Rob Stellar - War Criminal?

An excerpt of the Free Speech Association
Commonwealth Archives



Where does morality end and avarice begin? What is the line between self-defense and murder?


A person may claim that if a woman is attacked, she is within her rights to take a life to protect her own. Most would not consider this murder but self defense. However, if the woman were to merely 'feel' threatened, would she be within her rights to preemptively strike a man to prevent a perceived assault?


The man would have, in the second instance, not acted.


According to Commonwealth Law, the woman having acted based on what she thought might happen would have committed murder and be tried accordingly.

Under Commonwealth Law, for the most part, Intent is not compatable with Action. A man may find his wife cheating and become so angry that he wants to kill her but, after cooling down, does not act on the impulse.

He allows himself to make the conscious effort to refrain from acting on his impulse and it is considered a noble thing. So do we punish him still for having the impulse to begin with? If so, what would be the point for acting honorably, reasonably and with the wisdom of not allowing their emotions to overcome them if they are going to be punished whether they act or not?

It does not make sense and that is why there is wisdom in the current Commonwealth Law regarding Separation of Intent.

Separation of Intent allows lawmakers to draw the line between various crimes that are actionable and those that are not. It is important that the civil authorities and citizenry understand that even though there is a separation between Intent and Action, a person can still be arrested for Intent even if not acting on it.

An example: A terrorist may hate a government to the point of purchasing a weapon of mass destruction. Police and government officials raid the location of where the bomb is being kept and try the terrorist for the Intent to commit murder (along with other infractions such as purchasing a weapon of mass destruction or constructing a weapon of mass destruction).

The gray line where Intent and Action lay is the court where lawyers play and, when regarding crimes committed, court rulings on Intent and Action can very easily be understood.


But what about those instances where no crime has been committed?

Such as the selling of arms? Companies like Stellar Enterprises and CTI thrive on the fear of war and the threat of war to sustain their bottom line. It is in their best interests to thwart the efforts of diplomats by encouraging sales of bigger and more terrible weapons of destructive power.

And all in the name of defense!

Every government has a right to defense and every government has their own resources with which to build up such defenses.

But when there are weapons manufacturing companies that are willing to sell to both sides of a conflict under a banner of false neutrality, these companies show themselves to be morally bankrupt.

An employee cannot feed their family if they can't earn a paycheck. The company cannot give them a paycheck unless they sell their weapons. The weapons cannot be sold unless they are shown to be effective. The effectiveness cannot be determined in any real sense unless they are used.

So war becomes the motivating factor for an employee's family to eat?

How can the horrible actions of war be condemned when such war profiteers are encouraged and supported by such organizations like the Galactic Empire and the Coalition?

It is the opinion of this writer that both governments are cut from the same cloth. How can either government champion peace when they are both locked into an arms race and throw money at even independent weapons manufacturers?

I implore the Commonwealth to make the war profiteers accountable to the Law under the Articles of Intent! Such organizations are founded in the Intent that 'War is good for business'. It is up to us to show the fallacy of this way of thinking.

Rob Stellar and those of his ilk could care less who gets hurt with their weapons. They feel if they are not the ones firing the gun, they share no responsibility in the actions of murderers.


Well who gives the murderer's guns, Mr. Stellar? Who makes his gun for him with as much punch as money can buy?


We are appalled that the Coalition has decided to fund your murder by not only supplying funds but providing workers for your factories!

But we understand. It's all in the name of defense!


Isn't that why the Grand Army of the Republic was created?
Isn't that the foundation the Galactic Empire was formed?


It is because governments that support such war profiteering are so morally bankrupt that they will never succeed in being that shining beacon of light in the galaxy.

Of what benefit is it to the Coalition to decry the Dragon Imperium when their funds are directly going into building Rob Stellar's Weaponry Empire among their enemies?

