The first in what I hope is a series; “View from the Top” will see me going around a few of our illustrious leaders to find out more about them, what they do, and what they think. My first interviewee is 2nd Lieutenant Denethor, Executive Officer of the Navy wing Phoenix.  

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Hello Denethor. First of all, let me first thank you agreeing to this interview, I know your time is precious. On behalf of the VE Today, welcome.

I’m more than happy to be doing this, so don’t worry about taking up my time, it’s perfectly fine.

Let’s start off with a little introduction: some people may only know you as 2nd Lieutenant Denethor, Corvette Captain and member of the Navy Task Force Alpha, can you fill in the blanks for us?

Well, I’ve been with the Navy for over six years now. I started off in Aegis Squadron then was approached by two other members, one of which was our beloved Arturus, to found Nazgul squadron as a Flight Leader. If I remember correctly, as it was 6 years ago, I believe that I even gave the squadron its name, so I’m happy to see that it’s one of the squadrons that are still active. In those 6 years I was forced to go into retirement/reserves a few times because of Real-Life. But upon those returns I was a Flight Leader in Kaph and Venom squadrons, and Squadron Commander of Kaph and Polaris squadrons. I retired for about a year, and then returned this last time to become Corvette Captain, and most of you know the rest.

A very impressive history, but why did you stop wanting to be part of a Squadron? How does writing as a pilot differ from that as a ship captain?

Well, when I came back this time I knew that I wouldn’t really have the time to commit as a squad commander or flight leader, and I knew that it would be even more odd to come back to being a flight member, because it had literally been years since I’d been that. Fortunately I had come back at a time when the high command was thinking about starting the task force, and it kind of fell into place from there.

Now, you have recently been made the Executive Officer for Phoenix wing, which is the main fighter wing for the VE Navy. Shazam of course is the current Commander of the wing, how do you feel about your promotion?

When I had first talked to Shazam about a job with him, it was in the Naval Academy, but that organization had so many promising members and he didn’t feel that he had the space for me, so he approached me with the Wing XO position. I had never really thought about it before, but when it was put in front of me, I was immediately attracted to it. I’m very honored that Shazam feels that I am a good candidate for the XO position, and then in the future the WC position.

What are your duties currently as the WXO? What sort of things have you been doing since your appointment?

Well, as most of you know, I sent out messages to every member trying to get their feel on their own positions and the Navy itself. Shaz felt that since I’d been gone so long, that I needed to start getting to know some of the “regular” guys who I most likely had never met, or only knew slightly from before I left. This obviously was a good idea, and I was happy to do it. The other thing that we’ve both wanted to work on is getting the quality and quantity of posts on stories up, and I’m seeing that getting better already.

Excellentt. Now as I understand it, you will eventually be taking over as commander of the wing, as our beloved Shazam wishes to retire. How to you feel about that?

I actually didn’t know that I was to be taking over when Shazam first talked to me. He had asked how I would feel with a WC position, but I automatically thought that it was to be of a second wing, that the Navy was picking up members and we would need another one. I actually found out I would be taking over when I read the meeting notes from the meeting that announced my position. It’s going to be sad to see him go, since I’ve known him the entirety of his career (he used to be my XO in Kaph), but it’s obviously something that we’re all going to have to deal with and keep moving from, and I’m honored that he feels that I would be a good replacement.

I’m sure you’ll do a good job. When you do become wing commander, what are your plans? Is there anything you wish to change/improve?

I honestly have not noticed a whole lot that needs to be changed; Shazam has done a stellar job with it. My current plans are to have some more competitions, both in writing and gaming (hopefully the boys at LucasArts will decide to give us Navy boys some more game platforms in the future). But right now my biggest concern is activity and the quality of posts. Some of the new guys just need to be taught the proper length and quality of a story post, and I hope to utilize SC’s and FL’s to help train them. (As has always been the case. I’m not pointing fingers at anyone; we’ve all been there as newbs)

Of course. When taking up the role of wing commander, you’ll have more involvement in creating the stories for the navy – will this deter you from participating in them? Do your current duties get in the way of your commitment to the task force?

I certainly hope that they won’t. In the future I wish to use my ship as a coordinating point during the battles, an HQ of sorts. I fully intend to remain active with the TFA, but it would obviously have to take a back burner to my duties as WC.

What is your view on the current state of the Navy? Obviously there aren’t as many people as in the Army, but do you think we have it pretty good anyway? Would you like to see more squadrons up?

From what I’ve noticed, the quality of the Navy is at one of its bests since I’ve been a member, like I said, my only qualms are with story quality, and activity (and by activity, I suppose I mean membership).

And finally, do you have any aspirations after Wing Commander? Will we be interviewing ‘Real Admiral Denethor’ someday?

Certainly everyone sees them self as “Rear Admiral” or “Grand Admiral”, but right now I just don’t see that as my future. Would I like to possibly be on the NHC some day? Yes, but what my position would be is any man’s guess and dream. I’m happy where I’m headed right now, and if the higher ups feel that I’m better in a stronger leadership role, then I’m obviously not going to argue. I’ve been here six years, and while my trek could be a slow one when compared to Riel Fury and Japheth (who both came in around the same time I did), I’m happy with it, and can see myself here at least another 6 years.

