With all the attention given to the Army these days thanks to the HSC and the Squad Features done by my colleague I felt the need to put some of our top Navy Commanders. First on the docket is 1st Lieutenant Trevor Evenson, Squadron Commander of Nazgul Squadron. Welcome Trevor.

Howdy.

First off, the Navy has seen a burst of activity in the past couple months mainly due to an influx of new recruits, a number of returning veterans and the recent squadron realignment. Do you have any predictions as to how the activity levels will look over the next several months?

I feel that over the next few months we should see a slight rise in activity. The recruits we have coming in are great, and if we can find ways to keep them active and interested in the organization, they’ll definitely stick around and continue to be active. The squadron re-alignment definitely was a bit of a curve ball, as in some cases it took away good team work, but in other cases it gave the opportunity for better teamwork and increased activity because of it.

We’ll probably see the regular dip in activity as the holidays approach and people start to spend more time with fmaily and friends, but as a group we’ve come to expect this and can compensate for it by finding new ways to provide interest in writing through the holidays.

You mention keeping the new recruits active. With “burnouts” a common phenomenon in the VEN, are there any specific steps you take to avoid this in your squadron? Is there any advice you can give the new pilots on this matter?

Personally, I try to avoid pilot burnouts by not pushing too hard for a new post from every pilot, day after day. I do encourage longer posts, but at the same time I don’t force them out of my pilots. As for advice, I’d definitely say that they should try to make their posts enjoyable to do, and not a chore. I’ve been told that many times myself when I’ve felt burnt out, and sometimes changing your attitude towards a post or a story in general can make posting on it much easier. If you find that you’re wanting to post but can’t seem to muster one, take a break and read a good book, or try listening to music that relates to what you’re writing. something up-beat for an action-packed post, something a little calmer for character development. Music can work wonders with the mind.

Any particular music choices you turn to for such inspiration?

When I’m writing a post that’s climatic or action packed, I tend to listen to rock bands like ACDC or Twisted Sister. Whatever I can find that’s got good guitar and can get me pumped to write.

You will be coming up on two and half years of service in a couple weeks, what would you say your greatest achievement would be thus far in your time as a pilot?Well, I personally think that my greatest achievement within my two-odd years here have been the Top Writer awards in the ESC, although working my way up to Nazgul commander and remaining in that squadron my entire career has been pretty fulfilling too.

With the position of Squadron Commander under your belt, what would your ideal position be in the Navy?

My ideal position in the Navy, well, that’s probably right where I am. I feel that i can accomplish a lot as Nazgul SC, and personally I love being able to write as much as I can when I’m in a squadron. I might be able to help out in other areas or positions in the Navy, but my heart is at the squadron level.

Alright almost done now, it obviously took some hard work to get where you are today. What advice can you pass on to those recruits looking to climb the position ladder?

The only thing I can say there is do your best and try to have consitant activity. Although a burst of posting and other activity over a few days looks really good, It’s not nessicarily going to help your chances of moving forward if you can’t sustain that kind of activity for long periods of time. Work at making quality posts, not a huge quanitity of them. My experiance has taught me that a commander will pay more attention to a two page post with no spelling errors then he or she will to a post that’s five pages long but filled with spelling and grammatical errors.

Thank you for your time, Trevor. One final question. With all the initial excitement of the squadron realignment, things were changing and moving along quite quickly. Now that that things have calmed down a bit, do you find yourself missing your old executive officer?In all honesty, I kind of have. He was a good man to have around and handle things for me when life got too busy to be doing the things I needed to be doing in the Navy. I see him doing a good job with Viper now though, and wish him the best for his future career in the VEN.

That’s all for now. Stay tuned for another feature on another of your favourite commanders in the near future.

The prerequisite to understanding this letter is to have encountered some of New Republic’s statements and to have realized how unbridled they are. In the text that follows, I won’t bother discussing the flaws in New Republic’s logic, because it unequivocally doesn’t use any logic. For those of us who make our living trying to weed out forces like New Republic that have deceived, betrayed, and exploited us, it is important to consider that someone has been giving its brain a very thorough washing, and now New Republic is trying to do the same to us. New Republic’s expositions are a cancer that gnaws away at the galactic psyche. If I am to stop the Rebels at the gate, I must explain to the population at large that that fact is simply inescapable to any thinking man or woman or other sentient. “Thinking” is the key word in the previous sentence. There is an unpleasant fact, painful to the tender-minded, that one can deduce from the laws of nature. This fact is also conclusively established by direct observation.

