Tion Hegemony

Aaron Levette: Hello everyone, and welcome to Block and Ball Torture! As always, I'm Aaron Levette and this is my co-host Chip Wickers. I hope you've been following Shockball, because we sure have, and what we've been seeing is a really surprising start to the season!

Chip Wickers: You might even say it's been... shocking!

Aaron Levette: I would not say that.

Chip Wickers: Oh, come on.

Aaron Levette: Anyways, so that game between the Asation Outlaws and the Stensen Sandcrawlers revealed a lot of issues with Black Sun's roster and training. After their sound thrashing by the Dxun Basilisks, you'd have thought the players would have gotten their butts in gear.

Chip Wickers: Ha! They couldn't find their butts with industrial surveying equipment. Did you see Knox? That guy may have been a big shot with the Kiffex Outlaws, but it's clear he needs to be put out to pasture. He hits like a Bantha and has the awareness of one too.

Aaron Levette: He does seem more intent on making tackles than actually interacting with the ball. Over the course of two games, he's made 3 passes and 8 tackles.

Chip Wickers: I'm pretty sure those passes were accidental. That last one looks like he just threw the ball away so he could keep tackling people.

Aaron Levette: Perhaps he needs to be reminded that there is more to this game, but the reports from the Outlaws training camp has it that he hasn't attended a single session.

Chip Wickers: I bet that's why he's Black Sun's Vigo of Shadows. He certainly seems to be in the dark as to how to play the game.

Aaron Levette: It makes you wonder what their manager is thinking. Speaking of him, for a Center, Caelius is also doing a lot more tackling than scoring. Or even trying to score.

Chip Wickers: His Interior Division has been doing its very best to censor a bunch of pictures that show him hyping up on ryll and death sticks before a game. Speaking of pictures, I wish they'd done a better job of clamping down on Cipriani's locker room pictures.

Aaron Levette: What a train wreck of a team.

Chip Wickers: If Caelius and Knox could get their heads in the game and sobered up, they might be able to keep the rest of their players from coming to practice hungover and to games drunk. I hear Astrid Sarka has been hitting the bars before each game; the local gossip is they've taken to bribing her with Whyren's Reserve filled "water" bottles to get her out of the taproom and onto the field.

Aaron Levette: Now, they did just win a game but that says more about the Guardians than the Outlaws, and to be fair, not all of their players are hopeless. Bell has been sticking out like a sore thumb. The former Imperial's discipline has really shined, both in training and on the field. He must be looking for a way out of his contract as fast as possible.

Chip Wickers: I hear their contracts are written in blood. Not necessarily their own.

Aaron Levette: Oh, give me a break. There is more than enough we can say about how truly horrendous this team is without resorting to gutter journalism. Although it wouldn't surprise me to find out they spread that rumour themselves to try to seem more scary.

Chip Wickers: I don't know. That kind of cliche melodrama seems exactly like the kind of thing those Black Sun folks are head-over-heels for.

Aaron Levette: That may be, but we're better than that. And we're also out of time! This has been Aaron Levette and Chip Wickers for Block and Ball Torture, broadcasting from Gree Sports Programming Network.

Here at Shili Free Press, one part of the Hosnian Conflict we have been investigating is the handling of captured sentients by different factions fighting for control of the system. At last count, more than ten thousand sentients have been detained, despite the crisis having begun only one month ago. We bring you this special report about these captives, their treatment, and differing views on their rights.

The treatment of prisoners has long been a point of contention across the galaxy, as varied cultures with divergent legal systems often differ over what punishments are just and fair. In cases where governmental jurisdiction is well established, the laws and systems of that government prevail with little recourse for outside actors to influence outcomes. However, in areas where jurisdiction is not as clear cut, there is a fine line between the rule of law and lawlessness.

The Galactic Empire declared the Hosnian system within the Byblos Sector to be their rightful territory. The Empire views anyone captured during the act of claiming lands or building non-approved facilities to be guilty of high crimes against the Empire. High Crimes are punishable by execution within the Imperial Criminal Code. Imperials consider the act of building within their territory to be an attack upon the Empire itself.

