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]

I am interviewing each squad to get a more in-depth look at who they are and what they are made of. I have sent out questionnaires to the Squad Leader for each squad and will feature a different squad each week.

Our first squad is newly reformed, and has taken the initiative with this series of features. And without further a due…Iron Horse.

The first squad in existence, Iron Horse has a long history. They are formerly the “Elite” Squad, wearing the blood red armor, setting them aside as the best of the best.

The squad was disbanded some time back, but has returned with a mission to restore itself to its former glory. The Elite Iron Horse.

Their Motto: “Don’t run…You’ll just die tired.”

Squad Name: Iron Horse

Squad Leader: AlanRJ

Assistant Squad Leader: None

1) History:

A) When did your squad get founded?

The squad was newly reformed on 29th September 2007

B) How has it matured over that time?

As it has only been open for under a month it is hard to answer this one, I will say that it has seen new members and is evolving with more members posting on the story

C) Where do you see it in the future?

To be a very productive squad and for people one day to say that the Iron Horse squad is the best squad within the VE.

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

Presently poor. At the moment most members post on the story once a week. We also have two members one definitely AWOL and the other a possibility.

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

GK-874 being sent out on an assignment naked. To distract the guards he was sent out to them without his uniform on, sadly he was not wearing anything under the uniform and so he went out to the guards naked. Thankfully they thought he was raving mad and took him inside their base.

4) What is your biggest need right now as a squad?
More productivity from its members

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

Having so many members in such a short period of time

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

Originally coming from the Paladin Squad, it would be really great to have a story interacting both squads.

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 tied up to a floating bed. – ‘nuff said.

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

[Not answered, so I refer you to the above ‘nuff said.]

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)?

[Again, unanswered, so I refer you to the above ‘nuff said.]

Thank you Alan RJ for the interview. I would warn the other squads that you were coming for their rankings, but that may ruin the element of surprise.

Keep your eyes on Iron Horse as they move to build back up and regain their former position. Good luck to you Iron Horse, and beware all who make enemies of the Vast Empire.

Through the life of any Enlisted Imperial Personal in the Imperial Navy, from a Cadet in the Vast Empire Imperial Naval Academy to life in one of the Star fighter Squadrons of the Imperial Navy, a pilot will go through many ranks all with different rewards and responsibilities. When a Person first joins the Imperial Navy, they are entered into the Vast Empire Naval Academy (VENA) and given the rank of Crewman. As a crewman, their responsibilities are entirely based on graduating from the VENA Flight School and then after taking the Aviators Exam, Being placed into a star fighter squadron. They make Six Hundred ICs per month; Five Hundred for having the rank of Crewman, and One Hundred for having the position of a Trainee.

The next step in their career is to take the Aviators Exam, which then sets the first crossroad for their career, the opportunity to skip one rank entirely. It all depends on their grade on the Aviators Exam. If the pilot passes the Exam they earn the rank of Leading Crewman, they are placed into a star fighter squadron, and receive the certificate of (=A=). As a Leading Crewman, their responsibilities are simple, to be active in the squadron and in the Vast Empire as a whole. Their pay is raised from Five Hundred to One Thousand ICs for the increase of rank, and their pay is raised from One hundred to Five Thousand for the increase of position from Trainee to Flight Member. Also Depending on whether or not they are placed into an Elite Squadron also affects their position pay. If they are placed into an Elite Squadron as an Elite Flight Member, their position pay is raised from One Hundred to Seven Thousand Five Hundred.

