Bormea Today

[IcedSquirrel]

[IcedSquirrel]

“An Anxious Malaise”
Different Approaches to Security Highlight Divisions in Bormea

In light of recent acts of highly publicized likely industrial sabotage, as well as the unprecedented assassination of two government figures, planets across the Sector have begun to revise their security situations accordingly.

On Chandrila, following a public announcement, the Planetary Security Corps. is more visible than normal in certain areas, and additional screenings are in place around some government buildings. A small, spontaneous protest erupted as a checkpoint was being installed into the Chandrila House in Hanna City, with protestors lamenting any impediment to their unrestricted access to the center of government. Eventually, members of the Security Corps. and several members of the House came to an agreement with the protestors, and the screening equipment was removed. Additional, more active guards have been posted to the entrance, however, and in other government buildings, more intensive protocols have been adopted. 

On Corulag, the scene is quite different. Mobilizing quickly and without public notice, the Corulagi Combined Forces have established a broad network of checkpoints and security procedures in the capitol of Curamelle, as well as around sensitive industrial or economic sites. Most Corulagi citizens have taken the changes in stride, owing to their attitude of “compliance in innocence,” while visitors have described feeling “an anxious malaise,” as one Caamasi put it, falling over the city. It has been widely observed by our reporters, however, that these uneasy feelings seem isolated to most foreign visitors in the capitol. When asked for a comment, CCF offered none. 

On Brentaal, when asked about the changing security climate, a minor merchant from House Huulz shouted “what are you selling, again?” and turned to bellow a bid at the rowdy Votrad Auction House before wandering away from our reporter.

Meanwhile, Ganthel’s brutal Ruger Private Security force has stepped up operations around the Barons’ personal villas and estates, as well as high-value manufactureries and industrial installations. Mines in the outback have seen some uptick in security as well, while the majority of the various industrial cities have seen no real change in conditions. A group of miners caked in mineral dust chatted casually outside of a pub, the dense smog and waning sunlight prompting them to use their headlamps. When asked about the Ruger deployments, one man blurted “‘as al’right luv! Dun wan’ ‘dem Ruger blokes down ‘ere no ways, innit.” Another inebriated man clearly from the planet’s south laughed while pointing at the holocams and commiserated in, "tell ‘em hoss!” When later asked for their names, they looked panicked, glanced at the cameras, and all shuffled away.

As they say on Coruscant - different strokes for different folks. 

Edited March 16, 2023 by IcedSquirrel
minor edit for clarity

[IcedSquirrel]

Corulagi Government Signals Support for Fledgling Defense Contractor
Promises State Cooperation and Investment

Following a meeting with top level members of the Corulag Combined Forces, a group of defense design and R&D firms have moved forward with plans to consolidate into a new entity - Aether Hypernautics and Defense. The company intends, with government support, to push forward cutting edge defense and hyperdrive research to better secure Corulag and its allies in the face of a rapidly militarizing galaxy. While no government disbursement of funds has occurred yet, an anonymous source suggests strong assurances were provided by those with the ability to make it happen. 

The news has been met with mute annoyance by the Chandrilans, who have long sought to prevent an arms race in the Sector. While Republic membership has long kept the peace, the long-standing rivalry between the two worlds has often bled over into not sharing design methods or defense intelligence. As a result, the Chandrilans are unlikely to benefit from any acceleration of defense spending by Corulag, and analysts predict they may make a similar move, though defined by different methods and philosophy.

[IcedSquirrel]

“Ave Duumvirātus! Ave Rēspūblicā!”
Corulag Institutes Broad Sweeping New Infantry Reforms, Releases Provocative Recruitment Ads

Corulag is overhauling its infantry training program and providing a significant investment in small arms production to the fledgling Aether Hypernautics and Defense. While exact numbers are unknown, several sources together confirm trillions of credits are going into equipping and preparing Corulag’s infantry forces for the wars of the future. A new subsidiary of Aether H&D has been created, dubbed Northern Slice Arms and Armor. Reports indicate design and manufacturing of a variety of small arms is underway, and these weapons are being integrated into the new training programs at Corulag Academy. 