It is a fact so obvious that rational people have always known it and no one doubted it until New Republic and its underlings started trying to deny it. The fact to which I am referring states that New Republic, like many other fatuous sots, has joined in with the chorus of furies who have been tearing away at the remains of rationality since the dawn of the Hyperspace Age. More than that, New Republic loves getting up in front of people and telling them that it is a bearer and agent of the Greater Purpose. It then boasts about how it’ll teach belligerent concepts to children one of these days. It’s all part of the media spectacle that is New Republic. Of course, it soaks it up and wallows in it like a pig in mud. Speaking of pigs and mud, if natural selection indeed works by removing the weakest and most genetically unfit members of a species, then New Republic is clearly going to be the first to go. If the mass news media were actually in the business of covering news rather than molding public attitudes to encourage the acceptance of scapegoating and demonization, they would indeed report that New Republic is known for walking into crowded rooms and telling everyone there that children should belong to the state, taken away to be trained by the criminal Luke Skywalker. Try, if you can, to concoct a statement better calculated to show how ribald New Republic is. You can’t do it. Not only that, but I am aware that many people may object to the severity of my language. But is there no cause for severity? Naturally, I feel that there is, because it wants us to believe that we should abandon the institutionalized and revered concept of the Empire.

How stupid does it think we are? The answer is rather depressing but I’ll tell you anyway. The answer begins with the observation that most of us are now painfully aware of New Republic’s insipid homilies. As an interesting experiment, try to point this out to it. (You might want to don safety equipment first.) I think you’ll find that my position is that New Republic is living in cloud-cuckoo-land. It, in contrast, argues that a plausible excuse is a satisfactory substitute for performance. This disagreement merely scratches the surface of the ideological chasm festering between me and New Republic. The only rational way to bridge this chasm is for it to admit that its hypocrisy is transparent. Even the least discerning among us can see right through it.

New Republic’s philippics are exemplary of the forces minorities must fight in their struggle to achieve equal footing with the rest of the community. That conclusion is not based on some sort of refractory philosophy or on New Republic-style mental masturbation, but on widely known and proven principles of science. These principles explain that we can’t let New Republic enrich itself at galactic taxpayer’s expense. That shouldn’t surprise you when you consider that it may limit the terms of debate by declaring certain subjects beyond discussion right after it reads this letter. Let it. Any day now, I will set the record straight. This raises the question: To what degree is New Republic going to court a careless minority of diabolic libertines? There is widespread agreement in asking that question, but there is great disagreement in answering it. The most clueless scroungers I’ve ever seen serve as the priests in New Republic’s cult of foul-mouthed, confused antidisestablishmentarianism. These “priests” spend their days basking in New Republic’s reflected glory, pausing only when New Republic instructs them to destroy our sense of safety in the places we ordinarily imagine we can flee to. What could be more temperamental? That’s the question that perplexes me the most, because this makes me fearful that I might someday find myself in the crosshairs of its grotty, headlong deeds. (To be honest, though, it wouldn’t be the first time.) New Republic truly believes that it is beyond reproach. I hope you realize that that’s just a perfidious pipe dream from a grotesque pipe, and that in the real world, the biggest difference between ua and New Republic is that New Republic wants to heat the cauldron of terror until it boils over into our daily lives. I, on the other hand, want to detail the specific steps and objectives needed to thwart its acrimonious little schemes.

I have traveled the length and breadth of this galaxy and talked with the best people. I can therefore assure you that New Republic has made a big mistake. Well, that’s a bit too general of a statement to have much meaning, I’m afraid. So let me instead explain my point as follows: Sure, its disquisitions are founded on bald-faced lies. But contrary to my personal preferences, I’m thinking about what’s best for all of us. My conclusion is that what’s best for all of us is for me to challenge the present and enrich the future. For better or for worse, the first lies that New Republic told us were relatively benign. Still, they have been progressing. And they will continue to progress until there is no more truth; its lies will grow until they blot out the entire Coruscant sector. By seeking to emphasize the negative in our lives instead of accentuating the positive, New Republic is playing Russian roulette with the future of the Galaxy. End of story. Actually, I should add that its fibs have led to date rape, domestic violence, and other social ills. I know you’re wondering why I just wrote that. I’ll explain shortly, but first, I should state that New Republic wants to rid the world of “defective” people. Excuse me; that’s not entirely correct. What I meant to say is that I want my life to count. I want to be part of something significant and lasting. I want to spread awareness of the rotten nature of New Republic’s memoranda. Here’s what I have to say to everyone: New Republic’s grand plan is to teach the next generation how to hate — and whom to hate. I’m sure Exar Kun would approve. In any case, most people want to be nice; they want to be polite; they don’t want to give offense. And because of this inherent politeness, they step aside and let New Republic cater to the basest instincts of ridiculous paranoiacs.

