HoloNet News Senator Vaz Linked To Selling New Republic Vessels To Crime Lord

The Storyteller

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BREAKING NEWS

Reporting Live from Kuat - "The Sector Rangers have investigated the missing New Republic proprietary ships and have key evidence that Senator Vaz of Kuat (@Mad Dog) has sold them off for Kuat Drive Yards own gain.

First it was reported that unmistakable New Republic-only ships were in orbit above Klatooine, with their New Republic symbol etched out. But then Sector Rangers investigated Kuat Drive Yards, and found records, invoices .etc linked to the Senator. Most shockingly, one of the transactions was to Grace Zann, a Crime Lord of the Five Syndicates and leader of the Zann Consortium.

According to the investigators, a whole Starhawk III-class Battleship (Which is noted to be 'exclusively sold to the New Republic Navy by their manufacturer.') and a number of other Republic vessels such as TwinTail Starfighter and Nebulon D Frigates (...they are restricted ... the New Republic Navy due to laws and regulations within the New Republic... They are exclusive to the New Republic faction.) and enough to make a whole fleet, were sold to Grace Zann under the name 'Grace Star' with the company name being Outer Rim Territories. For Klatooine, the name was 'Klatooinian representative' with the company name being 'Outer Rim Territories' again. However the ship Grace flew to the frigate for the meeting was a Skipyray Blastboat registered to Grace Zann, and images of Grace have been captured from surveillance footage, enough for identify. Grace Zann has been a fast rising figure in the criminal underworld, but in addition to having her status, she has also been taking over planets, taking over shipyards.

For both the the Klatoonians and Grace Zann, a duty officer confirmed that for their respective meetings, those parties were with Senator Vaz at the time of the approved credit transfers.

Very recently however, Queen Veruna of Naboo made the remark on Telti at a diplomatic meeting “Senator Vaz, it is a pleasure to meet you outside of your more habitual setting, of selling off New Republic ships.” Queen Veruna, according to her public schedule, she was set to meet Senator Vaz not too long ago recently and did arrive to Kuat.(@Nor'baal) This is before allegations of Senator Vaz's complicity was made public. This remark clearly indicates that Vaz tried selling Republic ships to Queen Veruna. We have reached out to the Queen for comment. (@Nor'baal)

In total, 1x Starhawk class Battleship, 23x Nebulon-D, and an uncounted 'many' Twintail Starfighters have been sold. A significant portion fo the New Republic Navy.

One analyst based in the New Republic monitoring this situation said" “This unacceptable, he’s selling our ships for Kuat Drive Yards’ profit. The thought out our advanced proprietary vessels being in the hands of criminals is disgusting. He needs to be arrested!” "A different observer has also noted" “These are Republic faction assets we are talking about, they are not supposed to be in any other’s hands. Think about what could happen, these could be used against the Republic in some way. Perhaps they can be reverse engineered, or the criminals could sell them off. This is a drastic impact on our war-readiness. Regardless of whether or not Vaz knew Grace was a Crime Lord or not, this should not have happened when it’s clearly forbidden.”

"Right now Vaz is facing calls for impeachment on grounds of corruption and selling Republic property, and providing war material big time criminal. The government of Kuat has been urged to remove Senator Vaz from his post."
 

Grace Zann

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Knowing her best chance at acquiring more ships was on the line, Grace needed to act fast. Maybe a public message wouldn't help the senator, but perhaps it would convince others to support the Zann Consortium.

The woman sat in the captain's seat aboard the Starhawk battleship, one she had named 'The End of Days'. A pair of Pykes held camera up to her, as a Gand slicer operated a holonet transmitter. The stage was set to make a public message. One of the grunts would announce, "We're live in 3...2..."

"People of the New Republic, I am Grace Zann. My message to you all is quite simple. I purchased these ships fairly. I was unaware they were exclusive to the Republic military at the time, but that is besides the point. As part of my purchase, I made an agreement. That agreement was to never turn these ships against the Republic. Despite my reputation, I think you'll find I'm a fair businesswoman. I plan on keeping my end of the deal, so long as the Republic doesn't come looking to steal what I have legally purchased..."

The holovid would suddenly reveal a full-blown image of the massive fleet. Every missing ship could be accouted for, apart from the fighters.

"It's been a pleasure doing business you..."
 

Cassian Graves

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The clock tower at the center of Malgan Market struck twelve, signaling the conventional lunch hour on Onderon. Cassian sat quietly at his desk, feet propped up while he enjoyed—or more accurately— endured the bowl of flangth Kiacro had brought him half an hour ago. The Zeltron could hardly stomach the stuff and wondered how Flangth-2-Go had managed to stay in business for so long. Tomorrow he'd send out for his own food, personally.