If they pass the Aviators Exam with Distinction, their rank skips Leading Crewman and jumps directly to Senior Crewman. As a Senior Crewman, their responsibilities also are simple, to again be active in the squadron and in the Vast Empire as a whole. The major difference is in their pay rate. They are paid Two Thousand ICs per months for their rank, though they still have the pay of Five Thousand for being a member of a flight in their squadron.  Also instead of receiving the basic certificate for completing the exam, they receive the Certificate with Distinction, (=*A*=). If the pilot does not pass it with distinction, then they are able to receive the rank of Senior Crewman by showing consistent activity in their squadron. Once the pilot reaches this rank, they have a feel for how things in the Vast Empire and the Imperial Navy function. They then begin their Journey to the ranks of Petty Officers, growing and gaining leadership as they go. In addition, while a Crewman they have the verbal addressing of Crewman or Mr. (or Ms. when it applies)

Once a Senior Crewman gains the experience in their squadron, they are no longer called a rookie pilot, and they begin their journey into the rank of a Petty Officer. This begins with the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. This begins their time where the go from learning the ropes, to teaching them to newcomers. Their responsibilities also shift from learning to being active, story writing for their squadron, and getting in reports weekly. Their Pay rate also changes again, as it does with every rank, the Pay raises to Three Thousand for Rank, with no change to position. In addition, with this rank they gain the ability to take the Senior Aviators Exam. This sets the next crossroad in their path, with another ability to skip a rank.

The Senior Aviators Exam, the second of the VENA exams, gives questions relating to a pilot in a squadron (as apposed to the Aviators Exam, asking questions about basics of the Imperial Navy.) and the Imperial navy. If a pilot passes the Senior Aviators Exam, they receive the rank of Petty Officer First Class, and have the ability show that they have experience in their squadron. In addition, they gain the certificate that goes with completing the Exam, (=SA=). With limited changes in responsibility, the change shows in their pay, where their pay changes to Four Thousand ICs per month for their rank, with again no change in position pay. However, there is always a way to skip this rank, and more onto the next higher rank up the chain.

The rank of Chief Petty Officer is given to those who passed the Senior Aviators Exam with Distinction, and gives them the certificate of (=*SA*=). In addition, this rank can be achieved my showing major amounts of activity while in the rank of Petty Officer First Class. In this rank, there are major changes in responsibility and pay rate. If they only keep the rank, position, and its limited change responsibilities, their pay is raised to Five Thousand for the Rank Pay. However, with the new rank they gain the minimum rank needed to hold the position of Flight Member of a squadron. If this is so, the position pay is dependant on the element of being in an elite squadron or not. If they are not in an Elite Squadron and are a Flight Leader (FL) their pay for position is raised from Five Thousand to Ten Thousand. If though they are in an Elite Squadron and are one of the squadrons Flight Leaders then their pay is raised from Five Thousand to Fifteen thousand for their position. However, while a flight leader is not all about the increase of pay, you now command four other pilots into combat, guiding them with all you have learned. Nevertheless, you are under the watchful eye of your Squadron Commander, who will be there when you are asked something that you do not know. This also requires a more detailed report to be sent, that keeps your Squadrons Executive Officer and Squadron Commander informed in how the Flight is functioning.

The next two ranks are very similar in responsibility and rewards. The Rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer is given to experienced Flight Members and Flight Leaders showing leadership in their Flight. The Pay for a Senior Chief Petty Officer is raised to Six Thousand for the rank pay. Similar to the Rank of Master Chief Petty Officer which is given to Pilots and Flight Leaders who have a long history of leadership and activity. Though the responsibilities only slightly change, the pay raises to Seven Thousand ICs per Month for the rank pay. Nevertheless, as with any rank after taking the Senior Aviators Exam, there is the opportunity for Pilot Skills and Studies. (Also, you can have the verbal addressing of “Master Chief”.) This is the last rank in your time as a Petty Officer, and it makes way for a stronger role in squadron operations, the ranks of the Warrant Officer.

