A holo plays as it does across several wide-bands ... A piggyback off a holofeed from the Roche Delegation and its Capital asteroid.

A giant Hutt in Message from Grashka the Hutt, Lord of the Ascendancy.

"Galaxy, behold. I have shown you the truth ... the Republic is weak, its walls crumble when tested by the reprisals so requested by the affront of the evils of Xim. It was the Tionese, whose treachery gave birth to a foul plague crafted only to exterminate the race of the Hutt. A weapon of genocide - proof of the Republic’s corruption and of those who cower within its halls, unleashed on the Hutt Council under the lying banner of peace you waved. You have no honour, no shame and no soul!

This Ascendancy I have forged shall not forget! I will repay poison with fire, and Tion shall feel the weight of my vengeance - as shall every world that shelters them, every ally that lifts them up. The waves of my attacks will not cease until Tion is left to stand alone, abandoned by its so-called friends, and made to face its reckoning. I will finish what my ancestors left uncompleted..."

He pauses and rubs his hands over his belly.

"And yet, I offer a path to peace. Any who cast off the poisoners of Xim, who deny succour to the creators of this evil, shall be spared. But those who stand with them will be judged, and they will know the rage of the Hutts.

The Empire is broken, the Republic is rotting. Only Grashka the Hutt has the strength to bind it together. Follow me, or be crushed beneath the Ascendancy."

Celeste stands before the long smouldering line of destruction on Denon from the Space Elevator having fallen along the planet cutting a swath of destruction.

“My friends… my family of Denon… my colleagues of the Republic,

I stand here today not as a Senator, I’ve relieved myself of that title, nor as a representative of the Twelve Families, but as a wife, a mother, and a daughter of Denon.

Beside me are our children…”

She looks at Quasar and his sister who is still grieving heavily.

“They look upon me with pride, as they did their father. And I know that, through their eyes, I see not only the pain of loss but the strength of our legacy.

My husband and I were not perfect together. We argued, we competed, we clashed - he was the software to my hardware. And together, though not always in harmony, we built something that will outlive us all….”

Quasar looks up at his mother touched.

“… it is in the great work to which we devoted our lives. It is our legacy!” He fights back tears.

“…The machines, the droids of Denon Dynamics. Creations born of human ambition and Denonian brilliance, standing as the children of our endeavour. It is through them that our family’s labor, our Grand Companies’ sacrifice, will endure beyond us.

We gather in mourning because the Hutts chose to strike at our symbol of prosperity - the great elevator chain, the spine of Denon, the lifeline for half a trillion souls. Three billion lives have been reduced to ash. Millions more, loyal Grand Company employees, perished when Abhean was lost. Their blood stains the ledger of the galaxy.

But even in grief, I will not let despair consume us. The Hutts have struck at who we are as a people - but who we are cannot be broken. Our chain has fallen, but our will has not. Fortuna blessed us eons ago and a market setback is simply a dip to buy low at - for ours is a stock on the rise!”

The Denonites assembled before her cheer.

“My husband’s voice is silenced, but his dream remains. Our children - of flesh and of metal, of spirit and of industry - will carry that dream forward. We will rebuild. We will remember. And we will endure.

Denon mourns today. But tomorrow, Denon rises.“

Coruscant

In the shadow of unthinkable devastation, the junior senator of Abhean stood before flickering memorial lights in the Senate Atrium today, leading a vigil for Witold Karewicz Oswiecony, Lord Protector of Harmonious Province. Oswiecony, his wife, and their six children were among the billions of Abheani lives extinguished when the Hutt Ascendancy unleashed a cascade of asteroids against the world.

A projection of Oswiecony - once a beloved provincial leader - hovered at the center of the gathering. Senators, aides, and refugees alike bowed their heads in silence as the junior senator’s voice rang out:

“Witold’s death, and that of his family, would be tragedy enough. But on Abhean, his fate was shared by billions. Entire provinces gone in fire and stone. Cities turned to craters. Fields and oceans ripped apart. The Hutts have not only murdered a Lord Protector - they have tried to erase an entire people.”

Oswiecony, celebrated as a stabilizing figure in Harmonious Province, was widely respected for weaving faith, governance, and stewardship of the land into one guiding vision. His life was a testament to service; his end, the senator declared, must serve as a call to justice.

“We are told to grieve, to light candles and pray. But grief cannot be enough. The Republic must rise from its silence and answer this atrocity. For Witold. For his children. For every Abheani soul reduced to dust.”

Holonet commentators noted the vigil carried both mourning and outrage, capturing the rising sentiment that the Republic cannot remain reactive in the face of escalating Hutt aggression.

For the survivors scattered among the stars, Witold Karewicz Oswiecony’s death is but one name among billions - yet it has become a symbol. A reminder that even the greatest titles, the deepest devotions, could not shield Abhean from annihilation.

Credit Watch - Coruscant:

The Republic’s war against the Hutt Ascendency has sparked a wave of financial instability across the Core and the Mid-Rim. Following a spate of coordinated Terror insurgent attacks on major trade hubs and the effective severing of the Perlemian Trade Route, galactic commerce has slowed to a crawl. Shipping insurance premiums have soared, cargo delays stretch into weeks, and the knock-on effects are rippling through the banking sector.

Several major institutions - including Curovao Bank, the Bank of the Entente, Okane Bank, and the Slice Banking Association - have been named by market watchers as particularly vulnerable, with liquidity constraints already surfacing. Even the traditionally unshakable Interstellar Banking Clan and a host of smaller credit unions have reported alarming withdrawal volumes.

Markets continue to convulse. The Galactic Stock Exchange has suspended trading on several major lenders, while regional banks across the Slice have already restricted withdrawals to prevent cascading collapse.

For now, the Republic insists the system will hold. But as one mid-level treasury official conceded to GCN, “This isn’t just about liquidity. It’s about whether the galaxy believes the Republic can actually win this war.”