Alongside this curricular revision and boost in small arms manufacturing, the public on Corulag is also being inundated with a new series of recruitment and morale boosting advertisements, showing the Corulagi legions in sleek new armor. In one scene, a platoon of black-clad legionnaires storms an enemy position, obliterating the resisting alien forces as shouts of “Ave Duumvirātus!” and “Ave Rēspūblicā!” ring out over the battlefield.

*screens fades to a holovid with slowly crescendoing military music* 

“Glory.” 

Dozens of sleek, new warships descend upon planets matching loosely the descriptions of Nal Hutta and Nar Shadda, as troops disembark and squadrons of aircraft pummel high spires and fortified castles. 

“Honor.”

Hordes of Nikto, Klatooinians, and armored faceless foes barking guttural orders rush down the embankment to meet the landing force of brave legionnaires, who respond in kind, buoyed by the thundering pulses of the battle tanks’ heavy barrages. The alien hordes are swept away by the disciplined Coruli.

“Service.”

A squad from the elite Lorem Singularis rushes forward and guns down a trio of soldiers looking very similar to the units displayed in Hutt holovids from previous months, pausing to double tap the heads.

“Join the Corulagi Combined Forces today. Fight back against the Republic’s common enemy. Carve your place in history. Ave Duumvirātus! Ave Rēspūblicā!”

The ads have roused the always present Corulagi nationalist spirit, and many more than usual are putting their names forward with recruitment offices, anticipating the need for new soldiers will loosen standards and allow more of them to claw their way up the social hierarchy, attain honor, and serve their planet. So far, there is no indication of loosening standards. If anything, the new reforms are pushing infantry harder than ever before. But with more recruits and more fervor comes more opportunities to breed a new soldier of the future - the Coruli legionaire.

 

Edited March 21, 2023 by IcedSquirrel

[IcedSquirrel]

The Wheels of Industry
Planets Across Sector Increasing Industrial Capacity

In light of the increasingly tense military situation between the Republic and the Hutts, as well as an increase in piracy, Corulag, Chandrila and Ganthel are increasing their industrial capacity by building new manufacturing facilities. Analysts also point out the supply worries that may be facing the Core in light of the Azure Sector’s stockpiling of basic goods as a secondary factor in the expansion of domestic production capacity. 

 It came as a surprise that the agrarian Chandrilans had joined in, but when asked for comment, Diplomat Beg'ra Okala said:

 

“We are the preparing. It is not fortunate, but Chandrila has always grasped the belief . . . no, not the right word. . . the true thing. Yes, has grasped the true thing, that to defend our way of life we must do the preparing, even if it is not tasty. Tasteless. Distasteful!”

[IcedSquirrel]

Profiles in Courage: The Hastati and Principes Legions

It's a cool winter's day north of Curamelle, in a cleared field, surrounded by bamboo forests. A light dusting of snow is settling over the area, which would make for quite a peaceful scene, if it weren't for the 3,000 men here participating in a vast war game skirmish designed to simulate a mass forward movement infantry maneuver. 

Two groups of soldiers, all black clad, the only thing distinguishing them being the bright red or purple arm bands on their right biceps, rush across the battlefield toward one another, splitting off into smaller groups to take advantage of the mosaic of trenches, berms, and scrap metal. 

It's almost quiet, the snow dampening the noise. The rush of feet is the only sound, like herd animals, punctuated by the occasional terse command. No war cries. No explosions. No shouts of pain or distress. But then, it erupts.

The two formations draw close enough to begin firing on one another with some degree of accuracy, and a massive swarm of blue fireflies zip every which way upon the battlefield. Hundreds of soldiers begin firing at one another with low-powered stun weapons in what at first appears to be a chaotic scene. But the keen observer would note this is a discernible pattern of fire and maneuver. Like an ebbing tide of energy, the blue fireflies rush to one side en masse, slamming into earth, stone, steel, and bodies, before quickly rushing back to the other moments later. The swarming intensifies, as shouts of pain and surprise add to the cacophony. The distance between the two colors gradually shrinks, the red and purple masses drawn to each other in a magnetic inevitability. As their edges meet, new cries emerge - "Ave Duumvirātus!" the cry echoes across the field as the forward sections of each mass meet in a clash of armor and training blades. As the melee ensues, rearward elements continue to provide covering fire and support.

