Get SWAG77 Points!

SWAG 77 Shoppe T-Shirts and Stickers on Redbubble

SWAG 77 T-Shirts and Stickers on Redbubble

SWAG 77 Star Wars Sorority

SWAG 77 Star Wars Audiobooks on Audible

SWAG 77 Podcast on iTunes

Wing of the Black Dawn

Wing reportedly acquiesced  but as the binders were to be put on she is said to have shoved the trooper and fled towards an alley. Unfortunately bystanders, of whom there were many, reported that she attempted to throw a grenade behind her and was shot down, rocket boots not saving her.

Put in binders and taken away to a cell, additional charges were read out by an anonymous storm trooper… “Destruction and defacing of Imperial Property, Disturbing the peace, reckless endangerment, attempted murder of an Imperial Citizen and Imperial personnel, attempted murder of a Lord of the Sith, resisting arrest, attempted flight from lawful arrest, refusal to obey the lawful orders of an officer of Imperial Law, Illegal use of explosive ordnance, and unlicensed use of illegal modified apparel based vehicles.”

During the squad’s retreat through the city towards the upper levels, Lord Occidio is quoted as saying, “Move aside, criminal scum have no rights in this city.”

– Kesare Sauvage

Attendees included Master Flint Mokeev of Zonama Sekot present on behalf of that world and Magister Salene Lusch. Lady Kia the High Mother of the Spellweaver clan and High Mother of all nightsisters on Dathomir. Wing the representative of Ilum. Shaka the Hutt of the Hutt Council of Nar Shaddaa of Hutt Space.

Attendees included Grand Admiral Abyssus, Issulla Odominic the Overlord of Sleheyron. Sapphire Tafo, Senator of Tython. Morrigan Wemyss, Majordomo of Shaka the Hutt. Ku’gan The Hutt, Warlord of the Gejalli Clan on Mos Eisley and Mos Espa. Markus Soto, an associate of the Gejalli Hutt Clan. Gladius Desann, acting majordomo of the Gejalli Hutt Clan. Lizard, the Great Southern Hutt. Tiberius and Zarsk from the NightBrother clan of Dathomir.

Lady Kia began the first report, a followup to a previous agreement with Emperor Kulith Laan of the Galactic Empire regarding Tython, now void as he no longer controls that world. The agreement primarily involved relief supplies and the Cinfederacy decided to continue the relief efforts after hearing from Senator Tafo.

Senator Tafo of Tython explained that she had came to see how the Confederacy’s organisation might improve the situation in Tython and possibly the Republic, despite a mandate for her to do so. The complicated political situation on Tython was discussed including a corrupt Vice Governor who reportedly had attempted to seize power and been ousted, and current illegal arrests by Jedi.

She said that elections would be forthcoming both for a new Governor and to determine the status of Tython, either as part of the Republic or perhaps the Empire.

In new business, Shaka the Hutt informed the Confederacy that he held a Princess of the Republic world Velmor as a prisoner, and that after torture she had been sent to the hospital, but that he expected Republic trouble arising from this. The Princess had claimed to have slain Huttila the Hutt, leading to her arrest at Hutt Night.

Issulla the Hutt announced the possibility of planetary blockades near the main hyperspace lanes near Slehayron and also Mustafar. The application of these worlds to join the Confederacy as Odominic hutt Kajidic and the Sleheyron Industries worlds was required unanimous approval, which it received except for Wing of Ilum who expressed concerns of the status of Issulla’s corporation in regards to the Hutt Clan Council which already is a member.

Clarifying the issue, Ku’gan The Mighty Armored Hutt explained that “The council does not effect in any way the clans the Hutts are a part of… The council was made to unite and discuss ways on how to further profits is all.”

Wing returned that, “It is my firm belief that membership in outside governing entities, including those with purely economic intent is a conflict to the interests of the CIS. It is my view that the hutts are as cohesive a body as the Republic or Empire, perhaps more so, and are therefor not independent in their own right.”

Grand Admiral Abyssus then explained that the Hutt Council is a collection of systems… “Hutts compete, and wage war, on one another within Hutt Space.. but Hutt Space as a whole, is governed by the Council, it has been since Huttila… or how would someone like me be employed to protect all of Hutt Space? And not jsut Nal Hutta and its moons? Rarely does one Hutt control a world, and even when they do, another is waiting to kill them.. such is Hutt Politics… but I have been called forth in the past by the Council, to prepare to put down other Hutts when they act too…’indepndently’ from the whole of worlds that once belonged to the ‘Hutt Empire’ something I believe Huttila often still liked to coin the collection of systems.”

The rest of the meeting involved a security contract offered to the Revenant Armada to patrol and safeguard shipping lanes used by the Confederacy members, but quickly became a confrontation between Issulla the Hutt and Grand Admiral Abyssus, with the Hutt threatening to bar the Revenenant Armada from Slehayron and destroy any ships of his that patrolled near, and the Grand Admiral advising the Hutt Queen to watch where she slithered.

Expressing the intention to soon alleviate his forces from the Hapes Cluster and that he would require new sources of support for his Fleet because of it, the Confederacy seemed willing to sign a contract for six months with the Armada in return for defending certain shipping lanes and shipments.

The meeting then dissolved.

– Kesare Sauvage

Council members, Jengaz, Issulla, Shaka and Ku’gan and Mit’lar sitting in.

NAR SHADDAA – Coming onto our fist article we decided to make it hutt night upon the moon of Nar Shaddaa. The hutts that were in attendance were Shaka of Dlugacz, Jengaz of Besadii, Ku’gan of The Shell and Issulla of Odominic with Ge’ta of ROPA joining in a bit later in the evening. The guest of the hutt council were Mit’lar of Inijic Hutt Clan. The Dlugacz HK-50 “Jeeves” presided over the events of the evening.

Shaka spoke first concerning the Confederacy of Independent Systems ( CIS ) and how they met a few days ago coming to several arrangements. It was mentioned that the Hutt Council would need to review such terms and agree to them. They would be holding a meeting for such business tomorrow at an undisclosed location.

The next announcement was regarding the Galactic Sith Emperor and how the Hutt vessels would be allowed to pass through the blockade of the planet of Tython. This would allow medical and relief supplies to get to those in need. Dlugacz ships have already begin their trip to the Deep Core but it is asked that any and all pilots and ships that could help would be appreciated and are asked to sign up. The hutts have also agreed to allow the refugees to take up temporary residence upon the moon. Sihivus Verne did come up with a great suggestion of as she put it: ‘putting them to work in the process could also prove productive to your own cause.’ This seems to be an idea the hutts liked as Ku’gan thought they should work off their stay on the moon.

Shaka concluded his announcements mentioning of a starfighter battle tournament. It will begin next week and pilots are needed to fly ships and fight for possible prizes if there is enough interest. There was also a mention of watching out for construction on Nar Shaddaa … watch your step people.