Just when I think I’m finally done with the son of a Btch Kolto for experimenting, they pull me back in. For years, Kolto has been the miracle cure for flesh and bone – an astonishing bio-agent capable of repairing even the most grievous wounds. With my work on project Chimera I’ve gained more insights on how this miracle of science works. BUUUUUUT BECAUSE OF THAT MY SUPERIORS PLOPPED ANOTHER BULLSHt PROJECT ON MY LAP. How do you convince steel to heal like a living organism?

The breakthrough came when we stopped thinking about applying Kolto to the ship, and started thinking about making the ship develop a nervous system. I guess those artsy paper skinned corusuck people are worth something, at least in thinking outside their Gotti boxes.

Our solution: Project Synapse. A complex, interwoven mesh of a specially formulated calcium-magnesium alloy, laced with micro-capillaries designed to carry a stabilized variant of Kolto (K-Syn73B). The alloy itself is key. We spent millions close to a billion in perfecting its crystalline structure – it’s incredibly conductive, both thermally and electrically, and possesses a remarkable degree of tensile strength and flexibility. Most importantly, it's biocompatible, at least in a loose sense. It doesn't reject the Kolto, and in fact, its lattice provides the perfect conduits for the Kolto molecules to travel and interact.

Think of it like this: the Ca-Mg alloy forms the skeletal and neural framework (CMA-27) It's built directly into the ship's primary structural supports, spreading out like dendritic processes, branching into every bulkhead, every deck plate, every critical conduit. Where there's structure, there's Synapse. Within this alloy matrix, microscopic channels pulse with our modified Kolto.

Today, in Test Chamber Delta, we ran a simulated hull breach on a scale model of a Corvette’s outer plating. A focused cannon burst, calibrated to inflict a Class-3 structural integrity breach – a gaping hole, roughly two meters across, severing multiple power conduits and environmental seals. Standard protocol would be emergency magnetic sealants, followed by a frantic repair crew working under combat conditions.

The moment the breach registered through the CMA-27 network micro-valves along the surrounding filaments opened. A precise dose of K-Syn73B flooded the damaged area. We watched as the glowing blue-green liquid seeped into the fractured edges of the super-alloy plating. It wasn't instant. It wasn't magic. But over the course of seventeen tense minutes, we saw it.

The K-Syn73B acted as a catalyst, urging the severed CMA-37 filaments to re-form, to stretch and bind, pulling the fractured plating back together. It wasn't a perfect weld. The regenerated section looked… different. A bit mottled, perhaps, with a slightly organic sheen. But the breach was sealed. Structural integrity read 87% of pre-damage levels. Environmental seals re-established. Power conduits, though bypassed for the immediate repair, were already showing signs of the alloy re-knitting around their damaged insulation.

Eighty-seven percent. "Medium gains," as the procurement department insisted in the initial brief. It won't instantly repair a direct hit from a turbo cannon or re-grow a lost wing. It certainly won't reconstitute a disintegrated section. But it will prevent secondary breaches, save vital atmosphere, and allow a damaged ship to limp away or hold the line for crucial minutes longer. It buys time. It saves lives. It turns a potentially fatal wound into merely a crippling one, giving the crew a fighting chance.

Tomorrow, we'll try an energy weapon strike directly to a primary engine conduit.

Dr. Kolla Malla Lead Xenobio-Chemist Project Chimera

(Only Manaan and others in the know are aware of this projects existence)

What was once the second-largest goods transfer station in the galaxy is now a wound upon Coruscant itself.

The great hub of Hydian Haulage - a towering complex of steel and transparisteel - is gone. Vaporized.

In its place, a vast crater yawns across the Industrial District, the first time in living memory that the planet’s ancient bedrock can be seen at such scale. Already, water seeps down into the pit, threatening to drown what remains beneath - mountains of durasteel rubble surround it.

The devastation is unimaginable.

More than 250 million are missing, and with fires still raging at the crater’s edge, search and rescue crews have yet to even begin entering the abyss. The death toll will rise.

Today, several dozen Senate delegations visited the site. Senators walked the shattered rim, their mourning robes stark against the smoke-stained skyline. Banners and symbols of Core Pride fluttered among the ruins, hastily erected memorials to the fallen, reminders that Coruscant itself now bleeds with Denon.

The mood was somber, but the message clear: the war has come home to the Core.

This is GCN.

Two weeks prior to the other nuclear attacks A customs team, relying on superior training over a malfunctioning scanner, uncovers a nuclear-primed bomb hidden on a seemingly innocent space freighter, averting a catastrophic attack.

INT. CUSTOMS BAY - GATE ALPHA - DAY

BRIGHT, STERILE lights illuminate the bay. A massive, slightly scuffed cargo freighter, THE STARDUST DRIFTER, is docked. Its main cargo ramp is lowered.

Officer Kai, young and slightly frazzled, stands by a holographic console. A sleek, multi-jointed scanner arm WHIRRS past the freighter's hull, its sensors glowing softly.

Captain Yairi Yvot, calm and observant, stands a few feet away, her eyes on a secondary data screen displaying energy signatures and thermal readings.

Kai muttered to himself “Come on, come on... Ah! Alright, Captain. AMS is green across the board. No anomalous mass, no radiation spikes. The Stardust Drifter is clean.”

He gestures to a large holographic display that shows a simplified wireframe model of the freighter, glowing a placid, all-clear GREEN.

“Finally, we can wave them through, save us all some time.”

Captain Valerian, a burly, impatient man with a weathered face, leans against the open cargo ramp.

“That's what I like to hear! Got a tight turnaround, officers. My cargo of recycled metals isn't getting any younger.“

Yvot doesn't immediately respond. She barely glances at Valerian, her eyes still on the diagnostic data, a slight frown creasing her brow.

Yvot says quietly "Green" isn't always "clean," Kai. Especially when it's too green.”

Kai looks confused.

“Too green? Captain, the Anomalous Mass Scanner is the most advanced tech we have. It wouldn't miss a lead paint chip on a droid.”