 

I'm Mike Rowe, and this is Profiles in Courage. The Hastati and Principes Legions.

The Hastati Legions are the place where the national narrative of hard work, grit, and pulling yourself up by the bootstraps is refined, perfected, and achieved. They are the base level ground fighting force of the Corulagi Centralized Land Command - well-trained, but fresh soldiers tasked with operating in mass formations, clawing ground away from the enemy, and holding it. Made up of enlisted volunteers from the Peronike, or those not already part of the Coruli military class of citizens, each member of the Hastati Legions is working toward that most noble of Corulagi goals - honor, advancement, and an eternal place in the halls of warriors. I caught up with Marcus Illex, a young member of the legions.

"So, Marcus, what is the Legion for you?"

He's a stoic-faced young man, and he stares at the ground for a moment before responding, gripping a blast shield in his left hand while his training weapon hangs in his right.

"The Legion is a family. Here, everyone is working toward the same goal - both in the field and in their personal lives. We all want to make Corulag proud, we all want victory, and we all want glory. There's a certainty and clarity here you don't get in the general workforce. Everyone at home knows that service is the highest calling. But here, you feel it." 

"And what is it you hope to achieve?"

"I'd like to make Princep, achieve rank there, and retain victory until my elder years."

The Principes Legions are the lowest places in the military hierarchy that a Coruli may serve, and are composed of those either coming from military families who cannot achieve a higher assignment, or, more rarely, those from the Hastati who have distinguished themselves, and in doing so ascended to Coruli status. Either through a lifetime of preparation or proven service in the Hastati, those of the Principes Legions have attained a level of skill and competency that sets them apart from the Hastati.

"That's a big goal. It means, what, fighting, right?"

"Yes. Distinguished valor in combat - it's the only way to enter the Coruli, and the Principes Legion. It's the only way to achieve the life I want, and I will do it gladly. Whether it's some pirate profligates, the Hutts, or anyone else, I am ready to stand against Corulag's enemies - against the Republic's enemies. Honor and Glory are the gates to paradise, and Service the key."

"What do your parents think?"

"They're both engineers, working at Aether. They wanted me to follow in their footsteps, but with everything that's going on in the Galaxy, how could I do anything else? That work is important, don't mistake me, but the challenges we face now, today, are galaxy-defining, generational opportunities that a stagnant peace does not provide."

And so, Marcus, and so many others, are joining the Corulagi Combined Forces in record numbers, with high hopes, high ambitions, and soon, the chance to test those aspirations in the real world. 

[IcedSquirrel]

Corliate Announces Judicial Forces Pathway to Ascendere!
New Treaty Bolsters Republic and Corulag

Following an agreement by the Diarchs of Corulag and the Director of the Judicial Forces, Corulag is set to host state of the art training facilities servicing the Judicial Forces exclusively. Additionally, Corulag has been selected by the Judicial Forces as the primary training academy for its elite military forces. While it shall not be the only source of these forces, its primacy is noted as a feather in the cap of the Corulag Academy, already a decorated institution. Already, some of the best and brightest Infantry Program graduates are en route to join the Judicial Forces in protecting the Republic.

In a surprising twist, the Corliate also announced that distinguished valor in combat while serving in the Judicial Forces is an acceptable pathway to Ascendere, the process of joining the Coruli military class from the Peronike civilian one. Traditionally the only way of doing so was valorous combat service in the Hastati Legion. This announcement will likely bolster recruitment for the Judicial Forces from Corulag above already projected levels. But other analysts say that since Corulag will primarily be providing elite military personnel, there will be few slots for Peronike, who typically have not trained as extensively in their lives. The added hurdle of Judicial Forces commanding officers needing to travel to Corulag and plead the case for their subordinates before the Corliate in order for Ascendere to be completed, may be a barrier. But government spokespeople say that as these personnel will not be under the direct command of Coruli themselves, the measure is necessary to ensure the rigorous standards of distinguished valor in combat are maintained. Plus, they say, if the acts truly are extraordinary, the commanding officer should show no hesitation is a bit of travel. 