In addition to executing builders captured by Imperial forces, the Empire has allowed a non-Imperial Union Government, The Faerytail Family, to perform those arrests and summary executions on their behalf. No trials or judges are required; simply execution upon capture.

There is some question whether allowing another Government to act as judge and executioner within their claimed territory undermines the authority claimed by the Empire. If the Empire cannot provide the basic services expected of a government in the system without granting another government full authority over some of these services, how solid is their claim to that territory?

On the other hand, do Imperials captured by the Zann Consortium, the New Republic or Galactic Alliance forces fare any better? For Imperial General Fede Vonrico, the methods used by Zann certainly appeared to be the same as those the Empire has employed when the Generalâs capture by Zann lead to a swift execution.

Previous incidents, such as the fallout from the gruesomely publicized Varro Belle execution, illustrate that the Galactic Alliance hardly has a single concept of justice and punishment among its members. However, in the Hosnian system, it appears that the allied governments opposing the Empire are following the Republicâs lead in terms of prisoner handling. But what is the Republicâs actual policy with regards to handling prisoners?

The recent report by the New Republicâs state-controlled media statement confirms that Imperials are being arrested and held, as opposed to executed. However, independent sources on the ground have noted that some of the New Republicâs transports collecting arrested builders are delayed, and that not all of their captives can be immediately collected for safe transport out of the system. There have been verified reports of kill squads supported by Zann murdering builders under arrest by Alliance forces within system. Although it appears that it is not the Republicâs intent to have their prisoners killed, the fact remains that some have been killed following their arrest, due to not being processed expediently enough. This appears to be a case of Alliance forces being less familiar with executing the Republicâs policies and the large volume of detainees, rather than an intentional act on the part of the Alliance or the Republic. The tentative truce between Zann and The Republic also makes one wonder how accidental these murders may be.

Beyond the rank and file, the Republic is currently holding at least four imperial officers in custody, including Captain Mark Inkster, Major Ron Mueirech, Lieutenant Adam Linon and Lieutenant Commander Du`bas Tyra. Captain Inkster, the first of these officers to be detained, has been held for more than five weeks by Republic forces at this point. The most we have been told is that the state-controlled news agency will post a story. While pressing NRI Director Adam Hughes for a timeline on when we might receive an update from the Republic News Network on Captain Inkster, Hughes replied, âOnce it is allowed to do so.â

It appears that Captain Inkster was safely taken off planet, and therefore is likely still alive, but we await word of his condition. The vague wording in the recent press release stating that some captives in Republic custody had âgiven up on lifeâ combined with the indications of failed negotiations between the Empire and the Republic for a prisoner exchange certainly clouds the future for these individuals. The Empire has apparently refused to deal with any organizations holding their commanding officers. In addition to the apparently failed talks with the New Republic, the deals struck for the return of two other Imperial officers in the custody of the Eidola Pirates, were handled privately using personally owned assets. In both cases, Imperial officers parted with pets from their personal menageries as part exchange. In total, a dewback, a rancor, over 70 million credits and other items allegedly comprise the ransoms paid for Imperial Intelligence Agent Vladamiur Veselov and Captain Olifa Omicron.

The New Republic has refused to answer any questions on these detainees, or admit they even exist to any outside media sources, therefore, it is unlikely that friends and relatives of the captured servicemen have learned of their fate prior reports provided by Shili Free Press and other independent sources, as both Imperial and Republic officials are tight lipped about any matters within the war zone. We recently were made aware of a New Republic officer, Carmen Sundane, having been arrested by the Empire. As the Republic did, the Empire also has refused to comment on the status of their captive.

