Cohain family spokesbeing declined to comment on this incident. 

Damathon landed, by way of express boat, at Newland Down Starport today, amidst heavy security. 

The fate of the Ivory Bantha and her crew of six, remains unknown at this time.

Redshift Chronicles News Brief # 9: Reprimands and Repercussions

Stardate: Senday, 050-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Merantis Bureau

Subsector: Shannekam

"All the news that's fit to transmit."

Tarsan Ambassador Visits Constabulary Headquarters

Ambassador Eleonora Heraud arrived earlier today on board the diplomatic transport, Tangletree Envoy, escorted by the mercenary assault frigate Alderaan's Vengeance (aka "Aldi-Vee").  Instead of heading to the opening ceremonies of the Star Cluster's diplomatic summit, the ambassador went to the Merantis Constabulary's Headquarters to meet with Chief of Constables Pendric Nelprin. 

(The photo above shows Ambassador Heraud, in the white gown, along with her personal assistant and bodyguards; discussing matters with Chief of Constables Nelpin, in the brown and blue uniform).

While the details of the meeting are unknown, an anonymous source within the Constabulary said the Ambassador made a formal request to have Kal Jorek extradited to Tarsus.  The basis of this request is Bongolaan's declaration of trade war against Tarsus, so Jorek can be tried for espionage.  However, Merantis, nor any of the other planets in the star cluster, are involved in the "Bantha-Gabaki Trade War" and such a request is usually passed up to the Merantan Judiciary for consideration. 

The captured smuggler may not be the only source of legal friction between Tarsus and Merantis.  Shortly after their meeting, Chief of Constables Nelprin, shown in the photo above, issued the following directive to the Constabulary of Merantis--

Effective immediately:  All Tarsan investigators, official and private; to include law enforcement officers, intelligence agents and bounty hunters, will have a Merantan constable escort with them at all times when conducting operations within the Merantis System.

Ambassador Heraud also met with her two surviving investigators. On this, our source could only say he overheard "um...an emotional lecture"--all of it in the ambassador's distinct voice. In light of these events, it appears as if the Tarsans violated some undisclosed, legal protocol.  When our source was asked if the two surviving investigators were still conducting their operation on Merantis, all he could say was "they've been reassigned."

Bounties Posted

Earlier today, the Ministry of Justice posted bounties on the two beings suspected of killing the Tarsan investigator, Nance Windu.  The details of the bounties are as follows:

Tonda Gunka

Species: Aqualishian

Homeworld: Bongolaan
Known Associates: Frizz
Bounty: 5,000 CR
Classification: Planetary, Government
Application Conditions: Alive
Bonus: (See bounties on known associates)
Detrerment: No serious injuries
Crimes: Murder
Originator: Ministry of Justice of the Commonwealth of Merantis
Receiver: Any Ministry of Justice representative or law enforcement officer

Frizz

Species: Shistavanen

Homeworld: Bongolaan

Known Associates: Tonda Gunka
Bounty: 5,000 CR
Classification: Planetary, Government
Application Conditions: Alive
Bonus: (See bounties on known associates)
Detrerment: No serious injuries
Crimes: Murder
Originator: Ministry of Justice of the Commonwealth of Merantis
Receiver: Any Ministry of Justice representative or law enforcement officer

Entertainment News

On to a lighter subject...

In just over a week, Shiri Blen's hit single Twi'lek Dream, reached #1 in the Shennekam Subsector's Top 40 Chart.  Word has it, that despite systematic jamming, Shiri's fans still manage to download the song from the Fel Empire's holonet.

This weekend, Miss Blen teamed up with the Tarsan garage band, the Goo Goo Droids.  Last night they played several collaborative songs at Spazhouse Cafe & Bistro on Tarsus; to include South Star, which Miss Blen dedicated to those who rescued her during the Bongolaanian New Year's Coup:

(Inspired by the song Southside by Moby and Gwen Stefani)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV0KmOYfomM 

And now some words from our sponsors:

(Inspired by Teenage Dream, by Katy Perry)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE 

Redshift Chronicles News Brief # 8: Merantan Rogues' Gallery

Stardate: Sixday, 049-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Merantis Bureau

Subsector: Shannekam

"All the news that's fit to transmit."

