Military News

[Shadows]

Kuat Civil War Kicks Off

With the deadline for their surrender long past, the forces of the Kuat Opposition Alliance officially began the Civil War approximately six hours ago. With no orders coming from the government since the demand for surrender was issued, the defending forces of Kuat did their best, using standing orders to organize themselves for the defense of their government.

Those orders were not enough.

While the Kuat government had issued orders, and deployed forces across the planet, their reliance on the B1 battle droids that were now under control of House Andrim proved to be their downfall. Within two hours, key infrastructure across the planet, from power generating facilities to space ports fell into the hands of the battle droids, with the few sentient soldiers left to defend them overwhelmed quickly, with most surrendering within minutes of hostilities starting.

The Kuati Armored Response Force, established during security preparations late last year, fought valiantly against their Droid forces as they turned. Reports indicate that the force was responsible for nearly 10 to 1 kill ratios against the droids, utilizing the new AT-XE and multi-atmospheric Gunship models to push out of their compromised base and make a break into the mountains near Kuat City. With a lack of orders from the government, the Commanding colonel of the formation has established a temporary base of operations at one of the few Kuati defense forces stations that was not overwhelmed by their own droid contingents.

The Battle of the capitol complex was short lived, though fiercely fought. The company of sentient Infantry previously deployed (a company was the largest force that the Kuat government thought necessary to defend key buildings) put themselves into defensive positions and fought valiantly against the onslaught of droids. However, their lack of heavy weaponry proved a disadvantage when their enemy possessed tanks. While they dealt tremendous damage to the attacking force, their lack of firepower and the inability for emergency reinforcements to reach them led to their downfall. The last twenty members of the defending forces surrendered after their Commanding officer was killed in action.

Meanwhile, Andrim and Knylenn led security forces began their attack on the orbital axis. While our reports are limited, it would seem that these forces are making little progress.

It is important to note at this stage, that TU forces have continued to refuse to engage in open battle, preferring to sit in defensive positions around key TU sites and to simply hold facilities they have occupied. Opposition forces have not engaged the TU forces, and Kuati forces have had no orders to do so.

The day ends with the Kuat government essentially gone. The opposition holds the Capitol, they hold 90% of military installations on the planet, and the current head of the Kuat family is no where to be found.

[Shadows]

Alsakan Recruitment Centers Opened Across the Galaxy

Over the last year, the galaxy has proven itself to be a dangerous place. Many worlds within the Republic, and several outside of it, are beginning preparations to meet the new challenges that they face. For many Republic citizens, this has meant ample opportunities to join their own world's planetary defense forces. While the majority of Republic worlds are satisfied drawing on their own populations to fill their forces, at least one well known Core World is not... Alsakan.

Alsakan government buildings, embassies, and other holdings across the galaxy are now serving secondary functions as planetary defense forces recruitment stations. With exceptionally lucrative sign on bonuses being offered, they have had little issue with finding candidates as well. Many from across the galaxy are being lured in with bonuses of tens of thousands of credits, and signing on for duty with the Alsaka Sector Defense Forces. While many hopeful individuals with no experience have applied, they have all been rejected, as the leaders of Alsaka only want "the best." The best translating to already trained and experienced defense forces personnel... personnel who tend to be actively serving in their own Sectors defense forces.

The result has caused a commotion in military circles across the galaxy. One of our regular guests, Admiral Finnius Trand (ret.) had this to say on the developments. "It's despicable, both on the parts of the individuals signing up for this, as well as on the Alsaka government itself. To essentially bribe trained individuals from across the galaxy, to leave their own sectors and go and defend a wealthy core world, is improper. To make matters worse, many of the sectors that are feeling the results of this recruitment drive were already in the middle of staffing issues! This is simply going to make the situation across the galaxy worse."

Regardless of the morals of the program, it has seen a small amount of success. Our reports indicate that as many as 100,000 individuals from across the galaxy may be leaving their contracts with their own sectors, or not renewing their contracts at the end of the term, to join the Alsakan defense forces. As it stands, the majority of these individuals are coming from the Outer Rims, areas where they are paid less for their service--though their service is in more high demand. While fewer individuals are leaving their Core postings, there has been a noticeable number in some sectors, such as Tepasi and Humbarine. As the program continues, these numbers are likely to increase as well.

