The fuzz of the holonet slowly dispereses, to be replaced by a newscaster sitting behind a large desk. In the upper right hand corner of the screen is a smaller screen, showing two opposing fleets coming at each other with a large, red question mark in the centre. The newscaster clears her throat and begins to speak

This just in : The Tholatin Republic, led by Prince Kamon Vondiranach, has launched a massive and unprecedented attack on the Imperial world of Fondor. Speculations points to Rogue Empire involvement in this attack. Imperial defence fleets are said to have engaged the Tholatin fleet around Fondor. Fondor of course is heavily defended with ground-based weaponry and a powerful starfleet.

In response to this aggression, IDTech corporation has launched a counterstrike on Tholatin itself. Tholatin defence forces are vastly outnumbered and, it is said, are waiting for Rogue Empire forces to relieve them.

We now go live to Eriadu, where Supreme Commander Dxun Isstal of the Galactic Defence Iniative will give us a statement...

The screen disolves once more, this time to the GDI logo, before centering on a man standing before a podium.

"Citizens of the galaxy. Today we have witnessed a horrible act. The fragile peace that we have worked so long to gain had been shattered. Shattered by the Rogue Empire, at the bidding of Emperor Fearsons. The New Order has fallen under attack, for no better reason than to satsify Emperor's Fearson's bloodlust. It seems that building a Death Star wasn't enough. Now the Emperor wishes to crush and destroy. We can only imagine what will happen in this galaxy when the Death Star becomes operational.

These horrendous acts of mass murder by Rogue Imperial forces are a slap in the face to the Galactic Defence Iniative. The peace that our forces have died for is collapsing around us, and there is no alternative but war.

The galaxy is a troubled place, my friends. Peace be with you."

The screen fades back to the newcaster.

"Updates are developments dictate."

End Transmission

Press Release

*The form of Norland Visceros, the public announcer for Emperor Fearsons, fades into view*

Greetings denizens of the galaxy, you have no doubt heard the propaganda spewed forth already, specifically by our once comrade in arms the Galactic Defense Initiative. I find it quite interesting that he betrays us now despite how hard we've worked for our alliance.

You are all no doubt seeking desperately for the answers to what led the Tholatin Republic to an attack on the planetary world of Fondor. At the moment details are heavily classified, seeing as the Rogue Empire has recently suffered an information leak, but we are moving to correct the error.

What we can disclose is that the Tholatin Republic acted on this action upon their own accord in response to Imperial support for a private war between IDTech and Tholatin. This attack was provoked by constant threats, and countless soldiers being ferried to Reece to support the rebellion there.

*the man looks down at his durasheets every now and again, but quickly looks back up at the screen*

Emperor Fearsons supports the assault on Fondor to a certain degree. Civilian personnel are to be left unharmed, and the objectives are to be met and all forces are to withdraw from the planet. We have negotiated with the Tholatins and have come to agree that they are there to ensure that Fondor, a major staging point for attacks on the republic, is being targetted for its military importance. The Rogue Empire has offered no ships and no soldiers for the assault on the Empire's forces at Fondor. This is a Tholatin operation.

*he turns his pages*

We are a bit worried as to why it is being ensued that the Rogue Empire has incited this war, when we have been attempting peace talks with the Empire ever since the Geonosian Massacre, and the intell leak at Hoth. It is a wonder why you are all so obsessed with jumping at ghosts, we have done nothing but try to enforce the peace.

Unfortunately, the Empire knows nought mercy, and knows not diplomacy. Shortly after the Tholatins attacked Fondor they saw this as an oppurtunity to strike at the Rogue Empire in their infernal jealousy, jealousy that has gone since our lord himself saved thousands of innocent Freedom Guard workers at Fondor itself at the outset of the Rogue Empire.

*a part of the screen flickers and shows the rescue operation, where men are being scurried into transports and even an Imperial Star Destroyer nearly landed on the ground, the first time that had been done in years*

We held no ill with the Empire despite their chaotic actions at Geonosis that caused the deaths of over one hundred thousand Rogue Imperial soldiers, including three hundred pacifists inbound to assist in negotiations. The Empire would not have this, and have raised their guns.

