Mandalore News Network

  • Mandalore News Network

    To all sentients in the galaxy!

    The recently issued bounty on every Mando is considered as severe threat of our culture and therefore cannot be condoned without counteraction.

    Be warned! If you yield to temptation to collect a bounty on a member of our culture – no matter out of greed or other base motives – we will seek revenge for this deed!

     


    Year 21 Day 4

    Mandalore News Network returns


    Star Wars Combine Galactic News Service daily in character news from the Star Wars Combine

    • The New Order With A Personal Face
      by Duthel Drolve on March 27, 2024 at 22:52

      BREAKING NEWS – RESTORATION HEADQUARTERS Coruscant (RENB) – In a stunning move two days ago the Supreme Commander of the Imperial Military, Lord Admiral Hatori Hoorl, and the entirety of Imperial Military Command have broken away from the Galactic Empire and founded The Restored Empire. In a sharp repudiation of the corruption that plagues Emperor Jai Meridan’s inner circle, Lord Admiral Hoorl said the time had come for honorable Imperial men and women to stand up and acknowledge the atrocities and abuses of power committed by the current and former regimes, that harm the very citizens the Empire should protect. In a poignant address delivered mere moments ago, Lord Admiral Hatori Hoorl offered these solemn words: “Fellow Imperials, it is incumbent upon us to heed the call of our conscience. We must confront the specters of corruption and abuse that have plagued our Empire, emanating from the Throne, Imperial High Command, and yes, even from within my own actions. The insidious tendrils of corruption have entwined themselves so deeply that even those in the highest echelons of power feel compelled to emulate such malfeasance merely to survive. I, too, have succumbed to these temptations, and now endeavor to make amends for my transgressions. I made crass remarks behind others’ backs, I helped seek action to remove an Admiral, a former and close friend, from his position for minor transgressions. I was successful, and Octavian now wanders the void, adrift and alone, because of me. I know of the corruption because I was complicit. Of those that came with me, I am alone in these transgressions. Those true Imperials who have joined me in this endeavor harbor no ambition for power, rank, or position. Though I bore the title of Lord Admiral when I embarked on this path, I retain it still today. Our true Throne remains vacant, awaiting a sovereign untainted by self-serving corruption. The era of falsehoods, deceit, and shadowy machinations orchestrated by Imperial Intelligence officers spreading misinformation and half-truths has reached its end. Let us usher in a new epoch of honor and integrity within our Empire.” At the heart of the Restored Empire is the ‘Declaration of Restoration’, a manifesto of the unwavering beliefs that peace, freedom, justice, and security are to be achieved for the benefit of the people, not at their expense. The signatories to this document aspire to be the peaceful and enlightened heirs to the legacy of the Old Republic and the New Order. One of the authors, Fleet Admiral Cataldo Blackstar, was quoted as saying, “Though it breaks my heart to do so, I believe the intolerable acts of the Emperor and his High Command need to be brought to the light. We will no longer stand by and allow ourselves to be the pawns of those who think themselves our betters”. Citing numerous abuses, including widespread corruption among the Inner Circle, the exercise of power for personal gain, internal plots for control at the expense of the people, and the exclusionary species policy of the Galactic Empire… the Restoration seeks to defend the rights of all sentient beings and to bring the peace, order, and prosperity that was once promised, but never truly delivered. Amidst the backdrop of these recent events, the Restored Empire has taken the first necessary steps toward securing peace and stability for the entire galaxy. In a historic move, diplomatic channels were opened, and negotiations ensued, leading to the unprecedented signing of an armistice agreement with Rebel Forces. This monumental achievement marks a pivotal moment in the annals of galactic history, as erstwhile adversaries come together to lay down their arms and forge a path toward reconciliation. The cessation of hostilities signifies a commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and the pursuit of common ground, heralding a new era of understanding and cooperation among factions long divided by conflict. As the Restored Empire continues to navigate the complexities of galactic politics, this momentous accord stands as a testament to the power of diplomacy and the indomitable spirit of unity in the face of adversity. Sources close to the story are already calling this the ‘Hoorl-Kanuteau Treaty.’ This landmark agreement, named in honor of the visionary leaders who spearheaded the negotiations, Lord Admiral Hatori Hoorl and Director Jonas Kanuteau, represents a triumph of diplomacy over discord. With the stroke of a pen, the terms of the armistice agreement were codified, laying the groundwork for a new era of cooperation and understanding between the Restored Empire and Rebel Forces. The Hoorl-Kanuteau Treaty stands as a testament to the tireless efforts of diplomats and statesmen, who labored diligently to bridge the divide and chart a course toward a brighter future for all inhabitants of the galaxy. As the echoes of conflict fade into memory, the promise of peace beckons, offering hope for a galaxy united in purpose and prosperity. When asked why an Imperial would seek to open such a dialogue with someone previously considered an enemy, Lord Admiral Hoorl had this to say: “In moments of adversity, when one finds themselves besieged by adversaries intent on stifling dissent, there arises an imperative to transcend conventional thinking and explore alternatives some would consider unnatural. Such trials, though daunting, serve as catalysts for innovation and ingenuity, compelling one to venture beyond the confines of traditional wisdom and embrace the boundless possibilities that lie beyond the constraints of the familiar.” In contrast to previous Imperial Civil Wars, in which some members embarked on a campaign of looting and base piracy, the objectors to the corruption of the Meridan Empire simply declared their intention to leave supported by their well-reasoned arguments. In response, Meridan has ordered forces loyal to him to illegally seize all citizens of his Empire who give the slightest appearance of disloyalty to his corrupt regime. Further reports indicate that all military regional task forces have been ordered to lock down and disconnect from the galactic holonet, leaving thousands of officers stranded in space without access to the outside world. Sources close to the story indicate that the Amber Region Taskforce has been suffering from the harshest crackdowns, with the safety of many officers detained by ISB being called into question. This was proven the case when an ISB strike team boarded and seized control of the bridge of an Imperial-class Star Destroyer, much to the shock of the captain and crew of the vessel. Reports indicate that when asked what was happening, the ISB field agent responded with “loyalty testing” before locking the captain and bridge crew in a briefing room. For those within the Meridan Empire, such heavy-handed tactics remind many of the early days under previous despots. While the Restored Empire is already the target of a smear campaign by the Meridan Empire’s propaganda machine, several officers still under Meridan’s control were impressed by the dignity with which the true Heirs to the Empire departed. Supreme Commander Hatori Hoorl was asked to comment: “I was given assurances by Executor Rezik that any that wanted to follow would be permitted to peaceably do so. I took Executor Rezik for a man of honor. I was mistaken. He lied.” The Supreme Commander’s words resonated with a profound sense of betrayal, as he lamented the broken promises of Cihl “Cihllian” Rezik and the deceitful machinations of those who have forsaken honor for personal gain. Meanwhile, Meridan’s Imperial High Command continues to embezzle funds from the government and the citizens they swore to protect. Among those individuals proven to have embezzled funds is none other than Grand Vizier Marcus Elensar. Elensar is the leader of the Imperial Security Bureau, COMPNOR, and Ministry of Industry and third in command of the Meridan Empire. While accepting funds directly into his back pocket, he has maliciously endorsed allowing his ISB agents to sow terror into the hearts and minds of innocent, law-abiding Imperial citizens. It would seem the “Price of Pride” has a set credit amount for the Grand Vizier. In addition to Elensar’s pecuniary perfidy, he also was noted to be an extremely staunch supporter of humanocentric attitudes, including his having a firm stance against any “Non-Class A” sentients taking advanced roles within the Meridan Empire. Elensar is reportedly quoted as saying “We have enough of their kind already” in reference to alien personnel in COMPNOR. This sentiment was shared by Jai Meridan who actively vetoed and rejected the reinstatement of the military class waiver which was enacted by former Empress Ventidius. This has led some to rhetorically ask “How else would the Galactic Empire react?’, in light of their corruption being revealed to the Galaxy as a whole. It would seem with the usual tricks of propaganda, self-aggrandizement, and further lies to support and cover their tyrannical and illegitimate reign. In spite of the chaos and corruption that plague the Galactic Empire, a beacon of hope has emerged in the form of The Restored Empire—standing as a bastion of integrity and righteousness in a galaxy shrouded by darkness. This new force sends out a call for any sentient wishing to join the cause of peace, freedom, justice, and security to enlist today and make a difference. The invitation to join the Restored Empire is not merely a call to arms, but a heartfelt plea to all Imperials to cast aside the shackles of oppression, say “enough is enough,” and join a cause worthy of their allegiance. It beckons to those who still harbor dreams of a brighter future, free from the tyranny and greed that have poisoned the halls of power for far too long. In the embrace of the Restored Empire, there lies the promise of redemption, unity, and a legacy forged in the fires of justice and compassion. Be the Imperial you want to be and the Imperial the galaxy deserves.

