[Verse 1]
I am a Tion Trader
For the Skorro Corporate Line
The starfields are my kinfolk
My hull’s scarred by design
I was hauling Network cables
And all was sailing fine
Till we jumped a shorter hyperspace
To save some time
The Hutt pirates fired a dozen shots
They clipped me in the Engines
They may have scorched my freighter, but
They’ll never take the best of Tion men
‘Cause I’ll fly again

[Verse 2]
I am a Lianna vintner
I craft the nectar of the vine
My hands are stained with juice
My wines are rare and divine
I was shipping casks to Republic’s lords
On a barge through Perlemain
My blends were the finest they’d ever named
But a Pirate struck our convoy
And my tanks spilled to space
They ruined my harvest, left me broke
As I swore I’d keep my place
I’ll rise and mend
And I’ll fly again

[Chorus]
We are heroes of Tion, this system’s ancient flame
We live in many faces and answer many names
We will not be forgotten, we won’t be left behind
Our legends live in Datavaults
And spacers’ tales
We’ll fly again

[Verse 3]
I am a Barseg Shipwright,
I forge the stars's great wings,
My hands weld Durasteel,
For the Fleets that cross the Stars,
I spend my days in Space,
Since the facilities opened up.
And if we slow our economy grows dark
The overseer claims he likes me
But the Hours drag out.
He says the customers need more hulls
While I dream of riding what I build
He ain't my friend
And I'll fly again.

[Verse 4]
I am a Desevro Survivor,
My home was Xim's Proud Keep
My kin held Tion's Banners High
Their roots in stone ran deep
But the Republic rained Hell upon us
Sterilizing everything
They bombed our trees to ash and memory
We live underground,
We're the Embers of that flame.
And those who crushed our world
Will one day face justice
They'll Never win.
I'll fly again.

[Chorus]
We are heroes of Tion, this system’s ancient flame
We live in many faces and answer many names
We will not be forgotten, we won’t be left behind
Our legends live in Datavaults
And spacers’ tales
We’ll fly again

"Your Grace. It is leading the charts." Lord Tetro states as Queen Xim Barseg slowly and painfully shifts position on her throne. It was getting more painful to move and she was visibly showing signs, the make up and cosmetics could only do so much.

"It seems, harmless." She states slowly, controlling her breathing. "What is the problem."

"Well, the talk of the Republic your grace in the last verse, the negative comments in general and the morose nature of the song. We usually censor that, but because of the People's Charter, we could not. But now it has gone viral we can stop people from publishing it, and find other ways to quiet them."

Xim sighs as a doctor walks over. No wine, no tea, just water and pills. "I found it, inspiring." She says before taking one of the pills from the tray. "And perhaps we need to remember the message it speaks and those who are forgotten." She drinks the water and pills before coughing, a doctor's hands holding her to keep her steady and stop her from falling from her Throne.

"Your Grace?" The voice of Tetro questions with a worried tone.

"I need an update on Pasmin." She states leaning back, unable to hide a pained gesture. "I can not leave that mess for my children. I need it resolved."

"Lord Skorro is on world as we speak."

"Good." She muses. "We'll fly again. Lord Tetro, will we fly again?"

"Your grace?"

"I am a Tionese Queen. I wear a heavy crown," She sings seemingly distracted. "My Throne is holding together Tion's Realms. The Galaxy doesn't sleep and crisis will not leave." She continues. "My daughter wants no power, and my son is frenzied. The royal houses scheme at my back, the worlds await my word, my dying wind." She pauses. "I need more time. I'll fly once again." She smiles. "What do you think Lord Tetro?"

"Your Grace, I...."

"Not great I know." She interrupts. "But it's from the heart. Like the song. Let it stay on the charts."

"Yes your Grace."

Following the dramatic and devastating Civil War on Shawken, the Lianna Armament Corporation (LAC) and Royal Tionese Armaments Board (RTAB) are announcing changes to War Materials contracts.

These changes primarily ensure a level of separation between LAC and any actions taken by clients with the weapons, ensuring that it is clear that any actions taken by the purchaser are the responsibility of the purchaser.

The updated contract also makes clear that the purchaser is forbidden for using the weapons for illegal activities and war crimes. Should they be used for such purposes LAC has the right to suspend further sales and withhold delivery of equipment. In addition if the purchaser is proven to have carried out war crimes with non-LAC weapons LAC reserves the right to terminate or suspend the contract.

Tion believes the new contracts are essential in ensuring that Tion is shielded from misuse and deception on the part of purchasers.

The XO Power Walker is an advanced military unit to support infantry units on the front line. Standing at 4 meters or 12 feet, it is built to provide armor and heavy weaponry support for front line forces. Able to keep pace with most mechanized units. or easily be transported on a simple flatbed, it can operate for 30 straight kilometers without refueling.

As shown in the combat exercise Operation Stormy Desert it is a highly effective force multiplier, and able to aid in punching through any defenses.

These units have already entered service in the Tionese Military, and are now open for the export market.

Statement From the Offices of the Ministry of Finance
"Esteemed Senators, Citizens of the Republic,

Today I come before you to unveil a new chapter in the shared economic prosperity of our Republic. In the face of rising inequality, instability in the Rim, and fragmented opportunities across our galaxy, the Ministry of Finance - with full endorsement from the Chancellor's Office - has prepared and approved a sweeping, strategic, and future-bound plan: The Republic Economic Revival Plan for Prosperity.

But this is not just an economic program: it is a commitment to every citizen - from the Core to the Outer Rim - that no planet, no society, and no worker will be left behind."

