Tabloid Republic Ships in Klatooine? Protests

[The Storyteller]

Klatoonie - There have been multiple reports of Republic ships that are now hanging in orbit above Klatoonie. Notably, multiple Nebulon-D Escort Frigates have been sighted above the Outer Rim world. What is most notable is that these ships are normally exclusively sold to the New Republic by Kuat Dive Yards. Also, Twin-Tail fighters have also been spotted around Klatoonian airspace, despite laws regulations that restrict their use to the New Republic navy.

Interestingly, the prominent Republic symbol on the Nebulon-D Escort frigates were removed, so either Republic decided to sell or to donate these ships to Klatoonie, but with no Chancellor it is unlikely the Republic government facilitated such transfer themselves. New Republic Sector Rangers have been spotted on the Kuat Drive Yards, indicating that something may be amiss about the transfer of those ships, leading speculation that this may impact Republic war-readiness.

There are also mass protests and riots on-going on Klatoonie as living standards on the outlying outer world plummeted with mass budget cuts for any social programs and funding for emergency services being slashed. People are speculating that Klatoonie purchased the New Republic ships at great cost to even it's citizenry.

In the past, there have been speculation that Kuat Drive Yards has been selling non-combat ships such as transports and getting material from Sith aligned worlds, their stocks having crashed after Senator Cal Starro's sanctions bill passed the Galactic Senate.

Regarding the New Republic ships on Klatooine, we have reached out to the Republic Ministry of Defense for comment.
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[Ceris Odrosess]

After walking through the streets of Dantooine for a bit, Ceris took refuge under a large tree to escape the sun. Dataphone in hand, she scrolled through her Switter feed. It was mostly filled with Emryc Thorne fan club posts, but a random promoted tabloid post showed up. "Ships in Klatooine?" she thought. Ceris didn't know anything about it, but it seems like their resources have been sent in other parts of the galaxy besides Dantooine.

Ceris took the moment to read through the entire tabloid, and couldn't help but bite her lip upon finishing. "Fucking hell... some old ass ships being sent to Dantooine to help these rebels out is one thing, but this... whole Nebulon-D's being sold." Ceris punched in a few numbers and held the phone up to her ear. "Hello?" A grumbly old voice answered. "Brum, you read the news or do you still wait for paper copies?" If anyone knew best to handle it, it was her old boss and mentor. "I have you wise-ass. Where are you at currently? I was going to send you to investigate it." Ceris scratched her head and looked around "I'm on Dantooine, dealing with a similar situation. Except this one seems to be fine, at least in my opinion. An old corvette and some starfighters that were suppose to be scrapped have been sent to the Rebel Alliance here."

The two spent a few minutes talking back and forth. The Grand Admiral even seemed unaware of the situation, despite being in the know-how of the Navy. "I'll contact the Kuat Defense Fleet, I'm sure Grand Admiral Kasha is up to something there. I'll have to make a statement with the Defense Ministry later today as well. I trust you'll handle Dantooine. Brum, out." As the Grand Admiral hung up the phone, Ceris sat under the tree, clawing into her legs with frustration. "It seems like we're always fucking something up."

A few hours later a galaxy-wide holonet broadcast would be live streamed. On a podium stood Grand Admiral Brum and the Minister of Defense. The Minister was the first to speak "We are currently investigating the transactions between Kuat and Klatooine, and the situation underway there. Both Grand Admiral Kasha of the Kuat Defense Fleet and the Senator of Kuat are under investigation as well. While we, the Republic, have offered aid in the forms of weaponry, ships, and vehicles throughout our history, it was never for a profit, but to assist in those in need. Grand Admiral Brum, the man standing here with me today, is dedicated to solving this problem, and to the people of Klatooine, we sincerely apologize for your troubles." The Minister took a step back and gestured for the Grand Admiral to speak. Brum hobbled up towards the microphone and continued where the Minister left off "Despite my reputation as an old-school tough minded man, I empathize with the people of Klatooine. For the lack of honor and commitment within our Navy... my Navy, we have hurt those in need of the social programs that were in place. The investigation is still underway, as we must confirm that these ships were indeed purchased from Kuat. If our findings are true, I promise I will hold the men found guilty accountable." There was a brief moment of silence until the broadcast ended, leaving the image of the stern Admiral staring into the camera.