New Republic divides the organization of its pathological editorials into two halves that, apparently separate from one another, in truth, form an inseparable whole. The first half seeks to put increased disruptive powers in the hands of complacent reprobates, while the second half is yet another laughable blend of foolish partyism and garrulous pessimism. Behold what a nice, thick, fat lie it is when New Republic denies ever having strived to progressively narrow the sphere of human freedom.

New Republic has a strategy. Its strategy is to draw unsuspecting tax cheats into the orbit of drugged-out lugs. Wherever you encounter that strategy on a planet, you are dealing with New Republic.

Our battle with New Republic is a battle between spiritualism and particularism, between tradition and subversion, between the defenders of peace and justice in the Galaxy and their enemies. With the battle lines drawn as such, it is abundantly clear that you might have heard the story that New Republic once agreed to help everyone who complained about the most spineless mythomaniacs you’ll ever see. No one has located the document in which New Republic said that. No one has identified when or where New Republic said that. That’s because it never said it. As you might have suspected, New Republic is an interesting organization. On the one hand, it likes to hammer away at the characters of all those who will not help it sully a profession that’s already held in low esteem. But on the other hand, it says that it needs a little more time to clean up its act. As far as I’m concerned, its time has run out. I’ve tried explaining to New Republic’s satraps that giving New Republic the means to poke and pry into every facet of our lives is like supplying the gun to your own robber. Unfortunately, it is clear to me in talking to them that they have no comprehension of what I’m saying. I might as well be talking to creatures from outside our Galaxy. In fact, I’d bet extra-galactic species would be more likely to discern that some neo-cruel quiddlers actually suspect that sappy, foolhardy Nerf-Herders and delirious lounge lizards should rule this country. This is the kind of muddled thinking that New Republic is encouraging with its bait-and-switch tactics. Even worse, all those who raise their voice against this brainwashing campaign are denounced as bleeding-heart, illaudable euphuists. Try as I may, I can’t understand why New Republic would want to apotheosize effete, bumptious half-wits. New Republic managed to convince a bunch of scornful, jaded troublemakers to help it make all of us pay for its boondoggles. What was the quid pro quo there? If you need help in answering that question, you may note that there’s something fishy about its traducements. I think New Republic’s up to something, something imprudent and perhaps even gutless.

If New Republic thinks its circulars represent progress, it should rethink its definition of progress. New Republic has frequently been spotted making nicey-nice with misguided franions. Is this because it needs their help to distract people from serious analysis of the situation? In other words, why doesn’t it reveal the truth about itself? This is an important question because it just keeps on saying, “We don’t give a [expletive deleted] about you. We just want to glorify incorrigible hatemongers.” New Republic’s fantasy is to make my worst nightmares come true. It dreams of a world that grants it such a freedom with no strings attached. Welcome to the world of simplism! In that nightmare world it has long since been forgotten that New Republic is too oppressive to read the writing on the wall. This writing warns that it motivates people to join its claque by using words like “humanity”, “compassion”, and “unity”. This is a great deception. What New Republic really wants to do is perpetuate misguided and questionable notions of other unctuous fruitcakes’ intentions. That’s why New Republic has compiled an impressive list of grievances against me. Not only are all of these grievances completely fictitious, but New Republic’s cat’s-paws often reverse the normal process of interpretation. That is, they value the unsaid over the said, the obscure over the clear. I must admit that I’ve read only a small fraction of New Republic’s writings. (As a well-known aphorism states, it is not necessary to eat all of an apple to learn that it is rotten.) Nevertheless, I’ve read enough of New Republic’s writings to know that throughout history, there has been a clash between those who wish to feed the starving, house the homeless, cure the sick, and still find wonder and awe in the sunrise and the moonlight and those who wish to encumber the religious idea with too many things of a purely earthly nature and thus bring religion into a totally unnecessary conflict with science. Naturally, New Republic belongs to the latter category.

New Republic fits the stereotypical image of wretched doomsday prophets. There are different ways of reconciling oneself to this unpleasant, yet indubitably adversarial, fact. Some people see nothing at all, or rather, want to see nothing. Others are perfectly well aware of the noisome consequences which this plague must and will some day induce, but only shrug their shoulders, convinced that nothing can be done, so the only thing to do is to leave things alone. I can’t comment on that, but I can say that its loyalists don’t represent an ideology. They don’t represent a legitimate political group of people. They’re just flat brazen.