    • What Price Pride?
      by Marcus Elensar on March 26, 2024 at 13:33

      Kuat (INB) – Yesterday evening, in a planned operation, Imperial security personnel forced the hand of a group of disloyal officers surrounding the former Supreme Commander of the Imperial Military, Hatori Hoorl. Hoorl and his cabal of co-conspirators had been under surveillance for some time, and in recent days the net had begun to close in around the faithless Hoorl, leading him to abandon his more wide-ranging plans for perfidy and instead ‘cut and run’, leaving his junior accomplices chasing after him as he fled into the depths of space. The news for many broke at approximately 1200 standard time, with the broadcast of messages across all major Imperial communication frequencies, ostensibly heartfelt cries of anguish from defecting personnel bemoaning their conspirator-in-chief Hoorl’s lack of progress in pushing his own personal agenda through Imperial High Command, which resisted his attempts to centralize more power around himself. Though swaddled in allegations of corruption and dereliction of duty at the highest levels, these complaints in their essence reflected the bitter personal frustrations of one man, Hatori Hoorl, who despite his elevation to the lofty heights of Supreme Commander less than a year ago, has increasingly found himself unhappy with the limitations of operating in a rules-based organization like the Galactic Empire. Despite being delivered as personal pleas from the defectors to their former colleagues, they received a decidedly cold reception; Imperials are well used to hearing such propaganda about the Empire flowing from the various rebel groups of the galaxy, and whilst jarring to hear these lies from once-trusted lips it was nonetheless clear from whom Hoorl had been taking his lines. Perhaps most egregiously amongst the many personal grievances Hoorl dictated his juniors should cite as the founding principles of their new group is their stance towards alien liberation. Seeking desperately to find some legitimate basis upon which to found their existence, and rejecting Hoorl’s own political inadequacies as insufficient grist for their mill, the dissident group of officers seem to have settled on exploiting the differences between species as their main point of differentiation. Repeating the Rebel lie that the Empire mistreats its alien members, the new group calling itself the ‘Restored Empire’ has declared they will be proudly pro-alien and seek to involve them at every step.  “It’s a bold strategy,” one Imperial Intelligence analyst noted dryly, “one wonders however if anyone’s bothered to run it past Hoorl.”  In recent years the Galactic Empire has broadened its acceptance of aliens into its branches, including allowing Class B aliens to serve in the Imperial Army. Even the notoriously selective COMPNOR organization has appointed aliens including former New Republic Chief of State and  Herglic Galen Darksol to the position of Chief Executive of the Corellian Engineering Corporation, and a Chagrian to the Sith Council. However one branch has stood out as resolute in its prohibition of aliens: the Imperial Navy, which whilst the Army opened its doors to Class B aliens was under the direct command of one Lord Admiral Hatori Hoorl. “With friends like Hoorl…” said the Intelligence analyst. Whilst his scrabble to