Kiacro strolled into the Zeltron's office, datapad in hand and an unbothered expression on his face. "Did you see the news?"

"News?" Cassian echoed the Bivall's words, only half listening as he absentmindedly watched a rerun of Gamorrean Girls.

"About the senator selling ships to a known crime lord tied to the syndicates?"

Cassian gagged on his food. "What?" he spluttered, catapulting forward in his seat and reaching for the nearest electronic device. "How did OCD not know about this? Get me—"

Kiacro decided to put his employer out of his misery. "The Senator of Kaut, sir."

The two men stared at one another in silence, neither of them blinking. "Kuat?"

"Kaut," the Bivall nodded.

Cassian flopped back into his seat, allowing himself a shaky laugh as he ran a hand through his dark hair. Blue eyes remained fixed on his assistant. "At least it wasn't us this time."

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Nahri Nalju

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Nahri made it a habit to watch the HoloNet at least a few hours a day. Anyone who wanted to hold any sort of power needed to be aware of current events. But this one, she had to confess, more than most, was just bizarre. She knew the major shipwrights of the galaxy all dealt with the Syndicates on some front, but most knew how to keep it discreet. Even her. The Senator from Kuat was either trying to get caught, or was just embarrassingly incompetent. Either way, it was hard to see how such a being was even capable of being fairly elected.

But as strange as his decision was, it wasn't as odd as the woman who was now showing off her entire battle fleet, as if to say to all the galaxy, 'I'm a threat and you should probably kill me now.' "What did she say her name was again?" Nahri said over a glass of some manner of luminescent alcoholic beverage.

"Grace Zann, I believe, ma'am," said Ranami, her personal assistant. "She's said to be the leader of the Zann Consortium."

"And she didn't change her name?" Nahri arched a brow, then shrugged. Some people could never escape the names their parents gave them. Even someone with enough wealth to apparently purchase an entire fleet of New Republic ships. "A tragedy. If I were her, that would be a better use of my money."

"Do you wish to put out a statement, ma'am?"

"About her name? Or her hair? Which is the bigger crime, in your opinion?"

"I was referring to the illegal possession of Republic military equipment. Perhaps even the Senator's treason to his country."

Nahri rolled her eyes dramatically and waved away her assistant's suggestion as though she were batting away a fly. "Don't be ridiculous, Ranami. I'm not a politician. I don't have to posture near as much as they do." Then, a thought crossed her mind like a shadow. Red crept into her eyes, just slightly enough that it could have been mistaken for a glare from the screen. "But this does present an opportunity for us, doesn't it? Get the new Chancellor on the line. I haven't had an opportunity to congratulate our new friend, yet. And perhaps he would be willing to talk business. After all, it seems Kuat Drive Yards is not as trustworthy as they used to be." @Braden
 

The Storyteller

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Following the recent news release regarding the findings of an investigation into Senator Vaz of Kuat, the Royal House of Naboo has been made aware of references to Her Majesty, Queen Réillata, in the popular press. Whilst we can confirm that Her Majesty did attend a meeting with Senator Vaz, she did not attempt to purchase New Republic ships.

An offer to purchase ships was made by Senator Vaz, which Her Majesty declined, and cautioned the Senator against. Queen Réillata expresses her regret that the Senator did not follow her cautionary advice in this instance.

Queen Réillata household made the following statement:

"Whilst visiting Kuat Drive Yards to speak to the representatives of Kuat to negotiate a potential sale of mass-market vessels to bolster the starfighter squadrons of the Naboo, Senator Vaz did make an offer to sell larger, restricted purchase items. Her Majesty immediately declined this offer, aware that the items on the table were New Republic technology."

"Her Majesty has requested that a copy of the Royal Schedule to the Sector Rangers, which has since been referenced in the press. Furthermore, the Theed Authorities have ensured a list of all staff in the Royal Protection detail on this date has been made available for questioning on this occasion."

"It is important to stress that no sale of restricted New Republic technology, or any technology for that matter, took place. Naboo shall be seeking a new commercial partner for the expansion of its Starfighter wings."

The Royal Household extends its wishes that the investigation into Senator Vaz proceeds, and is pleased to provide any and all records needed to ensure a swift prosecution in this case.