Well, once again thank you for the interview. On behalf of our readers let me just congratulate you on your appointment, and we look forward to seeing your work in the future.

Thank you, and I hope that I won’t disappoint. 

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Stay tuned for more updates from “View from the Top”.

“If I could sum it up in a word, I’d say ‘magic.’ John is able to put a magical and ethereal essence into his paintings.” ―Julian Montoya, director of international marketing for Fox Home entertainment.

Born sometime in 1948, John became a very successful Artist for Star Wars fans around the world. He was an illustrator who worked on multiple Star Wars book covers, posters video covers, and apparently over 120 separate movie campaigns. He died Wednesday, February 6th 2008, from a Heart Attack, His family and friends were grief stricken. He had many friends who like his family simply adored him and his artworks. John did many artworks for Star Wars books, posters movies, etc.

He was 59 when he past away so unexpectedly. He was considered the pre-eminent movie campaign artist of the past 35 years, Alvin’s career began in 1974 with his creation of the iconic movie poster for Mel Brook’s “Blazing Saddles”.

He most recently contributed many design ideas for the campaign for Walt Disney Studio’s “Enchanted.” In a career that encompassed multiple projects for directors like Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Blake Edwards, Mel Brooks and Ridley Scott. He was considered by many studios as the go-to artist for movie poster and campaign art. John Alvin said that his work “created the promise of a great experience” and in that he never failed.

I think he really lived up to that statement to till the day he died. He was a great man as well. John Alvin was married, his wife’s name was Andrea, had recently relocated to New York’s Hudson Valley from Los Angeles in order to be closer to their daughter. He only had one child named Farah, a Broadway actress. John Alvin said that as a child he eagerly anticipated the arrival of the Sunday paper so that he could peruse the ads for the new movies playing at the local theaters.

He was enamored with the magic of film at an early age and would create art inspired largely by his love of film. Those passions led him to the Art Center College of Design where he actually met his wife, Andrea (also a student at Art Center) from which he graduated in the early 1970s. Even Walt Disney had many great things to say about him,

His work inspires us,” say the Disney marketing execs. “Alvin brings emotion into his artwork that can only be captured in an illustration. We call it ‘Alvinizing’.”

Alvin acquired a full array of artist’s skills and techniques as a student of the distinguished Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. Soon thereafter, in 1974, he got his chance to put his love of entertainment art and his artist training to work by creating the campaign art for Mel Brook’s Blazing Saddles.

He has developed and maintained a very loyal following among collectors of cinema art, making his original art and signed reproductions much wanted and revered pieces of movie memorabilia. Truly, John Alvin belongs to a very special and very short list of cinema art masters whose works have become icons in Hollywood’s rich and colorful history.

John was featured in the Star Wars insider 27, in an article titled “The Art of John Alvin Promises the Magic that Lucasfilm Movies Deliver.” He also appeared at the Celebration IV Art show in May 2007. He did many works for many books, some including the Jedi Academy Trilogy, Queen in Disguise, plus more. A quote from a Star Wars expanded Universe article states this:
“Theater audiences were lining up around the block night after night and Darth Vader appeared on the cover of Time magazine,” Alvin recalls. “The impact on my life is reflected in the impact on my art and Star Wars has been a key part of my career since then. It still is and will be for a long time.”

Alvin’s first poster was a picture of some of the most famous droids, you could probably guess who they are but I am still going to tell you. The poster depicts the two droids R2-D2, and his companion C-3PO as musicians. A quote from the man John himself, “The Star Wars Concert poster has become very rare and quite collectible.”

Another known collectible poster that Alvin created that is also rare and very favored among his fans is a “wide banner-like poster celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Star Wars made in 1987.

A poster From the Star Wars Celebration IV John created is this:

(Site Source, http://www.starwars.com/community/event/celebration/news20070323.html)

A Star Wars Expanded Universe article also has a statement from Alivan about his 10th Anniversary poster as well:

“Using the tagline ‘The first ten years’ on my Tenth Anniversary Star Wars poster was my idea. It seemed more uplifting and promising to commemorate the first ten as though there would be no future limit and, so far there hasn’t been. In the poster, I also wanted to reflect the broad expanse of the widescreen cinematic vision we all saw in a theater,” Alvin adds. “As most posters are vertical, I thought the anniversary piece should remind us of the movie experience and hence, the horizontal format. I wanted fans to be carried along again as Luke is compelled by great forces to recognize and embrace his destiny. We see what he sees as though he is saluting the very saga we see displayed within the larger-than-life title.”

He also made a series of paintings he called “The Force Influence.”

As Destiny Unfolds:

Johns words on this poster are these:

“Obi-Wan is the means by which Luke is drawn toward his own destiny and as the Jedi Knight’s tale comes to a physical end, he must point ‘the new hope’ in the right direction if there is ever to be peace in the galaxy,” Alvin explains. “He profoundly influences Luke by what he says to him and when he says it. I wanted to show respect for the great character of Obi-Wan and at the same time, pay homage to Sir Alec Guinnesswho so brilliantly portrayed him.

“Kenobi’s presence is grand, full of wisdom and larger than life,” Alvin continues. “He dominates the scene and yet he enfolds and cradles the innocent farm boy Luke — for all intents and purposes, a lost youth with no direction or goal. Yoda’s magnificent and enduring influence on Obi-Wan is gently suggested by the ghosted image of the Jedi Master in the sky. I wanted to set a mood of somber purpose and yet one of great affection and regard. Of all my work, this is one of my favorites.”