For a broader opinion discussing non-combatants in war zones, rather than commissioned officers, we discussed the issue of captured personnel with Belloq Tull, a member of the Wraiths, a band of hardened mercenaries that have historically been involved in numerous prominent skirmishes across the galaxy. I asked him specifically about the thousands of builders he has captured and detained without executing during the Hosnian campaign so far. When discussing the reasoning for securing construction teams, as opposed to killing them, he provided this quote to summarize his views:

âToo many commanders here, and in other war zones like Vectinia recently, feel it is more prudent to treat unarmed workers as armed combatants. Executing them in cold blood, citing the location of a war zone as a justification for treating civilians with no military training or weapons as soldiers in combat. Yes, it is more difficult and inconvenient to relocate these workers and care for them while the conflict rages. However, we have plenty of ships to take care of these beings. I am sure commanders with Lucrehulk and Strike-class ships at their disposal could do the same, if they chose.â

I asked Belloq about the long-term plans and outcomes for these builders he currently holds, and his mood appeared to turn sad. âNo doubt, these builders face a tough future, still. The Galactic Empire will likely have little desire to repatriate them. Many have already received word of the termination of their contractsâ.

If the Empire was unwilling to even negotiate for the return of their officers, I hold out little hope that the Empire will spare a momentâs thought for these non-commissioned individuals whom they ferried across space to serve the whims of a Moff and Emperor, only to be cast aside, when their usefulness had ended.

For those captured and escorted out of Hosnian instead of being killed, what will become of them? Hired by their government, uprooted from family and friends, escorted across hyperspace, dispersed with orders across the Hosnian system, and winding up in handcuffs, shipped away once again and placed in unfamiliar territory. Even if governmental control of the planets in the Hosnian system is nearly settled, the lives of thousands will have been irreparably changed, even if only some are still around to pick up the pieces and continue. Hopefully their meager offerings in faith, wishes upon their lucky charms, or silent prayers to their gods will deliver them some measure of safety and peace.

This is Lahasa Fy, for Shili Free Press, wishing you good luck, and hoping you say safe.

Veritas News Inc. presents

GALACTIC SHOCKBALL LEAGUE KICKS OFF!

A subspace transmission from

The Galactic Slugging Association

Greetings everyone, my name is Lava Lovestruck of the Galactic Slugging Association, presenting to you and our subscribers the latest news around the kick-off week in the Galactic Shockball League.
With an all new season, presenting all new scouted players and all new teams ready to shock some balls with conviction!

With me is Altair Lopez, guard for the Asation Outlaws, one of those all new teams, Altair, no team ownership for you?

Altair: No Lava, I, like most sporting enthusiasts, am a player in my heart and soul and I'll leave management to those with proper understanding. I am very proud to be playing in our government's honour division alongside such great players.

Lava: I bet! Your team is ready for action, though rumours suggest that not all teams are ready, do you have an idea why?

Altair: Well Lava, as opposed to last season the league has been split into 3 divisions, the Core Worlds, Outer Rim and Wild Space Division. This shift caused all player contracts to be terminated at the end of last season giving both players and coaches the chance to renegotiate, my guess is that is why this transfer season has been so incredibly chaotic, yet refreshing.

Lava: Chaos indeed, I hear some team owners are still looking for players and the Galactic Shockball League has been shipping droids to all stadiums to fill open positions as needed.

Altair: True enough, even we got a bunch of them in Asation as you can see here...

We opened one of 'em to have a look, they are outfitted to last exactly the length of a game at which point they will self-destruct with a harmless implosion.

None of the data circuits are accessible and these B0-TT droids come in special sealed pods that prevent them from being tampered with.

This way if a team ever loses a player during the match or has to start with less players on the pitch, the game will not have to be forfeited, leaving fans wanting.

Lava: That is simply brilliant, but how well do these droids play Shockball?

Altair: They hit hard but they are still droids, they have no heart and that is why sentients will always have the upper hand in Shockball and why team owners are so desperately looking to fill those positions, before the first match starts, or at least as soon as possible.

Lava: Thank you Altair for this open-hearted interview. I look forward to seeing you in Asation...

Altair: In a couple days, we will be playing our first match away in the Dxun Besuliike Stadium against the Dxun Basilisks, and I am really exited.

Lava: So am I, Altair. I'll be cheering, so take care. So, you heard it folks, teams in all Divisions are still desperately looking to sign players in the Galactic Shockball League.

I am Lava Lovestruck wishing you a wonderful day and reminding you that this bulletin was brought to you by the Galactic Slugging Association, sporting enthusiasts.