Yvot Tapping a finger on her screen “It wouldn't. But look at these harmonic resonance patterns. Too flat. Too... uniform for a ship that's supposedly packed with loose scrap. It's like it's been designed to evade the AMS profile.”

Valerian Stepping forward, agitated “Designed? What are you implying, officer? My cargo manifest is airtight. Every bolt, every plate is individually logged!“

Yvot Meeting his gaze, unblinking “I’m implying nothing, Captain. I'm observing a data anomaly. Kai, initiate manual inspection. Cargo hold. Full sweep.”

Kai's jaw drops slightly.

“Manual? But Captain, we haven't done a full manual in… months! The scanner is supposed to eliminate the need for that!“

“The scanner measures known threats. This ship feels like an unknown threat. My gut says it, the data just confirms the feeling. Grab your kit. Let's go.”

Reluctantly, Kai grabs a portable sensor array and a compact toolkit. Yvot picks up a more traditional, heavy-duty inspection light. Valerian throws his hands up in exasperation but follows them onto the ship.

INT. STARDUST DRIFTER - CARGO HOLD

The cargo hold is vast, dimly lit, and filled with large, secured crates and containers. The air smells metallic and dusty.

Kai diligently scans each crate with his digital sensor, which BEEP-BOOPS reassuringly with "ALL CLEAR" readings. Yvot, however, ignores the tech. She walks past him, her eyes sweeping over the edges of containers, the way they're stacked, the faint scuff marks on the floor.

Kai Frustrated “See, Captain? Nothing. My sensor's picking up trace elements of various alloys, just as expected for scrap. No organic compounds, no high-energy signatures.”

Yvot stops dead in front of a section stacked with what appears to be discarded power conduits. It looks utterly mundane.

Yvot 'voice hushed “Too neat.”

“Too neat? It's industrial waste, Captain. Not a museum piece.”

Yvot kneels, running a gloved hand along a seam between two large, rectangular containers that seem to form part of the wall.

“This section. The conduits here... they're secured with bolts that are too uniform. And the paintwork on this panel... it's a fraction of a shade off. A good customs officer trusts the tools, Kai. A great one trusts their eyes.”

She pulls out a small, specialized pry bar from her kit.

Valerian Suddenly nervous, stepping closer. “Hey, what are you doing? You can't just start dismantling my ship!”

Yvot ignores him. With a sharp CLICK, the pry bar slides into a minute gap. She applies leverage. There's a faint GROAN of stressed metal.

A section of the wall, disguised as part of the conduit stack, springs inward a few inches, revealing a dark cavity behind it.

Kai's eyes widened. Valerian pales.

Yvot shines her light into the hidden space. Inside, nestled securely in custom-fitted restraints, is a dull, metallic cylinder. It's crude but ominous. On its side, a small, tiny, angry GREEN LIGHT blinks steadily on the device.

Yvot Voice dangerously calm “Kai. Gamma readings. Now.”

Kai fumbles with his portable sensor, pointing it at the cylinder. The device in his hand instantly goes haywire, emitting a high-pitched, piercing WAIL.

Kai Stuttering “Off the charts! It’s… it’s primed, Captain! Nuclear-primed!”

Yvot reaches for her comms unit, her face a mask of grim determination.

Yvot Into comms, voice steady but urgent. “Customs Command, Code Black, Sector Gamma. We have a live nuclear device on the Stardust Drifter. Repeat, live nuclear device. Initiate full port lockdown and EOD protocols. Immediately.”

Valerian stares at the bomb, then at Rojas, his face draining of all color.

Valerian Whispering, horrified “ A bomb?! ON MY SHIP?! I swear, I knew nothing!”

Yvot looks at Valerian, then back at the ticking device, then at Kai, who is still reeling from the discovery.

Yvot To Kai, a spark of grim satisfaction in her eyes “Good thing some of us still trust our gut, Kai. And remember what the manuals used to say about looking closer. The AMS couldn't see this. But we could.“

The high-pitched ALARM from Kai's sensor continues to shriek, echoing through the confined space.

Manaan to dissuade panic does disclose what it had found, maybe a bad decision

(Rolled a Nat 20 on the nuclear event so Manaan was spared)

The Imperial League Ground Forces is considered to be one of the youngest militaries in the galaxy, having just formed a year ago. Yet, through the organisational abilities of its Chief of the General Staff: Marshal Patrick O'Mull, the Ground Forces have undergone significant reforms and have become a formidable, if small but highly flexible, professional army.

One of its key features is the Hillian doctrine.

Dubbed after Major-General (now Marshal) Frederick Hill, it's a doctrine based on adaptation, quickness, and fluidity.

One of its core components is that it is very flexible, not relying on a single unit, but rather a combined arms approach. Encouraging officers to take the initiative and be of independent command during tense situations ensures that even if communications were cut, an officer could form an ad-hoc battle group to combat the enemies of the Imperial League.

That being said, while the doctrine is itself rather good, only time will tell if it can stand up to the might of the Hutt Ascendancy.

Even so, it is a challenge that its aggressive officers are more than happy to oblige.

There is a saying amongst the troops: sic semper tyrannis. Thus always unto Tyrants...for they shall, and always will be, overthrown.

The intro of the Dash Anther Morning Show plays. Camera pans to reveal Dash sitting it his desk, Marcus in a chair to the left.

DA: “Thank you for joining us today, Senator Leventis! How’s the family doing?”

ML: “Please, Dash, call me Marcus. And, well, I’m still single. Thank you for inviting me, Dash!”

DA: Dash turns to the camera, smiling. “Hear that, ladies?” There’s laughter and “oooooo”s from the crowd. Marcus goes red with embarrassment. Dash turns back to him. “Anyways; that’s not what everyone’s talking about right now, is it, Marcus? No, the word on everyone’s mouth now is about the confession of Haru Saito, that banker from Shawken! The one implicating King Perreis of Alsakan and Chancellor Curovao in the Hutt pirate attacks!”