The beginning of your time as a Warrant Officer begins similar to that of a Petty Officer, with the rank of Warrant Officer Second Class. Pilots receive this rank by showing great conduct and activity. In addition, as always there is an increase in your pay rate. It changes from Seven Thousand to Eight Thousand ICs per month for rank pay. Thus, this rank is where your leadership is to show, by going back to the VENA to take a trip on the “Road to the Master Aviator Exam”. It begins with the technical Exams, where you learn the in-depth parts of the equipment you carry and fly; it also includes a section of a Tactical Exam. Then you move into the Leadership Exam, where you show how you would handle leadership situations to the best of your ability. Once the Technical Exams and Leadership Exams are Complete, you have the opportunity to move onto the Master Aviators Exam. This is where you skill as a pilot is tested to extreme levels; its purpose is to see what you know and how you handle situations. Once you complete that, you are awarded the proper certificate and rank.

Depending on if, you pass with distinction or not you go to different ranks, positions, and get different certificates and pay. This is done in a very similar way, if the pilot passes the Master Aviators Exam he/she is moved up one rank, but if he/she passes with distinction, he/she is moved up two. If they pass without distinction, they receive the Master Aviators Exam Certificate, (=MA=), they will be raised to the rank of Warrant Officer First Class, the second highest rank a pilot can receive without commission. At this point, they have to take a leadership position before they can move up any more into the chain of ranks. Also with passing the Master Aviators Exam, they become eligible for the position of Squadron Executive Officer. That would bring your pay rate to, Nine Thousand ICs per month for rank, and again depending on whether they are in an elite squadron or not, Fifteen Thousand for a Non-Elite squadron Twenty-Two Thousand for being the XO of an Elite Squadron. Although there is always the change that happens if they pass the Exam with distinction, If this be the case then their rank will be raised to the highest possible without distinction.

Now, the pilot will look at their career, and they will be at one of their most proud moments. They have reached the point of the highest rank a pilot can receive without commission, Chief Warrant Officer. They can achieve this through activity or distinction in the Master Aviators Exam, and by doing the distinction they earn the certificate of distinction, (=*MA=). At this rank they would already have a leadership position in their squadron, the changes to responsibility would be small, mostly just being a good example for the younger crewmen who will look up to them. They pay again would change though, going up to the Enlisted Maximum Rank Pay of Ten Thousand ICs per month. This is also the time where Command Internships are available, which get future officers out of their squadrons and onto capital ships to learn how to command to the highest ability. Either way, at this point in a pilot’s career, leadership is necessary. They must show massive amounts of activity and leadership to continue on their trail to a Commissioned Officer Rank.

There is a growing danger in the surrounding systems of the Vast Empire. Before you even begin to think it, no, it is not the New Republic or even planetary rebellion; it is the threat of Piracy, and it is beginning to make an impact on Imperial Trade and Transportation. Our systems are not safe from these criminal enterprises trying to make a profit by hijacking cargo and stealing ships. More recently, the Vast Empire’s Trade Convoys have come under siege by Pirate Forces. The allure of credits attracts people to their cause, which in turn costs the Imperial Tax-Payers millions of Credits in rebuilding and replacing ships and cargo. The Vast Empire is being forced to also pay millions of credits in the costs of building defenses for stopping this pirate insurrection. Theses attacks force them to build armed defensive forces on peaceful trading planets, to build space defense fleets orbiting planets with little to use to anyone. They must build these forces only if to keep the imperial presence in the areas. The troubles that these pirates have caused to the Imperial People have only become more visible in the recent weeks

      Recently, a Vast Empire Bulk Transport Convoy, made up entirely of Bulk Freighter Class Transports Crafts, was sent out to go and re-supply Out-laying Imperial Colonies and Outposts. It was scheduled to make a pass of Rakata Prime, when all contact with the Convoy was lost. The last message received from the convoy was an emergency distress signal. It read as following:

     “To any Imperial Friendly ships, this is the Vast Empire Transport Convoy Omega; we are under siege from unknown pirate forces. We are declaring a Code Zero, and are asking for re-enforcements, we are an unarmed convoy and are taking major damage. We have been driven off our original course and we are unsure of our location. Our last known coordinates place us somewhere near the planet ****** *** (location censored from public transmission).