[IcedSquirrel]

Corulag and Eriadu Strengthen Ties
New Training Agreement Comes on the Heels of Shocking Report on State of Corulagi Youth

A newly minted agreement between Corulag Academy and Orrineswa Military Academy is giving both institutions a boost in their curriculum. Alongside a Corulag-funded audit intended to improve Orrineswa curriculum, the Eriadu government is providing Aether Hypernautics and Defense production rights to its Eusphyra-class Corvette. Orrineswa is gaining valuable curricular insights into institutional improvement and Corulag Academy staff teaching expertise. Corulagi cadets are set to be placed into anti-piracy task forces to provide hands-on experience in the Rim to pair with their best-in-class academic curriculum.

The agreement comes on the heels of a startling report from the Corulagi Combined Forces recruitment office that in the wake of mass recruitment campaigns a full 70% of volunteers are unfit for duty. Strides have been made to standardize training protocols, update infantry curriculum, increase security, bolster small arms and equipment manufacture, and educate the population on the enemies of the Republic - but officials were reportedly caught off guard at the news that most of the volunteers (chiefly from the Peronike caste) cannot complete a basic physical test.

"Profligacy is what it is - the gradual degradation of a proud martial people who've grown fat and lazy off the hard-won sacrifices of their forebears. Never would have seen this at the Coruli schools. I've never seen such batch of soft, squishy Pillsbury dough boys in my life. We will be putting a stop to it," promised Major Benson Winifred Payne of the Lorem Singularis. "All I'll say is, killin' is my business, and business is gooooooood. We'll get these tub-tubs shaped up!"

[IcedSquirrel]

The Vigiles Formed!
New Internal Security Branch Locks down Corulag

The Corulagi Combined Forces made a brief announcement today that the Vigiles have been formed, a new internal security organization. As brief as the announcement was, the deployment of tens of thousands of newly uniformed Auxillares, the peacekeeping and security personnel, as well as several dozen so-called Praetorians guarding high level officials was not so understated. Arrests of some low-level, but still fairly prominent public figures followed the news as well, and it is suspected this new force is cracking down hard on corruption. We cannot say much about this new branch, as details are classified and officials tight-lipped, but they are now a common sight in cities, around government areas, and certain commercial districts. Rumors indicate they answer directly to the Diarchs, bypassing much of the chain of command. “If you have done nothing wrong,” explained the only official we could get to comment, “then you have nothing to fear.”

Edited April 11, 2023 by IcedSquirrel

[IcedSquirrel]

Corulag's Senator Recalled!
Unexpected Order Reportedly From the Diarchs Themselves

In the late hours of the prior evening, the unexpected return of Senator Thaddeus Lysanthe to Corulag from Coruscant went mostly unnoticed. However, ever watchful Bormea Today reporters recently spied the Senator with his security detail attending an early morning meeting at the capitol acropolis in Curamelle. The Senator was not seen exiting the complex, prompting rampant speculation. However, his staff assures BT that this is a routine meeting and there is no cause for alarm.

The fiery Senator has been on somewhat of a tear lately, riding the highs of a successful push to create a Republic military and rankling his rivals in the Senate. It's unknown what prompted the meeting, though it comes after shocking instability on Core cousin Kuat, as well as several high-profile rows on the Senate floor. Political analyst Jal Klarin noted that "many have characterized the Senator as a 'bulldog' who ruthlessly and often pillories his opponents, becoming increasingly closed to compromise in a political and galactic environment characterized by spreading chaos." 

[IcedSquirrel]

Senator Lysanthe Receives The Palladium Laurels!
Work On Federal Military Bill Lauded

Senator and Colonel Thaddeus Lysanthe of House Lysanthe spoke at a well-attended, but brief ceremony today outside the capitol acropolis, where he was presented with the Palladium Laurels for distinguished service to Corulag in the Galactic Senate. BT first learned of the planned award after a brief meeting with Corulagi officials.

"Few can claim to have restored the honor of an entire civilization in the wake of division, threats from within and without, and doubts from all sides - but Colonel Lysanthe has achieved just that." declared Lt. Col. Lyria Cassus, who presented the award on behalf of the Diarchy. "His work to secure a federal military bill is historic, and will change history in the Republic forever for the better." For his part, Colonel Lysanthe was all smiles when he rose to don the laurels, which glinted in the early afternoon sun as the crowd slowly hushed.