*he turned to a screen that showed the commander of the Galactic Defense Initiative*

Now, Supreme Commander, on a more personal note, I am appauled. Twenty five percent control of Jilaeek Station was offered to the Galactic Defense Initiative to insure that there would be no atrocities committed with such a tool.

Are our negotiations so forgotten at the sight of cool hard credits? I forgot that loyalty was bought, not kept.

*the man finally turned back to the screen*

Imperials, we asked for no ill blood with you. But when you use a reprisal by an ally as an excuse to try to murder our citizens, you will suffer the consequences. You have assaulted Rogue Imperial territory, you are attempting to destroy the very life on Yaga Minor.

You will lose, we will not stand idely by as you attempt to wipe out innocents. We will not stand idely by as you let your jealousy of our way of life manipulate your decisions.

You have declared war, I assure you we shall make sure you wish you hadn't.

Our goals for this war are not to completely obliterate the New Order, but rather we seek to force them out of Rogue Imperial space, and furthermore ensure the safety of Emperor Fearsons's order even after this war. We, as I said, held no ill blood with the Empire, and will not take out our reprisal on their civilians as they are attempting to do on ours for a strike by another.

The Galactic Defense Initiative has shown where its initiative lies, with the money. The Empire shows where its initiative lies, where they can gain a massive power.

We tried to establish peace, we tried to use Jilaeek as a diplomatic station. Fortunately we do have some allies that will hold out. It is sad however that our allies are already turning for the promise of power.

If that is your position, then the Rogue Empire does not want you as allies.

If I may say one more thing.

*he looked around*

Tholatin, our hearts go with you. Consider IDTech thwarted at your borders.

*the image fades out*

"Funny isn't it, how in one sentence Emperor Fearsons declares that he holds no ill blood with the New Order, and in another he tells the galaxy that they are at war.

"Emperor Fearsons, you claim to want peace. Yet you continue to make war. There is no question that a percentage of the ships attacking Fondor at this moment belong to the Rogue Empire, and that the orders for this uncalled for hostility came from Despayre.

"The Galactic Defence Initiative is dedicated to peace. And as such, myself and the Iniaitive strongly condem the actions of the Tholatin Republic, should you call it that, at Fondor. The Galactic Defence Iniative does not stand for those that seek to destroy the peace.

"Emperor Fearsons can claim all he wants that the Galactic Defence Iniative has been bought off. But you and I both know the truth. The Rogue Empire has brought this on themselves, and if Emperor Fearsons feels the need to be appauled, he should be appauled with only himself. Let me make this clear, your highness: by launching an attack on a non-hostile government without reason, whether directly or indirectly, you broke our alliance. The New Order seeks to establish peace in the galaxy. You seek to shatter than peace. I am disgusted with the way you treat others. On one hand, you claim to be negotiating a treaty. On the other, you are launching an attack.

"I bid thee farewell. Your acts of terrorism and murder shall not go unpunished. This I swear.

Fade to logo

From every corner of the Galaxy, people watched the unfolding news briefing, watching what was possibly going to be the largest war that the Galaxy had ever seen. The Galaxy seemed silent... Breathless... No one spoke as they watched the unfolding events, listening to the constant arguements between the representatives of each side. One side blamed the other, and it had become obvious that there was no chance of another non-aggression pact.

A human man of about thirty years old sat patiently behind a desk, looking down at his sources of information scattered across his desk as he read the reports, now comming in from all over the Galaxy.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> "...and with the outbreak of several anti-war extreamists across the galaxy, it is obvious that..."<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> The man paused for a moment, grabbing at a small listening device in his ear.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> "This just in, the Hapan Consortium has prepared a speech, and will be holding a press converence from Reef Fortress, on Hapan. We now go live to Hapan, where Secretary of State Akinyelle Daala speaks on behalf of the Queen Mother of the Hapan Consortium."<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

Two Royal Guards stepped up behind her as she approached a large speaking forum, holonet droids swarming around her, there cameras sending images to every media outlet in the Galaxy. She took a deep breath, and looked into each of them, before looking down at her speech, as she began to speak.