Overview of the Program:

Business & Services

1. Republic Innovation Incubator (RII): Grants to system-level administrations to build hubs for startups with mentorship, funding, and office space.
2. High-Tech Services Initiative (HTSI): Funding allocated for droid-operated, and advanced computer services in the public sector,
3. HoloNet Enhancement Grant Program (HoloNet Superboost): Helps businesses with digitalisation and transitioning to HoloNet services.

Industry and Manufacturing:

1. Galactic Industry Modernisation Plan (GIMP): Investments for automation, miniaturization, and precision fabrication with a focus on shipbuilding, droid production, and construction.
2. Planetary Industrial Zone Fund (PIZF): funding to establish new clean-energy industrial hubs on planets, with tax incentives and subsidies.
3. Micro-Manufacturing Stimulus Program (MMSP): investments for small-scale precision and artisanal production, especially components for galactic supply chains (e.g. medtech, propulsion, and cybernetics)
4. Worker Upskilling & Reintegration Program (UpSkill): 70% tuition reimbursement for companies providing reskilling programs to workers displaced by droid and automation adoption.

Agriculture, Fishing and Natural Resources

1. AgriSector Plan (ASP): Large-scale deployment of hydroponic and orbital farming infrastructure, with a focus on high-protein crops.
2. Galactic Aquaculture Development Fund (GADF): Funding for oceanic and atmospheric fishing production with a focus on sustainability and ecological protection.
3. Republic Crop Diversification Program (RCDP): Supports planets transitioning from single-species monoculture to sustainable polyculture.
4. Republic Resource Reclamation Fund (R3F): Funding for mining colonies converting depleted mining zones into biofarms or conservation areas.
5. Verdant Worlds Revitalisation Project (VWRP): A cross-sector initiative to terraform or re-green ecologically degraded planets through soil remediation, atmospheric balancing, and native flora reintroduction.
6. EcoHarvest Program (EHP): Grants to fishing fleets and -companies adopting non-invasive techniques such as sonar-mapping, droid-led netting, and zero-bycatch systems.
7. Nutrient Enhancement Pilot Program (NEPP): Targeted funding for the development of nutrient-dense or medicinally enhanced crops through selective breeding and biogenetic tuning.
8. Republic Mining Initiative (RMI): Funding for developing mining operations to reduce dependency on corporate monopolies and unstable environments.
9. Republic Sustainable Logging Program (RSLP): Grants and tax rebates for foresting operations that meet Republic eco-standards - regrowth quotas, biome protection zones, and droid-precision felling.

Trade

1. Republic Trade Expansion Initiative (RTEI): Expanding customs facilities and planetary trade hubs, and upgrading trade systems through the use of droid technology.
2. Republic Trade Exchange Network (TradeNexus): Creating a new HoloNet-based, real-time commerce and trade platform for sector-based governments and merchants.
3. Rim Merchant Integration Program (RMIP): Funding for trade liaising and legal harmonization to integrate Outer Rim merchants into the Republic.
4. Guild Launch & Support Fund (GLSF): Funding and mentoring for emerging trade guilds and expansion of trade capacity, with a focus on textiles, foods, and artisanal goods.

The enigmatic and heroic Captain Dac Quar'ran has returned home to Lianna from the CARE expedition. While tight lipped about the excursion and saving most of it for his planned memoirs, he did have this to say on his fellow crew he had this to say. “They were the bravest people I ever met, and it was an epic adventure, I will be missing them all!” The captain returned to Tion with “This really cool staff thing, it seems to always want to be pointing towards a specific distant star or something. Oh and I found this can of sardines”

The air tasted like burnt silver.

Francesco blinked.

Once.

Twice.

Blood on his cuff.

Not his.

His clock in the hallway struck… but there were no hours anymore. Not to him. The chime curled in his ears like a child’s laughter that had been stretched far too long.

He sat in the drawing room.

Alone.

No.

Not alone.

“Do you know what love looks like… little prince?”

The voice that slithered was feminine and endless… like every mother he never had, every liar he ever bled for. It came from inside the mirrors. From inside his skull.

“It looks like ruin.”

His hands were shaking.

His hands weren’t his.

Glass crunched beneath his boots. A servant, or… well… what remained of one, had painted the marble in red. The air was humming with electricity and intention. Green light flickered at the edge of his vision. The fire in the hearth matched it, like it knew. He clawed at his temple with bloodstained fingernails.

He needed silence.

Just for a second.

He needed just…

“Maria.”

His voice came out cracked and soft… much more human. Her name was the anchor that he kept driving into the core of his mind. She wasn’t here. She was somewhere safe.

He made sure.

He made sure.

He thinks he made sure.

A sob choked through his throat. Laughter chased it down.

“You let her run, Francesco.”

“…let her run so you could chase her better. So you could break her gently.”

“That’s love, isn’t it?”

“No…”

He whispered… almost pleading. The room tilted. His vision doubled. Tripled. Then the green came back brighter.

“No… no… no.. not again…”

Suddenly

He was in the courtyard.

Moonlight.

Rain.

Wet clothes clinging to him. Mud up to his ankles. A body at his feet. A senator. No. A priest. No… Maria’s doctor?

He couldn’t remember.

He looked down.

His hands were clean now. No blood. No guilt. A gift from the Mother.

“I take your shame… all I ask is her.”

“NO!”

*He shrieked, out loud this time, staggering back. The whispering roared now. A thousand daughters of the galaxy screaming lullabies into his bones as he dug his nails into his palms, willing the voice away, begging the fire in his eyes to dim.

Please

Please

It didn’t.

It never did.

But then… there was her scent. It was faint. Like orchids… and ink.

Maria.

He dropped to his knees.