Another poster titled “Like Father Like Son,” was also created in the Force Influence Series.

Again Alvin’s words on this particular poster are these:

“I thought that there are few more profound relationships than that of father and son in life and this is especially true of the Star War saga,” Alvin explains. “Like any long time fan, I was captivated by Boba Fett and I thought it interesting to pose him at rest and full of potential violence. I like to think that the fire behind him depicts the gruesome end of yet another bounty. Look at the tip of his flame thrower. It’s very hot as though he was making good use of it and he has now turned to us and we should be fearful.

“Promoting our fear is the lethal legacy Boba Fett brings with his considerable skills, and this heritage is shown in the proactive and very dangerous posture of his father, the legendary Jango Fett,” Alvin continues. “It’s as though Boba wants us to know that he is the logical extension of his father and everything we fear about him, we do so with good reason. I wanted to portray the Fett lineage to reflect of the powerful hold these characters have had on all of us from the instant George Lucas put them on screen.”

(Picture from http://www.starwars.com/eu/explore/profile/f20041014/indexp3.html)

Alvin wanted to portray many characters like Queen Amidala, Princess Leia Organa, Chewy, Jabba the Hutt, Han Solo, Anakin Skywalker, although I am sure he already has in one way or another.

John didn’t just do Star Wars Artwork, he did artwork for many other things too. These are just some stated on his site but it goes to show that he was a man of many talents,

Captain Jack Sparrow,

Not Quite sure what this one is, but its a good one though,

(Source, http://johnalvin.com/)

He did works for Walt Disney too, John Alvin is said to have been chosen by Disney for works on The Lion King. He even did some works for Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone, and Lord of the Rings too. He was a world wide known Artist that millions revere. None of his works will ever be matched.

On his fan-site (http://www.johnalvinart.com/) was a list of list of movie campaigns and posters worked on by John Alvin:

• Anchor Bay Ent – Tai-Pan
• Arthur II
• Artisan Ent – The Fabulous Baker Boys
• Buena Vista Home Ent – Earnest Scared Stupid
• Buena Vista Home Ent – Mr. Destiny
• Columbia Tristar – Bite The Bullit
• Columbia Tristar – By The Sword
• Columbia Tristar – Hanover Street
• Columbia Tristar – Hook
• Columbia Tristar – Lawrence Of Arabia
• Columbia Tristar – Old Gringo
• Columbia Tristar – Flatliners
• Disney – Aladdin
• Disney – Aladdin (European)
• Disney – Aladdin (Japanese)
• Disney – Arachnophobia
• Disney – Beauty And The Beast
• Disney – Big Wednesday
• Disney – Hercules (Japanese)
• Disney – Mulan ( Japanese)
• Disney – Newsies
• Disney – Pinocchio
• Disney – Rescuers Down Under
• Disney – Shipwrecked
• Disney – Snow White
• Disney – Tall Tale
• Disney – The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (European)
• Disney – The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (Japanese)
• Disney – The Lion King
• Disney – The Little Mermaid
• Disney – The Three Muskateers
• Fox Home Ent – Mother, Jugs, And Speed
• Fox Home Ent – Raw Deal
• Fox Home Ent – The Verdict
• Fox Home Ent – Thumbelina
• Fox Home Entertainment -Dying Young
• Image Ent – Short Circuit
• Image Ent – The Twilight Zone
• Lisa
• Metro Goldwyn Mayer – Rainman
• Metro Goldwyn Mayer -Texasville
• Mgm – Betrayed
• Mgm – City Slickers
• Mgm – Fritz The Cat
• Mgm – Leviathan
• Mgm – Losin’ It
• Mgm – Rancho Deluxe
• Mgm – Red Dawn
• Mgm – Running Scared
• Mgm – Solarbabies
• Mgm – Spaceballs
• Mgm – The Princess Bride
• Mgm – Young Frankenstein
• Nickel Ride
• North
• Paramount Home Video – Star Trek Vi: The Undiscovered Country
• Paramount Studios – The Golden Child
• Royal Flash
• Serial
• Sherlock Holmes Smarter Brother
• Smile
• Twentieth Century Fox – Phantom Of The Paradise
• Twentieth Century Fox – Star Wars: The Concerts
• Twentieth Century Fox – The Turning Point
• Twentieth Century Fox – Star Wars 10th Anniversary
• Twentieth Century Fox -Project X
• Twentieth Century Fox -Rhinestone
• Twentieth Century Fox Silent Movie
• Twentieth Century Fox -Willow
• Twentieth Century Fox – Alien (15th Anniversary)
• Twentieth Century Fox – High Anxiety
• Twentieth Century Fox -History Of The World Part 1
• Twentieth Century Fox -Cocoon
• Twentieth Century Fox -Cocoon The Return
• Twentieth Century Fox -Conrack
• Umvd – Legend
• Umvd – Melvin And Howard
• Universal Studios – Always
• Universal Studios – Cape Fear
• Universal Studios – Darkman
• Universal Studios – E.T.
• Universal Studios – E.T. (Advance)
• Universal Studios – E.T. (Re-Release)
• Universal Studios – The Milagro Beanfield War
• Vestron Video – Ironweed
• Warner Home Video – Cats Don’t Dance
• Warner Home Video – Empire Of The Sun
• Warner Home Video – My Favorite Year
• Warner Home Video – S.O.B.
• Warner Home Video – Christopher Columbus: The Discovery
• Warner Home Video – Joe Vs. The Volcano
• Warner Home Video – Gremlins
• Warner Home Video – Innerspace
• Warner Home Video – Victor/Victoria
• Warner Studio – Mosquito Coast
• Warner Studio – That’s Dancing!
• Warner Studio – The Color Purple
• Warner Studios – 10
• Warner Studios – Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls
• Warner Studios – Batman Returns
• Warner Studios – Blade Runner
• Warner Studios – Blazing Saddles
• Warner Studios – Cobra
• Warner Studios – Deal Of The Century
• Warner Studios – Innocent Blood
• Warner Studios – New Jack City
• Warner Studios – Pee Wee’s Big Adventure
• Warner Studios – Quest For Camelot
• Warner Studios – Spies Like Us
• Warner Studios – The Frisco Kid
• Warner Studios – The Goonies
• Warner Studios – The Lost Boys
• Warner Studios – The Nutcracker Prince
• Warner Studios – Under Siege (European)