"The recent turn of events have both shocked, and disturbed the Royal Hapan Consortium. The Queen Mother, Vessana Dionysus has been watching the events unfold from the Royal Palace, and is mortified, and above all, worried for the sake of innocent civilians that might be caught up in this conflict. The Royal Hapan Colonies will be opening there borders for civilian refugee craft, and will remain open to those seeking refuge from this no doubt troublesome conflict. The Queen assures me that she is in deep regret that the frail alliance between The Rogue Empire, and The New Order has come to a sudden, and abrupt end.

In a joint effort, several Hapan Cluster planets have joined in a massive relief effort to assist in treating the wounded from this conflict that choose to take refuge within the safe confinds of the Hapan Consortium. Makeshift camps have been set up on all of the Hapan Consortium's planets, with the acception of the Capital, for security measures. Once again, the Royal Family of the Hapes consortium remains deeply simpathedic to those innocent civilians trapped within this struggle, and are opening there borders to those seeking refuge on Consortium planets for the duration of the war. We hope that this hostility will end as quickly, and as suddenly as it started."

With that, Akinyelle stepped down, allowing the Royal Hapan Guards to step up to the Forum, and hold back all of the questions that began flowing through the halls as she walked back into teh secure security council room.

The headquarters detachment of First Division, Destroyer Legion II had announced a press conference while at anchor off the Taarin nebula, and Admiral Aevan Drakiss had shown up personally.

Cargo Bay 2 of the Penetrator-class Assault Cruiser <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Gaspee<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> had been converted for just this purpose. Holos whined slightly as micro-miniature servos rotated the light amplifiers at a rate sufficient to give the 3D image a light hue rather than a pitch black soft etching, and reporters from the various Holonet News Organizations muttered to their neighbors, speculating about the coming speech.

A midshipman worked an electronic announcer, which sent out a synthesized tune, indicating that a flag officer was on the way. A second mipshipman raised his voice, and in an authoritative tone, announced to the Cargo Bay:

"Admiral Aevan Drakiss of the Imperial Navy."

Aevan nodded to the midshipmen, and took his place at the podium, staring out at the crowd.

"The Rogue Empire's warfare is no longer directed against belligerents," the Admiral began, "But against the entire galaxy. All political entities are involved in Warlord Fearson's warfare. The challenge is to all the galaxy. Wanton, wholesale destruction has been threatened against women and children while they have been engaged in pursuits which even in the darkest periods of modern history have been regarded as innocent and legitimate.

"There is one choice we cannot make. We shall not choose the path of submission, and suffer the most sacred rights of the Empire and of the people to be ignored and violated.

"With a profound sense of the solemn and even tragic character of the step we are taking, and of the grave responsibilities involved, but in unhesitating obedience to my duty, I advise the Imperial Council to declare that the recent course of the Rogue Government is nothing less than war against the Galactic Empire, and that the Galactic Empire accept the status of a belligerent which has been thrust upon it, and will take immediate steps to put the Empire into a thorough state of defense, and to exert all her power and resource in bringing the Rogue Empire to terms, and in ending this war.

"What we demand in this war, therefore, is nothing peculiar to ourselves. It is that the galaxy be made fit and safe to live in; and particularly that it be made safe for every peace-loving planet which, like our own, wishes to live its own life, determine its own institutions, be assured of justice and fair dealings by the other peoples of the world, as against force and selfish aggression. All the peoples of the galaxy are in effect partners in this interest, and for our own part we see very clearly that unless justice be done to others it will not be done to us.

"To the men of the Second Destroyer Legion, First Division of the Sentinel Fleet, I offer these words: At this grave moment in our history I send to you and, through you, to the officers and men of the star destroyer groups, of which you have assumed command, the assurance of my confidence that under your direction they will revive and renew the old glories of the Imperial Navy, and prove once again the sure shield of Bastion and of her Empire in the hour of trial."