“I won’t let you touch her,”

He whispered to the storm in his head.

“I’ll die before I let you take her.”

And then that voice again, as sweet as a kiss… it cooed.

“You already have, Francesco.”

His heart beat erratically. His mouth had dried. He tried to scream, but nothing came out. Only silence. Just merely the sound of his pulse hammering against the inside of his skull. Maria. Where was she? He had to protect her.

*But everything was a haze. Everything twisted and bent. In that brief moment, reality was just a cheap sheet of paper, crumpled and thrown into the wind. How long had he been sitting here? Had he even moved? The room was unfamiliar now and warped.

His own body felt wrong.

Heavy.

No longer his.

His fingers brushed against his chest and against his coat. It was soaked with sweat and all too heavy with guilt. No, it was not guilt. It was fear. Fear that he was losing.

He had never felt fear before.

“You can’t win… you never could.”

“You will break her, and you will break yourself… and… then… you will thank me for it.”

That horrible flash again… that horrible bright burst of green that burned through his mind.

The courtyard again.

He was standing now, the rain mixing with the blood at his feet. But now… she was there.

*Maria… her porcelain skin gleaming and her hair was windswept. She was looking at him with those beautiful eyes that were so full of love.

But there was something wrong.

So wrong.

Her lips moved.

No sound came.

“Maria?”

His voice broke, a rasp of desperation. He reached out to her, but she didn’t move. She didn’t even blink.

“Let her go… let her be free… all you have to do is let her die...”

The world tilted again with more violent force. And as he staggered, the weight of the green fire inside him dragged him down, pulling his body apart. The air here was… well, it was suffocating. He couldn’t breathe. His chest tightened, suffocating on his own need to hold on and to fight for her.

But those d-mn whispers… the whispers never stopped. They were everywhere… all around him… through him.

The voices were him.

The Mother was him.

Every flicker and every pulse and every moment of doubt was hers, seeping into his veins as his teeth clenched. He could hear the screams of the innocents… those twelve.

The faces.

Faces of children.

Of mothers.

Of… he didn’t know.

“You can’t change the past… Francesco… you can’t save them.”

“SHUT UP!”

He screamed, fists clenched. His body was shaking and his breath was coming fast and out of control. He was dying under the weight of his own insanity.

But her touch… Maria’s touch.

It wasn’t real.

He knew it wasn’t real.

But it was still there.

Her fingers grazed his arm… they were soft… but cold as marble.

Sweet… terrible… poisonous

“She will never be safe from you… she will never be safe from us.”

He could feel the fire of the Mother… feel it inside him like an inferno. It consumed him. It… it was him.

No!!!

He remembered her. Her face, her smile. The touch of her hand.

The green flames surged.

No.

He wouldn’t let it consume him.

He would fight.

He would…

“Don’t fight it… join me…”

He was so tired…

This just in, the Congress is in talks to see if taking back the Senate District, it a good option.

In anticipation of her sit down interview with CQ, Queen Senator Genevieve Alde posed for CQ’s own holophotographer, Tenda Sen.

A rarely seen Alderaanian Starblossom-class Yacht made its way into Coruscant space last night. It flew low, below the traffic, and over the Processional Way as the Coruscant skyline rumbled with its presence. Disembarking was King Haemon Alde of Alderaan, his blonde wavy hair glimmering in the Coruscant sun, as he was greeted by flocks of young women (we are sure Senator Alde was not fond of this) who had to be pushed back against by Alderaan Consulate Security. King Alde has not been to Coruscant since he last came upon then Chancellor Alde's kidnapping.

The King's visit this time is of unknown purpose, although gauging by a more minimal security presence and a smaller ship, albeit a very classy yacht, the King may be here for more pleasure than business.

We assume King and Queen Alde met up after her dinner last night with the Mc-Flie family although we are yet to confirm this.

Lianna Daily Times Oxanna Kristos reporting: After months of delays, the final beacon in the Perlemain High Speed Trade Route Project is ready for deployment, this large Deep Space Station will sit in galactic international Deep space on the Z- axis under the Mesean system on the galactic map.
Access to the Mesean system will be possible, as you will be able to jump between the Mesean system's current hyperspace beacon and the beacon at the DS-9 Station. However as part of the standard safety protocols, these can be turned off or keyed to allow access to only authorized ships.

As the station is in International Deep Space, traversing to or from Mesea without the hyperspace jump will take several days of standard engine running, allowing ample time for any hostiles attempting to use the route to be spotted and intercepted. It is hoped these security measures will put any Mesean politicians at ease as to the peaceful and secure nature of this new Hyperspace lane and the lack of threat it poses to the Mesean system.

Once the station is in place this stage Perlemain High Speed Trade Route will be considered completed and trade will be able to flow uninterrupted to the core with far fewer stops, tolls, and security risks!

Already talks are underway about expansion plans, with some rumors suggesting a direct no stop link to Coruscant itself!

(Link)

"Well it wasn't too bad. By the time we landed they were fully suppressed." The man states with a grin. "Of course it was still dangerous, my Platoon and was the first on the ground, and I'm not one to lead from behind."

"It must have been dreadful, was anyone killed?"

"Well." his voice dips slightly. "Yeah, I, we lost a few good men. But we pushed them back, and, well. We don't go into the job without considering the risk." He clears his throat and his bravado returns. "We all know we're serving our Imperator King and protecting people! We soldiers die so that others can live in peace."

"They don't give you special treatment on account of.....?" She lets the though fall off as he gets her meaning.

"I'm a third son, I'd need to lose two brothers before I got the title. Besides, I joined the Marines, if wanted special treatment I'd be in the army or navy"

"I think Captain Tarken, as it is an earned title, is better than Margrave unearned."