Where is their high-minded morality? The Jedi Order is supposed to be the Coalition's morality police? Where is the arrest of the Coalition Prime Minister that allowed the Coalition to take part in war profiteering? Where is their shutting down of CTI and Stellar Enterprises sites?

What good is the throwing away of their soldier's lives against the Dragons and the Imperials if they make no move for the light to shine through in themselves?

Before looking at the tyranny abroad, look into the tyranny inside your own borders.



Vote for heavy sanctions for CTI!





University Student - Elrood Sector Acadamy
Application of Galactic Sociology

CTI Press Release

Brosi


“This is Maranda Evans with another VNN Exclusive, reporting live from CTI Corporate Headquarters on Brosi. Today CTI stock rose to three hundred and seven credits per share with the unofficial announcement of the company’s debut on the weapons manufacturing scene. The existence of a prototype of a Commonwealth Naval Gunship was leaked by an unknown source to an Elrood University student. The leak has not been found yet, but a CTI spokesperson assured me that they were looking.”

The camera pans to a podium at the front of the room.

The cameras went wild as Co owner, Sol Nyhammer, made his way to the podium.

“Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen of the press,” he began. “Let me start off by saying that Commonwealth Technologies and Industries is a company of patriots, not war criminals. We love our glorious Commonwealth, and we would do anything for it. That’s why we have just donated four of our newly designed gunships to the Commonwealth Navy.”

Applause came forth from the assembled audience.

“Commonwealth Technologies and Industries is not the type of corporation that peddles weapons to anyone with money and a pulse. I believe this sets a cut above our counterparts at Stellar Enterprises. All warships manufactured by CTI are exclusively for sale to the Commonwealth Military. This has been our policy from the beginning.”

Men and women with glasses began to make their way down the aisles. The glasses were distributed to the audience. They were followed up by more men and women with bottles of various shapes and sizes.

“To conclude, I propose a toast.” The CEO raised his glass. “To the real war criminals, Regrad the Azguard and his *COMMONWEALTH SENSOR* war!”

"...Sadly, none survived.

In other news, the Coalition did not comment on recent accusations of war profiteering between rival weapons manufacturers, stating that corporate politics were not their business.

Viryn Quell did make these remarks on behalf of the Coalition's Ministry of Ethics when pressed for comment on the recent comments made by the CEO of CTI.

"...Fine, if you're not going to shut up about this, I'll tell you this: I tried to reach Regrad about this already, and you know what? Turns out he was too busy coordinating the defence of the Coalition and its' capital to bandy bullshit! I know, what a war criminal bastard, huh? Turns out he doesn't give a shit about a company's patriotism so long as the weapons work and protect his people from the vastly more advanced Black Dragons.

"Anyways, the war profiteering monsters were just a little too busy stopping half-machine religious fanatics bent on conquest to give me their opinions, so you'll just have to shut the fuck up and change the topic. Now, what else were we talking about?..."

So far, no further actions have been taken on behalf of the Coalition towards Stellar Enterprises or CTI, and it is widely believed to not care.

-GNN reporting."

"In other news, CTI held a press conference today with Co-CEO Killian Holmes as the speaker. Here's what he had to say.."

The screen cut to an image of Killian standing at a podium in front of a large CTI symbol. He wears a full suit of black color with a matching tie.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the galaxy, I come to you now in response to the publicity that we have received in recent days. We were first brought into the limelight by a student voicing their opinion of us as a company in regards to the weapons trade. With that in mind I will start there.

"To the author of said article I commend you on your awareness of the galaxy and your willingness to voice your opinions. It is people like you that will one day lead this galaxy and it is comforting to know that you have what it takes to stand up for what you believe in. However, your comments were misleading in regards to our company.

"As of this very moment we do not participate in what you call an arms trade. What vessels of war and weapons that we produce are purchased from us by the very government that protects you. We do not sell arms to those outside of the Commonwealth with the exception of the fact that we sell our Nominal-class Merchant ship, which will be on sale soon, to those willing to buy it. That ship, however, is not meant as a vessel of war and is only lightly armed.

