Imperial Holonet

THYFERRA - Xucphra and Zaltin Corporations, the two members of the so-called Bacta Cartel formed by the merger of several rival companies into the medical supply giants two years ago on the order of the Imperial Senate to ensure steady supplies of the life-saving liquid, announced plans for a joint prototype bacta refining center set to break ground late next month. If research estimates are correct, the new design would be 230% more efficient than current refinery designs. In addition the bacta produced in the new method will be more potent as well, resulting in increased effectiveness of the various patches used in combat and non-combatant situations.

According to experts on Bacta Engineering at the University of Coruscant, including Dean of Medicine Lorak Kor, if the prototype proves successful all current refineries will be rendered obsolete. Dean Kor also stated, "The bacta shortage that fell on the galaxy near the end of the Clone Wars will theoretically be unable to repeat itself. So long as nothing detrimental occurs to Thyferra, of course."

The Senate is currently debating a bill to establish a research grant to help defray the costs of the refinery project. Written by Representative Aron Qui of the Imperial Techno Union and sponsored by several worlds along the fringes of the Empire's border, the Senate seeks to make the plans enter the public domain if they are successful. In doing so, Representative Qui has stated his hopes that the process can be used on other life saving products, like the long obsolete kolto from the world of Manaan.

KUAT - Mere hours before the scheduled departure of Emperor Tanos from his tour of Kuat's sights, Imperial Security agents part of His Majesty's protection detail arrested three persons as members of a conspiracy to murder the Emperor. Their high powered explosive device, discovered while they attempted to hide it within the Emperor's personal shuttle, was detonated by the local garrison in a nearby field.

Those arrested were identified as Captain Jac Loren, formerly of the Imperial Army, Petty Officer 2nd Class Sama Relak and Junior Lieutenant Grekh Lo, both formerly of the Imperial Navy. All three conspirators were assigned to the units of the Fifth Fleet that went rogue immediately following the Proclamation of Empire. This includes the Fifth Fleet's former commanding officer, Admiral Gregor Yulak, who proclaimed his deserters the "Republic Fifth Fleet".

As a result, the detainees are being charged not only with multiple counts of High Treason, but also dereliction of duty and being absent without leave.

KUAT - Kuat Drive Yards executives celebrated along side government and Navy officials as the last segment of the planet massive orbital shipyards to be prepared from damage sustained in the Clone Wars finished its first starship. This new vessel, a Praetor II-class Battlecruiser, had numerous dignitaries from across the Empire attending a tour through the ship, including Emperor Tanos himself.

His Majesty thanked Kuat Drive Yards and the Kuati people for their perseverance and their loyalty to the Empire, "especially during the Empire's first years." The Emperor then personally commissioned the new warship as the Vindicator, assigning it to Viper Squadron as their flagship in recognition of their service in the Jedi Uprising nearly seven years ago.

During the Uprising a supporting mutiny on board the Sovereignty, the flagship of Viper Squadron, resulted in the deaths of several of the Navy's most decorated officers, including war hero Admiral Dimitri Moultrie, commanding officer of the Squadron. Led by then-Lieutenant Commander Ravier Nebehn, forces loyal to the Empire managed to recapture the bridge of the Sovereignty and end the mutiny. This enabled Viper Squadron to assist in ending the ground-based Uprising.

BOTHAWUI PROPER - The protests across the world of Bothawui ended moments ago after the protesters turned violent. With rallying cries such as "For Or'kee" and "For the Republic", Bothans utilized improvised weapons to assault government offices and Imperial consulates.

Elements of the Imperial Army that had been deployed to keep the peace were forced to utilize anti-riot weaponry to disperse the crowd. Many Bothan protesters were arrested, though several hundred are dead or burn units across the world.

The Imperial Governor of Bothawui is expected to address the Imperial Throne on the matter tomorrow, including the success of the TIE ap-1 tank.

BOTHAWUI PROPER - Mere days after the celebrations that marked the seventh year of the birth of the Galactic Empire, Bothan dissidents engaged in riots through several major cities on this world. Protest leaders demand the release of former Republic Supreme Chancellor and Bothawui native Kor'vas Or'ake from his continued imprisonment for crimes against civilization.

The Imperial Army garrison was deployed to important government installations in the event the protests turned ugly. Included in their compliment were several new Santhe/Sienar Technologies TIE ap-1 tanks, based on the Sienar Fleet Systems TIE/ln starfighter currently in testing to replace the Kuat Systems Engineering Alpha-3 Nimbus-class V-wing as the Imperial Navy's premier starfighter.