     Though the exact location of this convoy is unknown, as shown above the Vast Empire Naval Command does has a last known location, in which to begin a search for the missing convoy. However, it is unknown how the situation will be handled. Nonetheless, this is just one of many recent pirate attacks in the outlaying systems of the Vast Empire’s Influence. One month ago, a medical supply convoy was attacked and destroyed near Rakata Prime. This leads most to believe that the majority of pirate activity is located in the space near and around Rakata Prime. The problem that faced now is that the area surrounding Rakata Prime is home to Imperial Colonies and Outposts that are in dire need of supply, and these pirate attacks leave the area defenseless to New Republic Expansion. This would throw the balance in the systems, putting power into the hands of the New Republic and Pirate Criminal Enterprises.

     The Vast Empire Imperial Navy declined to give a statement onto how they plan to handle this, but it can be expected that in the coming weeks, ad the attacks continue, action of some kind will be taken. Our Sources in the Vast Empire Imperial Navy tell us that the matter is being discussed inside the leadership of the Imperial Navy, and they may reach a decision very soon, at which time they will release a statement and beginning their operations to handle the situation.

A new group has recently emerged from within the Vast Empire. No, I’m not talking about Iron Horse, or a Galaxies division, or Phantom. I’m talking about the Vast Empire Smokers Association (VESA). The VESA is a collection of a few beings who take a true delight in the offerings of the tobacco plant.

The group has its origins in a handful of troopers who realized they had a common interest and wanted a place to converse about brands, methods and what everyone else is missing out on. It has evolved into a productive and contributing part of the Vast Empire, if not a growing one.

Now how exactly has the VESA contributed to our fine group, you wonder? Well. . . the VESA has added to the VE in a few ways that are very important to improving life in the Vast Empire, at least in the realm of modern comforts. The group is responsible for the introduction of the Imperial Lung Blaster cigarettes as well as the Imperial Zippo. Both are available in large quantities at the Imperial Center Store. (Go. Buy. Now.) Also these members offer a nice, social atmosphere inside #cancer for other carcinogenic enjoyers to relax and unwind over a nice Lung Blaster at the end of a hard day.

We got a chance to talk to a few of the members at the VESA to see what they had up their sleeve next, Imperial cigars? Cigarette holders? Beer cozies?

“Well, we were thinking maybe a VESA condom, we feel that this would really increase our credibility in the health department” Sniping101 was kind enough to share his thoughts. Although we’re not sure he was in any state to legally have thoughts. “I was thinking a VESA walker, like maybe ‘VESA-ST’ or a ‘VESA-AT’, get our logos out there and just all around show our Imperial pride!”  He wouldn’t shut up. “Or maybe a really big, AHGCK!” We finally tasered him.

Finally we caught up with the other members of the VESA board and were able to get some marginally more credible information, not to mention better smelling.

“Well, we’ve been thinking about expanding into liquors and luxury consumables, with the council’s permission of course. We believe that the quality we have brought to the smokes industry should not be exclusive to those who hate their lungs.” Chairman Eviscares informed us.

“Yes, we have some future products in the works, but we’re really waiting to see how people respond to our polling. If there’s enough interest we have a few ideas to take this even further.” Secretary Hashi Shiyun said, batting his eyelashes.

“We don’t want to pursue this if there isn’t any interest though. . .”

“Yes we do!” Snipes woke up.

“. . . So we’d appreciate some feedback on our poll and in person.” Eviscares continued.

Our interviewee’s were at this time whisked away on important army business and the interview could not be continued. However, it seems that in the luxury consumables the great void that has filled the Vast Empires life will soon be filled, viewers willing. So please folks, hit up our poll, and please, please don’t vote no.