[Shadows]

Kuat Clean Up Begins

Over the past several weeks, the world of Kuat has gone from being an active war zone, to returning to a semblance of its previous peaceful status. The Grand Army of the Republic has deployed thousands of security personnel to the planet, taking security of key infrastructure over from the tires and stretched thin Kuati Defense Forces, programs to clean and repair damage from the brief yet intense fighting are ongoing, and efforts of Khoss Knylenn to solidify his control over to the government continue.

Overall, things are returning to normal on Kuat, all be it slowly.

The one issue that remains, is Mace Kuat and Colonel Schrew, who are currently in control of what they have dubbed Fort Loyalty several kilometers south of Kuat City. So far, they have ignored all attempts to seek negotiations with them, and have decryed the actions of the GAR on nightly broadcasts from the fort, stating that they are aiding and abetting traitors.

So far, the Colonel has not engaged in any additional combat with Kuati forces, but he is apparently preparing. Unsubstantiated reports from Holonet News assets on the ground, have indicated that Fort Loyalty has prepared a theater grade defense shield, aiming at preventing orbital strikes on their position. There are also reports of them preparing Heavy defensive installations out of damaged AT-XE Walkers and supplies from storage. It would appear that the Colonel is preparing to hold out until he has no choice but to surrender.

[Shadows]

The First Battle of Loyalty

The day was starting like any other at the newly dubbed Fort Loyalty. Troops were preparing for their morning meal and relieving the night watch of their duties. All in all, it was a normal day... until the air sirens started blaring.

The air buzzed with energy as the newly installed shield generator was powered on, and defensive guns started opening fire on approaching targets--droid Hyena-class bombers. AT-XE's that had been dug in and fortified began to fire with their primary guns as the droid bombers screamed in towards their targets, while ground forces made their way into prepared safe spaces. The bombers began their run, destroying the main entry gate, several dug in XE's, and several bunkers used by the now rebel troops. The bombers paid a hefty price, however, as blaster cannons and heavy guns tore through the first wave of craft on approach.

As the bombers passed over the fort, troops began to deploy to their pill boxes and hardened positions, as the assault truly began. B-1 battle droids on SATPs roared into view, flying over the fort and engaging in strafing runs against the defending rebels. At the same time, Kuat PDF marked EAAT gunships came into view, beginning to strategically drop attacking forces--or at least, that was the plan. As the EAAT's entered range of the fort, they were met with a volley of new RPS-3 anti-air missiles, launched from rebel forces on the ground. This new weapon, developed for the Kuati Royal Marines--who made up much of the rebel forces--was specifically designed to engage low flying craft and enemy armored vehicles, and proved itself well suited. The first volley, perfectly timed, tore apart the II Battalion of the newly dubbed 2nd Air Cavalry's, Royal Marauders formation. While many of the troops survived the missile volley, their craft did not, and many were left isolated and without support.

The unexpected move forced the attacking General Rasczak to rethink his strategy, as the initial plan had failed. 

What followed next was a heavy armored assault. The Kuati forces deployed their armored assault tanks, advancing against an increasing wall of small arms, medium guns, and heavy cannon first. Behind the AATs of the 1st Royal Armoured, Light Brigade, were AT-XE walkers. These vehicles utilized their long range mass drivers to launch indirect fire into the fort, battering defensive emplacements as the heavily armored tanks absorbed significant amounts of punishment. 

Things were looking on the up for attacking forces. The amount of missile fire coming from the fort was lessening, as wave after wave of droid piloted SATPs drew the fire of the rocket armed infantry. The tanks were approaching optimal range, and had advanced far enough to allow AT-XEs and friendly gunships to retrieve many of the stranded forces. General Rasczak ordered a final push, a charge of the Light Brigade...

And then there explosions. Explosions to the right of them, explosions to the left of them, explosions to the front and to the rear, thundered as the Light Brigade's armored vehicles fell into a well laid trap. Heavy land mines had apparently been prepared and placed under the surface of the ground, and the repulsorlifts of the AATs trigger them. Seeing the havoc being wrought on his troops, the General ordered a retreat from the Fort.

Over the course of the next several hours, General Rasczak ordered continual bombardments of the fortress with his bombers. While this bombardment has severely damaged the defenses of the fortress, it appears as if many of the bunkers are still intact. Most importantly however, the shields held.