Smuggling Ring Busted on Merantis

The suspect captured in yesterday's shootout in the warehouse district has been identified as Kal Jorek of Bongolaan, pictured above in a cell at the Stedmonton Constabulary Headquarters.  No warrants, or bounties have been posted on Jorek, however MIS (Merantan Intelligence Service) is trying to determine if he is a BIB (Bongolaanian Intelligence Bureau) agent. 

The photo below shows Jorek cornered by a MIS agent and armed landspeeder during yesterday's shootout:

The Tarsan investigator killed in the firefight has been identified as Nance Windu, pictured below in an archival photo, undergoing training on the planet Ossus:

Windu spent several years at the Jedi Temple on Ossus, now besieged by Imperial forces, but it is unclear whether or not he graduated.  Since there is no known next-of-kin, the news of Windu's death was transmitted earlier today via subspace radio to his trainer, Jedi Master Gandu, reported to be on Ossus.  Whether Imperial forces allow the signal to go through remains to be seen.

Two members of the smuggling gang are suspected of killing Windu and remain at large.  They are considered armed and dangerous:

Tonda Gunka

Species:  Aqualishian
Wanted for:  Murder
Bounty:  To Be Determined (TBD)

Frizz

Species:  Shistavanen

Wanted for:  Murder

Bounty: TBD

The bodies of the remaining gang members, have been identified as:

Geezak

The Snivvian was wounded in the initial gunbattle with the Tarsan investigators and later tracked down and killed by two officers from the Stedmonton Constabulary.

Adaziak and Diergul

Both Weequay gang members were killed by the Tarsan investigators; seen in the above archival photo, providing security for a Bongolaanian brothel, two years ago.

Daho Yudo

This Aqualishian was killed by the Tarsan investigators; seen in the above archival photo, as an enforcer for one of the gabaki plantations on Bongolaan, 2 years ago.
.

The warehouse hideout was searched and the following material was seized: 

1,800 kilograms of Bongolaanian gabaki

1 military-grade computer

1 military-grade subspace radio

MIS and the Stedmonton Constabulary are currently working with the Bureau of Ships and Services (BoSS) to determine whether this smuggling gang operated its own starship or sub-contracted others.

(Image from Wookiepedia)

Editorial Notes on BoSS, from Wookiepedia:

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/BOSS 

Redshift Chronicles News Brief #7: Heat of the Fire

Stardate: Fiday, 048-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Merantis Bureau

Subsector: Shannekam

"All the news that's fit to transmit."

Breaking News:  Shootout in Stedmonton

A firefight erupted this evening in Stedmonton's warehouse district between a band of smugglers and a joint task force, consisting of members from a Tarsan diplomatic security team, the Stedmonton Constabulary and the Merantan Intelligence Service (MIS).  The photo above shows the smuggling gang attempting to leave their warehouse hideout.

Four smugglers and a member of the Tarsan diplomatic security team were killed in the shootout.  One smuggler, rumored to be the ringleader, was captured by the Stedmonton Constabulary, while two surviving gang members remain at large. 

Bystanders also report hearing an explosion during the gun battle, some claiming a thermal detonator had gone off, although none of the warehouse buildings suffered any structural damage.  There is, however, an unconfirmed report that one of the Tarsan investigators was admitted to Stedmonton General Hospital suffering from multiple lacerations--possibly due to shrapnel.

In the photo below, two Tarsan investigators, (top center and lower right corner), confront the smugglers. 

The "Tarsan Trio" were originally assigned to investigate the Constellation Tower Fire, that gutted the offices of TAg Market (see Redshift Chronicles News Brief #6).  It is unclear at this time if the smuggling gang is connected with the fire, or if the Tarsans were investigating another matter of planetary security.  Tarsus is involved in a trade war with Bongolaan, while the Tarsan ambassador, Eleonora Heraud, is due to arrive within the next couple of days to attend the Star Cluster's diplomatic summit meeting.

