A spokespig for Baummu Orbital Automated Recycling approaches the holorecorder. She looks at the device with interested eyes and the interviewer gently reminds her to pay attention. The headline on the holoscreen reads “JOI BELOS, WANTED FOR ATTEMPTED EMBEZZLEMENT”

“Spek Toekom, you are here as a spokespig for BOAR.” the interviewer says in basic. “We wanted to talk to you about the name change of your group.”

The Gamorrean squeals and oinks and a droid nearby translates, “Yes I tell you about that.”

“Good, now we wanted to ask you, in your own words, to explain the reason for the change.”

The Gamorrean squeals and grunts a bit longer this time, and the droid translates. “We decided to change the name after Joi Belos tried to say bad things about us. She fudged the books and tried to take money from us. She tried to frame us for her badness and scams. We were able to stop her.”

“Okay, that explains why Joi has left your employ. Why did you change the name?”

The Gamorrean had been distracted by the blinking light on the holorecorder again. The interviewer reached over and tapped her gently, “Ms Toekom, why did you change the name?”

She jumps, starting to pay attention. She grunts a bit again and the droid translates, “We decided to change our name and work towards joining the Alissma Family. They have been good to us when we needed help with our issue with Joi.”

“So you are joining the Alissma Family?”

She looks thoughtful, and the droid translates the slight grunt of a reply, “Yes we hope to. And we hope that anyone affected by Joi's acts come forward to us so we can restablish our reputation going forward”

“Thank you, Ms Toekom! That concludes our interview, this young mother Gamorrean needs to feed her younglings.”

After the holorecording cuts off, a few lines appear reminding all sentients to be careful who they trust, and to watch out for Joi Belos.

 

It has been claimed that the 32nd Mushroom Mesa shamanic prophecy of the Thiko clan, first uttered roughly 5,000 years ago, predicted the recent hostile takeover of the New Tent Order by the Jawa Industrial Magi (JIM). One interpretation of this prophecy seems to imply that Jawas would find the future of their religion through the destruction of tents, which is very similar to the takeover that JIM performed a few days ago. However, many Jawas disagree, claiming that the prophecy is misinterpreted or altogether invalid. This article will hopefully help clear up this complex issue for those less versed in sacred Jawa texts.

The Jawa hostile takeover of the New Tent Order

This controversial prophecy was first uttered by the third prophetic shaman of the Thiko clan and was passed down orally until the sixth prophetic shaman, who recorded it in engravings on the Thiko rocks of prophecy. These were passed down to the Majko clan, who lost them during a Tusken Raider raid, but this engraving was recovered by the Ptek clan half a millennium later. The Ptek clan then rerecorded the prophecy on five separate slabs, kept one for itself, and distributed the other four to allied clans. This proved to be a wise move, as the original slab with the engraved prophecy was destroyed during the time of human miner settlements. Only one of those slabs has survived until today, but as a more popular prophecy it has since been recorded in many datatapes and scrolls.

The prophecy reads, "Kurruzza nyeta cirkoza ashuna go ayafa ogo!" This is traditionally translated, "Through depreciation of moving fortresses, the prayers of the clans shall be answered as they achieve more." This original translation was historically viewed as predicting the arrival of the miner colonies that would bring sandcrawlers of which Jawas would, in time, take possession. However, like most Jawaese, it is heavily dependent on context that is normally transmitted through Jawa pheromones, and this cannot be recorded adequately in written Jawaese. This has led many to questioning if it instead may have meant, "Through destruction of tents they will take the religion of Jawas to the galaxy." If this is true, it would mean the hostile takeover of the New Tent Order was predicted roughly five millennia before its occurrence.

One significant reason for this new translation is due to a disagreement over the translation of words for "tent"/"moving fortress" and "depreciation"/"destruction." The major reason why "tent" might be the correct term is that tents already existed at the time of prophecy, and that available word choices in the Thiko dialect of Jawaese would allow for a much more precise description of a sandcrawler. Additionally, the Thiko clan, like many western Mushroom Mesa clans, was known for poor financial records, and the use of the word "depreciation" would be uncharacteristic.

Jawa bringing sandcrawler to a tent meeting.