The speech complete, the Admiral departed, while crewmen set to work converting the place back to a cargo bay.

Emperor Fearsons's image came to holo, and he was simply watching the other speeches, his face almost distorted into a look of horror.

"How the galaxy can be so pursuaded by promises of power is beyond me," he said lightly, rotating in his throne to peer directly at whomever was watching. "How dilusions of grandeur usurp honor, and righteousness. How promises of riches takes presedence over the need for justice. It is a tragic day today, that the Empire would not only assault innocents, but in turn lie about their intentions.

"I have been one hundred percent honest with the galaxy, and if they do not wish to heed to the truth...then maybe they belong under Imperial rule.

"To the Galactic Defense Initiative, to your troops on board the Station, consider them now prisoners of war on the Hoth Two Penal Colony, you shall receive them back when this conflict boils over."

He rose from his throne and moved to the windowsill of his room, which overlooked a beautiful ocean.

"The Empire is attempting to steal Jilaeek, they have no intentions of destroying it...if you trust with the Empire now...I can assure you all is lost...it is a tragedy you cannot see this. They are not looking out for your best interests, they are seeking my demise because I am the only thing standing between them and the rest of the galaxy.

"So, after speaking with the Rogue Imperial Council of War, it has become official," he turned back to the camera, "the Rogue Empire has officially declared restricted war on the Empire. What do I mean by restricted? It means we have morals. Civilians shall not be targetted, POWs shall receive full quarter, surrenders shall be accepted, we shall act humanely, and when we win, the Empire shall receive a portion of lost space.

"I cannot promise they would do the same to me. Because bluntly put they are so unbelieveably greedy, as well as their Galactic Initiative allies, that they would try to conquer my lands, and destroy my very way of life.

"Well then I can only say I am ashamed. Ashamed of what Palpatine's order has become. You utterly disgust me. And to the rest of the galaxy, please...see through the veil of lies and dilusions of grandeur."

With that, the emperor cuts out.

"This is Mark Malloy, reporting for Holonet News. I'm the new guy, but that'll have to wait. Breaking news was made today on the small planet of Dellalt. Rusty Metropolis, whom was named leader nearly 2 years ago, made a statement earlier today about the breaking war between The Rogue Empire and The New Order."

The screen flashes, and shows Metropolis, looking like his old self for once, standing amongst his people and the press, just outside Dellalt HQ.

"Friends, citizens of Dellalt, let me start by saying it's good to see you all. I know that the war breaking out has you all worried. The truth is, it sickens me. Meaningless war is just that, meaningless. Casualties are a part of war, and thus cannot be avoided, and blood will be shed in this war of insanity. To The New Order, and The Rogue Empire, I can only say this. While the New Rebel Alliance may not be 'friends', we are certainly not 'foes'. We will take no part in this war, for either side, no matter what the circumstances. There is no such thing as boundless slaughter. There is always an end to it. This is ridiculous. It's just plain killing, and I shall have no part of it. I urge both sides to step back from the line of fire, to look...really look, at this war. Why was it started? Not WHO started it. What is the purpose? I urge both sides to stop the insanity, before more innocent lives are lost. Again, while I may not be a friend or foe, I certainly, do NOT approve."

The screen goes back to Mark in the Holonet Newsroom

There you have it...the obvious disapproval of Rusty Metropolis, as to the outbreaking war. Metropolis went on to state again that no action will be taken by Dellalt, provided that the line of fire stay far away from the Dellalt borders. Keeping you up to date on the galactic news, this is Mark Malloy, reporting for Holonet News.

With a sigh, the Supreme Commander rises once more to the podium.

"You're liege, I am afraid I must inform you of the your failure to imprison my soldiers. As on sixteen minutes ago, the intention to kill themy troops responded to the threat presented by the Rogue Empire and escaped from their confinement on the Death Star.

As of now, they have secured levels 125 - 158 and are now working their way towards other sectors of the station, securing it and making sure that it cannot be used against anyone in the galaxy.