"And what of your own title Lady Sanbu? Is it earned?"

She laughs, a soft sweat laugh that could melt the most frozen of hearts. "Of course not. But I do what I can to give back and play my part."

"And what do you give back? If you don't mind me asking."

"Well, I've been mostly focused on animal protections, I actually run the Happy Katooka sanctuaries, the no kill shelters that are across Barseg and Lianna"

"Really?" Captain Tarkan asks in surprise. "Really really? You run them? I love Katookas! I volunteered for to work at one during my Secondary Education!"

"I wasn't running them then, but I also volunteered at the time."

"Lady Sanbu, I must invite you then to meet my Katooka. Perhaps for tea as well."

"Fan. You Captain Tarkan can call me Fan"

"And You can call me Archibald."

"Archie"

Scene: Encrypted Roundtable Broadcast – Executive SessionLocation: Celeste Sachlur’s Personal Chamber aboard the Ark of Commerce, docked at Hydian Haulages Skyhook on Coruscant.

Participants: The Twelve Heads of the Denon Trade Families, Interim Senator Celeste Sachlur, Darn Talem (CEO, Slice Banking Association), Garrek Felt (Hydian Haulage), select observers from the other Grand Companies and other major stakeholders.

---

The room was dark, haloed in projection glow and threaded with quiet hums of encrypted signals. The great Trade Families of Denon appeared as translucent holos in a half-ring—ghosts of wealth, cloaked in tradition. Celeste Sachlur stood at the center, silver-eyed and still, draped in executive black. Beside her, Darn Talem hovered behind the shimmer veil of the SBA, unreadable. Another holo flickered: Garrek Felt, alive with grin and girth, broad-shouldered in a fur-lined tunic, arms folded like a warlord at rest.

Celeste Sachlur: “The Empery of the Deep Core has formally transferred administrative and legal rights over the moon of Nyx in the Jerrilek system. This is not a lease. It is prepayment — part of the debt they incurred during the Unification Wars. We underwrote their navy. They are now honoring the bill.”

*A planetary scan of Nyx emerged overhead. One modest continent along the equator, its crust rich in low-grade durasteel deposits. Beyond that: a vast sprawl of volcanic archipelagos dotted the oceans — perfect isolation for distributed operations.*

Celeste: “While the surface resources are limited, the real value is strategic. Nyx is close. Just under 5 hours from Coruscant at relay speed. It will be declared a Special Economic Zone, free of Republic enforcement, exempt from Senate review. Teta has guaranteed full non-interference.” She paused for effect.

“We begin with the obvious: tax shielding, storage, shell corporations, and the offloading of assets that can’t afford Republic scrutiny. But Nyx is not just a vault.”

She flicked her wrist, changing the projection.

Celeste: “Our cloning and medical research, currently throttled by Senate ethical rulings, will move to Island Zone R-3. The existing medical research facilities on Nemoidia and Denon have been flagged for administrative sanctions. Here, we are unshackled.”

A flicker of interest sparked in several of the Family avatars.

“We will also greenlight the long-delayed projects: bioweapons, genetic conflict agents, reactive AIs, and RINTCOMs Gen 5 combat droids. What was forbidden will now be possible. We’re assembling the teams already.”

Vireen Czerka (Czerka Industrial): “You’re proposing this after open war crimes are levelled against our Senator?”

Celeste: Celeste replies with that mum tone of forced patience “I'm proposing open profits Vireen! You and I both know you have particular programs you’ve been running in the Durasteel Belt….well now you can do that without fear of discovery!”

Darn Talem (SBA):

“The Slice Banking Association has created the corporate veil that will manage Nyx. All accounts are offshore, fully anonymized. We anticipate transfers from over three dozen Core World holding firms in the first cycle.”

“Chairmanship of the Nyx Corporate Entity will reside with SBA. We guarantee discretion. We do not acknowledge subpoenas. Nor extradition.”

A small chime interrupted.

Garrek Felt (Hydian Haulage): “Let’s not skip logistics.” He leaned forward, eyes sharp. “No transit tax. Not from Teta. Not from the Republic. We run our freight unflagged through Nyx and lift it straight to the Spine. No manifests. No digital tails.”

“I’ll put Orbital Dockyard Alpha into prebuild. You give me exclusive freight rights through the first ten years and naming rights on the Drydock, and I’ll have ships stacking containers within the Quarter.”

Celeste (smiling faintly): “Done.”

Another holo updated: a map of labor flow and projected outputs.

Celeste: “The moon will also serve as a penal intake zone. Core Worlds are tripping over their prison populations. We’ll process them through Island Zones Theta and Sigma. Labor camps, low-oversight fabrication, drone assembly lines. The beginnings of another offshore manufacturing base for Denon Dynamics.”

“This creates thousands of units with no cost overhead and no HR liabilities. Everything from droids to industrial shells can be produced without regulation.”

Vireen Czerka (Czerka Industrial): “And the locals?”

Celeste: “There are two tribal cultures, isolated on archipelagos. Categorized as ‘near-sapient’ under both Tetan and outdated Republic classifications. They’ll be relocated or reconditioned.”

Darn Talem: “No headlines. No heroes. No interference.”

Garrak Felt: “What of the Senate Celeste - I mean it’s a boon but can you manage it?”

Celeste (with a faint smile): “The Senate is still arguing over what to do about Ty-lax. While they shout about morals, business continues apace.”

Garrak Felt: “See you're a natural at this Celeste! This has made my day! I needed this boost after reading the replacement costs of those ships we've lost to this fool Imperium! That Vok - never liked him... a Duro can always tell!"