As you can see John completed many, many works throughout his life, some you may have heard of, others maybe not. If you didn’t know about some of those on that list, well know you do. I know millions appreciated Johns works whether they be Family, Friends, Employers, Fans, etc.
John lived a long, and no doubt a very worthy and fun life. John is a hero to many, a friend, and idol, and many other things no doubt. John Alvin will never be forgotten by anybody so long as Star Wars survives. Let us never forget everything he did for the world no matter who we are.

John Alvin was a man of many talents, Art probably being only just one of them. John said many things, here is just another one. John Alvin the Legendary Star Wars Artist may be dead, even confirmed by Lucas Arts, but he will be missed. Our respects and wishes go with him tonight. May he rest in peace, and his family be at peace.

• StarWars.com profile of John with lots of quotes
  “When working on any image relative to the Star Wars saga, all I have to remember is how I felt when I first saw the Rebel Blockade Runner overtaken by the Imperial Star Destroyer in the opening of Episode IV,” Alvin explains. “From that moment on, I was forever a part of the Star Wars universe. “

Article Links:

• www.johnalvin.com
• www.johnalvinart.com
• starwars.wikia.com/wiki/John_Alvin
• www.starwars.com-John Alvin
• Celebration IV Poster
• There may be more links, but these were the main ones, besides google

Here is a round-up of the latest HoloNet Headlines that have broken out in the past few days:

Vectra

A Naval Academy recruit was killed in a live fire exercise in the space around Abrea.

The institution’s in-house training squadron known as “Sting Squadron” were practising flight v flight combat tactics when a malfunction caused one pilots shields to fail.

He was being pursued by an “attacker” at the time. The other recruit fired upon the stricken craft without realising what was going on, and the TIE fighter was destroyed, killing the pilot.

The pilot has been identified as Theo Wallace, a 22-year-old man from Tadath. His father expressed his sorrow in a press interview earlier today, but did not lay the blame on the Academy.

Naval High Command has commented that they will be launching an investigation into the matter as soon as possible.

Rheagent

The Provisional Government in the Rheagent system is considering a blanket ban on weapons within the Asve, the Capital city of the world of Cepany.

Crime involving weapons are at an all time high within the capital, officials warned, and they feel that a ban would help clamp down on the troubles.

Armed robbery and murder have the highest crime rates in the capital. Last week an inspector from the PGR was shot outside of the Administration building, which instigated this call for a ban.

Only the local Stormtrooper detachment – the 33^rd Cepany “Creepers” – would be allowed to bear arms.

Protests have been held across the city, with protesters claiming that every citizen deserves the right to bear arms, especially in such an unstable environment.

The issue is currently being debated in the courts, and a ruling is expected within the next few days.

Sian

A new virus has swept through the ranks of the Stormtooper Corps on Tadath.

While the virus is not lethal to humans, Twi’lekks have proven to be susceptible to the mutation, along with Zabracks.

No-one has yet died, however infected species have come down with severe colds, and in some cases bowel disorders.

Health and Safety officials have called for an immediate inspection of the facilities, and Doctors are working hard on finding a cure for the outbreak.

Yesterday the marks the day for the launching of the new satellites by the space program called ISOA, or the “Intergalactic Space Observation Association.” They are an old but very important space program that has circled the universe for centuries observing everything they can. To them it is a big deal to observe space, its unlimited sources of life, and just about anything about space and such.

Many things we know about space today are because of the ISOA and their uncanny abilities for finding rare and very useful information. The ISOA has launched the satellite, or rather 20 different satellites to circle the universe for the next century. The ISOA have several rather big bases all across the universe, and several space stations some which are also mobile. As stated before, the ISOA gather thousands of terra-bytes of data in only one year. The data they gather happens to include some things such as anything related to space, its living/non-living beings, etc.

Last year they launched the new UPS, or Universal Positioning System, which has out dated any thing like it. UPS is made up of millions of rather small satellites and planetary satellite bases which work much like Earth’s own GPS system. The only differences are among the fact that it covers most of the universe instead. It has been a revolution for any pilot that has been able to acquire it for no longer will they be lost in the cold oblivions of space.