[Shadows]

Grand Army of the Republic Follows Alsakan's Example

The Grand Army of the Republic has been renown for it's lack of materials and personnel since it's founding last year. With the Grand Army barely limping into 10th place last year in Jane's annual military standings, many have questioned if the organization was even worth forming. It appears as if the GAR's high command is attempting to remedy this, by launching a large scale recruitment campaign across the galaxy. The down side, is that Alsakan has already performed such an action, and the response from sector governments has been... less than ideal. While the GAR has a stated target of over 6 million active personnel, we expect it to fall significantly short of this goal.

Apart of the GAR's goal for this program has been to compensate sector governments for the personnel that are being diverted to the Grand Army, which in theory is a good plan. In practice however, it is simply not working as expected. The actions of Alsakan have highlighted an issue that is now becoming more prominent in the galaxy, a lack of the ability to train personnel and build material to prosecute a war. After 950 plus years of peace, it is a simple fact that the galaxy is not ready for these types of large scale military programs. Some governments, such as the Azure Sector, Bormea Sector, Corellia, and the Techno Union are working hard at addressing the baseline issue, the lack of infrastructure. In Azure and Bormea, effort and funding have been expended to create more robust and capable training programs, with Azure nearing completion on it's training pipeline that will be able to retrain tens of thousands of conscripts into more skilled specialists. On Corellia and within the Techno Union, money is being spent to address critical component shortages, by expanding production of these components and materials to meet the new demand.

Analysts have started sounding the alarm bells when it comes to these galaxy wide recruitment programs. It is their belief, that the Sector governments being targeted simply do not have the infrastructure necessary to train the amount of troops required by organizations like Alsakan's defense forces, and the GAR, while still providing for their own protection. 

[Shadows]

The Second Battle of Loyalty

As the Kuati Defense Forces positioned themselves away from Fort Loyalty, and broadcast an order for surrender, it would seem that Colonel Schrew had other plans. Under the cover of darkness, a flight of EAAT/i gunships appeared from the south mountains, flying low and fast to avoid detection. They managed to evade defenders until they were within Kuat Cities air space, and then unleashed havoc. 

The flight of approximately 100 gunships had been modified to carry bombs, and began releasing them against targets of opportunity. In addition, a smaller detachment moved directly to the capitol building, and began firing upon it with bombs and lasers. To their credit, the defenders of the city who had been caught completely off guard, were able to recover and began to engage the attacking gunships. One of the first forces that was able to respond, were the units of 151st Republic Armored Squadron, who were deployed to the security perimeter around the capitol itself. These forces, fielding AT-XT walkers, engaged the gunships, accounting for at least 9 kills against the attacking gunships. 

The attack lasted for a little more than half an hour from beginning to end, with the majority of the gunships being destroyed by Republic Security Forces and the Capitol's defensive fighters. The damage, however, was much greater, as fires burned hot throughout Kuat City. But one fire burned even hotter... the rage of General Rasczak. As word reached the good general of the attack on the city, he proceeded with the next phase of his operation... the complete destruction of Fort Loyalty.

Many events of the battle itself have been unable to be recorded, and many of the after action reports from the ground troops have significant gaps... but within two hours of word reaching the army of the attack on Kuat City, Fort Loyalty was nothing more than smoldering wreckage. 

[redhunter]

This Is The Way

Phaseera, Lantillian Sector
-- More than 20,000 Lantillian  and 1000 Mandalorian troops  kicked off the most extensive joint military activities on the planet of Pahseera amid criticisms that it escalates tension in the region rather than peace and stability.

 

According to the Lantillian military, the recurring 90-day exercise dubbed the Gauntlet involves over 20,000 soldiers, making it the largest iteration of the Mandolorian-Lantillian joint drills ever conducted. 

Gauntlet 951 AAR will be held in several areas of Pahseera including jungle, plains and desert terrains found on the planet.

The drills will focus on increased physicality, hand to hand combat, live fire exercises and team cohesiveness. 

The results will exponentially improve the quality and effectiveness of the abilities of the new Lantillian personnel and ground forces. The Mandalorians are Galactically known for their military fighting and prowess. The lessons being taught in this exercise will establish a robust training regiment to maintain and expand the Lantillian military to be able to effectively engage any threats that may arise.

