Jedi Insurgency 218 (Interlude 26)

Within one of the many skyscrapers on Coruscant, one floor was the publicly funded, most trusted name in journalism, the Galactic News Network. Inside a studio, a pair of Humans-Kent Starman & Alissa Quazar-were hosting the evening news. Garnering an average of 500 billion views galaxy-wide, they were the most recognizable broadcasters. 

“Good evening, citizens of the Galactic Empire, this is Kent Starman, the host of Starzar, where the people's opinions, and galactic news are paramount!” Kent-an overly tanned man in a slick suit-said with a beaming million credit smile. 

“And I’m Alissa Quazar.” A mature yet attractive woman added on. “Tonight, we begin with a truly historic address from His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Palpatine.”

A brief clip rolled behind them, showcasing Palpatine speaking righteously. 

Kent nodded solemnly as the footage faded. “A stirring speech. GNN has confirmed through an insider familiar with the Emperor’s thinking that the traitor, ‘Order Master’ Jedi Mace Windu shall undergo a trial to determine his guilt.”

“Such a merciful man.” Alissa sighed. 

“Indeed, Alissa. The rule of law applies to everyone. Not even the Emperor can arbitrarily execute one of his own citizens, this isn't some barbaric place, like the Confederacy.” Kent quickly frowned. 

“Quite right, Kent. The Emperor once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to stability, security, and the continued prosperity of our galaxy.”

Kent clasped his hands on the desk, and nodded toward the camera. “Particularly notable was his emphasis on unity. A galaxy divided by reckless insurgents and the outlawing of Jediism.”

“Yes, Kent. It’s unfortunate that certain fringe groups continue to resist the order that has brought so much peace. Any donation to these cults has been deemed a crime. If you or a loved one has made a donation in the past for tax purposes, please notify your local IGRS office to clarify your stance.” Alissa said. 

“Failure to comply may result in two years of prison time, and seizure of assets. Take it from me, folks, you don't want to be a Jedi sympathizer.” Kent sternly added on. 

A brief clip showed Imperial investigators breaking down a door, and hauling out several robe-wearing individuals. Afterwards, Kent shuffled some papers, and cleared his throat. 

“In other news tonight, questions continue to circulate regarding Senator Padmé Amidala of Naboo.”

“The senator, once known for her frequent and, shall we say, passionate appearances in the Senate, had been notably absent for the past six months.” Alissa said. 

“Suspected dead, the newly elected senator for Naboo who had replaced her voluntarily chose to resign.” Kent spoke in a leading tone. 

“When asked for comment, the replacement senator said that Padmé was too powerful to go against, and was quick to run away from our reporters.” Alissa sighed.  

“Official statements from Naboo have been, at best, vague. Leaving one to imagine if perhaps there was domestic abuse involved with her mystery lover. Questions have surrounded the young senator regarding her pregnancy. Even now, her many admirers are left wondering, did the senator have a mental breakdown after a miscarriage?” Kent said, knocking his knuckles on the desk in front of him. He then leaned back slightly, as if considering. “Of course, we would never wish to intrude on a senator’s private life.”

“Of course not.” Alissa echoed in a sickly sweet tone. “...But, whilst the Empire is battling a war for survival, one wonders if someone who disappears for such a lengthy period is fit to serve.” 

“Are Naboo's interests being adequately represented in her absence?” Kent added smoothly. “After all, leadership is not something one can simply set aside, especially, as you pointed out, during a war.”

“Especially in times like these, when the Empire is working tirelessly to ensure stability across all systems.” Alissa nodded along. 

Kent turned back fully to the camera, his smile returning to its pristine, practiced form. “We at GNN wish Senator Amidala a swift recovery, whatever the nature of her condition may be, and look forward to her return to the Senate floor.”