These new satellites will not only attribute to the UPS, but also gather massive amounts of data as well as many other very useful things too. Each one is auto-controlled by the main ISOA base. Data is collected by these satellites and then relayed all the way back to the ISOA main base, then distributed to all the other bases across the universe. We can not disclose the location, or rather locations of these bases for most are unknown, and the few we do know help us out quite a bit, and it would be a great loss to lose them.

Intergalactic medicine has been revolutionized because of the ISOA, so has technology, resources of all kinds, life all over the universe, as well as many more things that have also forever been changed because of this organization. Anything put out by the ISOA is usually heavily guarded and always highly revered by many. The projects put out by the ISOA have always been able to help many numerously.

The project has taken an estimated 150 billion credits to do, and has been building up to this point for just over a decade. These satellites have very high and dangerous security features for those of you who get any cute ideas. These satellites have been equipped with nano-technology to self-repair themselves, and such. The Empire has put some credits of their own into this massive project so that they too can have access to some of these gargantuan satellites.

The President of the ISOA made a quick statement at the unveiling today at the unveiling after celebration as well: “I as the President of the ISOA am getting old. But to know that a project that I have overseen has once again been completed, especially one on such a massive scale, well it has been a pleasure. May future generations be able to prosper from this project, and let us hope we ourselves also benefit as well.”

The President of the ISOA did not stick around long after his speech, but at least he gave one. These past few years it has been reported that the president has been quite ill, and he may not be around these next few years. It has been a tradition that when the president dies, his vice president will take his place, so there is no worry on how or if they will get a new president though.

These satellites will hopefully enlighten all future generations, but it may be hard when some people have actually taken to destroying these multi-million dollar satellites. Since the unveiling of the satellites, and the launch, 3 of these massive monuments have been destroyed. This puts the lost credits still piling quite high, so to counteract this extra measures have been applied because of these profane acts. But there is no telling even with all these precautions whether or not these great satellites will still be safe.

When the thought of these satellites actually being destroyed ran through the Presidents mind, he then sent out his own private navy, which isn’t quite as big as the empires though. But several planets and solar systems have offered up their own troops to contribute to the mighty cause and its protection to make the protection for these satellites that much better. One thing is for sure, nobody knows who is doing the destroying, but they will indefinitely be punished.

The satellites normally are able to take a full scale, high quality hologram recording of anything around them which includes potentially dangerous foes. But even the fact that the three satellites were blown up, should not have stopped the CPU’s ,and the other most critical components of the satellites from being lost in the explosions for they have been encased in several hundreds of pounds of the strongest metal the ISOA has access to. Plus after the blast a homing device goes off to alert the ISOA that the encased components are floating around in space.

Right after the destruction of any of these satellites, it is standard procedure that a highly specialized team would dispatch from the ISOA to recover the data. It also just so happens that inside would also be the hologram recording of the destroyers for use of evidence in a galactic court. Strangely the homing device went off, but when the team went to recover the data from the satellites, the encased shells from all three satellites were gone. This was strange, but even so after the first time it happened they simply dismissed it. But when it happened a second and third time, the alert went out, and investigations began.

Currently many are investigating this issue so that those who are responsible will be apprehended and dealt with by the galactic court of law. Little is still known, but the info is however growing at a fairly steady pace. Officials hope that within a few days or even weeks enough information will be known to put any responsible for the destruction of these gigantic satellites are put behind electro-laser bars in a galactic prison.
We hope that no more of these great monuments of space will be destroyed, but only time will tell. Wishing the President of the ISOA the best wishes,and the investigations being put out, this concludes the article.

Stunning reports show a devastating attack on Vega Minor, a small but significant planet just on the outskirts of the empire. It supplies much of the galaxies metallic ores for the building of ships, buildings, and just about anything else our galaxy uses for metal. We still have no idea why the Republic would do such a thing when they themselves are supplied get one fourth of their supplies by the Vegans. This is a huge movement for the republicans and only time can tell how this can really affect our galaxy.

Reports are showing that the Vegans are in turmoil trying to repair what little they have. Local planets around Vega Minor are sending the Vegans supplies and help, but it may not be enough. Vega Minor is a small planet, about the size of t the Milky War galaxy’s planet Mars. Vega Minor is a planet with very little usable land. Instead the Vegans found extremely rich metals on what little land usable on Vega Minor, so they built massive robot controlled mines to get the rich minerals, ores and such.

Where do the Vegans live? Well they have built structures much like the cloud cities on Bespin. The air on Vega Minor is toxic to everyone but the Vegans who have adapted to the planets harsh conditions. The rest of the planet is covered in molten lava, though the bodies of lava are far enough away from the mines that the ground is cool enough to walk on though.

Vega minor is now in ruins, most the air-cities are now disintegrated in the lava. Few cities managed to stay air born, but half did not. Only just over a fourth the population of the Vegans was killed. Those who were not killed escaped from their cities in time. Only less than a third of the mines were destroyed, but the damage had been done. Vega Minors government is and has lost billions of credits, but they are rapidly trying to regain what ever they can.