All I’m trying to do here is indicate in a rough and approximate way the obstreperous tendencies that make New Republic want to base racial definitions on lineage, phrenological characteristics, species, and religion. When I look back I think, “I will clearly not bow to coercion, intimidation, or the threat of violence.” Sure, even eccentric, incomprehensible scatterbrains may have some good points, but I have yet to find one. Maybe it’s just me, but don’t you think that when lying and evidence-tampering fail, New Republic usually turns to outright intimidation to institutionalize conformism through systematic violence, distorted religion, and dubious science? Something that I have heard repeated several times from various sources — a sort of “tag line” for New Republic — is, “We should go out and work both sides of the political fence. And when we’re done with that, we’ll all stir up trouble.” This is not a direct quote, nor have I heard it from New Republic’s lips directly, but several sources have paraphrased the content to me in near-enough ways that I feel fairly confident it actually was said. And to be honest, I have no trouble believing it.

My current plan is to build a new understanding that can transport us to tomorrow. Yes, it will draw upon the most powerful fires of Hell to tear that plan asunder, but it can fool some of the people all of the time. It can fool all of the people some of the time. But New Republic can’t fool all of the people all of the time. New Republic’s goals do not represent progress. They represent insanity masquerading as progress. I don’t mean to throw fuel on an already considerable fire, but New Republic should clarify its point so people like you and me can tell what the heck it’s talking about. Without clarification, New Republic’s monographs sound lofty and include some emotionally charged words but don’t really seem to make any sense. I’d like to finish with a quote from a private holonet message sent to me by a close friend of mine: “The drivel emanating freely from New Republic’s offices gives me cause to reach for the nearest vomit pail”.

~ David Penterly

Note from the editor: David Penterly is a refugee from the New Republic and former news columnist. His entire family was slain by NR troops ‘accidentally’ His entire life is dedicated to bringing down this tyrant.

The ability of Wal-Mart to survive in the strangest places never ceases to amaze this reporter. All along the battle lines, as soon as the fighting is over, a Wal-Mart pops up to supply the remnants of the population.

This Galactic super giant moves in to small neighborhoods, in order to achieve Sam Walton’s dream of smashing the competition to bits. This grocery machine is so powerful that there have been talks of it simply buying some of the smaller colonies and pushing them into producing for the chain.

The management of the galactic incorporation says that the Imperial Center Store has nothing to fear from the shopping powerhouse, but looking at the record of this companies’ strategic insertions throughout the galaxy this reporter will definitely be building up his supply of ration packs.

Be on the lookout for tasty doughnuts and half wasted Troopers on the aisle 3 playing with the toy light sabers and throwing random goods in your hover buggy in the middle of the night.

It is very important to be sure to continue to support your local ICS, as, even though exclusively the Empire sanctions it, Wal-Mart still has more power behind its punch than almost any other corporation in existence.

The Wal-Mart Galactic Corporation boasts the most advanced inventory system in the Universe, and ever since they built that Space Factory full of droids, they have grown so far ahead of the competition as the low price leader that it would take three whole planets of slave labor to catch up with their production abilities.

Be there for the grand opening next week supporting your local ICS. There will be a large group of your fellow Troopers there showing their support of the ICS, and telling Wal-Mart that they can’t just come barging in.

As always, organizations who have been warned ahead of time about these support rallies tend to try hiring armed guards and security forces. Now I know that we, as VE Troopers can’t go in uniform, as it can’t be official, but we sure can hide a few surprises in our plain clothes, and I can’t imagine a security force that could hold back a dozen of us.

That being said, I urge you to come down and show your support for the ICS. We need to show Wally World that we don’t need their Ranch Style Beans and toilet paper, because Fury has us covered.

I know that I will be wearing my VE t-shirt. I will also be wearing my “Fury rules my wallet at the ICS!” button as well.

I will have a few more of these buttons available for the first twenty people or so there to help us let this money saving giant know who the real Shopping Empire is!

So, you are sitting in front of your computer, browsing the World Wide Web for Star Wars Role playing organizations. It can be a long search of almost unlimited amounts of sites. Believe me, we have all been in that situation, but after reading this article, you shall see there is a solution. The Vast Empire is a Star Wars Role playing Organization that was created in 1998, that’s founds itself on the basis of Fan Story Writing, Gaming, IRC, and many others.

The Story of the Vast Empire takes the role of an Imperial Faction during the Thrawn Era (Nine ABY). In this time, the galaxy is split into Factions, still locked in the state of war. The Emperor has been dead for Nine Years; the Empire has split into Factions fighting for control. Grand Admiral Thrawn rose to power and has control of the Imperial Remnant, the main faction in the Galaxy. Meanwhile Across on the other side of the Galaxy, Grand Moff and Dark Lord Kadann has formed an equally formidable force of his own.