Mandalorian advisors are rumored to be on station with the Lantillian military for several years while the new army and ground forces are trained to desired levels of competency. 

In related news, rumors are circulating around Lantillian Shipwrights that Mandalorian armor experts have been seen working onsite alongside engineers on a new type of armor. What this entails is not known at this time but with the Mandalorians involved, but it seems that not only will our military be transformed in the operational sense but also how it looks.

Stay tuned for more, its sure to get exciting.

[Shadows]

The Battle of Endor

We've received reports of a large scale military operation in the far outer rim Moddell Sector. Apparently, the large Azure led taskforce that departed the Axum system over a month ago, was destined to be the force to prosecute this special military operation. The goal, to rescue two Jedi Padawans, and to defeat a detachment of Death Watch operating on the world.

Reports from our contacts within the fleet have given us a rough breakdown of the battle. 

Approximately 24 hours ago, Coruscant time, the fleet led by the ANS Thunderer--the first operational Inexpugnable II-Class Tactical Command Ship--arrived in the Endor system. The Thunderer was leading a formation of over 200 warships from the Azure Defense Force, the Techno Union's Assets Protection and Recovery Division, the Mandalore Sector Defense Force, and most prominently, the Jedi Order. These forces arrived in system in good combat order, before moving towards the gas giant of Endor and it's forest moon. From our reports, the fleet had expected to encounter stiff resistance from Death Watch warships, to their surprise, none stood between them and the moon.

The fleet proceeded with cautious haste, preparing their planetary landing. Initially, the fleet detected no sensor readings from the surface of the planet, aside from the bunker that they knew was present. Proceeding under the assumption that the fleet had indeed caught the Death Watch off guard, they began their landings.

The first wave of the landing team was led by the ANS Broadsword, a heavily modified and upgraded Axehead-Class Frigate. This vessel would prove itself in the pitched battle to come, earning the name "Sky Fortress" by those onboard, and those who were supported by her during the engagement. While the Azure led force was cautious, and took care to not leave themselves open, they were not expecting one fact that would utterly change the direction of the coming battle: The Death Watch Knew They Were Coming.

The first sign of issues was when the Broadsword broke through the upper cloud layer of the planet, and her early warning systems lit up like a Life Day tree. She and her cohorts were being painted by hundreds of targeting sensors. The second sign of issues, was the launch of hundreds of concussion missiles from ground based launchers, concealed under the forest canopy, and protected by sensor jammers. From there, the battle began. 

The Broadsword is credited for killing a total of twenty ground based concussion missile launchers. Her modern and powerful sensors, once in close range to the ground based weaponry, were capable of pinpointing and engaging the launchers. The follow up by ground based artillery cannons, firing heavy flak and proton charges, also succumbed to her pin-point fire, and coordinated fighter attacks. In all, a single Axehead-class was forced to make an "unscheduled planetary descent and hard landing." The majority of its crew survived the descent, and the vessel commander, Captain Robert April, got his embarked troops into action quickly, but they were still off course and deeper in enemy territory than expected.

The remaining landing ships were able to set down in the designated landing area, and began the process of securing the zone for follow on landings. After the initial defensive volleys from the concealed positions, the Broadsword--which had taken heavy damage, but was still maintaining its position and coordinating forces--began intensive sensor scans. Due to their coordination, the coalition forces were able to repel no less than five attempts by apparently automated gun emplacements to engage Republic ships as they came in for a landing. However, after nearly two hours, the landing force had built up a large ground force of battle droids and support vehicles. From there, the battle truly began. 

The next ten hours would be a large scale rolling battle, of Republic forces advancing through the forest, coming under attacks from ambushing Death Watch, having the Broadsword eliminate key targets and push the Death Watch back, and then repeating. The Death Watch had apparently plenty of time to prepare for this engagement, as heavy mines, demolition charges, and even anti-droid weaponry were used in large numbers to slow the advance of the Republic forces. When their home bunker finally came into view, the Republic forces had been bloodied and several thousand battle droids have been lost. 

During the rolling battle to get to the bunker, the Death Watch's command center had been under continuous air strikes from the Azure Sector's air wings. These strikes interfered with Death Watch's ability to move to and from their command center, and coordinate their forces. When the fighters slowed their assault to allow the ground forces to move in, the Death Watch thought they had gotten a reprieve, but instead, it was the end of their struggle.

