Baxter

952 ARR

Notice to Mariners Issuing Authority: National Constabulary Authority Date of Publication: Month 8, Day 12, 951 ARR This document serves as notice to all mariners that the area around the planets of Phlors Rex and Phlors Regina has been designated a closed military zone. Large-scale construction is presently underway in support of medical activities related to the Coruscant and Devaron plagues; additional civil construction will soon be taking place in this region in anticipation of refugee resettlement. The region is anticipated to require development of additional traffic control measures. There is no specific end date for these measures. Mariners are advised to contact the nearest NCA office for an updated list of customs measures, rule changes, and advisories, upon first arrival in the Azure Sector. This bulletin will be updated as necessary.

Excerpt from Press Briefing Transcript Location: Government House, Axum Month 8, Day 7, 951 ARR [Begin Excerpt] Spokesbeing: Good afternoon. I want to start off with an announcement. As reported by the HoloNet News Service, the Prime Minister has authorized implementation of emergency screening, testing, and quarantine measures to prevent outbreaks of the Coruscant and Devaron viruses within the Axum system. These are open-ended and will remain in effect so long as the crises persist. Yes? Question from Press (Local Outlet, Axum): Who is in charge of coordinating this response? Spokesbeing: The Prime Minister has ordered the formation of a special working group, reporting directly to him. Question from Press (Follow-Up, Local Outlet, Axum): Can you tell us who’s participating? Spokesbeing: The State Medical Service, the Office of Naval Intelligence, the Constabulary Service, and the Azure Sector Forces are all involved as key stakeholders. Question from Press (Local Outlet, Anaxes): JC, we’ve heard about military droid forces being deployed. Can you tell us anything about that? Spokesbeing: Yes. I can tell you that the First, Second, and Third Droid Corps have been deployed from garrison facilities. Until further notice, citizens should expect to see them deployed across Axum and Anaxes. I’d like to caution that these are military droids being deployed in response to an emergency and they have vital jobs to perform. Please do not impede them. Question from Press (Local Outlet 2, Anaxes): There are rumors of Constabulary officers armed with warrants in search of off-worlders. Can you tell us anything about that? Spokesbeing: I can confirm that recent off-world arrivals are being sought for testing and quarantine by the Constabulary Authority. We urge voluntary cooperation and submitting oneself for testing, rather than making the police seek you out. Question from Press (Follow-Up, Local Outlet 2, Anaxes): Is the testing voluntary? Spokesbeing: It is not. Due to the nature of this emergency, testing is mandatory. Those who refuse to submit to testing will be taken into custody. Question from Press (Local Outlet 2, Axum): Is the testing related at all to the off-planet quarantine facilities reported by the HoloNet News? Spokesbeing: For the moment, individuals testing positive will be quarantined on Axum and Anaxes. The facilities you mentioned are being constructed for use in the event of a worst-case scenario. Question from Press (Follow-Up, Local Outlet 2, Axum): And what is that? Spokesbeing: The demand for quarantine facilities exceeding available capacity on Axum and Anaxes. [End Excerpt]

Notice to Mariners Issuing Authority: National Constabulary Authority Date of Publication: Month 6, Day 35 This document serves as notice to all mariners that ships inbound to the planets Axum or Anaxes may face lengthier delays between arrival and disembarkation. Owing to present galactic insecurity and unrest - most notably the return of the Sith - the National Constabulary Authority, in conjunction with its security partners, is conducting a systematic review of screening and disembarkation protocols for destinations throughout the Axum System. There is no specific end date for these measures. Mariners are advised to contact the nearest NCA office for an updated list of customs measures, rule changes, and advisories, upon first arrival in the Azure Sector. This bulletin will be updated as necessary.