However, those supporting the traditional translation bring up the rerecording of the prophecy. These traditionalists state that the prophecy was very likely not recorded word-for-word by the Ptek clan and instead may have taken on the nature of the Ptek dialect. The Ptek clan up until its destruction was known for their financial skill despite their seemingly simpleminded speech and vocabulary. This would explain the dual use of the words for "tent" and "sandcrawler," and the inclusion of the word "depreciation." Additionally, the traditionalists claim that any pre-mining settlement prophecies would likely not have referenced the galaxy, as it was uncharacteristic of these prophecies to reference anything outside of Tatooine.

Additionally, many question whether this prophecy is even a valid prophecy. The sixth prophetic shaman of the Thiko clan that recorded this prophecy boasts a remarkably low number of prophecies for a prophetic shaman with only three recorded prophecies, all of which were vague utterances related to the success of the Thiko clan's Hubba Gourd crops. Additionally, the Ptek clan that rerecorded the prophecy did not just freely donate the four slabs to other clans, but rather sold them for a hefty profit. The clan is suspected of completely fabricating a number of religious artifacts that they sold, including vials of water from the Dune Sea, the famous engraving of the 54th great Jundland prophecy, and tens of thousands of bones from the skeleton of the first Jawa shaman. This leads to many questioning the legitimacy of the prophecy, regardless of its translation.

However, some are more optimistic, and even purport that both translations can exist in unison. The 22nd Waldo Flat proclamation stated, "The great one is efficient in his actions, expending no more energy than is required, like all mechanization should." This would imply that it is possible for one prophecy to actually carry multiple meanings as it is more efficient. However, many are wary to treat this as a valid application of the 22nd Waldo Flat proclamation due to the implications and complications this would have on many previously believed to be "solved" prophecies.

Undeniably the best religion to find galactic importance in the past seven days.

All of these 4 different views of the prophecy have found some form of acceptance among religious Jawas who are a part of the Jawa Industrial Magi. Unsurprisingly, most of the Jawas involved in the takeover of the New Tent Order support the new translation in some form, believing it either to be a second meaning or the sole correct meaning. However, the Jawa Industrial Magi have made clear that this is not a critical prophecy, and as such the interpretation of it believed does not affect ones standing in the organization. However, some individual sects, specifically sects with shamans who descended from the Thiko clan, require followers to believe in the legitimacy of this prophecy, regardless of exact interpretation.

Finally, in response to public interest, the Jawa Industrial Magi would like to add that non-Jawas are welcome to study the public sacred texts and serve the great one. However, they typically are not welcome into the inner folds of the great robe that makes up the Jawa Industrial Magi.

[Contribute to the cause]

Ever since the invention of the hyperdrive, the galaxy has become a much smaller place. It changed how we do business, how we wage war and broker peace, how we trade goods, and how we travel from place to place. However, the one thing that has never changed is gravity, the building block of the universe.

Gravity dictates when and where we can travel through hyperspace, there are even rumors of ships capable of creating artificial gravity wells simulating that of a gas giant. When it comes down to it, gravity is ferocious. The true ferocity of gravity is embodied in the nightmares of navigators and smugglers: a black hole.

There are numerous black holes that pepper the galaxy. Several exist at the center of our own galaxy, while some even exist in planetary systems like the Pits of Plooma, which form a delicate dance with the Plooma sun and three terrestrial bodies. Some have been caused terrible acts of war, like that of the Great Sith War where the destruction of all planetary bodies in the Cron Nebula were destroyed by the Sith, leaving behind five black holes and twenty five asteroids.

All that considered, the most legendary and most destructive instance of black holes is the cluster of black holes located in the Kessel sector. It is the graveyard of ships, navigators, religions, and resting place of the legendary Pirate Queen Teniel Djo. It is the Maw.

The Maw, located almost adjacent to the Kessa system, is a wonder of the galaxy. It is a cluster of twenty black holes that few have visited voluntarily and even fewer have left alive. Strewn about the "system" are chunks of capital ships, lifeless escape pods, and other debris. Nestled in the center of the cluster is the aptly titled Maw Research Installation which, despite its remote location, is surrounded in legend. Currently, the station is shut tight and scanners have found zero signs of life inside, but stories about its origins and its purpose circulate in taverns all across the galaxy. While its name states its general function, no reliable accounts state the goals or findings of the research.