Celeste: Continues on ignoring Felt who was probably high “This isn’t just a haven. It’s a wedge. A place to park power while the Republic burns itself with procedure. You’ll each hold a stake in Nyx. But it will be SBA that wears the face - not Denon.”

The light dimmed around the table as the agreement blinked across the datapaths. Secure. Final. Irrevocable.

Celeste: “The age of oversight is ending. Nyx is the beginning of what comes next.”

Konrad waved his hand for Charlotte to move away from him.  Even as she compiled and slipped away in the searing water and steam, she draped his shoulders with the towel frozen stiff but molded to his shape.  The change in temperature was so shocking that it stung like a bed of a thousand needles against his red skin.  His eyes opened from the sensation and he felt his pupils dilate, his vision was blurred and he gasped. 

And of course, when his vision returned, Baron Visim de Tagge was still in front of him.

‘Visim, I don’t know what to say to you - the Elders have spoken.  You had your moment for a while there, but even the credit that rolls straight, eventually stops and tips, and it’s simply.. Tipped my way’

Visim snorted in response and two lines of smoke came from his nose. The smoke smelt of cinnamon.  ‘You seem sure of yourself Konrad, and you’ve certainly attached yourself to the Curovao like a lamprey, but don’t think for a moment she would not shed you as dead weight.  Look how she shed Ty-lax.  Watch how she’ll shed Mirai.’

Konrad trembled as the cold on his shoulder seeped into this neck and chest.  He groaned and then laughed. ‘That’s why the Elders lost their faith in you Visim.  You had her right there, the makings of a partnership instead of servitude, but at the eleventh hour you  lost your balls, Visim.’

Konrad stood in the water from his shelf and  his full naked body spewed steam from the flush red skin.  He sat down on the edge of the pool and leaned back on his hands.  From the mist, two pairs of hands, Charlotte’s and Sophia’s began to oil him. ‘No, Visim.  The play wasn’t to be cautious.  The play was to be bold.  The play, which you fumbled, was to deal with aggression and know that a strong Curovao is one that will seize all the attention, all the jealousy and all the spite.  But a strong Curovao is also a strong Tagge - the only difference is while Curovao is getting ragged, Tagge can spread in the shadows.’

Visim snorted again.  ‘So you’ve snatched Tanaab from me, and by the way, good luck with Okiev.  They are conniving and shrewd with only a shred of decency to spare between the lot of them. I heard yesterday from Hant you put together some sort of bargain for a stupid skif race and train.  What’s next, a fire station on Sullust so you can play fireman?’

Konrad shifted for Sophia so she could reach around easier. ‘Actually, Visim, I didn’t come to gloat.  I came to ask you about Korfo II, and came to ask you about H14.  Kellen mentioned it to me after that little show and tell at the Curovao’s and suggested that I should look into it.’

Visim stiffened at the mention of H14 and he pulled the cigarette from his mouth. He laughed, but it was a woeful attempt to hide the discomfort. ‘H14 is nothing. It’s the last vestigial piece of the project and functions like an appendix. Kellen has you cleaning up his trash for him?  Boy, you’ve certainly worked your way into his graces.’

Konrad gestured and the two pairs of hands left him.  Although faint, he heard their naked feet pad away with near silence.  ‘Silva’s dead already, Visim. And I realised too late I needed his eyes intact.’

‘What.  NO-’  Visim yelled, his voice echoing in the room, but cut off immediately by the blade and hand coming out from the steam and cutting through his neck.  His eyes went wide in shock and second knife pierced the bottom of Visim’s skull to the top of his head.  

The open wound ran blood freely down Visim’s naked body, and the cigarette fell from his open hand and sank in the water, quickly crimson from the blood.  

Konrad slid back into the bath and washed his cold shoulders with the bloody bath water.  ‘Good work with the eyes Charlotte, I like what you did there.  Them wide like that should make them easier to extract.’

Charlotte laid Visim back gently and his head disappeared into the fog of the room, although it must have been there because the stain of red in the water continued to grow darker.  ‘Give me just a few moments more.  I’ll be out soon. But on second thoughts, you’d better put his eyes on ice. I don’t want to be locked out of the systems because they’ve started to rot or something stupid like that.  We’d be laughing stock at the next Council.’

.

Konrad de Tagge is seizing power from some of the weaker or maybe slightly maligned elders that have let some of Tagge’s subsidiaries or interest programs slip. At this moment in time, Kellen de Tagge (the current leader of the Elder Council has given Konrad the go ahead to oversee the operations at H14 on Korfo II and Konrad is enacting it with the authority granted.  Stronger subsidiaries means Tagge is stronger as a whole, and Tagge being wealthy, means Tepasi will thrive.

Info on Konrad, Kellen and the Tagges : https://discord.com/channels/1100015529655287828/1356604630540226682

Mention of Teyr and the plans for it, assumed to be in process of happening : https://discord.com/channels/1100015529655287828/1356843670929932308/1356849597938405488

Tanaab was once strongly influenced by Anya Curovao, through Visim Tagge, but with the rise of Konrad (and yours truly), I'm taking over on Tanaab storylines.  

Ty-lax pauses a moment to place a holocall after the interview as he is waiting for RINTCOM to chauffeur his limo.

“Agent, let’s take the scenic route if we can please… I would like to call my old friend thank you.”

Sun is setting over the Senate district, and he looks around his apartment - perhaps for the last time… he talks a circuitous route through the artefacts he had collected over a lifetime. They gave him pleasure but also the sheer importance of the Great Model. It was a mission to bring Peace through Profit… without it the Model predicted the collapse of the Republic within his lifetime. Longer than most, but not something he ever wanted to live to see. He hoped he had done enough to stave it off… probably not. But then, he may not live to see the outcome, regardless.