IMPERIAL CENTER - The pedways of Imperial City were crammed with celebrants as the worlds across the Empire celebrated the seventh anniversary of the Empire's founding. In Imperial City itself, the Emperor directed celebrations from the Senate rotunda, joined by his closest advisors and trusted Senators.

In an address to the Imperial Senate, Emperor Tanos stated, "Nearly a decade ago, I was honored by the loyal Senators and people of the Republic. I was named Emperor, charged with transforming a crumbling, corrupt Republic into an Empire of order and justice.

"And we have done just that! The Imperial Senate has been purged of its former corruption! Governors have cracked down on crime and lawlessness in their systems. Pirates fear the sight of the Imperial Navy and crime cartels flee the sight of the Imperial Army.

"United, we bring peace and order to a new Galaxy! LONG LIVE THE GALACTIC EMPIRE!"

CORUSCANT - In a surprise verdict that came just a single day after the court proceedings began, Anton Nottap has been declared guilty of crimes against civilization and treason against the Galactic Republic.

A two-time recipient of the Medallion of Honor and three time awarded the Chancellor's Service Medal, General Anton Nottap is an eleven year veteran of the Corellian Security Force, a fifteen year veteran of the Republic Judicial Forces, and a ten year veteran of the Republic Army. Nottap also served with distinction during the Stark Hyperspace War.

During the Clone Wars, General Nottap commanded the Third Army, defending much of the southern Core region from Separatist aggression. Hand-picked elements of the Third Army participated in Operation Aegis, a diversionary tactic that crippled much of the Separatists' forces. Though known for his heavy-handed tactics, it is estimated that Nottap saved the lives of billions of Republic citizens.

Anton Nottap's execution is scheduled for the end of next week. The Chancellor's office could not be reached for comment.

CORUSCANT - Supreme Chancellor Kor'vas Or'ake announced a wide ranging reshuffle of the high commands of the Republic Navy and Army, following on from the end of the Clone Wars; including the replacement of both of the military service’s Chiefs of Staff. Paying tribute to the thousands of senior officers who defended the Galactic Republic against the Separatist threat, Chancellor Or’ake stated that while the demobilization would be a difficult period for the military, he was confident the reinvigorated leadership would carry it out in the finest traditions of their services. The speech was made during a ceremony in the Senate Building, where a number of heroes of the past war formally received their decorations for services during the conflict.

The biggest departure was the retirement of long serving Chief of Army Staff, General of the Army Aden Kalger, who will be replaced by General Trellin Etheur, formerly Commander of Republic Special Operations. Despite reports of his unhappiness with the conduct of the Special War Crimes Tribunal, Admiral of the Fleet Draco Tanos will be moving to the long unfilled position of Chief of the Defense Staff. His successor will be Admiral Flayen Draek, who served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration during the Clone Wars. Another major change in the creation of a new headquarters, to be known as the Garrison Zone Command, with responsibility for all Republic forces within the regions formerly controlled by Separatists. Garrison Zone Command will be headed up by Admiral Chel Naydan, the Chancellor’s Senior Military Assistant.

Speaking under the condition of anonymity, an individual close to the Office of the Chancellor stated that the change of command had been made with allowing field commanders an opportunity to return home. Some senior officers have spent almost the entire decade long war from their home planets and families. Others saw an ulterior motive at hand however, noting that many battlefield leaders are rumored to be unhappy with the activities of the Special War Crimes Tribunal.

ANAXES - Long known as the "Defender of the Core," protests have broken out across the world of Anaxes as the Chancellor's war crimes tribunal announced six more names, including Admiral Pas Nolan. Nolan is not only a native Anaxsi, but also the locally beloved commander of the former Anaxsi Defense Force before it was absorbed into the Republic Navy.

Kuat's famous shipyards have also gone quiet as that world joins in the protests, demanding the release of native Meo Selppa. The Vice Admiral was arrested during the announcement of the tribunal's first list.

The Republic Security Council has pulled back several units to Coruscant on the suggestion of Admiral of the Fleet Draco Tanos, who denied a cooling relationship with the Supreme Chancellor. "The (Security) Council believes that Coruscant's defenses need to be bolstered as dissidence increases on several Core worlds. This is a trying time for our Republic, for all of our people, but we will be stronger for it when the dust settles and a new order embraces our government."