Below, the Shannekam Subsector Map shows the relative location of the three planets mentioned in this news brief:  Tarsus, circled in green; Merantis, circled in yellow; and Bongolaan circled in red.  Bongolaan and Tatooine were incorporated into the Fel Empire on New Year's Day.

Redshift Chronicles News Brief # 6: Where There's Smoke...

Stardate: Sixday, 042-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Tarsus Bureau

Subsector: Shannekam

"All the news that's fit to transmit."

Fire Erupts in Planetary Capital's Skyscraper

Yesterday, a fire broke out in Stedmonton's Constellation Tower, on the planet Merantis.  The fire completely gutted the office of TAg Market (Tarsus Agricultural Market), while adjacent businesses suffered only minor damage.  Arson is suspected, but not  yet confirmed.  When asked if this was the work of Bongolaanian agents, a spokesbeing from MIS (Merantan Intelligence Service), merely said they were "looking into it." 

The new Tarsan Ambassador, Eleonora Heraud, is scheduled to attend a diplomatic conference on Merantis within the next six days.  CODA's (Commission of Diplomatic Affairs) Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) calls for the deployment of a Diplomatic Security Team (DST), prior to the arrival of any ambassadorial staff.  When asked if any Tarsan DST, will be involved in the Constellation Tower's fire investigation, a spokesbeing from CODA merely said, "no comment."

Science and Technology News

Three days ago, FIN ran a story about the Tarsan Defense Forces' postponed MARVIN (Mobile Android Recovery Vehicle Improved Negotiator) Program.  Only one prototype has been assigned to the Tarsan 3rd Lift Infantry Regiment and the order of additional MARVIN droids from Sirius Cybernetics Corporation has been cancelled.  No reason was specified for terminating the contract.

Earlier today the above image was transmitted to FIN's office on Tarsus.  When a local reporter showed an anonymous source within the Tarsan Defense Force this image, the individual merely shrugged and said not to worry, "we have the technology, we can rebuild him."  No explanation for the apparent malfunction was given.

Entertainment News

Shiri Blen's latest hit song Twi'lek Dream reached number one within the Merantis Star Cluster and is rapidly climbing the subsector's Top 40 Chart.  It is unknown at this time if the Fel Empire, which is notoriously hostile to foreign transmissions, will block the holovid signal within it's borders.

In the meantime, Ms. Blen is scheduled to conduct an encore performance this weekend at Spazhouse Cafe & Bistro in Newland.  Her upcoming venue will include some of her earlier hits like Something's Going On.

(Inspired by I Know There's Something Going On, sung by Frida).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz5DkTF2RW8 



Editorial Note:

The top photo is from the Parque Central Complex fire, which occurred on 17 Oct 2004, in Caracas, Venezuela. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_Central_Complex 

Redshift Chronicles News Brief #5: Amabassadors, Entertainers & Droids

Stardate: Thirday, 039-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Tarsus Bureau

Subsector: Shannekam

"All the news that's fit to transmit"

Tarsus Elects New Ambassador

Eleonora Heraud, was elected Ambassador to the Merantis Star Cluster by a landslide in yesterday's plebiscite. 

She captured the hearts of 78% of Tarsus' registered voters (21,196,500), while her contenders, Dorn Repness and Lirin Terrik, only managed to gain 14% (3,804,500) and 8% (2, 174,000) of the vote, respectively.

Pictured above:  Eleonora Heraud (center foreground) is escorted to the Directory Building for the swearing-in ceremony by Prime Commissioner Winthrop Coghill (left foreground) and Gwyn Norrocks (right, foreground), General of the Tarsan Defense Forces.  In the background are Babric Delorko (left), head of the Tarsan Intelligence Service and Callithea Lockridge (right), administrative assistant for the
Commission of Diplomatic Affairs (CODA).