Bidding war and Wonka is sold to an unknown bidder.

A mysterious tusken approached the grate and spoke before the hutts. He insulted them a bit calling them smelly but one can hope it was just the stench from the monster below in the pit. He came with his men to announce that he held a Council Member, Wonka the Hutt of Black Dawn, sealed in carbonite. He wanted to start a bidding war erupted between the hutts upon the stage and an amaran in the audience. Before the grate was opened there was a com made sealing the deal that Wonka would be sold to an unknown bidder. The exact price is not known at this time but it should be interesting to see what will become of the hutt. The tusken was able to escape after hutt forces made an attempt to stop him.

Darth Sae’hal II took to the grate to speak to Shaka. The droid that was being discussed previously would be arriving in a week and this seemed to please the huttling and he asked how the Arch Lord was hurt. Sae’hal informed us that dragonsnakes dislike it when you drain their home and that it was a dangerous project he was working on. Shaka stated that he would send in more workers and that the swamp will be cleared and then whatever they were speaking about would be ready. This code seemed to be lost upon the crowd but it was mentioned whatever it was it would take time to perfect.

The Nasirii Majordomo was next upon the grate to tell the galaxy of the events that will be happening soon. There will be a pod race upon Tatooine in the city of Mos Espa at 7pm ( SLT ). What will the sands hold for the racers Thursday evening? Only time will tell but there were rumors of gambling as well so keep your eyes out for more events.

Speaking about the VMG Starfighter Challenge.

Celia Nodrim dared the grate and explained in more detail about the starfighter challenge. She did have this to say: ‘We are currently accepting entries, which must be submitted in advance of the competition for applicants to be considered. While entry forms will be available soon, you can get one from us at VMG Entertainment, and also must return it to us.’ There would be a prize awarded to the best of the best. The XS Freighter. Sign up today!

Besides all of these events there was an explosion in the back of the casino causing immense damage to the structure what was not blocked by the field. Also, there was a rocket fired at the huttling and Darth Abyssus but thankfully a force field was generated to take most of the damage filling the area with smoke. The tusken was still able to escape while his friend was in the pit and had to battle a Dianoga. After an intense fight the beast fell and the man managed to escape with the help of a male twi’lek that looked to be on the staff for one of the hutts. I believe work crews will begin repairing the damage in the morning.

Remember that Nar Shaddaa hosts their hutt night every week at 6pm ( SLT ). Come bring gifts or business. You can even just come to stare at the dancers.

- Karissa Andross

Meeting in Dathomir

Lady Kia gathered the meeting of the Confederacy of Independent Systems (CIS) in her fortress of Dathomir, surrounded by the rancors of the reserve. She first talked about the Pallas Athena station which disappeared without any trace. She sent a scout of the Dark forge fleet to search for it, but no leads have been turned up yet. The station might have moved to an undisclosed area. Investigations are still pending and members proposed their assistance when needed. The Magister of Zonama Sekot announced, after the Queen of Zeltros Viera Lars’ report, that Endor’s Moon might be interested by the CIS.

Gistya Antilles from the Corellian Mining Corporation and Lady Kia talked about their progress on the defence treaty, able to face to the modern threats. This one was not fully ready, but should be expectingly proposed for review in the next days.

— Daana Kira, Rakiko Lowtide

The Galactic Senate of the Republic met in Coruscant with a large audience of Senators, and a pair of foreign guests. The Chancellor Tiffany Vandergraff-Imari was at the central pod, along with Frenris Kha’jiir, acting Vice Chancellor. The Chancellor started on the a formal complaint of Senator Sapphire Tafo of Tython against the election process of the Vice Chancellor, contested in the last meeting.

The Jedi temple and the Senate in Coruscant

After a silence, Senator Tafo explained the constitution wrote the post has to be assigned to the Second one and not other, then the process shall be redone if none is found. The Chancellor would held no right to name the Vice Chancellor, decisions have to come from the Senate anyway. Tafo was backed by the Senator Micah Langley from Naboo, which said the people wanted the Vice Chancellor has to win an election and not be the one by default.

The Senator Ayeka Kel agreed on the election of Kha’jiir, but wanted to recount the votes if anything was missed. Frenris Kha’jiir said this would be time loss since the Chief Justice already legitimated her election. The Chancellor asked we start a vote, and the Senator Shan Connell of Bengat motioned to support the Chief justice findings. The Senator Tafo agreed to vote after having said the Chief Justice has not the power to name politicians and his decision disrespected the Republic stating the last runner in an election wins the post,

The voted was ending by tie, Tython, Naboo and Endor voting to redo the process and Onderon, Bengat and Yavin wanting to maintain the decision. Finally, Frenris Kha’jiir as Vice Chancellor voted to keep her post, breaking the tie. The result rose boos within the opposition claiming it was a conflict of interest. The New vice chancellor claimed her voice was as fair as theirs. She was supported by the Chancellor which validated the process. When the opposition claimed the decision wasn’t based on democratic rules, she answered they were not a democracy but a republic. The Senator of Naboo was indignant and motioned for a vote of non confidence and the Chancellor asked if it was seconded.

The new Vice Chancellor Kha’jiir then shout orders from the platform to the guards to remove any people speaking, starting by the Senator Tafo which was chuckling on that outburst. The Chancellor recalled the guards and said Kha’jiir she was not called either. She planed to do fully her work of chancellor herself, leaving the Vice Chancellors strictly hers. She suggested the opposition had something against the Vice Chancellor and asked them to stop. After having called one last time if anybody else supported the motion of non confidence, the topic switched.

She invited one of the guest, Devin Feskin, Executive Officer of the Corporate Sector Authority to speak. He explained he wanted his organisation to open relationship with the Republic. He also was asked to attend an the future meetings, representing his government the direx, and wished to be able to advise the Senate to safeguard their interests. The chancellor believed their goods will be beneficial to the members of the Republic, she announced they are talking about a treaty which should be submitted later. Senator Kel of Onderon invited him to her world. Jedi Master Solo asked how they might be contacted.

Then Shaka the Hutt talked in the name of the Confederacy of Independent Systems, an collection of trade minded worlds, such as Zeltros, famous for its entertainment as well as Pallas Athena, Zonama Sekot for its food products, and the Hutt space for their various manufactured goods. Master Marsh Solo proposed to purchase some bacta for his order. Senator Kel agreed they could make good deals with the confederacy. Shaka also invited the world of the Republic to organise local Miss Galaxy pageants but had no answer yet on this point.

After the guests left the room, the senators debated on a weapon limitation bill. Senator Kel of Onderon said she agreed to the bill but, worried about her own weapons and armour, asked what they would become. Senator Connell told her concern about the mandatory prison sentence for the infringement and asked clarification on the registered Jedi concept.

