- Joined
- Dec 24, 2017
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Holoscreens across the galaxy lit up with the distinctive announcement jingle of breaking news from the most well-watched and popular station within the Republic and Free Worlds Alliance. Rather than the usual pair of reporters, however, the image that replaced the flashing symbols was that of a speaking podium behind which stood the striking figure of Prime Minister Naeva Rue. Near her stood Chancellor Eder Owusaan and Sector Chief Douglas Hudson, the former of which had a distinct look of pride over his features.
This image was moved to the right corner, revealing a pair of reporters at their desks in-studio.
"Hello and good evening, citizens of the galaxy." Abi Gora began, the camera shifting over to the new Iktotchi socio-political expert.
"...And I'm Colo Kardos..."
The camera switched back to Abi.
"Breaking news from Byblos has come in! A rapid Sith invasion fleet converged on the brave individuals of the Byblos Defense Force under the command of Darth Stolas." Recordings had been pieced together, modified, and coloured in to form an image on the bottom half of the screen, showing the Sith forces moving in on BDF fleet and exchanging initial shots. "Arriving to subjugate yet another world, they seemed to have bit off more than they could chew."
The projection shifted then to shots of the Jedi corvette Little Wing arriving with its escort of E-wings, Y-wing, and modified Cloakshape. Another of a Blackfin backed up by BDF Starwings rushing in to challenge Sith fighter groups, the brave charge of the Corvette toward the Sith flagship, cannons firing and E-wings outrunning missiles and dodging laser fire.
"Sector Ranger and Jedi both made their appearance and determination known in orbit of Byblos. Even a Sith boarding party was repelled by their combined efforts."
Next to be shown was footage of a Sith shuttle screaming its way into the BDF Flagship's hangar, offloading armoured soldiers and a warrior with a black blade. From the other side came in another shuttle that two Jedi leapt from with blades ready, their craft skidding across to slam into the first. Snippets of the short duel were shown, all visible faces blurred for confidentiality purposes.
One Jedi stood still, very still, with his hand out toward the man with the red and black blades. The other was a rapid rush of motion, running in as a blue-bladed blur without hesitation. The only distinctive feature of the Jedi was the long, black ponytail. Suddenly he spun off to the side, the only discernable detail his weapon as it flew, leaving the Sith on the ground spraying crimson energy from his hands before he went still on the floor.
It switched to the bridge, where both Jedi and Rangers filed in to take over the defense. Then a clever ambush in a top-level hallway, showing doors being shut around two flight-suited Sith and a droid. Seconds later a door opened and a Sith flew through with stun shots visible, then closed again. Point of view changed to outside the door where four Jedi and a Ranger stunned the Sith down and took them into custody.
"Sector Rangers and Jedi Knights joined forces and risked their lives to repel Sith forces, and repel them they did."
The droid and remaining Sith on the higher levels are shown retreating back to their boarding craft. A Y-wing chased by an Arrowhead is disabled and the chasing craft struck by the pursuing Blackfin and driven off by more fire from above as the Arquitens frigate turns to leave. In the BDF flagship's hangar the lightning-struck Jedi is helped to his feet in a show of true comradery and determination.
Little Wing charges boldly in to deliver bombers, E-wings whipping missile into the Arquitens' bridge while Y-ties deliver torpedoes, the Jedi corvette taking heavy fire. Its rescue by the Gladiator's arrival comes next, the larger ship covering the corvette with its massive frame and many guns overwhelming the Sith corvette that had gone after it.
Finally it shows the Sith retreat in full, the Arquitens trailing smoke from points across its hull as it transitions to lightspeed with the rest of the fleet.
"With their actions," piped up Colo Kardos, "both in defending Denon and Byblos, these brave souls have shown without a doubt they will work with, and fight for, the free peoples of the galaxy. Now we bring you to the Joint News Conference, live from Chandrilla in the Core Worlds."
The video of Naeva Rue, Edu Owusaan, and Douglas Hudson expanded from the corner to fill the screen. Sharp amber eyes looked out at the massed citizens massed before the trio, her expression confident and stern.
"The Sith have made bold proclamations to the galaxy. Threatened death, demanded subservience and surrender, and promised a price to pay. They have attacked our homes and our places of work, waged a war of terror against us, and tried at every turn to break us. A free people wears no chains, and we will not be broken!"
Chancellor Owusaan takes the stand next, still looking quite smug. Byblos is an important planet in Republic space and it proving difficult to conquer was a matter of pride.
"The citizens and leaders of the Republic, and the Free Worlds, will never bow before an oppressive regime. Our way is democracy, and as Byblos has shown our people will fight to maintain their rights! The Galactic Empires of old fell before the will and weight of free peoples. We will make them remember!"
Next to speak was Sector Chief Douglas Hudson, as grim and determined looking as always.
"I am very proud today to represent the Sector Rangers. With courage in their hearts, every officer who fought on Byblos went above and beyond the call of duty to defend law, order, and good in the galaxy. Working together with members of the Jedi Order has proven here to be an effective tactic for dealing with the ongoing menace of the Red Blade terrorists, and my office intends to look into this as official policy. Our deepest gratitude out to all those who fought for the life and liberty of their home and others. I ask now for a moment of silence in honor of those who died for what they believed in."
Sixty seconds passed, all three leaders spending it with their heads solemnly down in respect. Even the anthem playing in the background fell quiet during that time and the news bulletins near the bottom of the screen ceased to play.
Afterwards the Prime Minister stepped up to the podium once more, glaring directly toward the camera, fixed now with that same look she gave fellow politicians when she was about to tear them to pieces.
"Darth Stolas, the free citizens of the galaxy have answered you. We will not bow and scrape before your attempts at intimidation, we will not give up, and we will never stand down. When you come we will face you with everything we have. We have answered you on Byblos, the same answer you will receive at each and every planet. But, not to worry, "Lord" Stolas."
A smirk curled her lips up at the edges.
"You are welcome to surrender."