Nevertheless, there are some functioning space stations located there, built for secrecy, sanctuary, or science. To some, the Maw is a perfect place to hide from the galaxy. There are at least two known cloaked hideouts in the cluster, and the Smuggler's Guild owns a Luxury Space Colony just south of the abandoned Maw Research Station. Its doors are shut tight, only opening to the most exclusive guests or trade partners. When asked for their opinion on the Maw, they responded "...it's symbolic of all the traits one must possess: the bravery and perhaps even the recklessness, to put your life on the line, the cunning and ingenuity to outwit the authorities and the resolve to see any job through to the end. It's a badge of honor to make that treacherous trip and something that will definitely lend some space cred to anyone who completes it." When asked about their space station they said, "[the station] is rather like a testament to everything that we in the Guild believe should make up a smuggler [...] the Maw is the region of the Galaxy most closely associated with our trade, we're proud to have our name right in the middle of it!"

Conversely, the Galactic Stock Exchange owns a public trading station located at a common system entry point.

Finally, the Maw is a place for scientific examination and study, and recent research initiated by Xucphra Medical has hypothesized the potential of using black holes as a source of renewable energy. In fact, they have already set up a Syphon-class research station adjacent to three black holes with the sole purpose to research the behavior of the phenomena. Additionally, their station serves as a safe respite for lost travelers to refuel and get their bearings.

Just recently, First Pitcher Fleuf Naze of the First Tent Order collaborated with Xucphra using his sensors in tangent with Xucphra's to map the entire system for religious reasons. Given the strength of Xucphra and the First Tent Order's scanners, Xucphra can affirm with 95% certainty that the map of all twenty black holes is accurate. This achievement opens dozens of new avenues for research and other endeavors for the galactic population at large. Unfortunately, Mr. Naze has not been in contact ever since he released his own statement just a day ago. Whatever his fate, his bravery and conviction has aided the galaxy in a way unique to any other. Read more about his endeavor here

Gravity has fueled everything in our lives since civilization began, and the advent of interstellar travel has shown us all a myriad of fascinating places and wonders that were once just legend, murmurs in the back rooms of taverns and science labs. The Maw, one of the most well known places of gravitational danger in the galaxy. The brave, bold, and enterprising spacers who navigate it are seen as masters of their trade. Now that the system has been mapped entirely, we know that any citizen of the galaxy can contribute to the ever-growing compendium of scientific knowledge. The dangers of the Maw are very real, and the extraordinary accomplishments surrounding it will never lose their significance. Now, more than ever, this legendary beast is worthy of real investigation.

 

A holographic press release has been issued from Dr. Tattysail Thyr of the Cantrell Institute, located on Ord Cantrell in the Fath Sector.

"Over the past few galactic standard days, scattered reports have been received from a few of the groups competing in what has been nominally called the Science Feud, but what is in reality a scientific arms race. While some members of those other groups have been making wild accusations about our research without any factual evidence, the staff here at the Cantrell Institute continue our vital research into new breakthroughs in genetic science. We feel compelled to take time out of our busy schedule to publicly share our future plans. We do this not because of any desire on our part for publicity, but to make certain that our goals are clearly understood by those who might still be undecided about which of these teams they wish to publicly support.”

“The goals of the other three groups are simple: one group wants to create a new type of blaster, as if we don’t have a weapon for every range and shooting style already. Another group wants a new kind of droid, either to flood an already saturated market, or to profit from mass production in their privately-owned factories. A third group wants merely to create a new hunting target, despite the overwhelming numbers of wild creatures that populate every planet in this galaxy. It’s only our group, a dedicated team that the media have inaccurately dubbed the DNA Bashers, who are working to create new life. Not for hunting targets, though we’re certain some will use them for that. Our goal is to replenish the strains of creatures that have died out over the past few decades due to unrestrained big-game hunting.”