The Bunker itself was heavily fortified and shielded, with gun emplacements and fighting positions throughout. The air strikes had weakened much of the structure, but it did not remove the threat. The Republic forces advanced through heavy defensive fire, taking heavy losses to the droid forces. However the droids were simply a distraction... the real threat was forty individual strike teams led by Jedi Masters and Knights, who moved in under the protective fire of the droids with Azurite special forces, and began the gruesome process of eliminating resistance within the bunker. Reports indicate that the battle of the bunker itself, was relatively short, only two hours. The result, was the capture of the last Death Watch defenders, and the raising of the Broadsword's official standard over the bunker, by victorious Azurite special forces.

 

[Shadows]

The Galaxy Prepares for War?

The shocking revelation of the return of the Sith, an ancient force sect diametrically opposed to the Jedi Order, has sent ripples throughout the galaxy. Many worlds, whose history involves being oppressed by the Sith Empire of old, are seeing an increase in those signing up for postings in the Sector Defense Forces. Other worlds, whose history with the Sith is much more beneficial, are seeing small scale celebrations breaking out, and several small Sith-oriented cults revealing themselves. Meanwhile, the Protector of the Core and the Grand Army of the Republic are also preparing for what seems to be a war on the horizon.

The Grand Army of the Republic has just completed a series of troop rotations, bringing new troops in to replace troops that have been deployed for up to a year in some cases. Those forces withdrawn are being allowed to rest and recouperate back at base, while fresh troops are rotating in to the Lambda Sector peace keeping operations and the operations in support of the Arkanian government. 

Meanwhile on Anaxes, the large military training program that has been built by the Sector government has come fully online. Our early estimates indicate that several hundred thousand conscripts will be retrained into specialized troops by the end of the year, showing the efficiency and scale of the Azure Sector's camps. We've also heard rumors of offers being extended by the Azure Sector to other Republic Sectors, offering them space in the training program for their own troops.

[Shadows]

Ambush at the Border

Good evening fellow gentlebeings, we are bringing you an update from the Azure Sector. 

As many are aware, the Jedi Temple on Coruscant has come under a self-imposed lock down, due to the recent unexpected events. According to our sources, the Order will be relocating to Anaxes, and have begun the process of transferring all members and archives to the new temple. However, something did not go according to plan.

As a convoy of three Jedi ships and escorts dropped out of hyperspace, on their last course correction before reaching Anaxes, and came under attack. Our reports indicate that twelve heavily modified freighters and transports moved to attack the Jedi Convoy. These heavy raiders belonged to Death Watch, and their goal seemed to be to utterly destroy the Jedi convoy. The Jedi were not unprepared though, and had their escorts move to engage the raiders. The three Consular-Class cruisers comprising the bulk of the convoy began to maneuver to escape, but were caught off guard by Death Watch reinforcements...

Three warships dropped out of hyperspace in the path of the Jedi Cruisers. Our sources state that among them was a heavily modified CR70 Corellian Corvette, with its mid-section rebuilt to serve as a carrier... a carrier which disgorged at least two squadrons of Toscan Q-8 fighters. The new threats moved to engage the Jedi, firing heavy weapons at the Consulars and using their fighters to press the Jedi escorts and push them off balance. Things were looking bad for the Jedi, until their reinforcements arrived.

The government of the Azure Sector has been known for the last year to be heavily investing in their security, and that has apparently paid off. While much had happened, barely over a minute since the engagement began had passed, and within that small span of time a large patrol flotilla of Corellian Gunships dropped out of hyperspace, on top of the Death Watch attackers. From there the battle was fully joined, with Death Watch maneuvering to try and destroy the Jedi Convoy, and the Azure Sector Forces maneuvering to block them. The battle lasted ten minutes, with Death Watch being scattered by the aggressive and organized Azure Sector, the Jedi Convoy evading attacks, and many lives being lost.

When the battle was over, much of Death Watch was disabled or destroyed, with only a pair of the smaller transports managing to escape. The Jedi regrouped with the Azure forces, and the two allied groups began the process of cleaning up and proceeding on to Anaxes, the new home of the Jedi Order.

[Shadows]

A Night of Fire and Ash
The Jedi Temple burns...