ENDS
 

Alexandria Voran

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Alex smiled behind her desk. Jon kept the Council informed of his work with Alton. It was disheartening the watch the Republic sell vessels to a crime syndicate. What had she hoped? The Chancellor had thrown out the Jedi and shaken hands with the Sith on pure ideological differences? That perhaps she could still win him over? This revealed a darker truth. The Republic’s Alex was just like the rest. Motivated by greed and power. Whatever it took to line his pockets without facing the greater needs to the galaxy. Despite herself, the smile was genuine. For once, the Jedi were not plastered over the holonet. She sent out a short message to be harried to the various news stations.

“The Supreme Chancellor brands us criminals but permits the sale of warships to an organization known for black markets, piracy, racketeering, bribery and extortion. The Republic may claim ignorance but how could they not know a world at their very heart sold Republic arms to the highest bidder? They knew. They simply did not care until the galaxy shared that knowledge. A harsh truth. If it will make the rich richer it is not a crime. If it is for the good of the galaxy, the Republic cares not at all. We remain here for the people of the Republic...not their politicians.”

The people of the galaxy clearly were not the concern of the Chancellor. Money and power drove the Republic as it always had.

 
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Nicolas Clément

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The Office of the Senator of New Alderaan issues a statement. "On behalf of the government of New Alderaan, we wholeheartedly condemn Senator Vaz for selling war material to a criminal organization and then trying to cover it up, and egregious amount of corruption? Did the Kuat Senator comprehend the wide complications of this act, empowering the dangerous criminal Five Syndicates? We urge the leaders of Kuat to remove the Senator from their post." They should anyway, this whole sandal is lowering Kuat's reputation across the galaxy and in the Republic. Vaz isn't royalty or part of Kuati aristocracy is he? That's more reason for Kuat not to protect him

"We also whole heartily condemn in the harshest language possible Grace Zann for *knowingly* purchasing Republic capital ships. If they were 'unaware' why was there even a coverup in the first place? And then responding with threats against the Republic if they take back their rightful, legal property?" Nicolas doesn't buy it, and neither would any rational person he thinks.

And a more general statement "In response to all of this, New Alderaan will make sure that it's own native companies do through background checks going forward for military-grade hardware." This will affect the New Alderaan Royal Engineers notably, if any criminals come to them seeking military-capable vessels, they will not be able to purchase them. "And I suggest other shipwrights do the same thing going forward."

"On that point in the interests of cooperation, we will also reach out to officials in the ISC, as these criminals present a mutual concern to us. And we will reach out to New Republic officials as well." Although New Alderaan is in the far galactic east, it's still an Outer Rim world, just like the non-core parts of ISC space. Reaching out will be prudent.

" And Lastly, In addition, New Alderaan will once again increase our defense budget in response to the growing power of these crime syndicates getting their hands on battleships, frigates, and high-grade starfighters. New Alderaan's forces will not find itself be outgunned, outnumbered, and outclassed by mere criminals. "

End of statement. That is a lot to take in. Seeing the trouble-some going ons in the galaxy, with the Syndicates and Sith, New Alderaan is looking to strengthen it's own position. Perhaps it can be the most powerful of the Free Worlds yet...

 

Alexander Xerxes

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It was a shouting match between reporters as Alexander walked into the press room at the Senate building. A dozen languages were fired in his direction, the translator that flanked the walls trying to catch every word being asked. But Alexander would not be answering the questions of the press today, no he was here for a statement. The cameras were already rolling as the Supreme Chancellor stepped up to the podium, microphones pointed at him like daggers.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the Republic.The reports brought forward by our diligent Sector Rangers is indeed alarming, Senator Du was although new was a respected man within our Senate and this has come as quite a shock to myself and my government. I have already called for an independent review of this matter and will update the people with its outcome as soon as I am able.”

“I would like to remind all, both within our borders and outside of them. That Kuat Drive Yards is an Independent company within the New Republic and not the New Republic itself. Any dealings both legal and illegal that they have carried out is only a reflection on themselves and not our government. Grandmaster Voran only a few short weeks ago tried to tell the galaxy that the actions of two Jedi did not reflect the entirety of the Jedi Order. But today wishes to paint the entire New Republic Government with the brush of one man. A reminder that the Jedi seem to only see things in black and white, you are either for them or against them.”

“Now finally, Miss Zann. These ships you claim to have ‘purchased’ legally were not for purchase. No matter any ‘agreement’ you made with Senator Du these items are Republic property and ownership of such items is deemed an illegal act under Galactic Law. I am sure a woman of your reputation understands what I mean. As such, I ask that these items are returned to Kuat at du haste, the board at Kuat have been informed to refund you your full purchase price, upon return of the ships. If these are not returned further action will be sought.”

“Thank you and goodbye.” The reported leapt into a frenzy shouting questions at Alexander as he walked away from the podium and out through a side entrance away from this mess and into another.
 
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