CORE HEADQUARTERS, LORONAR CAMPUS -- The Corporate Board of the Loronar Corporation has approved a takeover deal with the Bank of the Core, one of the Galaxy’s most prestigious banking and financial institutions. The agreement, the details of which remain confidential, comes into effect at midnight Galactic Standard Time.

President Thrane Blis, CEO of the Loronar Corporation, welcomed news of the deal, and announced that the Loronar Corporation’s Executive Vice President, Xior Sorath, had been asked by the Corporate Board to take an additional position as the Bank of the Core’s Chairman and CEO.

“I am honoured and grateful to the Corporate Board for the opportunity to lead this exceptional organization of creative, dedicated and talented professionals during the transition process,” Mr Sorath said. “It is my intention to significantly broaden the Bank’s client base, providing tailored products and services carefully designed to meet the needs of a range of individuals, unincorporated groups, established organisations, and those with a high net worth.”

The new chairman went on to announce a major revision to the organisation’s Banking Code and changes to the bank’s structure and key personnel.

 

Xior Sorath, the Bank of the Core's new chairman, spoke to reporters at a press conference earlier today.

The Bank of the Core has existed for thousands of years, specialising in a wide array of financial services including personal and corporate banking, central bank operations, currency minting and more. The bank is well known for its secrecy, offering clients a unique numbered account system which allows anonymous payments to be made, and a proxy trading service allowing clients to buy or sell products and services through the bank.

The lengths to which the Bank of the Core has gone to protect the privacy of its clients have proved controversial in the past. Rumours uncovered by Brentaal Trade News several years ago suggest that the bank’s data vaults were relocated to a site somewhere in the Unknown Regions. If true, this puts the data beyond the jurisdiction of the galaxy’s numerous tax authorities. Some have claimed that various governments, intelligence organisations and other groups have regularly used the bank’s strict secrecy code to support their operations. The bank has repeatedly refused to comment on such ‘baseless rumours’, stating that it is fully legally compliant in all jursidictions in which it operates. Chairman Sorath confirmed that the bank will remain studiously neutral in galactic affairs.

“I am pleased to leave the bank in such capable hands,” said outgoing chairman Morr Myako. “The Loronar Corporation has a proud history and a bright future ahead, and I have no doubt that the bank with flourish under new leadership.”

A spokesbeing for the Loronar Corporation announced that full details of the Bank of the Core’s products and services can be found on the Corporation’s holosite.

For six days, from Day 55, Voss thronged with visiting heads of state, industry tycoons, and high society as the Tionese capital played host to the Galactic Concordiate's first Biennial Gala. The Gala was organised to officially welcome the Falleen Federation and Sienar Conglomerate into the bloc, but as King Jado Dur`rik noted in an opening address, the celebrations held a greater significance. "We Falleen have not forgotten the lessons of our history: our unity is our strength. When my Council looked towards the Concordiate, we saw the possibilities which its renewed purpose could open not only to us, but to others." Explaining that "the principle which now unites us is a positive one; we have, as the Second Treaty of Forsetti declares, joined together 'to further the goals of peace, neutrality, and, prosperity.' Not by war or the promise of technology, but through our commitment to ensuring the galaxy becomes that which it ought to be, where intimidation and threats of force are subjected to diplomacy and law."

Concordiate members were not alone in their celebrations, either. Government officials and business leaders from the Hapes Consortium, the New Republic, The Wraiths, Czerka Corporation, and the CIS were also seen at many of the Gala's different events. The ubiquitous presence of non-Concordiate members was explained by the Lady Hegemon Stephanie Barefoot-Delcroix, leader of the Tion Hegemony, who said the Concordiate's leaders "were keenly aware of the wider diplomatic opportunities presented almost as soon as discussions began on hosting an event like this." Stressing that although the "Executive Council made the decision early on to limit the number of guests, we wanted to demonstrate and celebrate the possibilities open to those willing to share our values and ideals."

The dinners, balls, and receptions which filled the Grand Capitol Palace underscored the strenuous efforts that had gone into remaking the alliance. Even though the heads of state of the Condordiate's members have been meeting regularly for years now, this was the first gathering for its entire citizenry. When asked 'Why now?' the Lady Hegemon was poised to answer, "To us leading this alliance, one of its greatest failings has been a seeming irrelevance to the daily lives of its citizens. We have sought to change that: in virtually every corner of the alliance a public holiday was declared, and the number of journeys made to Voss has been extraordinary." Adding "By bringing our people together, we can better show them why we think the Concordiate matters and the opportunities it provides."