Emperor Fearsons, I am amused with your decleration of war on the Empire. An unprovoked attack is, in essence, a decleration of war. Or rather, an unprovoked attack on the Empire is a Death Warrant.

Ships of the Galactic Defence Initiative will fight beside their allies to keep Emperor Fearson's Rogue Empire from slaughtering more innocents, at Tholatin and everywhere.

Our troops on the Death Star, after retreating, will destroy the station. The scourge of the Death Star must be ended now."

Dressed in a beautiful blue and white dress,the Queen of the Divine Order stepped up to a podium in the Royal Palace of the Divine Order. She cleared her throat, looking from left to right as several cameras, holocams, and droids were suddenly fixiated on her. She smoothed the wrinkles out of her dress, and began to speak. Behind her, a large insigna of the Divine Order.

"This is truely one of the darkest days that the Galaxy has seen. two of the most respected, and powerful organizations, have turned into bitter enemies. As the Queen of The Divine Order, I am deeply troubled by this hostility, and the current ongoing warfare. I am also deeply troubled by the remarks of both representatives during these troubled times. The Holocams are littered with stories comming from both sides, and I have also recently been informed of an unconfirmed terrorist attack on Coruscant.

It is also disturbing to receive news that our supply of Tibanna Gas has been reduced to merely adequate levels by the Rogue Empire. As I stated, we remain neutral in this war, but these economic sanctions are completely unexceptable. I am demanding that our Tibanna Gases be restored to us as soon as possible. This does not speak highly of Emperor Fearsons, and his intentions toward the Divine Order.

In light of recent events, I have ordered construction of several warships that will be used to patrol the Hapes Cluster, and Dreenian space. Dreena will also be confirming support for the Hapes Consortium, and will be sending medical supplies, as well as several other forms of aid to assist in the refugee relief effort. Dreena has never seen a war, and I don't intend on allowing it to start now. Dreena will remain neutral in this conflict, and I strongly suggest that both sides keep it this way. Dreena remains open to diplomacy, but please know that we will not be swayed by petty promises, and gifts."

She paused, looking over a small document that had been handed to her.

"Now, if you will excuse me, it appears I have an attempted Terrorism, and Assassination attempt on myself to deal with."

She stepped off of the podium, and the screen suddenly cut off.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> The static on the Holonet suddenly increases in intensity then diminishes to nothing. The camera pans around to see a tall imposing gold and blue structure. It then cuts to a a gold and blue chamber inside the structure where a press conference is being held. The voices dim as the reporter begins to speak.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

"Over the last few days Rogue Empire and New Order clashes have become more and more common. The Rogue Empire's allies, the Tholatin, attacking Fondor and the immeadiate counter-strike by the Empire are just one of the many examples. Many groups have claimed Neutrality and have said they are disgusted by the bloodshed while others like the Galactic Defence Initiative GDI have taken a more active role. Here on Bimmisaari a world were weapons are banned and most of the inhabitants are peace loving there is great confusion over what exactly is the Mon Calamari Republics view. All crew have been taken off leave which is usual in a time of turmoils but also large elements of the 2nd and 3rd Sector Fleets have been reported on maneouvers with the main Fleet Admiral, Elian Toritho. Also whenever anybody has asked what side the Republic is on they have steadfastidly refused to answer. This has caused growing anxiety in the population especially among the Bimms. There are many rumours flying around. Some say that were helping the Rogue Empire something we've had at least a bit of history at doing. Others say that we're helping the Empire destroy the Rogue Empire another rumour that makes sense considering the fact that the Republic and the Rogue Empire have clashed over a few things. There are even more crazy rumours that involve the Praetorite Vong the masters of those organic ships that have clashed with the republic and many others. Know the Secretary of State has called a meeting here at the Royal Palace promising that soon our views shall be revealed. So far nothing has happened. The Secretary of State says that we should receive the news within the next 30 minutes. This is Steve Macalore Bimmisaari News Network from the Royal Palace.