"It has been," he started, taking a deep breath, "the privilege and honor of my lifetime to serve Corulag in the Galactic Senate. We live in a time when strength, courage, duty, and loyalty are needed more than ever. I humbly accept this award on behalf of my late son, Cornelius, who... never got the chance to serve his people, as I have been so privileged to do. An honor... truly an honor." With that, the Colonel turned to walk back to his seat, but not before looking back once more over the crowd.

Following his retirement, the Diarchy was quick to announce the Corliate had elected Tribunus Militum Valerian Cassus of the Vigiles to take up the vacant role.

[IcedSquirrel]

Sector Reports Growth
Stunted Somewhat by Wartime Taxes

Sector economists reported growth of the economy in the past year, with current growth trends for the coming year coming in around 0.5% growth. This has been spurred by investments in a wide variety of industries, including the agricultural sector on Chandrila, industrial manufacturing on Ganthel and Corulag, and the recent efforts by the Brentaal Houses to massively expand their raw materials and basic goods distribution capacity. The growth has been tempered somewhat however by an increase in taxes, mostly on Corulag, which in the midst of preparing its wartime economy is raising war taxes to fund expansion of its military. The planet is largely responsible for the Sector's place in the top 5 most expensive militaries in the Galaxy, and is reacting accordingly. Still, overall, the economy is doing well in Bormea despite the revenue increases and planned expansion of economic projects in the new year will add to that.

"We have big things planned, especially in light of the feedback we've received given the recent security measures," said House Curovao spokesperson Adair Curovao-Simo, who is presently locked in a Senate race. "We hear the concerns being raised about supply shortages, and understand the need to get goods flowing through Brentaal. That said, our security measures are for our own safety and the safety of others. Unprecedented pirate activity and Hutt subterfuge has necessitated these unfortunately inconvenient steps. However, the houses are in discussion even now on anticipated solutions, and I think we will be able to help address some of these concerns in the beginning of the new year."

[IcedSquirrel]

In Bormea Some Prepare for War, Others Hope for Peace

Planets Across Bormea Sector Preparing for a More Hostile Galaxy

As the year comes to a close, major worlds in the Bormea Sector are taking different approaches to the storm clouds in the distance. Amidst rhetoric of political revolutionaries in the Sluis Sector, potential supply shortages from stockpiling on the horizon, pirate bands roaming the Outer Rim, and a resurgent Hutt Threat, many citizens are growing nervous, and governments are reacting accordingly.

On Corulag, full scale efforts to transition to a wartime economy are underway. Following recent reports of mass unfitness for service, the government has instituted widespread and well-funded programs to prepare civilians for military or other forms of service. Major Payne of the Lorem Singularis has been selected to implement the government’s Pre-Conditioning Program for civilians who don’t quite meet military standards. Groundwork is being laid for enhanced volunteer and conscription pools through planet-wide revisions to school physical education curricula and the creation of a preparatory program to get volunteers up to military fitness standards. Widespread media efforts educating the public on growing freedom gardens, preparing their families for rationing, and forming exercise groups to ensure readiness are underway, and a general wave of nationalistic fervor is sweeping the planet. Civilian service corps and an internal security corps are being incubated through additional training pipelines, with the government expected to formally create these programs next year.

Alongside these efforts, Corulag is reported making sizable investments in mining raw materials for, manufacturing of, and distribution of civilian and military equipment and materials within the Sector. Details are fuzzy but meetings with the Barons of Ganthel have been observed, and it is believed the two worlds are working to ensure a robust supply of industrial goods and production capacity within the Bormea sector for military and civilian uses. This investment is matched by a huge government-funded expansion of Danthe Artifice to design and produce entire new lines of labor droids to fill any gaps created by increased wartime service from the civilian population. Overall, it is clear that Corulag is gearing its economy toward a war footing.

On Chandrila, a different tone is being struck, with the government adopting a “Peace Forward” messaging program. The Chandrilans are going to great lengths to assure their own peoples, the galaxy, and any nervous parties outside the Republic that its forces are staying home, and the Chandrilan government supports policies of non-aggression and peace with all entities. This announcement was matched by the unveiling of government grants to the agricultural sector to bolster production, and the institution of a new quota system for Chandrilan exporters. 