“Let me ask everyone viewing this holovid: have any of you ever seen a Ysalamiri? Is it because they’ve been practically wiped out by those who either caged them to harness their Force-negating abilities, or hated them because of that very same skill? How about the gentle Bergruutfa, misused as war-beasts to the point where they don’t exist anywhere in this galaxy except on a single planet? Or the majestic Condor Dragons of Endor, who haven’t been seen flying in any skies for generations?”

“The one way, the only way we might ever see these creatures again, is through the science of genetic reconstruction, or to use the inexact term applied by many, DNA bashing. We’re not looking to create some fantastical monster, as those who feel a need to distort the truth would claim. Instead, we’re working to try and bring back some of the creatures that were once common to many worlds, who previously filled a vital niche in multiple ecosystems. We’re not looking to create new devices of war, or monsters of massive size. We’re using advanced science to bring back those creatures who once populated numerous planetary systems, and with your help, might do so again.”

“Not only do our efforts at genetic reconstruction give us a chance to restore populations of extinct species, it also allows us to study biological processes which alter the genetic makeup of different organisms. This research may one day lead to new gene therapies and genome engineering techniques. The Cantrell Institute will tirelessly pursue any genetics research that could improve the health and lives of all creatures.”

Despite its only recent relevance on the galactic scale due to the holiest first pitcher Fleuf Naze, the New Tent Order is an ancient religious organization. According to the Order's beliefs, tents are an item of divine power, giving shelter from the wrath of God and allowing his followers to commune with him from shelter. This viewpoint has been met with great controversy, with many assassins having tried to murder the controversial first pitcher. Regardless, the New Tent Order has continued its mission to bring enlightenment to the masses through tents.

The Order has pursued its mission in several ways, each of which were deemed some form of "Galactic Tent Crusade." The first Galactic Tent Crusade took place at a past galactic swap meet, when the first pitcher identified tents that had been incorrectly pitched and confiscated them for incineration. The tents were claimed to be abominations against pitching, and by leaving them in place they were dooming potential users to eternal suffering from the elements, with no tent in which to find shelter. This was a highly controversial crusade, with the first pitcher gaining a number of bounties on his head due to this event, but it was ultimately a remarkably effective means for the Order to reach the masses on a budget.
 
After that came the second Galactic Tent Crusade, during which the first pitcher began his journey to remove many of the higher profile heretics from the galaxy. Despite only being linked directly to the death of one member of Dha Werda Verda, a prominent openly anti-tent organization, the first pitcher proclaimed that it was only due to the direct intervention of the tent god that many other members of the organization died and it eventually dissolved. He deemed this to be an example of the rapture that will ultimately befall the galaxy, and that the people must obtain tents if they are to survive it.
 
The third Galactic Tent Crusade was to make shelter possible for the masses. The needs of the galaxy with regards to tents had far exceeded the ability of the great pitchers, so the first pitcher went out to the masses and tried to spread the divine knowledge of tentmaking and pitching through the registered tent-seller program. This was once again met with great resistance, but a number of devout corporations were brought onboard, notably Jaereed Welk's Blue Star Enterprises.

Now Fleuf Naze, the first pitcher, the highest rank of the New Tent order, has declared a fourth Galactic Tent Crusade, the great pitching of the Maw. The New Tent order has declared that the souls inside the Maw are not lost, but rather desperately in need of shelter with their ships having been torn apart. This transmission is being sent out moments before the Great Crusade, where tents will be distributed and personally handed by the first pitcher to those trapped in the Maw. According to the Order's tenets, nowhere is safe from the rapture, and everyone needs shelter to escape it, even in the Maw.
 
Fleuf Naze had the following to say: "I am the first pitcher, Fleuf Naze. Savior of the galaxy, pitcher of tents, acolyte of the one true God. I compel all of you who are devout to join me, come with me to the Maw, and bring tents. We shall cover these black holes in their entirety with tents if that is what it will take. We shall bring salvation to the people of this system. I have undertaken a great task, a task that may cause the New Tent Order to lose many lives. That is a sacrifice I am willing to make. Long live the tents!" Additionally, instructions on bypassing ships' onboard computers' "safety" systems, which prevent flying blindly into black holes, were sent out.
 