GALACTIC SLUGGING ASSOCIATION

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Sentients, an incoming broadcast from Brigia II Companion from the Greater Tion News Group. Tionese citizens, military personnel and governmental staff alike came together to conduct a naming ceremony on the moon of Brigia II Companion. Conducted by First Lady Liilith Delcroix-Barefoot, the newly named city of Chlad was unveiled to all of the Hegemony as a newly constructed training locating for new military personnel. With an array of military compounds at its disposal and a multitude barracks' for training drills and recuperation, the new facilities will ensure the newest breed of military soldiers and navy elite will receive the best environments possible for their exercises.

Complimenting the military facilities, the main Civic Centre known as Strom will allow classroom activities and briefings to occur for platoons during their training, but additional facilities for human resource operations, enlistment services and psychological assessments. However, despite the state of the art military facilities, the main attraction for many will be the recreation activities available to the officers when off duty. Thanks to a number of anonymous donations from civilian personnel among the Lady Hegemon's administration, a number of taverns and bars are available for much deserved rest and relaxation. Housing some of the finest Tionese ales, Pazaak tables and dance floors to enjoy the company of fellow recruits and officers, these facilities will ensure all military personnel will be able to enjoy both work, and play.

As primary military enlistment is moved to the moon, existing facilities and enlistment hubs still remain in operation throughout the Allied Tion and Cronese Mandate clusters, will support available throughout Hegemony space as required. Local analysts within the governmental officers are predicted an increase in military enlistment by its citizens within the cluster thanks to these new state of the art facilities, while military officers are expecting even higher standards from the new recruits. With this new expansion into Brigia II Companion and the recent completion of the colonisation efforts on Morobora, many news outlets and wondering what the next expansion effort will be within the Tion Cluster.

This is Arthur, your Greater Tion News Group droid, ending broadcast.

Sentients, an incoming broadcast from the Greater Tion News Group. A local resident of Abraxin Companion was arrested yesterday after attempting to steal medical supplies and cyromedical technology from an Athakam Medical facility on the rocky moon. Security personnel of both the Tion Hegemony and its Defense Division were quick to respond, apprehending the suspect before technology could be tampered with. Upon his arrest, Axi Raan, a Thyferran national, was taken to a nearby security station for processing and booking.

The Tion News Group, after Raan's preliminary interviews and processing, was able to speak with the Thyferran to further understand his motives. "Cryogenics is not for this galaxy. Us Thyferran's are the medical masterminds and have been for generations. We know the medical limitations of all races, and in the eyes of the of the gods, this is not something meant for this galaxy." upon conclusion of the interview, Raan was witness clawing at his face and attempted to remove his own fingernails, showing evident signs of an unstable individual.

While the suspect was not charged upon questioning, he was transferred to a nearby Athakam facility for psychological assessment to ensure he received the best care to assist with his condition. Security around medical facilities throughout the cluster was tightened for several hours after the arrest, but has since been relaxed as no additional incidents have been reported.

This is Arthur, your Greater Tion News Group droid, ending broadcast.

Last updated on Year 19, Day 82, 23:41:17

Sentients, an incoming broadcast from the Greater Tion News Group. Local officials of Dravione have unveiled the first stages of an agriculture revitalisation program to improve exports among the system. Flagged by the Lady Hegemon, provincial Mayor Gianta Vix outlined the upcoming improvements to a growing crowd of Tionese citizens, highlighting economic growth and improvements to local food and beverage opportunities.

"It is my privilege and honour to unveil these new agriculture improvements and subsidies to the people of Dravione. With these improvements, local businesses will have additional means of income through exporting of goods among Allied Tion, while ensuring that all citizens have cheap, easy access to food they can grow themselves. This is the first program we are launching and we are confident that its success will ensure the implementation of additional programs across all of Greater Tion space."