Excerpt from Press Briefing Transcript Location: Government House, Axum Month 6, Day 23, 951 ARR [Begin Excerpt] Spokesbeing: Good morning, everyone. I know there’s a full day of events today, but there’s an addition to today’s schedule. At 0845 the Prime Minister will be meeting with the Director of the Capitol Police and Deputy Director of Protection Command. The agenda will cover new security measures enacted since the assassination of the leadership of the Kuat family, late last year. Question from Press (Local Outlet, Axum): Can you discuss the measures? Spokesbeing: As you can probably guess, the measures are sensitive and classified. Question from Press (Local Outlet, Axum, Follow-Up): But you can discuss that they exist? Spokesbeing: Yes. We can discuss that a highly important branch of the government has sensitive and classified information on the books. But I don’t know the specifics of that information. If I did, talking about it with you would send me to prison. Question from Press (Local Outlet 2, Axum): What about the Sith? Spokesbeing: What about them? Question from Press (Local Outlet 2, Axum, Follow-Up): Are any of the measures related to the Sith? Spokesbeing: I feel confident in saying that Protection Command and the Capitol Police, which have a great deal of experience in monitoring security conditions in the Axum system, probably have appropriate security measures in place. [Interruption at doorway. Press Secretary briefly departs podium before returning] Spokesbeing: Gentlebeings, the Prime Minister. [Prime Minister enters to the podium] Prime Minister Wilbrin: Good morning. I apologize for this interruption. Based on information developed over the last few months, I am announcing a bounty for information leading to the apprehension for questioning of six individuals of interest to the Azure Sector. They are, in order: the Sith commander known as Lord Magnus, his associate Lady Siren, the individual known as Lady Trennis, the escaped prisoners Ad'seca - formerly of Ryloth, and Siero Tetsu - formerly of Tatooine, with a limited criminal history on Coruscant, and Tor Vizsla, leader of the Mandalorian group known as “Death Watch.” Our information shows that some or all these individuals have had an active hand in events that have taken place over the last year at Elrood, in the Moddell Sector, and on the border of the Azure Sector. There is also strong likelihood of association between these individuals and the assassin responsible for the killing of Senator Sahsinchei’D’vaallir of the Duluur Sector, last year. I cannot emphasize the danger of these personnel to the galactic community. They are armed, dangerous, and in the case of four of these individuals - Lord Magnus, Lady Siren, Ad’seca, and Siero Tetsu - are trained in the use of the Force. If seen by private citizens they should not be confronted, and should be reported immediately to the closest law enforcement authority. [End Excerpt] Image of Sith commander known as "Lord Magnus."

Excerpt from Medal of Honor Citation Released By: The Admiralty, Azure Sector Forces Location of Announcement: Grand Piazza, Anaxes Citadel Month 5, Day 3, 951 ARR Rank and organization: Commander, A.S.V. PG-013, Azure Sector Forces. Place and date: Navigational Waypoint, Azure Sector, Month 4, 951 ARR. Entered service in: 936 ARR. Citation: For extraordinarily heroism and gallantry above and beyond the call of duty during action against enemy Death Watch forces in Month 4, 951 ARR. Among the first to arrive as enemy forces possessing superior firepower and armor, rapidly approached, and undaunted by enemy fire and damage sustained, CAPT Linani Herrin (posthumous) unhesitatingly directed her command to join others of her group to provide fire support during subsequent attacks. While participating in operations in the face of furious and continued bombardment she paid the ultimate price, after having directed the placement of A.S.V. PG-013 between a Jedi vessel and a Munifex-class Cruiser to shield the former from a full broadside that would have otherwise resulted in a complete loss of all aboard. Her courageous initiative, inspiring leadership, and foresight in a crisis of grave responsibility were in keeping with the finest traditions of the Azure Sector Forces.