Frenris Kha’jiir which introduced the bill said it was designed to protect the citizens from rogue individual carrying weapons even if she agree with the right the citizens have to bear arms. She said to Senator Kel she would just have to register her equipments and agreed with Senator Connell the prison sentence for the first offence has to be amended. She added she planed another legislation about registering the Jedi Orders and the Jedi in a Galactic Database, which would have to pass for this part of the text be valid.

Senator Connell told she wore Jedi weapons since a short time in a Jedi order, probably suggesting she couldn’t get the required license to keep them, she recalled the Jedi unanimously rejected the last attempt to regulate them.

The Senator Tafo objected first on the form of the text, which was presented as an act and not as a bill and mentioned Bothawui in the middle, suggesting it was a badly recycled text. She denied the text solved any actual issue, as invaders would not care of a weapon limitation law. Since the text required to register Mandalorians and Jedi able to wear their weapon, it would need to hire and pay new officers for a mere result. She also recalled the right the citizen have to bear a weapon, not only to defend themselves, but to defend the Republic and concluded the text was a danger for the Republic and against the constitution.

Senator Kel added she had a text which would remove the need to regulate Force Users’ weapons. She would like however to register her equipment. Even if she agreed with the text, the people shall be armed for their safety.

Vice Chancllor Kha’jiir justified her mixup between bill and act by her imperfect knowledge of the Basic language. She agreed the text came from Bothawui and was designed to prevent public riots. The cost of the license would cover the exploitation of the register. She wanted to keep the constitutional right to bear arm but wanted to precise what is a weapon. It will address the mad man holding a thermal or the overarmed criminal. The part on the Mandalorians might be revised and if the Jedi Order are seen yet part of the military, registering them makes sense. She also suggested to Senator Kel they could work together.

Senator Kel agreed some heavy weapon should be restricted if not banned, but wanted to address more commonly worn gears, such as her fully equipped personal military grade battle armour build by her family plant, which she added some more enhancements.

Senator Connell denied the Jedi are part of the military and recalled the attempt of legislation on this matter failed due to a strong opposition.

Kei-Rebu, advisor of Rori, fell concerned by the retired Jedi like him which he believe should have the right to keep their weapons since he consider the lightsaber is the life of the Jedi.

For Senator Tafo, a criminal bearing any weapon has to be arrested first because he’s a criminal. Criminals would not follow the law anyway while honest citizens would be left defenceless, therefore she saw this text as dangerous. Even if the Military had a Jedi Order list, it’s not to them to make the police. She disbelieved Jedi orders would have to register to the military to be allowed in the Republic. She called the Jedi defending their case to mind the non-Jedi citizens having similar concerns. Also she asked the text shall be introduced as constitutional amendement since Kha’jiir herself saw it as a addenda to the constitution.

Frenris Kha’jiir agreed with to amend her bill in two ways. Possibly she could give a special licence to the Lightsaber and Mandalorian armour and also to grant the Jedi Orders the right to issue lifetime licences. Alternatively, she would put those equipment the military grade licence, removing any mention of their religion or culture from the bill.

After a vote, the senators suspended the legislation pending further developments. This closed the meeting. The not yet discussed bills would be added at the top of the docket for the next meeting. Frenris Kha’jiir concluded she was pleased of the talks about the legislation started and was grateful to the regime. Senator Tafo requested Endor’s case would be discussed first next time and proposed her help for they issue a formal request.

— Daana Kira, Rakiko Lowtide

The meeting of the Confederacy of Independent Systems gathered in a room, hidden in the mountains and only accessible by a maze of corridors. Around the table, the members of the CIS welcomed their guests. This guests were the Emperor’s executor Darth Rowe from the Sith Empire, The Vice Chancellor Ta’kara Darkmoon and Shan Connell from the New Republic, and Nawar’anu, representing Nar Shaddaa as Majordomo to the Ropa Hutt Clan and Ambassador to the Dlugacz Clan. The New Confederacy would have been invited, but were not present.

CIS meeting

Lady Kia, mother of the spellweaver clan of Dathomir hosted the meeting. Once everyone was here, Salene Lusch, magister of Zonama Sekot spoke trying to dismiss the confusion based on the name with the New Confederacy and explaining the CIS is a peaceful organisation following a trade agreement between their members and open to the rest of the Galaxy. She concluded by proposing the other faction to tie relationships.

On Sith and Republican wondered what is being done to lift the name confusion. Ladies Kia and Lusch answered this meeting was one of this action. Other were considered, even a name change. The New Confederacy is hard to reach does not help, but there is also other Republic and Empires already without people call each other the wrong name. They denied wanting to resort to the war for this.

On possible relationships, Nawa’ranu already answered he would be happy take part with his personal ship. Zeltros King Kash Lars was delighted of trade grow since they joined the CIS. This two should meet later for a possible agreement.

Darth Rowe said such matter might be addressed in the council.

The Vice Chancellor Darkmoon offered a representative of the CIS talk in a following Galactic Senate Meeting and asked what they would be willing to trade. They agreed to send a representative, they listed some of their product. Magister Lusch said she was more concerned by insurmountable bureaucratic procedures that foreign merchants have met on the ground. The vice chancellor claimed the Republic has not intended trade obstacles as long as trade is legal and she will look after further reported cases.

The Senator Connell said she would help to meet the other senators, since any agreement has to be centralised by the Republic itself. On a remark forbidding local agreement would just lead to illegal agreements, the Senator clarified private agreements with outsiders were not concerned. She also asked if the CIS wanted more than trade. The Magister Lusch answered the CIS was yet a platform for trading and open relationships, even if the individual members might have further goal or if their treaty might evolute in the future.

— Daana Kira

by ROBERT VALDES

Death Star Basics

The Death Star’s main purpose is to function as a mobile platform for its main weapon – the Superlaser. The Death Star’s structure is basically an enormous housing for the Superlaser and the reactor that powers it.

It takes a lot of technicians to operate and maintain the Superlaser. And although it’s the most powerful weapon in the galaxy, it’s completely defenseless if attacked directly. So the Superlaser also needs military support to defend it. To address these issues, the designers of the Death Star equipped this enormous housing to serve two purposes: It is both a mobile weapons platform and a fully operational battle station.

Of course in order for the Death Star to be a real threat, it has to be mobile. To accomplish this the Death Star features a complex network of real-space ion engines and hyperdrive field generators that allow it to travel like any other interstellar space craft. So basically the Death Star is made of four major components: the battle station, the Superlaser, the propulsion system and the hypermatter reactor that powers it all. Let’s look at all of these components.

The Death Star Surface

A Turbo laser turret on the Death Star’s surface tracks enemy starfighters.

In the original design, the Death Star measures 120 kilometers (roughly 75 miles) in diameter. A huge equatorial trench splits the surface of the station into two hemispheres. This trench is used to house many of the Death Star’s main systems: Landing bays, Drive thrusters, Sensor arrays, Tractor beam systems.

In addition to the main trench there are two supplementary trenches halfway between the equator and each pole that are used mostly for maintenance and secondary reactor ventilation.