Mrs. Heraud, will assume the responsibilities of her late husband, Fitzroy Heraud, who was killed in last month's Imperial-sponsored coup on Bongolaan.  However, she will have only a week planetside to become familiar with her duties.  After her in-processing, she is scheduled to attend a diplomatic conference on Merantis with representatives from the other member worlds of the star cluster.  While no agenda for the conference has been published, the most likely topic of discussion will be the Tarsan-Bongolaanian Trade Dispute, or as it is more commonly known as, the "Bantha-Gabaki Trade War."

Meanwhile, in entertainment news...

The Twi'lek celebrity, Shiri Blen, proved once again she can land on her feet.  Fleeing the Bongolaanian coup she arrived on Tarsus with nothing more than a worn skin-suit.  Or so everyone thought.  Apparently, she was able to access an unknown amount of her wealth, before it was seized or frozen by Imperial treasury agents.  With her new agent and business partner, Rensi Rabogo, a former Casmaanian councilman from Bongolaan.  Together, they purchased and renovated an old land speeder garage in Newland, turning it into a nightclub within a few weeks.

Shiri kicked-off the grand opening of Spazhouse Cafe & Bistro, with a brand new number, Twi'lek Dream.  Within hours the song skyrocketed to first place on Tarsus and will most likely reach number one within the Merantis Star Cluster by the end of the day. 

(Twi'lek Dream was inspired by Teenage Dream, sung by Katie Perry).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE

And now a word from our sponsor...

Introducing the entirely new and upgraded Mobile Android Recovery Vehicle Improved Negotiator (M.A.R.V.I.N). Here at the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation we are pleased to offer MARVIN with the new prototype GPP (Genuine People Personalities). As we like to say at Sirius “Your Plastic Pal Who’s Fun to Be With."  In addition, this Type-1 droid has the most sought-after skills and abilities in the galaxy. With a memory capacity as big as a planet there’s no end to the number of tasks that you can delegate to MARVIN.

From the Science and Technology Department:

A prototype MARVIN was purchased five months ago by the Tarsan Defense Forces and assigned to the 1st Battalion/3rd Lift Infantry Regiment as an infantry support droid.  After a 6-month evaluation phase, the plan was to purchase an additional 72 MARVIN droids, assigning one to each platoon, along with an additional droid assigned to company, battalion and regimental headquarters. 

One month before the evaluation phase was to end, the Tarsan Defense Force Public Relations Office (PRO) announced that it was no longer pursuing the MARVIN contract with Sirius Cybernetics Corporation.  No explanation was given and when asked about the prototype, a PRO spokesman merely commented that the droid was "being re-assigned."

Notes on Figures:

I didn't get who makes the droid figure from this campaign's new player.  I'll be sure to add it to future posts. 

The other figures are from Wizards of the Coast Star Wars Miniatures.

Redshift Chronicles: News Brief #4, The Bantha-Gabaki Trade War

Stardate: Thirday, 032-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Tarsus Bureau

Subsector: Shannekam

Bongolaan Declares a Trade War against Tarsus

Five days ago, the Bongolaanian Ministry of Intersellar Affairs declared a trade war to be in effect between the Peoples Democratic Republic of Bongolaan, the newest member-state of the Fel Empire, and the fringe world of Tarsus. 

All Tarsan-registered vessels will be considered pirate ships and will be pursued by forces protecting Bongolaanian interests. 

Following-up the Ministry of Intersellar Affairs, the Bongolaanian Ministry of Justice declared all Tarsan bantha-beef to be considered contraband.  Individuals transporting Tarsan foodstuffs will be apprehended and detained as smugglers.  The transportation of illegal goods is considered a major felony and convicted smugglers could face a 5,000 CR fine and/or 5 years incarceration for their first offense.

Non-Tarsan starships transporting enemy bantha-beef will be impounded until the sentence is fulfilled and fines are paid.

Bounties posted against known smugglers conducting operations against the People's Democratic Republic of Bongolaan will start at 7,000 CR.

In retaliation, the Tarsan Commission of Trade and Finance declared all Bongolaanian gabaki products to be contraband.  The penalties for importing Bongolaanian gabaki will be similar to those listed above.