More reports lead to suspicion of a new separatist group that may be forming up inside the Republic itself. In the Republics own reports shows that a separatist group is indeed forming, and that they are showing radical activity. For now this group is definitely nothing for the Empire to worry about, the new group is the Republics worries not ours. However the Vegans are indeed something for us to worry about.

Somewhat recent studies have shown that much of the empires metal resources come from the Vegans, not directly of course but still the resources originate from Vega Minor. This could affect the empire quite a bit in the very near future, but we can always try to gather resources from other systems and planets, just maybe with a higher import price. The Separatists even took all the resources from the mines before they destroyed them.

Vegan air forces were finally able to get the Separatists out, but not in time to save most of their air structures or mines. Local authorities are however investigating the attack that surprised everyone so far. They want to be able to find out this new group and if possible they want to exterminate this new group before it gets any more cute ideas. If this new group that calls themselves Separatist X, who will son be classified as galactic terrorists if they do not cease their radical behavior.

Republicans say themselves they are tired of the new group who has vandalized much of their buildings. The group is not growing as fast as it was, and its growth has slowed down quite a bit. But the fact remains that it is a fairly large organization. This takes us back to the empire wanting to investigate the group themselves, and if needed take down this Separatist X.

They have never been reported to have done anything as radical as this attack, and some fear that maybe they will get out of hand. But once again they are still not too much of a threat to an empire. But the question still remains; will they do anything like this again? If they do, who will they dare to attack? Will they grow to be a larger organization? If they do attack how might it affect us and the rest of the galaxy?

These questions have been in hot debate for days now, and nobody is any closer to the truth than the rest of us. One thing has become certain: recently recovered intelligence reveals that another planet may be in danger. Certainly Separatist X has gotten some what larger, and of how will another attack on another planet affect us? If they attack another important planet like Vega Minor, then how exactly that will affect the empire.

Already prices in metallic resources have risen significantly, and can everybody afford another attack. Planets that have agreed to help the Vegans are slowly wiping themselves out as they continue to supply such a needy planet. Vega Minor may be small, but it has a fairly vast population, and the air-cities were not just grown on hypo genetic trees you know.

So what can we do? Well at this moment maybe nothing, except maybe try to find this groups base, investigate, or even just bring them down. No they are not a direct threat to the empire, but they are a threat in a ways. By taking out one planet that definitely is needed by the empire, they sure can affect us indirectly, but surely. We need to try and prevent this group from spreading and growing, and definitely from attacking again.

While authorities do not have names or places yet, the organization does hold some power over the planet Estillar X. It is an icy planet that holds colds so extreme extensive care must be taken, as well as specialized gear as well. This clue allows authorities to do a minor and quick scan to most cargo ships, just in case they might be smuggling this gear. Finding these ships could lead to a big break through in the case.

All in all this can be a very serious matter, and also a matter with very little significance to the empire, at least for now. So as we go about our lives, lets remember this new Separatist X, and hopefully take them down.

Citizens throughout the Vast Empire have come together this week to commemorate the 1st anniversary of the Third Outer Rim War, a conflict that cost the Empire dearly and one that shall never be forgotten. Shorter than most wars, the third battle for the Outer Rim, which was localised in the Subterrel sector lasted only two months, but it was a bloody 2 months. The Imperial coalition lost over 2 million lives in total, and as many wounded. Most of these lives were lost when the planet of Teyeong was re-taken from Imperial forces. Several VET reporters were also killed in this battle.

The main confrontations were between Imperial and Rebel factions; however a third faction soon entered war, hell bent on claiming the area for their own dark desires. These mysterious invaders are known only as the “Sith”, and little is known about who they are, what they want, or what they do. Anonymous reports sent to this paper have hinted at links between the Sith, the Jedi, and a rumoured “Order” that exists within the VE. Unfortunately we can confirm none of this, and so must sit back and pray that the brave men and women who were lost in the war didn’t die in vain, or at the behest of some secret agenda.

As the name suggests, there had been two previous wars in that sector, but the Vast Empire didn’t get involved until this conflict, answering the call to arms from its valued allies amongst the other splinter factions.

The week’s Remembrances started with a minutes silence at noon to mark the first day of the conflict, with another one scheduled later in the week to honour the Second battle of Teyeong, where so many servicemen and women were killed. The intervening time will be filled with a multitude of honour parades, and solemn services by local parishioners. Ceremonies will also be held to honour the living heroes of the war. Commander Shodon, captain of the ISD Suspense will receive especial accreditation for his actions at the Derxes route, a battle that saw the Imperial Coalition firmly routed from the sector. This will be broadcasted live on the Holonet.

Grand Moff Kadann has announced that the day marking the Imperial rout from the sector will be claimed a public holiday, dubbed “Derxes Day”, and no-one is obliged to work that day.

We here at VET will honour our fallen comrades by reciting a motto that we believe sums up the Vast Empire, and all who serve in it:

Loyalty, Honour, Courage.

Recent news updates tell of a possible alliance of all pirate lords throughout the universe. If this is true then the universe as we know it may be in some very serious trouble. It has been centuries since an occurrence like this has happened. It seems that all around the the universe pirates, assassins, criminals, mercenaries, etc are all pouring into the Xellon Nebula. This nebula was for decades abandoned, once the base of the last alliance of pirates, criminals and so forth known. Officials have tried for just as long to figure out a way to get into the nebula and have been unsuccessful every time. Many are starting to feel worried about what this could mean.