There are thousands of weapons emplacements scattered all across the Death Star’s surface, including: 10,000 turbolaser batteries, 2,500 laser cannons, 2,500 ion cannons, 768 tractor beam projectors.

Most of the surface of the Death Star is covered with buildings of varying size and purpose, so that it closely resembles a sprawling metropolis. Now let’s look inside.

Inside the Death Star

Most of the space inside the Death Star is devoted to systems required to maintain the Superlaser, propulsion system and hypermatter reactor. Of course the largest space is the main reactor chamber at the core of the Death Star. The rest of the interior is made up of a honeycomb of decks for personnel and equipment. This space is designed with two separate layouts each with a different source and orientation of artificial gravity.

The “layer” closest to the surface is laid out in a series of concentric decks with artificial gravity generators pointing towards the Death Star’s core. Below this are thousands of levels of sprawling stacked decks dotted with vast, deep shafts that all link to the reactor’s main chamber. This section of the Death Star makes up the bulk of the interior and has gravity pointing toward the station’s southern pole.

The two interior sections of the Death Star are divided into 24 zones, 12 per hemisphere. Each zone is organized into six sectors: General, Command, Military, Security, Service, Technical.

All the sectors are run by an officer who answers to a zone captain, who controls his or her zone from a zone bridge. The entire Death Star command structure answers to one Death Star Commander. The Commander operates from the overbridge. The overbridge is the nerve center of the Death Star and is located just above the top edge of the Superlaser dish. Governor Tarkin was acting commander of the first Death Star. The station’s military forces fell under the command of General Tagge (ground forces) and Admiral Motti (naval forces).

The Superlaser

If you’ve ever burned a leaf with a magnifying glass you understand the basic principle behind the Superlaser. When a magnifying glass is held at the correct angle between the sun and a leaf, the sunrays are focused through the lens. These rays intersect under the lens and at the point of intersection a beam of heat is created that burns the leaf. The sun is the source of power and the lens is the focus.

The Superlaser has a massive lens built around a huge synthetic focusing crystal. The lens is known as “the Eye” and is surrounded by eight tributary lasers. There are also four back up lasers in case any of the main eight tributaries fail. All of the tributary lasers can be angled for targeting. This allows the Death Star to aim the Superlaser within a certain field of fire without having to turn the entire station. The main cannon and eight tributary lasers fire beams that converge at the outer perimeter of the Superlaser dish in an amplification nexus. A main beam then blasts from the nexus to the intended target.

The Death Star’s Superlaser derives power directly from the hypermatter reactor. The lasers convert and focus the full power of the reactor to create the beams. So going back to our magnifying glass example, the Superlaser is like a series of large magnifying glasses focusing the entire power of the reactor (which is like a small sun) into one huge beam to destroy a planet, rather than a few rays of light to burn a leaf.

Firing the Superlaser

There have only been two instances where the Death Star fired its Superlaser at full power while targeting a planetary body. The Death Star’s first test firing destroyed the remote and uninhabited planet Despayre. The first Death Star was built in orbit around Despayre, making it an ideal choice to test the Superlaser’s power as well as destroy the evidence of the Death Star’s construction. The second instance was the highly publicized destruction of Alderaan.

The Superlaser’s power needs to be recharged between blasts, limiting it to only one planet-destroying beam per day. The output of the Superlaser can however be scaled to fire at smaller targets such as capital ships. The Superlaser can produce a scaled beam at a recharge rate of one per minute.

It takes 168 Imperial gunners to operate the Superlaser. There are 14 gunners manning each tributary laser while the remaining crew operates other systems. The Superlaser can only be fired under direct orders from the station commander or the Emperor himself.

Power and Propulsion

The greatest challenge in designing the Death Star was not creating a cannon big enough to fire a beam that could destroy a planet, nor was it creating a battle station the size of a small moon. The greatest challenge was always powering a cannon big enough to fire a beam that could destroy a planet and moving a battle station the size of a small moon. The answer to both of these problems was solved with the invention of the hypermatter reactor.

The hypermatter reactor is the heart of the Death Star. The Death Star’s hypermatter core is based largely on early Sienar Systems hypermatter implosion core that was the power source of the Confederacy of Independent Systems’ Great Weapon (the early inspiration for the Death Star — more on this later). Little is actually known about the details of the highly classified reactor design, but we do know that it is a massive fusion reactor fed by stellar fuel bottles that line the periphery of the main reactor chamber.

The Death Star’s real-space propulsion system is made up of a network of ion engines that use converters to transform reactor power into thrust. The engine thrusters are primarily lined along the equator of the station.

Hyperspace travel is made possible with linked banks of hyperdrive field generators. Each bank contains 123 hyperdrive field generators. They are all tied together into one navigational matrix that is controlled from the overbridge.

Life on the Death Star

It takes more than a million people to operate the Death Star and there is room for over a billion people on board. There are always at least 1,161,293 Imperials stationed on the Death Star at any given time. The standard complement of personnel includes:265,675 Station crew, 52,276 gunners, 607,360 troops, 25,984 Stormtroopers, 42,782 ship support staff, 167,216 pilots and support crew. The station also carries: 7,200 starfighters, 4 strike cruisers, 3,600 assault shuttles, 1,400 AT-ATs, 1,400 AT-STs, 1,860 drop ships and a variable number of support, recon and assault droids.

Tours on the Death Star last at least 180 days and usually much longer. Personnel are often in deep space without leave for months at a time, and since the location of the Death Star is always classified, contact with family or friends is strictly prohibited. This can make life on the Death Star very difficult. To ease the burden of this duty the station is outfitted with many civilian amenities. The general sector of each zone in the Death Star has a park, shopping centers and recreation areas that include restaurants, a cinema and fitness centers.

Death Star History

The Death Star battle station was the brainchild of Imperial bigwig Grand Moff Tarkin. It was the centerpiece of Tarkin’s Doctrine of Fear proposal that created sweeping reform in the structure of the Empire. It was also the final step in solidifying the Emperor’s total authority. The largest change to the Empire made by the Doctrine of Fear was the dissolution of the Imperial Senate. Tarkin’s policy put power directly in the hands of the regional governors. The governors, who ruled over several planetary systems, now answered directly to the Emperor under the Doctrine of Fear. This new organization greatly reduced the bureaucracy in the Empire and greatly increased the power of regional governors like Tarkin.

Opponents to the Doctrine of Fear (and there were many in the Empire) claimed that this new policy would rip the Empire apart and that planets would revolt without direct representation in the Senate. Tarkin’s answer to any potential dissonance was the Death Star. Tarkin intended to make an example of a rebellious system as soon as the Death Star was capable. He believed that after the total annihilation of a planet, fear would spread throughout the galaxy and maintain order. The development and construction of the Death Star had begun long before the first debate ever took place about the Doctrine of Fear. In fact, the Doctrine of Fear was ratified by the Emperor the very same day the second successful firing of the Death Star destroyed the planet of Alderrann.