The Chandrilan House has agreed that its agricultural products should be fairly distributed according to population and need to all of those who rely on it for food. Using troves of market data from thousands of years, the Chandrilans are ensuring that all parties that they provide food to have time to purchase shares of the foodstuffs matching previous demand and caloric needs before such shares are put onto the open market, where they are first come first serve. This is widely seen as a benevolent effort to combat widespread hoarding occurring in other sectors, or stave off future shortages elsewhere by equitably distributing agricultural products. Both moves by the Chandrilan government are widely popular both on and off the world, as those in the Core and elsewhere let out a sigh of relief that some of their food, at least, will not be purchased out from under them by hoarding parties.

[IcedSquirrel]

Ganthel Expanding Industry Again on Heels of Corulagi Investment
Inclusion of Massive Waste Reclamation Yards Begs Question “Is Trash the New Gold?”

In the midst of a Core worlds supply shortage, the Barons of Ganthel are seizing on the opportunity to expand their own mining, manufacturing, and, recently, reclamation capabilities to fill the growing needs. This move coincides with the strangest Bormea Sector Senate election in recent memory wrapping up, in which one squib named Jasper from Nopces Prime has amassed frankly baffling support with a platform of making trash good again. It seems the Barons are taking those words a bit more seriously than some, and being Coreward of Brentaal, shipments of manufactured goods from Ganthel are entirely unaffected by the ongoing logjam there.

In addition to the standard mining and manufacturing facilities, Ganthel is constructing three massive waste reclamation yards designed to take waste and scrap material from Ganthel and other Core worlds and re-purpose the materials. Barius Yards is helming the effort, and our sources indicate substantive research is being done to identify the best methods Ganthel may use to close the waste stream in the Core and create a use for nearly every type of common industrial or mechanical waste. 

Already, junk freighters previously outbound to worlds such as Bracca and Raxus Prime are now offloading Core world waste onto Ganthel to be put through these new reclamation facilities. “It is our hope,” offered Barius Yards Public Relations Director Bill Williamson, “that these facilities can mark the beginning of a new, region-wide effort in the Core to be more frugal stewards of our resources, and become less reliant on the Rim systems for raw materials. After all, the Rim is getting alot of attention and investment these days, and if things are going to change there, they have to change here as well.”

[IcedSquirrel]

Huge Upset in Bormea Sector Special Election Leaves Chandrilans Flabbergasted!
Just Who is Wu?

 

A surprisingly competitive campaign for the Senate seat that is to be vacated by now Minister of State Herra Sartha has shaken the political foundations of the Bormea Sector. In what was widely expected to be simply a formal handoff of the Sector seat to Chandrilan Governor Belle Han by political watchers, the little known member of Ganthel’s Industrialist Association, Sanzō "Sunny" Wu has snatched a narrow victory over Governor Han! The results are below:

New Bormea Sector Senator-Elect, "Sunny" Wu

Belle Han - 36%

Sanzō "Sunny" Wu - 40%

Adair Curovao-Simo - 12%

Jasper - 27%

How did this happen? This has been a frequent question on Chandrila in recent days, where, while the population is small, almost 100% of the citizens participate in Sector elections. For the majority of the one thousand years since the Ruusan Reforms, a Chandrilan has held the Bormea Sector’s seat. Jal Klarin offered an analysis to our reporters. 

“While Mr. Wu’s victory is the headline, a notable sub-plot of this affair is the massive support for a squib named Jasper from Nopces Prime, whose sole platform appeared to revolve around bringing more trash to the Bormea Sector. Jasper received an eyebrow raising portion of the vote. Some are calling him a ‘meme’ candidate, with early polling data suggesting that Jasper went viral on holosocial platforms and benefited greatly from younger voters using these platforms, particularly on Nopces Prime and densely populated Brentaal. Another factor is votes siphoned off by Adair Curovao-Simo of Brentaal, who while receiving far fewer votes overall than expected as the second-most serious candidate in the race, pulled support from more veteran voters away from Han.”