As panic continues to grow on Coruscant, the military forces assembled under the banner of the Grand Army of the Republic have begun their operation--a full assault on the Jedi Temple. The Jedi Temple, one of the few structures truly built upon the surface of Coruscant, one of the planets highest peaks, has been a bastion of hope throughout the majority of the Republic's history. While the Temple has been attacked many times throughout its history on the world, there are very few times it has fallen--it has stood the test of time and to some represent the ever lasting stability of the Republic. That image has been shattered by the events of the past few hours, as the Jedi Temple has become a place of infestation, of terror, and the center of an evil that threatens to consume the capital of the Republic.

Details of the operation have been kept strictly confidential, and we do not know what has occurred within the Temple itself. What we do know has sent shockwaves of terror throughout the galactic capital. Approximately two hours after sunset, the operation began. Military forces from the Techno Union, Alsakan, the Jedi Order, and the Grand Army of the Republic began to breech the Temple's exterior fortifications, undoing much of the work the Order had done to seal the temple after the disturbing events several months ago. From there, the forces began to clear the Temple.

Within an hour of the Republic forces entering the Temple, an "all clear" signal was sent from forces inside. The tension around the temple began to lower, as apparently the military force was not needed... The first explosion was fifteen minutes later.

Many had expected the attack to come from within the Temple, but instead, it came from below it. The under city built up around the area was always a place difficult for the Republic to control. It's quarantine had little effect on those below a certain point, and it shows, as thousands of formerly sentient creatures began climbing up from beneath the gathered forces and attacked en mass. We have little information about these creatures, but our experts say they are very similar to the Rakghouls of Taris, creatures mutated from formerly sentient beings by the Dark Side of the force. On Taris, these creatures are able to make more of themselves, spreading a deadly and mutagenic disease through their bites and claws. We are unsure if these creatures are the same as those on Taris, but the resemblance is astounding.

The forces of the Republic were taken off guard by the attack, but responded quickly. Droid forces inside the Temple were recalled to reinforce the suddenly beleaguered Republic forces. The Sentient forces outside the temple, mostly comprised of Alsakani forces, reacted quickly. Their armored vehicles pushed back against the press of mutants, utilizing flame throwers and their mounted infantry to form a perimeter, that shrank back against the Temple's walls. Their actions allowed the Republic time to regroup and reposition to engage the new threat. As the perimeter was solidified, air support was called in, with missiles, bombs, and laser cannon firing into the clutch of bodies rising up from the lower levels of the city... moving as a wave against a shore.

As the tide of bodies rose, the hasty defensive line held. The droids began to push back against the swell, relieving the Alsakani forces and allowing time from a proper regrouping. Additional reinforcements arrived shortly after, courtesy of the Supreme Chancellor. Members of the Ailon NovaGuard, riding repulsor bikes and trucks, arrived by the hundreds behind the swarm. These elite forces began pressing the horde from the opposite direction, squeezing the mutants between their highly accurate and effective fire, and the firm wall of metallic droid bodies. Soon the tide flowed away from the temple, returning to the lower levels. Many thought the battle was over... until the Jedi inside the Temple called for aid.

As forces began to wheel about, turning their attention back to the Temple, they were washed over by a miasmic cloud of darkness... the true terror of the night was upon them. It was as if the world itself cried, as beings of shadow and rotted flesh poured from the breaching holes in the Temple, sweeping over the amassed defenders and knocking them away like toy soldiers. Weapons fired in every direction, Jedi pursued the beings of shadow and engaged them with blazing lightsaber, and the shadows returned in kind. These beings wielded sabers of ancient times, in all of the colors of the Jedi Order, as well as the force itself as their weapons. 

Once the defenders had been knocked aside, the beings rushed to the depths of the city, following their mutated allies...

[Shadows]

Temple Under Siege
Devaron Plague Spreads...

As the battle on Coruscant begins to enter a lull, operations on Devaron are just beginning. The Capital of the Duluur Sector has seen a plague spreading on the world, with similar effects to the Coruscant disease that has apparently created mutant monsters. The disease on Duluur seems to be doing much the same.

The Duluur Sector defense forces have begun to create safe zones around population centers, and have enacted strict quarantine procedures. Travel to and from the world has ground to a half, with only the most essential travel being permitted. Military forces have built defensive structures around and within the major population centers, attempt to hold back random attacks of what can only be described as mutants, like those on Coruscant. Over the past five days, the situation has continued to degrade, with Duluur Sector forces apparently exploring non-conventional options to fight back against this threat. 