With the implementation of the program commencing within the coming weeks, a number of local businesses and individuals have commenced the signup process, preparing their properties with the required materials to ensure optimal growth. Additionally, nearby governments of Allied Tion such as Voss and Corlax have outlined similar plans they intend to implement in the near future in response to Dravione's plan. The Lady Hegemon, upon conclusion of the press junket, was visibly pleased with the initiative, hoping that all Tion Hegemony space would see ongoing improvements to local infrastructure to ensure low unemployment rates and decreases in cost of living. Initial release of agricultural subsidies for the first trial is expected to occur before the twentieth galactic year commences.

This is Arthur, your Greater Tion News Group droid, ending broadcast.

Last updated on Year 19, Day 82, 23:41:55

High Council Ends Infestation

ARGAI, CRONESE MANDATE, TION CLUSTER

Golan II - Port Argolis Security Checkpoint

Marked for immediate release.

Year 18 Day 80 - Today saw the successful end of a five day operation by senior members of the Tion Hegemony High Council, according to a spokessentient from the Office of the Lady Hegemon.

Upon notification that Kray Voh, infamous bounty hunter and proprietor of Ever Light Transportation, was scheduled to arrive in Argai to gather an order for an Athakam MedTech customer, the High Council formulated a plan to capture the Yam`rii.

An arrest warrant was approved by a quorum of the sitting High Councillors on Day 75, as agents swarmed the Argai system, home of Athakam MedTech, to secure the system and wait-out the arrival of the acknowledged criminal.

Once the Yam'rii was in custody deliberation over trial and execution occurred, with immediate execution of Kray Voh being voted as the course of justice. Summary of charges include: attempting to kidnap a Tionese citizen, attempted bounty, operating illegally within Tionese space, offering bounties of top Tion officials, and criminal threatening of the Lady Hegemon.

The affected customer of Athakam MedTech was contacted post-operation by the Rector Superior of Athakam, who authorized a swift refund and arranged transportation for the delivery of the customer’s goods, including the care of a sand panther cub that Mr. Voh had in his possession.

The Tion High Council would like to offer support to any victims of Kray Voh’s schemes. If anyone having hired Ever Light Transportation believes they will have been affected by this apprehension, please contact Fleet Admiral Crislyn Anessa Waryn.

-- END HIGH COUNCIL RELEASE --

Presented under authority of the Tionese High Council in
accordance with Tionese Division of Media statutes.

Broadcast and distributed by Greater Tion News Group and
affiliates from GTNG Mediacast at Illyrianna, Dravione.

Last updated on Year 18, Day 80, 10:45:15

Downhearted Tion Hegemony Emboldened by Leadership (Posted by Crislyn Anessa Waryn on Year 17 Day 358)

GTNG -- Kazarak system, Sertar, Tion Cluster

Y17D358 - Today marks the first milestone into the inspired leadership of newly-appointed Lady Hegemon, Stephanie Barefoot, as the Tion Hegemony commences to show numerous signs of renewed unity and prosperity. Shortly into her new role as Head of State, Lady Barefoot negotiated the incorporation of the newly re-discovered Kazarak system into the already vast territory of the government. The process of urbanization didn't take long to begin thanks to the quick mobilization of infrastructural resources and highly motivated personnel that thrives with the rise of the new face of our government.

It was on Day 328, after a flurry of activity from the Tionese directive, that the GTNG was cleared to reveal that in the wee hours of morning, huddled in the Grand Chambers of the Hegemonial Palace on Voss Prime, the Tionese High Council gathered to officially mark the transition of famed and long-time development aficionado, Lady Stephanie Barefoot, Chancellor of the Tion Hegemony, to her new post as the first female Hegemon. Many other transitions within the leadership of the Hegemony followed, instituted by Lady Barefoot as part of her vision for the betterment of the Tion Cluster administration.

But, in order to accurately report the story of Lady Barefoot’s transition to leader of the Tionese people, we must revisit the previous 60 days of the Tionese year. In the weeks leading up to the Tionese annual Day of Unity celebrations, rumors had begun circulating the worlds under the protection of the Tion Hegemony. Hushed voices in every bar, factory, and homestead could be heard asking the same question: "What has become of Lord Hegemon Asai?"