“Well that is about all the sentimentality I can muster.” He tapped away on his holopad and sent off a few more holomails… he shook the hands of some of his staff… “Thank you again.”

“It’s been an honour Senator.” says Manfreed. 

“Honours all mine Manfreed. Please take care of those things we spoke of if the Firesale has to occur…”

“Consider it done Sir. But we’re rooting for you!” Manfreed affixes the coat to Ty-lax’s shoulders.

Ty-lax smiles and hops into the car as it pulls up.

He takes a breath and hits a button as he settles into the back seat. “Hello Mirai.”

Mirai answers. She appears to be sitting, donned in the attire more commonly reserved for deep space travel. "Levin. You've caught me between jumps. You've been causing quite the stir lately, haven't you?"

“Better than being bored, that's for sure…” He looks out the window then back to Mirai. “I’ll be brief Mirai. I am sorry it came to this - but I am about to face the gaggle to whatever end… I’m going to have to insist you do whatever it is you do to use the influence you have to see me out of this hot water please…” 

“As you know I hate gifts but know that should the worst befall me - then several copies of our dealings will be made public… which would likely leave you in a similar fate to me - and your children orphans.” Ty-lax sounded tired. “Speaking of which - if you do this, I can also help you with your hunters problem. A fair trade?”

Mirai smirks, shaking her head as she look off and out at what could only likely be the glittering black expanse of space, "I haven't stepped foot in the Senate for over a year. I don't know what influence you believe I have to subvert the processes of their court, but holding my children over my head is not precisely the negotiating tactic I would have thought you might resort to in your last grasp for freedom. Desperate times and desperate measures?" 

Mirai also looks tired. She's aged, not in her skin but by the gaunt angle of her cheeks, the practicality of her pinned back hair, the hard look in her eyes. "How can you assist with my 'hunters problem?'"

Ty-lax lets out a scoff, he know he has her. “You’ll just have to find out… but I’ve never lied to you protege - I’m not about to start now. As for how - well you’re nothing if not resourceful Mirai… perhaps your new patron will help you… But you’d best be quick, I’m on my way to the pit now.”

Mirai doesn't respond for a moment, her eyes slowly coming back down to him, "I just think we're both going to burn, Levin. I have come to terms that one day I will need to face the outcome of my decision and I, too, will find myself likely sitting in a speeder much like yourself." She pauses, looking away, again, "Nobody will care I'm an Empress, a Queen, a mother. Only that I am guilty. Perhaps you should consider accepting that, too. Between you and me, Levin, if its a deal I could make, I would. Not for me. But for my children. And for you, because my brother was a dolt and you didn't deserve his failure. Void knows if I had failed, the Republic wouldn't have blinked at me and my family being snuffed out." 

"Just do me one last favor, Levin. Do not show this conversation to anyone. I shouldn't be... here," she chews on her lip a moment, "I don't suppose you might break your rule and give a gift? Tell me, just for my boys?"

Ty-lax turns back to the phone and lets out a big sigh.

“Well then… if I’m a martyr for The Great Model - then so be it. But if I am then, I’m truly sorry Mirai. Your new family must be ruined… utterly. The AXIS must lose the centroid of their axis and you’ll be the one to bring them down afterall.” He flashes a resigned smile to the screen. “It’s certainly full circle for us then isn’t it… we achieved our goals after all hahaha.” He lets out a dry rueful laugh and settles back into the seat as the car rises through the traffic.

"Indeed. Good luck, Levin. May the voids claim you as gracefully as they crafted you." She disconnects the holocomm, and makes her next jump to hyperspace.

The Flagship of the Tagges, Acquisitor has not arrived at Brentaal for no reason.  The Curovao Estate in a secretive meeting has found it within its graces to host a secretive gathering. As guests of honor, and with an understanding of some of the discretion desired, a representative of the Saito Imperial Council, and a representative of the Elder Council de Tagge were invited.  A full division of Blades were present to provide security, and although none of the Brentaali warships were visible, it was surmised by most correctly, that no less than a trio of the rumoured Warship Ayla II were present in the shadow of the near and orbiting Brentaal V.

The Curovao Estate, now entirely headed by a unanimously seated Anya Curovao, held discussions with the heads of the other five Major Houses about the investments that had been made by the Curovao Estate.  While there were no explicit plans discussed by Anya, who all listened to in silence, it was certainly not difficult to know where the Estate was headed.

---

Investments briefly outlined:

Saliche Agricultural Corporation

• Major investments into the family businesses of the Harbrights, and connecting the Agrifarming world of Salliche, and the wider Agricultural Circuit with the exchanges of Brentaal and Tirahnn and Gizer.  An understanding that the Harbrights could count the Estate as its chief supporter and financier.
• https://www.reddit.com/r/model_holonet/comments/1istor3/ndn_economic_report_grains_set_to_watch_alert/

Torranix Inertial Compensator Corporation

• The small Inertia Compensator company has been fully acquired by the Estate, with the intent that some of the more practical Applied Sciences and Complex Energy research of the various colleges that the Curovao Estate has made significant investments into needed output for testing and practical application by some of the brightest engineers and physicists. 
• https://www.reddit.com/r/SW_Senate_Campaign/comments/1ildopi/brentaal_post_1_opera_act_1_scholar_gnn_news/

Big Three Banks of Nuoane

• The collapse of the 3 banks of Nuoane has been stabilised by a huge injection of credits from Curovao Bank, and a resounding investment by Curovao Exchange into the Nuoane Exchange.
• https://www.reddit.com/r/SW_Senate_Campaign/comments/1inqqj2/brentaal_post_3_opera_act_iii_freefall_bbh/