Are the pirate lords really uniting? What for? How will it affect us? Well, officials from all over the universe are all holding a closed conference to discuss the matter. From all over the most ruthless, dangerous, sly, devious and deadly scum are gathering into the criminal nebula. But what for? Well top secret sources have shed a little light onto this dark and disturbing subject. It appears that the fall of Xavior the Ruthless was more than we ever though it would possibly be. As you may know Xavior was the ruler of the most ruthless and powerful criminal gang of our time. Once Xavior was captured the PCM Alliance fell into turmoil and utter chaos. Everything they had ever known was brought to a complete and abrupt halt. We soon found that without their leader the organization was helpless, everything had almost completely depended on Xavior. But the chaos was son capsized and finally order was brought to insane criminals.

Some how a very sly mercenary who’s name is still unknown was able to rally the organization into order. Even more surprising he immediately won them all over with a small speech. The whole organization seemed to be once again rising back to power, and indeed it was. The mystery mercenary seemed to have calmed down the ruthless gang, and even more he seemed to have gained their respect, and himself a very powerful position. The only name we could find for the devious mercenary was a name he might have gone by many years ago which we believe the name to be X. Krozor. It took a while to dig the name up, and even longer to find what little information we have about him. Krozor is a highly dangerous criminal, who may have been some sort of a former politician who later became a very powerful, and not to mention successful mercenary. Officials have issued an arrest warrant for this man, and all are suggested to take extreme caution with this situation. With such a dangerous gathering things could get dangerous and chaotic quickly.

For more information on the recent pirate gathering, it has been discovered that soon after Krozor’s quick rise to power he then made his position official, and possibly permanent. Surprisingly there seems to have been little objection to this sudden and maybe even potentially dangerous act. Although we do not at this time know much about Krozor’s plans, we hope that they will not affect us all too direly. Then after Krozor made his position official, he then did the one thing that nobody would expect, he called a universal meeting for all pirates, mercenaries, scum, criminals, assassins, well I think you get the picture. Not only are all the pirate lords attending this mysterious meeting, but they are also bringing all of their own personal legions and armies of pirates and so forth. The nebula is vast, but nothing on the inside has ever been seen by officials, so they have not even a glimpse of hope to solving the situation.

It seems inevitable that every single pirate lord and all other leaders of scum will arrive to the meeting. But this could like said before bring immanent danger to all citizens in our galaxy, for the nebula is just outside the empire itself! We have no doubt that as the criminals arrive they will attempt to vandalize anything in their paths. With such a gathering even the empire could meet its match. Forces from all over the galaxy are also coming in hopes to capture some of these famous and ruthless titans of chaos. Even bounty hunters are pouring in also in hopes to claim numerous bounties. But it seems that the pirate lords may have anticipated this as they are hiring highly trained guards from the best of their very own ranks to guard the nebula even as we speak. Some predict that a great war may break out, and if one does, it will not be very pretty at all.

Officials from all over are issuing warrants to anybody brave enough try to capture these criminals, but can any of them be captured? With such a vast number can they even be stopped, or will we have to wait for the plan to unfold? Well much to our dismay it seems that this may be to much to handle. Already thousands of reports from several hundreds of planets are spreading about. It seems that the not all the pirates just want to attend this meeting. They also seem to be taking this as a very good time to plunder any place they can possibly reach. They have left several large numbers of cities on planets from all over the galaxy in ruins from the shear numbers of criminals pouring into our galaxy. Already galactic prisons are filling up from all the pirates and criminals that officials have been able to capture. But even with all these captures, there are still more than almost four fifths still out there. Despite their efforts compared to the number caught and the number out there still, sadly it seems the officials really don’t have much.

But there still may be some hope. Galactic Patrol forces from all over have also been uniting in an attempt to secure our galaxy, and maybe even more as well. Things in this situation are happening on such a massive scale, it is really hard to picture what is really going on. Patrol units are trying to secure all areas in order to try and stop any more of the masses of criminals from getting anywhere near the Xellon Nebula. Whatever Krazor may be up to, it no good can be made of it.