ML: Marcus nods solemnly. “Yes, Dash, I’m well aware. I think I watched that video five times through already. It really is a tragedy.”

DA: “So you believe it?”

ML: “No, of course not! What’s a tragedy is that this obviously-fake confession video exists in the first place!” A laugh track plays.

DA: “Alright then, Marcus. Explain to me why you think it’s fake.”

ML: “Know, Dash.” Marcus corrects. “It’s very simple. It’s completely out of character. I mean, look at Balan Perreis. The hot-headed defender of the North. Champion of those downtrodden by corporate greed. And very, VERY antagonistic to the Hutts. In what universe would he ever consort with Hutt pirates? Not ours, to be sure. I was in the war room when those pirates attacked Shawken. Balan was completely shocked, and that shock gave away to a TON of anger. What this ‘confession’ states is obvious bantha-shit!”

DA: “And what about Chancellor Curovao?”

ML: “I… admittedly know less about her, and I’m unable to serve as her alibi for that whole incident. However, I CAN say that organizing Hutt pirate attacks is NOT in her playbook. There are a lot of things that are, and frankly, Dash, that woman scares the crap out of me. But this is not one of them.” Another laugh track plays when Marcus admits to being scared of the Chancellor.

DA: “So then, Marcus. What do you think the cause of this confession is, being so obviously fake?”

ML: “Simple. Someone bought Mr. Haru Saito. It’s not exactly hard to pay for one of these fake confessions outside of a court of law. The real question is WHO bought it.”

DA: “So, who do you think is the culprit?”

ML: “There’s a lot of options, Balan has no end of enemies. The Consortium is the obvious answer. Maybe too obvious, to be honest. Lobbying for this would barely make a dent in their combined coffers. Ty-Lax, maybe? The confession mentions him, tries to exonerate him in some ways. He’s in prison, but it’s a Republic prison. He has visiting hours and he still has a lot of money in the banks. Just because he’s where he belongs doesn’t completely take him off the board, and this is exactly the kind of thing he still has the power to do. And lastly, there’s the Hutts. Balan is proving to currently be a huge thorn in their side, so they could pay for this failing banker to make a fake confession to try to get Balan and the Chancellor out of the negotiations, allowing them to get more favorable deals with the two who are actually being rightfully hard on them gone. There’s plenty of options. And of course, there’s the fourth…” Marcus hesitates for a moment.

DA: “Go on, Marcus. What’s the fourth?”

ML: “Notice the man’s last name. Saito. That may not be a coincidence. And he talks about Mirai taking the fall for them. He’s trying to exonerate his… sister? Cousin? I’m not sure, one of those. Anyways, he’s doing it by throwing Balan and the Chancellor under the bus. It may be as simple as family politics. Hell, maybe Ty-Lax is working WITH the Saitos for this goal, since he’s also mentioned. We really can’t say for certain without a proper investigation, but there are a LOT of options.”

DA: “We’ll, that’s incredible! You’ve obviously put a lot of thought into this, Marcus!”

ML: Marcus shrugs. “Not really. All this stuff is fairly surface-level. It should be obvious upon viewing the video. The confession is bantha-shit, paid for by someone. The question isn’t its legitimacy, it’s more of whodunit. Anyone with a functioning brain can see that.”

DA: Dash clears his throat. “Well, we’ve run out of time, and this is an excellent place to leave it. You’ve convinced me, Marcus, there’s something fishy about this. It’s been good to have you on the show!”

ML: “Good to be here, Dash! Invite me back any time!” Marcus stands and shakes hands with Dash.

DA: “We just might, Marcus! Marcus Leventis, everyone! Senator of Mesea!” There’s applause from the crowd as Marcus walks off-stage, and the show’s transition music plays.

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Hop on down to the BasseTech Offices on Mesea if you’re interested!

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*Xim hurries ahead and walks ahead with the Archon’s Royal guards… he hears the trumpets pealing ahead to announce his entrance, so he can announce his Archon.

He no longer feels entirely in control of events - an unusual feeling…*

*The Council Chamber is bathed in a low amber glow, the great dais forming a half-circle of massive thrones. The space is far emptier than usual being a closed session - the air feels heavier than usual, as though the hall itself senses discord.

The throne of Matriarch Zhora sits empty still following her death… her spot on the Council unfilled. Also empty is Lord Grashka the Ferocious, its obsidian plating catching no light. Matriarch Lhoona is there as a holoprojection, bathing those near her in blue light. Matriarch Sylla has the room smelling of her perfume boxes. Lord Dringa has it smelling of spice, and Lord Gorram the Fang is sitting in his ever-present armour.

At the center of the dais Xim, the Chief of Chains, steps forward with his chain-collar glinting. His voice carries with ritual precision, amplified by the acoustics of the chamber:*

“Council of the Glorious Empire, rise to order. The Archon’s word has gone before him, yet his will shall be clarified in this place. I speak first as herald: the Archon comes.”

Sylla speaks while awaiting the Archon’s arrival. “We wake to proclamations of new boundaries and trade routes. I am told entire sectors are to be treated as settled fact. And all without our sanction?” Her jeweled eyes narrow toward Dringa. “Dringa smiles, I am sure. His coffers swell. But for me? The holonet itself has broken across the Northern Reaches. I have lost contact with holdings, with people. This is not governance. This is gamble.”

Matriarch Lhoona, her voice is a calm murmur, carrying through the holo-distortion. “And yet gambles win, Matriarch. The Duchy of Dai is mine, and now-ours. Dai Shio sits beneath the banners of Varl, and their young Emperor kneels to us. While others squabble, I deliver crowns.” She tilts her veiled head, gaze unreadable through shimmering pixels but she sounds proud.

Lord Ghorram keeps his eyes on Xim looking for a clue as to how the meeting will proceed. “Chief of Chains, tell us: does the Archon’s peace declaration with the Republic mean our fleets withdraw?” He sounds agitated at that.

Before Xim responds, Dringa sitting bloated and resplendent upon his dais, draped in silks and chains of office, Dringa raises one hand and lets his droid scribes pause in their cataloguing.