In orbit, the Grand Army of the Republic has positioned seven hospital ships, focused on combating the disease on the ground. They have performed admirable work, however, are reporting that their supplies are running low. Their hopes were beginning to fade, until reinforcements arrived.

A combined force of the Tapani Federation and the Techno Union has arrived in orbit of Devaron, operating under Grand Army mandate to provide relief efforts. Our reports indicate that they are beginning landing operations in the capital of the world, and are in active communication with the planetary defense forces. Their response to the situation on the planet is unknown, but hopefully as their forces deploy to the surface, they will be able to assist in getting the situation under control.

[Shadows]

BREAKING NEWS: Devaron Goes Silent

Reports indicate that military operations have begun on Devaron, as Tapani and Techno Union forces have landed on the planet. However, since the beginning of combat operations communications with the world have been difficult, resulting in a partial comms blackout of the planet. As of our last information, the fleet in orbit of the world have begun a full blockade and cordone of the planet, keeping non-essential travel from leaving or arriving at the world. I am sure we will get more information as the battle unfolds.

[Shadows]

The Glassing of Plaeree

The situation on Devaron has apparently gone from bad to worse. While the infestation around the Jedi Temple has been dealt with by the Tapani forces, the infected continue to spread across the planet. The city of Plaeree has been under siege by the infected for the last several days, with defenders falling back to defend several key locations in the city. The Tapani have responded to this, by sending evacuation forces to the city, and extracting as many of the survivors as possible. What they did next shocked the planet.

Devaron has been under a partial communication blackout since the beginning of operations. However, that blackout ended as the largest vessels of the Tapani force entered orbit over Plaeree. A final broadcast to evacuate the city was sent, and within minutes, the Tapani opened fire from orbit. Their target was the city of Plaeree itself, utilizing their heaviest weapons to perform a large scale orbital strike on the city, with the goal of "sterilizing" the area from infected individuals. Within three hours of beginning their fire mission, an area 20 km from the city center in all directions was turned into a sheet of molten ground and glass. While it is expected that many of the infected were killed in the attack, there are also reports of large groups of infected fleeing from the attack.

As the naval ships opened fire, several civilian vessels used the break in jamming to  coordinate a rapid escape from the planet, resulting in five light freighters being destroyed by Tapani forces and ten more escaping from the planet.

The capital city of Montellian Serat has been reinforced by the bulk of the Tapani Forces and remaining Devaron defense forces. They have constructed defensive structures and are pushing infected out of the city. Reports indicate that as many as a million infected are still roaming around the world, taking over small population centers.

[Shadows]

Calamari Sector Under Quarantine

The Calamari Sector has been the first Sector to enact a full quarantine posture over the issues plaguing Devaron and the Core. The Calamari Defense Forces have strategically placed vessels at points along the one major hyperlane that heads into the Sector, and are turning away any vessels that do not belong to the military or to the Mon Cal Trade Guild.

Utilizing new trade stations constructed over Pakuuni, the MCTG has set up a sort of stop gap measure in the system. Foreign vessels will stop at the Pakuuni stations, sell their goods to MCTG ships, and then buy goods from the Calamari Sector before leaving. No vessel is being allowed into the Calamari Sector at this time, or even passing through it. 

This situation has caused an interstellar incident, with representatives from the Lothal government calling this move a dramatic over reach by the Mon Cala authorities, and an attempt to subvert legitimate trade interests in the region. They have issued an official statement demanding that Calamari forces permit vessels to transit their space to arrive within the Lothal Sector, and are calling for a senatorial investigation into the Calamari actions, calling them a flagrant violation of Section V of the Galactic Constitution, otherwise known as the Galactic Navigation Accord.

[Shadows]

Lothal Government Appeased

Following the previous news article detailing a political conflict brewing between the Calamari and Lothal Sector government, the Calamari Defense Force has reversed course on previous quarantine methods. Ships designated with Lothal Sector destinations have been permitted to transit through the Calamari Sector. These ships are being heavily patrolled by the Calamari Sector Force, but they have not been stopped from transiting their space. The Lothal government has since withdrawn its complaint against the Calamari Sector, though they have stated that such acts performed in the future will be met with a similar response.