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Recent reports of a deadly pirate lord yesterday stated that the famous pirate “Xavior Alekaine,” also known as Xavior the Cruel was finally brought into custody. Xavior was known for capturing helpless victims and holding them for ransom, among many other devious things. Xavior has been classified as an extremely dangerous criminal for years, and has evaded capture for even longer. Xavior is also the founder of the ruthless criminal, mercenary, and pirate organization called The PCM Alliance. F.W.I. by the way, PCM stands for the Pirate (the most ruthless), Criminal (of the highest rank), and Mercenary/Assassins (of the very best), all formed together as the P. C. M. Alliance. The PCM Alliance has plagued the galaxy for decades, and not even the Empire has been able to do much about them. A governor of a nearby planet, Alekai Dromak once stated, “The PCM Alliance has grown too big, they are buried to deep in the societies around the galaxy. They have become a part of the galaxy whether we like it or not, all we can do is fight and keep our ground, then hope they do not grow so big they can take over the Empire.”
But as you can see, that really won’t be happening any time soon anyway, and probably never. Although The PCM Alliance has grown to a vast number beyond what anyone would have imagined, the Empire is still very much larger and still growing just as fast. Plus the Empire will not go down without giving a hugely considerable fight back. The Empire has lasted this long, why would it not last even longer? Like many we feel that the Empire is going nowhere, so what is there to worry about again? There will be many organizations, alliances, etc, that come along, but unlike all of them, the Empire is going nowhere. It will be here longer than any organization, or whatever else apposes us. Now for the latest news on Xavior:
It has been revealed that Xavior was arrested in Corellia. Apparently he was heading to a “business meeting.” Reporters later discovered that Xavior was actually one of the key contributors to the Human League Organization on Correllia. In fact he was actually meeting with the one of the highest ranking officials in the Human League, and his meeting was in a way was after all, “A business meeting.” Apparently Xavior and his multitude of deadly pirates, criminals and assassins had formed a treaty with the Human League, supplying it with weapons, armor for the wars, money, and much more. You can probably see how this could potentially be a problem for the Empire, and the rest of the Galaxy. But lets not forget of course the Corellians, who have been affected most of all by all of this.
While the Corellians in the Human League announced war with various races, and planets, Xavior and his gang supplied everything including back up when things got troublesome. Xavior has never been known to make any kind of deals with anyone before, and hopefully later reports will be able to discover why he would even consider forming an alliance with an organization so much smaller than itself. The PCM has even recruited some of Corellias most prized assassins for their own ranks. Many fear that with the help of the PCM, the Human League may grow too strong to touch, just as the PCM Alliance itself has. One good thing out of all of this is that yes the resident Imperial government is friendly with the VE, and has not wanted to form any kind of Alliance with the PCM, or really with the Human League for that matter. They have agreed to investigate this matter further and report anything they find worth telling.
Xavior is now halfway across the galaxy on his way to the best prison possible in our galaxy. Officials want to make sure that Xavior does not escape, or be able to have anyone break him out. He is sentenced to life, with absolutely no chance of bail. He will be placed in a specialized Maximum Security section of the prison that will ensure he will never see another living being again. Officials wanted to make sure that all his crimes for the past few decades will not go unpunished, if that is possible at least. But they can at least try right? The Empire now waits to see how the PCM Alliance will be affected by the capture of their leader. Will it crumble, or will they elect a stronger more effective leader? Well one thing is sure they will probably fight for the sacred position and hopefully send the organization tumbling down. The Empire has already prepared to send troops in to help the Corellians so that nobody gets hurt.
The Corellians do have one thing to say out of all this and their words were these, “It was not easy to bring down Xavior, many died in the line of duty to bring down such a deadly criminal. But we are glad to have able to have done such a task for the rest of the galaxy.” Now as you can imagine not all Corellians were that glad to see Xavior captured, but the resident Imperial government was however very glad to have caught him. The Empire is grateful to Corellia for bring down Xavior, for we have been trying to that very thing for decades. Nobody can predict how this will affect Corellia where a lot of their population is involved with the Human League, which is then tied with the PCM Alliance, who in return supplies them with everything. Although we don’t like it the Human League is a big part of Corellia, and taking out the very thing that helps the PCM who in return helps them Human League.
This could seriously damage their economy if you think about it. But, however, the VE has agreed to help their Government when need be. This is quite a relief for the Corellians and perhaps it will strengthen our ties with them. But as you probably know only time will actually tell though. Hopefully we can help Corellia get themselves back on their feet. The Empire does do some trading with the planet and it would be a shame to lose all of that because of what all this has done to them. Well that concludes this article for now. We will have the next update on the growing situation soon. In other news keep on the lookout for the wanted Kale Anon, the Empire wants him in as soon as possible.

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Navy High Command just moments ago have issued an arrest warrant for Kale Anon.This is the first such warrant since the Istivaan V incident.

Little is known about Kale Anon, other than that he is a high ranking mercenary among the pirate clans, and that he sells his services to the highest bidder. Strangely enough though, he has never worked with an Imperial employer, suggesting some old animosity towards us.

Information on his movements as of late is scare, however scattered reports placed him in the Xyouju system a few weeks ago, and other unofficial sources have put him on the planet Volek, a well known hideout for Pirates.

Rumours have also been circulating around the Government, suggesting that this warrant is connected to the supposed disappearance of Rear Admiral Riel Fury, the Naval Executive Officer.

Whilst it is true that the Admiral has not been seen in a few weeks, High Command refuses to comment on his whereabouts.

We will keep you up date on this mystery as more information come to light, but for now, we have supplied a copy of the warrant.
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Wanted: Dead or Alive

From the Office of Fleet Admiral Japeth
Naval High Command

Name: Kale Anon
Species: Human
Known aliases: Kaan Leon, Kanon.

Description: When not using a disguise, it is believed that Kale is around 5’10, with cropped red hair, medium build, several facial tattoos, and his left hand is a prosthetic. He has Blue Eyes, with no facial hair.

Reasons: For acts of piracy against the Vast Empire and for the Murder of Vast Empire Citizens.

Details: This is an open contract, anyone may take it up, however no payment will made until confirmation. Payment will depend on the individual.

Upon Completion: Bring Kale, either dead or alive, directly to Tadath, where he will be handed over to VE Security.

The thanks of the Vast Empire High Command are with anyone who completes this task