We can’t have been the only ones that have noticed the recruitment posters popping up in the very darkest corners of the VE bases. At least we hope not, as that might mean Snipes has managed to spike our water again. Bad thing’s happened last time that happened, we still haven’t managed to get the g-string off of the flag pole…

Back to the point. These mysterious leaflets give away very little. They mention little more than a few words about looking out for ‘courageous, fresh and incredibly abled recruits’. Not to mention their somewhat intimidating portrayal of ‘A very rewarding, if dangerous, career boost’. It would be starting to sound like an advert for one of the cheap smutty call lines which are far too common around our office. I mean the office next door. Ahem.

The most revealing piece of information we could find on this advert, was a comlink number. We ran this through the VE’s database of numbers, but it wasn’t linked with any individual, or organization within the military. So we rang it ourselves. A man with a very young voice answered, although he spoke with a calmness that we presumed was way beyond his age. The conversation went a little like this. The man’s words are in italic.

“You’ve rang about the advert yes?”

“Yes”

“Your rank and name, if you please”

“Errm… Lance Corporal Bob Jeffries”

“Alright, now what do you really want?”

“It’s the VET”

“I had a feeling you were going to be calling. I’m not going to tell you much, but be happy I’m actually still speaking to you. We’re an organization known as Phantom, we’re a special ops team involved with many galactic operations. I can’t give you any information on who we are, how many we number, or where we are based. We are however recruiting, and anyone interested in joining us should get their way over to our meeting room. Out”

Harsh words spoken with acid. We had a check around the VE bases we knew of, and could find no such trace of a ‘Phantom Meeting Room’. Our only idea is that he was referring to their conversation topic on our own Comnet. We, for reasons we were somehow expecting, are locked out of it.

So, now is your chance loyal VET readers! For the sake of the VET’s superiority, we are asking the readers out there who feel themselves capable of meeting the Phantom Prequisites to get into their squad topic. We are guessing the recruitment details are within.

Good Luck!

You’ve been there before, we all have. You’re hunkered behind a box, defending your objective from an enemy counter attack. You push yourself up to take a shot at the enemy position and you see a man running at you with a sword. You thank your lords for the easy kill and riddle him with blaster bolts and then get back to work.

But there are other times; time you’ve been locked in a hallway with the enemy closing around, one of your number runs out of ammo so they drop their gun, instead pulling a sword out of an unknown but probably moist hiding place, you offer them a blaster pack but they turn it down. Instead they charge into the enemy mass, waving their sword about. Next thing you know half of the enemy are decapitated, the rest have been gored on the end of your friends sword. You suddenly remember that unlucky soul you filled with blaster bolts earlier and you wonder: “What’s the difference?”

Well I’ll tell you what it is: Immortals. That’s right, immortals. Don’t laugh, it’s true. These beings have existed for hundreds of years, possibly thousands. It’s unknown exactly how they are given birth to, but we believe it to be something in the water. These beings exist in a constant state of war-fare with each other, constantly seeking others like them so that they may decapitate them and take their life essence for their own. According to ancient lore when there are but two left they will be drawn together and the winner of that battle will rule the galaxy as a god. Or something. We’re not really good at translation.

Now I know there are questions just bubbling out your little head. Questions like “Well then how are there so many in the Vast Empire, shouldn’t they have all tried to kill each other by now?” The answer to your impertinent question is: “I don’t know.” That is why we took it to the streets and asked a few of these immortals in our midst for reactions.

“Well, you see, we feel that the New Republic is really a bigger deal right now, so we’ve kind of put it off until the Vast Empire rules the galaxy.” Our first anonymous reaction.

“Look, there’s a few of us here and we can help put this galaxy back together, because once there’s just one left it would be a real bummer to rule over a galaxy at war.”

“I. Like. To. Kill. Things.” We’re not sure if this guy was immortal or not, but we liked him anyway.

You heard it here first folks, immortals in our army, trained for thousands of years to kill things mercilessly. Watch your ass New Republic; you might find a sword shoved in it.