Joining the Vast Empire is easy, just go to the Vast Empire Application and go to the “Join the Empire Now” Link at the Bottom of the page. Once you fill out the necessary information, you get your choice of Division. Your Primary Choices, through others will be available later, are the Storm trooper Corps or the Imperial Navy. In the Storm Trooper Corps, you will do everything from Stealth Recon, to Attacking New Republic Bases, to Guarding the Kitchen for your Barracks. In the Imperial Navy, you will go anywhere and everywhere enemies of the Vast Empire try to hide in space, Fight off New Republic and Pirate Fighters and keep the peace allowing for a safer travel through space. The Choice is yours

Regardless of the Division, you will progress from a trainee to a member of a squad/squadron and then into command positions. Along the way, there are many other opportunities to go different ways. There is the Engineering Corps, home of the Vast Empire Today. In addition, there is the Dark Jedi Order, home to the elite of the Writers in the Vast Empire. Neither of those two side divisions are required, but they allow people to continue their story in new and exiting ways that the main divisions cannot do.

Through Story, you build you character, their personality, their soul. You are in Direct Control of how they act, talk, behave, and how their do their duty. The galaxy is changing and your character can have a direct effect on the balance of Imperial control over it. Millions of star systems are at stake, an almost endless amount of lives hang in the balance. The New Republic, the Pirate Forces, the Imperial Remnant under Thrawn. The work of a trooper/pilot is cut out for them, never a moment where there is no conflict. If it is not a Raid on an outpost, it is an attack on trade routes. The Galaxy is always changing, evolving, growing.

Through Gaming, you can show you competitions, and your skill in the battlefield. Almost all Star Wars Game Titles are supported by the Vast Empire, along with a few non-Star Wars Games. At times, there are competitions that go on, anything from the Outer Rim War to the Elite Squadron Competition and many more.

Through the IRC server and its many channels, you will be able to communicate with the Vast Empire’s Members, gain knowledge, plan gaming matches, coordinate Story Posts; it is limitless as to what you can do. With channels ranging from Squad/Squadron to channels for gaming and general communication; IRC is a major element of the Vast Empire that every member should use.

The Imperial Network is the keystone that ties it all together, with its many elements. It has many sites in the network, all with different purposes.

* The Main Vast Empire Page, where VE News is displayed along with links to the other pages
* The Storm trooper Corps and Imperial Navy websites, where Division Specific News is displayed along with links to Division Pages
* The VE Wiki, a newer element that has grown into a crucial part of the VE
* The First Galactic Bank and Roster, where Account information is stored. Along with The List of Squad/Squadrons and lists of members to them.

* The Imperial Center Store, where members can purchase, using Imperial Credits, items like blasters, armor, and star fighters.

* ImperiTrade, the stock market of the Vast Empire. Stocks Vary with activity and other misc. things.

* And Many More

There are many Star Wars Role Playing Elements awaiting you in the Vast Empire, the galaxy is waiting; but are you ready for it.

We all know about logos and slogans. They’re meant to make us buy a product, they’re meant to be appealing. But are they really? Some advertising companies really come up short. Correllian Brewery Co. , who are popular amongst many of us VE troops. But why? Their latest advertising scheme thats why! Their picture of a Lady Storm trooper convinced any of us male buyers to go out and try this (delicious) beer for ourselves. Do we need this beer? Of course we do! And when a beautiful woman holds every bottle, it’s all the better! Another company that uses great advertising is Imperial Engineering. The Vast Empire Army buys all their vehichles from there anyway, so I hear you asking “Why do they need Advertising then?” Listen good people, and I shall explain.

    Before the Vast Empire approached Imperial Engineering, in a buying bid, that comapny was known by the name of “Snotnose Enterprises in the Engineering Field Thingy…” That’s no lie readers, and they couldn’t think of a better name. So, they came up with an idea. “Let’s find a cute animal and use it to market War-Vehichles!” And, loe and behold, what is the cutest creature in the Universe? Right! The Ewok! Snotnose Enterprises released posters with their name side by side with the Ewoks cute face, and soon, Kadann approached with a bid. See? Isn’t that face adorable? Well…..not really….but you get my drift. The company made millions, and the VE got a contingent of vehichles, all over one poster design.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, there have been bad advertising designs too. Take Gammorrean Matress Co. Their latest try at a catchy poster design ended up looking like this:                                 

 

Now really? Would this convince you to buy a bed? To me it conveys the sense that a pig has been sleeping on my mattress…..never again.

All in all we are suckers for advertising, and untill we learn to control ourselves, we will become slaves to the big corporations!