“We'll be right back after these commercial messages.” Alissa smiled. 

~~~~~~~~~

The scene flickered to life with a chaotic burst of desert heat, revealing two Jawas wrestling over a glowing can, both chittering in outrage. Suddenly, a booming narrator cut through the noise: “Are you tired of feeling like a malfunctioning moisture vaporator under a pair of twin suns?”

The image of a weary-looking smuggler slumped against a sandcrawler came into focus. A Jawa scurried up and shoved a can into his hands. The label glowed: JAWA JUICE.

The smuggler cracked it open, leading to a satisfying PSSHHHH sound. A blinding flash of energy. Taking a big gulp, he jumped up, full of energy. Taking off at a sprint, he jumped over a Sarlaac pit, jogged in the pod racing Bunta Eve Classic, and high-fived a confused Tusken Raider along the way.

“Jawa Juice! Brewed from only the most questionably sourced ingredients in the Outer Rim! Guaranteed to energize, electrify, and possibly…get you the girl!” The narrator spoke. 

A group of Jawas came into focus being surrounded by Twi'lek dancer girls. One stroked the robe of a Jawa, and he held out the can with pride towards the camera. 

“Utiki!”

~~~~~~~~~~~

“Welcome back. We now turn to an old story regarding Kamino. Once a cornerstone of Imperial military infrastructure, and home to one of the Empire’s most, valued allies, it now sits in ruin.” Kent said in a stereotypical news anchor's tone. 

The holo zoomed in, revealing blackened scars across the ocean’s surface. A before and after image showed pristine domes transformed into debris fields, twisted durasteel, and deformed platforms sunken into the wild waves. 

“Preliminary estimates indicate that over ninety percent of Kamino’s habitable and production facilities have been destroyed.” Kent reported. 

“Although this took place more than six months ago, many new files have recently become declassified, revealing startling information.” Alissa pushed up a pair of glasses, and stared out forlornly for but a second. 

“And the individual responsible for this atrocity?” Kent asked, though his tone suggested the audience already knew.

“The enslaver of Malastare, the butcher of Kamino, the Jedi known as Revan.”

The holo shifted again, this time to a grainy, long-range image of a lone figure standing around a sea of civilian corpses. Twin lightsabers held downward, his mask pitilessly glanced upward, and the cameraman hurriedly retreated.  

“We now go live to our correspondent on the ground, Tasha Ferum, who is reporting from the ruins of Tipoca City. Tasha?” Kent asked. 

The image shifted, revealing a woman in a poncho standing in the middle of a rainstorm. Behind her, the skeletal remains of a once-pristine Kaminoan facility loomed. Its upper levels were gone, whilst the lower supports were groaning against the relentless waves.

Tasha's hair was plastered to her face, but her voice was just as ‘professional’ as every other news reporter. 

“Kent, Alissa, what you’re seeing behind me is only a fraction of the devastation. Entire cities across the planet are gone. Cloning vats, research archives, genetic repositories, the scientists, and civilians that made it happen, they're all gone.” Tasha firmly reported. 

“Tell us, Tasha, are there any survivors?” Alissa asked. 

“Rescue efforts are ongoing,but Imperial officials have confirmed that the Kaminoan population has been effectively eradicated.” Tasha replied. 

“A genocide.” Alissa sorrowfully sighed. 

“Yes, Alissa. Many here are using that exact term.” Tasha grimly nodded along. 

The camera panned slightly, revealing broken walkways, and the burnt image of a Kaminoan corpse that had melted into the side of a wall. This haunting image caused Alissa to gasp in shock. 

“Kamino was not just a production center. It was a partner to the Empire. A loyal ally. Their contributions to galactic security are why so few citizens had to fight against the Confederacy. And now, reduced to this by a man who claims to stand for peace.” Kent shook his head, and said with gritted teeth. 

“It’s difficult to wrap your head around, isn’t it? The image of a Jedi as a guardian of life has been one taught in all schools of higher education. Yet the evidence is damning.” Alissa said with pity. 

“Revan’s actions have opened GNN's eyes to other Jedi cases that had been dismissed out of hand in the past. We've learned that under the Republic's mismanagement, the Jedi engaged in unauthorized military engagements, the use of overwhelming force in populated areas, and had a tendency to operate outside any recognized chain of command.” Kent said with a furrowed brow. 

“It is because of the loss of Kamino that every volunteer into the Imperial Army & Navy are so crucial. Recruitment numbers are up. After Emperor Palpatine's speech for the need for self service, a record breaking 20 billion men & women have been enrolled.” Alissa smiled in pride. 

“That's right, Alissa. Sign up now, and receive education credits towards your major. Service guarantees a place in the Empire. The youth of today are being presented with a never before seen opportunity for jobs, housing, and upward social mobility.” Kent grinned, and spoke like a man jealous of others. 