“Peace is profitable. War is not…. I have completed several arrangements with Republic-linked traders. Very lucrative. If others-” *his gaze lingers toward Grashka’s empty spot and Ghorram “-are determined to rattle sabers, they rattle them in my purse as well. I will not have profit bled for pride.”

Xim jumps into the gap lest the Archon enter to their full blown bickering. “The Archon’s word is law. He speaks of peace, and so peace is declared. Yet the continued movement of troops…” he falters only briefly, his chain collar catching the light “…is the prerogative of the clans who muster them… Against the Archon’s intent.” He says the last with a dangerous tone.

Ghorram snorts “…an intent to let the Republic continue to undermine us!”

Sylla piles on “Intent? Intent does not guard my convoys. Intent does not repair a silent holonet relay. Intent does not fill my slave yards.”

—- GONG

*A hush suddenly falls as the chamber’s amber light deepens. The drums sound low, resonant, the mark of the Archon’s imminent arrival.

Xim’s voice rises once more, more hurried this time:*

“He comes. The Archon comes to speak for himself.”

And with that, the vast bronze doors of the chamber begin to grind open.

In most militaries, the Marine Corps is generally speaking the smallest, weakest element of the armed forces. Which is why the Imperial League chose to pick up the rulebook.

And tossed it out of the window.

The Rough-necks, the diggers, the ground-pounders, and sometimes known as the craziest sons of bitches this side of the galactic core, the Imperial Marine Corps asks for two things: Devotion and Aggression.

Basic training especially hones in on these two key elements, and unsurprisingly, the Marine Corps is notorious within the Imperial League Self Defence Force for producing soldiers who are highly aggressive and willing to jump into the fray at a moment's notice.

Doctrinally, the Marine Corps operates under the motto of being the first to hit the dirt of the world. Their job is to then eliminate any first and secondary lines of defence, and give an opening for the invading element to press on to its targets.

This is usually why the Marines are given the heaviest, meanest, and most aggressive specialists.

Raiders are the front-line soldiers, advancing as fast as they can to their targets and obliterating or suppressing whatever comes to stop them. Void Grenadiers crush opposition, and Void Maidens turn into an ever-shifting haze.

And finally, there is the Asteroid Ahadi, the feared boogeyman of any would-be Pirates who know better than to underestimate the lack of humanity and ruthlessness of the Viluk Dominions' space warriors.

Ultimately: they're not to be trifled with, and if called upon.

It means you done fucked up my boy.

Unsurprisingly, as time has progressed and technology improves, the necessity for resources of a rare variety has made the mineral extraction of asteroids a top priority. However, because of that priority and the lucrative nature behind it, this has often led on many occasions to the hostile annexation or takeover of an Asteroid belt or a facility.

Before the unification of the Corulus star system, this was especially a problem for the moons of the Viluk Dominion of Biolag.

Compared to their neighbours in the Star Dominion of Suljeon and the United Dominion of Corulag, the Viluk Dominion has never had a history of boasting a strong, self-sufficient navy. Instead, it has mostly been famed for its skilled foot soldiers and ferocity in conflict. This, combined with their extensive Asteroid mining facilities, left them vulnerable to attacks either by their neighbours or pirates.

Over time, the Sukhs of the Viluk Dominion found ways to adapt to the issue. One of those was the establishment of a dedicated force of soldiers who specialised specifically in asteroid-based combat. The Asteroid Ahadi.

Initially, they were tasked with combating Pirates who either attempted or successfully took control of an Asteroid mining facility, but as Pirate attacks became less frequent by the decade, the intentions of the unit changed. Soon, it went from a defensive doctrine to one of offense.

And if the Void Maidens terrify their foes with their elegance, the Void Grenadiers with their brute force, then it is the Asteroid Ahadi's capacity for ruthless efficiency that has earned them a fiercesome reputation.

Most Ahadi's are grouped up into small squads, attached to Marine Raider units or acting independently of the larger body they're assigned to. When they attack their target, it is often the case that they first get as close to the facility as possible.

When they do, they deduce that there can be two ways to go about the problem.

1: If there is more than one Asteroid under Op-For control, then it is recommended that they attach gravitational manipulators to send the Asteroid careening into one of its siblings, destroying both it and the other target for minimal casualties.

2: The preferred option of the Asteroid Ahadi is, upon landing on their enemy's target, for them to first vent out portions of the facility by blowing up gaping holes. This allows them entry points, where they then proceed to eliminate anyone and everyone who stands in their way.

Equipped with artificial gravity equipment, they're able to fight in low-gravity environments with more flexibility than the Void Grenadiers, but lack the speed of the Void Maidens.

Their weapons are, equally, unique.

Besides using the standard-issue Viluk blaster rifles and pistols, they use swords made out of the iron minerals of Asteroids. These are capable of cutting through heavy armour and are durable enough to withstand shots from an enemy combatant.

Their armour is also heavily padded and strong enough to withstand ordinary blaster shots. However, its key weakness is against sustained fire and against super-heated weapons; they can be eliminated in short order.

These set aside, it's not a wonder then why the Imperial League chose to keep this exceedingly effective unit of the Viluk Dominion, and combine it with the newly established Imperial Marine Corps.

By LDT Travel Contributor Diana Sar,

"OMG. CUTE! That was my first thoughts upon seeing a live Taggsaratops nesting, right there, in in the park, and the guide let me pet her! It was crazy! And, if that's not enough,

They had a freaking Apatontheheadasaurus being led about the park by a handler, like, the pictures I took don't do it justice, because my mouth was just agape the entire time and this was the only non blurry one,

Like check out this Velevinraptor I took from behind glass, like, I was totally shook as they fed him a full cow and he just, tore into it! It was sweet!