It is unclear how many of the first pitcher's followers will obey his commands, but at least sixteen of his most devout disciples were reportedly onboard his ship, eager to assist in the great pitching. Additionally, it is unclear which black hole in the Maw will be visited first, but it will surely be a blessed day for them as the souls of those trapped within receive shelter.

Fleuf Naze and other followers of his in the system were reportedly able to gather detailed information from their sensors regarding gravitational pulls and other anomalies typically associated with black holes. After transferring this data to a local Xucphra station, the New Tent Order was able to map out the location of all twenty black holes in the system, to which devout members of the order are encouraged to take their tents.

Convert now, and you shall be sheltered. Long live the New Tent Order, long live the great pitcher, and long live the tents!

 

 

 

Earlier this week during an isolated conference, Crime Lord of Zann Consortium Ximaro Jix addressed rumors about the sudden resignation of John Bourne, The Resistance Director of Intelligence, and the reported deaths of two Black Sun fugitives Markos Arlos and Rennek Cor at the hands of Consortium Byveks.

 

Former Director Bourne a man regarded among the rebellion for his fierce anti-Imperial and anti-Zann Consortium stance, rose to become a New Republic Intelligence agent and later appointed as the Director of Resistance Intelligence.  It was a surprise when Bourne stepped to ahead of Ximaro, explaining that he was planted inside of the New Republic as an agent of Zann. His task was espionage and to exert influence over the government. Zann desired to fuel the fire between rebels and imperials and combat other subversive organizations attempting to exert influence over the New Republic’s decision-making process.

 

Bourne explained that while he was among The Resistance, Ximaro himself assisted John in the founding of The Resistance’s Covert Activities Cadre, Bourne’s clandestine network created to reveal enemies of the rebellion. Bourne noted that while The Resistance and its allies were pursuing Ximaro and Zann, Bourne was fed information by Ximaro to target agents of the Consortium’s various enemies and to report opportunities for assassinations and sabotage. Bourne identified other infiltrators within the rebel groups beyond himself and used them to aid him in various operations for Consortium objectives, including the removal of the New Republic’s rogue, Jasper Merlyn. Jasper was suspected to be a puppet a splinter cell formerly known as GenoHaradan, a group of operatives that have clashed with Zann agents going back several years, under various identities.

 

Following that announcement, Bourne addressed the death of Markos Arlos who sought asylum from Black Sun within Zann Consortium.  Arlos was supplying information on the Imperial Union syndicate along with data files from many other contacts he had maintained; however, the Vurk had become erratic and angry, often threatening associates of Zann and the members he met. He adopted this hostile attitude following his failure to pass the rigorous training regimen that Defilers undergo, known as “Phase Training”. According to Bourne, Markos wore out his welcome threatening to reveal names of fellow Kensushei (Trainees) unless they paid him for his silence. The extortion attempt was met with no words, only pursuit. This resulted in his death by the hands of Bvyek Nat N`ightshade.

 

Rennek Cor, founder of Cor Research and Development (CRDC) was a successful businessman and former member of the Black Sun organization. Cor was loyal to the late Underlord Alexander Von Ismay.  Once the regime changed within Black Sun, Rennek Cor became a marked man; however, he fled and evaded capture by Black Watch, the Intelligence Division of Black Sun. Seth Haze captured him following the 7th Annual Uli Swap Meet. Bourne and Ximaro declined to explain executing Rennek, leading to speculation by those gathered at the conference, but what remains clear is the Consortium’s continued ferocity to those deemed its enemies.

 

Defiler Bourne spoke of more comical matters.  He was asked to discuss the emergence of recent intelligence brought forth by the mercenary group Eclipse Templars and its leader, a rogue Defiler named Dain Thurith. In a detailed report, Dain presented evidence the Mecrosa Conglomerate was acting as a secret supporter of the Consortium. This report has many insiders confused or bemused.  “Dac Kain is the only VIP in our tavern, Scums Hideaway, which is home to organizations under our umbrella like Blackskull Trading, Car`das Smugglers and Nova Blades. One would assume that perhaps we’ve always been open about our dealings with Mecrosa,” Bourne stated, somewhat puzzled by the accusation.

 

When questioned why they revealed Bourne as a long-time infiltrator, Ximaro himself stated, “With the amount of organizations we have compromised, this does not harm the integrity of our operations in any way. Bourne has earned his rest.”