“After the break, we'll take a look at how increased Imperial patrols are bringing renewed security to Outer Rim trade routes.” Alissa said, changing the subject. 

“You’re watching GNN, the galaxy's first choice for news.” 

The screen faded, and a brief 10 second infomercial showed various portraits of ‘Enemies of the State' as well as the price of their bounties. 

Yoda: 500,000,000

Revan: 450,000,000

Obi-Wan: 450,000,000

Plo Koon: 450,000,000

Rahm Kota: 300,000,000

Jaro Tapal: 300,000,000

Ahsoka Tano: 200,000,000

…

..

.

Boba Fett: 100,000

Hondo Ohnaka: 90,000 

Just as the commercial break began, a loud sound interrupted the program, followed by a flashing banner of text: IMPERIAL PRIORITY BROADCAST.

Kent Starman was already mid-breath when the feed stabilized. His composure-so carefully constructed moments before-had practically fractured.

“We, uh, we interrupt this scheduled programming for a developing emergency on Coruscant.”

“Reports are still coming in, but we have confirmation that a civilian freighter has collided with the Imperial Palace.” Alissa said, her face practically pale with worry. 

Behind them, a holo-feed flickered into existence, showing smoke billowing up into the sky, and a massive plume of fire rising from the gleaming spires of the Palace. One entire section had been torn open, revealing broken durasteel and marble alike. 

“Initial casualty estimates suggest that over fifty thousand individuals may have lost their lives in this tragic incident.” Kent said in a heavy tone. 

“As of this reporting, there has been no word as to the Emperor’s safety.” Alissa said, her mouth going dry. 

“If His Majesty was in the central wing, or the highest tower…” Alissa inhaled sharply, then stopped herself. The silence stretched just a fraction too long, as additional footage of the event began to trickle in. 

“It's too early to speculate. We can only hope that the Emperor avoided this tragedy. We must emphasize that there is no official confirmation regarding the Emperor’s status at this time.” Kent coughed into his hand, and spoke. 

“Yes. Imperial officials are undoubtedly securing the situation as we speak. Emergency response units have already been deployed across the Palace district.” Alissa added on. 

The holo behind them zoomed in, showcasing fires raging, troopers establishing perimeters, and medical craft weaving through the smoke towards victims.

“What we can confirm is that this appears to be a deliberate act. The trajectory of the freighter, its failure to respond to traffic control…furthermore, there was a brief conversation obtained by GNN between the pilot, and the traffic control tower.” Alissa said. 

“Statement: Revan is your master. Provocative Declaration: Death comes to all meatbags.” A robotic voice declared, before the transmission was cut. 

Kent’s jaw tightened again, but this time it was anger, not uncertainty. “An attack on the heart of the Empire. On its people-”

“-And on its leadership, but let us be clear: the Empire shall endure.” Alissa added. 

“We will continue to bring you updates as this situation develops. Stay with GNN.” Kent said, shuffling some papers. 

Right as they were about to go to break, Alissa put her hands to her mouth in shock, and Kent gasped. The footage they were seeing played for the audience at the same time. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, a second freighter has hit the Palace, I repeat, a second freighter has hit the Palace.” The news anchor said in a horrified tone. 

As the duo were performing for the camera, a change occurred within the studio. 

“Hey, who let this droid in here?” Kent asked in confusion. 

“Observation: This is the Galactic News Network. Goodbye, meatbags.” HK-51 D unslung his blaster, and blew their brains out to a live audience of-now-over 50 billion sentients. 

As the producers, and studio hands began to scramble away in fear, HK-51 D slowly strode up to the camera so his face was practically in the lens. 

“Joyful Declaration: Good evening, meatbags, this is HK-51 D. Today's programming is: ‘Hunt the Journalist.” 

The live feed then swapped with the droid's photoreceptors, and all 50 billion people were audience to HK-51 D as he systematically brutalized the Imperial propagandists for the next several hours. 

~~~~~~~~~

AN: Just doing some world building this chapter, trying to make the galaxy feel lived in. Sorry if it's a little boring, or perhaps dark. HK assassin droids, for all their banter, are the most vicious in the galaxy. Corvus/Revan really unleashed something horrific upon the galaxy, lol. We'll get back to the important characters next chapter.