The Redemption sat silently against the backdrop of space, it's mighty engines softly humming in the background of the converted freight hold of the ship. The small room, usually filled with boxes of rations, and supplies had been converted for a special briefing over the tragic story of a Slaughter, initiated by The New Republic.

Dressed in formal military uniform attire, the Lord Protector Alex York stepped up to a podium with a beautiful black cloth, bearing the symbol of the Galactic Defense Initiative drapped nearly over it.

"Ladies and Gentlement of the Galaxy. It is with the greatest sadness that I report this. The luxery Starliner Lady Eriadu, carrying an estimated three thousand passengers, and crew has been completely annihilated by the Abolisher fields raised around Eriadu by New Republic Forces while in route to New Alderaan. This horrific event, nothing short of Terrorism, had left thousands of innocent men, women, and children of all species, and race dead, because of New Republic arogance.

After Admiral Mnar, a New Republic Military Officer failed to submit a general broadcast warning all civilian vessels of the present danger in the System, thousands were murdered, weither by accident, or on purpose, they were murdered in cold blood by the New Republic. The Galactic Defense Initiative will not stand for such violent, and neglegent acts, which have been labeled as nothing short of barbaric terrorism. As Lord Protector of the Galactic Defense Initiative, and Defender of the common good of the Galaxy, I strongly condem this violent act of aggression against the innocence of this Galaxy. The Slaughter of Innocence will not be tolerated!"

With that, the Lord Protector answered a few questions, and departed from the podium as clean-up crews began to convert the Freight room back to it's normal purpose.

Neatly organizing a small stack of papers, the fimiliar face of Gwatch Runecourt, the Leviathan Corporate News Network Correspondant, and known Trade Federation supporter began to speak as the spinning logo of the Trade Federation faded into the scene of a Starliner on it's maiden voyage.

"Moments ago, the Trade Federation learned of the destruction of the cruise liner Lady Eriadu just inside of the Eriadu System. The destruction, which appears to be accidental, was caused by a New Republic Abolisher field, which had been raised around the system during it's seige by New Republic forces.

Sources indicate that the total death count has surpassed three thousand crew, and civilian travelers in route to New Alderaan after New Republic Forces failed to broadcast a general warning to civilian traffic, which may have been entering the immediate danger zone.

According to the Neimoidian Government, Four of these Citizens were Citizens, native to Neimoidia. Jalehan, father of Drilam, a seven year old boy, and Laradia, a five year old girl, husband of Olardonna were all killed aboard the star cruise liner when it entered the Abolisher field early yesterday. An entire family lost due to the negligence of The New Republic.

When asked to comment, the Trade Federation Viceroy, Nelix Galdra, had this to say..."

The holonet fades into the Trade Federation Galactic Headquarters, and then to the body of Nelix, who was sitting in a large, and expensive chair at the time.

''These acts have claimed the lives of an entire innocent Neimoidian family. Though we can never express our sympathy for the loss of those four Neimoidian Citizens lost inthe tragic accident, we can help the family. The Trade Federation has voluntarily offered to pay for funeral expenses, as well as any future expense the extended family of the Trelyn family might have.

It troubles me that failier to communicate lead to the slaughter of thousands of innocent lives. As Viceroy of the Trade Federation, I strongly condem this vulgar act of brainless tactical warfare within the Eriadu System, and I say this to Admiral Mnar, who so arogantly neglected to administer a distress signal to all civilian traffic entering the Eriadu System. You are a fool. While you squable to settle your difference with the Galactic Defense Initiative, you so eagerly endanger the lives of hundreds upon thousands of innocent lives. Civilized warfare is settled through civilized manners. The slaughter of innocent people is nothing short of Terrorism, as Lord Protector York has expressed. If you must settle your differences in a militaristic matter, at least be sure to ensure that no civilian traffic is endangered through your tactics."

The image of the Viceroy fades back out to Gwatch.

"Well, that's our Breaking News Report. This is Gwatch Runecourt for Leviathan Corporate News Networks, signing off."

At the bottom of the screen, the names of those that were Neimoidian Citizens killed in the explosion, and destruction of the Starliner Lady Eriadu were displayed.

<MARQUEE>| Jalehan Trelyn: Age 27 | Drilam Trelyn: Age 7 | Laradia Trelyn: Age 5 | Olardonna Trelyn: Age 25 | Killed aboard the Lady Eriadu Starliner Explosion | May they Rest in Peace |</MARQUEE>