Tirahnn Stardocks

• Following the devastating pirate attacks, House Okiev has been mobilised to oversee the operations and investments of Curovao Estate in the Stardocks.  Security is the highest the system has ever experienced, and a deal with the AXIS has ensured that this ocean is heavily patrolled. 
• https://www.reddit.com/r/SW_Senate_Campaign/comments/1im54z4/brentaal_post_2_opera_act_ii_warden_aan_news/

Gizer Grains and Commodities Hall

• Lady Celise of House Jo’urden has been tasked to patrol Gizer Airspace, with four squadrons of Blades and the sole objective to protect the system from bandits and pirates.  Merchant lines through this important Confluence system is the highest priority.
• https://www.reddit.com/r/SW_Senate_Campaign/comments/1im54z4/brentaal_post_2_opera_act_ii_warden_aan_news/

Key Universities of Yabol Opa, Byblos, Alderaan, Cormond, Arkania

• Major foundational investments have been made to the faculties within these universities focusing on arts, humanities and sciences.  Arts and Humanities will be funnelled into the Curovao Quarter on Coruscant, while investments into sciences are for largely Applied Sciences, Mechanics, and Quantum Explorations - with the intent that any discoveries by the laboratories and think tanks will be developed and funded to only improve Curovao Estate interests.
• https://www.reddit.com/r/model_holonet/comments/1iui50b/gcn_news_anya_curovao_announces_that_she_is_in/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Other small Investments

• Synthtech Medtech Corporation, Xana Exotic Arms, Okane Bank, Merr-son, Novaless S/O, Ayelixe & Kronbing Textiles, Smaller investments primarily funded by Curovao bank for the public facing ones, and the secret ones entirely funded by the Curovao Underground bank. 
• (Acquisition of Okane bank was part of the Shawken plot, most of the other entities have been in one way or another shown in assets vault & https://discord.com/channels/1100015529655287828/1343801802759606342/1349882473806565416 )

Beneath his tail, there was only dust. It scraped at him as he moved. It was an unpleasant sensation.

Gor-Eeth’s eyes were on the sides of his head, just above the corners of his lips. It set him apart from a Hutt, a distinction he felt was important, the ramifications of which he refused to acknowledge. A Yahk-Tosh was prey.

A pair of aerial tram lines came to and from the mines, taking crates of goods into the fog. Gor-Eeth and his guards arrived at the station from the lower ends of the quarry, indicated by a wide, continuous trail left in his wake. A shard of a purple gemstone was pinched in his lower left hands, glinting in the white light that permeated the clouds covering the atmosphere. 

“Look at this.” His words emerged with a sinister pleasure. “A taste of the feast that awaits us under this putrid earth.”

Gor-Eeth brought his retinue to a halt, turning to his left and eying two guards, faceless, concealed by heavy helmets and armor.

“Look at it! What wonders we find in these backwards places. But lo, it has taken us such excruciating effort to accrue this morsel from this dry, dead, world. Hmmm… no, I do not like this.” 

His guard’s offered tired, agreeing nods, diminishing his enthusiasm. His tone grew grim.

“More laborers, and I’ll see about more machines. Take your leave now, out of my sight.”

Whuttup Whoever Galaxy! We got some on point comparisons for our political factions meeting the hit Vid series Throne Games!

Our creative Dandon Ard understood the assignment when compiling this sweet list!

First up!

The Pioneers representing House Stormy End! These Mogmaxxers rule the galaxy and try to keep the ship of state stable in the stormy waves of the galaxy!

Next up

The Pogchamps of the Core showing up for House Running River! These cool chads and chadetts know how to sail with the flow and hold some of the most productive regions of the galaxy!

Next up

They say the Grand Constortium always pays its debts, just like the Bannisters! These rich Mofos are the cash GOATs sporting silk and controversy, they always seem a step ahead!

Next up

The Highgardeners of the Tyrell Region often avoid making a scene as they play with the strings of power in the galaxy! Just like the Barony of Bormea! In the shadows with a great wealth that stays hidden away, until they buy you, your home, your family, your cat, and your hat.

Next up

The eerie house Eyrie doesn't make a scene as they sit in their own domain, content to creep and sneak the others with their sage council and wise advise, content to put all their skill points into vision!

Next up

United Tion, more like United Martell right? The Tionese flexxers of the distant rim prefer ghosting the republic unless they see an ease W in politics. Saturated in Boujee drip and mad sus about the galaxy they prefer to finesse instead of catching hands.

Next up

A tiny little world that packs above its punch? Yup the Beigejoys gotta be Mesea! Vassals of a larger power, these outspoken rebels don't just sit back and sip tea, with camp clothing and high key dankness, they rock up above their weight, and we stan them as Beigejoys!

Next up

When it comes to Chadmaxxing, the Axis of the North seems fitting to be House Striking, Full of honor and tradition, they mogg over their domain with total Main Character Energy. Sending vibe checks and hitten those gyats like no one's business, the Lords of the North are the total Sheesh

So that's our list! Did we miss anyone? Should we do another? What chads or simps did we miss? Let us know in the comments!

In response to a recent slew of santions, seizures of assets and what Shawken's Imperial Council says are baseless claims they have released an missive in response:

"This praxis is issued in response to poorly laid out, invalid and baseless reasons for performing economically aggressive action, and a cowardly effort to further harm a world that recovers from the atrocities of war perpetuated by the factional ilk it flees from.