protect himself from apprehension today almost left his friends and co-conspirators behind, their loss may not have been so keenly felt by the former Supreme Commander, who has been understood to have been seeking out friendship, funding, and common cause with the Rebel Alliance. “If the botched execution of this defection wasn’t a clear enough give-away, this splinter group’s talking points surely are,” said ISB-Director Patrick Bisson. However Hoorl’s choice of sponsors will not prove popular with the very officer corps he sought to recruit amongst. With his own long history of anti-alien policy-making, it’s clear that his newfound zeal for xeno-welfare is a requirement of his new allies. Indeed the Imperial News Bureau understands that despite their stirring words, the defectors did not succeed in persuading even a single alien to join their flight from Imperial service. Indeed, within the Empire it’s clear that although the defectors’ departure has been met with dismay, it has so far met with curiously little sympathy. For many, the blame falls squarely on the shoulders of Hatori Hoorl, whose ego made him think himself bigger than the Empire, and whose ego now has doomed his co-conspirators to a lifetime on the run from Imperial justice.  “The departure of long-serving Imperials is always unfortunate,” said one source, “but it’s especially disheartening to see once-promising officers junior to Hoorl throw their career into a black hole for the sake of one frustrated senior officer’s ambitions and hot temper.” “Despite having almost complete control over the Imperial Military for a year, and making many dozens of changes, Hatori Hoorl is a man who could always be relied on to find something about which to disagree,” said another source familiar with the situation. “His ability to deliver was not always where it needed to be, and he seemed to find that highly frustrating without realizing he was the source of his own problems.” Whatever the truth behind Hoorl’s motivations, his execution of his treason was deeply flawed.  As he made his preparations to enact his scheme, Imperial Security Bureau (ISB) operatives revoked his security clearance, locked him out of the holonet and seized his funds. Instead of being able to give a rousing speech to try and sway other members to join him, he was forced to ask another member of the coup to post speeches themselves, robbing the action of any semblance of credibility or leadership.  In an incredible example of the ISB’s devotion to our safety and their duty to protect us from terrorism, the speech itself was able to circulate Imperial channels for approximately two minutes before it was removed. The defection was therefore contained to a handful of participants, who lacked the ability to perform even the most basic act and spread their flawed and petty ideology.  Grand Vizier Marcus Elensar, speaking on behalf of the Throne, said, “Whilst the Empire has overcome another challenge and Hatori Hoorl’s treason was foiled, there is little to celebrate here. The Empire has lost a number of officers who have sacrificed themselves for one man’s ambition, and across the Imperial Military people will rue absent friends who once stood at their shoulder but who now stand with a knife at their back.”  

    • New Taste Sensation Sweeps Western Reaches
      by Bram Dupol on March 25, 2024 at 20:48