Events were run throughout the districts of Meeshae, the capital city. Citizens of the alliance, and those invited as friends, were treated to scavenger hunts, local lotteries, and even a system-wide grand prix, in which the finest pilots from across the group traversed a complex course, testing their coordination and pushing their endurance to its limits. Tion pilots Athrun Zala and Dillininioh Colk took first and third place, while Garas Tegra, a Trade Federation pilot, took second.

The Gala was brought to a close, on Day 60, when the Executive Council met for a joint press conference at the Capitol Palace broadcasted across the alliance. Viceroy Jacob Jansen, the current Magistrate of the Executive Council, gave the final address. "When we began discussing the Concordiate's future a year ago, it was apparent to us immediately the scale of what we are trying to achieve. But, in the months since, the alliance has come together dramatically. With each new act, we are slowly pushing the frontier of what was thought possible." Reiterating the group's founding principle, the Viceroy concluded "A space for peaceful diplomacy and economic co-operation is being created: we welcome Sienar and the Falleen to our alliance on that basis, and we stand ready to welcome any others who desire to do so."

 

 

 

 

"Greetings sentients of the galaxy, I'd like to address some rumors that have been simmering just under the surface. It seems that there is a group trying to drum up business by slandering their competition.

Many, myself included, are highly offended by this development. Anyone who wants to compete for shelf space is more than welcome to throw their hat into the ring. The free market should be the deciding factor but one group has crossed the line."

Andre pauses, looks down at the counter for a second and then looks directly at the camera.

"We at The Angry Rancor Distribution Company would never, ever taint our booze and drugs with...bacta!"

Andre sighs

"This is insulting and reckless. The thought of cutting our ryll with bacta not only makes me cringe but it can put hazardous ideas into the minds of the youth of this great galaxy. If some scamp decides to soak their deathsticks in bacta...they could suffer catastrophic damage to their heart and/or hearts, permanent brain damage and even kidney failure.

If these rumor mongers really want to compete, they should do so through the quality of their drugs and not slander. Also, putting dangerous thoughts into ones customers mind is self defeating. A dead customer ceases to be a valued customer.

Thank you for your time."

 

 

Recently, a prominent Jawa by the name of Kolomon Seph, engaging in attempts to better map the galaxy, stumbled upon what can only be described as a true "Utinni" moment. This was the discovery of a constellation that appears to depict a robed Jawa beneath the twin suns of Tatooine, perhaps serving as a steady reminder to Jawas about how far many of them have come from their homeworld. This has led to a push to recognize this "constellation of the Jawa" as a galactic wonder, and to add it to popular galactic sightseeing guides.

As can be seen in this visual breakdown of the constellation, it clearly depicts a robed figure with two brightly glowing eyes. Additionally, two especially prominent celestial bodies make up what could only represent the twin suns of Tatooine overhead. The constellation is even detailed enough to show the wrinkles which so easily form in the robes which Jawas traditionally wear.

However, this constellation has not been without those who doubt it. Rik Wolk, noted galactic sightseer, commented, "To the educated eye, it looks quite average, nothing special to see here! I like the colour, though. Most beautiful!" Additionally, cynical human public figure and saleswoman, Jaydon TaValorian, commented, "It needs more stars in the robe and I keep getting distracted by what appears to be a claw reaching out where you have the Jawa eyes and hood." These comments have largely been reacted to with disgust in the Jawa community, with them being viewed as further examples of "the humans" viewing Jawa accomplishments as never truly measuring up.

One notable Jawa religious leader, Neb Edik, famous for championing an organized Jawa religion rooted in the traditional clan structure, stated that this constellation only cemented his own belief that Jawas were personally created by the great maker. This naturally would have profound effects on current galactic understanding of Jawas, with many humancentric scholars stating that Jawas are simply offshoots of humans or more humanlike species. However, to address the inevitable naysayers, Neb Edik simply stated, "Look at the constellation and tell me you do not see a fellow Jawa standing in the desert of Tatooine. The likeness is truly incredible and must be an act of the most inventive creator."

This religious idea with regards to the constellation is reportedly gaining traction even among humans and those of others religions. One individual, a Jedi and as such a highly religious man, Dante Erinith, stated, "There's certainly precedent. It wouldn't even be the silliest religion in the past couple of decades. Did you know there's one going around that believes our personalities boil down to colours, of all things? Really, if something like that can take off, then I say all power to the Jawa." Clearly, the constellation of the Jawa is gaining widespread appeal.