The Bongolaanian declaration of trade warfare came as a result of the Tarsan plebiscite on 022-130 ABY, regarding Bongolaan's demands for reparations and the extradition of former President-for-Life Bharzi; along with any known associates.  Tarsus, a participatory democracy with 27,175,000 registered voters, decided the following issues:

1. Should Tarsus pay the 2,218,800 CR reparations demanded by Bongolaan?

An overwhelming 90% (24,457,500) voted no, while 8% (2,174,000) voted yes, with 2% (543,500) abstaining.

2. Should the former President-for-Life, Zeveg Bharzi, be extradited to Bongolaan?

A mere 55% (14,946,250) voted no, while 29% (7,780,750) voted yes, with 16% (4,348,000) abstaining.

3. Should any of Bharzi's associates and/or crew of the Aimless Drifter be extradited to Bongolaan?

A clear majority of 69% (18,750,750) voted no, while 19% (5,163,250) voted yes, with 22% (5,978500) abstaining.

Yesterday, the Tarsan Commission of Justice destroyed the 82 tons of Bongolaanian gabaki carried on board the Aimless Drifter. 

Before the gabaki fires burned themselves out, an anonymous source reported the Tarsan Commission of Intersellar Relations (CIR) was relieved to hear that Imperial forces will most likely not involve themselves in the Tarsan-Bongolaanian Trade Dispute.  Apparently the CIR received a terse communique from the Office of Valeska Hallard, Grand Moff of the Geonosis Subsector, stating:  

"While Bongolaan is now part of the Fel Empire, the Imperial Government does not concern itself with the affairs of individual planets--for the time being."

Redshift Chronicles: News Brief #3--Elections and Reparations

Stardate: Fiday, 020-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Tarsus Bureau

Subsector: Shannekam

Bongolaan Elects a New President

The Bongolaanian Ministry of Truth announced that Bunda Akhtar was elected President-for-Life by a landslide on 008-130 ABY.  Such a claim may be dubious at best, since the former President-for-Life, Zeveg Bharzi, was elected by a similar majority vote, prior to the Galactic New Year.  Bongolaan's new chief executive, seen in the lead photo with his droid body guards, conducted an extensive inspection of the planet's gabaki plantations as his first order of business.  (At this time, it cannot be confirmed whether "political contributions" were collected during Akhtar's inspection tour).

However, in its first week, Akhtar's administration did not confined itself strictly to planetary affairs.  Yesterday, the Tarsan Commision of Diplomatic Affairs (CODA) received a comminique from their counterparts on Bongolaan, responding to Tarsus' demands.  The following are excerpts that have currently been made public:

"While the Government of the People's Democratic Republic of Bongolaan, regret the death of Ambassador Heraud, no formal apology will be issued.  The ambassador was armed and the battle droids returned fire in order to defend themselves."

"Battle droids form an integral part of the Bongolaanian People's Democratic Defense Force.  Therefore, no battle droid will be dismantled for defending the lives and property of Bongolaan's citizens."

"The Government of the People's Democratic Republic of Bongolaan would like to comply with the wishes of the Heraud Family and return the ambassador's remains.  Unfortunately, this is impossible.  Restoration efforts required the immediate disposal of the few decomposing bodies in order to prevent the spread disease."

Pictured above:  Zeveg Bharzi collecting "campaign contributions" from a gabaki plantation owner.

In addition to refusing Tarsus' demands, the Akhtar administration made the following counter claims: 

"The Bonolaanian Ministry of Justice hereby demands the extradition of Zeveg Bharzi, Bongolaan's former president, to face charges of corruption and various crimes against sentient beings."

"In addition to returning Bharzi, the Ministry of Justice also insists upon the extradition of the four individuals who aided him in his escape.  Included in this transmission are two images of these culprits stealing cases of gold latinum, valued at 2,000,000 CR, from the People's Treasury prior to their flight from justice."