 Mmmmmmm….gettin’ a little thirsty…..think I’ll grab a Corellian……

This week our squad feature is the Jester squad. Jester is under Storm Platoon and specializes in Armor and reconnaissance. Headed up by Platoon Sergeant Kami, this squad is ready to go at a moments notice.

The name and motto may imply that this squad is nothing but a joke, but the rebels run when they see Jester on the battlefield.

Their Motto: “Stop me if you’ve heard this one…”

The Q&A Session:

Squad Name: Jester

Squad Leader: Kami

Assistant Squad Leader: Eviscares

1) History:

A) When did your squad get founded?

In ages past 😉 [This answer seems to refer to when the group met, as the squad formed a few months ago]

B) How has it matured over that time?

Jester has always been renowned as the home of the slightly unusual, yet highly literate members of the VE

C) Where do you see it in the future?

Maintaining its reputation as a capable recon squad

2) How would you rate your squads’ activity level?

Great, considering the squad was non-existent a few months ago

3) Any funny stories or in-squad jokes about the members?

Merrick will not hesitate to kill you if you offend her. Is that not funny?

[All be warned!]
4) What is your biggest need right now as a squad?

A holiday, somewhere tropical. And beer… lots of it. [I hear that is what the Wraith squad lives on…beer.]

5) What is the coolest thing that has ever happened in your squad?

We exist. That is extremely ‘cool.’

6) Which other squad would you most like for your squad to team up with on a story?

Any willing to tolerate our unusual antics

7) If you had a choice between any superpower in the Star Wars Galaxy, or just to have Carrie Fisher tied up to a floating bed like Jabba the Hutt had (same age as in the movies), which would it be?

Carrie Fisher doesn’t do it for me. Strap a young Harrison up to the floating bed and we’ll see how I go.

[I see here the obvious limitation in my reasoning. Thanks for helping me learn that one Kami!]

a) Why (or which super power if you answered that way)?

–

b) Are you married, or a heterosexual female (because this could have a lot to do with your answer) (this is totally optional and will be excluded if you are offended)?

I fail to see why a female being heterosexual or homosexual has anything to do with this questionnaire. Or how being female or male impacts upon the answers to simple questions.

That’s my answer

[I must again point out that I did not consider this aspect well enough when writing the questionnaire, however being a heterosexual female may change the answer to the Carrie Fisher question, as I admittedly should have modified it to include the master of Solo-ness, Mr. Harrison Ford]

I would like to thank Jester squad for answering the survey and allowing the VE Today to feature them for this week,

Unfortunately this is the last survey that has been returned to me. If I am able to spark a bit more interest in the survey again, I will be back with more squad features, otherwise, I will see you next week with another story. Thanks.

Location: Daylid, Rheagent System

“It’s why we do this job, really,” says Colonel Evanci Ameer. Colonel Ameer was just finishing up his shift on the space station Terin VII when his monitor went on the fritz. “I wasn’t surprised because we’d had a few bugs in the system lately,” he says, but they hadn’t been bugs. Daylid, a cold, non-populated planet without even a starport, has been under consideration for mining since it was officially adopted into the Vast Empire; the Terin VII has been used to monitor possible volcanic activity and its effects on possible mining operations to come over the last four years. The crew of the space station, however, is composed of students and staff in connection with the Universities on Mangol, and they became a little curious when the bug in their system persisted; a topographical scan of the exterior surface was arranged and performed to note any changes, possibly caused by volcanic activity. They found more than minor surface changes, however…

The results of a topographical scan revealed underground caves, possibly a milenia or older in age. While openings and apertures can be naturally constructed by the elements, these appeared to have been man-made and logistically placed to traverse a steppe range fifty kilometers in length. Used to observing changes in the surface due to wind erosion, the crew members of the Terin VII were ecstatic to have discovered any sign of former inhabitance on a planet they’d been watching for years. “Of greater question is this,” says Ameer, “who built them and how?” When asked what had changed to help distinguish the cave openings, the Colonel reported that significant seismic activity had actually caused one of the immense caves to collapse. Initial intel reports the caves to be some thousand feet in diameter; a search team is being sent to further distinguish the details of both the cave and the means from which it was created. Ameer and his cohorts from the various Mangol academies believe that if discovery can be made of any fossilized tools or skeletons, than there could, in fact, be massive discoveries made regarding both human and alien space exploration over a millenia ago, especially regarding those unknown groups from the wild regions. While the mining operation is still under observation, research in the years to come looks promising and will probably be a primary function of the Terin VII before long. “Oh yes- very exciting. If nothing else, I atleast I can view our men at work on the surface; should make for a good substitution in place of the old holos.”