Excerpt from Press Briefing Transcript Location: Government House, Axum Month 3, Day 9, 951 ARR [Begin Excerpt] Spokesbeing: Good morning. Starting with the first item on the agenda this morning, the Prime Minister later today will be submitting a license agreement with the Corellian Engineering Corporation for legislative approval. The treaty is designated the “Republic-class Light Assault Cruiser Licensing Agreement,” and I probably don’t need to explain the specifics seeing as how you all have handouts with a copy of it. Question from Press (Local Outlet, Axum): Can you elaborate on why this design? Spokesbeing: I’m going to have to refer you to the Sector Forces’ Office of Press Affairs for specifics, but I’m told there was considerable discussion before pursuing the license. Question from Press (Local Outlet, Axum, Follow-Up): We’ve been getting the runaround from OPA in the last few days. Is this connected to the decision to retire the Hammerhead-class Cruiser from service? Spokesbeing: I’m not sure why OPA is doing what they’re doing, and I’ll have to refer you back to them. But so far as I’m aware, yes, the Sector Forces are preparing to decommission the Hammerhead from service. Question from Press (Local Outlet, Anaxes): Is there any word on a replacement design? Spokesbeing: My understanding is that the Republic class will be its replacement, once it enters serial production, and this is connected to efforts to streamline the logistics of the Sector Forces. Question from Press (Local Outlet, Anaxes, Follow-Up): JC, we’ve been hearing that the new Sector Forces training camps will soon begin the intake and training process. Is this also part of the modernization process? Spokesbeing: I’m glad you asked. Late yesterday the Prime Minister received a final report on the state of the camps. The Sector Forces reported that their intent is to begin the intake and training process next month. Question from Press (Local Outlet 2, Anaxes): Do we know how many personnel will be in training? Spokesbeing: The Sector Forces report stated they intend to graduate personnel in “classes” or “batches” measured in the tens of thousands. I’m going to have to refer you back to OPA for specific training plans and numbers. Question from Press (Local Outlet 3, Anaxes): Will the camps also train Republic and foreign personnel? Spokesbeing: I don’t know who spiked the coffee maker in the back, but Axum outlets, clearly you need to avail yourself of it. Or maybe your friends from Anaxes can share their wake-up habits. Again, I’m going to have to refer you back to OPA for specifics, but it’s my understanding that offers will be extended. [End Excerpt]

Excerpt from Press Briefing Transcript Location: Government House, Axum Month 1, Day 18, 951 ARR [Begin Excerpt] Spokesbeing: Good morning. We have some news from Coruscant to start the day. In a short while Senator Wellhayc will be meeting with Senators from several Expansion and Rimward Sectors to discuss the ongoing Core market supply situation. Question from Press (Local Outlet, Axum): Can you name the involved sectors? Spokesbeing: Not currently. A formal announcement will be forthcoming if the meeting proceeds as hoped. Question from Press (Local Outlet, Axum, Follow-Up): Can you tell us what’s on the agenda? Spokesbeing: Senator Wellhayc has been authorized to discuss investment of just under 4 quadrillion credits. This money would be used to increase the local supply of raw materials destined for Core markets. Question from Press (Local Outlet, Anaxes): With the Brentaal IV merchants continuing to put a stranglehold on Republic trade, is that wise? Spokesbeing: I want to correct you. The official government position is that the local authorities on Brentaal IV have been overzealous in their enforcement of local regulations. We look forward to seeing corrective action from them soon. Question from Press (Local Outlet 2, Anaxes): And what happens if that doesn’t occur? Spokesbeing: If that fails to materialize, the government will look to act through the Republic Senate. And no, before you ask, I don’t have further details on what form that might take. I know where you were going with that. [Laughter] Question from Press (Local Outlet 3, Anaxes): JC, we’ve all heard the announcement of a new government on Kuat. Is there an official response at this point? Spokesbeing: Yes. The Prime Minister looks forward to resumption of normal dialogue and relations with the new Kuati government soon, and we hope that this development turns out to be a positive step that leads to an end to the civil war. Question from Press (Local Outlet 3, Anaxes, Follow-Up): Will the government press for the removal of the KDY blacklisting? Spokesbeing: I don’t have details on that at this time, but I imagine that will be a topic of conversation at some point. Like other Republic sector defense forces, the military does have a KDY shopping list. [End Excerpt]

Actions remain closed. If I check the ACP and see another action submitted by a player, the Death Star will warp forward in time and you're going to find out how displeased the Av Team can get.