"Your comments in regards to Stellar Enterprises may very well be founded, but we will not make assumptions about our competitor. They can sell to those that they wish to sell to and make whoever mad at them that they want. That is not our goal at CTI. Our goal is to build a better future for the Commonwealth. Now, I invite you, the writer of article which started this, to visit me on Brosi. I will gladly welcome you and eagerly debate anything you wish. All input is welcome to us."

Killian lifted a finger towards the camera's and reached down toward the table at the side of the podium. Fingers wrapped around a glass there and lifted it to his lips, at which time he took a small sip of the liquid before lowering the glass once more.

"Forgive me. I was feeling a little parched. Now where was I... Oh yes. In regards to my dear friend Sol and his words in regards to Regrad of the Azguard. I apologize. His words were not founded and were rather harsh. Needless to say I have had a long talk with him and such words will not come from him again.

"I am, however, a bit appalled at the way in which the Coalition chose to respond to his words. Lashing out simply because someone said something? This does not come from experienced leadership and I am not impressed with your words. Please, in the future, try to make a more politically correct response instead of chewing someone out. Responding politely makes you look better in the eyes of the public."

A small chuckle escaped the crowd around him and Killian stepped away from the podium, lifting a hand to wave and was immediately met with questions belted out at him. The screen cut back to the announcers almost immediately.

"A well thought out response. Impressive from a compant many don't know much about."

"Yes, indeed. And in other news..."

"Hello and welcome all to a special GNN presentation." Said the young anchorwoman as she looked towards the camera. "As many of you might know, earlier on this week a very controversial story came out in the press. This story pretty much put blame on the CTI and more so on Stellar Enterprises for encouraging conflicts so that these companies could profit from them. The student that wrote this article called on governments to shut these companies down and prevent them from selling the weapons they manufacture. It went on even further and called Rob Stellar, the President and CEO of Stellar Enterprises, a war criminal that should be arrested and tried.

"These were very harsh words against two large and powerful corporations and sparked responding statements from both the Commonwealth and Galactic Coalition. Stellar Enterprises, however, has not yet commented on these accusations...until now that is." The anchor paused and the screen split in half. One half showed the news womans face while in the other appeared a well groomed man in a navy suit and blue shirt and tie. The man smiled and looked towards the camera, sitting up a little.

"With us today we have Rob Stellar himself in his first holonet news interview. Good evening Mr. Stellar and let me thank you for making your first appearance here on the Galactic News Network."

"It is a pleasure Margret, thank you for having me." Rob smiled.

"Mr. Stellar I would like to ask you why you waited for long before addressing this news article that came out? The CTI and GC replied almost immediately to discredit it."

"Well, Margret, Stellar Enterprises really didn't feel the need for it at first. This was just a news story by a student expressing their freedom of opinion. Everyone has to the right to say how they feel and write whatever they feel inside. Everyday there are stories written by some journalist that criticizes Stellar Enterprises or some other company for this action or that. Some people just get frustrated and need to write these articles as a form of release or therapy you might call it." Replied Rob calmly as he sat looking into the camera with the soft smile.

"That's understandable, but why did you decided to finally make this appearance?"

"I decided to appear here this evening so that the person who wrote this story about my company and myself, as well as others that might have read it, could get a larger picture of what Stellar Enterprises does. We are not just a weapons manufacturer and a promoter of wars around the galaxy. I have no wish for wars of any kind Margret and wish that all these galactic conflicts did not occur. Sadly, though, in todays galaxy this is not possible and conflicts do occur." The man paused and saddened a little.

"It is true that Stellar Enterprises profits from these tensions, I am not going to sit here and deny this. Many companies all over the galaxy profit from weapons sales, but Stellar Enterprises weapons sales are mostly defensive weaponry. Many planets to not have to industrial base in place or the technical know how to manufacture defenses of their own. My company offers them the ability to build up defensive fleets and ground defenses so that these planet's could try and survive in this restless galaxy.