Along with the extradition orders, the Bongolaanian Ministry of Finance demanded the Tarsan Board of Directors pay the following in reparations:

--2,000,000 CR for the gold latinum stolen from the People's Treasury

--100,000 CR for the theft of the People's Merchant Vessel (PMV) Aimless Drifter

--82,000 CR for the theft of 82 tons of gabaki on board the PMV Aimless Drifter

--36,000 CR for the cost of replacing the 20 battle droids destroyed by the fugitives

--200 CR fine for the fugitives operating a gabaki barge without a license

--200 CR fine for the fugitives not filing a starship flight plan

--200 CR fine for the fugitives exiting the Bongolaanian system outside the normal departure corridor

--200 CR fine for the fugitives operating a starship without running lights

Total reparations:  2, 218, 800 CR

Tarsus' CODA has not yet issued a response to Bongolaan's counter demands.

Notes on figures:

Miniatures and game mat by Wizards of the Coast.

Bulkead doorway by Paper Make It.

Boxes by Toposolitario:  http://www.toposolitario.com/workshop/index.html 

Star Wars Redshift Chronicles: News Brief #2--Death of a Statesman

Stardate: Wonday, 009-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Tarsus Bureau

Subsector: Shannekam

Ambassador Heraud Murdered!

Ambassador Fitzroy Heraud was killed within the first hours of the Galactic New Year, while on the planet Bongolaan.  The Tarsan ambassador and his aid, Callithea Lockridge, were on a diplomatic mission to negotiate a trade deal with the recently elected, President-for-Life, Zeveg Bharzi.  While election fraud was a likely factor in elevating Bharzi to high office, his administration lasted less than a week. 

Bongolaan's Vice President, Bunda Akhtar, staged a New Year's Eve coup, using Clone War-Era battle droids, reportedly supplied by the Fel Empire.  Droid squads, supported by HKDs (Hunter-Killer Dropships), seized critical facilities and interdicted ground and airborne traffic until the planet was secured.  Ambassador Heraud was traveling in a motorcade through the Bongolaanian Capital of Ratankiri, with President Bharzi and Twi' lek holovid celebrity Shiri Blen, when Akhtar's forces struck.  The VIP convoy was strafed by at least one  flight of HKDs, in one of several simultaneous attacks launched prior to Galactic Midnight.

Ms Lockridge was in the Presidential Palace when the initial attack took place.  She joined three relief agency workers and helped defend civilians within the palace against the droid onslaught.   The ad-hoc team then made their way through Ratankiri in an attempt to locate the Tarsan ambassador.  En route, they drove off a pack of looters assaulting Shiri Blen and her Rodian agent, Geelo. 

Shiri and Geelo led the group back to the ravaged motorcade, where they found Ambassador Heraud still alive, but pinned under an overturned speeder truck and suffering from serious injuries.  Unfortunately, when they tried removing the ambassador from the wreckage, they were attacked by a squad of battle droids.  Geelo was killed in the firefight, while the light-saber wielding human was struck by blaster fire and left for dead.

The leading image was transmitted to the Tarsan Commission of Diplomatic Affairs (CODA), by an anonymous source, claiming to be a member of the Bongolaanian Armed Resistance Cadre (BARC).  The hazy picture shows the wounded Ambassador Heraud exchanging fire with two battle droids approaching behind him, near the rim of a blast crater. 

Pictured above:  Callithea ("Calli") Lockridge disembarks from a Rockhopper-Class shuttle at a remote Bantha ranch on Tarsus.

The news of Ambassador Heraud's death wasn't released until this morning.  Yesterday, the survivors of the Bongolaanian Coup were interviewed by the Tarsan Board of Commissioners, while members of the Heraud family were notified of their loss.  According to Ms Lockride's emotional testimony, Ambassador Heraud ordered her and her companions to leave him, because he was too injured to move and the entire party was on the verge of being overrun. 

In addition to publicizing the tragic news about their ambassador, the Board of Directors transmitted the following demands to the government of Bunda Akhtar via subspace radio:

--immediately return the ambassador's remains

--issue a formal apology for his death, and

--dismantle and scrap the battle droid squad responsible for killing the ambassador.