Excerpt from Press Briefing Transcript Location: Government House, Axum Month 1, Day 3, 951 ARR [Begin Excerpt] Spokesbeing: Good morning. We have a last-minute addition to this morning’s briefing. Earlier today the Prime Minister received a report from the Treasury recommending a 0.5% Revenue Rate increase. The cause for this increase are economic forecasts predicting real GDP growth rising above 2% by Month 6. This course of action has been recommended to avoid damage to the sector economy. Question from Press (Local Outlet, Axum): Wouldn’t it be better to wait until the hard numbers were in? Spokesbeing: The Treasury has strong confidence in the accuracy of the forecasts. Question from Press (Local Outlet, Axum, Follow-Up): We’ve heard that some in the Treasury feel these numbers might have been lowballed. Spokesbeing: That is a possibility. The Treasury is still waiting for final numbers for the Shipwright Manufacturing and Component Act. So, if anything, the numbers might be higher than forecast. Question from Press (Local Outlet, Anaxes): What will the money be used for? This is a considerable rise in revenue for the government. Spokesbeing: The Prime Minister has requested recommendations from the Minister’s Council. Question from Press (Local Outlet, Anaxes, Follow-Up): But the Hutts - Spokesbeing: - Are a factor that will be taken into consideration. As will the unrest on Kuat. But it is important to note that long-term economic programs lasting beyond the immediate 12-month window will likely be a part of this year’s spending. Multi-year economic action was a key driver of last year’s growth. Question from Press (Local Outlet 2, Axum): Speaking of Kuat, does the Prime Minister intend intervention? We’ve heard that Knoss Knylenn may have personally appealed to the Prime Minister. Spokesbeing: I can confirm that the Prime Minister has received a request for aid and support from the Four Houses, led by House Knylenn, and discussions about that are ongoing. Question from Press (Local Outlet 3, Axum): Is direct military intervention on the table? Spokesbeing: To the best of my knowledge, all options remain on the table. Although as the board of editors at your publication recently pointed out it would likely take an extraordinary set of circumstances to prompt direct military involvement. Question from Press (Local Outlet 3, Axum, Follow-Up): Can you elaborate? Spokesbeing: Not at this time, no. [End Excerpt]

951 ARR

From the Wire… … Good evening. We open tonight’s segment with news that the Treasury is considering a tax increase for the year 49 BBY. The news comes as revised reports, citing the success of the recent infrastructure grants programs, forecast real economic growth exceeding 2.3% by the middle of the year. While praising the success of recent investments and monetary spending, analysts have also welcomed the possibility of a tax increase. Some have warned in recent weeks against the possibility of the sector economy “overheating,” going into 48 BBY, with small groups publicly calling for the government to take a more serious look at accumulating data. Speaking to reporters, a government spokesbeing said that several long-term economic programs were under consideration, to ensure the funds from a tax increase form the basis for continued strong economic growth. No details were available as of press time today …

Treasury Debuts New Grant Programs for Transportation, Energy Improvements Portfolio of grant programs at Comptroller's Office continues to grow AXUM, Axum System -- Against a backdrop of growing demand for military base components, Treasury officials today unveiled a new, 25 quadrillion, spending program to improve transportation and energy links on both Axum and Anaxes. It follows in the heels of another 27.8 quadrillion invested earlier this year in growing the starship support and component manufacturing sectors. Treasury officials say this investment is intended to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with growing demand. “Between the increased freight traffic supporting the Strategic Material Stockpiles, and the growth related to starship support and component industry, there were concerns of the potential for freight bottlenecks and connectivity between modes of freight transport,” a spokesbeing said at a news conference earlier today. “This spending program will address those concerns and more.” Officials at the Treasury say the funding will be distributed through grant programs operating through the Office of the Comptroller. Approximately 15 quadrillion is expected to be invested into improving transportation links, with reducing congestion and improving connectivity between modes of freight transportation considered a high priority. Another 10 quadrillion is expected to be set aside to expand and improve the resiliency of the national electrical grid on Axum and Anaxes.