"Would you rather have these planet's get attacked over and over from pirate groups or aggressive neighboring systems? Would you have them loose their complete independence just because they were unable to defend themselves? I doubt that the student who wrote that article has ever witnessed a planetary invasion or a pirate attack. I doubt they have seen hundreds or thousands dieing in order to protect their home planet from an attacking force. I have seen these things first hand and do not wish it on anyone. With Stellar Enterprises weaponry these planets are able to stand up to pirates or other aggressive parties and proudly defend their independence and keep their population safe." Rob paused once more and took a drink of water before looking back at the camera.

"Do you deny that the weapons you sell have been used in aggressive actions than? Are you saying that they are only for defense?" Questioned the news woman.

"I wont deny that. I know that some people have used the weapons Stellar Enterprises sells as offensive, however, those are few. We can not be held accountable to the actions of these people. Thousands of beings in this galaxy are getting murdered with virboknifes every week or month, but are people crying out for the arrest of the knife manufactures? Are there stories being written that these people who make them should be arrested and are war criminals? I think not.

"With that said, let me sway a little from this topic and let the viewer in on what Stellar Enterprises does besides weapons sales. The main reason that I am hear today is because the article published made it seem as though all Stellar Enterprises does is sell weapons to people so they could then be used to kill others. The sales of defensive weaponry has employed thousands upon thousands of men and women all across the galaxy. These families and individuals now have money with which to by food and goods, money to provide for their families. Money that these people would not have had were it not for my company employing them. Stellar Enterprises is a company with a kind heart and a wont to help populations whenever possible. We want all planets to be prosperous and flourish. We want to help all in the galaxy that need it and try to ease the burden many poor planets have in providing for their citizens.

"When Stellar Enterprises sets up factories and bases on planets, we employ as many people as possible and also try to help the planet make money and better care for their people. We establish hospitals and provide food and shelters for those that might need it. We ship free medical supplies when possible. We try to increase the planet's tourism or resource export. How many company in the galaxy can be said to do such things? Stellar Enterprises never exploits its employees. Everyone that works of us is treated like family. The company provides them with free health care and free housing should they want it. We offer them free rides to the factories or offices. We also try to keep a clean and friendly environment.

"As you can see we do much more than simply make weapons and sell them. I feel that the article written only focused on one aspect of Stellar Enterprises, even though it was presented wrongly, and left out all the others. The student mentioned that we do anything for profit, but that is simply not true. Many companies do exploit people for the sake of taking credits, but some do not. My competitors at CTI have whole star systems to support and so of course the more profit they make the more they can provide for their people. There is nothing wrong with many profits if you reinvest them into the galaxy and the people who make these profits possible. I respect them for their caring for their citizens and their exceptional business habits."

"Mr. Stellar this is all so very informative and I wish I could hear much more, but we only have a few more moments here." Interrupted Marget.

"Of course, I understand. I just wish to add that Stellar Enterprises has taken it upon themselves to try to restore the polluted planet of Anoat. We have put in money to restart recycling centers and for the construction of many more. New and more advanced hospitals have been opened to care for the sick peoples. Food and medical supplies will also be provided by Stellar Enterprises. This is not some publicity stunt I assure you. The people of Anoat have suffered long enough without the help of other governments and I feel it is time for someone to lead the effort of ridding the planet from all the pollution that exists on it. I want the people that once inhabited that great planet to return once again to their home and recolonize it."

"Thank you so much for your time Mr. Stellar. I had no idea how involved Stellar Enterprises was. This was very enlightening. Do come back any time you wish and talk to us again."

"I will Margret, you are too kind. It was a pleasure being here." Rob smiled and nodded towards the camera slowly.

"This is Margret Chow for GNN. Stay tuned for more galaxy wide news after this short break."