Additionally, as constellations are often highly open to interpretation, many Jawas wonder about how exactly this constellation will be remembered. There is even division in the Jawa community on what should truly count as the Jawa constellation and what it should be named. One notable division is if Jawas should recognize the Jawa constellation as the primary celestial Jawa or if the Jawa nebula is a superior celestial formation for Jawa representation. This massive nebula cannot be viewed in its entirety from any one system, but portions of it can be seen from a multitude of locations around the known galaxy. Additionally, according to some, the nebula serves as a better representation of a Jawa than the constellation, with the twin suns of the more commonly accepted Jawa constellation being the eyes within the Jawa hood that the nebula is shaped as.

Regardless, the Jawa community and much of the broader non-human community tends to support the Jawas' newfound galactic wonder. Notable Chiss, Rawth Shacklefist, commented, "Don't be surprised if it gets rebranded with some generic human name instead, what with their penchant for arriving late and just appropriating things for their own purposes."

As such, the Jawa community, specifically that of Jawas who left their homeworld for the larger galaxy, have been pushing to get this constellation recognized as a galactic wonder irreversibly associated with the Jawa race. As a part of this, Jawa Offworld Enterprises announced their intentions to identify the best locations in the galaxy for viewing this constellation and nebula, and are hoping to publish their results in the future, hopefully with the assistance of the galaxy at large. Jawa Offworld Enterprises would like to add that regardless of your reason for exploration, they can offer the finest cartography services in the galaxy for low prices, getting you the maps you need to search a sector effectively.

Finally, Jawa Offworld Enterprises would like to thank everyone who has supported the Ines Astyne Grant to fund higher Jawa education. JOE is looking into ways to put the generous donations to the best possible uses. One of the ways this is being done is by establishing Jawacentric academies focused on the unique challenges of teaching Jawas in order to prepare them for business in the galaxy at large or back on their homeworld. Anyone wishing to contribute to the grant or the teaching efforts may do so by contacting JOE directly.

Year 20 Day 75

The past few months have been historic for galactic citizens. Galactic alliances have shifted significantly, with the three major galactic powers vying to better their strategic positions.  As some alliances are shifting, strengthening, or seemingly imploding, new alliances are also forming. The Interstellar League is one such new alliance founded in recent weeks. The League is dedicated to cooperation and mutual economic growth amongst its member groups, which collectively control several planetary systems and galactic sectors.

"We are committed to neutrality in the Galactic Civil War," commented Siejo Kutol, Chairman of Kutol-Chan Industrial (KCI). "The leaders of our charter organizations differ in many respects, with different backgrounds, priorities, and visions for the future.  Many of us worked together years ago but had grown distant in recent times. That said, we all agreed that this Civil War is tearing the galaxy apart. While war can sometimes be profitable for businesses, it is obviously devastating to the ordinary citizens across the galaxy.  Just look at what occurred in the Hosnian System last year and how the system looks now. Open war is not something my company, nor my allies in the League, can support."

The community of organizational leaders that would become the first Interstellar League Senate have been meeting privately for several months to discuss opportunities for cooperation and establishing relationships of trust. Initial drafts of the League bylaws called the organization the Confederate Remnant, a name based on the sectors of the galaxy which the League governs, which include many former and present Confederate systems. One of the anchors of the League, the newly re-formed Confederacy of Independent Systems (CIS), hosted the first official meeting of the Interstellar League Senate on Feriae Junction, the CIS capital.

 

Dan Hakim of Dukha addresses the Senate

“It is an honor to represent the Confederacy and serve as Speaker of the Interstellar Senate,” declared Taldar Logas (Leader, Confederacy of Independent Systems) during a press conference following the Senate proceedings. “In just a few months, we have seen growth, trade, and freedom promoted across the hundreds of planets within the Interstellar League."

Each Senator of the League addressed the press, with Speaker Logas closing the press conference emphasizing how essential it was for non-aligned factions to cooperate closely.

 

Speaker Logas shared, “The agenda for our discussions this week focused on cultural exchanges, and building closer economic and political ties. The developments this week have already surpassed my expectations in terms of what the League can accomplish if we put our minds to the task and truly work together."

The next Senate meeting is scheduled in three weeks in the Cularin system of the Hevvrol Sector. Kutol-Chan Industrial, one of the founding organizations of the League, plans to host a tour of its major manufacturing hub in the system with select members of the Senate.  One of the rumored proposals being discussed recently in the League Senate involves a rebranding of the KCI trading hub located just outside the Cularin System to allow the network of stations to serve as a trading post for all League members, increasing access to the League's goods to an even more significant number of galactic citizens.

 

 

 

 

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 --