–T’si Ryder

Congratulations are given to you, if you have made it this far. IF you are at this place, you stand as a Top NCO, Chief Warrant Officer Warrant Officer. You have gone through the changes of the Navy. From a Crewman in the Vast Empire Imperial Naval Academy, to a Member of a Star fighter Squadron. You have progressed through the Aviators and Senior Aviators Exams. You have been a Flight Leader, taken the Minor Exams, and the Master Aviators Exam. You have progressed through your new path, either in a squadron or beyond one. You gave progressed to become a Chief warrant officer, the highest rank a flight leader can achieve without commission. For the sake of the article, that commission comes now, for in this article your journey is going to continue.

 

Now, you wished to continue your journey, but alas, the enlisted ranks are gone, where to now you may ask yourself. The next step is to get a Commission and become an Officer of the Vast Empire Imperial Navy. The first commissioned rank is the beginning of a path that requires more activity with every step. Ensign, a rank made for people who wish to not only fly, but also command. This rank is the beginning, where you take the Officer Examination courses, for becoming a Squadron Leader. It will earn you Fifteen Thousand Imperial Credits as a flat rate for the rank, not counting any pay you receive for the may of other opportunities available in the Vast Empire and the Imperial Navy. This rank is a foothold for the next rank up the chain, Second Lieutenant.

 

Now, behold the ability to become a squadron leader. You have the rank of Second Lieutenant, and all the responsibilities that come with it. You may now command a squadron of twelve pilots, you lead them to victory, defeat, promotions, medals, or even if you fail death could occur. That is an element that by now needs to be jammed into an officer’s head, every action has a consequence, and some consequences are the death of a pilot caused by a bad command call. This needs to be taken into account, but also should not stop you functioning. Fear at this point has become a necessary thing in decisions. The best quote I can find for it came from Star Wars: Republic Commando Hard Contact (page 207) it read,

“There is nothing wrong with fear.
You need never be ashamed of it, as long as it does not stop you functioning.
Fear is your natural warning system; it keeps you alive so that you can fight.

Show me a man who isn’t afraid, and I’ll show you a fool who is a danger to his entire ship.”

However, this is getting off the point, of Second Lieutenant, and Squadron leader. With the responsibility, it earns Seventeen thousand Five hundred Imperial Credits.

 

Next, you would continue up the chain until the rank to the Rank of First Lieutenant. This rank only slightly varies from the last, with its same responsibilities, only different pay. The pay for a First Lieutenant in the Imperial Navy is Twenty Thousand Credits. Though this rank did not differ much, the next step throws you out of a squadron and into a Wing Command Position. Lieutenant Commander, the minimal rank for a wing commander that places you in command of every squadron active in the Imperial Navy Wing you are assigned to. However, you can also have this rank as a squadron leader. It pays at a monthly rate of thirty thousand credits. Next you will have reached the apogee of squadron ranks, Commander.

 

The rank of Commander involves simple but major changes; it is the highest rank a squadron commander can achieve. However, most people of this rank have moved onto Wing Positions. It pays a whopping Forty thousand Credits and requires major activity, from planning stories to posting in them. Reports galore and Responsibility grows. This is the end of the journey in a squadron. The next journey take you to the Commissioned officer Ranks of a Wing Position and above to Grand Admiral.

This week our squad feature is the Wraith squad. This squad specializes in Special Operations. Headed up by Gunnery Sergeant Arnaut, this squad is fully staffed and ready for action. Their Motto: “When Staring in the Face of Death, We See our Reflection.”

The Q&A Session:

Squad: Wraiths

SL: Arnaut

ASL: Kanderin Draken

1) History:

a) When did your squad get founded?

Way too long ago.

b) How has it matured over that time?

Does getting drunk count as maturing? ‘Cause the rate at which we’re able to do that…well, let’s just say Snipes has the record down to thirty-six seconds.

We have more people now? I guess? When I first joined, it was Virius, Snipes, and me. And that was it.

c) Where do you see it in the future?

I could probably see the squad as still as part of the VE. There’s a chance that we could split to form our own rogue group or something. If we do stick around, we could possibly become a really active squad. Eventually. Maybe.

2) How would you rate your squads’ activity level?

When people want to write, they write, and activity is good. Any time else, we have big lags. I give it a seventy-five point nine oh two (75.902) out of 100.

3) Any funny stories or in-squad jokes about the members?

We’ve had about three people eaten by our pet gurrcat already.

4) What is your biggest need right now as a squad?

Activity, but that could be said for every squad. Activity and beer. That’s what Wraiths run on.