Visionary scientists and engineers like Qwi Xux, Tol Sivron and Bevel Lemelisk were conscripted by the Empire to develop the space station. They all worked in a top secret facility, code-named Maw, hidden deep in one of the most inhospitable regions of the galaxy. A prototype Death Star was built at Maw but was little more than a spherical frame with an untested Superlaser. It was much smaller than the Death Star would eventually be and had no propulsion system.

The construction phase of the Death Star project took place in orbit around the planet Despayre and was primarily handled by defense contracting company Sienar Systems. Sienar had worked on a prototype of a similar space station many years earlier for the CIS, was contracted by Tarkin to do work on the Death Star project. (It should also be noted that Sienar Systems CEO Raith Sienar was “coincidentally” an old friend of Grand Moff Tarkin). For years, the Empire used prison labor to mine Despayre for materials. Prison laborers also handled the more menial and dangerous aspects of the station’s construction.

The inspiration for the Death Star came from a Separatist super-weapon called the Great Weapon. The Great Weapon was a moon sized-space station with a large laser cannon developed by the Trade Federation, Geonosians, and Techno-Union for use in their war against the Old Republic. It was never put to use and was captured by the newly formed Empire after the Clone Wars. The Great Weapon was never completed. The original Death Star was destroyed in the Battle of Yavin by rebel pilot Luke Skywalker. Skywalker fired a proton torpedo into a reactor vent shaft. The ensuing chain reaction caused a critical overload of the reactor, destroying the entire station and killing everyone aboard.

Death Star II

After the destruction of the first Death Star, the Empire immediately began building a second Death Star. Death Star II was placed under the command of Moff Jerjerrod and was a larger (160 km/99.5 miles in diameter) more powerful version of its predecessor.

Many of the design flaws of the first Death Star were corrected in Death Star II, including its Achilles heel — the thermal exhaust ports. Instead of relying on several large vent ports that led directly to the station’s main reactor, Death Star II was designed with network of variably angled millimeter-wide heat dispersion ducts. This design made it impossible for a projectile to reach the reactor via the vent system.

Another costly oversight was corrected in the layout of the new stations defenses. The original Death Star was only designed to repel an attack from large capital ships. Because of “loose” net cast to catch attackers, Rebel fighters were able to easily penetrate the Death Star’s defense grid. The design of Death Star II almost doubled its surface defenses and triangulated them so that both capitol ships and fighters could easily be gunned down.

Death Star II was designed with: 30,000 turbolaser batteries, 7,500 laser cannons, 5,000 ion cannons. The Death Star II also featured a larger and more powerful Superlaser that was capable of firing more frequently and more accurately.

Death Star II was under construction in orbit around the forest moon of Endor. While under construction, the new Death Star was protected by a large energy shield, projected from the nearby moon. Despite this, the Rebel Alliance destroyed the unfinished Death Star II in the Battle of Endor.

So What Happens if You Blow Up a Planet?

There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the Death Star. Besides the obvious issues associated with destroying an entire planet, there are also the concerns for the effects that the destruction of a planet would have on other planets in the same system. So what does happen to other planets in the same system as a planet that is completely destroyed by the Death Star?

To answer this question HowStuffWorks went to F. Todd Baker, Physics Professor at the University of Georgia Department of Physics And Astronomy. Here was his answer: To answer the question you must assess which other bodies are significantly affected by the presence of the planet before it is destroyed. In most cases, you will find that only the moons of that planet fall into that category. Effects of planets on other planets are generally only noticeable for the very large planets; for example, the planet Neptune was discovered after the orbit of the planet Uranus was found to be not exactly the orbit predicted using Kepler’s laws, which assumes all planets move under the influence of the gravity of the sun alone. Regarding the moons of a planet, the subsequent motion would be determined by what happens to the debris from the planet. Of course the “destruction” of a planet does not mean that its mass disappears, it is just redistributed.

A couple of scenarios: 1. Suppose the earth became a cloud of debris with 10 times the radius of the present earth. Then this cloud would continue orbiting the sun as it does now (the length of a year would be the same) and the moon would continue orbiting this cloud as it does the earth now (the length of a month would be the same). This supposes that the cloud of debris were roughly spherically symmetric. 2. Suppose that the annihilation were so catastrophic that the debris completely dispersed in a spherically symmetric way. As soon as some of the debris passed the moon’s orbit, the gravitational force on the moon would begin decreasing and the moon would change its orbit in a continuous way until, finally, it would be orbiting the sun in an orbit more or less the same as the earth’s current orbit. All the debris would also end up orbiting the sun in many different kinds of orbits much as asteroids and comets do today; some would end up in orbits which resulted in their hitting the sun.

(HOW STUFF WORKS)

Earlier today on Ilum, an open meeting of the Confederacy of Independent Systems (CIS) in the ice covered plane, was held. After internal affairs were handled, several guests were invited to present their projects and proposals to the members of the CIS attending.

CIS members discussing

Lady Kia, the president of the CIS, evoked concerns about the planet Roon, which is meant to be part of the Confederacy, but would have apparently joined the New Trade Federation (NTF) without a notice, despite the Confederacy treaty requiring it. As no envoy from Roon was attending, a delay will be granted for they answer on this point.

Flint Mokeev, the envoy from Zonama Sekot said even though the NTF had an outpost on Zonama, they have currently no agreement with them. Their trading status may however evolve in the future. He also said the NTF lost the control of several battle droids, which were reprogrammed to be hostile by a still unknown person.

In the last previous meeting a defence force was envisaged. Galdo Solo from Corulag would find a benefit to protect his planet facilities. Fighting these rogue droids may also been one of their missions. Meanwhile Zonama Sekot defend with its own ressources, under the command of the rangers, and would welcome the assistance of their traditional ally, like the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) if they wanted to help.

The meeting room

Tesserian, the trade minister of Bakura, not member of the CIS, came to the meeting to present his agreement with the confederate world Bespin. He expected to have his agreement enlarged with other worlds of the CIS. His proposition had a positive reception by the Confederacy, even if no decision was yet made. He also recalled the Bakura government had no control over the GAR, but he may help by forwarding them requests.

Syn, a representative from the Zann Consortium proposed their alliance with the CIS. She presented the advantage for the Confederacy to have their products well represented on the black market that they claim to have a large control on. She also said they have a good relationship with several Hutt clans. The answer was mitigated, since the Consortium and the Imperious are currently in war against other Syndicates and the CIS had no envy to enter in this conflict. The consortium threatened to disrupt the trade if no agreement was found, but the president claimed they would have the resources to defend themselves in that case.

Sihivus from the Imperious claimed they were fighting the Black Sun, which had the upper hand on the Galactic Syndicate Union (GSU), itself allied to the NTF. They suggested the droids attacking Zonama Sekot were controled either by the NTF or the Black Sun directly. Furthermore, they suggested Darmutta the Hutt from Nar Shaddaa played a double dealing, being member of the CIS and the GSU. Zonama Sekot told they had no evidence the NTF or the Black Sun was behind the hostile droids.