Jal Klarin paused to take a drink, before continuing. “But we cannot discount Wu’s performance on his own - he seems to have struck a chord with residents of the Sector who are yearning for a more proactive, bullish approach to politics than that usually offered by the Chandrilans. Decrying Rim complainers and promising to crack down hard on piracy, as well as support business and prioritize defending the Sector, Wu seems to have wooed a higher than average number of Bormea voters, mostly from Ganthel, Brentaal, and Nopcese Prime. This combination of meme candidates, splitting the more politically astute vote between Han and Curovao-Simo, and Wu’s lightning-in-a-bottle appeal, spelled defeat for the favorite Belle Han.”

But who is Sanzō "Sunny" Wu? Bormea Today reporters were greatly honored when none other than Baron Quinten Ganthe of Ganthe Industries agreed to a short interview. An interesting individual indeed, rumored to be a skilled vibroswordsman and with a penchant for individualist philosophy and fine brandy, the Baron is an athletic, middle-aged man who speaks with the slow drawl characteristic of Ganthel’s southern lands. BT has tried to get a sit-down with him for some time.

BT Reporter: Baron Ganthe, thank you for taking a few moments out of your busy day to discuss this remarkable development in the Bormea Sector’s Senate delegation.

Ganthe: Of course. I am always happy to sing Sunny’s praises. It may come as a surprise to some of you, but I expected nothing less of him. Soon, the Sector will see why.

BT Reporter: Mr. Wu was part of your Clippers program correct - the one that rehabilitates criminal youth on Ganthel?

Ganthe: Yes, indeed. Unfortunately many children and young people end up victims of some less savory elements on our world. We do what we can to provide for them.

BT Reporter: Indeed, he was the first I think, rescued from the Kotaska slaver ring, shortly after. . . well are the rumors true of an attempt on your life some years ago by Kotaska? 

Ganthe: Please, sir, let us not give fuel to such silly stories. Sunny has assisted with my business interests for some time. He represents the best that can come of providing our wayward youth a second chance. I believe in the individual, sir - the character that comes from clawing your way up from the bottom to lay low the challenges which constrain you. Sunny has done that in his own life, and he will help us do that in this new galactic paradigm. 

BT Reporter: I see. And as a Senator, Mr. Wu will no longer be part of your organization, that is correct?

Ganthe: Of course. There is no prohibition on him continuing his work here, mind you, but I believe in public service and fully encourage Sunny to devote himself to representing this Sector faithfully. 

BT Reporter: And are you privy to his priorities? 

Ganthe: I am afraid not. If you will excuse me, I do have some matters to attend. Thank you for the opportunity. I so look forward to seeing this story on the holo, and will certainly be keeping tabs on your continued coverage of Sunny. 

We are sure to learn more in the coming year about Mr. Wu. In other, related news, it appears that Mr. Wu has signaled his intent to include Jasper of Nopces Prime as a junior representative in his delegation. Reportedly, in an effort to save at least some face on the galactic stage, the Chandrilans have provided the squib with a protocol droid attendant with some. . . surprising results. The image of the right-hand of Ganthel's premier Baron teaming up with the squib trash aficionado has captured the imaginations of many. Already, Bormea holo networks are running focus groups to gauge reception to an action-comedy called “Moony and Javier,” due to copyright concerns.  

Jasper, The New Junior Representative of the Bormea Sector, in his Senate Finest

Edited May 6, 2023 by IcedSquirrel

[IcedSquirrel]

Erudite Squib Shocks Press Corps!
Junior Reporters Assigned to Interview Meme Candidate Badly Outwitted

Bormea Today reporters and residents of the Bormea Sector were shocked into silence today when a planned press conference with the Greater Bormea Sector's newest Junior Representative intended to be a light 5-minute, early morning segment turned into a nearly 20-minute lecture on a wide range of topics. What captivated audiences the most was Jasper of Nopces quick wit and frequent barbs which left our junior reporters stammering and resutled in much ridicule at the water coolers. 