Since Tarsus has no direct holovid connection, it will take four days for the subspace signal to reach Bongolaan.  In the meantime, preparations are being made for a state memorial service in honor of the late Ambassador Heraud.

Star Wars Redshift Chronicles: News Brief #1--Inauspicious Beginning

Stardate: Sixday, 007-130 ABY/Fringe Info Network (FIN)--Tarsus Bureau

Subsector:  Shannekam

THE GALACTIC ALLIANCE HAS FALLEN!

Over two weeks ago, the Alliance fleet was virtually annihilated at the battle of Caamas by combined forces of the Sith and Fel Empires.  Core and Mid-Rim worlds surrendered within days of the Alliance Navy's defeat.  Outer Rim systems fell soon afterwards from Imperial-sponsored coups, many through the use of Clone War-Era battle droids, which acted as sleeper cells for the usurpers. 

Despite the collapse, some Alliance forces refused to surrender.  Sources within the former Alliance reported Admiral Stazi's Core Fleet managed to break out of the Imperial trap at Caamas and still remains at large.  Meanwhile, nearly all of the Alliance's Jedi Knights have retreated to Ossus and are said to be fortifying their temple against a possible assault.

News of the Caamas disaster did not reach Outer Rim subsectors, due in part, to the normal time-lag from the Core Region news networks.  However, ominous reports of a communications-inhibiting virus infecting the Alliance's Holovid Net, are just now filtering through the border fringe. 

Because of the communications delay, the harbinger of this catastrophic news was the M/V (Merchant Vessel) Aimless Drifter, which fled a coup on Bongolaan and evaded several Imperial task forces converging on the planet.  The starship, seen in the above and following images, made a hard landing at the Newland Down Starport, Docking Pad 21, before dawn this morning.

(Click on images to enlarge)

Port Authority Security personnel immediately surrounded the vessel once it made planetfall.  Thirteen armed passengers disembarked, some suffering from a variety of injuries ranging from minor to critical.  The standoff between the Bongolaanian refugees and security ended when one of the humans collapsed, reportedly from blaster wounds and hibernation sickness.  Despite being armed with a light saber, the victim muttered repeatedly, "I am not a Jedi," as EMTs carried him off the tarmac.  The remaining passengers were then disarmed and escorted to the Port Authority Security facility.

As of now, only three of the refugees have been identified. 

They are:

Shiri Blen (F), the Twi 'lek holovid celebrity, seen in the brown skin suit.

Callithea Lockridge (F), aide to Tarsan Ambassador Fitzroy Heraud, seen in the powder blue jump suit.

Zeveg Bharzi (M), former President-for-Life of Bongolaan, seen in desert garb.

Both Ambassador Heraud and his aide were on Bongolaan to negotiate a new trade agreement.  The fate of the ambassador remains unknown at this time.

An emergency meeting of the Tarsan Board of Commissioners will convene today at 1500 hours. Discussing the potential ramifications the Alliance collapse may have on this planet and among the other non-aligned worlds, will likely be the only issue on the agenda.  Meanwhile, the Aimless Drifter, along with her cargo--82 tons of Bongolaanian gabaki--remains impounded, pending further investigation.

Reference Notes:

The Battle of Caamas according to Star Wars canon:

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Battle_of_Caamas

The Galactic Alliance Core Fleet:

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Galactic_Alliance_Core_Fleet

Admiral Stazi:

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Admiral_Stazi

Tarsus according to Traveller canon:

http://traveller.wikia.com/wiki/Tarsus 

Gabaki:

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Grey_Gabaki

Figures:

From Wizards of the Coast (WotC) Star Wars Miniatures. 

Special thanks goes to my friend Joe for letting me borrow his Millenium Falcon action figure set.

Literary License:

According to Star Wars canon of the Legacy Era, the Battle of Caamas was fought in 130 ABY (After the Battle of Yavin).  In order to give my Redshift Campaign a good starting reference, I moved the battle ahead to the last month of 129 ABY.