Open Core in Crisis! Stock Market Plummets!

[The Storyteller]

In a shocking turn of events, the Galactic Senate passed a resolution to impose trade restrictions with the Sith, resulting in chaos in the Core. As shipping and weapons manufacturers on Fondor, Kuat, and Corellia, among others, saw their stocks plummet, the New Republic Stock Market saw its single greatest dip in over a hundred years. The rest of the Core, feeling the ripples of this drop, saw similar dips that has financial experts concerned.

Professor Moneypenny from the University of Coruscant had this to say on the matter. "The Core will suffer significant financial fallout unless immediate action is taken. What happens when shipyards cannot sell ships they have been building for months? When they cancel their existing orders to durasteel refineries? The domonio effect of this resolution can bring financial ruin to billions across the Core. I can understand Senators from agrarian worlds in the FWA, and backwater planets in the ISC voting in favor of this proposal, it will barely make any difference to them. But I am very confused by the intent of any New Republic Senators that let this motion pass."

There are already reports of protests on Coruscant and Corellia, as workers wonder if they will have jobs in a week's time, and how they will put food on the table. Tensions are similarly rising on Fondor and Kuat, with unconfirmed reports stating that worker's unions are planning strikes in the coming days.

 

[Jin Vaisra]

Jin pressed a hand to his temple. Another day, another headache. The fallout from the latest Senate assembly was immediate, and he’d watched as his stocks plummeted to new lows.

He wanted to blame the Consortium. President Thorne, in particular. Jin had voted ‘yes’ on the sanctions proposal in order to bridge the gap between the Free Worlds and the Republic, while bolstering his image as a politician not ruled by corporate interests. He supported the war, so it made sense to support the sanctions. The problem was, they weren’t supposed to pass. Jin had almost been sure of it. Everyone in the Consortium, including half the Republic, had argued against it. What Jin hadn’t anticipated was Emryc having a change of heart.

Now, what was meant to be token vote and proposal had become something more. Something worse. But despite everything, there was a silver lining, and like it had with every crisis before, he would make sure Fondor prevailed in the end.

Jin strode in before the crowd of journalists and reporters, backed by his team of advisers and Midori bodyguards. He ignored the questions they shouted his way. The only reason he was here was to give a statement. “Let me begin this briefing by saying I stand by my vote. Unlike my rivals on Kuat, I am not a corporate puppet, but a man that genuinely sympathizes with the lives lost on Firrerre and the lives at risk by Sith aggression.”

“I understand there are many that are upset by these sanctions. The shipyard and arms industry has taken a hard tumble, but let me reassure you, Fondor remains strong.”

“My previous deal with Belasco continues in earnest. As we construct our exclusive line of medical frigates, their scientists have led to improved working conditions on our shipyards. Some of the best in the galaxy. Seeing as the former Senator of Belasco is now the Prime Minister of the Free Worlds, I only expect Fondor’s dealings to expand.” Honestly, he hadn't spoken to Korre in months, but the public didn't need to know that. The stocks were plummeting because the investors had lost trust in his shipyards, and Jin needed to earn it back.

“For instance, after weeks-long negotiations with the Alliance, I am proud to say the New Republic will be working much more closely with the Sector Rangers. Since they will require significant hardware to combat galactic threats, Fondor will take on the great task of supplying them with everything they might need.” With funding from both sides of the aisle, he would add. Enough to break this spell of plummeting stocks.

“As Senator, I will also be meeting personally with Chancellor Ro and other corporate delegates to ensure my homeworld continues to reach new market highs. So, allow me to explain to the public and to the people of Fondor—these sanctions will not hurt you the way the media wants you to believe. The rest of the Core may have its own problems, yes, but we will triumph. We will overcome. That I can promise you with certainty.”

With nothing more to add, he left the podium to the roar of questions. He had work to do, a planet to run, and a rival to burn.