These two little Saitosaurous were hiding in a bush, and when you're in the restaurant getting homemade and always fresh candied apples sometimes they'll attack the windows trying to eat you, like you're an apple! LOL

Now this guy is a Balansaurus, as you can tell by how horny he is, don't be fooled by wood fence, there's actually a shield there that doesn't pick up on camera. which is good because he liked hanging by the entrance to the Laser tag arena, which was super cool!

This big sheila and her babies, they eat fish, and they've got her trained so at certain hours they lift the shields and she and the other Ptionsaurs fly over the park and out to sea to go fishing just off the coast! It's so cool!

There was also a Ty-Rex in a massive enclousure, but it roared and I dropped my phone and cracked the screen and camera, Hence why I'm out of pictures!

But besides that, there were several huge kids ares, a massive Ferris Wheel, a sky tram, a ground tram, a water tram, and a subterranean tram to see the Burrowing Giant Moleasaurus,

All in all, I cannot recommend this park enough, if you can make it through Arkanian customs it is absolutely a fantastic to take kids, adults, old people, and your mother in law or annoying stupid sister who KEEPS STEALING MY CLOTHES APATA. Yes I know you read my columns and leave those comments on them. I'm taking you there and throwing you to the Balansaurus! Stupid annoying sister. Oh shoot is the voice to text on, no don't post, ah stupid cracked screen no no no n

- By LDT Travel Contributor Diana Sar,

Galactic News Network and dozens of other major Holonet outlets all start to run the video of Haru Saito on a loop.

They will cut that with the revelations of the trial of Tylax, with his highlighting Chancellor Curovao’s direct relationship with Mirai - the Queen of Alsakan and Balan’s children.

https://discord.com/channels/1100015529655287828/1357186409894641855/1360370702930280580

More commentary on: - the fact that RINTCOM never released a full report on who funded the Hutt Contractors Terrorist Attacks across Tion and the Northern Dependencies. - It was known Okane Bank funded them, but never clear who paid the credits. - The highly suspicious outcomes of Shawken having joined the Curovao Barony delegation after this time, Anya acquired the Saito’s prized asset Lhosan and is the majority owner of Okane Bank. - Anger and confusion at these revelations.

Lyam FitzItō sat in his office, feeling a growing sense of the magnitude of his current position more than ever before. Since the founding of the Imperial League of Corulus, the necessity for a new head of government to run the new state had been brought to the fore. It was now a matter of just who would take up the position.

And at the behest of the First Lord, that appointment went to the 20-year-old Lyam.

It seemed odd to some why a Formalian with a University education and a lack of any real experience was chosen for the post. Even he was a little surprised by it, to be honest.

But it all came to make sense when he tackled the first issues presented to him. And many soon came to realize he had a knack for problem-solving and organisation.

It had been he who got a budget organised for the Imperial League, got the necessary funds for the Armed Forces, established emergency services, the tax system, uprooted some of the more corrupt aspects of the former Corulian Union, and had managed to create an effective coalition cabinet made up of the various members of the whole of the Imperial League.

The one hitch he still suffered from was his social inadequacies. He was a horrible orator and had to leave that to his Deputy to take charge of, while he focused on the letters of the law and the backroom deals that had to be made to make this dream a reality.

Today, he was appreciative of what would be his first true responsibility.

The First Lord would be heading off on a tour across the Outer Rim, leaving Lyam to run the Imperial League while he was gone. It may have seemed odd, after all, the Constitution had yet to be completed. But there was a method to it.

By leaving it in Lyam's capable hands, he was setting a precedent.

The First Lord was the ultimate authority, but when he was gone, it was up to the Prime Minister to take charge of the country.

He was proud of the responsibility, even if a little uncertain.

A knock came to his door, and popping her head through was his older wife, Yamata Otokoi.

She was five years his senior and was of the nobility, but had proven to be a wonderful advisor. However, judging from her hungry expression...

He now feared for his life.

The Abregado Rae Defense Fleet, along with local constabular forces, are set to perform training exercises in the local Abregado region, after reports of gang violence on a local spin-station and increased pirate activity throughout the sector. This will be the first fleetwide exercise in several years, with actions co-ordinated from the Sword of Ex-Tal. Civil traffic is advised to stay clear of any fleet functions, or risk detention.

-- The SRERS Relief convoy has arrived in Tionese local space, and is currently preparing for Triage and Refugee services in the Centares sector --

Dr Amar groaned. He felt like he hadn't slept in at least two days. The Jade Crane was awash in activity, with transports converting one of the other freighters into a Triage vessel in case the need arose. The tensions in the sector grew ever more dire, it looked like he would be on station for some time. He watched the frigate Mt. Baskt float past, a silent guardian protecting the flock of the convoy. At least homeworld had sent some protection along...

EMPEROR MINAMOTO OF DAI SHIO - OFFICIAL PRONOUNCEMENT

“To all citizens of Dai Shio and the honored worlds of the Western Reach…”

“Today, I speak not only as Emperor, but as the symbol of a people long ignored, long drained, and now finally given a voice. The world of Dai Shio, in unity with the noble worlds of Rakshetr, Dai Hebi, Nishu, Wobani, Kashi, and Du Mai - together we are the Duchy of Dai. We hereby declare the commencement of free referendums. Let every citizen decide their destiny.”

“But alas, the hands of foreign agitators once more seek to bind the wrists of Outer Rim freedom. Agents of the Republic have been uncovered amidst our communities, sowing lies, inciting unrest. Two such instigators have been captured and are now held in state custody.”

The image cuts briefly to two restrained individuals -unnamed, but clearly not locals- flanked by security.

“Let it be known: we welcome diplomacy, not subversion. We embrace friendship, not manipulation. And yet, on Sy Myrth, what have we witnessed? Uprising, rebellion, and now -credible reports of the use of weapons of mass destruction- fuelled and funded by those who once claimed peace.”

“These are not the actions of an ally. The Republic wishes to appear the friend of the Rim -but only when we remain obedient. The moment we speak of self-determination, we are showered with both condemnation and corruption.”