Top Navy Warship Recommissions BC-01 Thunderer completes eight-month refit; to rejoin Home Fleet as Flagship Commanding ANAXES, Axum System -- Against a backdrop of high tensions and storm clouds over the Rimward Territories, members from the Admiralty and the public were welcomed today to a ceremony in Anaxes orbit to mark the formal recommissioning of BC-01 Thunderer. As the formal security blackout surrounding this project has now been lifted, we can reveal that for the last eight months BC-01 Thunderer has been undergoing perhaps the most extensive refit in the vessel’s 200-plus year history. Defense officials confirm it is now the first Inexpugnable II-class Tactical Command Ship in Axum service. Speaking with reporters during a brief guided tour of non-sensitive areas before the ceremony, Captain Gil Antik (BC-01 Thunderer, Commanding) described the refit program as ‘fully comprehensive,’ with substantial modifications to armament and internal systems. “We’re very proud of what’s been accomplished in the yards in the last eight months. The partnership between the Fleet Yards and Rendili StarDrive has been demonstrative as to what can be accomplished when Republic shipyards pool their talents and expertise. And for that I’m sure the crew will be extremely grateful.” Speaking after the ceremony, highlighted by a flyby from the ship’s airwing and a formal passing by sister ship BC-03 Conqueror, a spokesbeing from the Ministry of Defense confirmed BC-01 Thunderer is scheduled to rejoin Cruiser Squadron No. 2 in the coming days. The vessel will relieve BC-03 Conqueror as Flagship Commanding, Home Fleet, with the latter tentatively slated to enter drydock to begin a refit to Inexpugnable II-class standards.

New Army, Navy, Training Camps Take Shape Service branches to undergo expansion; response to “challenging security conditions” FORT ASHBY, Northern Range Military Reserve, Anaxes -- For the last seven centuries this base, which commands a dominating view of the windswept hillsides and the valley below, has been home to a small caretaker crew. Records show it has only been activated sparingly, but the crews stationed here have come to call it home. Now, bases like Fort Ashby are on the forefront of a new military program. Deep within its tunnels engineers are hard at work converting empty rooms to purpose. In our tour, we saw barracks bays, storage facilities, chow halls, many classrooms, and even a firing range. Many date from the time the base was first constructed, but almost all are being refurbished and brought up to modern standards. We were joined for the tour of Fort Ashby by Fleet Admiral Corandel (Commandant, Anaxes Command). To him falls the task of overseeing the reactivation of old bases and significant expanding the military’s training infrastructure. Asked about necessity, Fleet Admiral Corandel characterized it as another facet of a national security strategy that has become increasingly clear in recent months. “Preparedness is our watchword. Ask any strategist and they’ll emphasize the importance of long-term preparation. We’re bringing that to life, here. This base and others will be training the next generation of soldiers and sailors to defend the sector.” But against whom, though? The activity unfolding here, and at other bases scattered across the surface of Axum and Anaxes, is part of an unfolding response to what defense officials are referring to as “challenging security conditions.” The term is unofficially acknowledged to be a catch-all and has not been specifically applied to any one of the recent issues that have appeared, ranging from Hutt militarization to the recent protests and demonstrations across the Rim Territories. Asked to comment on specific threats to the system, Fleet Admiral Corandel declined, citing the sensitivity of the matter. It goes without saying that it will take time for this effort to gain speed, but when it does Army and Navy officials say the result will be a more battle-ready and well-equipped force. One transformed from the era of peace, to one in which uncertainty is becoming the norm and preparedness is the new watchword of the Azure Sector Defense Force.