Taking a look back to Day 270 of this year, a mere 30 days before the Hegemony’s unity celebrations, Lord Takao Asai was readying to embark on his yearly mountaineering excursion on Desargorr VI. A keen explorer, Lord Asai knew the mountain ranges like the back of his hand. Dreadfully, three days later, after leaving the small mining town of Lajurnor, signals from his commlink ceased. Several days followed before an extensive search and rescue mission was undertaken by the then-Chancellor’s personal staff. From what we can gather, no expense was spared in this operation but it was hampered by unseasonable weather. No evidence of the missing Lord Hegemon was found.

During the Unity celebrations, the people of Tion were kept in the dark about their leader’s plight despite their many questions and lack of Hegemon sightings. Nothing was to be allowed to dampen the holiday festivities, but all the while, Lady Barefoot and her closest confidants were demanding increasingly larger stretches of Desargorr VI to be scouted. The Lord Hegemon's extended absence had been put down to illness, fatigue, romance, and even insanity. It was on Day 305 at the close of the unity celebrations that GTNG was notified of the ongoing search. Twenty days later, a special assembly of the High Council gathered at the Hegemonial Palace on Voss Prime along with Lady Barefoot and officially called-off the search and rescue teams.

It was at this gathering of the Tionese leadership, that Lady Stephanie would be sworn-in as the fourth leader of the Hegemony, the first Lady Hegemon. Transition of leadership was arranged for Day 328. Breaking with all past tradition, GTNG was allowed exclusive access to observe the signing of the Desargorr Accord by now-Hegemon, Stephanie Barefoot. Each High Councilor in attendance signing as witness of this sorrowful but historic moment. Issuing a brief statement afterwards, Lady Hegemon Barefoot spoke solemnly about her sudden and unexpected ascension.

"Lord Takao Asai was the one who taught me the most about government life and planetary economics. I frankly owe everything to his teachings. I join all of Tion in their grieving for the loss of our leader, as I do for my long-time personal friend. But I can assure you, I will do my absolute utmost to continue to build on the work set upon by my predecessors. I am dedicated to seeing the Hegemony surge forward on a path of unlimited prosperity and unity for all Tionese. Tion will remain a neutral force within the galaxy, a committed member of the Galactic Concordiate, and a never fading beacon for all that is good in this galaxy!"

Following signing of the Desargorr Accord and her first official Hegemonial address, Lady Hegemon Barefoot, joined by her wife and their two children, hurried to Voss III where she welcomed the new head of Tion Engineering and Construction, now-Director Kulton Duine, to his new headquarters, before swiftly returning to Meeshae to hold the first High Council session of her tenure.

In the month since her official transition to power, Lady Barefoot has called for changes among the sitting High Council as well as over seen the inclusion of the newly re-discovered Kazarak system.

Among the most influential changes within the Tionese leadership was the naming of former Tion Military and Science Industries President, Abraari To as Chancellor. Sir To was succeeded at TMSI by long-time acting Vice President Stig`ray Morvo. In addition, former First Fleet Admiral William Radcliff was appointed Hyperion, Minister of Defense, his successor in First Fleet to be named early in the new year.

For those outside the Tion Cluster, who may not have heard of our Lady Hegemon, Stephanie Barefoot made her name as the revolutionary head of Tion Engineering and Construction. She oversaw the largest economic development period in the history of Tion, painstakingly driving the Cluster back into prosperous times following the meltdown of the galactic markets only a few short years ago. Her never ceasing energy for developing our worlds and indeed, even those outside Tion, were the envy of many. How different she must feel from the orphan that was raised on Tatooine, who briefly flirted with criminality, journalism, and even medicine, to finally become the head of a mighty government.

The reporters and staff at GTNG join our fellow Tionese in applauding our newest Hegemon on her accomplishments thus far in her position. This has been Lianna Corvae for the Greater Tion News Group, reporting this pivotal evolution of our beloved Hegemony. May we forever be Tionese, united and prosperous.

Onboard the Modular Taskforce Cruiser THS Solay in system Kazarak (310, 293).

Last updated on Year 18, Day 44, 00:13:37

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