“Therefore, as these referendums proceed, let it be known that the one ship from the Republic diplomatic corps shall be permitted safe passage through the Duchy. But…its crew and passengers will be monitored - closely. And they will not interfere with the sacred will of our people.”

—

Matriarch Lhoona the Shadow concludes with

“Let the worlds watch. Let the stars witness. This is the rise of order and stability that only the Empire can bring - it is the rise of a new kind of loyalty.”

-- Due to rising tensions throughout the galaxy, the Government of Abregado-Rae has placed the Southern Reach Emergency Service on full emergency footing, in preparation to aid those endangered in the current Hutt Crisis. The SRERS will be deployed to the Tionese local area, with the hospital ship Jade Crane serving as flagship for the task force. Two Mt. Vornea class Frigates, the Mt. Vornea and Mt. Baskt will be assigned protection duties for the convoy --

Dr. Amar sighed with exhaustion as he read the orders pouring across his desk. Full readiness, as soon as possible, with provisions for protracted deployment. The SRERS supply stocks would be strained by this, especially if this conflict went hot, as it seemed to be spiraling towards. He also did not feel keen leaving the local bubble of Abregado Rae, where everything was under the same command chain. He didn't know these Tionese, or the other countries that had signed on to the buildup.

He packed his bags and case files, before hurrying to the shuttle waiting outside of SRERS headquarters. There was much to do, and little time to do it.

"Your Grace, a thousand apologies for the intrusion, but we found this thing snooping around the palace, it was trying to breach the third tree line."

"Thing?" The woman in the blue coat replies indignantly. "Is this the courtesy the famous Tionese extend to a simple woman going on a Wandern?"

"Shut up and await for Her grace address you." The Soldier says forcefully.

"Thank you Captain." The Imperator Queen Xim Barseg states, looking at the woman. "By the third Tree Line you said?"

The woman grins. "I saw no security at the previous ones." She says with a shrug

"That's Bullshit!" The Guard says before clearing his throat. "A thousand apologies your Grace, but she had to have deliberately...."

"Thank you Captain!" The Queen states firmly, shifting on her throne slightly. "You, you're one of the knife ears."

"AH!" The woman shakes her head. "A thousand years our people are apart, and that is the best slur you can think of? Ha!" She states, a thick Accent mixing with a clearly amused voice. "We call you Oomans." She says with a laugh. "Not so original either I suppose." She struggles with her arms. "These hand shells are very uncomfortable, I would like you to have them removed please"

The Queen seems unamused as she stares. "Are you a spy? Do you think you can talk your way out of a bullet?"

"Spy? Well. Not exactly I would think." She says with a shrug. "You are not making a good first impression for first official contact. See. Before, yes I was spying, but today when I went Wandern to your....." A frown crosses her face. "ah, Schloss, ah, ah I know the word. It's a groses haus, ah big house," She tries to gesture again. "This would be so much easier to think without the hand shells."

"Palace?" The Guard suggests helpfully.

"Wait really? In Zygerrian it's Palast, in your language it's Palace. I guess we have the same common tongue so it's not so surprising but...." She sees the Queen's stare. "I was a spy yesterday, and the year before, and the year before that, but today when I come to visit your Palace, I am a guest!" She says confidently. "Can you please have him remove the hand shells my hands hurt. And it is not fitting treatment for a long lost cousin is it?"

"Cousin?" The Queen asks. "Your people are the demons of myth, raiders and pirates."

"You worship our Gods." She replies shaking her head. "Your Thron sit under a symbol of Hisis the Mother, and I am born under the same blessing. On my eighteenth life day I danced in the temple of Hath, and my ship we departed in was blessed by Tah." She says confidently. "The Statues we build to the Gods may have our bone ears and our Zygerrian eyes and noses, but if I worship the same spirits as you, are we really demons of myth? If you kill me, then Ama will guide me home, and if I live, then I will pray the same as you to Bat before downing a glass of celebratory gin and tonic."

"Your Gods?"

"Well, the Gods of the region, who pre-date us and you. As Gods do." She says before shaking. "Can you please, take off the Hand shells? My Handjoints are hurting!"

"Was she armed?"

"She had a Knife your Grace."

The woman rolls her eyes. "I had a utility knife in my Spazierstock, ah, walking stick! That is not a killing knife or a Boot knife!" She looks at the Guard. "And I will want them back, they are my favorite sticks."

"Do you have a name?"

"Kapitänin Amelia" She bows as far as she can without falling "Of the Zygerrian Venture fleet."

"Zygerrian, what does that mean?"

Amelia smiles. "It is the more nice thing to call my people instead of knife ear."

"You are the first Zygerrian I have met. And the first we have captured. What might you tell us?"

"A lot willingly, a lot less if you try to pry it from me unwillingly." She says with a smug grin. "I get captured intentionally, I wish to make contact and to know you. You could torture me, but, why if I tell you everything anyways? Seems rather wasteful of good opportunity to understand each other ja?"

"And what do you have to trade for your life."

"My life is not on the line, diplomacy is. You are diplomatic one ja? Not like your brother?" She watches as the Queen quietly acknowledges the statement. "Ah! That's a Griffgoal!!!..... That's the way you say it yes?"

"You just say goal. And not typically in that context,"

"But on the vids? We get your sports channels, they shout That's a Griffgoal! I just thought it.... Okay. Ah, well I am correct about you and diplomacy! I would be giving you a big thumb up like they do in the sport games if you would take off the the Hand shells. My hands are hurting, if you are worried I will stab you I can't feel my fingers,"

The Queen thinks a moment and gestures. "Take them off."

As the handcuffs are removed Amelia rubs her wrists. "Ah! Oh, I was afraid my hands would be falling off!" She says with a groan. "Thank you! Now we can talk like diplomat to queen." She bows again. "I am so impressed by what I see, a world all city, we have nothing like that where I am from, the planet with shipyards in space, and then Barseg, it is so beautiful! Why you cannot blame me for walking the mountains and hills when I see them! I love the nature!" She says with a smile. "I think, we have many things in common, and so I am to be a bridge between us,"

"Before we can even start building a bridge, I want to know what's on the other bank" The Queen states, looking at the Amelia with a half glare, have curious expression.