To end, a representative from Hutt Lyzo Nasirii on Mos Espa advertised the Confederacy to come and trade with his clan, claiming the expertise the Hutt have in delicate, but profitable, situations.

— Daana Kira, Rakiko Lowtide

Earlier today on Ilum, an open meeting of the Confederacy of Independent Systems (CIS) in the ice covered plane, was held. After internal affairs were handled, several guests were invited to present their projects and proposals to the members of the CIS attending.

CIS members discussing

Lady Kia, the president of the CIS, evoked concerns about the planet Roon, which is meant to be part of the Confederacy, but would have apparently joined the New Trade Federation (NTF) without a notice, despite the Confederacy treaty requiring it. As no envoy from Roon was attending, a delay will be granted for they answer on this point.

Flint Mokeev, the envoy from Zonama Sekot said even though the NTF had an outpost on Zonama, they have currently no agreement with them. Their trading status may however evolve in the future. He also said the NTF lost the control of several battle droids, which were reprogrammed to be hostile by a still unknown person.

In the last previous meeting a defence force was envisaged. Galdo Solo from Corulag would find a benefit to protect his planet facilities. Fighting these rogue droids may also been one of their missions. Meanwhile Zonama Sekot defend with its own ressources, under the command of the rangers, and would welcome the assistance of their traditional ally, like the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) if they wanted to help.

The meeting room

Tesserian, the trade minister of Bakura, not member of the CIS, came to the meeting to present his agreement with the confederate world Bespin. He expected to have his agreement enlarged with other worlds of the CIS. His proposition had a positive reception by the Confederacy, even if no decision was yet made. He also recalled the Bakura government had no control over the GAR, but he may help by forwarding them requests.

Syn, a representative from the Zann Consortium proposed their alliance with the CIS. She presented the advantage for the Confederacy to have their products well represented on the black market that they claim to have a large control on. She also said they have a good relationship with several Hutt clans. The answer was mitigated, since the Consortium and the Imperious are currently in war against other Syndicates and the CIS had no envy to enter in this conflict. The consortium threatened to disrupt the trade if no agreement was found, but the president claimed they would have the resources to defend themselves in that case.

Sihivus from the Imperious claimed they were fighting the Black Sun, which had the upper hand on the Galactic Syndicate Union (GSU), itself allied to the NTF. They suggested the droids attacking Zonama Sekot were controled either by the NTF or the Black Sun directly. Furthermore, they suggested Darmutta the Hutt from Nar Shaddaa played a double dealing, being member of the CIS and the GSU. Zonama Sekot told they had no evidence the NTF or the Black Sun was behind the hostile droids.

To end, a representative from Hutt Lyzo Nasirii on Mos Espa advertised the Confederacy to come and trade with his clan, claiming the expertise the Hutt have in delicate, but profitable, situations.

— Daana Kira, Rakiko Lowtide

Flint Mokeev and Salene Lusch

Zonama Sekot: Some hostile military grade droids were spotted roaming in Zonama Sekot. These droids are extremely aggressive and proclaim anti-life slogans. The authorities forbade the activation of armed droids near the spaceport to appease the citizen and ease the controls. They warned the travellers which would see them in the neighbourhood.

The origin of these droids remain unknown. There is a strong suspicion they were made by the New Trade Federation which opened a warehouse in the sector and uses similar droids, and who claimed some units were stolen. The investigations are still in progress, while rangers are patrolling in the surrounding jungle.

On another topic, the magister Salene Lusch wanted to congratulate Lady Kia for her presidency of the Confederacy of Independent Systems, which Zonama Sekot is part of. She expects Lady Kia’s mandate will be fruitful. The magister told they were still trying to find commercial opportunities in the Galaxy, but she deplored too many factions focus on their military build-up while displaying trading intentions.

— Daana Kira, Rakiko Lowtide

Flint Mokeev and Salene Lusch

Zonama Sekot: Some hostile military grade droids were spotted roaming in Zonama Sekot. These droids are extremely aggressive and proclaim anti-life slogans. The authorities forbade the activation of armed droids near the spaceport to appease the citizen and ease the controls. They warned the travellers which would see them in the neighbourhood.

The origin of these droids remain unknown. There is a strong suspicion they were made by the New Trade Federation which opened a warehouse in the sector and uses similar droids, and who claimed some units were stolen. The investigations are still in progress, while rangers are patrolling in the surrounding jungle.

On another topic, the magister Salene Lusch wanted to congratulate Lady Kia for her presidency of the Confederacy of Independent Systems, which Zonama Sekot is part of. She expects Lady Kia’s mandate will be fruitful. The magister told they were still trying to find commercial opportunities in the Galaxy, but she deplored too many factions focus on their military build-up while displaying trading intentions.

— Daana Kira, Rakiko Lowtide

CIS meeting presided by lady Kia

Ilum: The Confederacy of Independent Systems (CIS) has a new seat and a new president, the leader of Ilum, Lady Kia. After a meeting, in presence of other representatives of confederate governments, she explained her projects for her mandate: improve the protection of the shipping lanes and ports to address pirate attacks, keep the record of the resources from the confederate members to ease the import and the export, perform a deep historical exploration of the CIS worlds to keep the memory of the past and present it in public places like the museum of Ilum.

She wanted to deny that the CIS is currently leading negotiations with the Galactic Republic or Bakura like a press release from the Bakura’s Trade minister suggested. If negotiations occurred, they were engaging an individual world. Agreemenst in the name of the CIS shall be approved to its assembly, even though individual members may initiate talks just not bind the CIS without authorization. She also added they are currently open to negotiate agreements with any factions in the Galaxy wishing it, whatever they are the Sith Empire or the New Republic. The negotiation shall be made on mutual consent, the CIS isn’t looking to establish a new Empire or Republic but to promote trading for its members in the Galaxy. About Hutt organisation from world members of the CIS having joined the Galactic Syndicate Union, she said it was local matter and not a concern for the confederacy.

— Daana Kira, Rakiko Lowtide

CIS meeting presided by lady Kia

Ilum: The Confederacy of Independent Systems (CIS) has a new seat and a new president, the leader of Ilum, Lady Kia. After a meeting, in presence of other representatives of confederate governments, she explained her projects for her mandate: improve the protection of the shipping lanes and ports to address pirate attacks, keep the record of the resources from the confederate members to ease the import and the export, perform a deep historical exploration of the CIS worlds to keep the memory of the past and present it in public places like the museum of Ilum.