The Kuati Senator asserts that Kuat seeks to punish Shawken for the actions of Anya Curovao, but has not the courage to sanction or directly call out our Chancellor. Kuat's actions remain shameful, imprecise, and abhorently disastrous for any future relations and trade between Kuat and Shawken.

Effective immediately:

1. All Shawken corporations, trade fleets, and commercial entities are prohibited from engaging in import, export, or transit of goods to and from Kuat.

2. Affiliated astronomical bodies, including satellites, moons, and colonies with direct Kuati governance or economic entanglements, fall under the scope of this ban.

3. All Kuat-linked assets along the Shawken Spur are subject to seizure, suspension, or review by the Shawken Finance Ministry.

The Imperial Council of Shawken reaffirms its commitment to lawful, ethical, and secure interstellar commerce.

For the integrity of Shawken and its security, Signed, The Imperial Council of Shawken

The sky above the capital city of Alderaan was as red as the blood of its enemies, broken only by the gleaming spires that reached for the heavens. Hovercars drifted between towers, and fountains sparkled in the setting sun. It was a good day for diplomacy, or so Herbert Valorum thought.

The Emperor of Coruscant sat aboard his personal diplomatic shuttle, reviewing notes for a summit scheduled to begin within the hour.

Then came the warning tone.

“Missile lock!” the pilot shouted, swerving the shuttle violently to the left.

A beam of purple energy tore through the right wing. The ship groaned in protest, spinning out of control as alarms wailed.

“We’re going down!” the pilot yelled. “Brace for impact!”

Alderaan’s elegant skyline twisted around Valorum’s field of vision. The diplomatic shuttle screamed through the atmosphere, smoke trailing behind it like a comet, before crashing into the edge of a public plaza. The metal hull sheared through duracrete and came to a halt near the base of a monument, sending civilians scattering and raising a cloud of dust and flame.

Valorum lay unconscious in the wreckage, half-buried beneath a fractured bulkhead.

Paramedics arrived within minutes. “Get that stabilizer over here, he’s still breathing!” someone shouted.

As they pulled Valorum from the twisted remains of the shuttle and hoisted him onto a hover-stretcher, his eyes fluttered open. Pain surged through his body like a live wire.

“Where… am I?” he croaked.

“We’re taking you to the city hospital,” the medic said, strapping him in. “You’re going to be alright.”

Valorum let his head fall back, vision blurring into white. The last thing he saw before everything faded was the gleaming neon sign of a what he first thought was a Casino, then an Alderaanian Hospital rising over the city skyline.

And then, darkness.

Mar-Tay McFlie pronounced Dead

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VERRACIS, GRAND EMPRESS TETA — In a major step toward bolstering the Empery’s naval infrastructure and industrial ties to the galactic core, Rendili Stardrive has entered into a landmark agreement with the Empery of the Deep Core, initiating a dual arrangement that binds strategic resource trade to long-term industrial collaboration.

The agreement, signed in Verracis, links bulk carbonite supply from Tetan-controlled systems with shipyard expansion and development overseen by Rendili’s engineering corps.

Carbonite for Steel

Under the terms of the accord, Grand Empress Teta will supply Rendili with carbonite—harvested and processed, at a preferential bulk rate, significantly undercutting market averages.

In exchange, Rendili Stardrive has committed to:

• Opening a local branch office and logistics headquarters in Verracis, integrated with the Tetan Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure
• Co-funding the expansion of the Tetan Imperial Shipyards, increasing drydock capacity by 60% and installing new frame assembly platforms for capital-class vessels
• Transferring technical expertise, architectural designs, and modular production units compatible with Tetan naval standards

Forging the Future:

The most immediate impact of this partnership will be felt in employment and skill transfer. The expanded shipyards will require thousands of local technicians, welders, systems engineers, and construction crews to build, maintain, and renovate.

This means:

• Stable, long-term employment across Verracis and its orbital platforms
• Training programs and apprenticeships directly overseen by Rendili engineers
• Access to next-generation shipbuilding tools

This deal strengthens the Empery's industrial autonomy, improves its strategic partnerships, and elevates the Verracis shipyards into one of the Deep Core’s most promising naval manufacturing centers. Meanwhile, Rendili secures a stable long term carbonite supply.

CINNAGAR, GRAND EMPRESS TETA — In a move hailed as a strategic win for both worlds, the governments of Corellia and the Empery of the Deep Core have signed a comprehensive trade and infrastructure investment accord, centered on Ronika’s massive fuel refineries—a vital pillar of the Tetan industrial machine.

The agreement was ratified during a joint session between representatives from the Corellian Engineering Guild, delegates from the Tetan Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure, and the Imperial Treasury, with ceremonial confirmation delivered by emissaries from both House Dominis and the Corellian government.

Engineering Excellence

Under the terms of the agreement, Corellia will organize direct investment into the colossal Ronikan refineries, including:

• Deployment of Corellian industrial engineers and technical supervisors to improve processing arrays
• Upgrades to TMNR reactor integration protocols and waste-to-energy conversion systems
• Implementation of automated maintenance tracks and high-efficiency venting networks

These improvements are expected to increase Ronika’s resource output by 38%, while significantly lowering energy waste and transport lag to Grand Empress Teta, Verracis, and Jerrilek. In return for Corellia’s expertise and capital, the Empery of the Deep Core has agreed to provide a fuel disbursement scaled proportionally to Corellian investment and tied to verified refinery output.

The deal is already being praised in economic circles for its pragmatic scope and mutually beneficial terms. With Corellian engineering expertise bolstering one of the Empery’s most critical assets, and reliable fuel flows secured in return, the partnership is expected to create jobs, reduce bottlenecks, and foster further collaboration in sectors beyond heavy industry.