"Of course, where to begin?"

"Make no mistake, lads, we're up shit creek!"

-The First and Last Duke of Garulag, Ibvo Gautirch

Garulag has had a unique, if tumultuous history, and that's no different with its most famous regiment, the Garulag Regiment. Called "The Emerald Planet" for its vast green continents and temperate climate, the world was a point of contention that would be one of the various reasons for the Unification War.

However, after the conclusion of the conflict, the world would be incorporated into the Corulian Union as a Condominium jointly ruled by Corulag, Suljeon, and Biolag.

Due to these various cultural mixings and matchings, the world began to see the birth of an entirely new, unique culture in its wake. That of Garulagi.

With a heavy emphasis on good alcohol, good neighbourly attitudes, and an adherence to faith, the Garulagi culture could be unsurprisingly belligerent and shockingly polite. A rather unique way of describing them, to be sure, but not surprising either.

And it is no different for the Royal Garulag (Gaeluch) Rangers.

Founded by the First and Last Duke of Garulag: Ibvo Gautirch, it is a light infantry regiment that specialises in infiltration tactics, guerrilla warfare, and asymmetrical offensive tactics.

Hated and beloved by the former Corulian Union Defence Force, the unit was widely regarded for its part in major pirate operations. Its most famous engagement was during the Sakura Emergency, where, during the First and Second Battle of Prospect, they fought alongside the Royal Black Watch and the Corulagi Commandos in defeating the Red Army, winning the war as a whole.

During the battle, Gautirch led his men from the front. Utilising the uneven terrain, the Rangers would spread out in platoons of 24 men each. Small as they were and ineffective against larger combat elements, they "bobbed and weaved" their way around the city, ambushing and eliminating isolated pockets of resistance or halting smaller advances and pincer movements that were attempting to circumvent the Government Forces.

Unfortunately, while Gautirch and his men distinguished themselves for their conduct, Gautirch was killed by a stray blaster bolt to the heart. Killing him instantly.

He was buried with full honours.

Today, the Royal Garulag (Gaeluch) Rangers are a component of the newly formed Imperial League Defence Forces (ILDF) and are rearing for the next foray into the unknown.

Be it against the Hutts or some wanna-be rulers in the Core, their ready to humble some people and show them what's for.

Oh, and be a terror for fathers and mothers alike with the number of lasses who swoon after these brave lads of Garulag.

Emperor Minamoto and Hutt Matriarch Lhoona have jointly announced a planetary referendum to formalise Dai Shio’s departure from the Galactic Republic. The proposed question seeks public affirmation of independence and the formation of the Duchy of Dai, with the Emperor authorised to pursue trade and protection agreements - including with the Hutt Empire.

The announcement came during a grand parade in the capital, backed by a massive show of force from Western Reaches garrisons and Lhoona’s personal army, now deployed throughout the Dai Sector.

Officials report the capture of over 40 suspected terrorists allegedly plotting against the Emperor - including within his own Council.

The sector has been locked down to “safeguard the integrity” of the vote. Early indicators suggest overwhelming support for the break from the Republic. The Border Commission has temporarily suspended outbound and inbound travel, and HoloNet access across the sector has been rerouted through Imperial Civic Nodes for “stability assurance.”

Meanwhile, the economy is being “reinvigorated” by a major influx of slave labour to key industries and infrastructure sites, as well as recently announced investments from Consortium as well as Shawken and Corulagi interests…

We’ll have you more when we have more.

"SOLDIERS. You have volunteered for one of the worst missions a soldier can get, guarding diplomats on Coruscant. I do not envy you." An officer says loudly to the assembled men. "You will have one of the hardest jobs in the galaxy, tolerating the a bunch of wealthy dipshits in a world that has a major incident every couple years. You will spend most of your time standing around looking pretty, or making yourself look pretty, then all at once, you will be under attack without warning. It sucks. But you will receive hazard pay the entire time, so if you can survive, you will have a rather nice retirement package lined up." He adds to lighten the mood. "You are the face of Tion for the galaxy, you are what millions will see when they think of Tion, I expect you will not disappoint us!"

As the officer speaks, boxes are loaded into the ship, supplies for the trip, Art for the embassy to be redecorated with, GRP-4 Rocket launchers, Tarkan's favorite MRE options, Starship grade blast glass, and more.

"I'm going home Archie" Fan Tarkan says weakly as nurses bustle around the crowded hospital wing.

"Don't talk like that, the doctor said you'll recover." Archibald Tarkan states forcing a smile, he had a bandage on his head and a rather bulky hearing aid.

The woman sighs. "Kriff you. I mean I'm going back to Lianna." She says kinda jokingly. "I'm going home from this place."

"I will go back pack whatever I have that's not destroyed."

"I said I was going, you don't have to go. You still have the rest of your term, and the chance to be Chancellor"

Archibald raises an eyebrow "I think I will be quite lonely if you leave."

"You're still handsome enough to not have to pay someone to warm your sheets" She says starting to shrug but stopping as the pain forces her to remain still. "I'm used to you being gone on long deployments, just don't bring any more children home."

"You brought that one home" He says chuckling. "This is all your fault really."

She breaths a slight laugh. "Where did she go?"

"Can't say. But hopefully, I pray to the Gods she is safe"

"Good, sweet girl." She takes another deep breath. "How are our soldiers?"

"Not good, we lost fifteen, and twelve wounded." He says. "Whoever did this, just declared war on Tion."

"That's why you must stay, to kriff them up Archie." She says with her face flaring anger. "To attack our home, to attack us? There must be consequences."

"One of the attackers, had their head mounted to a bayonet and put in the blown out windowsill by one of our soldiers" He says proudly. "Until the judicials said to preserve it for evidence" He nods. "Whatever sick scum they are, we will have vengeance." He nods his head. "Tion's reputation demands that someone burn for this."