5) What is the coolest thing that has ever happened in your squad?

We went insane. No joke. It was the best thing that ever happened to us.

6) Which other squad would you most like for your squad to team up with on a story?

DD or Eclipse. I guess…I know Aph pretty well, and Riq and I are cool :afro:

7) If you had a choice between any superpower in the Star Wars Galaxy, or just to have Carrie Fisher tied up to a floating bed like Jabba the Hutt had (same age as in the movies), which would it be?

I would have to cut myself in half and choose both.

Men like power and women. Never, ever make a man have to choose between them. ‘Tis cruel :p

___________________________________
There is our Q& A

I wish that I could have done a bit more research on the Wraith Squad. There is no website for us to peer into.

I would like to say that this is one of the funniest Q&A’s that I have had so far.

Arnaut, you are right about never making a man choose between women and power, but I think with one comes the other, so…

I hope that you enjoyed this squad feature. I know it was brief, however I hope that it hit the highlights of the squad and provided you with a better understanding of the Wraiths.

Many of the members of the VE are barely making the ICs they dreamed of by being a lowly pilot or trooper. Thus VET has started a Classifieds where these peons may find alternative work to make them part of the rich elites of the VE.
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Help Wanted: Help Desk Operator

The Vast Empire is filled with many soldiers and the Vast Engineering Corps have opened up more job positions for their help desk. Available every single standard hour of every standard day, the Help Desk is reachable by the brave men, women, and gender confused aliens of the Vast Empire via comlink, hololink, datapad messaging, and in person. Ideal candidates would be able to respond to any situation in a bored tone, asking standard, indirect questions. And then respond with one of the 326 Standard Answer (Example – #211 – “It works for me”). Must also be able to redirect them to someone else that most likely will not be able to assist, but will at least make the caller give up and buy a new product and throw out the old one, thus making the economy cycle.

Benefits include being permitted to disconnect the console for 2 working hours, unlimited twinkies, free comlink and uncensored holonet access during your shifts.

Please send all applications through our help desk staff.

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Position Available Immediately: Apprentice Sith Lord, Dark Side Consulting Group.

An unexpected position has opened up in the Dark Side Consulting Group for an Apprentice Sith Lord. The ideal candidate for this position would like galactic travel and possess a complete understanding of, and competence with the Force, or demonstrate a willingness to learn. Duties include: Performing competitive intelligence, hands-on intervention in support of the Sith Master’s planning initiatives, ability to travel the galaxy widely, and operating a variety of laser-powered hand weapons and high-powered space/air vehicles. Some slaying of enemies of the Dark Side is also required, which may be performed using the Force or hand weapons. Qualified applicants would possess good communications skills (especially when speaking in menacing whispers), and would be action-oriented individuals and risk takers. A background in study of the Force (light side or dark) is desirable, as would typically be acquired by those with advanced degrees or significant course work in Jedi Arts from the Hidden Jedi Academy of Luke Skywalker.

Applicants should also be familiar with holographic projection equipment, possess a valid galactic pilot’s license (for all classes of ships), and must show a willingness to give in to their hate. A proven track record of using fear and/or Jedi mind tricks to control others is also desirable, as is the ability to speak several galactic languages. Ideal candidates for this position would also have no children or other living relatives who are strong in the ways of the Force. (A new hire would be given several weeks to meet this requirement.)

Compensation for this position is commensurate with experience, and is extremely competitive for this field. Benefits include a generous severance package, a company starship, and a dark-colored clothing allowance. The Apprentice Sith Lord reports to and works closely with the Sith Master, and experience in such small, team-based organizations is vital to the success of the master’s plans. Discretion is also highly valued, as is the ability to see the future before it happens. Applications will be accepted until the end of the year. Transmit them to [email protected].

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Available Immediately: VET Posters (That is people who post, not pieces of paper)

The VE Today is always looking for more content for its readers and the creation of content is guided by authors. More authors supposedly leads to more content and articles. Thus simply put the VE Today sees the ideal candidate as word savvy with a touch of humor. Activity and dedication are large pluses, and if the applicant can spell and apply proper grammar, then they most certainly are well qualified.

Unlike many news presses, the VE Today does not put its authors to an excessive caffeine loaded grind, although they would love to see them in such a state. Also, all authors receive free article advice on Carpel Tunnel Syndrome as they may be at risk if they manage VE Today as well as their normal trooper or pilot duties.
Payment starts out at a mere 5 ICs a word, but with a steady penning hand, you can quite easily work your way up to a thousand (1,000) Imperial Credits per word.

Email all inquiries to [email protected]