She wanted to deny that the CIS is currently leading negotiations with the Galactic Republic or Bakura like a press release from the Bakura’s Trade minister suggested. If negotiations occurred, they were engaging an individual world. Agreemenst in the name of the CIS shall be approved to its assembly, even though individual members may initiate talks just not bind the CIS without authorization. She also added they are currently open to negotiate agreements with any factions in the Galaxy wishing it, whatever they are the Sith Empire or the New Republic. The negotiation shall be made on mutual consent, the CIS isn’t looking to establish a new Empire or Republic but to promote trading for its members in the Galaxy. About Hutt organisation from world members of the CIS having joined the Galactic Syndicate Union, she said it was local matter and not a concern for the confederacy.

— Daana Kira, Rakiko Lowtide

Darth Aran, His Imperial Majesty Darth Validus, Darth Destius and Darth Mortis

Byss: In a recent discussion, the Sith Emperor, Darth Validus announced Dromund Kaas will accept outside visitors after ongoing changes in order to make it safer will be done. We can recall the accusation of trespassing against one of their allied, led formerly the Tetan Empire and the Mandalorian to start a war against the Sith Empire. Dromund Kaas will however still be considered as an imperial reserve, and serious efforts will be made to protect the endangered species like those the Empire cares for, in other of its worlds like Myrkr. The planet will doubtingly become a hight spot of the galactic tourism, since both the fauna and the flora are naturally dangerous, without counting the atmosphere itself. 

The Empire is also glad to welcome Darth Mortis, one of the their elder of the Empire back from his trip to meditate on the nature of the Force. Inheritor of Darth Padar the founder of the current Empire, Darth Mortis is versed in Imperial history.

About the Regional Entities in Formation, like the Confederacy of Independent System or the Galactic Senate of the New Republic, the Emperor said to regard them in a “cool and neutral manner”, the Empire having already seen numerous other organisation come and go in its long history. Neither the Emperor or his hands endorse the puppeeting of foreign regimes are claiming association with other Sith that may control said powers; if they are really controlled by Sith, those would not be affiliated to the Empire.

The Emperor also announced his wish to tour the Galaxy with a small retinue of Royal Guards. After a long meditation on the nature of the Force, Darth Validus wants to see the Galaxy with his own eyes and his personal Star Destroyer will be ready soon. It is expected the close allies of the Empire will be visited, as well as Ruusan which Darth Validus already announced a visit in the past.

Kage Buurenaar

On a side note, mandalorians of the Buurenaar clan, allied of the empire affirmed the good morale of the Imperial Army where the Dark Force of the Sith train along with the Mandalorians on bases like the one in Myrkr. The Buurenaar Clan doesn’t recognize the new Mandalore Tepes Karr, the same way they didn’t recognize his predecessors. If they can deplore the disdain the Mandalore followers have for their clan, they see no point to fight them, as “it’s distasteful to think about fighting your own people.” 

— Daana Kira, Rakiko Lowtide

Darth Aran, His Imperial Majesty Darth Validus, Darth Destius and Darth Mortis

Byss: In a recent discussion, the Sith Emperor, Darth Validus announced Dromund Kaas will accept outside visitors after ongoing changes in order to make it safer will be done. We can recall the accusation of trespassing against one of their allied, led formerly the Tetan Empire and the Mandalorian to start a war against the Sith Empire. Dromund Kaas will however still be considered as an imperial reserve, and serious efforts will be made to protect the endangered species like those the Empire cares for, in other of its worlds like Myrkr. The planet will doubtingly become a hight spot of the galactic tourism, since both the fauna and the flora are naturally dangerous, without counting the atmosphere itself. 

The Empire is also glad to welcome Darth Mortis, one of the their elder of the Empire back from his trip to meditate on the nature of the Force. Inheritor of Darth Padar the founder of the current Empire, Darth Mortis is versed in Imperial history.

About the Regional Entities in Formation, like the Confederacy of Independent System or the Galactic Senate of the New Republic, the Emperor said to regard them in a “cool and neutral manner”, the Empire having already seen numerous other organisation come and go in its long history. Neither the Emperor or his hands endorse the puppeeting of foreign regimes are claiming association with other Sith that may control said powers; if they are really controlled by Sith, those would not be affiliated to the Empire.

The Emperor also announced his wish to tour the Galaxy with a small retinue of Royal Guards. After a long meditation on the nature of the Force, Darth Validus wants to see the Galaxy with his own eyes and his personal Star Destroyer will be ready soon. It is expected the close allies of the Empire will be visited, as well as Ruusan which Darth Validus already announced a visit in the past.

Kage Buurenaar

On a side note, mandalorians of the Buurenaar clan, allied of the empire affirmed the good morale of the Imperial Army where the Dark Force of the Sith train along with the Mandalorians on bases like the one in Myrkr. The Buurenaar Clan doesn’t recognize the new Mandalore Tepes Karr, the same way they didn’t recognize his predecessors. If they can deplore the disdain the Mandalore followers have for their clan, they see no point to fight them, as “it’s distasteful to think about fighting your own people.” 

— Daana Kira, Rakiko Lowtide

New Tibannopolis

New Tibannopolis: GNN reporters met with CEO Rhialto Tereshchenko among some new construction, where a new spaceport terminal and cantina were being built. The sight had been the location of the 91st base, which was destroyed by unknown attackers for unknown reasons a while back. The 91st has recently relocated within the city proper of New Tibannopolis. Speaking about the relationship between Bespin and the 91st, Mr. Tereshchenko stated it was on good terms and he had a lot of respect for the this clone battalion who he described as professional, but who seemed to have their fair share of enemies. As far as their dealing with Bespin itself, the extent is only the agreement for them to have a base of operation on New Tibannopolis, and Rhialto didn’t know what alliances the 91st was forming or with whom. Rhialto also indicated the 91st voiced concerns over Bespin’s involvement in the CIS due to its namesake being the same of the unrelated Confederacy during the Clone Wars several centuries ago, which had been found to be a tool of the a Sith.

Rhialto Tereshchenko speaking with reporters about Bespin and the CIS

Unfortunately, as Mr. Tereshchenko indicated too many in the Galaxy still associate the name with a Sith organization, but confirmed that the CIS is purely a trade confederation with no droid armies or plans of military expansion. As for the rumors that the confederacy would be a puppet regime for the Revenant Armada, Rhialto denied such claims and said that people’s memories of the old CIS die-hard and that its common recently for any rising partnership of planets, formed for whatever reasons, to be characterised as a toll of the Sith.

The status of the CIS is in the spirit of the meaning of the words in its name rather than the purpose of an organization in bygone years, which name that it’s a confederation of planets forming a trade organization between them. “A free association of members” as the CEO put it. As the CIS is just now getting off the ground, Mr. Tereshchenko hopes that all the members enjoy a positive relationship such as that between Bespin and Corulag, who have had a long standing trade agreement even before the CIS was formed and that the CIS expands with new members who have the same openness to beneficial trade agreements and to enhance the economic possibilities of all the members.