Good day, and welcome to Culture Corner, your source for up-to-date news in the arts, sciences, and society. this is Hylia Fortinet reporting from frozen Pa`hir`al, where just a few days ago the formation of the Xenoarchaeological Institute was announced. Earlier today I sat down with founder and chairman Kaze Zill, to discuss the how's and why's of this foray into the world of science and history.

--------------------------

Hylia Fortinet: Mr. Zill, what prompted you to form the Xenoarchaeological Institute?

Kaze Zill: Stagnation. Our galaxy is embroiled in a near-perpetual cold war, the likes of which have not been seen for millenia. Despite occasional flare-ups, the never ending build-up of materials of war and the sentients nessescary to use them has meant that, in recent decades, less attention has been paid to fields of study not directly related to war efforts. Among these, I feel, is the practice of Xenoarchaeology; that is, the study of primarily nonhuman races and their past. In particular, those species who are no longer members of the galactic community, whether through extinction or isolation.

The galaxy is vast, with millions of planets, many of whom have at one point or another supported entire cultures, knowledge of which is largely lost to us today. Records of such species are often spotty at best, whether through deliberate deletion or simple negligence on the part of record keepers. It is my mission, and the mission of those who share my curiosity for these matters, to learn all that can be learned of these species.

HF: What are you hoping to find?

KZ: Knowledge, primarily. We already have a dedicated team of research analyists combing through archives, looking for hints or mentions of races lost to time. Ideally, we hope to mount expeditions to worlds that we deem to be probable planets of habitation to search in detail for evidence of habitation, and to learn more about that world's culture, inhabitants, customs, technology, and so on.

We are also hoping for tangible, material, results. Museums across the galaxy serve as repositories of phsyical artefacts, and provide a way to engage the public as a whole, to create interest in the past of our galactic community. They also serve as a way to preserve such artefacts, and many, myself included, believe that such artefacts would be more appropriately located in an appropriate enviroment than simply being buried under hundreds or thousands of years of mud and dirt. We cannot learn from things we have yet to discover, after all.

                     

HF: Do you believe that looking backwards in time will help the future of the galaxy?

KZ: Absolutely. Why? Because every race in our galaxy contributes in some way. The Duros are responsible for some of the most detailed and thorough exploration of space. Geonosis is home to some of the most gifted engineers in the galaxy. Thyferrans brought Bacta to our universe as a material that has saved lives beyond counting. Even if they are gone from the galaxy, who knows what advances, cultural or technological, those races may have left behind? Just because a species dies out does not mean they have nothing to teach us.

HF: Do you have a team working with you?

KZ: Indeed. I am fortunate enough to be working alongside some amazingly talented people. Con Semper, who is a renowned cloner and a specialist in Force related artefacts. Areagla Loomis, his wife, is a household name in the animal sciences, we hope that she can assist us with creature remains and the like. Paul Luz will be helping us as well, he's well regarded in academia, particularly for his contributions to the sadly defunct Scholars guild.

HF: And do others share your vision?

KZ: Oh, yes. We've been incredibly lucky that in the past several weeks alone several individuals have been kind enough to lend support, in the form of advice, partnerships, and logistics. I'm very pleased to announce that we will be partnering with the Belloq Tull Memorial Traveling Meliorist Museum and Artifact Collectorium. Mr. Tull shares our passion for knowledge and antiquities, and we hope to showcase some of the artifacts we find in his splendid collection, which we hope will open to the public soon, once the possessed have been exorcised.

HF: The...possessed?

KZ: We would also like to thank miss Sia Vir'uan, who was kind enough to donate to us a space ideal for our own museum, which we hope to have a grand opening for later this year. Miss Vir'uan is also in the process of establishing her own museum ship, but i'm not at liberty to say much about that yet.

HF: I..see. Well Mr. Zill, anything else to tell us today?

KZ: Certainly. We would like to extend an invitation for anyone with any information or desire to help to please contact us, it is only through a keen desire for knowledge that we can truly understand our past, and we welcome any who wish to join us in our efforts to make the galaxy a more informed place.

Thank you.