        Your Holoscreen bursts into life again and you are greeted by the friendly looking HK Protocol droid HK-42.  “Today we bring you news that has just reached us of a new craze captivating chefs in the Western Reaches of the galaxy, the Horned Melurun fruit.  Hailed by the finest chefs across the galaxy as the greatest new taste sensation discovered in years. This unassuming oranged skinned, slightly spiky fruit can be used in a number of ways.  It can be eaten raw and has a citrusy, sweet flavour.  Chefs love it because you can use every part of the plant, the tubers can be boiled and eaten like any other root vegetable, the leaves can be consumed as part of a salad along with the seeds.  You can scoop out the green, gel-like interior and serve it as a delicious dessert, speaking of the interior it can also be made into a thick tasty jam or jelly to be spread on bread. I am also told that it can be blended with your alcohol of choice to make a very pleasant cocktail.“   “There are however a few minor issues plaguing the fruit.  Firstly there are no major commercial growers, secondly it is quite a rare fruit and can only be found on three or four planets in any great numbers, thirdly and this may be its downfall, it is mildly addict..” The droid pauses for a moment as a green skinned arm passes the droid a datapad and it began to read its contents.  “Oh,” the droid began, “Oh my.  I have some very concerning news to bring you.”    The droid pauses for a second, checking the datapad again, “It seems that a little over two hours ago a large group of heavily armed vessels entered our asteroid field,  HM 278-226HW.  I also bring a request for aid from our leader, Bram Dupol. He asks you to help us, we need forces to repel these evil attackers and he calls on any friends to come to our help.  We are outnumbered and he does not think we will last much longer.“ “At first our attackers seemed to be pirates, however they seem to be using a selection of ships, both fighters, gunboats and corvettes, which all seem to be of recent manufacture and be in a decent state of repair.  Certainly if these are pirates, they are pretty well connected ones.”  “They have overwhelmed our valiant defence squadrons and begun to land on our asteroid, 24-T-131 Theta.  From the report, just handed to me it seems that a surgical strike by Y-wings armed with Ion Bombs has breached our city’s shields and are now making strafing attacks on our landing pad and other infrastructure.”  The droid looked back at the datapad. If it could have looked worried or nervous, it would have.        “Latest reports show that troops now seem to be moving through the streets firing indiscriminately at both our defenders and civilians alike.  The head of our organisation has ordered a complete evacuation and is currently leading the effort to get as many civilians as possible on shuttles and out of the asteroid field to our nearby staging area.” Your picture begins to shake and sporadically cut out.  A handful of dust falls through your field of view and the droid seems to be looking around the room towards the ceiling.  In the background you hear a loud explosion.  The picture fades out and is replaced by advertising footage.  After ten minutes the picture returns along with HK-42, the anchor droid.  “The Whisperer’s Network apologies for the break in transmission, it seems the Y-wings returned and taken out a good chunk of our power generators along with our landing facilities. Fortunately, this facility has it’s own back up powergrid and we are able to continue this transmission.   Right now our unknown enemy has breached the walls of both our HQ and this Holonet Communications Center.  Things do not look so good right now for our forces who are heavily outnumbered.  Our Chief Broadcasting officer, Bram Dupol, is currently  leading the last of our troops in the defence of our Faction headquarters in the North of the city  where the fighting is at it;s most intense. “    Another datapad is passed to the droid just as you hear a large explosion that seemed to be very close to if not inside the building.  “I don’t know what to tell you all, it seems that despite a very spirited defence of our Faction’s HQ, it has fallen to the overwhelming strength of the aggressors, right now how many of our personnel have survived is uncertain, but we will continue to broadcast until the last moment to bring you the facts as we are presented with them.”       The droid looks around as if desperately trying to make some sense of the situation.  Another loud explosion rocks the camera and the droid, this one however was followed by shouting and heavy blaster fire.  A second explosion, this one fills the studio with smoke and debris as the door of the large open blew inwards accompanied by a large amount of blaster fire.  The Rodian production assistant pulls an E-11 blaster from under his desk, upturned it and begins to return fire.  The droid turns away from the door and begins to speak to the camera as if the situation was unchanged, “Oh my, it seems we have interlopers in our studio, please bear with us until we can return to our normal programming.” More blaster fire pours through the door, two bolts hitting the Rodian, one in the head and the other in the shoulder, knocking him back onto the studio floor.  “Oh my, poor master Trepling, he will be missed,” the droid says forlornly  to the camera. The room begins to fill with white clad figures.  “Silence that droid,” One of the figures, seemingly the leader, a figure wearing crimson armour wielding a red bladed saber, loudly calls out, “the rest of you, take out their equipment and stop this broadcast.”     One of the figures raised his Dlt-20 and shoots the droid in the chest immediately destroying it in a shower of sparking electronics.  You watch in shock as others take vibro-axes to the various banks of equipment and computers until suddenly the picture bursts with light and then ceases to be replaced with static…