As for other recent news concerning the CIS, Rhialto confirmed that the planet Ilum, under the representation of Lady Kira has joined the trade confederation. Mr. Rhialto is also hopeful that members of the CIS and possibly the CIS itself may have positive trade relationships with other galactic governments such as the Tetan Empire and the Galactic Alliance. He restated that the CIS does not “command” anything under its formation other than the trade relationships between its member systems. Therefore any hosting of syndicate or other military groups by member planets is by their own doing as an independent system, not sanctioned or controlled by the CIS itself, who because of its economic purpose has no stake in such matters as long as they don’t interfere with free trade.

To illustrate how far-fetched he feels the reasoning behind the rumors can be, he told the following parable: “One time I sold a ship to a guy… ends up. He, in turn, sold it to a Sith Lord. I got heat for that, saying I enabled a Sith and so on. Seems that if you are found standing in the same room with a Sith, you are tainted in the eyes of many.” Rhialto hopes that rumors and misconceptions will fall by the wayside as the CIS forms into its own as it grows to the economic benefit of its members.

— Rakiko Lowtide, Daana Kira

Durossk, Majordomo to the hutt clans on Nar Shaddaa

While attending the Hutts court several days ago, we learned of a new alliance called the Confederacy of Independent Systems. As we investigated further, we found that seven planets and groups made up this loose confederation. Included in the ranks were Korriban, Roon, Bespin, Nar Shaddaa, Zonama Sekot, Corulag, and the city of Mos Espa on Tatooine. To learn more about this loose association, seemingly built on trade treaties, we travelled to Bespin to attend a meeting of representatives from most of these worlds. Most notably in attendance on New Tibannopolis were Gistya Antilles from Korriban, Rhialto Tereshchenko of Bespin, Galdo Solo of Corulag, Gracco the Hutt from Mos Espa and Durossk, majordomo of the Hutt clans representing Nar Shaddaa.

As explained, the C.I.S. is founded mainly on trade agreements between the member worlds who have agreed upon a standard constitution overseeing the trade and relationships between these member worlds. Also the relationships may go further as each world may also depend on the other for military or other type of aid to keep the trade routes open. However unlike a republic or most alliances, each member world is still considered autonomous and keep their own ways of governance.

Rhialto Tereshchenko of Bespin

The meeting itself started with an introduction of Rhialto Tereshchenko, president of the corporation that oversees Bespin. Rebuilding and updating Tibannopilis its Tibanna gas production facilities, Bespin has been looking for so secure its sale of this rare commodity. As Rhialto explained, the C.I.S holds an appeal by providing an association with other planets to secure its commerce of Tibanna gas without “the rigorous and intrusive nature of the Republic which seeks to micro manage.” By allying with others in such a way, each member system can make up for the weaknesses of others. For example, since Bespin is more of a business it has little in the way of military might, therefore under the confederacy it can rely on Corulag to secure the space lanes and protect Tibanna gas exports from pirates. Furthermore, the confederacy will also open up new markets for the commodities and goods of each member planet. 

Gistya Antilles of Korriban

Gistya Antilles, one of the main architects of the C.I.S. also echoed Rhialto’s hope that the confederacy will open up new doors of commerce and protect trade between the member worlds. Even though many of the member worlds have come from other galactic organizations such as the GA, she doesn’t see the C.I.S. as a successor or extension of these organizations. It’s  an alternative to other form of governments whereby worlds can enter in a treaty to protect their economic concerns with one another and have  a consistent way of interacting with other members. It’s not set up as a government overseeing member worlds but more as a partnership whereby each member keeps its governing independence. For her, the C.I.S. opens up markets for the raw materials and other goods produced by its mining activities on Korriban with the ability to easily import the necessary goods from other member worlds that its operations need. She also explained that a member world isn’t even forced to sell or trade any goods. For example, a commodity on one world maybe legal where its illegal on another and that world isn’t forced to trade in it. The C.I.S. though will provide a forum where disputes between member worlds can be handed easily, such as that might arise between a Sith controlled versus Jedi aligned world. As for the security and the possible military structure of the C.I.S, Antilles declined to comment citing security reasons so that the information wouldn’t fall to the wrong hands. 

Gracco, Durossk, and Galdo the Hutt also expressed  similar reasons for joining, where a secure free trade association can be made for the benefit and profit of all members. As the C.I.S. progresses, GNN will certainly keep coverage on each member world. One such world being Zonama Sekot where we travelled to interview Salene Lusch another founding member of the C.I.S.

Salene Lush, magister of Zonama Sekot

Magister Lusch explained that the C.I.S. was a confederation of several relatively small-sized worlds that wanted to extend their commerce. For her, each of the worlds have their own reason for joining, most probably wanting the benefit of belonging to a group without the strictness of an organization like the Galactic Alliance. Zonama Sekot joined for this reason and because a written treaty is overseeing the relationships between each member world. Normally, one has to enter into complicated negotiations with a world to seal a trade treaty only to find out the next day that world’s government or priorities have changed nullifying the treaty. The C.I.S. allows for a standard treaty to be in place between worlds that want to trade without having to negotiated each point every time new trade is set up. She explained that a council will be set up to oversee the C.I.S, composed of representatives from each member world, with the leadership held by a member world on a monthly rotating basis. The council will oversee trade disputes, make any changes to the C.I.S treaty and provide for military protection and security of the space commerce. Each individual world will continue to govern itself and deal with others the same as long they don’t interrupt the C.I.S. treaty. Furthermore, the individual laws of each world will be respected by other member worlds. Salene hopes that the interaction between each member world will open up new opportunities and help progress and stabilise these worlds rather than each individual staying to itself in the midst of an uneasy galaxy. 

As stated before, GNN will continue to cover the C.I.S. as it progresses and grows. We wish them luck in their pursuit of opening up trade and securing the space lanes.

— Rakiko Lowtide, Daana Kira

Science fiction and fantasy have always been ideal genres for exploring controversial political, religious, and philosophical ideas. The absurdity of circumstance in which such stories are set serve to detach an audience from reality, creating a kind of hypothetical laboratory for exploring thoughts which might be rejected elsewhere.

As a libertarian conservative and a life-long Star Wars fan, I was somewhat taken aback by 2005’s culminative installment Revenge of the Sith. Politics had dominated much of the prequel trilogy, but had been kept within the context of the story. Sith was different, as New York Times film critic A. O. Scott noted.

Mr. Lucas is clearly jabbing his light saber in the direction of some real-world political leaders. At one point, Darth Vader, already deep in the thrall of the dark side and echoing the words of George W. Bush, hisses at Obi-Wan, ‘If you’re not with me, you’re my enemy.’ Obi-Wan’s response is likely to surface as a bumper sticker during the next election campaign: ‘Only a Sith thinks in absolutes.’

Indeed, Lucas has indicated on more than one occasion an underlying leftist sympathy which shaped his popular saga. As a fan, I find this ironic, since my perception of Star Wars has always affirmed my conservative ideals. Here are a handful of elements from the saga which propagate principles of the Right.

Read on at NewsReal Blog…