His Mosty Trashy, Jasper of Nopces Prime
Junior Representative of the Greater Bormea Sector to the Galactic Senate
The Duke of Detritus; Royal Son of Rubish; Viscount of Vermin & Baron of the Bin

B2-L4YZ
Attendant to His Most Trashy, Jasper of Nopces Prime
Attache to the Republic Senate Delegation of the Greater Bormea Sector

"What, you presumed that an impressive command of so-called Basic, my third language and one that is extremely limiting in its range of expression, was indicative of some deficiency of intellect?" asked B2-L4ZY, the squib's newly assigned protocol droid, amidst a flurry of squeaks and hisses from Jasper. "But of course you would, wouldn't you? How could you comprehend my full family name recounting the deeds of my forebears over a dozen generations without shortening it to some insulting, disyllabic bastardization? How could the ancestral primate language capture the subtle twitching of the whiskers, the drooping of the ears, the fine-tuned pheromones and tactile fur-sense of my noble people? Perhaps flinging excrement or cannibalizing my own child would more adequately communicate my point? Only after affording me the courtesy of a machine designed to help your puny minds understand me, for which I am grateful to the outlier humans the Chandrilans, did you even consider that I was anything more than a 'fluffy pet.'"

The small squib climbed up to stand on podium, clasping his arms behind his back. "Your assumptions are predictably anthropocentric on their face, but I shall not hold it against you. After all, after many years of interaction with my people, you call our free communities a polyanarchy, insist our noble steward of communities is a king who rules us and are baffled if he does not wear a crown, reframe our global union of liberate squib, a term i detest by the way, into a merchandising corporation, and call our union representative to the galaxy a chieftain."

This diatride continued for several minutes until a reporter could get a question in egdewise:

Bormea Today Reporter: "And what about your platform of trash?"

Jasper via B2-L4ZY: "Trash? The apeish, simplistic conglomeration of so many things in your culture - which is characterized by discarding anything and everything that does not suit a narrowly defined, singular, immediate use. 'Trash,' this abhorrent catch-all word of yours! When I say trash, I refer not just to objects, but to peoples, planets, living matter, dead matter, ideas! The sum total of everything your tiny, limited monkey brain externalizes and ignores, or even destroys, in your mindless pursuit of instant gratification! My people do not even have a word for throwing these things away because there is no such concept as waste to a rational people who acknowledge a finite universe constrained by the forces of entropy! There, does that answer your asinine question?"

Bormea Today Report: "Erm...uh..."

Jasper via B2-L4ZY: "Well, go on spit it out, ape! Shall I prepare for the inevitable rage your clumsy form always musters when confronted with something it does not understand?"

*interview cuts out there*

Needless to say, our reporters, voters, and indeed the galaxy are somewhat taken off guard by the ascension of this extremely critical squib to a position of some public notoriety. One can only speculate on the ramifications of this so-called meme-candidate's victory, and the Chandrilans in particular have all but entered a public state of mourning over what they see as the murder of their Senate delegation's galactic reputation. 

Edited May 8, 2023 by IcedSquirrel

[IcedSquirrel]

Startling New Reports on War Game Simulations Identifies Disturbing Trend
Corulagi Military Moving to Address Cosmic Vulnerability

"It's disturbingly consistent," muttered Lt. Colonel Garrus Calo, an analytics officer recently interviewed by BT staff regarding the recent acquisition of the as of yet unnamed Centurion-class Battlecruiser by the Corulagi Centralized Naval Command. 

"In 100% of combat VI simulations ran in the last month simulating a long-range, isolated, extended deployment combat scenario, the Centurion-class Battlecruiser's consumables storage section is destroyed. In some scenarios, it is a team of bombers. In others its a stray turbolaser blast. And still yet, sometimes infiltration teams appear as if seemingly out of nowhere to, curiously, target the supplies storage of this ship before retreating. It doesn't matter how many friendly fighters, picket ships, cruisers, or enemy vessels we put in the simulation. The supplies are always hit."

This has led to some to claim the ship itself is cursed, or perhaps there is a bug in the VI simulators, but military sources have repeatedly confirmed that no such bugs exist after dozens of trials. 

"Stranger still, when we run the same scenarios with a logistical supply line established linking the theater to a robust network of ORDS or friendly planets, the supplies storage is left unscathed in 90% of scenarios, with the other 10% being total loss scenarios where we have cranked up the enemy forces so drastically that the entire fleet is destroyed. I...can't really explain it."

Normally such an anomaly would not be the basis for establishing protocols or military doctrine, but sources suggest this case is being taken more seriously due to the sheer replicability of the results across multiple VI platforms. 

Edited May 13, 2023 by IcedSquirrel